THE ARMOR OF GOD

The shield of faith

 

The “shield of faith” is part of the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10–17. After summarizing the gospel and giving the Ephesians various instructions, Paul concludes his letter to them saying, in part, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” ^{(Ephesians 6:10–11)}. About the shield, Paul writes, “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” ^{(verse 16)}. The ESV puts it this way: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”

The Roman shield of the time was called a ‘scutum’. This type of shield was as large as a door and would cover the warrior entirely. Such a shield was not just defensive but could also be used to push opponents. When fighting as a group, a phalanx* of soldiers could position their shields so as to form an enclosure around themselves, called a ‘testudo’ (“tortoise”). This was especially helpful to protect against arrows launched from the walls of cities they were attacking. Shields, often made of wood and then covered in hide, when wet, could extinguish flaming arrows.

Clearly, a shield is vitally important to a soldier. It provides a blanket of protection. It is meant to be taken up in all circumstances. It is the first barrier against the enemy’s attack. Often, shields were painted with identifying marks; a Christian who takes up the shield of faith identifies himself as a foot soldier who serves the Commander of the Lord’s army**.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Verse 6 stresses the importance of faith: “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Satan’s attacks can sometimes cause us to doubt God. Faith prompts us to believe God. We give in to temptation when we believe what it has to offer is better than what God has promised. Faith reminds us that, though fulfillment of God’s promise may not be readily visible to us, God is true to His Word. When Satan attempts to plague us with doubt or entice us with instant gratification, faith recognizes the deceptiveness of his tactics and quickly extinguishes the arrows. When Satan accuses us, faith chooses to believe that Jesus has redeemed us and that there is no more condemnation ^{(Romans 8:1, 34; Revelation 12:10–12)}.

Faith is one of the greatest gifts ^{(1 Corinthians 13:13)}, and it is the means by which we receive grace and come into right relationship with God ^{(Ephesians 2:8–9)}. It is because we have been justified through faith that we belong to God and have peace with Him ^{(Romans 5:1)}. Faith is the doorway to hope in God ^{(Romans 5:2)}.  Because we have faith in God, our suffering need not faze us; in fact, we can persevere under it ^{(Romans 5:3–5)}. The things Satan attempts to use to discourage us can actually become tools in the hands of God.

All believers have this promise: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” ^{(1 John 5:4)}. Faith is a protective barrier between us and the schemes of Satan. When we believe God and take Him at His word, we remain grounded in truth, the lies of the enemy lose their power, and we become overcomers. In that way, faith is our shield.

Up next we will take a look at the “Helmet of Salvation”. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/shield-of-faith.html

* A formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears, developed by Philip II of Macedonia, and used by Alexander the Great.

** The commander of the army of the LORD is said to be an angel of the Lord.   The army of the Lord was an angelic host, whose presence would assure victory.

THE ARMOR OF GOD

“...feet fitted with the gospel of peace.”

 

Ephesians 6:11–17 instructs believers in Christ to “put on the whole armor of God” as a defense against Satan’s attacks. This armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Verse 15 says, “And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” The New Living Translation words it this way: “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” The gospel of peace is the message that Jesus gave to those who trust in Him ^{(John 14:27; Romans 10:15)}. It comes with the assurance from God that we are His children, and nothing can snatch us out of His hands ^{(John 10:29; 1 John 5:13)}. It outlines clearly what is required to become a child of God ^{(1 Corinthians 15:1–6; John 1:12; Romans 10:8–10)}. Any other message is a false gospel.

