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The Armor of God

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The Armor of God.

I would suggest that all of the pieces of the armor that God provides us with are associated with the word.

The Importance of the Armor. KJV Ephesians 6:10-13 .
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:12 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.
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.


1. Loins girt about with truth of the word. Psalms 119:114. "Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word." John 17:17. "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

2. Breastplate of righteousness. Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. How does God do this? Through His word. Philippians 2:13 tells us, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure," and again this will be through His word.

Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Your feet being shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace is symbolic of our walk, and the gospel proclaims good tidings of those different things God is doing. How do you prepare? Through the word; you cannot run to tell the message without being prepared with the word. 1 Peter 3:15 says it like this: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Above all, taking the shield of faith. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Well I would say to this that if I think I have no faith, what happened to the faith God has dealt to every man? Is it merely weakened for a lack of exercising it? Romans 14:1. Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. Dear hearts, Christ leads us into valleys as well as the mountaintops so that we may be tested. 1 Peter 1:7. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: Remember that we are God's workmanship; a jewel being prepared, and God may be bragging on you just as He did in Job 1:8, And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Do you think since you are saved by the blood of Christ and not by works of righteousness which you have done, that you are any less perfect than Job was? That was just the beginning of Job's testing and God perfected him as He is doing in you.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Take the helmet of salvation. Only through the word can you know the assurance of your salvation. It is there for all, but hard for many to ever realize; that takes that faith to believe God instead of ourselves accusing us. Even Job defended himself against his accusers, and God has laid aside every sin we have in the death of His Son. Romans 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Philippians 3:9, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Oh the blessings we receive when we love our brethren as ourselves, and many times we can see our brother struggling and easily pray for them, but then forget to have that same integrity toward our own spiritual walk. Our faith weakens and we find ourselves in the far land feeding swine, and in want. Now we remain the son, and our Father never leaves or forsakes us, but we soon find ourselves in want. What to do about it? Run to our Father Who will run to meet us, put our ring back on our finger, the robe of righteousness, and slaughter the fatted calf to honor us. Faith? Hebrews 12:2. "Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." We cannot do it, but God can. Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

May God bless this to you in Jesus' name.
 
The Armor of God.

I would suggest that all of the pieces of the armor that God provides us with are associated with the word.

The Importance of the Armor. KJV Ephesians 6:10-13 .
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:12 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.
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.


1. Loins girt about with truth of the word. Psalms 119:114. "Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word." John 17:17. "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

2. Breastplate of righteousness. Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. How does God do this? Through His word. Philippians 2:13 tells us, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure," and again this will be through His word.

Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Your feet being shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace is symbolic of our walk, and the gospel proclaims good tidings of those different things God is doing. How do you prepare? Through the word; you cannot run to tell the message without being prepared with the word. 1 Peter 3:15 says it like this: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Above all, taking the shield of faith. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Well I would say to this that if I think I have no faith, what happened to the faith God has dealt to every man? Is it merely weakened for a lack of exercising it? Romans 14:1. Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. Dear hearts, Christ leads us into valleys as well as the mountaintops so that we may be tested. 1 Peter 1:7. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: Remember that we are God's workmanship; a jewel being prepared, and God may be bragging on you just as He did in Job 1:8, And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Do you think since you are saved by the blood of Christ and not by works of righteousness which you have done, that you are any less perfect than Job was? That was just the beginning of Job's testing and God perfected him as He is doing in you.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Take the helmet of salvation. Only through the word can you know the assurance of your salvation. It is there for all, but hard for many to ever realize; that takes that faith to believe God instead of ourselves accusing us. Even Job defended himself against his accusers, and God has laid aside every sin we have in the death of His Son. Romans 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Philippians 3:9, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Oh the blessings we receive when we love our brethren as ourselves, and many times we can see our brother struggling and easily pray for them, but then forget to have that same integrity toward our own spiritual walk. Our faith weakens and we find ourselves in the far land feeding swine, and in want. Now we remain the son, and our Father never leaves or forsakes us, but we soon find ourselves in want. What to do about it? Run to our Father Who will run to meet us, put our ring back on our finger, the robe of righteousness, and slaughter the fatted calf to honor us. Faith? Hebrews 12:2. "Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." We cannot do it, but God can. Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

May God bless this to you in Jesus' name.
Good Post Brother. Bible doctrine and His word is our armour.

I will get in trouble for this but.......And Knowing that we are SECURE in Christ is a piece of the armor. Most believers do not have that piece of armor in their arsonal.

Thank you.
 
Armor, sheilds, and sword are for defense... Not offense.

We have nothing to worry about, the Gospel message will continue. God's will cannot be thwarted by anyone.

