Imagine trying to win a marathon race wearing snow shoes! Or, dancing in a ballet wearing combat boots! As small an item as footwear may seem compared to helmets, swords and breastplates, having the right shoes when you're in battle, can mean the difference between life and death.
In the days of the apostle Paul, Roman soldiers wore very specific shoes. They were called "caliga" and, while they look like sandals, they were a military boot with an open upper which laced from the ankle up to the calf.
The footwear of the Roman soldier was usually made from either cow or ox leather that had undergone a two-year tanning process with three layers: an insole, an outer sole and an upper.
Another distinction about these shoes were the hobnails, which were driven in from the bottom, outer sole. These hobnails gave the shoe not only durability but, more importantly, gave the soldier stability as the hobnails would grip the ground just like cleats do for the modern athlete. A soldier that couldn't stay on his feet was at the mercy of his enemy.
And so, God equips the believer on the battlefront with shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace. The idea behind the word "preparation" is better translated "preparedness." Preparation indicates a process of getting a thing ready, whereas preparedness indicates that the preparation has already been completed and one is now ready. We are not to start getting prepared with these shoes but, the soldier is standing already prepared.
The gospel becomes the source of preparedness. We cannot have a readiness to stand without experiencing the transforming power of the gospel in our lives. It is the source of preparedness.
Lastly, peace is the benefit brought by the gospel. It is the gospel of peace with which a believer can have shod their feet in readiness. Peter, when walking out on the water toward Jesus did just fine in the midst of a howling storm while his focus was on Jesus. But when his attention was averted to the sound of the wind and the roughness of the seas, he began to sink. In essence, Peter lost his footing and began to slip into the sea. The transforming work the gospel brings to our lives can give us the stability to stand firm no matter how severe the attacks may be from Satan.
The gospel brings peace and if it's peace brings preparedness, then the way to get the preparedness is by soaking our minds and hearts in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Bible makes it clear that believers are involved in an invisible, spiritual battle. This blog, which is a reflection on our Sunday morning sermon-series, attempts to ponder our role in the battle.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Suiting Up For Battle - The Breastplate of Righteousness
One of the most obvious pieces of defense the Roman soldier wore was the Lorica Segmentata - at least, that's what modern day scholars call it. In the days of the First Century, the Roman soldiers simply called it "lorica."
The lorica, or breastplate, was a significant improvement over it's predecessor by giving the soldier added protection and maneuverability. It was designed to protect the Roman soldier's heart, lungs, intestines and other vital organs.
Like the Roman soldier, the Christian must wear armor that protects their mind and emotions from the attacks of the wicked one. "HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS," (Ephesians 6:14b). This righteousness is a Practical Righteousness. A day-by-day living out an obedient life based on God's word.
In his book, Victory In Spiritual Warfare, Tony Evans says, "Righteousness simply means being or doing what is right. The belt of truth comes before righteousness because there can't be righteousness apart from truth. Truth is the standard. Righteousness reveals how to work that standard out."
Perhaps, somewhere along the day today, you've shed your breastplate of righteousness by chosing to disobey God's commands. I urge you to seek God's forgiveness and once again, put on the breastplate of righteousness.
The lorica, or breastplate, was a significant improvement over it's predecessor by giving the soldier added protection and maneuverability. It was designed to protect the Roman soldier's heart, lungs, intestines and other vital organs.
Like the Roman soldier, the Christian must wear armor that protects their mind and emotions from the attacks of the wicked one. "HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS," (Ephesians 6:14b). This righteousness is a Practical Righteousness. A day-by-day living out an obedient life based on God's word.
In his book, Victory In Spiritual Warfare, Tony Evans says, "Righteousness simply means being or doing what is right. The belt of truth comes before righteousness because there can't be righteousness apart from truth. Truth is the standard. Righteousness reveals how to work that standard out."
Perhaps, somewhere along the day today, you've shed your breastplate of righteousness by chosing to disobey God's commands. I urge you to seek God's forgiveness and once again, put on the breastplate of righteousness.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Suiting Up For Battle - The Belt Of Truth
The Roman soldier's belt or, baldric, was foundational in the soldier's armor in the Roman Imperial period. In the Augustan time, those centurions who had fought without honor were deprived of their sword-belts.
The Roman Soldier’s belt had many purposes. The first was to secure the bottom of the tunic above the knees to give the solider unlimited freedom of movement. Roman citizens wore their tunic either below the knee or, all the way down to the ground. Wearing it raised above the knee, through the use of this belt, immediately identified the person as a soldier in the Roman army.
