Suit up!
As we continue to look at the wisdom of Ephesians 6, there is a powerful message about the resources that are available to wage an effective battle against the devil.
The Bible is clear that challenges fall on the believers as well as unbelievers, with one important caveat for the believer. A believer has the benefit of a wise council on how to overcome the challenges created and instigated by the devil. Those same set of guidelines found in Ephesians 6 will even instruct believers how to endure calamity until there is a brighter day away from the attack of the enemy.
In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul describes armor that can be used to fight, not flesh and blood, but a spiritual battle. We are reminded, through the comparison of a suit of armor that a Roman soldier might have worn during Paul’s day, how to gain strategic advantage for battle. Through this comparison every area of the body is protected, head to toe.
However, we cannot overlook the admonishment to prepare the body for battle, because no matter how strong the armor, an unprepared body cannot carry the equipment to fight. In Ephesians 6:10 (NIV), it is clear that we need strength: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” It is not a call to build ourselves up. As believers, we are to be empowered and strengthened by the Lord. We must position ourselves in the Lord. It is about connection with the Lord. We cannot grow strong in our own power (John 15:4-5).
As the Lord strengthens us, we can begin to “suit up” for spiritual battle. The first item of the full armor is the “Belt of Truth.” Every other piece of the armor of God is anchored to this first piece of armor. It is interesting to note that the foundation of the full armor is so simple and yet so powerful. No lasting structure can be built on a lie. There is only one rebuke to a lie, and it is the truth.
The enemy exerts control by perpetrating lies. He wraps the lies in pleasant-looking packages and will deceive the most devout Christian.
Truth releases us from the control of the enemy (John 8:32-32). I will conclude this part of the “Suit Up” series with this Old Testament Scripture: Zechariah 8:16-17 (NIV): “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts, do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, declares the Lord.”
St. James AME Church is located at 360 Dorothy St. in Charleston and worship service is held on the first and third Sunday of each month at 11 a.m. You may also join us on Zoom at pastorv.com.
