Equipped for War - Part 2

Ephesians 6:17-18a

It is of vital importance to remember that none of these articles of military clothing and equipment are of human manufacture; such would be powerless against the "wiles of the devil". Each piece has its source in and focus on God alone.

1. Truth - more than honesty, sincerity of heart; confident belief in absolute truth of God

2. Righteousness - the imputed righteousness of Christ

3. Preparedness - readiness that comes from the Gospel

4. Faith - objective, justifying and saving

5. Salvation - more properly, the hope of salvation

take - to receive or accept an object or benefit for which the initiative rests with the giver, but the focus of attention in the transfer is upon the receiver. Louw-Nida

The verb thus expresses the "reaction to action on the other side." TDNT

His joyful salvation, [compared] to a helmet which glitters from afar Isa_59:17 K&D
Signifying that God has all means at hand to deliver his Church and to punish their enemies. Geneva Notes on Isa 59:17

Hope of salvation is of great use to a Christian many ways: it is a cordial to comfort him, a spur to quicken him, a staff to support him, a bridle to restrain him, and so also a helmet to defend him: and therefore no wonder that the apostle calls true hope a lively hope, 1Pe_1:3. And as itself is lively, so it is a defence to the life of the soul, as a helmet is to the life of the body. Poole on 1Th 5:8

Most importantly, we must remember Psa_68:20 "Our God is the God of salvation" and Jon_2:9 "Salvation is of the Lord". Salvation does not begin with us, it does not depend on us in any way, it is not something we can gain or lose except by God's fiat. It began with God, all the conditions were met by God, it is bestowed by God, and its culmination belongs only to God.

Our salvation is both present and future - we are saved and are being saved. We are saved from condemnation but not from all the consequences. We have been regenerated, pardoned, justified and adopted, we are being sanctified and we will be glorified. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit as a surety or guarantee of our complete salvation as also the promise that "he who has begun a good work in [us] will carry it out until the day of Jesus Christ". Php_1:6

Our hope of salvation is a confident expectation that God will finish in us what he has begun. That hope has for its foundation the internal witness of the Holy Spirit Rom_8:16-17, the historical fact of the resurrection 1Pe_1:3 and 1Co_15:12-18, and the ongoing evidence of our sanctification 1Jn_1:7 1Jn_2:3 etc. It is a hope based on objective truth, not subjective feelings, and gives us assurance that we will not be defeated in battle but will persevere until the end. That confidence is also "contagious", inspiring and encouraging those near us to keep their attention properly fixed on Christ and their hope in him Php_3:13-14.

6. Word - the uttered word of the Gospel

See Joh_3:34 Joh_8:47 Rom_10:17 Heb_11:3

This sword, the only weapon provided for the Christian warrior, is the “proclaimed word” (ῥῆμα) of God, the gospel. By using ῥῆμα instead of λόγος, Paul calls attention to the word of God in proclamation, not just to a written word lying on the shelf. College Press NT Commentary

Here we have the phrase ῥῆμα θεου which is to be understood in accordance with the proper sense of ῥῆμα as the spoken Word, the preached Gospel, and this in its length and breadth – not in the commandments of God only, nor in His threatenings alone, nor even yet in the sense of the written Word, the Scriptures. The sword is the only offensive weapon in the panoply. But it is indispensable. For while the Christian soldier is exhibited here mainly in the attitude of defence, as one who stands, in order to take his position and keep his ground, thrust and cut will be required. The preached Gospel, “the power of God” (Rom_1:16; 1Co_1:18) is the weapon provided by the Spirit for meeting the lunge of the assailant and beating him back. Expositor's Greek Testament

The answer which would most commonly and almost unthinkingly be given is, I suppose, the Scriptures; but while this is on the whole true, it is to be noted that the expression employed here properly means a word spoken, and not the written record. Both in the Old and in the New Testaments the word of God means more than the Bible; it is the authentic utterance of His will in all shapes and applying to all the facets of His creation...

