"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (ASV)
While I'm sure this verse (or others like it) has been used many times over the years to justify warfare and bloodshed, when taken in context we see that it is talking about a different type of battle. Not a battle of men killing men, but one that takes place on a spiritual level. This type of battle is just as deadly, though in a more eternal manner, but because it is subtle and covert, many don't realize it is being waged within their own souls.
In Ephesians 6, Paul warns us to be prepared to do spiritual battle. But what is "the whole armor of God"? While I'm usually partial to the ASV, I'll use the NIV for most of this one because it's easier to see the metaphor there. The pieces of the armor of God are listed this way: "the belt of truth," "the breastplate of righteousness," "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace," "the shield of faith," "the helmet of salvation," and "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." (Ephesians 6:14-17 NIV)
The first piece Paul mentions is the "belt of truth." Truth is something that often seems to have gone missing from our world today. Paul knew though that if we are to stand up to temptation and lies that we would need to know what truth is. Also, we need to be seen as men and women of character, so that others might believe us when we speak. While at times it may seem more convenient in the short term to speak pretty lies as a way of preserving the peace, we as Christians are called to be honest and truthful at all times, lest our lies taint our testimony.
Next comes "the breastplate of righteousness." While it is true that no human is righteous apart from the grace of God, we that no longer stand under judgment can lay claim to God's righteousness. Because Christ has taken our sins upon Himself, we are once again seen pure and clean in the eyes of God. In this way we now have attained righteousness, despite our own failings and misdeeds. Because God has justified us in this way, we can now lay claim to his righteousness and repel the lies the enemy uses such as "you're not good enough" or "you've messed up too much."
A third piece is "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." While there are many interpretations of this particular passage, I choose to believe that Paul's words here were echoed later in his letter to the church at Philippi. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21 ASV) What he was saying was that we don't need to fear this battle because we know how it will come out in the end. We know that Christ has already secured us a place in heaven, so why should we fear anything, even death?
Next comes "the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16 NIV) Our faith in God can indeed shield us from the attacks of evil. Because we know that we serve a just, loving God, we know that He will not allow us to come to any temptation that He will not also help bring us out of. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 ASV)
Once we have shielded our body, we must also protect our minds with "the helmet of salvation." To me this refers to the fact that salvation is assured to those who have accepted Christ. It has long been questioned whether it is possible for us to lose our salvation by doing bad things. I wholeheartedly believe that the answer is no, and Paul makes an argument for this case in the book of Romans: "We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law." (Romans 3:28 ASV)
The final piece of our spiritual armor is "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." The weapon we are provided to use against Satan and against evil in general is God's Word. A shame then, that so many do not know it. One of my favorite lyricists, Matt Morginsky of the OC Supertones put it this way: "How will you stand if you don't understand? Fight like a man, scriptures in hand." (Grounded, Chase the Sun) Without a firm grounding in the Word, we as Christians can't stand in the face of temptation and doubt. We have no way to defend our faith because we don't even really know what it's all about.
So how about you? Are you prepared for spiritual battle? Will you be ready when the enemy attacks? Will you be able to stand in the face of temptation?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Isaiah 44:22
"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." (ASV)
"Am I going to Hell because I..." I've heard this question from Christians who are new in the faith more times than I can count. I've even seen it here on the net. I'm pretty sure at some point when I was still learning about God, I've even asked it myself. From the world's standpoint it's a very valid question. Praise God that He doesn't look at such things from the world's standpoint!
We are blessed to serve a God who does not punish us for doubting. In His ultimate patience, He listens to our doubts, time and time again, and answers them with love. Christ Himself demonstrated this aspect of God when He returned to the disciples after His resurrection. Thomas (and this is where the phrase "doubting Thomas" came from) would not believe that He was really Jesus, returned to earth. Rather than rebuking Thomas for his doubts, Jesus patiently allowed him to examine the scars He bore from the cross. (John 20:24-29)
Some people question because of the severity of their sin. There are certain sins that many think God won't forgive. Murder, theft, extra-marital sex, and anything done inside a church building tend to fall into this category. Somehow the thought is that these things are too big to be covered by grace. In this case I think the asker is usually forgetting where that grace comes from.
