11 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
You can't participate in official sport competition unless you're properly outfitted. No uniform, no play. You can't compete otherwise. It means you have no chance to win, to stand as victor, plain and simple.
God says it plain and simple too. No armor, no win.
The enemy is too good. There is a devil. He sure has schemes. He comes after us, looking to impose his will. He's committed to flattening us. Eating dirt and burning with him defines his wins. That's the way he rolls.
And he doesn't come alone. He has his posse too: rulers, authorities, dark-world powers, spiritual forces in the air. His squad is big time.
They are spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil. They operate with no moral principles, no code of honor, no higher feelings (Ephesians 6:12).
That's why God says twice to put on the full armor of God. With it, we are strong, stable and will remain standing. Without it, we're sure to topple. (Ephesians 6:11,13)
Here's what it means to “put on the full armor of God”:
HIS CAPE, MY POWER: To put on Jesus is to put on the full armor of God. When I dress as Him in my mind and heart, I take on a new, authoritative identity. I climb into a sort of superhero status mode. When I put on His “cape,” I know His power.
IT'S A PACKAGE DEAL: Six pieces comprise my battle wear. I get the complete set when Christ comes into my life. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Spirit-Word (Ephesians 6:17) – all become mine.
“DRESSED TO KILL”: As I wear it, I have all I need to push back the darkness, to slay advancing evil in and around me, to protect myself from Satan's schemes. The bad guys drop. I'm the one left standing. The armor is that good.
STAY IN UNIFORM: Spiritual armor must not come off. It's deadly to remove it. Even sleep in it, for the saint's sleeping time is often Satan's tempting time.
Reflect: Are you dressed well for battle? Where might you be sensing Satan's schemes? Are you feeling strong and stable, standing confidently?
A prayer to consider: LORD, keep me strong and stable. Help me to put on Christ daily … and never take Him off.