The early Christian teachers and apostles had no hesitation in taking that sacred name — the word of the Lord — to describe the message which they spoke. One of their earliest prayers when they were left alone was, that with all boldness they might speak Thy word; and throughout the whole of the Acts of the Apostles the preached Gospel is designated as the word of God, even as Peter in his epistle quotes one of the noblest of the Old Testament sayings, and declares that the ‘word of the Lord’ which ‘abideth for ever’ is ‘the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.’ Alexander MacLaren (19th c. Scottish Baptist), Exposition on Ephesians

In Ephesians, however, when the Christian soldier wields the sword of the word, it is not first of all the word of judgment but the good news of salvation. r`h/ma here, not λόγος, refers to the gospel (cf. also Eph_5:26; Rom_10:18; 1Pe_1:25). This is “the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph_1:13), “the gospel of peace” (Eph_6:15). This form of the word of God is also a sharp sword (cf. Heb_4:12), and the Spirit gives it its power and penetration (cf. 1Th_1:5). As believers take hold of and proclaim the gospel, they are enabled to overcome in the battle. And as regards the powers, that gospel does sound a note of judgment, for it announces their defeat. The paradox again is that it is the gospel of peace and reconciliation that is the sword that enables the militia Christi to advance. As the Church continues to be the reconciled and reconciling community, the gospel conquers the alienating hostile powers and brings about God’s saving purposes. Word Biblical Commentary

...this sword is the gospel (cf. 1Pe_1:25), God’s utterance; if you wish, the Bible, the entire Word of God. First it was spoken by him, and now his servants proclaim it to others.

...Soldiers for Christ handle the word, heed it, hide it in their hearts, and hold it forth among the nations. The sword, thus wielded, is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb_4:12). By using this powerful sword Paul and his associates had won amazing victories. And any victory that is being won today either at home or abroad is the result of the wielding of this sword. God is not dead! He lives and speaks in and through his message.

It is by means of it that man’s state of guilt before God is revealed, his sinful condition exposed. Through it, too, when applied to the heart by the Spirit, man is led to the Savior from sin, and to thanksgiving and praise. Through it doubts are dispelled, fears driven away, assurance of salvation given, and Satan put to flight. Hendriksen - Kistemaker, NT Commentary

Only God's Word is effective against Satan; human reasoning and language will be torn to shreds by the devil's subtleties. It is the absolute truth found in the Word that can conquer deception and falsehood. It is through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ found in the Word of God and accompanied by the Spirit that the greatest victories are won against Satan. God has promised that his "Word that goes forth out of his mouth" will accomplish his purpose Isa_55:11. He has entrusted this weapon to the church 1Ti_3:15 not merely to preserve in its manuscript form but to commit it to faithful men who will in turn commit it to others and thus rescue those whom Satan has held hostage.

The reason why the Church is called the “pillar of truth” is, that she defends and spreads it by her agency. God does not himself come down from heaven to us, nor does he daily send angels to make known his truth; but he employs pastors, whom he has appointed for that purpose. To express it in a more homely manner, is not the Church the mother of all believers? Does she not regenerate them by the word of God, educate and nourish them through their whole life, strengthen, and bring them at length to absolute perfection? For the same reason, also, she is called “the pillar of truth;” because the office of administering doctrine, which God hath placed in her hands, is the only instrument of preserving the truth, that it may not perish from the remembrance of men. Calvin on 1Ti 3:15

7. Prayer

The effectiveness of the armor is dependent largely on the supplier; yes, we have our responsibilities, but we are still totally dependent on God and his resources in order to wage war successfully. True, God has committed himself to provide for our needs but he has chosen to do so largely through the means of prayer.

See Mat_7:11 Joh_14:13-14 Joh_15:7 Joh_15:16 Joh_16:23-24 Jas_4:2-3 1Jn_5:14-15

God expects us to use the means he has provided to acquire the supplies we need; after all he has given us both command and example - example prayer Mat_6:9-13 and example practice Joh_11:21-22. For us to simply expect God to provide for us because he knows what we need before we ask it is presumption. Jesus charged his disciples not to babble in prayer since endless repetition will only make God's ears tired Mat_6:8; that does not relieve us from the duty to ask him to meet our needs.

