To Barry Amundsen re: "Breastplate of Righteousness and "Chinks" in it"

That is a great passage where Paul, with another of his creative analogies, leaves words of encouragement and warning as he closes out his letter to the Ephesians. Let’s look at the whole thing.

Ep 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The whole armor of god
1. Girdle of truth
2. the breastplate of righteousness,
3. feet shod with the preparation of the gospel

4. the shield of faith

5. the helmet of salvation

6. the sword of the Spirit

What does Paul suggest we do with this military paraphernalia God provides us? Sit in a corner, lie down, hide in a cave, run as fast as we can or stand and fight? Why do you think Paul uses military equipment as his analogy so we can cower or fight? He tells us:

Be strong in the power of God’s might.
So we might stand against the devil.
We fight against evil, spiritual powers.
So we’re able to withstand in the day of evil.
Having done all to stand.
Stand therefore!

Sound to me like a little ‘trying’ on our part couldn’t hurt. Take note that Paul doesn’t just include defensive equipment but give us a sword to fight with as well.

Pr 14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil.

2Co 7:1 Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Php 2:12 As ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
1Pe 1:17 Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

I don’t see the scriptures making this out to be a cakewalk on our part where we can say Jesus does it all for me and I’m on cruise control. Don’t underestimate Satan and his principalities and powers whose objective is to have us transgress Our Father’s commandments and that is what we are battling against each day. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1Ti 6:12) is what I say too.

1Jo 3:22 Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Why not obey God’s laws because He tells us they’re not a burden (1Jo 5:3). It would be interesting to hear from anyone that knows of a commandment that is impossible to keep

Blessings,

David S