The belt also was used to secure the soldier’s sword. The sword’s scabbard would attach to either the right or left side of the soldier and often times, the opposite side would hold their personal dagger.
Another important purpose of the belt was to shift some of the breastplate’s weight from the shoulders by adding support across the waist through the belt.
Paul looks at this Roman Soldier’s belt and commands us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that the first piece of armor we are to put on is the Belt of Truth.
The Belt of Truth refers to the believer’s integrity and faithfulness. When we wrap the conduct of our daily lives in truth, it frees us from stumbling - much like the Roman Soldier’s belt frees him from stumbling over his tunic.
The Belt of Truth for the believer is just as foundational to adequately defend ourselves against attack. For example, the next piece of armor, the breast-shield of righteousness, won’t be well-supported if our lives aren’t, at it’s very foundation, truthful.
Our next post will discuss the Breastplate of Righteousness.
The Roman Soldier’s belt had many purposes. The first was to secure the bottom of the tunic above the knees to give the solider unlimited freedom of movement. Roman citizens wore their tunic either below the knee or, all the way down to the ground. Wearing it raised above the knee, through the use of this belt, immediately identified the person as a soldier in the Roman army.
The belt also was used to secure the soldier’s sword. The sword’s scabbard would attach to either the right or left side of the soldier and often times, the opposite side would hold their personal dagger.
Another important purpose of the belt was to shift some of the breastplate’s weight from the shoulders by adding support across the waist through the belt.
Paul looks at this Roman Soldier’s belt and commands us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that the first piece of armor we are to put on is the Belt of Truth.
The Belt of Truth refers to the believer’s integrity and faithfulness. When we wrap the conduct of our daily lives in truth, it frees us from stumbling - much like the Roman Soldier’s belt frees him from stumbling over his tunic.
The Belt of Truth for the believer is just as foundational to adequately defend ourselves against attack. For example, the next piece of armor, the breast-shield of righteousness, won’t be well-supported if our lives aren’t, at it’s very foundation, truthful.
Our next post will discuss the Breastplate of Righteousness.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Our Stance In The Battle: Stand Firm
Some of the most exciting moments of a battle occur when the troops are rallied behind a dynamic leader, a challenge is issued and the forces are unleashed against their enemy in a triumphant charge. Yet, in the spiritual warfare we are in, God - our General, doesn't call us to charge the enemy. Rather, His command to us is to stand firm.
The apostle Paul has been writing to the believers in Ephesus using a common action-verb: Walk. That indicates a direction of forward movement. In Ephesians 4:1, we are to Walk in Unity; in Ephesians 4:17, we are to Walk in Holiness; in Ephesians 5:1-2, we are to Walk in Love; in Ephesians 5:7-8, we are to Walk in Light; and, in Ephesians 5:15, we are to Walk in Wisdom. It almost seems natural by this point in the letter for that forward momentum to continue, especially when Paul turns to the subject of spiritual warfare. Yet, Paul makes a dramatic switch in the action-verb when we enter Ephesians 6:10-17. We go from Walking to Standing.
In spiritual warfare, the believer is not to:
Attack the devil.
Advance on the devil.
In spiritual warfare, the believer is to:
Hold fast to the ground already gained by Christ and His church.
Hold fast in the various types of attacks Satan will bring. Not all are head-on assaults.
Ok, so we have sought the empowering strength of the almighty God; we understand we must put on all the armor of God; for the purpose of being able to withstand any and all treacherous attacks from Satan and his demonic forces. Tomorrow, we'll talk about that first piece of armor…. The Belt Of Truth.
The apostle Paul has been writing to the believers in Ephesus using a common action-verb: Walk. That indicates a direction of forward movement. In Ephesians 4:1, we are to Walk in Unity; in Ephesians 4:17, we are to Walk in Holiness; in Ephesians 5:1-2, we are to Walk in Love; in Ephesians 5:7-8, we are to Walk in Light; and, in Ephesians 5:15, we are to Walk in Wisdom. It almost seems natural by this point in the letter for that forward momentum to continue, especially when Paul turns to the subject of spiritual warfare. Yet, Paul makes a dramatic switch in the action-verb when we enter Ephesians 6:10-17. We go from Walking to Standing.
In spiritual warfare, the believer is not to:
Attack the devil.
Advance on the devil.
In spiritual warfare, the believer is to:
Hold fast to the ground already gained by Christ and His church.
