The whole armour Ephesians 6

[8thdaypriest]

I would like to discuss what it means to put on the whole armor of God. 

What does it mean to put on "the helmet of salvation" ? 

I can't say that I've ever clearly understood that armor - and what it means to put it on. 

Can we talk about that?

[JoeMo]

I just watched a video last night on one commentator's view on end-time events, and he admonished everyone to do just what you're suggesting - to study and fully understand what the "whole armor of God" is. Then he ended the video! 

First of all, why do we need the armor of God?

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. "(Eph. 6:11-12)

We don't need this armor to protect us from other humans; we need it to protect ourselves from (almost) overwhelming satanic spiritual forces in the end times. I have discussed who I think these satanic forces are in other threads.

"... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" ,(Eph. 6:17)

While the rest of the armor is defensive, the sword (word of God) is an offensive weapon.  Is Paul telling us here to aggressively fight the enemy using scripture?

"... having fastened on the belt of truth," (Eph 6:14)

We hang our sword (God's word) on our belt. Just as a sword is depends on the belt to support it, so should our "truth" support God's Word (and be supported by His Word).

" ... and take the helmet of salvation" (Eph. 6:17)

I think this could be to protect our heads from demonic inspired thoughts that deny our salvation - making us doubt our salvation. We need this helmet to reject those evil doubts. There's a hymn called "Standing on the Promises" that discusses how to use this helmet.

[8thdaypriest]

7 minutes ago, JoeMo said:

... having fastened on the belt of truth," (Eph 6:14)

The "sword" hangs on the "belt" - so one can carry the sword with him everywhere. 

Is this something like "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you." 

When we sin, we are weakened and have less strength to fight. 

[8thdaypriest]

My hubby and I have been watching Neil Anderson's videos on YouTube.   We are trying to better understand our fight against Satan and his demons.  In any war, our enemies won't go away simply because we ignore them.   I think we must learn how to fight, and how to defend ourselves. 

How many folks have "voices" in their minds telling them they are "stupid" or "will fail" or are "weak", or "my family would disown me if I believed that", etc. etc. etc. etc.  Satan makes us think those are our own thoughts.  That's the primary way he works. 

He tempts to sin.  Then - when we sin, he immediately turns into accuser, making us feel "guilty" and like "a failure". 

How many folks worry constantly.  How many folks can sit quietly - peacefully without ANY voices going on in their minds.  I'm thinking not many. 

I can.  But I have not always been able to do so. 

[JoeMo]

13 minutes ago, 8thdaypriest said:

When we sin, we are weakened and have less strength to fight. 

When we continue in sin, we also weaken our faith in our salvation; essentially taking of four helmet.

[8thdaypriest]

What is 'the helmet of salvation" ?  Does that mean a strong understanding - belief in, our salvation? 

[8thdaypriest]

1 minute ago, JoeMo said:

When we continue in sin, we also weaken our faith in our salvation; essentially taking of four helmet.

Yes!  Satan tells us we are "not saved" and "will never be saved" - or "no saved person would do that" - so we loose hope and give up the fight. 

[JoeMo]

6 minutes ago, 8thdaypriest said:

What is 'the helmet of salvation" ?  Does that mean a strong understanding - belief in, our salvation? 

It goes beyond belief (mental assent) in our salvation.  Ideally, it is unconditional confidence in our salvation - based on our trust that Jesus is who He says He is, has done what He says He has done, and will do what he says he will do - regardless of what the world and our senses tell us. It's not because of who we are, but because of what He's done. It's not because of what we've done, but because of Who He is.

As stated above, it is harder to have this confidence when we continue in sin. Doesn't mean we will be "perfect"; just "complete".

[8thdaypriest]

I found a devotional titled "Who I Am In Christ".  I just started it.  Understanding who we are "in Christ" is foundational to our strength in the battle.  I love the cover.  I may buy another one just so I can tear this one off and frame it. 

I was bought with the greatest price.

I am a daughter of God.

I am Christ's friend, and His sister.

I am a member of Christ's body.

I am am confident that the good work HE has begun in me will be perfected.

        There is nothing that can prevent me becoming the person I was meant to be - in Christ.

I am absolutely loved - just as I am.  There is nothing that can separate me from the love of God.

