Strength for the Conflict

Introductory questions to chew

Are "the wiles of the devil" a real threat to me personally?

What lessons does this passage have for me in its usage of all?

Am I a viral carrier of peace wherever my feet take me?

Is verse 18 a call to every believer? To me, for example? If so, how so? If not, why not?

Every time I leave home -- am I supposed to go out as an ambassador? Why or why not? How about every time I am at home?

How do I put it on?

Ephesians 6:11 conveys to us one of God's commands for His people: "Put on the whole armour of God." In the interest of being obedient to God and thus experiencing spiritual success and victory, we must ask the obvious question: How do we put on God's armor?

I have heard and read (and in the past, even taught) that this must be done literally. Since this is physically intangible armor, we cannot put it on ourselves. We must ask God each day to put that armor on us, somewhat like this: "Father, ask You to please put on me right now the breastplate of righteousness." So this approach goes. Even though I no longer teach this as such, I still think the mind set has its merits. However, I now believe that the Christian can indeed put on the armor himself.

How can we as humans put on something as physically intangible as spiritual armor? By exercising ourselves in those areas highlighted by the armor. Still not sure of my meaning? Let's look at each piece of armor mentioned in today's lesson.

Girdle.

Breastplate.

Foot Gear.

Shield.

Helmet.

Sword.