Spiritual Armor Bible Study

[Mayflower]

I wanted to come back and respond to these. I have not forgotten.

Ephesians 6:10-12

At the beginning of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes about God’s eternal plan to bring the entire universe back under His rule. But there is fierce opposition, for even after his comprehensive defeat at the cross (Colossians 2:15), the devil refuses to surrender. And so the world is a battleground, and the Church finds itself on the front line! Every new Christian becomes an outpost of God’s Kingdom in the middle of enemy territory, and is likely to come under attack. Whether we like it or not, we’re engaged in a struggle for our very survival, a spiritual war being fought between angelic and demonic armies in the heavenly realms.

These spiritual forces are invisible to us, and unbelievers are completely oblivious to their existence. But the cosmic conflict finds its expression on earth in various forms. Demonic activity and the occult are just the tip of the iceberg; Satan is also the mastermind behind ideologies, false religions, and even hostile governments. Whenever the Church finds itself opposed and persecuted, we need to be aware that there is a deeper reality underlying what we can see. “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.” (Ephesians 6:12) These human agents are not acting on their own initiative; they are being manipulated by the devil. Our response must be tailored accordingly.

I think this is how God can love us so much despite our sinful flesh, because our sinful flesh is not who God made us to be. He made us in His image. It is these spiritual forces of darkness and war that is going on and need to be aware of. I think it is easier to love people when using our spiritual eyes to recognize this battle going on around us.

With regard to our armor, I find the "shield of faith" to be of utmost significance.

"...above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."
(Ephesians 6:16) NKJV

Among the most wonderful passages from the The Pilgrim's Progress (a delightful book), the protaganist Christian survived an attack from Apollyn ("an Enemy to this Prince", Greek for "destroyer") with his Shield and Sword, proclaiming Scripture in the climax of their battle to overcome the Enemy. However, shortly thereafter Christian is made to walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. This is a much more greivous experience, his senses made futile in the darkness that is the Valley, as he encounters hideous noises and a company of fiends that had no regard for his sword as did Apollyn. When the fiends were so near, he proclaims, "I will walk in the Strength of our Lord God". They came no further.

This conviction, knowing that God was with him in this dismal and dark state (even though unseen from a physical perspective) is what is necessary for us. This is the boldness that Paul deems so necessary for his speech. After all, the evil one preys on those who are unsure or wavering in their faith of the Lord.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world."
(1 Peter 5:8-9) NKJV

That our "shield of faith" have no timidness or qualms to it. We know that the Lord is with us.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
(2 Corinthians 5:7) NKJV

All the pieces of spiritual armor go together, and the shield of faith compliments the belt of truth. Most people know the truth that a green light means go and a red light means stop. I have assurance that when a light turns green, I can safely go through it. The shield of faith is a green light to be able to use Truth boldly. The Sword of the Spirit is Truth. Truth is both the defensive and the offensive if I am understanding this right. But I agree with you.

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Faith and Truth show believers when to stop and go, I believe.

 

[Mayflower]

You are most certainly right about that mayflower. The truth of God sets us free; and the holy spirit comes in our lives and changes us from with-in being born again with a new spiritual nature that allows us to walk in newness of life in reliance in leaning on and trusting God. That includes praying, reading the word of God, having fellowship with others, and ultimately loving God which leads to being directed to love others regardless of who they are; without dipping into having judgement and grudges and fighting with others.

When first becoming a Christian as a babe in Christ I still judged and condemned others however that was my fleshly side doing that and the spiritual side had yet really grown at the point in life. The spirit grows like a seed in the grown; until it become fully grown and mature.

Here is some scripture I would share with you mayflower:


Romans 8:6-11 -
6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

What are you or anyone elses thoughts on this? Please feel free to share with us here by posting: I understand that this for of communication is very limited in the scope of not hearing others and their stories and their struggles in life but hopefully it is encouraging.

The reward of using spiritual armor and living in the spirit is life and peace.

Many choose death and to live by the dead flesh rather then the alive spirit.

The Word of God is the greatest defense and weapon against the enemy. And I agree. The Word of God is seed and the more we meditate in it, the more it grows in us. Thank you.

 

[Ziggy]

You’re mixing up physical, flesh and blood warfare - and Christians wrongly thinking we have to be complete pacifists, and not defend ourselves physically - with the SPIRITUAL warfare against demonic spirits: the devil, principalities, powers, etc, that’s in Ephesians 6.

Paul specifically says, we fight NOT against flesh and blood - but against demonic spirits, with spiritual weapons, not physical weapons.

Shalom Aleichem

I understand what you are saying Curtis and I agree with you.
I was just making an observation regarding the times and circumstances the early church found themselves under.

It most definately is Spiritual Warfare for only those that do not have the Spirit of God would wage war on those that do.
And that war begins in the heart of the unbeliever and those that would destroy God's mission given to his disciples.

There was a reason Jesus told his disciples to sell their coats and go buy swords.
He was warning them of the battle to come on Jerusalem in the near future in their day.
But that very same warning we are also facing today.
In a truly spiritual war. Which I am hoping will not result in a physical war.
And yet the Bible tells that these things must come to pass.
So while we are to inwardly wear the armour of God,
I believe we must also prepare ourselves for the physical battle that is yet to come.

