THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD (Part 9 of 9)

Christians around the world are becoming increasingly aware of the spiritual battle that surrounds them.

As a result, there is a renewed interest in the apostle Paul’s recommendation to put on the full armor of God to defend against the devil’s schemes as recorded in Ephesians, chapter 6.

As I conclude this series, I’m going to draw your attention to key words that very few Christians pay attention to or fully understand.

“Therefore, PUT ON the FULL armor of God, so that WHEN the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” (Ephesians 6:13)

PUT ON the FULL armor of God. 

Our temporal modern-day thinking is the main challenge in understanding Paul’s message. 

As an example, we naturally understand that a helmet is worn in times of danger, then when the danger is abated, we take the helmet off. 

However, when Paul speaks of putting on the full armor of God in accordance with our ongoing spiritual battle against the dominion of darkness, his reference is meant to imply permanency. 

The Greek word translated "put on" is endýō (pronounced en-doo'-o) which literally means "to sink into." 

It is not just the definition of this verb that is important, but also its tense and mood. 

In this verse, endýō is in the aorist tense, which means it is a one-time action; and it is in the imperative mood, which makes it a command.

The believer is therefore commanded to put on the full armor of God ONE TIME (this happens when a person receives Christ) and is then given the purpose for doing so, "… to be able to stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Paul’s implication is to put on the full armor of God PERMANENTLY and never take it off! 

For if there is a crack in the armor, or should we let down our guard ever so slightly, we can rest assured that the enemy will target whatever area of our life that is left exposed and unprotected. 

It is only the disciplined study of God’s Word that will result in the wisdom necessary to heed Paul’s advice. 

Sadly, most Christians will never mature to this level of understanding, and as a result, they lead a compartmentalized life, putting on and taking off God’s righteousness and holiness as they deem appropriate. 

As Christians, we are taught NOT TO compartmentalize our lives. 

In other words, do not act like the world Monday through Saturday and then ‘put on’ your Christian veneer on Sunday when you go to church. 

Try as you might, you won’t find that principle anywhere in the Bible. 

If we place our spiritual life in a “faith” compartment in our minds, isolated away from other behavior or activity, then it automatically means we have other compartments which are not bound by that faith and which are open to Satan’s influence. 

As a result, those other compartments are subject to unrestrained sin.

Christianity is NEVER to be compartmentalized. 

If you compartmentalize your faith, you’re sending an invitation for Satan to step into an open doorway. 

A Christian not wearing the FULL armor of God is an unprotected Christian and cannot win the war!

What if there was one book, honed from Scripture, that could guide you to victory over the realities of spiritual warfare?

One that may change your outlook on the importance of consistency in your daily walk as a Christian - for it is not a question of ‘IF’ the enemy will attack, rather a call to be fully prepared ‘WHEN’ the attacks occur.

'Take Captive Every Thought' was written to disseminate the truth about spiritual warfare and to provide Christians the wisdom, discernment, and determination necessary to expose and defeat Satan’s influence over their thought life and allow God’s plan to prevail in their lives.  

To inquire about a speaking engagement or find out more about our book and Spirit of Influence Ministries, visit: www.spiritofinfluence.org 

Source:  Take Captive Every Thought – Chapter 9 – Spiritual Weapons to Defend