In preparation for our mission trip to Slovakia this summer, our group talked about spiritual warfare in one of our meetings last Sunday. Although I’ve heard the verses about putting on the full armor of God, I realized I didn’t know how to actually do that! So I looked up a book about it on amazon and downloaded it to my kindle. I learned a lot from it and a few people asked me to share.
One thing I really appreciate about the book is that the author uses a LOT of scripture. Having an opinion on something important isn’t all that helpful. The bible is truth, so it’s important to use.
The book is called, “Dressed to Kill,” by Rick Renner. Renner states early on in the book that some people go overboard with thinking everything is a spiritual attack and that satan is just constantly bombarding them, when in reality that may not be true. “The lack of peace or presence of chaos doesn’t always mean satan is attacking us, it may be that you have disobeyed God or scripture. So before you run out to fight the devil, look in the mirror!” Of course there will be problems when there is a sin left un-dealt with.
The scripture used for this overall is Ephesians 6:10-18.
Belt of Truth
Renner talks in detail about what the Roman soldier’s armor looked like and the purposes of each piece because that is where Paul got his idea from. The belt of truth it not a “belt” in the sense of what we think of as a belt. It was technically called a “loin belt.” It is first in Paul’s list of things because it is the most important to the armor: it holds up the shoes and metal that goes from the shoes upward, it holds down the breastplate, and it is what the sword is attached to. Without it, the armor falls apart. The “truth” is the Bible / God’s word.
Breastplate of righteousness
Hebrews 5:13-14, “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish between good and evil.” The Bible shows you what is right and what is wrong/good and bad, and we can distinguish this through constant use of reading it! The breastplate on the Roman soldiers consisted of a front and a back as well. It went down to the knees.
Shoes of peace
The Roman soldier’s shoes were made of metal and also had metal that covered their shins. I read this first and was a little confused. I liked the New Living Translation wording: Ephesians 6:15, “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” Peace comes from the Good News…the bible! Colossians 3:16, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Emphasis added was mine.) I think it is so true that in focusing on the things we’re thankful for, we’re more aware of how many blessings God has given us! And again, letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.
The Roman soldier’s shoes however, had huge spikes on the bottom of them, to protect them from walking on thorns and rocks, but also to hurt enemies. What a weird contrast right? Shoes of peace with spikes? But check this out. Romans 16:20, “The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Ha! Getting rid of Satan’s attack brings peace!
Shield of faith
Proverbs 30:5, “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Here, and in many other scriptures, God is described as a shield for us. This verse also talks about God’s words being flawless. When we “drop our shields” we are more prone to attacks, and we drop it by not reading our bible, not praying, and not keeping up our relationship with God. The Roman soldier’s shields were about as big as a door! They covered their entire body, not just part of them. They were also able to stand all in a line and connect all of their shields together as they marched forward. This is a reminder that we must have others with us to pray with, encourage each other, and help us push forward in life.
Helmet of salvation
2 Timothy 3:15, “You have been taught the holy scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.” Along with that, the helmet protects our head / brain. When we are constantly in the Word and reminded of who God is, it protects us from satan’s lies.
Sword of the Spirit
Ephesians 6:17-18 already says, “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And pray in all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Some “swords” that the Roman soldiers used were more for throwing from a long distance with long poles and a sharp point at the end called a lance. This is like prayer – no matter where we are or where someone else is, our prayers reach them and our prayers reach God. Also Hebrews 4:12 describes the bible like a sword. “For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
When satan was tempting Jesus in the desert, how did Jesus respond? With scripture! So should we! Sometimes we see satan attack in more physical ways, but other times it’s in our minds. We start to believe lies, insecurities, or emotions, and let them control our actions. Renner gave the example of how in David and Goliath, Goliath didn’t even physically do anything to paralyze the whole army against him!! He simply threatened, bullied, and yelled insults.
In seeing that the bible is so important, let’s just put it out there that it is hard to know where to read sometimes, or repetitive for those who have read it their whole lives, or hard to understand. But don’t let that stop you. Look up specific words through biblegateway.com. Get other books to help you dig in such as devotionals, bible study books for yourself or you and a friend, commentary books on particular books in the bible, different “plans” found online. And I know some people say they hate to read / can’t focus but there are other ways to take it in! There’s bible on CD / ipod so you could listen while driving, running on the treadmill, etc. Sometimes you could just ask a friend or someone in your church, “Hey, what can you suggest for me to read in the bible?” or tell them what kind of things you’re going through and they might say, “Oh, you’ll love the book of James then because that would fit right with what you’re dealing with.” Ask around!
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