August 23, 2018 Thursday Night Worship - Ephesians 6:10-20 "Suiting Up" (Putting on the Armor of God)

The sermon last Thursday night covered the final bit of Ephesians as prescribed by the Lectionary.  Ephesians 6:10-20 to be precise.

One of the points that I made in the sermon is that generally when we hear sermons or view illustrations of this passage about "Putting on the Armor" of God, the imagery is of us standing alone... facing evil and it's onslaught alone.  The brave Solider of God with our sword held high and our shield before us, the Devil has no hope it would seem...  But, I don't believe this image is the one that the Author of Ephesians sought to create.

Let's consider how the armies of the day, specifically the Roman Army fought and lined up for battle.  They stood in rows, with their shields overlapping, one source stated that approximately a third of the solider next to you was covered by your shield and conversely, approximately a third of you was covered by the soldier's shield that stood on your other side.  These armies and warriors worked together, they stood together in battle and they relied upon each other.  They were 'UNITED', the over-arching message of Ephesians is one of unity and even though to us this idea of 'putting on the armor' of God may sound strange in a religion concerned with peace, love, and grace... to the people of that time they would understand that the message was about standing firm as one.  We are each a 'solider' in the Army of our Lord, we each need to shield the soul next to us and to stand strong together no matter what the world decides to propel against us.

Bless the one(s) that stand beside you by being firm and determined in the Lord...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Grace,
Roy

Ephesians 6:10-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our[a] struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these,[b] take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,[c] 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

Footnotes:
a) Ephesians 6:12 Other ancient authorities read your
b) Ephesians 6:16 Or In all circumstances

c) Ephesians 6:19 Other ancient authorities lack of the gospel