God's Empowering Armor - Part IV

“The Armor of God is about making a choice of being faithful and firm!”

Today, we are concluding our series, "God's Empowering Armor." As you know, we've been looking at Paul teaching on the Armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-20.

Because we have a lot to touch on today, let's jump right into it. Paul is going to use a form of imagery teaching known well to the rabbi's of Israel during his time. And the imagery he is using is six distinct pieces of clothing, or Armor. Let's take a look at the first piece of this Armor of God's.

The Belt of Truth

There were at least three different types of belts (girdles) used by the military when Paul was writing the book of Ephesians:

• A leather apron designed to protect the lower abdomen.

• A belt used to hold a sword and dagger.

• A belt designating a high official or officer in the army.

Isaiah 11:1-5 also references a belt: “Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash (belt) around his waist.” This passage is speaking of the Messiah, a direct reference to Jesus. It is also a guide on how to live our lives. A choice that we must each make. It' about placing around ourselves righteousness and faithfulness. Truth isn't being right and the other person being wrong based solely on one's own ideals or attitudes about life. It's about doing what works.

I have some still to this day who tell me that what I share with people is inaccurate. And that's just fine because I am not going to get into a discussion about who is right and who is wrong. Because the first thing I will ask you is, "If your'e so right, then why isn't it working?'" Truth is about being factual, it's about being Faithful. It's about living a life guided by righteousness.

And righteousness, to simply put it, is about you and I fulfilling our faithful obligations to God. When you do that, you will begin to know what it means to live an empowered life.

Breastplate of Righteousness

Once again there were a variety of types of breastplates during Paul's time. However, the nobleman in his day wore a scale or chain mail that covered the chest and hips. It was the finest protection available. To be clothed in righteousness indicates noble power that can act in the city gates on behalf of the poor as a righteous judge. God Himself is the righteous judge, which is also Jesus. God is one who protects the oppressed and stands up for the downtrodden. By clothing ourselves in His protection, we emulate his rule and demonstrate his nobility in our actions toward the weak among us.

It is a direct identification that you are one who resides in God's Kingdom. You've heard Jesus speak about the Kingdom of Heaven. To simply put it, the Kingdom of Heaven - or Kingdom of God, which are the same thing - is God's ruling and reigning power. A Kingdom person, is one in whom God is ruling and reigning over. What did I just say righteousness is? It is someone who is fulfilling their covenantal obligations to God. And how does someone do this? By choosing to allow God to rule and reign in their lives!

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Paul is referencing Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion,“Your God reigns!”

Again we see the choice we have to make with living our lives. Those whose feet are shod with the Gospel of Peace are those who bring good news (you notice it doesn't say The Good News), proclaim peace and salvation, bring good tidings, and say our God reigns! Each of these are direct examples of what it means to live as a Kingdom person.

Now, when Jesus walked, he was sure footed. He did not stumble but stood his ground against those who would reject and refute this life peace. This doesn't mean we stand outside a football game or in the streets holding signs and telling people they are sinners and going to hell. NO! This is about choosing to not live a life that harms people, that damages relationships, or is prejudice. Those who choose not to live life under God's rule don't know what makes them stumble. However, the righteous walk forward. The righteous are those who may fall seven times, but they always rise again! (See Proverbs 24:16; 4:18)

Through God's empowerment are we able to stand strong against the disorder and unrest many are experiencing in their lives today. Because of Christ, are we able to stand our ground and bring fellowship, balance and peace to all things.

Shield of Faith

All throughout the Old Testament we can find references to God as a shield. (Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 33:29; 2Samuel 22:3; Proverbs 30:5) Just as it states in Proverbs 30:5, "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." Growing up, my mother made me recite Psalms 91, which starts out by saying, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." [Psalms 91:1-3]

You notice again that it is a choice you must make. Psalms shows us the other half of righteousness. Just as we must fulfill our covenantal obligations to God, so too does He fulfill His covenantal obligations to us. His faithfulness will be your shield.

God is faithful to His word. His faithfulness is your shield. The Shield of Faith is not something you ask God to have in prayer, instead, your prayer should be one that thanks Him for his faithfulness is fulfilling His promises to you. We see this in Christ!

Helmet of Salvation

The book of Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 59:17, "He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak."

God’s helmet of salvation was given to His son and is a sign that he (Jesus) is the victorious ruler. Much like a crown, it indicates his glory and authority. This helmet of victory is God’s victory handed to us so through His son so that we are “more than conquerors”. [Romans 8:33-39] Jesus is God's saving power! He is the living example of God fulfilling his covenantal obligations. He is a living example that God is faithful to His promises.

And yes, I will say it again, it is a choice you must make. Salvation is not about going somewhere. Moses says it best, "He shall say: 'Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory (i.e. to save you).'” Salvation is about choosing to live a life freed from the fear of failure. It's about not being fainthearted to those things that may come against us, or those who may hurt us. Salvation is about being a person who lives victoriously in life, which is something that draws people to you.

You don't have to tell people about Salvation, you just need to choose to live a life faithfully victorious through God's empowerment and before you know it, they will be drawn to you wanting that life your life. A person saved, is one who is an inspiration to others, and someone who influences people by being a leader!

Sword of the Spirit

Finally, the sword of the spirit is a reference to Psalms 149:1-9, "Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands..." The sword of the Spirit, is the word of God.

Just as the writer of the book of Hebrews says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

[Hebrews 4:12]

The sword of the spirit is Gods word that is alive and active...In You! It is a teaching tool that will show you the deepest part of yourself that you need to confront. I know for me, the deepest area in my life I needed to confront was insecurity. God's word helped to reveal this part of myself that I was never willing to confront. Of sure, I prayed over it, but the truth is, I had to make a choice to take the necessary steps to accept it, approach it, and alter my life from being ruled by it.

This was only able to happen when I chose to accept God as my king, approach His Word, and alter my life course in allowing God to rule of over my life instead of allowing insecurity to rule over it. This means you have to become mindful of yourself, your beliefs, thoughts, and emotions. This also may mean seeking out help if you are someone who is dealing with depression, anxiety, or something even greater. The Sword of the Spirit seen when someone chooses to first accept that there are things going on deep within us that are affecting us to fully live a life empowered by God.

Make your choice today! I hope you've enjoyed our series on the Armor of God. I encourage you to learn continue to Know, to Grow, and to Go out living a life empowered!

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