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I. Introduction - Session 1 - Part 1A-2: In Ephesians 6:10, Paul says to be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." "Be strong" is the Greek word endunamoo, meaning empowered. So to be strong is to be empowered by God and to appropriate His strength. Paul prays in Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21 that we would recognize that the power of the resurrection is ours. He commands us to act accordingly.
Ephesians 6:11 says to "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Scripture lists two kinds of armor:
1. Defensive armor, for protection:
- The helmet: protecting the head, comes in various forms embossed with many kinds of figures.
- The girdle, or belt: protecting the loins to brace the armor tight against the body, and support daggers, swords and other weapons.
- The breastplate in two parts: one covers the breast and the other covers the back, protecting the vital organs of the body; it extends down to the legs.
- The greaves, or sandals, cover the shins: a form of a sole was often used to protect the feet from rocks, thorns, etc.
- The shield: to protect the entire body from blows and cuts
- The sword is used to destroy the enemy and bring his surrender. Besides the sword, other weapons of offense included the spear, lance, battle-axe, club, bow and arrows, and sling.
The phrase, "that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil;" (Ephesians 6:11)describes three blessings received from the armor of God:
1. The ability to stand against all enemies (Ephesians 6:11-14).
2. The ability to withstand all attacks (Ephesians 6:13).
3. The ability to quench Satan's fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16).
"Having done all to stand," or "to
stand" is a military term meaning to hold one's position; having already
conquered, stand ready again to do battle. "Wiles" is the Greek word, methodeia,referring to the methods one would use to accomplish a task. In this context, it includes the different means, plans, and schemes used to deceive, entrap, enslave, and ruin men's souls. The
defensive armor is a soldier's personal armor, used for protection. The
offensive armor is for conquest, bringing the enemy into surrender, or
slaying the enemy. Paul uses these common military tools to make a spiritual application. Ephesians 4 and 5 encourage
us to appropriate the things that are of God. It warns us of many
ungodly practices as well. Paul tells us to take up, or put on, the
armor of God giving us the power and authority to do those things that
we should do, and not do the things that we should not do.
Putting on the armor doesn't just
happen; it takes effort. It is not a ritual of some kind. As believers,
God gives us access to His armor, but we are commanded to put it on — all of it. This is a result of doing, believing, embracing, responding, and studying to gain knowledge and truth.
May the peace of God guard your hearts and minds ALWAYS!!!
Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks
NOTE:
These materials are copyright protected therefore you must request
permission to reproduce any part of this material. To request
permission, please contact Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks: drdehooks@abusedwoman.org.
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