Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV
[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; [18] praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— [19] and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Observation:
At this point in our journey and as close as it seems we are to the return of Christ, it’s easy to look at the war and see it for what it is. The longer we walk as children of GOD, the closer to the from lines we should be getting. However, in the middle of a war, you don’t just run to the front lines without any kind of training. Although we may be eager to dive into this war headfirst, we not only have to be in battle array but also prepared to take some blows as well. Paul was an amazing man. He knew what the war was it had been revealed to him through the Holy Spirit and an encounter that took him from one side of the battle to the other. He had been in the company of a lot of soldiers at this point being transported from one prison cell to another. Placed at the front lines by the one who called him. As he took in the things he saw during these times of being transported. The armor started to make sense to him. He could see the purpose for each piece and how it worked in the life of the soldier, the belt that held the breastplate, and guarded it together. Paul had a wonderful way of relating what he saw to the gospel. Knowing how the truth that is in GOD’S word would not only be under attack but how important it was to hold tight to it was the cornerstone of his approach to explaining how it all works as it relates to the front lines. Without the truth, nothing else will work. The breastplate is useless, and the soldier would spend all of his time trying to hide his vital lower extremities. I believe it’s important for us to know the armor that is provided for the battle and how each piece functions. It would not have been placed in the bible if it were not a strategic part of GOD’S master plan. Paul knew that it was going to be important to let the church know that 90% of the battle starts in the way we think. Explaining the helmet was another very important aspect of the armor, the breastplate of righteousness that is found in Christ is no less important and should be taken into perspective because we have to know how GOD sees us and that’s why it’s important to not only know the truth and protect our hearts with the righteousness of Christ but to keep our mind right as well. That’s where the battle goes on for the most part. The way we think. Paul was aware of the tactics of the enemies he would attack, their righteousness, making them think they were not saved, and the rest would snowball out of control. He was a seasoned soldier. He had been in the battle and knew how to fight the war. He knew each piece of the armor and had taken blows to every one of them would be my guess. His helmet probably had some dents in it, as well as his shield. He was probably thankful for the shield that locked to his brothers and allowed them to work together, keeping the enemy from penetrating the battle line. A faith that, when placed with the faith of others, could form a wall that could not be moved. Knowing these pieces and how the work is very important. But what good is it if you don’t know how to apply them? As we move through the sword, that is the word of GOD and the shoes that help us to stand firm in the peace of GOD. Prayer is how all of it is applied. Notice that it’s after the description of the armor. If you don’t put the armor on, it does no good. As Paul sat there watching, looking waiting. The Holy Spirit was speaking to him. Through the things he was. He more than likely saw countless soldiers getting ready. As he prayed for them when they were preparing for battle. Knowing the value of life even though they are considered his enemy. Watching them place the breastplate over their head, cinching it down with the belt. The battle was revealed to him. I could picture him praying for their lives, their salvation, their preservation. At least until he found an opportunity to present the gospel to them. Because that’s just who Paul was. He was bold and persuasive. His desire was much like GOD’S. He wanted everyone to know the peace he had found. Prayer. That is how he would preserve them in his mind verses 18 through 20 are the key to that he was an ambassador of the gospel and needed the right words to say, so that not one more person would have to die not knowing they had a loving Father who sent HIS only son to make a way for all to connect with HIM.
Application:
I’m sure a lot of men, including myself, have just run into the battle unprepared and come back licking our wounds, being chewed up and spit out by the enemy. My point in this SOAP this morning is not only to help us to know the function of the armor but also how to put it on. I went to a fundraiser a few nights ago for the Hope Center in Sulfur, Oklahoma. My wife and I had a great time. The women at that Hope Center are thriving and chasing after the LORD it was a wonderful thing to see. Especially when they all stepped forward and spoke an amazing prayer out loud, placing every piece of the armor not only on themselves but on their families and all who were around them. It wasn’t the first time I had heard the prayer, and I know it won’t be the last. Watching those women brake the chains of addiction and life controlling issues being smashed by the power of GOD being turned loose in their life through the power of prayer was amazing. But it’s not just limited to the women in the Hope Center. It’s honestly how all of us should start our day. Many years ago, I stopped getting out of bed…. No, im not saying i got lazy… but I started rolling out of bed to my knees and thanking GOD for giving me breath that morning. Asking HIM to protect me in this day and guide my words so that others can hear HIS voice in what I say. Very SOAP, every written by me, is prayed over. To be honest, prayer is a cornerstone to every part of my day. We clothe ourselves in prayer before we start our work day and clothe ourselves at the end of that work day, as well as the prayers that go up throughout the day as well. If you find yourself unprotected throughout the day as the battle rages and blow after blow is taken. It’s probably a good time to stop and pray, put your armor. It doesn’t apply itself. You have to do that. GOD is always going to give you a part to play. Getting prepared for the battle is that part. HE will fight the battle, but you must be arrayed to do so. A soldier would look ridiculous standing on the front lines without any armor. Clothe yourself in prayer, and the battle will be easy… or you can stand there and get taken out by the first arrow because you forgot to pick up your shield. It’s your choice.
Prayer:
Father, as we step forward on this day, let us not do so unprepared. We know that you have already won the battle and we need to walk with that truth in mind. You also ask us to be willing and prepared standing in the truth that is only found in your word. You are “I AM” you are everything that we need. You provide everything that we need according to your riches and glory. You know the battles that we face and have already won the victory let us stand in that truth. As the enemy comes against who we are in your son and what HE did on the cross let us remember the truth that holds our righteousness together. HE fought the battle and one conquering death and the grave and imparting to us HIS righteousness. When you see us you look through the lens of the life that HE lived. That lens allows us to stand in the salvation that HE paid for. Thank you, Father. You did for us what we could not do. As we look at the battles of this day let us lock our shields with those who stand in the fight with us and plant our feet firmly in the peace that you provide through knowing that you are in control. What an amazing GOD you are. You haven’t missed a thing and you’re always right on time. We stand here ready with your sword held high. Know the content that is in it is what we need for the battle. Protect us in every way and lead us in this day it’s in your sons mighty name we pray amen.