All I was trying to say is, perhaps Paul was giving the Ephesians an inner Armour to protect them Spiritually,
as well as possibly giving them hints to protect themselves physically as well for the coming battle.

Shalom Aleichem

HUGS

 

[Mayflower]

@Ziggy LOVE this you shared. I have to teach my kids.

 

[Mayflower]

I got permission to share this from someone. I was curious for those who study Greek if this sounds accurate. I've always believed both the belt of Truth and sword of the Spirit to be Truth (the defensive and offensive), but someone pointed out to me that the sword of the spirit is prayer from a Greek interlinear Bible.

@amadeus
@Heart2Soul

. The sword is defined in verse 18, since the text in verse 17 doesn't actually stop. It was a Very poor place to put a period and a verse number. So let's read my interlinear... (or get your own for that matter, as it will say the same thing).

Eph 6:17, 18 - και (AND) την (THE) περικεφαλαιαν (HELMET) του (OF) σωτηριου (SALVATION) δεξασθε (TAKE !!!) και (AND = along with) την (THE) μαχαιραν (SWORD) του (OF THE) πνευματος (SPIRIT) ο (WHICH SPIRIT) εστιν (IS) ρημα (the RHEMA-WORD) θεου (OF GOD) δια (BY MEANS OF) πασης (ALL) προσευχης (PRAYER). - - - - That's what is literally written. --- TAKE THE SWORD BY MEANS OF ALL PRAYER.

 

[MatthewG]

Mayflower and all ; during scripture study I have something for your topic.


Psalm 33:18-22
New American Standard Bible

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who wait for His faithfulness,
19 To rescue their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your favor, Lord, be upon us,
Just as we have waited for You.

 

[Mayflower]

Mayflower and all ; during scripture study I have something for your topic.


Psalm 33:18-22
New American Standard Bible

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who wait for His faithfulness,
19 To rescue their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your favor, Lord, be upon us,
Just as we have waited for You.

Thank you Matthew. Love this passage

 

[Dances_With_Gnostics]

The shield of faith by which you can quench all the fiery darts of the enemy.

A Roman shield could be metal covered by leather. The leather could be soaked before battle, and retain enough water to quench flaming arrows that struck it.

The BELT could be like a six-inch wide affair from which the soldier hung sword and other things.

 

[MatthewG]

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33:18-22‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Psalms 33:18-22 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; He is ou | New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995) | Download The Bible App Now

This one indicates for those who have hope for Gods lovingkindness and I believe that speaks volumes to who God is. God is love. He is our help, and he listens to our prayers, our hearts rejoice in thanksgiving because we trust in Him. Who will deliver our souls from death. Keeping them feed when they are not being fed; ie by through faith communication thanksgiving

I posted the wrong one earlier I like this translation much better

 

[Dances_With_Gnostics]

I had four semesters of Greek and have forgotten much, but that interlinear translation looks good to me.

 

[Dances_With_Gnostics]

Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he wrote Ephesians. He was under house arrest at a rented house, and a Roman soldier was literally chained to him. He became quite familiar with the Roman armor, and the "armor of God" is based on it.

 

[amadeus]

I got permission to share this from someone. I was curious for those who study Greek if this sounds accurate. I've always believed both the belt of Truth and sword of the Spirit to be Truth (the defensive and offensive), but someone pointed out to me that the sword of the spirit is prayer from a Greek interlinear Bible.

@amadeus
@Heart2Soul

I don't know Greek but I'll tag someone who does:
@Episkopos

 

[Mayflower]

I don't know Greek but I'll tag someone who does:
@Episkopos

I thought it was an interesting thought.

 

[amigo de christo]

I don't know Greek but I'll tag someone who does:
@Episkopos

The good news is , WE KNOW JESUS CHRIST . And let all praise the glorious Lord .

 

[Mayflower]

The good news is , WE KNOW JESUS CHRIST . And let all praise the glorious Lord .

Amen Amigo!!!!!

 

[marks]

I got permission to share this from someone. I was curious for those who study Greek if this sounds accurate. I've always believed both the belt of Truth and sword of the Spirit to be Truth (the defensive and offensive), but someone pointed out to me that the sword of the spirit is prayer from a Greek interlinear Bible.

@amadeus
@Heart2Soul

I'd go for more context . . .



And the helmet of salvation receive ye and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God through prayer and petition praying in ever season in spirit

I think the question is to divide here,

And the helmet of salvation receive ye and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God through prayer and petition

praying in ever season in spirit

Or to divide here,

And the helmet of salvation receive ye and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God

through prayer and petition praying in ever season in spirit

"Helmet of salvation" and "sword of the Spirit" share a verb, receive ye. "Sword of the Spirit" is qualified, "which is the Word of God". How would "through prayer and petition" fit here?

I'm looking over and over this word construction, and I'm not seeing where there is any indication that "through prayer and petition" should belong with "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God".

I look at syntax first, as the text will frequently use gender and number and like that to show connection. I look at writing patterns by that writer, which here, shows us something I think.

