We can never clothe our self in God’s protective armour apart from Jesus.
Our daily warfare is not against (Ephesians 6:11-18) physical opponents but against, the deceptive strategies of Satan and the wicked master spirits and the demonic rulers of the world system in the spiritual sphere during the present darkness. Unceasing prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) in a continual relationship with God is essential. Prayer is necessary at all times and on all occasions to keep us alert because our enemy is (1 Peter 5:8) a devouring lion always on the prowl. We need to pray with strong perseverance. Also, we need to be faithful in prayer for the unsaved because (2 Corinthians 4:4) the god of this world system has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them in darkness and prevent them from seeing the Light. We are instructed to put on the full armour of God but we must realize that we can never clothe our self in God’s protective armour apart from Jesus. We cannot stand firm against the evil days in our own strength. Therefore, clothe yourself (Galatians 3:27) with Christ. Put on (Ephesians 4:24) the new nature which is Godlike in holiness. Now that we are clad in full armour, we are prepared and ready. Consider these characteristics:
The belt of Truth – Truth is embodied and personified (Ephesians 4:21) in Jesus. Because Jesus is (John 14:6) the Living Truth in me, I can live a life of transparent integrity and be able to instantly recognize error and falsehood.
The breastplate of righteousness – Because Jesus is (1 Corinthians 1:30) my righteousness, He will enable me to choose and do (John 8:29) only what pleases God and be as salt and light witness in all I say and do wherever and whenever.
Footwear of the Gospel of peace – Always standing firm and undisturbed in peace that is (Philippians 4:7) beyond understanding and wherever my shod feet take me, I will be an agent for the peace of God.
The shield of faith – which I can lift up over worry, doubt, uncertainty and fear and extinguish all the flaming missiles of the devil with the victory (1 John 5:4) of conquering faith that overcomes the world.
The helmet of salvation – which is (1 Corinthians 2:16) the mind of Christ to produce and protect in my mind eternal Truth, sound judgment, understanding and increasing Godly wisdom, insight and knowledge. To have Jesus control every decision and detail of my life.
The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God – Because Jesus is (John 1:1) the Living Word, this is the Sword which the Holy Spirit wields for both defence and offence. Every attack of Satan that is met with the Living Word of God (Matthew 4:4) is defeated. Every false Gospel and distortion of Truth that is penetrated by the Living Sword will be demolished into death, only to be discarded and forgotten. Psalm 119 is all about God’s Word and clearly reveals how essential it is in every aspect of our lives, even to meditate (Psalms 63:6) during wakeful periods in the night.
We can see that being clad in God’s armour is to be (Galatians 3:27) clothed with Jesus Christ. Put on (Ephesians 4:24) the new nature which is Godlike. Clothe yourself (Colossians 3:10) with the new life which is always in the process of being renewed daily and remodeled after the image and likeness of Him Who created that new life. Then we will live (Colossians 3:3) the life that is hidden with Christ in God. (Oswald Chambers) “When we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive quickening life from the Ascended Lord.”
Is my wonder of God and my admiration for Him always increasing or am I (are you?) caught in the snare of too easily taking things for granted?
For instance – I turn on a light by thoughtlessly flicking a switch. Stop! think – remember – ponder. If God had not created water, there would be no hydro. Our homes, churches and commercial buildings would have no heat, no light, no air conditioning, no power tools, batteries, no telephone, no radio, no television, no computers and many other familiar things would not exist. At night our streets would be fearfully dark and mostly deserted. God created in humans the technical know-how, the curiosity and the desire to explore for the ongoing and beneficial development of these gifts of His lavish Grace.
How great is God’s goodness (Zechariah 9:17) and how great is His beauty. The beauty God has created in natural laws, function and order in our world and beyond in His vast universe, the seasons and the order, time, space, energy, matter, the design. All of these are a voice to declare (Psalms 19:1) the glory of God by their very existence. But how do we use God’s gifts and blessings in our smaller personal world? Satan uses these very things in his devious schemes to tempt us to selfishly hoard them for ourselves, to let the flesh dictate, to demand my rights, to complain and to completely neglect (Proverbs 3:5-6) to acknowledge God in all our ways and to crowd out grumbling by wonder-filled gratitude.
Everything God has created, prepared and arranged is for the benefit of human earth dwellers whom He has created for His glory and His joy and our joy also in close personal loving relationship. As we abide in this intimate fellowship, we will fulfill the purpose for which God created us. As we consider all the works of His hands (Psalms 8:3-4) we wonder why He is mindful of us who have betrayed Him. But God was mindful, so mindful that He Himself became the Answer to our dilemma. Millions or more years ago the Lord hung trillions of glittering stars in place, brilliant jewels to beautify the night sky. A little more than 2000 years ago, He Himself hung on a Cross, a Cross of shame, torture and agony - - alone - betrayed – deserted – abandoned – in the utter darkness of hell. His Atoning sacrifice was so complete for you and me, that death could not retain its hold on Him because (Acts 3:15) God raised Him from the dead. So – because He lives (John 14:19) we shall live also.
(Charles Price) “As we layout our lives for Jesus (Luke 17:33) He will lay His Life out for us”
Lord Jesus, I want to take your yoke (Matthew 11:28-30) and walk in sweet companionship with You. I don’t have my own agenda, I choose to join You in what You are doing and where you are going and to continually, increasingly learn of you.
If ever I loved You, my Jesus, it is now