Monthly Archives: October 2024

Armor, Bible, Righteousness, Scripture, Truth

THE FIRST TWO PIECES OF THE ARMOR

EPHESIANS 6:14

“Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”

Before we dive into the parts of the armor Paul describes here, we need to look at that very first verb, “stand firm.” It is the only action verb in verses 14-18. All the rest are participles that tie back to the main verb, “stand firm.” But there is an order here. You can’t stand firm until you have put on all the armor. We can’t run out into battle putting on our gear. No! It has to be on and fixed properly.

Paul lists the first two pieces of the Christian’s armor in today’s verse, truth and righteousness. He compares them to the girdle that was worn over the loins or waist area and to the breastplate that covered from the neck to the top of the thighs. There may be no particular reason why he compared these pieces of armor to these two areas, but that hasn’t stopped scholars from speculating. I want to share some observations from Albert Barnes’ commentary on this verse, but there many others out there with excellent descriptions of this armor. Check them out on www.BibleHub.com.

APPLICATION

The first thing a soldier would put on would be his girdle. Barnes says this about this piece of the armor. “The idea here may be, that as the girdle was the bracer up, or support of the body, so truth is suited to brace us up, and to gird us for constancy and firmness. The girdle kept all the parts of the armor in their proper place, and preserved firmness and consistency in the dress; and so truth might serve to give consistency and firmness to our conduct.” I have often said that truth is the glue that binds us all together. 

Then we have the breastplate. I absolutely love Barnes’ discussion on this. “The king of Israel was smitten by an arrow sent from a bow, drawn at a venture, ‘between the joints of his harness’ or the ‘breast-plate’ (margin), 1 Kings 22:34; and many a man who thinks he has on the ‘Christian’ armor is smitten in the same manner. There is some defect of character; some want of incorruptible integrity; some point that is unguarded – and that will be sure to be the point of attack by the foe. So, David was tempted to commit the enormous crimes that stain his memory, and Peter to deny his Lord. So, Judas was assailed, for the want of the armor of righteousness, through his avarice; and so, by some want of incorruptible integrity in a single point, many a minister of the gospel has been assailed and has fallen. It may be added here that we need a righteousness which God alone can give; the righteousness of God our Savior, to make us perfectly invulnerable to all the arrows of the foe.”

That was long, I know, but wasn’t it a great thought? I have personally known men who had a chink in their armor which allowed the enemy’s arrow to pierce. Make sure your armor is fitted properly and is being maintained. Don’t get caught off-guard.

Lord, we praise You for outfitting us so well.

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Armor, Battles, Bible, Devil, Evil, Satan, Scripture

WITHSTAND

EPHESIANS 6:13

“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

Man, do I love bread! Just ask my wife. I could eat a dozen hot biscuits with honey. And those Red Lobster garlic biscuits are to die for. But I have to withstand temptation or bust my britches, lol. The temptation is great. I am easily led astray, I’ll admit it. But when I am successful and withstand the freshly baked bread, I feel better. I know I have made the right choice.

Now, Paul is not talking about sticking to your diet in today’s verse. But he is talking about fully resisting the evil one and all his lures. The Greek word for “resist” is “anthístēmi (from antí, ‘opposite/against’ and hístēmi, ‘to stand’) – to take a complete stand against, i.e. a ‘180 degree, contrary position’; to establish one’s position publicly by conspicuously ‘holding one’s ground,’ i.e. refusing to be moved (‘pushed back’). (HELPS Word studies)

APPLICATION

This word can also mean to “forcefully declare one’s personal conviction.” It was a military term meaning to strongly resist an opponent. I think you get the picture. You have to resist. You have to take a stand. You have to be prepared (thus the armor) for anything that comes your way.

Anthístēmi is also used in James 4:7 that says, “Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” It is also 1 Peter 5:9 where we read, “So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world.” Paul, James and Peter all knew the importance of resisting the devil. They had all personally experienced his attacks and knew how to resist him.

You have to equip yourself with the Word. Jesus used the Word to battle Satan in the wilderness. Why should we try anything else? Know the Word. Use the Word. Watch the Word repel the devil’s attacks. We have no reason to fear him. Withstand Warrior!

Lord, I am so thankful that You have equipped me to withstand the evil one in evil days.  

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Bible, Devil, Enemies, Fighting, Satan, Scripture

OUR REAL STRUGGLE

EPHESIANS 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” 

Some people just like to fight. I was talking to someone this week who is in a struggle with their neighbor. They live in a townhouse, so they share a wall and a sidewalk. The neighbor is not a believer and does not life a lifestyle conducive to peace. Conflicts are inevitable. He asked my advice on how to handle the problem. I simply said to ask their forgiveness for offending them (they obviously felt offended) and let it go at that. Then I shared this verse with them. How appropriate, right?