I am hidden with Christ in God.

I am unstoppable - in Christ.

I am the salt of the earth.

I am forgiven.

I have direct access to God the Father - through Christ.

I have been brought near.

I am united with the LORD.

I am one with Him in spirit.

I am a saint.

I am seated with Christ in heavenly places. (Eph 2:6)

 

 

 

 

 

[8thdaypriest]

The person who is not convinced of Christ - who He is and what He did and what He will do - cannot believe strongly in the authority we have been given through Christ.  Such a person would not be able to stand against demons. 

[8thdaypriest]

Gotta go.  Let's continue this.  I think it's important. 

[8thdaypriest]

won't be in tomorrow.  Computer being repaired.

[phkrause]

I know what that's like!! Was without my main mac for around 4 months while they tried fixing the daughter/Motherboard. Had to use my old mac which is 16 years old and still works!!!!

[JoeMo]

On 12/9/2019 at 2:31 PM, 8thdaypriest said:

Such a person would not be able to stand against demons. 

What does this say about those unfortunate nominal believers; and those who always wonder if their obedience and works are "enough"?

Many Christians (including myself, probably) don't realize that we are at war - whether we choose to fight back or not.  Even though it is mostly invisible to many of us now, it is the most mortal and merciless war of all history.  Evil forces have been hard at work for 6,000 years to eliminate God's elect.  The shorter time becomes, the more intense the spiritual warfare will become.

I find it interesting that there is no armor provided to protect our backs. Does that imply how much we are exposed to evil forces if we turn and run?

[8thdaypriest]

Believers who talk very much about demons or their attacks are looked upon as weird or scary.  But in Scripture that IS the main enemy.  To deny (or ignore) their existence does not help - it gives them an advantage. 

 

[8thdaypriest]

Neil Anderson said (after 40 years of experience) the #1 thing he has seen to weaken believers is "failure to forgive" (lingering anger/resentments).  He points out that forgiveness is not forgetting, and is not accepting of wrongs against oneself.  It is not to leave oneself vulnerable to continuing attacks.  

True forgiveness (of another who has wronged you) is of God and can only be experienced from God/through Christ.  It is a "letting go".  The believer should forgive, for his own sake - not because he thinks it will affect any change in the other party.  

 

[JoeMo]

2 hours ago, 8thdaypriest said:

It is a "letting go".  The believer should forgive, for his own sake - not because he thinks it will affect any change in the other party.  

It is more than letting go; it is "letting God". True forgiveness is not issuance of a pardon; it is releasing your own bitterness/anger against a person and allowing God to mete out any necessary justice.  "Vengeance is mine" sayeth the Lord. We will be forgiven by God as we forgive others - very sobering thought.

[8thdaypriest]

On 12/10/2019 at 4:59 PM, JoeMo said:

I find it interesting that there is no armor provided to protect our backs. Does that imply how much we are exposed to evil forces if we turn and run?

Doesn't the "helmet" also protect "from behind".  

[BlessedMan]

9 hours ago, 8thdaypriest said:

True forgiveness (of another who has wronged you) is of God and can only be experienced from God/through Christ.  It is a "letting go".  The believer should forgive, for his own sake - not because he thinks it will affect any change in the other party.

 

[8thdaypriest]

I like the passage in this version.

Ephesians 6: 10-19  "For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. 13 So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing. 14 Therefore, stand! Have the belt of truth buckled around your waist, put on righteousness for a breastplate, 15 and wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom. 16 Always carry the shield of trust, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. 17 And take the helmet of deliverance; along with the sword given by the Spirit, that is, the Word of God; 18 as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, in the Spirit, vigilantly and persistently, for all God's people.  (Eph 6:10 CJB)

Joe, you mentioned that our "back" is not protected.  I looked at pictures of 1st century armour.  The "breastplate" is supported from shoulder straps that also supported a back plate.  The front plate would not stay in place - in balance, without that back plate.  To have one was to have the other. 

We "put on righteousness" by putting on Christ Jesus - putting on His righteousness.  Certainly NOT our own. 

Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (KJV) 

Understanding this concept of "how it works" is crucial to our defense.  Think IMPARTED righteousness, vs IMPUTED righteousness.  The breastplate would be imputed righteousness. 

