Standing Strong Against Warfare - Part 2

In Ephesians 6:11-18 we are told to put on the full armor of God to stand against the wiles of the devil. We are to stand strong even though it is not flesh and blood we are fighting.

So what exactly does it mean to put on the full armor of God?

Let look today at the first two pieces of the armor in Ephesians 6, the belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness.

The first thing Paul tells us to do is stand having girded our waist with the truth. The picture he is painting is a warrior girding his loins. In Roman times this phrase “girding your loins” meant to draw up and tie your lower garments between your legs to increase mobility. This prevented the loose ends of the tunic from getting tangled up and causing the soldier to stumble or fall. Girding your loins was a common practice done during the Roman era to protect the private area of a man (an area very vulnerable).

So how does girding our loins in the truth apply to us today?

We start by having spiritual agility. Preventing ourselves from stumbling and falling by having truth in our lives. We tie up all the loose things in our lives that cause us to stumble.

When we hide behind a mask or have hidden things in our lives we are not living in truth. By living in truth we are truly set free. Living in truth means that we are honest with God, ourselves and others. If we are not transparent in our lives, it gives Satan things to needle us about. When we are hiding things, past or present, that we are afraid to tell others, rest assured Satan will use it to tell us we are not good enough. When we are completely truthful, there is nothing left for the devil to throw at us and create condemnation.

Are there hidden things in your life that you’re scared to tell anyone? Things you would prefer no one ever knew about? If so, I would urge you to find someone safe to tell them to. As you begin to reveal things, the power of Satan to use them against you is taken away.

The next thing Paul tells us to do is put on the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate of the Roman soldier was made of chain-mail. A metal chain knitted together which made it easier to have full range of movement but still be protected. It protected the soldier’s heart and other vital organs, which were necessary to sustain life.

Righteousness is our breastplate, knitted together for us through the blood of Jesus Christ. It gives us full range of motion to serve and care for others while protecting us from attack to our heart. With the breastplate of righteousness given to us at salvation by grace, we can fight boldly knowing our vital organs are protected. Christ is continually working his righteousness in us. Through this righteousness we are justified and can stand before God.

We are to continue in righteousness by not walking in sin or compromising our faith. When we walk in the righteousness of Christ each day, we are assured that we will be protected just as a breastplate of chain-mail protected the Roman soldier.