God's Armor

The past several days... we've explored the armor... the full armor of God...

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:10-13

(emphasis added)

The armor we put on... it's God's armor... 

He wears it too... it's who He is...

I see now... this putting on of armor... is a picture of sanctification... 

Growing... in Christ-likeness... becoming like...

the One who is... Truth...

and defines... righteousness...

the One who is... Gospel peace...

and our Shield of faith...

Salvation... His mind-set...

fully acquainted with the sword of the Spirit... the Word...

The armor we are to put on... for defense against the darkness... is the character of Christ... the Light of the world...

...and after you have done everything... stand...

Standing by His grace... in His character... defeats... the enemy...

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 ESV

resist... to withstand the force or effect of...

Standing firm... faithfully pursuing truth... righteousness... Gospel peace... free from sin... wielding Spirit-led Word in prayer... sends the darkness packing... 

Eugene Peterson's paraphrase... of God's armor... sounds very different than any other... his emphasis... not on equipment... but character...

Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Ephesians 6:14-18 The Message

Recognizing the need to be on active duty... in the defense against darkness... began this series of posts... 

So now... I hope... and pray... you will... learn how to apply... truth... righteousness... peace... faith... and salvation... in your life... 

Stand firm... against the darkness...

You are the light of the world.

Matthew 5:14

Related fare:

active duty...

active truth...

active righteousness...

active gospel...

active faith...
active salvation... 
active Word...