There are a few questions in my mind as I work through this passage.
What are the armour pieces - what style of sword, shield, etc. what picture is Paul calling to mind? (the video in the intro blog is very good to help visualise that)
Why these armour/weapons? Why not others?
How are they used - what does the armour defend against?
How should I visualize the action of the person under the armour - me?
So first, the types of armour/weapons:
Belt, Breastplate, Shoes, Shield, Helmet, Sword, Prayer.
A few notes on style: the Breastplate didn't just cover the front - the Roman chestpiece did surround the torso, protecting the vital organs. The shield was not a buckler or other small shield, it was big enough to hide behind completely - and the Roman shield was rectangular, to work in well with the shields either side. The helmet was tied on. The sword (gladius) was a short sword, for thrusting, not bashing at the enemy at a great distance (as with the longsword). Prayer, although not typically included on the 'armour list' is part of the list, I think, preparing the soldier within as well as without.
So why these weapons?
In particular, why not the pilum instead of/as well as the sword?
The most obvious answer is that the pilum was a once-use only weapon. The Word of God lasts continually, and is ready always - we don't throw it away and not have anything left for the next attack. The rest is answered with the next question.
How were they used:
The first three pieces are 'having put on', which it has been suggested, and I agree, that these are associated with a permanent fixture - they take work to put on, and were not taken off when resting. Similarly, the concepts they represent are more so ways of life than the latter items. They are a natural progression of a Christian from salvation, and every new Christian will have these in some form, but they do need to be built upon to strengthen them.
The belt is used for gathering up the tunic, to enable quick movement and minimize distractions from catching a garment on something unawares. Similarly, truth is important. Not only to speak the truth, which is important, but to know what is true - and to know what is true, we should know why it is true and why other contrary statements/opinions/philosophy/ideas are not true. Doubt is a huge distraction, and confusion about what is true can distract us and keep us from responding to attacks on the truth (spiritual truth). Once learnt and prepared by knowing these, spiritual truths keep us from distraction by falsehoods and deception.
The breastplate protects our vitals. Righteousness, or right living, is part of the character of a Christian - that we may stand blameless (Phil 2:15) though others revile us and accuse us of many things. The righteousness we have in God's eyes by justification through salvation is different, this is something external that helps protect us from the world.
The boots (more boots than shoes), were used for marching, but most importantly in battle, they provided a firm grip on the earth, to stand strong. So too is the preparation of the gospel of peace - it is our foundation. Our milk. Our bread and butter. Woe to them that think that because they have been Christians for many years that they don't need to consider the gospel message, but want to 'study deeper, more complicated things'. We must always keep the freshness and preparedness of the gospel with us. It is indeed our foundation, the reason we are here, and we ought always to be ready to give an answer for the faith within us (I Pet 3:15).
Moving on to the items that we 'take up'. They may be (slightly) easier to take up quickly - less study and preparation/time taken to wear them properly, but they are also easier to lay aside. We must take them up each day. Always having them ready beside us if not actively wearing them.
The shield is mentioned specifically to protect from the fiery darts of the devil. It also protected from any other projectiles, and warded off blows from melee weapons. Strongest when used together with a company of soldiers, similarly faith is supported by those around us, but still provides great protection to an individual alone. There are two important things I always think of when I consider faith in the Bible. First, it is not seen fully, but our faith is based firmly on what we can see. Secondly, it is of utmost importance of Whom our faith is in. If in ourselves, we will fall, if in others, we will be let down. Only faith in God will never be disappointed, whether our faith is weak or strong - the Object of our faith is ever strong.
The helmet protects from blows to the head, evidently. Many weapons might reach the helmet, but the most frequent would probably be those attacking from a height advantage, perhaps on horses. A picture I had described to me once was that the helmet protected from horsemen swinging broadswords - double edged blades of doubt and despair. Certainly one way to look at it, and it fits with the theme of salvation. Not eternal salvation, this is something we take up, not an intrinsic part of us that we can never lose. This seems to be our assurance of salvation, the helmet/our assurance in the Source of our salvation Who never lets go of us protects us from doubts and fears.
The Sword, ready for use to make targeted attacks. I imagine the scene of Christ's temptation - this is spiritual warfare, not sharing the gospel with a curious person. No, we are facing opposition, and we use the Word of God to fend off attacks, to make others keep their distance, and hinder their ability to fight against us. If we imagine fighting in a group we are not only protecting ourselves, but also by killing or hurting the guy in front of us, he is weaker or unable to attack our fellow-soldiers also. The only offensive weapon we have, it stays close by us.
Prayer is the preparation of the inside. Communion with the One Who made us, and Who gives us the strength to fight. Prayer for the ones beside us, or fighting in other areas. Praying always - communication is key in many areas of life, and a battle is certainly one of them. We need to keep talking with our commanding officer.
How should I visualize the person?
The soldier can face the enemy confidently, trusting in the strength given to him within, that he has the necessary preparations to fight. He is watchful, ready always. He is active - not just standing and waiting or engaging from safe distance, but wrestling in close quarters, confident in the protection he has and the people beside. Most of all, he knows his Commanding Officer personally, and communicates with Him continually. He would not send a soldier into a battle he could not handle.
Final thoughts on other points:
v12. It is not against flesh and blood - the armour and weapons are not for bashing others on the head with, or for acting elitist towards fellow-sinners.
It is against spiritual forces - Satan and his demons especially, (maybe including evil/wicked systems perpetrated by men?). Although it is active, we don't go looking for trouble though - our role is to stand and fight, not dive into the enemy stronghold or seek a battle. An active Christian will find enough trouble comes his way without looking for it.
v19-20. The purpose of us standing against persecution, against spiritual opposition is that we may preach the gospel boldly - to share the news of eternal salvation by life, witness, and testimony. This is also the goal that the opposition tries to prevent. Pray for those who make this their full time commitment. Pray for those who live it out amongst and through their 'secular' lives. Pray for ourselves, knowing to Whom we pray.
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