Hold fast in the various types of attacks Satan will bring. Not all are head-on assaults.
Ok, so we have sought the empowering strength of the almighty God; we understand we must put on all the armor of God; for the purpose of being able to withstand any and all treacherous attacks from Satan and his demonic forces. Tomorrow, we'll talk about that first piece of armor…. The Belt Of Truth.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Put On The WHOLE Armor of God
Almost three years ago there was an amusing story that came from a place we rarely get amusing stories - the frontlines in Afghanistan. Zachery Boyd, one of our brave American soliders, was roused from his sleep by enemy fire on his post in eastern Afghanistan. He immediately snatched his rifle and took up a defensive position wearing his helmet, body armor and his pink boxer shorts that said, "I Love New York!"
This story got a lot of attention because it was captured on film by an Associated Press photographer and the picture made the front page of the New York Times. In a humorous way, it illustrates that we are not always ready to be thrust into a combat situation! I think most Christians are a lot like Specialist Zachery Boyd, not fully ready to meet the enemy.
God tells us in Ephesians 6 verses 11 and 13 that we are to "put on the WHOLE armor of God." I emphasize the word "whole"("full") because so many times we are likely to just put on one, two or maybe three pieces of defensive armor that God has provided and because we aren't fully protected - we still get hit by the enemy's attacks and are taken out.
God says in this text that unless we put on the full or whole armor God has provided, we won't be able to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Look again at the Bible:
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil" (vs. 11)
"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." (vs. 13)
Are you reeling from the hits of the enemy? Take a moment to inspect your armor. Have you put on the WHOLE armor of God, or just pieces of it?
This story got a lot of attention because it was captured on film by an Associated Press photographer and the picture made the front page of the New York Times. In a humorous way, it illustrates that we are not always ready to be thrust into a combat situation! I think most Christians are a lot like Specialist Zachery Boyd, not fully ready to meet the enemy.
God tells us in Ephesians 6 verses 11 and 13 that we are to "put on the WHOLE armor of God." I emphasize the word "whole"("full") because so many times we are likely to just put on one, two or maybe three pieces of defensive armor that God has provided and because we aren't fully protected - we still get hit by the enemy's attacks and are taken out.
God says in this text that unless we put on the full or whole armor God has provided, we won't be able to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Look again at the Bible:
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil" (vs. 11)
"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." (vs. 13)
Are you reeling from the hits of the enemy? Take a moment to inspect your armor. Have you put on the WHOLE armor of God, or just pieces of it?
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Fight In God's Power, Not Your Own
Have you ever baked something with one of those "baking kits?" You know, the box that contains everything you're going to need to bake something. Fighting in the spiritual war is like that - everything you need to be successful in the battle is already provided for you by God.
When we get to Ephesians 6:10-20, we discover that God has prepared an arsenal for us. It's full of every possible tool we will ever need to fight against Satan and his demons and the very first thing God says we need to fight victoriously is His power strengthening us.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." (Ephesians 6:10)
In the Greek language the apostle Paul wrote this letter, fighting in God's power is a command (it is an imperative) yet, we don't actively take on God's power - instead, God places His power on us. We are empowered for the battle.
Jesus told His disciples in John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. for apart from Me you can do nothing." That same principle is essential when it comes to engaging in the spiritual battle. We cannot successfully fight Satan and his demons without being empowered in God's strength.
As we suit up for battle, we must understand that this empowerment from God is not taken on one time and is good for the rest of your life. We must take on the empowering strength of God for doing battle time after time, day after day, just as we must do in putting on the armor of God.
In tomorrow's post, we'll look at putting on the WHOLE armor of God.
When we get to Ephesians 6:10-20, we discover that God has prepared an arsenal for us. It's full of every possible tool we will ever need to fight against Satan and his demons and the very first thing God says we need to fight victoriously is His power strengthening us.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." (Ephesians 6:10)
In the Greek language the apostle Paul wrote this letter, fighting in God's power is a command (it is an imperative) yet, we don't actively take on God's power - instead, God places His power on us. We are empowered for the battle.
Jesus told His disciples in John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. for apart from Me you can do nothing." That same principle is essential when it comes to engaging in the spiritual battle. We cannot successfully fight Satan and his demons without being empowered in God's strength.
As we suit up for battle, we must understand that this empowerment from God is not taken on one time and is good for the rest of your life. We must take on the empowering strength of God for doing battle time after time, day after day, just as we must do in putting on the armor of God.
In tomorrow's post, we'll look at putting on the WHOLE armor of God.
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