Paul knows the Ephesians (and us) would be attacked by the evil one. Every struggle we face can be tied back to his influence in our life or the life of someone else. He just loves conflict. He thrives on it. Paul had lived this. He knew firsthand how the devil would wage war on the believer. In fact, Paul had allowed him to use him against the believers. Paul was relentless in his pursuit of the early believers. He was in fact a pawn of Satan for a season.

APPLICATION

My favorite commentator, Albert Barnes, has this to say about this battle we are up against every day. “It is a warfare on a large scale with the entire kingdom of darkness over the world. Yet in maintaining the warfare, the struggle will be with such portions of that kingdom as we come in contact with and will actually relate:

(1) to our own sinful propensities – which are a part of the kingdom of darkness;

(2) with the evil passions of others – their pride, ambition, and spirit of revenge – which are also a part of that kingdom;

(3) with the evil customs, laws, opinions, employments, pleasures of the world – which are also a part of that dark kingdom;

(4) with error, superstition, false doctrine – which are also a part of that kingdom; and,

(5) with the wickedness of the pagan world – the sins of benighted nations – also a part of that kingdom. Wherever we come in contact with evil – whether in our own hearts or elsewhere – there we are to make war.”

I know that was a rather lengthy quote. I hope you found it useful. Today, when someone gets in your business or someone cuts you off in traffic, remember that you are not battling them. You are battling these forces of darkness. Satan will use people who never know they are being used. Getting angry at them does no good and only ruins our reputation.

Notice the hierarchy of evilness in today’s verse – rulers, powers, world forces. We will rarely deal with Satan ourselves. He will normally send his little minions, the demonic spirits under his control, to harass or tempt us. If we are ready and prepared to fight Satan himself, we can certainly handle any demon we encounter. Remember, it is the power of God, not our power that defeats them.

Lord, thank You for empowering us with Your power to fight against these evil forces.

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Armor, Bible, Equipping, Fighting, Scripture

LET’S GET DRESSED

EPHESIANS 6:11

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

Over the next several days, we will look at Ephesians 6:11-18 as it relates to putting on the armor of God. Many people compare this to the imagery of us putting on Christ’s garment of grace. However you look at it, these are important verses for every believer. If you are not dressed right for any job, you are in trouble. A soldier must be dressed correctly for battle. A fireman must have the proper equipment to fight a fire. And you must have God’s armor on correctly to fight against the enemy who is determined to bring you down.

Paul tells us this by stating a command. He uses the Aorist Imperative. Why is that important? Because the Aorist tense signifies a past action. So what, Carl. Well, hang on. That means you are equipped with the armor back at some point. God gives you all this equipment, this suit of armor at salvation. This armor fits everyone, young or old, fat or skinny. It conforms to your perfect size. Why? So you can fight against the devil.

APPLICATION

We’re going to look at the different parts of this armor in the coming days. In verse 11, Paul is laying out the picture. We need to be protected because Paul knows the enemy is going to attack us. We have to face him head on. Notice Paul says to put on the “full” armor of God. You can’t just put on one piece and be protected. You need it all.

I have never served in the military, but people I know who have talk about the importance of being fully equipped. You don’t want to get into a fire fight and not have enough bullets. You don’t want to be stuck with a weapon that is not suitable for the scenario. You need to know what you are getting into.

My final point today – you need to know your enemy. Paul didn’t say we need the armor to do nothing. You are to “stand firm” against who? The devil. Paul says he has “schemes” set up against you. The Greek word there talks about the devil having an organized evil doing planned for you. Don’t step out without making sure you armor is in place. That is the downfall of many a person.

O Lord, thank You for equipping me with Your armor to fight against the evil one.

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Bible, Fighting, Power, Scripture, Strength

IN WHOSE POWER?

EPHESIANS 6:10

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”

When I was in junior high and high school, I loved to lift weights. We had a great weightlifting coach who pushed us to get bigger and stronger. The results were phenomenal. I was benching twice my weight and deadlifting three to four times my weight. There is not one trace of all that work today. Why? Because I did not keep lifting.

Hmmm! Today’s verse talks about power and strength. In fact, there are three different Greek words used here by Paul. Why did he do that, or should I say why did the Spirit inspire him to use three different Greek words? Well, these three words carry different meanings of power or strength. Let’s take a look.

APPLICATION

The first word Paul uses is “be strong.” It is the Greek word, endynamóō, which means to impart ability or make able, to be empowered. This word is used by Paul in his letter to the Romans. In Romans 4:20 Paul is talking about Abraham and said, “yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,” So, this word means to have the ability or power.

