SAINTS IN ARMOUR

L.G. HARRIS

Carbondale, Kansas

Ephesians 6:10-18

The word "armour" appears in our Bible 24 times. As used here in Eph. 6:11, the Greek word is "panoplia," which is defined as: "whole armour, all of the armour, completely equipped for battle with all weapons, protection, and tools of warfare."

From the Greek, "panoplia" we have the English word, "panoply," which Webster defines as: (1) Full suit of armour for physical protection. (2) Ceremonial attire for spiritual protection. Very interesting! The proper "armour" can provide both physical protection for the body and/or spiritual protection for the soul. Romans 13:12 refers to the "Armour of Light." (KJV) "Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light."

Other New Testament Greek definitions for "armour" include the following: an implement, utensil or tool, or instrument or weapon, used as armour (defensively or offensively) during physical or Spiritual warfare. Being fully armed is defined as wearing and carrying the correct protective and most effective weapons, basically shield and sword.

Some of the Old Testament (Hebrew) definitions for armour are interesting, such as: a belt or apron around the waist, and the ability to put it on correctly. It also means any implement, utensil, dress, vessel, weapon, battle harness, military equipment, or tool prepared in advance for battle.

Included with dependable garments and protective raiment is proper judgment in war. So the skillful ability and wise judgment are vital parts of any type of armour. These definitions apply to an individual or a whole nation. I hope this gives us all a better understanding of the word "armour."

Now, let's take a brief look at the word "saints." This word appears 60 times in the King James Version. The Greek definition for this word is, "Saints are human beings who have been sanctified by faith and have been made pure, blameless, forgiven, redeemed, holy, righteous, and consecrated by and through the Grace of God given by Christ Jesus. Saints are members of the Body of Christ. We are saints by Grace. Amen!

In Ephesians 6 in Paul's letter to the Church at Ephesus he is writing to the "saints" and "those faithful in Jesus Christ." In the first nine verses of the chapter Paul gives divinely inspired instructions for the relative duties of children, parents, servants, and masters; outlining Christian principles of Godly relationships one to another.

Then in vs. 10, Paul continues. "Finally, my brethren...," which means, "I emphasize this final point, after all that I have already said to all of you brothers, sisters, children, parents, servants, and masters in Christ." "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." Paul is saying to allow God's mighty power to make you strong. Draw your strength from Him through your union with Him and rely on His strength. His strength will make you ample. Trust Him!

Verse 11 instructs us to "Put on the whole armour of God." This is something each saint has to do individually. Each saint must "put on" and wear this armour which God provides. Each one as a Christian Soldier must put it on, but many soldiers make an army. Putting on the armour is the required preparation for the battle. There is a war going on out there everywhere, all the time, and if we want victory, we must "suit up." God expects our cooperation in preparation. Each saint must take the initiative, the primary step of choosing to wear the armour.

We will define God's whole armour later, but first we will define why we need this armour. Paul explains why in verse 11. "That ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." So that saints may be able to stand firm and remain safe! So we can put up strong resistance against and be immune to the wiles of Satan! What are some of Satan's "wiles?" We are talking about trickery, clever schemes, diabolical traps, snares, or wicked strategy designed to try to destroy Christian faith or any other part of God's Kingdom. However, the power of the Holy Spirit, the Grace of Christ, and the armour of God will enable us to stand our ground against all evil.

Why is Paul warning the saints about all this? The answer is found in verse 12, "For, (because) we wrestle not against flesh and blood..." Who does Paul mean by "we?" He means Christians, believers in Christ, Saints of the Lord, members of the Body of Christ in all generations. You and me!

To "wrestle," means to grapple with or struggle against; to be engaged in a match or bout; any form of striving in order to overthrow an opponent during physical or Spiritual combat. The world-wide spiritual battle that is raging around us (among us) is NOT some bogus T.V. wrestling match; nor a thrilling boxing tournament; nor is it some major event. This is no normal struggle against human enemies, or some innocent contest in peaceful competition with physical opponents.

Well, then, what are we wrestling with? Paul continues to warn us in vs. 12, "...But (we wrestle) against PRINCIPALITIES, against RULERS OF DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, against SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES." Our real opponents are: first, "PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS," -Great evil leaders and all "ranks" and "orders of the wicked ones in power, from the lowest order to the highest echelon; from corporals to generals; from voters to the elected; from witches to warlocks; from sorcerers to Satan; from evil spirits to the Antichrist, all demons which are enemies of Christianity.

Second - "RULERS OF DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD." The evil rulers of the unseen world, powerful satanic beings, authorities and lords of darkness, evil spirited agents who are straight from Satan, him who originated the "darkness" of this world. These are master spirits of evil THAT REALLY DO EXIST! These are the enemies of all true Christians!

Third - "SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES." The word "high" used here is defined in the Greek as; "Above the sky, celestial, heavenly." Paul is referring to evil spirits that are above, well organized evil powers and forces in "heavenly places," or forces from a supernatural sphere which challenge us in the heavenly contest. There are huge numbers of wicked spirits in and from the spirit world. There is an army of evil, supernatural forces who are constantly organizing relentless campaigns against Christians. DO NOT THINK THAT THE ABSENCE OF CHRIST IN EVERY HUMAN SOCIAL FUNCTION OF TODAY'S CULTURE IS COINCIDENTAL, OR ACCIDENTAL, NOR IS IT INSIGNIFICANT TO THE OPPOSITION OF CHRISTIANITY! BELIEVE THAT THE WELL-PLANNED ABSENCE OF CHRIST IS SATAN'S MOST SUBTLE, (but very effective) WEAPON!

Paul continues his final instructions in vs. 13a, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God." Paul uses the word, "wherefore," meaning, "Because I have already exposed the darkness you are up against I URGE you to put on God's armour, NOW, not later, and wear it as a preparation!"

Paul must have anticipated the question, "Why so urgent, Paul?" So he answers in advance in vs. 13b; "That ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand." Paul is explaining the need for urgency. This armour that God provides will make it possible for us to "withstand" evil, resist Satan and stand our ground. When the WORST happens we will have access to DIVINE RESOURCES, which will enable us to hold our ground. We won't be on our own! When the attack is over, we will still be standing FIRM against the enemies of the Cross.

Paul is not suggesting; he is warning and instructing us so he fortifies his statements in vs. 14a, "Stand therefore!" (Almost like a military command.) Paul is INSISTING that we will stand firm against evil "IF" we are prepared by wearing God's armour. It is the ONLY WAY we can experience victory.

(Part Two - Future Issue)