Ephesians 6:13-14a; 16-18; “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground…Above all, (take) the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
The two words, “Above all,” as Paul used in the words he wrote to the church at Ephesus refers to the last three pieces of armor. Like today with those who are Believers; the Disciples of Jesus were often laughed at, and put down in various ways from being made fun of, to being threatened, and at many times, put in jail with legs and arms held fast to the wall by short chains. That is why the shield of FAITH is so important! Not only was it for them, but so important for us today.
Just what is it that the Shield of Faith has, if you will, to guard us from? Today, doubt and fear are two of the biggest issues. With all the evil taking place in and around us, uncertainty and insecurity easily creeps in by way of the enemy attacking our thoughts. The Shield of Faith protects us from all such things that cause one to doubt. The Helmet is related to salvation and Paul is telling us that Satan’s blows are directed at our security and assurance in Jesus. Whoever controls a person’s mind also controls that person’s health and emotions. That is why the enemy attempts to penetrate a person’s intellect—a person’s mental control center—so he can flood it with deception and falsehood. If this is accomplished, the devil can then begin to manipulate a person’s body and emotions from a position of control. To be flat-out-honest-and-vocal about it, that is exactly what some are attempting to do today by way of promoting socialism, as well as control of who can go where; or if to be confined to home; what to wear covering a God-given face, keeping one from showing emotion or even a slight grin of enjoying life.
Satan also often points out past failures and sins to the believer. The Helmet of Salvation is important because it keeps the Christian safe from doubts. Paul then mentions the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pastor and writer Thomas Guthrie said, “The Bible is an armory of heavenly weapons, a laboratory of infallible medicines, and a mine of exhaustless wealth. It is a guidebook for every road, a chart for every sea, a medicine for every malady, and a balm for every wound.” This should tell us that the Bible is an essential weapon for Christians as it perform a variety of functions.
Then never forget that all of these weapons are strengthened by prayer! When a Christian has the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, the Breastplate of Righteousness (living a righteous life) and the Weapon of Prayer, he or she is ready for spiritual battle! Paul writes (truly gives as a command) in I Thessalonians 5:16, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Blessings, Psalm 20:7 Dale & Jeannie