The next word used is “strength” which is the Greek word, krátos which is dominion or exerted power. We find this word over in 1 Peter 4:11, “Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” We saw the ability in the first power. Here we see that power exerted.

Finally, Paul uses another word, “might.” This is ischus, which carried a different definition. It means might or strength that can be seen but not necessarily exerted at the time. Think of a body builder just standing there flexing his muscles. You see the might or strength, but he has done anything to show just how strong he is. The word is used in 2 Thessalonians 1:9. It says, “These people will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”

Three different words all showing the different aspects of strength or might or power. Isn’t it great how the Holy Spirit used Paul to pen these words so carefully to display God’s greatness? We will get into the Armor of God in the next several days. Hang on!

Father, Your power is limitless. We know that. Thank You that Your power does not diminish. 

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Bible, Harm, Masters, Scripture, Slaves, Threats

NO THREATS

EPHESIANS 6:9

“And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”

Have you ever threatened anyone or been threatened by someone? Threats are not to be taken lightly. I had to cancel a trip out of the country within the past year due to threats of harm. There are people who will kidnap, harm or even kill you just because you are a Christian. When threatened, we need to take precautions. And heaven forbid if we are the one threatening.

Paul instructs the masters (slave owners) to moderate their behavior towards their servants or slaves. Notice he did not tell them he had to set them all free, even though that happened some. Instead, he said to “give up threatening” them. Why? Because these believing slaves had the same heavenly Master as they did. They were both children of the King. We should never threaten family, should we?

APPLICATION

This word for “threatening” is only used two other times in the New Testament. Once is in Acts 4:29 which reads, “And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant it to Your bond-servants to speak Your word with all confidence,” This is the passage where Peter and John had been arrested and then released by the religious leaders. They knew God had heard the threats that had been made against them and that He would protect them.

Later in the book of Acts, this same word is used to describe Saul (before he became Paul). In Acts 9:1 it says, “Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,” Paul was madder than a wet hen about these new believers. He felt his way of life was under attack, so he was letting them know he was coming after them. Isn’t it funny that right after Paul’s conversion he too was threatened and people tried to kill him.

There is never a reason for us to threaten someone with harm. I am not saying you can’t defend yourself. That could happen. But we should never be the aggressor. And if you are a boss, for goodness sake, don’t threaten your employees. You may have to discipline or even fire someone, but that does not call for threats. Follow Paul’s example here in today’s verse.

Lord, forgive me when I have threatened others with my attitude or unkind words.

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Bible, Goodness, Judgment, Reward, Scripture, Service

PAYBACK

EPHESIANS 6:8

“knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether slave or free.”

“You’re going to get what’s coming to ya!” Have you ever heard that? Usually, that is screamed at you by someone who wants to retaliate because they think you’ve done something to hurt them. So, you walk around looking over your shoulder, waiting for the hammer to drop, right? You’re paranoid they are going to get you back.

Well, that is not what Paul is describing in today’s verse. In fact, just the opposite. He says because of your “good thing” you do, you “will receive back from the Lord.” The Greek word for “receive this back” is komizó. It’s only used ten times in the New Testament. It means “I receive back, receive what has belonged to myself but has been lost, or else promised but kept back, or: I get what has come to be my own by earning, recover.” (Strong’s Concordance). I like that a lot better than the example I gave, don’t you?

APPLICATION

Komizo is used in 1 Peter 1:9. “obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Peter uses it again in 1 Peter 5:4. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” Both of these are worth waiting for, don’t you think? And remember, God always keeps His promises to us.

Of course, you may also be promised to receive the consequences for your actions. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul uses komizo again. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.”

What are you going to receive? If you are a believer in Christ, you can be assured of your salvation. But your rewards will vary according to your faithfulness here on earth. You may say, Well Carl, I just want to get to heaven. It doesn’t matter what I am rewarded for. I understand that, but all those rewards you receive will be laid at the feet of Christ. I want my pile to be so high that I have to get on my glorified tiptoes to see Jesus. How about you?

Father, I want to honor You in all I do, so that I can give back to You all You honor me with in glory.

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Bible, Bosses, Scripture, Service, Slaves

GOODWILL

EPHESIANS 6:7

“With goodwill render service, as to the Lord, and not to people,”

I really like my job. I have the opportunity to invest in the lives of men all over the world through our ministry (Every Man A Warrior). If you don’t know about us, check us out at www.everymanawarrior.com. Because I love my job, it does not feel like a job. It’s a lifestyle. I am nearing retirement age but haven’t decided what I should do about that. I really enjoy the ministry God has given me. That’s why today’s verse rang true for me.

