Don't Stand Around Naked

Don’t stand around naked.

In Ephesians chapter 6, the bible discusses the Armour of God.

We’re told to put on the WHOLE armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

“A lot of folks will put on the Helmet of Salvation, and then stand around buck-naked from the neck down, wondering why they’ve got darts all in them” – Rev. Lowry Anderson

 Notice that I’ve emphasized the word WHOLE.  To me, that is the operative word in the passage.  In other words, don’t just put on PART of the armor, but put it ALL on.

We need the WHOLE armor of God, because as verse 12 tells us, we wrestle not against flesh and blood; but against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places.

The author then goes on to list the individual pieces that make up the whole armor of God.  I’ll briefly touch on each one.

• The Belt of Truth (v.14) - Trusting and believing what is in the bible. See Psalms 119:105
• The Breastplate of Righteousness (v.14) - Using Christ’s record and perfection given to us.  See Romans 3:21-24
• The Shoes of Preparation of the Gospel of Peace (v.15) – Walking life with the peace that we are children of God, and willingness to share that Gospel.  See Galatians 3:26-29 & 5:16
• The Shield of Faith (v.16) – When facing trials . . . looking and focusing not on the things we see, but on what God has promised.  See Hebrews 11:1
• The Helmet of Salvation (v.17) – Thinking of future Glory, provided freely by the Grace of God.  See Romans 13:11-14
• The Sword of the Spirit (v.17) – The Word of God.  The only offensive piece in the set.  Use God’s word to attack the evil one against the thoughts and temptations he gives.  See 2 Timothy 3:16  

John MacArthur notes that the Christian life is a battle; warfare on a grand scale.  The Armor of God is His provision for our protection. We should use ALL OF IT.  Don’t just put on the Helmet of Salvation and then stand around naked.  That’s one man’s viewpoint.