The Armor of God

"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-17)

The days are evil are they not? You can't turn on the television without filth seemingly pouring forth. You can't examine your own heart under the radiant glare of God's Word and not see the lines of attraction for such filth. We find then evil within us and evil without (Psa. 26:2; Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Rom. 12:9).

We must then need to "put on" or "take up" the armor of God. To do so will require humility... for in doing so we are acknowledging our need, our lack, and our weakness. Have we yet arrived to a place within our heart that understands our frailty? (Psa. 39:4, 40:17)

"Put on [then] the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts". For "the night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Rom 13:12-14).

Clothe your nakedness, "act like men", stand for righteousness, and shine as lights in these evil days (1 Cor. 16:13; Rev. 3:18).

We don't need a new revelation, a new doctrine, or more tickling of ears... we need to return to the principles of the Gospel of Christ. How can we know the truth unless we've studied? How can righteousness strike forth from our hearts unless we cease from evil and turn to the Gospel of Righteousness? How can we proclaim, relate, and preach the Good News unless it first is shining forth from our lives?