Paul continues his address to slaves and masters by telling the slaves, “with goodwill render service.” The Greek word for “goodwill” is only used one time in the New Testament – right here in today’s verse. The word is eunoia which can be translated goodwill, kindliness or enthusiasm.” Paul reminds them they are working for Jesus, not their masters. It is He they are pleasing.

APPLICATION

To “render service” (douleuó) is the verb form of the Greek word for “slave” (doulos). Douleuó means to serve voluntarily or involuntarily. It also means that you have given up all of your personal ownership rights to someone else. Now, think about that for a minute. Isn’t that exactly what we are asked to do when we come to Christ? We place our lives in His hands and allow Him to mold and make us into the image He desires. At least, that is what we are supposed to do.

So, if we are supposed to do that with goodwill, we can’t be moaning and complaining about it, can we? Remember the definition of this word. It can mean enthusiasm. Have you ever met someone who was enthusiastic about their job? My wife and I had a server recently at a restaurant who served with goodwill. She greeted us cheerfully. She was observant of our needs during our meal. She even brought us “to go” drinks without being asked. That’s enthusiastic. That’s goodwill.

If you are working for a boss, can you serve them that way? Maybe you have been complaining a little too much lately. Maybe you have just been a little slack in your work effort. Serve them as unto the Lord. You are working to please Him, not them. And give thanks to the Lord for your boss, whether they are good or bad. Pray for them. That pleases our Lord.

God, I do want to serve You and my employer with goodwill, knowing that it pleases You.

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Bible, Following, God's Will, Prayer, Scripture

DOING GOD’S WILL

EPHESIANS 6:6

“not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

I have been required to do some things in my work that I did not agree with. Shocker! They weren’t immoral or illegal (I wouldn’t have done that), but they did go against my view of things. That doesn’t mean I was right, and my boss was wrong. It just means I disagreed with my boss. Nevertheless, because I serve someone greater, I had to submit to my boss’ prerogative. That takes humility, something I am often short of.

As Paul continues his discussion about slaves and masters, don’t forget he is drawing a parallel between us as bondservants of Christ and our obedience to God. Here, especially, in today’s verse, we see that. Paul says at the end of the verse, “doing the will of God from the heart.” That should nail all of us, right? Doing God’s will is not some secret adventure that only a few can discover. No! Every believer is capable of doing this.

APPLICATION

Jesus taught us to pray according to God’s will. In Matthew 6:9-10, we read, “9 ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’” If the Son of God sought to obey God’s will, shouldn’t we? We saw Jesus again pray for God’s will to be done while in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:39 it says, “And He went a little beyond them  and fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.’” 

We see God’s will for our lives in Micah 6:8. “He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Following God’s will is really quite simple. So, why don’t we do it? Because we are fleshly, human beings who think we know what’s best.

Even Paul said in Romans 7:18-20, “18 For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.” This is from one of the godliest men in Scripture who penned half of the New Testament.  We will fail while trying to follow God’s will. But we must continue to strive toward that which comes from Him.

O Lord, forgive me when I fail to listen to Your Holy Spirit Who shows me Your will daily.

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Bible, Bosses, Employee, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

HOW TO SERVE YOUR BOSS

EPHESIANS 6:5

“Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;”

I have never been one to slack off work just because the boss wasn’t around, but I have known others who were like that. I had a job once that involved working with a partner. Let’s just say my work ethic and his didn’t exactly match. He was always wanting to take longer breaks and was late just about every day after his lunch break. But when the boss was around, he was a busy bee.

Paul addresses the slaves/masters or employer/employee relationship in today’s verse. In Paul’s first century world, it was common for slaves and masters to both come to Christ, thus affecting their relationship. Paul tells the slaves to remain obedient. They should not take their relationship as brothers or sisters in Christ to cause a problem in their “work” relationship. Those last three words of the verse are key – “as to Christ.”

APPLICATION

There are really a lot of verses about work in the Bible. We are told to work as unto Christ. Let’s look at a few, and as we do, assess how you are doing (if you are still gainfully employed). In 1 Timothy 6:1-2 we read, “1All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.”

In 1 Peter 2:18, Peter addresses the same issue. “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh.” Oooh, this is a hard one. It is easy to follow a leader or boss who is kind and fair, but the ones who aren’t make it quite challenging. But the Word is the Word, right?

The parallel passage to today’s verse is found in Colossians 3:23-24. “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” I think it is pretty clear. As slaves or employees, we are to serve our masters/employers well. Why? Because we are serving a higher authority. We want to please Him in all that we do.

Father, forgive me when I have not served my bosses well. Help me be an obedient and submissive servant.

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