THE ARMOR OF GOD

Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit, we turn our attention to the purpose of these

provisions of God:

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the

ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till

we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the kno-

wledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto

the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ

(Eph. 4:12-13).

This perfecting (katartidzo--"supplying what is necessary"), or equipping, of

the saints with what is necessary for them to edify the body of Christ provides

them with the armor of God.

One of Paul's favorite images portraying the Christian life is that of warfare.

Lying in prison chained to a Roman soldier probably made an indelible impression

upon Paul's mind, and he transferred the physical elements of the soldier's armor

to the spiritual provisions God has made for His church: the armor of God.

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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about

with truth, and having on the breastplate of righ-

teousness; and your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of

faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the

fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of

salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the

word of God: Praying always with all prayer and

supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto

with all perseverance and supplication for all saints

(Eph. 6:10-18).

At the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, I looked at the armor exhibit,

and Paul's teaching became more significant. I saw suits of armor weighing 60 to

80 pounds, large shields, and broad swords, and I marveled that the soldiers were

able to fight wearing such heavy armor and carrying such weapons. But even as

the soldiers in Paul's day were equipped for battle with armor of steel, Paul

challenges every Christian to put on the whole armor of God, not just certain

parts, but all of it.