The Full Armor of God

All my life growing up in Christian surroundings, I have been told to put on the Armor of God. I have heard it probably since infancy, and have never quite understood just exactly HOW to put on this armor. So, this week, while I was reading a book about the seasons of a mothers life, the author began to talk about putting on the Armor of God. I decided to take time and really dig deep, looking at the Greek words and cross referencing the verses, trying to obtain some kind of tangible way to "put on the whole armor of God." So...here's what I found. The terms used to define the words in bold are additional English definitions of the Greek words originally used in the writing of the scriptures. I italicized the additional words.

Ephesians 6:10-18

"Finally, my brethren, be strong (enabled, to increase in strength) in the Lord, and in the power of his might. {11} Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand(abide, continue) against(toward [this is an offensive term, not defensive]) the wiles(trickery, travailing over, to lie in wait) of the devil (false accuser, slanderer). {12} 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. {13} Wherefore take (receive) unto you the whole armour of God,that ye may be able (possible, be of power) to withstand(to stand against, oppose or resist) in the evil (hurtful-in effect or influence, calamitous, ill diseased, vicious) day, and having done all, to stand(abide continue). {14} Stand(abide, continue) therefore, having your loins girt about with truth(to be true-in doctrine and profession, to speak or tell the truth), and having on the breastplate of righteousness(justification, equity-of character); {15} And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel(the Good News) of peace; {16} Above all, taking the shield of faith(persuasion, credence, conviction of religious truth, reliance upon Christ for salvation, and constancy in such profession, fidelity), wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked(hurtful-in effect or influence, calamitous, ill, diseased, vicious). {17} And take the helmet of salvation(defender, defense), and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word(utterance) of God: {18} Praying(supplication and worship to God) always with all prayer(worship) and supplication(request) in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Now, I know that was A LOT, however, it really helped me grasp HOW to put on the Armor of Christ. It's not just some mysterious thing that I imagine I am putting on as I pray in the morning. It is, in essence, knowing what I believe, speaking what I believe without inconsistencies, remaining true, not wavering, about what I believe and letting Gods words, His scripture and His word to my heart, be my weapon. It is being prepared and taking offensive steps, positioning myself (which comes through prayer and being led by the Spirit), before the darts of this world are even launched, not just knowing how to put out the fire once it has. It's extinguishing the SPARK before it is a ravenous fire.

The scripture says that we have been given ALL we need for Life and Godliness (2 Peter 1:3). It also says that we are destroyed because we lack the knowledge we need to live in a fallen world (Hosea 4:6). We are to study to show ourselves approved (2Timothy 2:15).

I am exited to know that by, and this is simplifying it, knowing what I believe, why I believe it, standing firm in what I believe and following the words of God, I will be putting on His armor. In that, there is GREAT power and GREAT protection.

So...to each of you, put on the Whole Armor of God, that you too, may stand against the wickedness around you. That is my prayer.

Katie