Knowing that we are covered with Jesus' perfect righteousness means knowing that Satan's accusations are worthless.  They mean nothing.    They cannot wound me, or discourage me, or make me give up the fight - because I know that I am already forgiven of all past sins and will be forgiven if I "stumble" in future.  

[JoeMo]

4 hours ago, 8thdaypriest said:

Joe, you mentioned that our "back" is not protected.  I looked at pictures of 1st century armour.  The "breastplate" is supported from shoulder straps that also supported a back plate.  The front plate would not stay in place - in balance, without that back plate.  To have one was to have the other. 

Ya got me! I have to agree!

[8thdaypriest]

So - looking at pictures of 1st century roman helmets.  They all had some kind of metal pieces hanging down from the helmet, that covered the ears, and also provided side protection for the neck.   That's a great thought.  Putting on the helmet protects us from "hearing" Satan's accusations or lies in our minds.

[8thdaypriest]

THE ENEMY

Ephesians 6: 10-19  "For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly (spirit) realm.

 

THE OBJECTIVE

To resist (the attacks of the Evil Ones)  To still be "standing".   

13 So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing.

The 144,000 are described as those who "will be able to stand" at the "great day of the LORD" (Rev 6:7).  Paul said of himself, "I have finished the course.  I have kept the faith."  When Satan attacks, he is seeking to crush our faith - to drive us to give up.

 

DEFENSIVE EQUIPMENT

14 the belt of truth around your waist

righteousness for a breastplate,  (To understand our righteousness "in Christ".  We have put on His righteousness.) 

the shield of trust/faith (to quench all the flaming arrows of the Evil One)  We BELIEVE the LORD will defend us. 

KJV says "above all taking the shield of faith".  So this is THE most important piece of equipment.  And v.13 says that "God provides" this equipment.  Faith is a gift of the Spirit.  A measure of faith is given to everyone. 

the helmet of salvation/deliverance - Our mind is protected from Satan's lies.

 

OFFENSIVE EQUIPMENT

the sword given by the Spirit, that is, the Word of God;   (Christ through the Spirit will bring to our memory everything that He has said, including those things He has said through His prophets and Apostles.  He will bring it to our minds just when it is needed.  But He cannot bring something to our memory, that we have not heard or read first.  To READ or HEAR "the Word of God" is to take up "the sword". )

feet shod with Gospel of Peace:   Is this a reminder that we are to "go therefore" to "all nations".  

Certainly would rule out conquering lands for the Pope.  That wouldn't be a "Gospel of Peace".   

 

BATTLE PLAN

18 Pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, vigilantly and persistently, for all God's people. 

Mark 9:29 He answered, 'This is the kind that can be driven out only by prayer.' (NJB)

 

You see Joe, how I'm very visual.  I like to see it diagrammed. 

[BlessedMan]

58 minutes ago, 8thdaypriest said:

So - looking at pictures of 1st century roman helmets.  They all had some kind of metal pieces hanging down from the helmet, that covered the ears, and also provided side protection for the neck.   That's a great thought.  Putting on the helmet protects us from "hearing" Satan's accusations or lies in our minds.

the first thing I thought of when I read this was could it be that THAT kind of "helmet" also serves to keep something in, keep it from getting out, or being removed. I have some references in mind, but thats another post thing.

[JoeMo]

2 hours ago, 8thdaypriest said:

righteousness for a breastplate,  (To understand our righteousness "in Christ".  We have put on His righteousness.) 

Talk about an impenetrable breastplate!

2 hours ago, 8thdaypriest said:

(Christ through the Spirit will bring to our memory everything that He has said, including those things He has said through His prophets and Apostles.  He will bring it to our minds just when it is needed.  But He cannot bring something to our memory, that we have not heard or read first.

Oh, I don't know about that last part.

"This will be our opportunity to bear witness.  Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,  for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. (Luke 21:13-15)

This sounds more like the work of the Holy Spirit to me. I totally agree that we need to study and pray constantly. I also believe the Holy Spirit can put truth in our heads any time it feels like it. Moses and other Bible writers didn't know what to write down; and apostles didn't know what to say until they were moved by God's Spirit.  If it was true then, it can be true now.  God doesn't change.