The word ‘readiness’ implies constant vigilance. A victorious soldier had to be prepared for battle. He had to have studied his enemy’s strategy, be confident in his own strategy, and have his feet firmly planted so that he could hold his ground when the attacks came. A soldier’s battle shoes were studded with nails or spikes, like cleats, to help him keep his balance in combat. He knew that, if he lost his footing and went down, it wouldn’t matter how great the rest of his armor was; the enemy had him. When we are ready with the gospel of peace, we live with the understanding that we are continually under attack from Satan. Second Timothy 4:2 says to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”

The “peace shoes” that God supplies His soldiers have two purposes: defensive and offensive. In order to defend ourselves against the “flaming arrows of the evil one” ^{(Ephesians 6:16)}, we must have confidence of our position in Christ. We must stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, regardless of how terrifying the circumstances may be ^{(1 John 5:14)}. We must understand grace without abusing it ^{(Romans 6:1–6)}, remember that our position in Christ is not based on our own abilities or worthiness ^{(Titus 3:5)}, and keep our belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness securely fastened ^{(2 Timothy 1:12)}.

When Satan attacks with a flaming missile of doubt, such as “If God really loved you, He wouldn’t have let this happen,” we dig our peace shoes into the turf of God’s Word and reply, “It is written: All things work together for the good to them who love God and are called according to His purpose” ^{(Romans 8:28)}. When Satan stabs from behind with “Remember what you did?” we dig in more deeply and reply, “It is written: If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” ^{(1 John 1:9)}.

In addition to standing our ground, shoes are also for moving. God expects us to go on the offensive and take the gospel of peace to others. First Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Sharing our faith is one of the best ways to maintain our own sure footing. God knows that, when we are active in speaking of Him to others, we not only charge into Satan’s territory, but we dig our shoes more deeply into truth and will be much harder to dislodge. When we have “studied to show ourselves approved unto God” ^{(2 Timothy 2:15)}, we are ready to stand firm in the gospel of peace no matter what the enemy brings against us ^{(2 Thessalonians 2:15).}

            Up next we’ll take a look at the “shield of faith”. Until then walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.gotquestions.org

 

 

THE ARMOR OF GOD

Breastplate of Righteousness

 

         Ephesians 6:11 challenges believers to “put on the whole armor of God” in order to stand firm against the attacks of our enemy, Satan ^{(2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:12)}. Verses 14 through 17 say, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

            The imagery is of an armed Roman or Israelite soldier, prepared for battle. A typical armed soldier wore a breastplate made of bronze or chain mail. It covered the vital organs, namely, the heart, and was fitted with loops or buckles that attached it to a thick belt. If the belt was loosened, the breastplate slipped right off.

When Paul compares the armor of God with military gear, each piece represents a part of God’s strength that He extends to us when we become His children. The breastplate of righteousness refers to the righteousness purchased for us by Jesus at the cross ^{(2 Corinthians 5:21)}. At salvation, a “breastplate” is issued to each repentant sinner. It is specially designed by God to protect our heart and soul from evil and deception. Our own righteous acts are no match for Satan’s attacks ^{(Isaiah 64:6)}. The breastplate of righteousness has Christ’s name stamped on it, as though He said, “Your righteousness isn’t sufficient to protect you. Wear mine.”

We are instructed to “put on” this armor, which implies that we do not automatically wear it all the time. Putting on the armor of God requires a decision on our part. To put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must first have the belt of truth firmly in place. Without truth, our righteousness will be based upon our own attempts to impress God. This leads to legalism or self-condemnation ^{(Romans 8:1)}. We choose instead to acknowledge that, apart from Him, we can do nothing ^{(John 15:5)}. We see ourselves as “in Christ” and that, regardless of our failures, His righteousness has been credited to our account.

We “put it on” by seeking God and His righteousness above everything else ^{(Matthew 6:33)}. We make Him and His ways our dwelling place ^{(Psalm 91:1)}. We delight in His commands and desire for His ways to become our ways ^{(Psalm 37:4; 119:24, 111; Isaiah 61:10)}. When God reveals an area of change to us, we obey and allow Him to work in us. At the point where we say “no” to God, we open a little crack in the armor where Satan’s arrows can get through ^{(Ephesians 6:16)}.

As we wear Christ’s breastplate of righteousness, we begin to develop a purity of heart that translates into actions. Wearing this breastplate creates a lifestyle of putting into practice what we believe in our hearts. As our lives become conformed to the image of Christ ^{(Romans 8:29)}, our choices become more righteous, and these godly choices also protect us from further temptation and deception ^{(Proverbs 8:20; Psalm 23:3)}.

