Put On The Armor Of God!

Eph. 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

As I read this text, I am reminded of a passage in 1 Samuel 17. The armies of Israel were engaged in a conflict with the Philistines. The Philistines had presented a challenge for Israel to face their champion. It was no coincidence that a young shepard boy by the name of David was present that day. The heart of this young lad was stirred that this infidel would challenge the army of the God of Israel. David went to King Saul and told him that he would face this giant Goliath. Saul insisted that David be dressed in the king’s armor but it did not fit him. And David had not proven the armor. David entered the plain of battle with only what he trusted. He had his sling, five smooth stones and an unshakable faith in his God. David was the victor and Israel was delivered because of his unwavering faith. He was dressed in the armor of God!

We are engaged in a great spiritual war. We are not fighting flesh and blood but against spirits and against the very ruler of the darkness of this world. Eph. 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

Saul’s armor was not beneficial to David. He chose rather to put his faith in the awesome power of God. We must choose to follow the example set by David. Far too many are trusting in man made theology and man made plans. We must have the anointing and covering of God to meet our enemy and be victorious in this conflict. Anything less than total surrender to the plan of God will certainly insure defeat.

Many who once stood for Biblical principles and righteous living avoid confronting the societal pressures of our day. The progressive thinkers in our society demand that the Church embrace all people, all lifestyles, and all manner of behavior. In so doing they are removing their covering of Holiness, Divine protection, and Divine intervention. They no longer wear the whole armor of God. These so called Christians stand naked before God and in this present spiritual battle. The assets that Jesus gave for the victory of the Body of Christ are no longer available to them. Why? Because they have stripped away their covering, no longer desiring to be identified with Christ's teaching that the Church is to be separated from the world. 2 Cor. 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” They have removed their covering and therefore, they stand powerless in the face of overwhelming darkness.

But not all churches or individuals have given up their role in the Body of Christ. There is a remnant of true believers who are seeking for God's intervention into the affairs of men. God is answering their prayers. God is moving where believers are submissive and obedient. They access and God delivers the “dunamis” of Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” That is Christ's promise!

The army of Christ is rising up. Rising up in the covering of Jesus Christ. That covering being the manifest presence of Christ in the Holy Ghost. If you have received since you believed, you carry the covering of Christ. I feel the urging of the Holy Spirit calling upon the Body of Christ to rise up in the power of that covering and do His work. What is that work? To preach the gospel for the salvation of souls. If we will accept His commission, we have His promise! The gates of hell cannot prevail against the Body of Christ. Why? Because we are secure in Christ's covering! We are dressed in God’s Armor and filled with His Holy Spirit!