Suits of Armor

Our Pastor finished sharing a study on Ephesians 6:10-18, the armor of God. It wasn’t a onetime message, but each piece of the armor was addressed in depth. Sometimes, the information about a specific article of the protective covering took two sessions to describe how it was worn and why it was worn. Roman soldiers controlled Israel and its cities. So, it’s natural for the Disciple Paul to compare Christians to the soldiers around him.

Before I share the different pieces of armor, I want to share some of my own thoughts. As a recruit in the United States Navy, I underwent basic training to harden my muscles and my resolve. In the Navy, I only had to get used to the itchy wool uniforms while Marine and the Army counterparts had their uniforms, weapons, backpacks, and armor which was heavier and more uncomfortable than what I had to endure.

At first, the gear issued often would feel awkward to don and uncomfortable to wear, but as the recruit becomes familiar with the attire and hardened to the task of wearing the protection, it became almost second nature to them. The armor was there for one reason only, protection. Whether the soldier was in a defensive position or in an attack mode, the attire was there to save their lives.

I won’t attempt to share all of the spiritual ramifications, but Paul mentions that we should gird ourselves with truth. The girding holds everything in place while covering abdomen to the knees protecting the soldier from being wounded. It also secures the breastplate of righteousness, holding it securely to the body to keep the back and the chest safe from attack. Spears, arrows, darts, and swords were less likely to pierce the thick leather and metal of the plate.

Paul mentions having feet shod with the gospel of peace. Roman boots protected the soldier’s feet from the rough terrain and often had shin guards, many had hobnails for traction. Then there is the shield of faith. The shield was large, rectangular, and became a shelter for the soldier from fiery darts. The helmet of salvation protected the head, ears, and much of the face. The final piece of equipment was the sword of the Spirit, the word of God.

Many people think that the sword was the only offensive piece of the armor, but the shield and boots of the Roman soldier often became weapons of a trained warrior. Just like the recruit, the ease that a Christian has with the armor comes from its daily and repeated use and familiarity.