When armor is abused or worn incorrectly, it can malfunction. Likewise, there are several factors that can interfere with the effectiveness of our spiritual breastplate. Carelessness ^{(1 Peter 5:8)}, unbelief ^{(Hebrews 3:12)}, abusing grace ^{(Romans 6:1–2)}, or disobedience ^{(1 John 3:4; Hebrews 4:6)} can hinder our ability to stand firm and defeat the enemy in our lives. When we tolerate sin, refuse to forgive ^{(2 Corinthians 2:10–11)}, rely on personal righteousness ^{(Titus 3:5)}, or allow earthly concerns to crowd out time for an intimate relationship with God, we, in effect, take off the breastplate of righteousness, minimizing its power to protect us.

We need our breastplate of righteousness in place in order to gain the victory specified in 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” When we quickly reject heretical ideas, idolatry, and the “counsel of the ungodly” ^{(Psalm 1:1)} and instead “keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” ^{(Hebrews 12:2)}, we keep our breastplate securely fastened.

Up next we will take a look at “feet fitted with the Gospel of peace”. Until then walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/breastplate-of-righteousness.html

 

 

THE ARMOR OF GOD

The Belt of Truth

 

The belt of truth is the first piece of the “full armor of God” to be listed in Ephesians 6:10–17. The passage begins with a warning from the apostle Paul to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” This is the key to understanding the armor of God. All the pieces of the armor belong to God and come from Him. Truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, and salvation—all are gifts of God to His people for their defense. All except “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” ^{(verse 17)} which is the only offensive weapon mentioned. All are designed to help us “stand against the schemes of the devil” ^{(verse 11)}. The belt of truth is the first part of the armor listed because, without truth, we are lost, and the schemes of the devil will surely overpower us.

            It is fitting that the belt of truth is the first piece of the whole armor of God. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” ^{(John 14:6)}, and it is only through Him that we come to God. Therefore, truth is of the utmost importance in the life of a Christian. Without truth, the rest of the armor would be of no use to us because we would not have the Spirit of truth ^{(John 15:26)}.

            In referring to the whole armor of God, Paul invokes the image of a soldier ready for battle. The belt of a Roman soldier in Paul’s day was not a simple leather strap such as we wear today. It was a thick, heavy leather and metal band with a protective piece hanging down from the front of it. The belt held the soldier’s sword and other weapons. The belt of truth of the spiritual armor holds the sword of the Spirit, linking truth and the Word of God (cf. John 17:17). The Word of God is truth.

            Depending on the translation of Ephesians 6:14, we are to fasten the belt of truth around us ^(ISV), buckle the belt around our waists ^(NIV), gird our waists with truth ^(NKJV), or gird our loins with truth ^(NASB). No matter the wording, we are to actively lay hold of the truth and use it. The belt of truth is a crucial piece of defensive armor guarding our inmost being in the battle against the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Without an understanding of truth, we are left vulnerable to being “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). The belt of truth protects us and prepares us for the battle that is part of every Christian’s life.

            Up next we will take a look at the “breastplate of righteousness”. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/belt-of-truth.html

ISV = International Standard Version

NIV = New International Version

NKJV = New King James Version

NASB = New American Standard Bible

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            It was on the news tonight that Ethiopian Christians were murdered by Islamists today. I don’t know the details, but this is obviously a prime example of religious persecution. Thru the years an untold number of Christians have been murdered for their faith. They killed Jesus, so it is clear that those who follow Him could easily be martyred as well and have been. 

            Notice that no other religious group has been singled out like the Christians. To me that is evidence that truth lies in Christianity and in no other belief system. I have a question for you. If push came to shove and you were asked to renounce your faith in Christ or die, what would you do? Christ willingly died for you; would you be willing to do the same in the name of the Lord? I know it seems impossible to believe that it would come to that in America, but look around you. What’s happening? 