Not that what has been said above is wrong in any fashion. But I see many using scriptures for attacking others. That's just wrong.
The various trolls that frequent the forums show their true colors soon enough and will not succeed unless we lose our grace and wisdom. Wise as serpents but gentle as doves.
 
Many past leaders of faith used "weapons" and "wars" constructs from the scriptures to justify external wars of the faith waged by governments and their christian believing warriors. We rail on the jihadists today, but the history of christianity in alliance with governments wars is really no different. Christians have jihads too. We justify ours and condemn theirs in typical hypocritical fashions.

And for another example, who in their right mind as a christian doesn't want to see a baby killer/abortionist doctor be put to death for his sinning crimes? Get the picture?

There are no visible faith weapons. Just as there are no visible evil enemies. As one pointed out, these weapons are "defensive." I might add, to be used for "internal" battles. The war transpires between our own two ears. We are essentially our own enemy.

Romans 7:21
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

The weapons are for personal containment, perhaps so it doesn't get out of hand. Is God in Christ against the evil present with us? Uh, yeah. We can take that to the spiritual bank.

IF we get good at using these weapons, we will eventually come to understand that our prayers to God in Christ really should be to have the evil present with us destroyed. This is the quest of the christian warrior. But, this particular thought is not pleasant to "evil present." So, we dodge the obvious at the bequest of evil present. And, in that process, we are continually defeated. Christians are so used to justifying themselves we have a hard time seeing things from the opposing direction. Even when there is a "fire brand" preacher who reminds us vehemently about our sins, even dangling believers over the pits of hell, they always give an "out" at the end.

"Do this and you'll be OKEY DOKEY, all good to go."

Paul asks us a question about this matter to contemplate, personally, in Romans 9:

22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

The "real" message to the churches has been long buried. What if God IS willing to show His Wrath, and that WRATH starts with us? Would you go there to have your EVIL PRESENT destroyed? OR do we rather run away from Jesus as fast as humanly possible when this is proposed?

This is at the heart of the GREAT DAY OF WRATH and of Jacobs trouble.

Judgment was always meant to start at the house of God. No believer really believes it though, and prefer it to go away, and lay that on someone else.

1 Peter 4:17
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

IF we are promised to be freed and released from evil present with us, a condition that God has placed not only all of mankind under, but even ourselves, THEN God is the only one capable of changing this matter. And our prayers might actually be answered someday, seeing that we really are meant to get HIT FIRST.

We do not use our "weapons of faith" to protect ourselves. They are meant to bring destruction to the enemy in our own heart.
 
Judgment was always meant to start at the house of God.
Judgment has began brother as Jesus walks among the candlesticks (Rev 2:1). Its consequence is written throughout this present age in Revelation Chapters Two & Three. When we see Jesus we only receive our reward; not more judgment, and our place there with Him will be according to our works of righteousness.
Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
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Judgment has began brother as Jesus walks among the candlesticks (Rev 2:1). Its consequence is written throughout this present age in Revelation Chapters Two & Three. When we see Jesus we only receive our reward; not more judgment, and our place there with Him will be according to our works of righteousness.
Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
.

Who is "we" my friend? How we view "man" is at the heart of these sights. I understand man is not alone in heart. See 1 John 3:8 for quick reference. For kickers, Acts 26:18, 2 Cor. 4:4, 2 Cor. 12:7. These all show that there is more than "just mankind" in mankind. IF you see this much, there is a mountain more to see in scripture to hammer home the point. Romans 9:18-23 and 2 Tim. 2:20-21 for followups.

I doubt entirely that the evil present with Paul was in any way either overlooked or justified by God in Christ. I don't think Paul laid that kind of justification on himself either. He was in fact his own harshest critic. 1 Tim. 1:15 for a short example.

We might learn the lesson from Jesus, that TWO will be sleeping in one bed, and only ONE will be moving on to be with God in Christ on a permanent basis. Luke 17:34
 
Who is "we" my friend?
The "We" I see is all in Christ; that's who Jesus is judging in Revelation Chapters Two & Three as He walks among the churches (Candlesticks).
Those not in Christ will appear at the Great White Throne judgment (Rev 20:11), and their judgment is shown in Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
My thoughts.
 
Just like a musical instrument, where we try to stay on top of things practicing scales and arpeggios.We should always be ready with the "word" in order to be useful weapons in winning sheep to the flock.Practice makes perfect just like practice on the firing range.You have to be fit to beat Satan in this war.As Peter tell us which I think bears reference to what Paul is telling us."...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."1 Peter 3:15 N.I.V.I interpret this as Scriptural Fitness.
 
The "We" I see is all in Christ; that's who Jesus is judging in Revelation Chapters Two & Three as He walks among the churches (Candlesticks).

Probably not the case.

Rev. 2:
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee,
 
Probably not the case.

Rev. 2:
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee,
What does that mean to you?

I'll repeat a bit of what I've said and add to it.
We are before the Judgment seat of Christ as He walks among “the seven candlesticks which are the seven churches.” Rev 1:20
Rev 2:1 . . These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.

What is Jesus doing? Read His judgment of the seven church assemblies where he tells five of them to repent, and only commends two of them; Smyrna (Rev 2:10) & Philadelphia (Rev 3:10).

Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else Iwill come unto thee quickly, and (Jesus) will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. This church had begun great, and putting Christ first was no longer part of their spiritual walk. (Rev 2:4).

When we see Jesus our reward will be with Him (Rev 22:12); His judgment was sure according to our walk in this present life, and it is presented in Revelation Chapters Two & Three.

Now just what is being removed from its place, and I’ll use the example of Israel, because we read in 1 Cor 10:11, Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

(Exodus 28:9-10) To start with the 12 tribes worn on the Ephods of Aaron’s shoulders were placed in order of birth. Rueben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, Joseph, & Benjamin.

(Exodus 28:29) On the Breastplate of Judgment they are changed in order which are 10 full tribes and two half tribes; Joseph died and the tribe of Levi were priests and led the march by 2000 cubits and were not numbered with tribes of Israel (Num 2:33). Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Rueben, Simeon, Gad, Ephrain, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, & Naphtali.
 
What does that mean to you?

A lot of things. Already delineated that I don't believe God in Christ ever turns His Head away from the evil present with us, i.e. just giving it the blow off. Not at all. I think it's the exact opposite case. Judgment for the "house of God" remains a very solid matter. See 1 Peter 4:17 for example.

The most interesting part is how we dissect matters of judgment. Theodicy, for me, is the most interesting part of theology.

I'll repeat a bit of what I've said and add to it.
We are before the Judgment seat of Christ as He walks among “the seven candlesticks which are the seven churches.” Rev 1:20
Rev 2:1 . . These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.

What is Jesus doing? Read His judgment of the seven church assemblies where he tells five of them to repent, and only commends two of them; Smyrna (Rev 2:10) & Philadelphia (Rev 3:10).

And that might also be an example of a reader not listening to "everything" that is being said to "all" the churches, which is what we are supposed to do, rather than trying to fit ourselves into the 2 we think we can get by with in order to dodge what's being said to the others. Just my 2 cents. Listen to it all and take it personally.

It is not a crime of christian faith to see ourselves in this condition, as that is exactly His Intentions, meant for us to see personally:

"knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" (Rev. 3:17)

We all have a tendency to NOT want to see ourselves as we should. So, I ask, why not? Why the need to dodge?

IF I'm listening and accepting, THEN I'll see myself as Jesus says to know.


Now just what is being removed from its place, and I’ll use the example of Israel, because we read in 1 Cor 10:11, Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

(Exodus 28:9-10) To start with the 12 tribes worn on the Ephods of Aaron’s shoulders were placed in order of birth. Rueben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, Joseph, & Benjamin.

(Exodus 28:29) On the Breastplate of Judgment they are changed in order which are 10 full tribes and two half tribes; Joseph died and the tribe of Levi were priests and led the march by 2000 cubits and were not numbered with tribes of Israel (Num 2:33). Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Rueben, Simeon, Gad, Ephrain, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, & Naphtali.

Not really sure where any of that is heading. Perhaps you can elaborate?

And please keep in mind I'm NOT using any of my sights to condemn any believer for any reason. I think any believer can head straight INTO the most DIRE aspects of Gods Words, personally, and without FEAR of the loss of salvation.
 
IF I'm listening and accepting, THEN I'll see myself as Jesus says to know.
I don't know about you, but I do know I'm one that needs God's grace at all times.

As for the Breastplate of Judgment, the manner of the tribes listed on Aaron's shoulders by birth changed according to their walk shown on the breastplate. Just as we are being presently judged according to our walk in Christ we can lose our original place if that's the way to express it, experience the loss of certain rewards, and suffer consequence unless we repent. E.g., Thyatira in Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
 
I don't know about you, but I do know I'm one that needs God's grace at all times.

As for the Breastplate of Judgment, the manner of the tribes listed on Aaron's shoulders by birth changed according to their walk shown on the breastplate. Just as we are being presently judged according to our walk in Christ we can lose our original place if that's the way to express it, experience the loss of certain rewards, and suffer consequence unless we repent. E.g., Thyatira in Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

The breastplate you speak of could fill dozens of posts. That is a very elaborate showing. Perhaps too much for the peck and post reply format. What I will point to in the manner of significance, not that many might correlate, but where else do we see these "jewels?"

Ezekiel 28:13
Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold:

The breast plate of the High Priest and Ezekiel 28:13 ARE intimately connected.
 
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