The Armor of God (pt. 3)

 

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:13-20 ESV).

 

The second piece of armor, the breastplate, is likened to righteousness: “Having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14). Soldiers of that time had another piece of protective armor to ward off enemy blows, the shield (which we will look at in a subsequent devotional). But during the heat of battle, those blows could come from unexpected directions, or there could be too many to ward off with just a shield. The breastplate provided protection against the unexpected and against overwhelming numbers.

 

The breastplate worn by Roman soldiers was generally made of iron, though some wealthier soldiers may have worn a bronze breastplate. It consisted of overlapping pieces of metal with connecting front and back sections. There were rounded pieces protecting the shoulders and the breastplate usually rested on the soldier’s hips so the entire weight wasn’t carried on the shoulders. The overlapping pieces allowed for more flexibility of movement. This piece of armor protected the vital organs of the soldier during battle. Adam Clarke’s Commentary says: “As the breast-plate defends the heart and lungs, and all those vital functionaries that are contained in what is called the region of the thorax; so this righteousness defends everything on which the man’s spiritual existence depends.”

 

Without righteousness, we leave ourselves open to the enemies’ attacks. Righteousness is solely dependent on the redemptive act of Christ on the cross. It is in His death that we have been made righteous. It is that position that we must “put on” each day. We can behave righteously if we are resting in the relationship we have through Jesus. That gives us power to be who we have been chosen to be. Trust in Him and obedience then becomes possible. Guilt and shame are banished in our new position. Those attacks now cannot hold us in fear.