"Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
(Ephesians 6:13 ESV)
There was a pop song from my youth by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers named “I Won’t Back Down”. The song tells of one’s capacity to hold ground against adversity and stay strong in a world that can batter us beyond repair. Even when it costs, even when you are confronted with the forces of hell.
You could interpret this song as obstinacy, pride or wilfulness and indeed, not backing down may carry such negative traits. I however see a profoundly positive message in these lyrics, which are not only inspiring and strengthening, but find a home in Scripture.
In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Bible introduces us to the “whole armour of God”. Here, Paul instructs us to gird ourselves with God’s heavenly armour for “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12 ESV). We too are confronted by the gates of hell. At such times, I have found it essential to dress myself in God’s armour to combat attacks that have their source in enemy spirits and the “the devil’s schemes” (verse 11). This is what is called spiritual warfare.
Although Paul's message centres on spiritual warfare, I have also learned to clothe myself in Biblical armour every day, whether in calm or stormy seas. For the line that layers through my soul is the call to: “Put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (NIV). After we have done everything, to stand. This is what Jesus did in the wilderness when tempted by the devil (Matthew 4) and what every martyr has done before the stake or the executioner.
God’s armour is about standing, and keeping on standing. It is about digging your heels in and refusing to relent. It is about holding to the truth of the Gospel and not being swayed by the world. It is about standing up for Christ even when it costs you, you feel wholly discouraged or cannot sense him near.
It is about living in the truth of Jesus’ victory on the cross and his promise of eternal life and recognising that nothing, in the heavens or the earth, is more important or powerful than what Jesus Christ has already won for us (read Colossians 2:13-15). Live in that slipstream. Live in the light of Christ’s glorious victory. And after you have done everything, stand.
Praise God for Jesus and what He did for us on the cross.
Merci pour ce message inspirant qui nous rappelle que le combat est réel, mais qui rappelle encore plus que nous sommes équipés au-delà de ce que nous pouvons imaginer ou espérer.
Dear Readers, thank you for visiting The Mission Post. How have you traditionally thought about this passage from Ephesians 6 and what is your concept of the "full armour of God"? I'd love to hear your views!