The Armor of God - The Cloak of Zeal - Lesson 9

Lesson 9: The Cloak of Zeal

Another piece of armor, not described by Paul but mentioned in Isaiah, is the cloak of zeal. While not listed with the rest of the armor of God, this cloak factors heavily in the lives of Christians everywhere.

On July 16, 2009, one young man stepped ashore of Marina Del Rey to complete his 13-month-long journey around the world. At the conclusion of his trip, Zac Sunderland officially became the youngest person in the world to have circumnavigated the globe alone in a boat. 

This amazing accomplishment began long before Zac set sail. His family was a sailing family and was fully supportive. They ensured Zac had all the latest safety equipment, from GPS to satellite phone to access to the best weather information. But ultimately it was Zac's own zeal that propelled him through the months of preparation and 13-month sailing marathon.

Zac and his 36-foot boat, the Intrepid, endured an impressive list of hardships while out at sea, which, according to a Los Angeles Times article, included "trying to fix broken rigging in 15-foot seas and gale-force winds" and a close call "in the Indian Ocean [with] a mysterious-looking vessel that seemed sure to harbor pirates." 

Zac could have landed in a port and called it quits at any point during his voyage. And let's face it; a potential scuffle with pirates would be enough to encourage most to throw in the towel and never set sail again. Yet Zac stuck with his goal and, as a result, gained the irrevocable title of the first person under 18 years old to sail around the world alone. 

What kept him going? In his own words, "I think society puts young people in a box—people 15, 16, 17—and does not expect them to do much but go to high school and play football and stuff like that. This just shows they can do a lot more with some strong ambition and desire. My [advice] is to get out there and do your thing with all you got." 

In other words, it was zeal that carried Zac through. He decided on a goal, and his zeal to achieve it kept him going, even when things turned ugly.

Cloaked With Zeal

When cloaks appear in movies or books, it's often in conjunction with mysterious and enigmatic characters, shrouded in airs of intrigue or danger. But beyond their appeal in works of fiction, the cloaks used by ancient armies had a variety of uses that make them relevant today, not as a point of fleeting interest, but as an invaluable tool in our constant war against Satan.

What purpose did the cloak serve in the Roman army?

The cloak served multiple important functions for the Roman soldier. It provided warmth, which was important to defend against the cold. Natural oils were used to make it nearly waterproof, which was important when the rains came. It also provided makeshift bedding, which was important during long marches.

Without his cloak, a soldier was subject to bitter cold, freezing rain and painfully uncomfortable nights. These unfortunate conditions would give a noticeable edge to a better equipped enemy, since a cold, wet and sore soldier can easily be a demotivated soldier. And a demotivated soldier, while not incapable of fighting, will not be performing at his peak.

What is zeal?

Zechariah 8:2
Thus says the Lord of hosts: "I am zealous for Zion with great zeal; with great fervor I am zealous for her."

God Himself is zealous and fervently passionate about His people and His plan. In simplest terms, zeal is fuel. It is anything that drives people: their passion, their purpose, what they live for. For Christians, zeal is a burning desire to do God's will and to live according to His purpose.

Why is the cloak of zeal important to us as Christians?

Isaiah 59:17
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

Just as a soldier without his cloak could quickly find himself demotivated and unable to operate at his peak, so we soldiers of Christ will quickly find ourselves unable to operate at our peak unless we are fueled by zeal.

Can our zeal go astray if we don't base it on right knowledge?

Romans 10:2
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

Paul himself was zealous in persecuting the Church (Philippians 3:6), until he learned that was not what God wanted. When he aligned his goals with God's plans, his zeal became very effective.

What biblical examples of zeal can we learn from?

Numbers 25:5-11
So Moses said to the judges of Israel, "Every one of you kill his men who were joined to Baal of Peor."
And indeed, one of the children of Israel came and presented to his brethren a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Now when Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose from among the congregation and took a javelin in his hand; and he went after the man of Israel into the tent and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her body. So the plague was stopped among the children of Israel. And those who died in the plague were twenty-four thousand. 

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: "Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal."