We are granted grace because Christ died on the cross for us. He then conquered death so that it would have no power over us. The ultimate price has been paid so that we might receive the free gift of grace. Because of the perfection of Christ, He bore every sin, both the ones that had already been committed and the ones that had not yet come about, as He hung there on that cross. To say "My sins are too big to be forgiven" is to doubt this precious gift. There is nothing that we can do that is more powerful than what He has done for us. "But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man." (Hebrews 2:9 ASV)
Another common reason for doubting grace is self image. We feel that we are not worthy of God's love. This is certainly true, but that doesn't mean He doesn't love us just the same. We are God's children, grafted into His family. A good parent doesn't love their child any less because of any flaws they might have. A good parent doesn't abandon their child if the child has done wrong. God's love to us is much like the love of a good parent, perfected. No matter what we do, no matter how we lash out against Him or how badly we have behaved, He will never love us any less than He did the moment we were conceived. "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee." (Isaiah 49:15 ASV)
Others may doubt because they somehow believe that once they've been forgiven, they can't be forgiven again. Fortunately for us, purification is a process. God will purify those He has called, but it won't be in a flash of light. It takes time for our souls to be refined, and during that process we will sin. We'll make the same silly mistakes over and over, but that's ok. That's part of learning. The good news is that it's not our job to become perfect. God will perfect us in His time, so we need not worry about it. "And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you." (1 Peter 5:10 ASV)
What about you? Do you have doubts about grace? Do you have questions for God? Remember, He is only a prayer away, and He is more than willing to answer.
"Am I going to Hell because I..." I've heard this question from Christians who are new in the faith more times than I can count. I've even seen it here on the net. I'm pretty sure at some point when I was still learning about God, I've even asked it myself. From the world's standpoint it's a very valid question. Praise God that He doesn't look at such things from the world's standpoint!
We are blessed to serve a God who does not punish us for doubting. In His ultimate patience, He listens to our doubts, time and time again, and answers them with love. Christ Himself demonstrated this aspect of God when He returned to the disciples after His resurrection. Thomas (and this is where the phrase "doubting Thomas" came from) would not believe that He was really Jesus, returned to earth. Rather than rebuking Thomas for his doubts, Jesus patiently allowed him to examine the scars He bore from the cross. (John 20:24-29)
Some people question because of the severity of their sin. There are certain sins that many think God won't forgive. Murder, theft, extra-marital sex, and anything done inside a church building tend to fall into this category. Somehow the thought is that these things are too big to be covered by grace. In this case I think the asker is usually forgetting where that grace comes from.
We are granted grace because Christ died on the cross for us. He then conquered death so that it would have no power over us. The ultimate price has been paid so that we might receive the free gift of grace. Because of the perfection of Christ, He bore every sin, both the ones that had already been committed and the ones that had not yet come about, as He hung there on that cross. To say "My sins are too big to be forgiven" is to doubt this precious gift. There is nothing that we can do that is more powerful than what He has done for us. "But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man." (Hebrews 2:9 ASV)
Another common reason for doubting grace is self image. We feel that we are not worthy of God's love. This is certainly true, but that doesn't mean He doesn't love us just the same. We are God's children, grafted into His family. A good parent doesn't love their child any less because of any flaws they might have. A good parent doesn't abandon their child if the child has done wrong. God's love to us is much like the love of a good parent, perfected. No matter what we do, no matter how we lash out against Him or how badly we have behaved, He will never love us any less than He did the moment we were conceived. "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee." (Isaiah 49:15 ASV)
Others may doubt because they somehow believe that once they've been forgiven, they can't be forgiven again. Fortunately for us, purification is a process. God will purify those He has called, but it won't be in a flash of light. It takes time for our souls to be refined, and during that process we will sin. We'll make the same silly mistakes over and over, but that's ok. That's part of learning. The good news is that it's not our job to become perfect. God will perfect us in His time, so we need not worry about it. "And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you." (1 Peter 5:10 ASV)
What about you? Do you have doubts about grace? Do you have questions for God? Remember, He is only a prayer away, and He is more than willing to answer.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
James 1:17
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning." (ASV)
It's amazing to me how often I forget to thank God for the good things in my life. I'm always right there, letting Him know about it when things go badly for me, but when everything is going well He hears from me quite a bit less. Foolish, I know, but I really think that part of this is human nature.
