How to Be Victorious in Spiritual Warfare – Part Two
Ephesians 6: 10 – 17
The Lord gives the believers insight into what to do in spiritual warfare.
When Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit penned our text in Ephesians 6, he was in prison. Perhaps he was glancing up at a Roman guard and observing various parts of his uniform as he described our defense. Roman praetorian guards personified the power of Rome.
God’s instruction is:
Take it up – all of it. Put it on = all of it. Keep it on = all of it.
Pictorially we are to stand with our waist girded with truth (Vs. 13).
The waist is a vital and vulnerable mid-section of the torso. The Roman soldiers wore a wide leather belt not unlike those worn by weight lifters. It was to support and strengthen abdominal muscles in time of battle.
This belt was also utilitarian. Attached were loops, hooks, and rings which held such items as a length of rope, a sword, a mace, a sack carrying food and other functional items. Being around the waist made these items immediately available.
The Greek word translated “truth” is “aletheia.” It signifies that which lies at the base; the real essence of the matter. It is a reference to doctrine. A knowledge of doctrine is essential to survival in spiritual warfare.
If we are going to confront the devil, “the father of all lies,” we must do it with the truth.
“The breastplate of righteousness” (Vs. 14B). If you were going into combat, would you rather have a T-shirt or body armor, or would you rather be riding in a golf cart or an armored tank? So in spiritual combat we need the best protection.
The breastplate of the Roman soldier covered only his shoulders and vital organs. It didn’t cover the arms as that later worn by British knights. The arms were free for protection and productivity.
“Righteousness” means meeting God’s standard and being right with God. It means being able to relate to God and having access to Him. Our righteousness must be alien righteousness. Alien, simply means “someone else, someone very different.” It means someone alien to me transfers His righteousness to me. That one is Jesus. The righteousness referred to here is the righteousness of Jesus. Our righteousness is referred to as “filthy rags.” Rags make poor armor.
The Greek word “dikaiosune” DIKAIOSUNE, here translated “righteousness,” in old English was translated “rightwiseness.” The spelling conveys the meaning. It meant to be right with God the Father by having the righteousness of Christ applied to your account.
His righteousness must be imputed to us. This is a term meaning credited to our account. When we commit to Him His righteousness is transferred to us. It becomes our righteousness.
Once His righteousness is imputed to you His righteous character begins to be imparted to you. That is, His character begins to become part of your character. You grow in grace. Suit-up in full armor. Be ready for spiritual warfare.