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Volume. XXXVII, No. 7 The Conflict and Arsenal for the Christian (Part 2) Be Equipped with the Armour of God (v14-17). Having your loins girt about with truth
The belt is not an ornament, it is an armament. It was used by Roman soldiers to hold the entire set of their amour together and is thus naturally very important. If we want to put on the belt, we must be on the side of truth which comes from Jesus Christ (Jn 1:17), as opposed to the devil’s deceitfulness. As Christians, we must be found standing (symbolizing readiness) and wearing our belt all the time
Snipers will usually aim at either the head or the chest first. Roman soldiers who wear the breastplate will have a better chance of survival because the breastplate (i.e., righteousness) protects one of the most important organs: the heart. There are 2 forms of righteousness:
The Christian gospel is defined as peace-making with God. We must always be ready to use every opportunity to share the gospel. But before we can share the gospel, we must make sure that we know the gospel well enough AND that we are actually saved – because what you do not have, you cannot give. We must have Christ to share Christ; we must understand the gospel before we can teach it.
The Roman soldier’s shield is an oblong/triangular 4x 2.5ft piece of metal that is the mobile piece he carries. When the soldier squats down and places the shield in front of him, he should be at least 90% covered against the enemy's arrows. Our faith in God and his word is supposed to act as a shield to guard us against the fiery darts of the evil one. There are, again, two forms of faith:
The helmet protects the head, which represents the seat of knowledge and bastion of understanding. This guards us against false doctrines and teachings that permeate the world and the Church today.
The sword is the only offensive weapon that will protect and equip us to advance into enemy territory (i.e., to share the gospel with unbelievers in evangelism). The Bible is the sword of Christians, which will be our main weapon in all our preaching teaching and evangelistic efforts. The question here to consider is: how much of this book that we carry really belongs to us? Do you read, meditate and memorise the Word of God? Know the word well and you are ready to do battle.
The armour of God functions well when complemented by fervent persevering prayer for ourselves and others too. Prayer symbolizes devotion and constant communication with God and is like that oil that protects our armour, which in turn protects us.
Conclusion The two previous world wars have taught us that proper military equipment and the right and strategic use of it is important coupled with courage for ultimate victory in each battle. We live in perilous times where the enemy will attack us even more. Are we truly equipped and ready to withstand the attacks of the enemy when it comes? It is one thing to know about the armour and another to be actually wearing it and to know the God of this armour. Are you truly born again, and have you truly accepted Christ and repented of your sins? Let us all put on the full armour of God, that we ‘may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand’.
Rev. Jack Sin With permission from Rev Jack Sin
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