When Israel's sexual immorality with their pagan neighbors led them away from the true God and toward worshipping the pagan god Baal, Phinehas took a stand. After God told His followers to kill all those who were now worshipping Baal, an Israelite had the nerve to walk—in plain sight of everyone—to his tent with a pagan woman. He apparently thought he was too important to have to obey the laws against adultery and idolatry. Phinehas, on fire with zeal for God, followed the two to the tent and ran them both through with a spear.

It seems like a harsh response, but Phinehas receives commendation from God and a later reference in the Psalms. Why? Because when God gives us a command, we are to keep it. The zeal of Phinehas is remarkable because, while the rest of Israel just stood and watched, Phinehas stood up and took the initiative, acting on the word of God. God does not command us to take lives today, of course, but the example shows the kind of zeal we must have.

Colossians 4:12-13
Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

We are given only the briefest glimpse of Epaphras through the pages of the Bible. From this passage in Paul's letter to the Colossians, we learn two important facts about the man. First, he was a member of the early New Testament Church; and second, he had zeal. Paul commends him to the Church for "always laboring fervently for you in prayers" (verse 12).

This was how his zeal showed itself: He cared deeply about his fellow laborers in Christ and as a result dedicated much of his time toward petitioning God on their behalf. True zeal for God's way means a love for and a desire to serve our brethren, just like Epaphras.

John 2:15-17
When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up."

What better example of zeal could there be than our Savior and King, Jesus Christ? When He saw that money changers and sellers of livestock had overrun God's temple and were cheating people (in Matthew 21:13 Christ said they had made it a "den of thieves"), He drove them out. The disciples recognized this as a case study in being motivated by godly zeal.

Are we on fire for God's way? Do we care deeply about our brethren? Are we willing to serve, to act and to live as God would have us live?

Apply Now

Imagine a driver filling up his car with gas and then letting it idle for the next several hours as it eats up his hard-earned fuel, getting him absolutely nowhere.

Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But we're no different if we fill up our spiritual reservoirs with zeal and then go nowhere with it. As mentioned before, it is a type of fuel, one that gives us strength to live God's way. So how can we put zeal to work in our lives?

Jesus and Phinehas both saw situations that showed disrespect for God, and took appropriate action. While we aren't to run anyone through with a spear, we should be driven to take a stand for God's way when we see it defamed. And the most effective way to do that is by letting our actions show the truth.

We should also direct that javelin-hurling instinct inward. What sins in our own lives keep us separated from God? Are we content to let them remain in His temple, purchased at such a high price by Jesus Christ's death? Study 2 Corinthians 7:11. Our zeal should provide us with the desire to eliminate sins from our lives immediately.

Don't forget the example of Epaphras. Zeal is also serving our brethren. Take note of those who need prayers and seek out ways you can serve, both at church services and throughout the week. A true disciple of Christ, like his or her Teacher, is always seeking how he or she can serve those in need—not out of a desire to get ahead, but out of a zeal for our Father's house.

Next Lesson: Congratulations! You have finished the Armor of God series.

The Armor of God - The Power of Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit - Lesson 8

Lesson 8: The Power of Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit

Prayer is an important part of our day-to-day lives. But how often do we think of it in association with the armor of God? Turns out, it's one of the most vital parts!

Artur Aleksandrov, a recent high school graduate in Tallinn, Estonia, tells this story:

"Just recently I was a high school senior, trying my best to balance school, God and various 'cares of this life.' When the new year started, I wanted to focus on picking the right national exams to take. When I decided on which ones I prefer, it didn't even come to mind that one of them could fall on the Sabbath. By nature being rather forgetful and slow, I didn't notice the day of the week I was to sit for the first two exams (both were on the Sabbath). I lived on unsuspectingly until, about three weeks before the first exam, one of my teachers casually mentioned something that made my pupils triple in diameter. That's when it hit me!

"...I wrote a letter of request to the center explaining my affiliation with a Sabbath-keeping church and then I started to wait. They tested my faith and patience for a whole month before I got a reply on the 5th of May. They also requested an affirmation from the Church as proof, which Mr. [Johnnie] Lambert duly composed for me.

