WE ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-13)

Devotion 12 of 37

THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD

The nature of spiritual life requires, what the Spirit calls, "the whole armor of God." It is called GOD'S armor because He supplies it. It is called "ARMOR" because it is protective in nature. Believers are not given the option of choosing parts of the armor they prefer, nor are they promised protection without it. It is to be seen as an essentiality in the life of faith.

The book of Romans calls this protection "the armor of light," and fairly shouts to us, "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" (Rom 13:12). There is a sense of urgency that attends the exhortation, as is obvious. We are in a war zone, and protection is mandatory. Because the weaponry is adapted for those walking the light of Divine favor and spiritual illumination, it is associated with "light." The text confirms that falling into spiritual sleep or walking in darkness cannot be done with the armor on.

The book of Second Corinthians refers to this provision as "the armor of righteousness." This text affirms that when it is "on the right hand and on the left," it contributes to one being commended as a servant of God (2 Cor 6:4-7).

The most extensive passage on this matter is the familiar text of Ephesians 6:11-18. The nature of the opposition we face is emphasized in this delineation of "the whole armor of God." It will at once be clear that we are not equipped to face our enemy without it. The admonition is, "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph 6:11). Everything provided by God is to be appropriated. The objective is not simply to obey a commandment, but to survive the assaults of our foe, or "the schemes of the devil." "Our adversary the devil" (1 Pet 5:8) has strategies, designed to take us down. We are to understand that God will limit him, not allowing him to put upon us more than we are able to bear (1 Cor 10:13). We must also know that Jesus will pray for us, that our faith does not fail (Lk 22:31-32). Both of these considerations, however, are set within the context of Divine requirements–namely availing ourselves of "the whole armor of God." It is presumptuous to expect God to protect us if we ignore what He has provided for us.

Believers are engaged in a most challenging "struggle." "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" (Eph 6:12). These are forces that have even challenged holy angels, as confirmed by Daniel 10:12-20). The foes have been "spoiled" or "plundered" by Jesus through the cross (Col 2:15), yet are vastly superior to anyone who is not living by faith. We have no advantage or hope against them without "the whole armor of God." Also, the "struggle" is a continual one. These are champions of the night, and promoters of wickedness. Those who choose to walk in darkness are in their domain. These powers attempt to lure those who are walking in the light into their dark domain. As long as we are in this world we must confront these adversaries, struggling against them, and resisting their attacks.

In view of this revealed circumstance, "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Eph 6:13, NKJV). Notice the language of this exhortation. We are exhorted to the effort faith enables: pick up this armor. It will not leap off the ground upon us. Our purpose is to withstand the aggressive assaults of the wicked one–"the evil day." We are told of two "evil days" experienced by Job (Job 1-2), and one experienced by Peter (Lk 22:31-34). Those who imagine they are capable of surviving such dark initiatives without the "whole armor of God" are simply deceived. Note also that the Spirit refers to the survivor as "having done all." He will not allow us to think that triumph will be realized through halfheartedness, indifference, or a lack of commitment,

The armor is held in place by the knowledge of the truth, which faith causes us to love (2 Thess 2:10). Truth is a sort of belt that keeps the armor in its proper place: "fasten the belt of truth around your waist" (Eph 6:14a, NRSV). This activity involves a knowledge, love, and preference of the truth of God.

The vital parts of our "inward man" are protected by the "breastplate of righteousness," which is to be on us when we are girded with the truth: "and having on the breastplate of righteousness" (Eph 6:14b). This is "the righteousness of God" that comes "through faith," and is revealed through the Gospel (Rom 1:17; Phil 3:9). It is an "imputed righteousness" that does not originate with us, yet is appropriated by us through faith. It involves a persuasion that we are "accepted in the Beloved," as well as an inherent love for righteousness and hatred for sin.

Because we are on treacherous terrain, our feet must be properly protected. "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Eph 6:15). The word "shod" means custom fitted, or adapted to our person and ministry in the Lord. "Preparation" refers to a readiness that adequately prepares you for battle. That "readiness," or preparation, comes from "the Gospel of peace." It refers to a persuasion that the individual has "peace with God" and is not condemned (Rom 5:1; 8:1). Such a persuasion is required while we do battle.

In addition to these protective provisions, and covering them all, we are to take "the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Eph 6:16). The rest of the armor will do us no good if we do not have the shield, for "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb 11:6). This shield effectively extinguishes all flaming arrows of the evil one (NIV). "Fiery darts," or "flaming arrows" have the capacity to ignite the sinful nature, infect the thoughts, and induce spiritual sleep. They come in the form of thoughts which are hurled at us by the devil. Only faith can repel them and render them powerless.

There is also a need for knowing where our names are written–being persuaded that Christ has received us to the glory of God (Rom 15:7). Therefore we are exhorted, "And take the helmet of salvation" (Eph 6:17a). Your mind will be protected by the "full assurance of faith," the "full assurance of hope," and the "full assurance of understanding" (Col 2:2; Heb 6:11; 10:22). To "know that we know Him" (1 John 2:3) is essential to surviving the assaults of the wicked one.

We do have an offensive weapon that can cut a path through the aggression of the evil one. That weapon is to be appropriated. "And take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph 6:17b). This refers to a working acquaintance with God's Word, or "knowing the holy Scriptures" (2 Tim 3:15). It is being able to "understand the Scriptures," an ability that is ministered to us (Lk 24;45). This involves living "by every word of God" (Lk 4:4), searching the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), and finding our delight in His word (Psa 119:16). Such love elicits the response of Jeremiah, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart" (Jer 15:16).

Finally, there is the matter of prayer. There is a versatility in prayer that is most remarkable. We are helped by the Spirit, become more fully aware of our situation in the world and in the Spirit, and made acutely sensitive of kindred believers. Thus we are exhorted, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Eph 6:18).

Believing this text, and going about to fulfill it by faith, will have an immediate impact upon the individual. The very activity will correct misconceptions of the nature of spiritual life. It will confirm there is no safety apart from availing ourselves of Divine provision. It will also confirm there is no defeat where those provisions are appropriated. "The whole armor of God" is required because we are not in heaven yet.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to put on the whole armor of God, and keep it on.

-- Tomorrow: THEY COULD NOT HEARKEN --