James 1:17 reminds us that everything that is good is from God. When the supreme Creator of the universe chooses to bestow gifts upon us, isn't it only fitting that we should praise and thank Him for it? Of course, I thank Him for the big things. When something I have been praying over is resolved, I thank God. When something really uniquely amazing comes my way, I thank God. But what about the little things?
I forget to thank Him for each day I am given. "This is the day which Jehovah hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) We should be thankful for every day, not just the bright sunshiny ones or the ones when we have time to relax and enjoy life. We should be thankful for the stormy days, the icy cold ones and the scorchingly hot and humid ones. We should thank God for the days when we have jury duty or have to deal with something unpleasant at work or school. EVERY day is His creation, after all.
I'm pretty good about remembering to be thankful for meals, unless there's too much distraction or I'm so hungry I forget. In 1 Timothy 4:3, Paul, speaking about false doctrines, writes "forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth." If God wants us to receive meats with thanksgiving, I don't see why He wouldn't expect the same whether we're eating vegetables, fruits or grains. I need to be more consistent about thanking Him for every meal.
All in all, I need to think about the little things that happen throughout my day. The song of the bird perched on my windowsill is a blessing from God. The beauty of the sunset, the sweet-smelling breeze, a call from a friend, the ability to go out to dinner with my husband. There are so many things I forget to be thankful for. What about you? What are some of the things God has given you for which you should thank Him?
It's amazing to me how often I forget to thank God for the good things in my life. I'm always right there, letting Him know about it when things go badly for me, but when everything is going well He hears from me quite a bit less. Foolish, I know, but I really think that part of this is human nature.
James 1:17 reminds us that everything that is good is from God. When the supreme Creator of the universe chooses to bestow gifts upon us, isn't it only fitting that we should praise and thank Him for it? Of course, I thank Him for the big things. When something I have been praying over is resolved, I thank God. When something really uniquely amazing comes my way, I thank God. But what about the little things?
I forget to thank Him for each day I am given. "This is the day which Jehovah hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) We should be thankful for every day, not just the bright sunshiny ones or the ones when we have time to relax and enjoy life. We should be thankful for the stormy days, the icy cold ones and the scorchingly hot and humid ones. We should thank God for the days when we have jury duty or have to deal with something unpleasant at work or school. EVERY day is His creation, after all.
I'm pretty good about remembering to be thankful for meals, unless there's too much distraction or I'm so hungry I forget. In 1 Timothy 4:3, Paul, speaking about false doctrines, writes "forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth." If God wants us to receive meats with thanksgiving, I don't see why He wouldn't expect the same whether we're eating vegetables, fruits or grains. I need to be more consistent about thanking Him for every meal.
All in all, I need to think about the little things that happen throughout my day. The song of the bird perched on my windowsill is a blessing from God. The beauty of the sunset, the sweet-smelling breeze, a call from a friend, the ability to go out to dinner with my husband. There are so many things I forget to be thankful for. What about you? What are some of the things God has given you for which you should thank Him?
Monday, March 19, 2007
Philippians 4:6
"In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (ASV)
The days of the early Christian church were no less stressful. While it's true that most of today’s concerns were unheard of at the time, they had plenty to worry about. They could be imprisoned or simply stoned to death for sharing the gospel. Food did not come prepackaged in cellophane wrappers with conveniently stamped expiration dates, and when they got it home there was no refrigerator to put it in. There were no vaccinations and little medical knowledge to keep the ravages of disease at bay. Work did not involve sitting in a chair for a mere eight hours a day and then returning home to your family. There was no pension fund to support them in their old age. Still, Paul knew about the ultimate source of stress-relief.
"In nothing be anxious," he wrote to the church at
Of course, once we’ve given something to God in prayer, we need to step back and leave it with Him. We need to realize that the burden of worry is no longer ours to bear. Since God is a sovereign and loving God, He will handle it for us. This is often the tricky part of the equation, but it’s crucial if we want to release our stress.
What is it that you're anxious over today? It could be something as big as global warming, as personal as your performance review coming up at work, or as small as the blemish you’ve just noticed on your face. It doesn't matter. God can handle anything, no matter the size. Why not give it to Him? Why not let it go?
Sunday, March 18, 2007
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