"They respected my beliefs, and although my request came way too late, allowed me to sit for the exams on the additional day appointed by them. This was another blessing from God. It was an answer to numerous of my prayers to Him while I was still awaiting the reply from the center. In that period, I was partly preparing to receive a negative answer, which meant failing to graduate and staying for another year in school, and partly really hoping that God would still provide an easier way out. I knew He could—and He did!

"...So, dear brethren, as you can see for yourselves, our gracious and all-powerful Lord responded to our collective prayers with abundant gifts... There is nothing more powerful in this world than the prayers of God's servants—His saints."

Praying Always

God's armor is comprehensive. In this series we have spent time examining it, from the ideas behind it, to its purpose and application. It is an absolutely essential part of surviving and winning our battle against Satan. However, right on the heels of his description of the armor of God, Paul adds that we should be "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:18).

Is there any significance to this admonition appearing immediately after the listing of God's armor? You bet there is!

Barnes' Notes comments, "No matter how complete the armour; no matter how skilled we may be in the science of war; no matter how courageous we may be, we may be certain that without prayer we shall be defeated. God alone can give the victory; and when the Christian soldier goes forth armed completely for the spiritual conflict, if he looks to God by prayer, he may be sure of a triumph" (Heritage Edition, Vol. 12, p. 133).

If we equip ourselves with God's armor, we must also be determined to keep a steady line of connection with Him. He is the commander of His spiritual army, and He alone knows how to lead it to victory.

How can we be "praying always"?

Luke 18:1-8
I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?

Luke wrote that Jesus gave the above parable to teach that "men always ought to pray and not lose heart," so it serves as a good starting point for understanding what praying always means.

In her quest for justice, the widow never gave up in seeking help from the unjust judge. In our quest for victory, we must never give up in seeking help from our perfect God. The command to pray always is not to say that we must be in a continuous, unceasing dialogue with God every second of every day. Rather, we must develop a connection to God—one that is maintained through regular prayer, Bible study and a godly lifestyle—that allows us to instantly come before our God in prayer in times of distress and need.

What is supplication?

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God...

The Greek word translated supplication in both Ephesians 6:18 and Philippians 4:6 is transliterateddeesis by Strong's Concordance and means a petition or a special request of God.

What role does the Spirit play in a Christian's prayers?

Romans 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit [itself] makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because [it] makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Since we don't always know how to pray as we should, if we have the Spirit in us and are led by that Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:14), Paul says "the Spirit" will make intercession for us. This means that although we do not always know exactly what we should be praying for, God knows our hearts by living in us (John 17:23).

No matter how clumsily Christians present their requests and no matter how jumbled and confusing they are, God will always know what they are trying to say. Through His Spirit working in us, He has intimate knowledge of our hearts and minds. He understands us and will always work things out for the best in the long run (Romans 8:28).

Who or what should we be praying about?

Matthew 6:9-13
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

In what has become known as the "Lord's prayer," Jesus Christ lays out for us a framework for praying to God. It is not a strict, inflexible format to which we must adhere every time we come before God (Matthew 6:7), but rather an excellent checklist of things we do need to take the time to pray about. We should be praying on a regular basis for, among other things, God's will to be done, our needs to be taken care of, the forgiveness of our sins and deliverance from Satan.

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Luke 21:36
Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Along with praying for others, it is vital to also pray for ourselves. Our lives are filled with reminders that we can't make it on our own. It would be inconceivable to refrain from asking God for the help we so desperately require.

Our God stands ready to provide us with the strength, wisdom and courage we need to stand against our enemy, but He wants us first to come before Him and ask for it. Will we?

Matthew 26:39
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

When Jesus prayed fervently before His crucifixion, He knew what He wanted to happen. But He always remembered that His Father was in charge and had the eternal best interests of everyone in mind. It is important for us to pray for God's will to be done too.

Ephesians 6:18-20
...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The ministers of God's Church, on whom falls the bulk of His work, are just as human as the rest of us. They, too, are subject to exhaustion, sickness and heartache. They, too, can—and at times, will—fall short of the high mark God has set for us. Also, they can face difficult trials (Paul spent time in prison for obeying God) and many challenging decisions in doing God's work. Paul was particularly concerned that God would continue to give him the courage, opportunities and clarity to boldly preach God's truth even at the risk of suffering or death.

