HAVING YOUR EQUIPMENT!!!!
THE GIRDLE OF TRUTH (Ephesians 6:14). Most denominations assert that this is just a very wide belt, such as the Roman soldier's of Paul's day wore. But I do not hold to this; translated from Hebrew and Greek words "girdle" means a loincloth similar to a short skirt. It encased the whole lower trunk of the body, protecting the rest of the vital organs. It also included a belt to which the soldier's sword scabbard was attached, and which held the breastplate snugly to the upper body.
The reason Paul was inspired to mention this piece of armor first is that it is essential for Christians, and is the basis for everything we believe and practice. Truth is to encircle Christians. The Truth of the gospel is: Salvation in CHRIST alone. But just having this Truth is not enough, we must live and practice it in every aspect of our lives. It must permeate every facet of our being.
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THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (Ephesians 6:14). The breastplate, of the Roman soldier of Paul's day, was made of overlapping metal strips. This adequately protected the heart and other vital organs of the upper body, and was the equivalent of today's bullet-proof vest.
The Bible tells us the righteousness spoken of here, represents CHRIST's right-doing, not ours. This piece of the heavenly armor protects Christians from fighting this war with our own righteousness. Like David when he went out to meet Goliath he didn't say "I come in the name of King Saul...or in my name...or even in the name of the army of Israel"; no, he said: "I come to you in the name of the LORD!" And the battle was won!
CHRIST's righteousness operates on love (1 Thessalonians 5:8); and in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Paul expounds on one of the attributes of love: "Love always protects.." Evil cannot penetrate it!
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THE SHOES OF THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE (Ephesians 6:15). The feet of the Roman army were as important as their bodies and heads. Wars were often won or lost because of footgear. Though the Roman soldier wore sandals, they could not be compared with what are called sandals today. The soles were heavy, thick, and studded with nails to provide traction and surefootedness on uneven ground, especially when on the move or in the midst of battle.
The upper part of the sandal had straps that were wide and strong to keep the foot in place; and they usually laced at least half-way up the calf.
Our heavenly footwear is called "the Preparation of the Gospel." which means "being ready." As Christians we are to be ever-ready to give a reason for our faith to anyone, anytime, anyplace. The 'preparation' includes the daily study of GOD's Word, memorization, and the ability to communicate this to others. The "Peace of GOD" is our foundation, firm and sure.
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THE HELMET OF SALVATION (Ephesians 6:17). Helmets of the Roman army during Paul's time were uniquely made: they were fitted low down on the soldier's brow with temple and cheek guards, and in the back it had a protruding neck guard. The helmet had two purposes: 1) to protect; and 2) it carried the insignia, or symbol, identifying the army to which the soldier belonged.
These applications well emphasize the Helmet of Salvation. Helmets, in general, protect the head, and the head in the spiritual kingdom represents our mind.
Remember, it is in the mind, first, that an individual changes loyalties. But with the Helmet of CHRIST's Salvation, His shed blood protects our heads, or minds, as we bring "every thought...every imagination into captivity to JESUS." ~2 Corinthians 10:5.
The insignia of all Christian soldiers is the cross. This symbol slashes the devil and his cohorts reminding them repeatedly that their time is short and they are dead meat.
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THE SHIELD OF FAITH (Ephesians 6:16). The type of shield that is referred to in this text was long (almost body length) and rectangular. The Greek word for it is "door" because that's what it looked like. As an individual the soldier used this shield so that no part of his body was exposed to the enemy. Collectively, with many soldiers in unison overlapping their shields, they presented the enemy with a seemingly impregnable wall of protection and defense.
When a Christian stands against evil, our confidence, our trust, is in our AWESOME Creator. The Bible says "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." ~Hebrews 11:6. Simply stated: Faith is believing our heavenly Father is who He says He is, AND He will do as He says He will do!
Sidebar: In Paul's day, before going into battle, soldiers rubbed oil on their shields so they would reflect the sun's rays and blind their enemy. Oil, to a Christian, represents the HOLY SPIRIT. With our Shields of Faith anointed by the SPIRIT we may fully reflect the Son and blind the enemy of darkness.
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THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT--THE WORD OF GOD (Ephesians 6:17). The type of sword Paul saw every day is a fitting illustration for the heavenly counterpart. It was a short sword, no longer than 30 inches, this was inclusive of its handle. This was because most battles were fought close-up, on a one-on-one personal level. It was for this reason the Roman soldier needed a weapon that was short and to the point. And they used them not only defensively, but offensively as well.
This is also how Christian soldiers fight evil, but with GOD's Word, which is sharper than any 2-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). In combat against evil, we are to use the Word to cut and thrust, or block and knock away. The HOLY SPIRIT compared the Word to a weapon because it pierces and penetrates so that neither satan nor his demons are able to get close to the properly equipped Christian soldier.
In this verse where Paul speaks about the Sword, the meaning he uses for "Word" is rhema which always primarily means "spoken word." The Sword of the SPIRIT is not the Bible on the bookshelf or laying on the table in your livingroom, or placed in a prominent position in your bedroom. That does not scare the devil or his demons. But when you open the Bible and quote Scripture, that's when it becomes the Sword.
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