Im not sure about you, but I know I wouldnt like to face a wild lion, unprotected.
An unbelievably powerful body rippled with muscles, huge retractable claws that can slash through the toughest of skins and a crushing bite that you want to stay well clear of, equip lions to be formidable killing machines and the top predator of Africa.
Yet we have an adversary who is an even more formidable hunter, and who we sometimes have to face on a daily basis. The Bible describes the devil as a lion, roaming the earth, looking for easy prey (1 Peter 5:8). He is as wily as he is powerful, preying on the weak and helpless and as with the lion, we often have no idea when his next attack may come, or from which direction.
He is no cartoon character
I can remember as a kid reading Hot Stuff comics, where the devil was portrayed as a cute cartoon character with a mischievous grin, a tail protruding from a nappy, and carrying around with him his trusty trident. The devil would love us to view him like this because it is so far from the truth.
The apostle Paul warns us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
The good news is that we have not been left defenceless against his attacks. In verse 11 we read that we have been provided with an armour that covers us from head to foot, which allows us to stand up against him and overcome his wicked assaults.
Gods armour fits us
It is referred to as the armour of God for very good reason. Never think that you can overcome the devil using your own strength or by your own power. In verse 10 of the same passage we read that we should be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Christ has already defeated Satan for us. He was tempted by him as we are, yet without ever succumbing. We are able to do all things, including overcome the devil, through Christ who strengthens us.
We read in scripture that in the beginning we were created in Gods image (Genesis1:26), then he was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14), so that we could wear his armour and overcome the devil (Hebrews 2:14). Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of deaththat is, the devil (Hebrews 2:14).
If we are to stand against the evil one, we need to clothe ourselves in Christ, our humanity completely immersed and protected by the armour that He provides.
The full armour he offers
The armour of God protects us completely and in every way. Each of these elements described in Ephesians 6 has a duality about them, describing those things we should be striving for, but ultimately realising that they can only be fully achieved and accomplished through Christ and his redeeming work.
Belt (Ephesians 6:14). Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.
As Christians we understand that we should be truthful. Though important, our honesty and truthfulness would never be enough. Christ said of himself, I am the way and the Truth and the life. As we would wrap a belt around ourselves, we need to surround ourselves with him. We dont have to do it alone, as we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit that helps us to discern truth (John 16:13), Yet when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.
Breastplate (Ephesians 6:14) …with the breastplate of righteousness in place.
I used to think that this meant that if I were to be able to stand up against the devil and his scheming ways I would need to be doing good works or being righteous. And yes, as Christians we are expected to try to live to a higher moral standard. But what does God say about me, even when Im at my best? Isaiah 64:6 tells me that my righteous acts are as filthy rags.
Romans 4:5 explains that not our works, but our faith in Christ is what is counted as righteousness.
Confronted with Christs righteousness, the devil has no choice but to flee, and he then has no way of contaminating our heart, which is protected by the breastplate of righteousness that Christ gives us to wear. Once when asked how he overcame the devil, Martin Luther replied: Well, when he comes knocking at the door of my heart, and asks Who lives here? the dear Lord Jesus goes to the door and says, Martin Luther used to live here, but he has moved out. Now I live here.1
When Christ fills our heart, and his breastplate of righteousness protects us, Satan has no way in.
Sandals (Ephesians 6:15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Sandals or shoes protect our feet even when walking through the filth of this world. We need to try to keep ourselves unsoiled. Again we can only fully accomplish this through Christ. The Gospel means Good News. And the message that Christ brought is not condemnation, but really is good news! Through his atoning sacrifice we are protected and saved which allows us to have a peace that surpasses all human understanding. Peace knowing that our adversary has been defeated, and we are protected from him.
Shield (Ephesians 6:16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith.
A shield is a defensive weapon, and protects us from attack. Our faith should never be in ourselves nor in our own abilities. That would be like carrying a shield made of tinfoil. No, our faith is in him, for he has already overcome the evil one!
Galatians 2:16 makes it abundantly clear that our works can never protect us. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified (KJV).
Our faith is in Christ alone. But notice that twice in this scripture it mentions the Faith of Christ. Even our faith is imperfect, but we need not fear because it is his perfect faith that protects us.
Helmet (Ephesians 6:17) Take the helmet of salvation.
A helmet protects our head, our very thoughts. We need to do all we can to protect ourselves from evil and perverse thoughts and desires. We are to think on things that are good and pure. Actions are way easier to control than thoughts, and Satan is the master of the taking truth and twisting it.
He would love us to start doubting our salvation, thinking in some way we are unworthy or need to contribute towards it. Yet we need not fear, our mind need not be troubled for our salvation is sure in and through Christ.
Sword Vs 17
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The Word of God is Bible, and yet Christ is also referred to as the Word (John 1:1). Both help us to fend off the devils attacks.
Remember when Christ was tempted in the wilderness? Each time that he was tempted he quoted scripture, and the devil eventually departed (Matthew 4:2-10). Gods word is a sharp two edged sword that he has provided us with so that we can rightly discern the devils treacherous ways.
Yet without Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit we cant even fully comprehend the scriptures. (Luke 24:45) The gift of the Holy Spirit allows us to understand the scriptures, which all point to Christ, thereby giving us the ultimate weapon in defeating the Devil, Christ our Lord.
So dont be overly concerned when you hear Satan roar. He may look powerful to us, but we are well protected. Our Lord and Saviour has already provided us with the armour to protect us from him: His Truth, His righteousness, His Gospel, His Salvation, His Faith and His Spirit and Word.
1 The Speakers Quote Book- Roy B. Zuck, Kregel Academic, 2009