No matter how complete the armor; no matter how skilled we may be in the science of war; no matter how courageous we may be, we may be certain that without prayer we shall be defeated. God alone can give the victory; and when the Christian soldier goes forth armed completely for the spiritual conflict, if he looks to God by prayer, he may be sure of a triumph. Barnes

About the midst of this valley [of the shadow of death] I perceived the mouth of hell to be, and it stood also hard by the wayside. Now, thought Christian, what shall I do? And ever and anon the flame and smoke would come out in such abundance, with sparks and hideous noises, (things that cared not for Christian’s sword, as did Apollyon before,) that he was forced to put up his sword, and betake himself to another weapon, called All-prayer, Eph_6:18; so he cried, in my hearing, O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Psa_116:4. Thus he went on a great while, yet still the flames would be reaching towards him; also he heard doleful voices, and rushings to and fro, so that sometimes he thought he should be torn in pieces, or trodden down like mire in the streets. This frightful sight was seen, and these dreadful noises were heard by him for several miles together; and coming to a place where he thought he heard a company of fiends coming forward to meet him, he stopped, and began to muse what he had best to do. Sometimes he had half a thought to go back; then again he thought he might be half-way through the valley. He remembered also, how he had already vanquished many a danger; and that the danger of going back might be much more than for to go forward. So he resolved to go on; yet the fiends seemed to come nearer and nearer. But when they were come even almost at him, he cried out with a most vehement voice, I will walk in the strength of the Lord God. So they gave back, and came no farther. Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress, The Fourth Stage

In order for us individually and corporately to be successful in the spiritual warfare we must wage, it is imperative that we remember:

1. the protective equipment God has provided to us
2. to faithfully and wisely use the offensive equipment God has provided to us
3. to constantly and in every situation acknowledge our utter dependence on Him
4. our brothers and sisters (the church) depend on our help in advancing the kingdom against its foes

Reprise - It is of vital importance to remember that none of these articles of military clothing and equipment are of human manufacture; such would be powerless against the "wiles of the devil". Each piece has its source in and focus on God alone.

Equipped for War - Part 1

Ephesians 6:14-16

See parallel figures in Isa_11:5 and Isa_59:17

This is how things are: moral absolutes have disappeared (14ab), public morality has collapsed (14cd) and individual moral character is under threat (15ab). Justice and righteousness is moral practice arising out of moral principle. The initial ‘For’ before truth, introducing evidence substantiating the foregoing, should be restored. Truth/‘integrity, trust, probity’ has stumbled in the streets, i.e. has collapsed in public life. Honesty is straightforwardness, straight dealing. Truth is nowhere to be found possibly means ‘integrity/personal probity has gone missing’. There are forces of immorality at work constituting a threat to those who would even as much as stand aloof from what is wrong (cf. Am. 5:13). J. Alec Motyer, Introduction & Commentary on Isaiah

It is of vital importance to remember that none of these articles of military clothing and equipment are of human manufacture; such would be powerless against the "wiles of the devil". Each piece has its source in and focus on God alone.

1. Truth - more than honesty, sincerity of heart; confident belief in absolute truth of God

It is not simply integrity or sincerity, but the assured conviction that you believe, and that it is God's truth you believe. Such a sincere persuasion binds tightly the other pieces of armor; and "trussing up his loins" gives the combatant alertness and buoyancy in the battle, enabling him to "endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ". He feels supported and braced by his conscious knowledge and reception of the truth. Eadie

The state of the heart answering to God's truth; inward, practical acknowledgment of the truth as it is in Him: the agreement of our convictions with God's revelation. Vincent

See Joh_8:31-32 Joh_8:36 Gal_3:1 absolute truth, the truth, God's truth. Remember Satan's #1 tool - deception: he will use some of the truth in order to deceive. Our only hope is a knowledge of and confidence in pure truth, such a firm confidence even in the face of minimal understanding that it will not be shaken.

5. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church of God, to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the Doctrine, and the Majesty of the stile, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God) the full discovery it makes of the only way of mans salvation, and many other incomparable Excellencies, and intire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence it self to be the Word of God; yet notwithstanding; our (h) full perswasion, and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our Hearts. LBCF, Chapter 1
Joh_16:13-14 This confidence of the truth is not something God expects us to come up with on our own; as the Confession states, it is an inward work of the Holy Spirit that produces it. The Spirit accomplishes it by removing the blindness of our minds resulting from sin and Satan's efforts 2Co_4:3-4 and renewing our minds so they function and reason clearly and correctly Rom_12:1-2. 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith

2. Righteousness - Integrity, holiness, purity of life, sincerity of piety. Barnes

What is that righteousness, which in the spiritual armour answers to the cuirass? Many say it is our own righteousness, integrity, or rectitude of mind. But this is no protection. It cannot resist the accusations of conscience, the whispers of despondency, the power of temptation, much less the severity of the law, or the assaults of Satan. What Paul desired for himself was not to have on his own righteousness, but the righteousness which is of God by faith; Phil. 3, 8. 9. And this, doubtless, is the righteousness which he here urges believers to put on as a breast-plate. It is an infinitely perfect righteousness, consisting in the obedience and sufferings of the Son of God, which satisfies all the demands of the divine law and justice; and which is a sure defence against all assaults whether from within or from without. Hodge

But when the justifying righteousness of Christ is assumed as a breastplate by sinners, they can defy the assaults of the tempter. To every insinuation that they are so vile, guilty, worthless, and perverse - so beset with sin and under such wrath that God will repulse them - they oppose the free and perfect righteousness of their Redeemer, which is upon them. Eadie

See Zec_1:1-5 What better defense can we have when in the presence of Satan than that which Joshua had! Even before the accuser could speak, God rebuked him on behalf of Joshua and demonstrated why Satan's silence was necessary. Joshua was by no means innocent, Satan had much of which to accuse him; but once Joshua was clothed with imputed righteousness, all basis for accusation was removed.

1. Those whom God Effectually calleth, he also freely (a) justifieth, not by infusing Righteousness into them, but by (b) pardoning their sins, and by accounting, and accepting their Persons as (c) Righteous; not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone, not by imputing faith it self, the act of beleiving, or any other (d) evangelical obedience to them, as their Righteousness; but by imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole Law, and passive obedience in his death, for their whole and sole Righteousness, they (e) receiving, and resting on him, and his Righteousness, by Faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God. LBCF, Chapter 11

The devil ( διάβολος ) is the master slanderer, accusing us falsely but with elements of truth - regurgitating our failures but with the insinuation that they haven't been or cannot be forgiven. The devil will remind us of legitimate weaknesses or offenses and at the same time minimize or ignore God's grace and power to forgive. These weaknesses/offenses can just as easily be corporate as individual; further, they could be entirely wrong. For example, reformed churches aren't evangelistic; if they were true churches, people would be getting saved there; how many converts/baptisms have you had this year?

3. Preparedness - readiness that comes from the Gospel

Four times Paul has exhorted his hearers to stand - v. 11, 13 and 14. We are to stand against the wiles of the devil, against the forces of spiritual wickedness.

