On the Armor of God

Many people who went to Sunday School -- or Children's Church, if you prefer -- learned about the Armor of God:

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6: 11-17)

Most Sunday School -- or Children's Church -- lessons break down each element of the Armor of God. Some pastors will outline at length the basis of each piece of the Christian soldier's regalia.

However, Paul uses different comparisons when discussing the Armor of God:

"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." (1 Thessalonians 5: 8)

In two different epistles, Paul identifies the breastplate with righteousness and with faith and love.

The helmet is outlined with "salvation" and "the hope of salvation".

For this post, I just want to discuss a different element of these powerful scriptures.

In most teachings, the lesson separates and analyzes the diverse parts of the Armor of God, yet the distinct categories attached to the different parts in Ephesians then in First Thessalonians suggest that rather than pulling them apart, the believer needs to look at the whole regalia as one composite whole.

Who is our righteousness? Who is our hope of salvation? Who is the Truth? Jesus Christ, from the top of the helmet to the soles of our feet, and in Him our lives are hid:

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3: 3)

Christ is our refuge, our strength. These elements of the Roman fighting apparel come together in Christ Jesus. Instead of breaking apart and analyzing the separate parts, let us rather focus on the Person in whom we have our refuge, strength, and power to do all that we are called to do!

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4: 13)

In the Body of Christ, let us stop separating and parsing out differences. Christ is simple (2 Corinthians 11: 3). Let us rest in His greatness, and let His life be released in us!