The Whole Armor of God

October 24, 2010

By: Elder Allen Daniels

Paul’s style of writing in all of his epistles was to first set forth our position in Christ by teaching us about our eternal salvation and redemption in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, followed by exhortation and encouragement unto discipleship. The book of Ephesians follows this pattern. The first three chapters tell of our election in Christ before the foundation of the world; our regeneration (quickening) and salvation by God’s Grace; the revelation of the “mystery of Christ”, that the Jews and Gentiles should be fellow heirs of the same body; that Jesus came and brought peace through His perfect obedience unto the law and purchased our redemption by the shedding of His precious blood, through which we received the forgiveness (putting away) of all our sins.

In Ephesians 4:1, he begins his instruction in righteousness, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called”. He continues this teaching through the end of Chapter Six, which brings us the conclusion of his teachings to the Church at Ephesus.

In the words of Solomon (Ecc 12:13), “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter”, Paul writes, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13.

First let us notice that Paul puts emphasis on the word “whole”. He did not tell us to put on one piece of the armor today, another tomorrow, and another on Sunday, but we are to wear it ALL everyday. The analogy Paul used in this passage is that of a solider preparing himself for battle. As the number seven in Scriptures is that of completeness, so there are seven pieces.

These pieces are set forth in Ephesians 6:14-18:

  1. your loins girt about with truth
  2. the breastplate of righteousness
  3. your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
  4. the shield of faith
  5. the helmet of salvation
  6. the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
  7. praying always

It is immediately evident that this is not a natural armor fitted for a natural battle against a natural enemy; nevertheless, the battle is real and the enemy is genuine. Paul describes the weapons in this warfare in 2nd Corinthians 10:3-6, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

The first thing that a soldier must learn prior to entering a battle is “know your enemy”. The Apostle in the above verses and our lesson in Ephesians 6 identifies our enemy; “For we wrestle … against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”; therefore, he says “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

The word wiles in this verse is a word seldom used today, but its meaning gives a vivid description of our enemy, the devil. The Oxford Universal Dictionary defines wile as “A crafty, cunning, or deceitful trick; a subtle contrivance; a skilful device or scheme.” The devil is not just a figment of our imagination, but he is a REAL enemy and his devices (wiles) are many.

This armor is given unto us by God, but it is our responsibility to put it on; not just in part but in the whole. When we leave off a piece, we leave that part of our body unprotected and become vulnerable to the devil in that area.

We are instructed to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might (v10). We must recognize that we can not win this battle in our own strength. This was the lesson God taught the nation of Israel when David went up against a 10 foot tall giant Philistine named Goliath. Prior to going into this battle he said to Goliath “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17:45-47)

The preceding verses of this chapter go into great detail of the massiveness of the Philistine’s armor, but David went forth armed with the strength of the Lord, and in the power of his might, and the enemy of God was defeated.

Sometimes we hear sermons on the armor of God and often the last piece is forgotten, but Paul ends this lesson with, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:18.

This is the only place in the Bible where “perseverance” appears and it is connected to prayer. It means to have persistence and continuance in any thing undertaken. Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”. 1st Thess 5:17-18. The first six pieces of the armor of God are defensive but this last one is offensive.

The apostle James writes, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. One of the best ways to win a battle against the devil is to go to the Lord in prayer.

Therefore, dear readers, Let us Put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the cunning and deceitful tricks of the devil.

Published: 2010-10-24 by WAD

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