McDowell County
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
Since the Exodus, God’s family has been called an army. War imagery permeates the Biblical account. Israel’s tribes were organized into battle groups in the Book of Numbers. Joshua and Judges present a series of campaigns to remove pagan influence from Canaan. The books of Samuel and Kings and Chronicles are packed with battle reports. The prophets recount battles past and yet to come.
Military metaphor carries on in the post-resurrection narrative. Paul encourages Timothy to be a “good soldier” of Christ and emphasizes not becoming entangled in civilian affairs. He refers to both Epaphroditus and Archippus as fellow soldiers. In Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul says that followers of Messiah are at war against satan and his minions. He goes on to reveal how to stand against “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” using the analogy of Roman battle armor.
Some translations refer to a “belt of truth,” but the Greek texts do not mention any belt. Paul tells us to “wrap ourselves” in truth. For most cultures, truth is subjective. Ancient Babylon allowed their priests to arbitrate what is true. Since their religion was a lie, they were doomed to never know truth. The Ancient Greeks believed that truth is both hidden and inconsistent. Pilate confessed to Jesus that he did not even understand the concept of “truth.”
Truth is only found in the unchanging nature of God. Isaiah 65:16 says that those who align their lives with the “God of truth” shall be rewarded with eternal blessing. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 says: “Your word is truth.” Our fundamental preparation for spiritual warfare is to wrap ourselves in God’s Word.
Then comes the “breastplate of righteousness.” Plates of bronze or chainmail protected every Roman soldier’s vital organs. Law officers and soldiers still guard this area. We soldiers of Christ should protect our spiritual hearts.
Righteousness is not a vague concept. It is not merely doing things that seem good to other people. “So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” (Romans 7:12) Righteousness is the opposite of sin, and sin is breaking God’s law. (1 John 3:4) Righteousness protects a spiritual heart from satan’s attacks. Jesus’ righteousness is not miraculously “imputed” to us. This is a pernicious lie. We cannot earn salvation, but we will be judged based on how well we follow God’s law. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Next, we protect our spiritual underpinning with something Paul calls the “readiness provided by the gospel of peace.” The text does not include any word that can be translated “shoe” or “boot.” Instead, Paul describes the action of donning footwear. He says that we are best prepared for war when our feet are covered in peace. Peace is only possible when we are reconciled to God. Jesus’ perfect life and atoning death provide the means for that reconciliation through faith. Divine reconciliation facilitates both spiritual motivation and our ability to continue the good fight. We can keep marching because He promised to never leave us or forsake us. (Matthew 28:20)
We also need the “shield of faith.” The Roman battle shield was a brilliant design involving sturdy wood, iron guards, and a thick, leather cover. It resisted blades, clubs, spears, stones, darts, and arrows. The leather cover was not easily ignited by burning missiles. Our only defense against the “flaming darts of the evil one” is unshakable faith. In western understanding, “faith” is just “thinking” that we believe something. The Hebrew culture that produced the Bible insists that faith does not exist until it is expressed in obedience. If we believe in Messiah, we will live as He did.
The high point of our armor is the “helmet of salvation.” A Roman helmet of bronze or iron included cheek guards, a neck guard, and a forehead protector. Paul tells us to “put on” the first four items. Now he says “receive” the helmet of salvation. We can do nothing to earn salvation. Our only option is to accept or reject the gift.
Acceptance includes recognizing that we are saved for purpose. Our work is to implement the Great Commission. Like faith, discipleship requires action. Those in a saving relationship experience a profound desire to follow Christ in obedient service. “Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1John 2:4) We cannot belong to Christ and simultaneously practice the ways of this sinful world.
Paul begins and ends his list with the Word of God. First as the truth which holds all the other items together and finally as the “sword of the Spirit.” This sword is the only offensive weapon issued to the Army of God. To be effective, any weapon requires instruction and practice. We do not need to carry our sword to a training field or firing range, but we do need to handle it daily and become intimate with its subtleties. That means reading and hearing; studying and memorizing; meditating on and sharing the Scriptures. Psalm 119 is King David’s celebration of God’s law. Verse 11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” His Word is so marvelous that it even allows us to protect ourselves from ourselves.
When our faith becomes so important that we devote our best efforts to making disciples of all nations, then our defensive armor will always be in place. When we all lead lives of faithful obedience regardless the cost, then the kingdoms of this world will be a step closer to becoming the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
Obedient Heart Fellowship meets each second and fourth Sabbath near Marion, NC. 828-460-7913
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Jim & Beverly Huskins are members of Obedient Heart Fellowship in McDowell County. Beginning July 2, 2022 Obedient Heart Fellowship will meet at 10:00 Each Sabbath (Seventh Day) at 3023 US 221 N. Marion, NC. 10:00 A.M. Call 828-460-7913 for info.
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