            Now before you fall back on the whole “God wouldn’t let anything happen to His children,” way of thinking, please remember that He let His own Son die a horrifying death for the sake of mankind. We are His ambassadors. His representatives in an unbelieving, sin sick world whose hate runs deep toward anything spiritually challenging to them. Without God all the unbelievers will rot in hell, by their own choice. If someone thought they could stop the words we are saying so they didn’t have to even think about it by removing us you think they wouldn’t? 

            I pray to God it doesn’t ever come to that, but if it does, stand tall in your faith for your reward is far greater than anything that the world could ever do to us. They may take our bodies, but our souls are not theirs to take... ever.

            Until next time, take a hard look at yourself and the depth of your faith. Will it stand up to persecution and death?

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Art of Breaking

               The Art of Breaking is a song by a Christian band called Thousand Foot Krutch from 2005. It talks about being in a manipulative, toxic, hurtful relationship and trying to break free from it. Jesus tells us in the gospel of John, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” ^{[John 13:34 NIV]}

            The sad truth of the matter is that there are times when a Christian spouse may be the toxic person. For believers, the art of breaking is not “breaking free” of the relationship, but rather “breaking free” of the toxic cycle. If we’re talking about an engaged couple it would depend on a few factors which would determine the “breaking”. A new couple just dating should consider either discussing the issue or walk the other way. A long term couple prior to being engaged could discuss the issue or if there are plans of marriage, seek Christian counseling. If the guilty party refuses counseling and will not change, splitting up should be seriously considered. Making a lifetime commitment to someone who is manipulative and hurtful is very unhealthy to the recipient. If you feel certain you can change the toxic person (which you can’t), then you are only fooling yourself. In that case you’re going to need to strap yourself in because it will be a very bumpy ride. 

            A lot depends on how much you love the hurtful person. Ask yourself these two all important questions: What do you like / love about the toxic person and what don’t you like / love about the toxic person? Make a list. Write it down on paper. Pray over it. Any red flags?? Understand something, you WILL NOT change that person without God’s intervention and that only if the guilty party is willing to make some behavioral changes. I personally know someone who thinks there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with the hurtful way they treat their spouse ... end of story. Any discussion ends in a fight. 

            I don’t like divorce. It’s a dirty business. Improper behavior can lead to divorce. Working things out is preferable. If only one person in the marriage has a desire to work it out, then the marriage could potentially be over. Prayer is needed. Much prayer. 

            The Art of Breaking from a manipulative, toxic, hurtful relationship, no matter what level of involvement exists, needs to be determined to make that break or status quo will be your result. 

            Some people feel trapped in that type of relationship with no way out. Both parties need the other’s resources to survive, therefore the toxic person, whether consciously or unconsciously, has the upper hand. The victim in this scenario must pray their way thru it

or the feeling of being trapped can become overwhelming. It is imperative that you love the toxic person the way Christ loves them and treat them as you wished they would treat you. Whether they person changes over time or not, you will be the winner because you went about things God’s Way. 

            Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The 2 R’s - 2

Respect Others

            Scripture tells us to show proper respect to all people, no matter their social or economic status, personal beliefs, their demeanor, just to name a few. All people are part of God’s creation. No one is any better or worse then anyone else according to their creator, yet society has seen to it that many folks feel unloved and/or unappreciated. 

            Judging others is a real problem that we all struggle with whether a believer or not. I have found myself judging others by their looks or behavior and that’s a sinful practice that I have struggled with for a long time. Sadly, I feel it becomes deeply ingrained in us from a very young age based on our associations. We develop bad habits that carry over into adulthood. 

            We are to value others; all others no matter what their appearance or behavior happens to be. Philippians 2:3 calls us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition, but count others as more significant than yourselves”.  That’s called humility.

            Jesus taught us in Matthew 7:12 to “treat people the same way you want them to treat you....” It is referred to by many as “The Golden Rule” and involves loving others with respect. We are to treat others with Godly gentleness, kindness, and patience, even when you disagree with one another. Anger has no place in the realm of loving kindness and respect for others. Respect all others.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries