God's Armor

  Paul continues in Ephesians 6 to describe an entire suit of armor to protect us in battles against evil.  In addition to the belt of truth, he mentions the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation.  Those are all for defense and really depend on faith in God and what God can do and has promised to do.
  The sword of the Spirit is an offensive weapon.  It is the word of God which can be used to combat the words of the evil one such as Jesus did when tempted in the desert.  He came right back at Satan with Scripture (Mt 4:1-11) to contradict what Satan said.  We can't fight the father of lies if we don't recognize the lie for what it is and know the Scripture which contradicts and overcomes it.
  The other part of God's armor which Paul mentions is the shoes of the gospel of peace (Eph 6:15).  Most see these as another defensive weapon, but I see them as an offensive weapon.  The shoes of the gospel of peace enable us to go forward, to tread on the enemy (Christ has put Satan under his feet), and to spread the gospel of peace where the enemy engenders war, chaos and death.
  Again, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil (Eph 6:11-12). 

  For reflection:  God provides the armor.  Will I take it up and use it?
  Let us pray.  Jesus, help me to recognize my true enemies.  By faith help me to take up your armor and continue to go where you lead me, spreading your good news, your gospel of peace throughout the earth.

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