As this is the case, we should be sure to keep God's servants in our prayers—and not only His ministers, but all His people. We are in this battle together, and prayer is one of the most effective ways we can support each other, care for each other and fulfill the God-inspired command given to us in Philippians 2:4.

Apply Now

How often do you pray? Throughout the Bible, we see repeated examples of people who prayed regularly. Daniel, an Israelite taken captive to Babylon, made sure to pray three times a day (Daniel 6:10). The author of Psalm 119 seems to have prayed seven times each day (Psalm 119:164). While there are no set numbers for how often or how long we should pray, we should be sure to give God adequate time on a regular basis.

If you don't already, set aside time each day to talk to God, and don't take it lightly. Don't put it off or delay it; make the time to talk to your Creator. If we fail to establish a steady, well-founded relationship with God, we will not be in the proper mind-set to be praying always—nor will we be in the proper mind-set to win our spiritual war.

Next Lesson: The Cloak of Zeal

The Armor of God - The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God-Lesson 7

Lesson 7: The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God

The sixth piece of armor Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 is "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." How does a Roman soldier's sword help us understand how to use the Bible to win our spiritual battles?

The Bible, in Judges 7, records the story of Gideon and his 300 men:

Gideon and 32,000 Israelite troops gathered near the Midianite camp, but they were severely outnumbered by their 135,000 oppressors. Gideon was ready to do battle, but God had other plans. He was about to show His people just how powerful a God He was.

God told Gideon to let anyone who was afraid of the upcoming battle return home. Twenty-two thousand men took the opportunity to leave their ranks, leaving only 10,000 remaining. But God was looking for a smaller group still.

God then told Gideon to have the remainder drink from the spring, and all those who lapped the water like a dog would remain, while the rest were sent home. Finally, with only 300 men, Gideon and his little army surrounded the Midianites. On signal they blew trumpets, broke the pitchers covering their torches and shouted, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!" (Judges 7:20).

Then the unthinkable happened. These 300 men—holding not swords, but torches and trumpets—routed the entire Midianite camp. Scripture records that God "set every man's sword against his companion throughout the whole camp" (Judges 7:22). So before the Israelites even had a chance to reach for swords, God plunged the enemy camp into chaos and wild defeat. The Israelites were delivered from their foes by a miracle.

This famous story illustrates an invaluable lesson: It is God who gives the victory. His sword is what will deliver us. 

Taking the Sword

Throughout the world, there are certain individuals—real and fictional—whose identity remains almost inseparable from their weapon of choice.

From England, there is King Arthur and his sword, Excalibur. From the Middle East, Ali and his scimitar, Zulfiqar. From Spain, El Cid and his long sword, Tizona. From Scotland, William Wallace and his unnamed claymore.

The sword is the only item listed by Paul that serves in an offensive capacity. Even if we have all the rest of the armor equipped perfectly, without our sword, we amount to little more than heavily armored moving targets.

Perhaps this is why we remember the name of King Arthur's sword and not, for example, his footwear. While the rest of the armor is undoubtedly vital, it is the sword and only the sword that allows us to attack—to directly do the work that needs to be done.

What purpose did the sword serve in the Roman army?

The Roman gladius has become known as "the sword that conquered the world." Adapted from a Spanish design, the prowess of the gladius in close range combat made it a fearsome tool in the hand of a skilled Roman warrior. When sharpened, its dual edges wreaked havoc on unarmored foes, while its tapered point could pierce through even heavy metal armor.

A Roman infantryman would go into battle armed with more than just hisgladius. He would also have a dagger (pugio), several one-time use spears (pila) and lead-weighted darts (plumbatae), but the sword was his main means of attack. The sword is the only weapon Paul lists as part of the Christian arsenal.

What is the Word of God?

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

God's Word—the Holy Bible—illuminates. It reveals to us the good and the bad, the wise and the unwise. It is the ultimate tool in learning how to live the best possible life, free from the restraints of stumbling in darkness.

John 17:17
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

God's Word is truth, plain and simple. We can have perfect confidence in the fact that His words are accurate, true and unerring. When followed, they guide us without fail in the paths that we need to walk.

We can be destroyed by lack of the knowledge of God (Hosea 4:6), but we will be blessed if we hear and keep the Word of God (Luke 11:28). And the knowledge is not just for us. We are to be ready to answer others who ask us (1 Peter 3:15).

Why a sword?

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The all-powerful sword of the living God is able to cut through every defense our enemy can raise—down to the very division of bone and marrow. When wielded by a servant of God, nothing can withstand its ability to cut straight to the core of a matter and uncover the truth. As soldiers in God's army, it is our responsibility and duty to use His Word to discern the truth and then follow it. When God's Word shows us something wrong in ourselves, we can use this spiritual weapon to "surgically" remove the offending thoughts and actions (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Unlike all other pieces of the armor of God, which are solely defensive, the sword is uniquely suited for both defensive and offensive roles. A solid defense is invaluable, but the sword is the only way we can complete the work we have been given to do.

Notice that Jesus Christ used the Bible to counter Satan's attacks (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). We must also learn to live "by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

Swords are used for close combat, not long-range warfare. Could this imply the nature of the battle a Christian fights?

Acts 14:22
...strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The Romans relied in part on assailing their enemy from a distance with javelins and darts, but God does not give us that option as Christian soldiers. If we were able to fight our battles from a distance, we would never experience an actual trial.

At first glance, that might not seem like such a bad thing. But when we stop to consider that without trials, there is no growth, and without growth, we will not be able to enter God's Kingdom, we see that trials, however uncomfortable, are essential in our journeys as Christians. After all, the promises of Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26 and 3:5, 12 and 21 are given "to him who overcomes" and not "to him who remains as he is."

Paul only lists one weapon because we only need one weapon: There is no enemy the Word of God, coupled with His Spirit, cannot defeat. And so, armed only with our sword, we step out to fight our enemies head-on. The struggle is real. It is immediate, and it is in front of us. Our future in God's Kingdom is on the line, and we take up the battle so that we may hold fast to the future He has promised us.

What promises can we stand on?

Matthew 24:13
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

We fight knowing the end of the story. Two of the many powerful and sure promises in God's Word tell us that if we remain dedicated to God and His Word, we will make it to the end, and we will be saved. There is no doubt in this statement. God's promises are as sure as the one He told Isaiah: "Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it" (Isaiah 46:11).

So take up your sword. The battle is ours.

Apply Now

A sword needs to be sharpened if it is to remain useful—and it certainly won't sharpen itself. Set aside some time every day for regular Bible study. Pick a topic you don't know as well as you'd like or a character trait you would like to improve and delve into it. Through continuous practice, we will keep our blades razor sharp and always be ready to defend the hope that lies within us.

Next Lesson: The Power of Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit

The Armor of God: Helmet of Salvation

Lesson 6: Helmet of Salvation

In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about the "helmet of salvation" as part of the armor of God. What exactly does the Bible mean by salvation, and why is it portrayed as a helmet?

It's hard to deny the importance of a helmet. The Lansing State Journal ran an article on June 23, 2009, about a 36-year-old involved in a skateboarding accident:

"It was a death that could have been avoided, officials said.

"Paul Maxim, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered a skull fracture and other head injuries in an accident June 18 at Ranney Skate Park near Frandor. He died Saturday. 

"'A simple helmet would have saved his life,' said Lansing fire public information officer Steve Mazurek." 

This story stands in stark contrast with an article that appeared in the Manchester Evening News on July 4, 2008: 

"Savannah Haworth, 11, was knocked unconscious after falling into the path of the car.

"The wheels went over her arm and top of her helmet but she escaped with a swollen elbow and bruising to her face. 

"Her parents say she would have been killed without the helmet and are now urging all cyclists to wear them." 

It's incredible to think that the absence or presence of a helmet can make so much of a difference that a skateboarding accident can prove fatal without one while being run over by a car can be survived with one. One of the pieces of our spiritual armor is the helmet of salvation, and, as we can see from these two stories, a helmet is not a piece of equipment to be underestimated.