Ephesians 6:14-19 KJV
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;
19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

The KJV reverses "praying always" and "with all prayer and supplication" to show the translator's understanding.

You've asked, does anyone here know Greek? I've had Greek class, and continued my study for the past 20 years. Do I think I compare to the teams of Greek scholars who worked on these translations? I don't think so. I don't mind sharing what I see, but it's nothing more than that.

having your loins girt about with truth
having on the breastplate of righteousness;
your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked
take the helmet of salvation
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

Each of these either simply name the portion of the armor, or include a descriptive statement.

If we include "through prayer and petition", this is a break in the pattern. Not to say that can't happen, just to see it.

If I ask myself, how would it seem to me to fit in, I would say that "through prayer and petition" is how we are to be praying always in the Spirit.

Prayer and petition, prayer, and praying, from a word meaning to "wish before", to direct your desires toward God. Petition, or supplication, is from a word to make requests.

I see one as more the yearning in my heart, for holiness, and boldness, the other as more the brass tacks, overcome this impurity, provide this opportunity, like that.

To me, they elaborate "praying always in the Spirit".

And there is,

Hebrews 4:12 KJV
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In this case the Word of God tells me about myself, and reveals the deceptions of my flesh.

Something else I like to look for is an overall movement of meaning, the flow of the passage.

having your loins girt about with truth
having on the breastplate of righteousness;
your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked
take the helmet of salvation
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

4 things you wear, 2 things you hold, 1 thing you do.

Loins supported in truth
heart covered in righteousness
feet prepared to walk in His works having made peace with God through the Gospel
mind renewed in rebirth

Take the shield of faith,trust in Jesus, so nothing will succeed in making you doubt, and in doubting, walk according to flesh.
And the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God, which will tell you what everything is, dividing true from false, spirit from flesh.

Praying - making prayers and requests, always.

These are some of my thoughts. I don't see anything specific in the Greek to answer this particular question. For me it's answered by the flow of the context.

Much love!

 

[Mayflower]

I'd go for more context . . .

View attachment 15843

And the helmet of salvation receive ye and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God through prayer and petition praying in ever season in spirit

I think the question is to divide here,

And the helmet of salvation receive ye and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God through prayer and petition

praying in ever season in spirit

Or to divide here,

And the helmet of salvation receive ye and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God

through prayer and petition praying in ever season in spirit

"Helmet of salvation" and "sword of the Spirit" share a verb, receive ye. "Sword of the Spirit" is qualified, "which is the Word of God". How would "through prayer and petition" fit here?

I'm looking over and over this word construction, and I'm not seeing where there is any indication that "through prayer and petition" should belong with "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God".

I look at syntax first, as the text will frequently use gender and number and like that to show connection. I look at writing patterns by that writer, which here, shows us something I think.

Ephesians 6:14-19 KJV
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;
19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

The KJV reverses "praying always" and "with all prayer and supplication" to show the translator's understanding.

You've asked, does anyone here know Greek? I've had Greek class, and continued my study for the past 20 years. Do I think I compare to the teams of Greek scholars who worked on these translations? I don't think so. I don't mind sharing what I see, but it's nothing more than that.

having your loins girt about with truth
having on the breastplate of righteousness;
your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked
take the helmet of salvation
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

Each of these either simply name the portion of the armor, or include a descriptive statement.

If we include "through prayer and petition", this is a break in the pattern. Not to say that can't happen, just to see it.

If I ask myself, how would it seem to me to fit in, I would say that "through prayer and petition" is how we are to be praying always in the Spirit.

Prayer and petition, prayer, and praying, from a word meaning to "wish before", to direct your desires toward God. Petition, or supplication, is from a word to make requests.

I see one as more the yearning in my heart, for holiness, and boldness, the other as more the brass tacks, overcome this impurity, provide this opportunity, like that.

To me, they elaborate "praying always in the Spirit".

And there is,

Hebrews 4:12 KJV
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In this case the Word of God tells me about myself, and reveals the deceptions of my flesh.

Something else I like to look for is an overall movement of meaning, the flow of the passage.

having your loins girt about with truth
having on the breastplate of righteousness;
your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked
take the helmet of salvation
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

4 things you wear, 2 things you hold, 1 thing you do.

Loins supported in truth
heart covered in righteousness
feet prepared to walk in His works having made peace with God through the Gospel
mind renewed in rebirth

Take the shield of faith,trust in Jesus, so nothing will succeed in making you doubt, and in doubting, walk according to flesh.
And the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God, which will tell you what everything is, dividing true from false, spirit from flesh.

Praying - making prayers and requests, always.

These are some of my thoughts. I don't see anything specific in the Greek to answer this particular question. For me it's answered by the flow of the context.

Much love!

This is awesome. Thanks a lot!!!! It was just a different take on it I hadn't heard. I do believe prayer and praise are powerful weapons for the belt of truth.

 

[Wynona]

What an awesome thread! Thanks @Mayflower

 

[Mayflower]

What an awesome thread! Thanks @Mayflower

I need to get back on this. Thanks for tagging me.

 

[Mayflower]

Breastplate of righteousness