The reference is, therefore, not to readiness to proclaim the gospel but to the readiness or preparedness for combat and for standing in the battle that is bestowed by the gospel of peace. The writer’s emphasis is paradoxical. It is the appropriation of the gospel of peace that makes one ready for war. As we have seen from Eph_2:14-18, the gospel of peace is embodied in Christ who “is our peace,” and this is a peace with both vertical and horizontal axes: peace with God the Father and peace between human beings, Jews and Gentiles, who were formerly at enmity. Since such peace is the pledge of future cosmic harmony (cf. Eph_1:10; Eph_3:10), its realization in the Church not only sounds the death knell for opposing cosmic powers but also, in the meantime, leads to the intensification of their opposition. A continuing preservation and appropriation of the gospel of peace is, therefore, necessary if the powers are to be resisted and if believers are to be ready to make their stand in the world, the stand that is in line with their calling. Believers’ preparation for standing firm and prevailing against the alienating and fragmenting powers of evil is the harmony produced by the gospel. Word Biblical Commentary

The only way we as individuals can effectively stand against the sinister forces of evil that surround us if if we are united, at peace, with both God and men. The church cannot do its job (corporately) if it is in turmoil, in conflict with itself. In fact, the devil has won if he can persuade the church to fight itself rather than against the advance of evil in the world. Conflict with others is a natural outworking of the selfish sinful tendencies of the natural man and it requires Gospel power and effects to change that. The result of Gospel work is that the real enemy - Satan and his minions - can be clearly perceived and resisted.

4. Faith - objective, justifying and saving

The faith here intended is that by which we are justified, and reconciled to God through the blood of Christ. It is that faith of which Christ is the object; which receives him as the Son of God and the Saviour of men. It is the faith which is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen; which at once apprehends or discerns, and receives the things of the Spirit. it overcomes the world, as is proved by so many examples in the twelfth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Hodge

Such a large and powerful shield is faith - that unwavering confidence in God and His grace which guards the mind from aberration and despondency, and easily wards off such assaults as are made upon it. Eadie

1Jn_5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Eph_2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

The shield was used by heavy infantry and was approximately 2-1/2 feet wide by 4 feet high, sufficient to cover nearly the entire body. When the outer ranks held their shields to the outside and the rest held their's over their heads, the entire formation would be protected from enemy missiles. The shield also provided a second layer of defense against attack, covering over the belt, breastplate and helmet.

But you notice that there is no protection for the back, a fact often understood as an indication that running from battle is not an option. However, if the armor is intended to be used by an army unit and not by a sole individual, there is great protection on all sides from fellow soldiers. This should impress on all Christians the vital necessity of being joined to a local church - not merely for the safety of the individual, but for the cohesiveness of the unit as a whole.
Remember this provision of armor and protection is an integral part of God's purpose that he is working out through Christ in the church. Christ died for the church, he gifted the church with leaders, he has provided equipment to the church for her protection and advancement in the world as he builds her up in spite of all opposition.

Preparation for War

Ephesians 6:10-13

How often do you think "life shouldn't be like this; it shouldn't be this hard, hurt this much, be this much hassle..." You're right; there's a sense in which it shouldn't; and it hasn't always been like this. In the beginning it was different, and in the end it will be different still; in the beginning it was perfect, in the end it will be more perfect. But here in the middle, it's war.

What I just articulated structures a biblical view of history, diametrically opposed to the majority view the culture holds of history. God began it and he has a goal in view. The first few days of human existence form the basis for that nagging feeling that "it shouldn't be like this"; the rest of history is the unfolding of God's plan to redeem and reconcile his people and then bring them to glory. But God isn't the only one with a plan - Satan and the forces of evil have a plan as well, to oppose God in all his acts.

At the Fall all the world came under the dominion of sin; that was the darkest day the world has ever known, darker even than Crucifixion Day. At the moment of the fall there were no saints, all of the world was corrupted and under the curse and slavery to sin and Satan. But also from that moment, God has been working his plan forward, recovering the ground that was lost one regenerated soul at a time. And at each step of the way he has been violently resisted by the forces of evil, forces at work in the world and within each individual.

The conflict is a cosmic one, extending to dimensions we are unable to perceive. It is not a physical but a spiritual conflict, waged in the spiritual realm but with temporal and earthly consequences. We must take heart, though; we are not alone in the conflict. The holy angels and even the very Son of God are engaged in the battle - see Dan_10:13-21

The conflict is not simply defensive - we are not to merely attempt to hold ground against the onslaught of evil and its agents. We are to be actively engaged in taking ground away from the forces of evil within ourselves and in the world.