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Taking the Helmet

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians about the helmet of salvation, some of them may have found the analogy to be a familiar one. In the book of Isaiah, a description of God shows Him as having put on both the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation (Isaiah 59:17). In referencing this Old Testament scripture, Paul drives home the point that it is in every sense of the word the armor of God—the same armor He Himself wears. But it also leads us to consider what salvation is, what it has to do with a helmet and what it means   for us.

What purpose did the helmet serve in the Roman army?

The Roman helmet, like helmets today, protected the head from the attacks of the enemy. There is some evidence to suggest that the Romans had special ceremonial helmets used in parades that denoted rank and standing.

What is salvation?

Salvation basically means to be saved or delivered from something (see examples in Exodus 14:13 and Micah 7:6-8). In the New Testament, as we will see, it is generally used to refer to deliverance from the eternal death penalty of sin and deliverance into God's Kingdom.

What is the penalty of our sins, and how can we be saved from that penalty?

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8-10
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

1 Timothy 2:3-4
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Luke 1:77
To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins...

Every human being has thought and acted in ways that are abominable to God. Our sins break God's beautiful living laws designed for our good. Sin is so vile to God that it requires the death penalty. God's justice requires that penalty. But God's loving mercy provided the most incredible substitute. Jesus Christ, our Creator, was willing to die in our place! To be saved, we need a Savior.

How do we receive salvation?

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

It is important to understand that salvation cannot be earned. It is a gift from God and not something we can obtain through the right actions, thus obligating God to give it to us. Still, as we've seen in the scriptures covered so far, repentance (abhorring our sins and seeking God's forgiveness and help to obey His laws), faith, accepting Christ's sacrifice and coming to the knowledge of the truth are all steps in accepting the free gift. In no way do these efforts make up for our sins that caused the death of our Creator and Savior!

Is salvation a permanent, irrevocable gift, or does it have to be maintained?

The New Testament tells us that we "have been saved" (Ephesians 2:5), that we "are being saved" (1 Corinthians 1:18) and that we "will be saved" (Matthew 10:22). What does this mean for us?

Ephesians 2:4-8
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God...

Paul makes it clear that "have been saved" equates to the forgiveness of sins and coming under God's grace. We have been taken off death row.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Salvation can also describe the ongoing conversion process. Paul also calls this being "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). This involves having God's laws written in our minds and meditating on them so we can better follow them (Hebrews 10:16; Psalm 119:97-99). As we saw in the lesson on the breastplate of righteousness, God expects us to obey His commandments.

Matthew 10:22
And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Our ultimate salvation depends on whether or not we choose to endure to the end.

What does salvation have to do with a helmet?

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

We can receive tremendous hope and comfort by focusing on the incredible sacrifice Christ gave to save us and the amazing Kingdom that is the goal of our salvation. This hope works like a helmet to protect our minds from the discouragement and despair in this world.

John 17:15-16
I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Christians have been called out of this world. Though we remain in it, we are not of it and remain separate from it. Our way of living and even of thinking should differ from the world's. We are to develop the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), and as we have seen, that means having God's laws written on our hearts and minds so we can remember to always obey God.

1 Peter 5:8-9
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.

Our enemy hates that we have chosen this path and will stop at nothing to destroy us because of it. Just as the helmet protects the vital but vulnerable head from otherwise fatal blows, the hope of salvation can protect our thoughts from our enemy's attacks and temptations to disobey God.

Matthew 13:22
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Without the helmet of salvation, we will be unprotected from the "cares of this world" that bombard our thoughts and feelings. Imagine not knowing what the future ultimately holds. The worries and problems produced by living in this world would overwhelm us!

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

With the helmet securely fastened, we can have the same confidence that Paul did that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). We understand that it doesn't matter what happens to us now. No matter what trials we face, we know that at the end of it all waits God's Kingdom and an eternity of His perfect reign—and what could be better than that?

How do I keep the helmet secure?

Psalm 3:8
Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah.

Remember that salvation comes from God, and that God is on our side. If we commit to fully follow and obey Him, it is impossible for us to lose our battle or our salvation.

