Have you ever noticed how many “natural” things have so much symbolization of the spiritual, and how God uses these things familiar to our understanding to teach us the realities of their spiritual counterpart? One such picture is found in Ephesians 6, beginning at verse 11, using the armor and battle attire of a first century Roman soldier. Writing from a Roman prison cell, Paul may have been looking at a soldier that was guarding him in such attire. The passage portrays the spiritual battle in which we are daily engaged. This continuous, aggressive struggle in no way suggests or minimizes Christ’s accomplished victory; rather it asserts it even more as we arm ourselves with the armor He has provided, appropriating His victory through His blood at the cross, and embracing the entire provisions of His word! Much of the armor is defensive, protecting us against the enemies “fiery darts”, but we are given one offensive weapon with which to attack the enemy, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The apostle says we should put the armor on so we can stand; in other words, don’t wait until you are engaged in the fight and then begin to search for your weapons, have them on and ready to use!
Be Strong
-By Rose Hill (inspired from Ephesians 6:11-24)
Be strong in the Lord by His power free from sin,
His boundless might provides strength for you to win.
You can stand strong and by the devil not be harmed,
If you draw your strength from God and by Him be armed.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood here,
But with spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly sphere.
Therefore you must put God’s complete armor on,
For you must stand your ground when to battle you’ve gone.
Put truth around your loins and tighten your belt,
Where sincerely right standing with God will be felt.
And put the gospel of peace upon your feet,
Be ready to face the enemy on the street.
Then lift up your saving faith as a shield,
And to the enemies suggestions you’ll not yield.
Put the helmet of salvation on your head,
Then remember what God’s word has said.
Pray at all times and in every season,
To intercede for others is the reason.
Obey God’s commands and you’ll have His favor,
God’s blessings are for those who love Jesus our Savior.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright by Thomas Nelson Co. and are used by permission.