1. be empowered (10)

a. this is a war that requires power

The opposition is real, it is widespread and it is powerful.

i. It has power over nature - Jesus stills the storm Mar_4:39
ii. It has power over creatures - the herd of swine Mat_8:32
iii. It has power over people - the demon-possessed boy Mar_9:22 Act_19:16

b. the power only comes from the Lord

i. empowered by the Lord
ii. strong in the Lord
iii. strong in his mighty power

c. it is a power that has already defeated the opposition

Eph 1:19-20 according to the working of His mighty (ischus) power (kratos) which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong (endunamoo) in the Lord and in the power (kratos) of His might (ischus).

2. put on (11)/take up (13a)

a. requires action and effort

i. we aren't naturally armored or disciplined or spiritually fit (in shape)
ii. God doesn't automatically equip us

b. requires all the pieces of equipment

i. we can't pick and choose what we want - it's all or nothing
ii. the opposition is wily enough to seek out any unprotected/vulnerable area

c. as power, only comes from God; other "brands" will not protect

i. we can't substitute third-party items
ii. other tactics or protection are not sanctioned by God
iii. as the designer of all things He knows what will suit the soldier best

3. stand (11)/withstand (13b)/stand (13c)

a. implies opposition - not merely to slow forward progress but to force retreat

i. Satan and agents will not be satisfied to slow expansion of the church
ii. the pride that powered his fall continues to power his quest for total dominion
iii. accomplishing the goal means routing the church and her Commander

b. requires holding ground - can't run out of strength

i. to stand requires stability
ii. requires good footing
iii. it's a marathon, not a sprint
iv. will also necessitate re-supply

c. requires discipline - can't cave under pressure; must follow orders

War is a "team effort, wrestling is individual. All are involved in the conflict but each has his own struggle within the larger conflict. Each is there to support and encourage the others but they cannot fight for each other. The struggle has multiple elements - internal and external, individual and corporate. We can fight with one another in the larger conflict, encourage one another in the individual conflict. In the context of military action, we are soldiers, not the commander; thus, we must follow his leadership.

4. wrestle/struggle/fight (12)

a. close-in combat - not remote control!

i. it's not a simulator, a game, or computer-guided ordnance
ii. it's the real thing
iii. involves real commitment, real danger

b. the enemy is spiritual, not physical

i. a spiritual enemy requires spiritual detection/discernment
ii. will only be resisted with spiritual weapons
iii. the real enemy is the force behind the person
* the individual is Satan's agent
* we must direct our fire at the real enemy - no "friendly fire" casualties!!

c. his weapons are deception, seduction and false accusation

i. starts with the truth and poisons it, corrupts it without obliterating it Joh_8:44
ii. spins partial truths into what is desirable Gen_3:4-5
iii. brings false charges against the saints Zec_3:1-2
* guilt, discouragement, depression

d. his target is individual and corporate

i. his goal is to destroy the Church Mat_16:18
ii. he uses individuals to try to accomplish his purpose Act_22:4
iii. his ultimate goal is Christ Himself Luk_4:13

Let me get this right: we're supposed to be engaged in a warfare using invisible weapons against an invisible adversary who also uses invisible weapons. Yup. But invisible doesn't mean non-existent 'cause if it did then God doesn't exist either! If we can trust Him with our immortal souls, we can surely trust Him to equip us for a temporal conflict and be a good Commander. In fact, He's the only Commander who has no casualties to report.

So how does it work? It is God acting on individuals that releases them from the adversary's grip. But He uses means - the preached Word and prayer, both to be used in the context of the church, as God reconciles men to Himself and each other through Christ in the church. God requires those means to be ready and at His disposal, not because He needs them to fill up His lack but because that is how He has purposed to accomplish His plan.