Revelation 21:1-4
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

This is the salvation we are fighting for—to enter this glorious Kingdom! Never lose sight of this. This coming Kingdom, with its worldwide peace and prosperity, makes every price in this life worth paying. No matter what comes, no matter how vicious the attacks our enemy lands on us, we know that as long as we remain with God, we are moving slowly but unstoppably toward an eternal victory. What wouldn't we give for that?

2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul had the vision. He valued his salvation highly and diligently fought the good fight. As the end of his life drew near, he was able to say with complete confidence that he would receive the crown.

When Paul awakes in the first resurrection, he will trade in his soldier's helmet for a far more glorious, imperishable and eternal crown of righteousness—the crown of a victorious soldier of Christ. We, too, can be assured of victory so long as we—like Paul—faithfully follow our God and His commandments from our heart and mind.

Apply Now

Philippians 2:12 says to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." We are each individually responsible for whether or not we choose to accept the invitation into God's Kingdom and then to stay on the path of obedience with His help. A good checklist for progress is Paul's description of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Ask yourself...

How well am I expressing godly love? (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.)

Is my outlook on life characterized by joy or pessimism?

Am I a peacemaker or a troublemaker?

Am I patient—even in stressful situations?

Do I express kindness to others through willing acts of service?

What kind of media do I allow into my life? Does the entertainment I enjoy live up to God's standards?

Do I stick with my commitments, even when they become difficult to keep?

Is my approach to settling disagreements to verbally assault the other person, or do I handle things gently and with respect?

Am I able to put what needs to be done before what I want to do?

What areas did you find yourself strongest in? In what areas are you weakest? How can you improve? Take time to research your weakest trait and design a plan for self-improvement in that area. Don't overlook prayer as the most important step!

Next Lesson: The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God

The Armor of God: The Shield of Faith

Lesson 5: The Shield of Faith

The fourth piece of armor Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 is "the shield of faith." How did Roman soldiers use their shields? What purpose does a spiritual shield serve for us?

The Bible, in Daniel 3, records the story of the burning fiery furnace:

The three young men stood looking at the very site where they were to be put to death. The edict had gone out—they were to be thrown, alive and bound, into a furnace heated to seven times its usual fervor. Everyone watching understood: This was an execution. This was what happened when you disobeyed the king.

Just moments ago, the three men had been given the chance to circumvent this ugly fate. With little more than a few motions on their part, they could have saved their own lives. But they refused. Why? 

The king had previously set up a 90-foot-high golden statue. At various times throughout the day, which were to be prompted by music, he commanded that his people fall down and worship this statue. Out of the entire nation, we are given the names of only three men who had the courage to stand against this royal decree. And for that courage, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were going to die. 

When King Nebuchadnezzar became aware of their insubordination, he summoned the rebels and gave them an ultimatum: Worship the statue or be thrown into a fiery furnace. Their response is preserved for us in Daniel 3:16-18. "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.' 

The faith of these three men in God allowed them to stand up to the world's most powerful man and refuse to follow his blasphemous orders. They were then thrown into the furnace and miraculously delivered unharmed by God. But perhaps the most amazing thing about their story is their unwavering dedication to God in the face of an unknown outcome. Their faith was strong enough to accept giving their lives!

How can we have that faith?

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Taking the Shield

Up until now, Paul's description of the armor of God has been limited to items we wear. We put on the belt, the breastplate and the shoes, and they essentially hold themselves up.

The shield is different. Paul tells us that the shield is something we must take up, something we are required to raise. Just strapping it to our arm won't do any good at all if we don't make the effort to hold it aloft and use it.

How did the shield work in the Roman army? 

The Roman shield—the scutum—was not the standard "medieval-esque" shield most picture in their minds upon hearing the word. It was instead a very large, slightly curved rectangular shield featuring at its center a large metal knob (called a boss).

The scutum was an impressive line of defense. Because of its sheer size (some were three and a half feet tall and almost three feet wide), soldiers were afforded a great deal of protection from enemies. Because of its slight curve, it was able to deflect attacks without transferring the full force of the assault to the man holding the shield. Because of its boss, it was able to deflect even the more vicious blows and function in a limited offensive capacity as a means of knocking an opponent backwards.

What is faith?

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Here is a biblical definition of faith that clears up some common misconceptions. If faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," then this has far-reaching implications. Substance is tangible, and evidence is solid proof. Faith is, by definition, not some hazy emotion without any grounding in reality. It is the irrefutable truth. It is real.

Romans 8:24-25
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Though it is based on solid evidence, that doesn't mean faith comes naturally or easily. Paul here makes the obvious but necessary point: You don't hope for what you already have. Faith involves a huge element of trust. We must examine the evidence and see that God has proved Himself to be unchanging and consistent, and then we must firmly believe that He will fulfill His promises to us.

Where does living, saving faith come from?

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God...

1 Corinthians 12:9
...to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit...

While we must believe God to even begin our walk with Him, after repentance and baptism He gives us a deeper, living, growing faith through His Holy Spirit.

Why is a shield associated with faith?

Daniel 3:17-18
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.

A shield guards. While a physical shield protects us physically, faith can protect our spiritual lives even in the middle of physical trials. When Satan (through Nebuchadnezzar) attacked the values and beliefs of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, they were able to stand resolute and unwavering because of their faith. In their response, they essentially said, "God is capable of delivering us from this fate. We don't know if He will or not, but that doesn't matter. He gave us His commands, and we are going to keep them regardless of the physical outcome. We know He can just as easily raise us from the dead."

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

A shield deflects. Satan is always hurling his fiery darts of fear, doubt and worry in our direction, but the only time they can hit us is when we let our shield of faith down—when we stop believing that God is in control; that He is working everything out for our good; that whatever happens is for the ultimate best of everyone involved, however little it seems to be that way.

Matthew 14:28-31
And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

A shield is the first line of defense. While the rest of our armor helps protect us from Satan's onslaught, it is not what you ideally want to be using to absorb every hit. You do not, for instance, go out into battle intentionally blocking everything with your head.

When our faith in God's omnipotence and care is strong, it is impossible for Satan to break through our shield and land an attack. But when we allow doubt to creep in, as Peter did when distracted by the waves, we will start to sink. The rest of our armor will be battered, and so will we. But an actively raised shield of faith prevents this otherwise inhibiting fatigue.

Matthew 4:10-11
Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

A shield can incapacitate. When Christ was being tempted by Satan, His faith in the Word and commands of God repelled Satan for a time (Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Christ was tempted in all things, so this was certainly not the only encounter Christ had with the devil). The boss (the metal knob in the middle) on the Roman shields allowed soldiers to give their enemies a stun-inducing shove that would allow them to follow through with an attack. Our faith in God, as demonstrated by Christ, can also give Satan a good shove backwards and give us a chance to fight back by doing God's will and work. Because God tells us that faith cannot just be in our minds, it must produce actions—works of obedience and service (James 2:20).

How else can the shield be used?

The Roman military had an inventive and very effective tactic that made use of their large shields. When enemies would begin firing arrows and other projectiles at the army, the soldiers would close ranks into a rectangular array—called the testudo, or "tortoise," formation—and those on the outside would use their shields to create a wall around the perimeter. Then those in the middle would raise their shields over their heads to protect everyone from airborne missiles. The result was a formidable human tank that could be stopped only through a tremendous effort.

Ephesians 4:11-16
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

When the Roman army joined its shields together, it became an almost unstoppable force. And if we in God's Church join our shields—that is, strengthen each other with our faith, building up and serving within the Body as we are able—we will become an unstoppable force able to take on any challenge.

We must remember as we fight that this is not simply our battle. This is the battle of all our brethren, both near and around the world. And if we are to win, it will only be once we put our faith in God and stand side by side, contending earnestly and as one for "our common salvation...the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).

Apply Now

Our faith is founded on the promises of God. How familiar are we with these promises? Do you know what God has promised you? If our knowledge of and trust in them are unsteady, we will be too. Review the short article "God's Promises," also listed in the Related Resources section below, for a quick refresher of what God has promised us—what we can bet our lives on. Claim those promises and keep that shield up!

Next Lesson: The Helmet of Salvation