It is a common human instinct and desire to live a long, pleasing life. One of the commandments that were given to God’s people all the way back in Exodus was…
12 Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. – Exodus 20:12 NLT
We tend to discredit the commandment and quickly look for the next hopeful direction because our instinct tends to oppose the thought of submitting to another. We are all born and inevitably learn some sort of who is in charge and we categorize that as honoring. As children we are challenged with the difficulty of obeying and not knowing what it means to know how to honor anyone.
What is your concept and description of honoring someone?
When we learn what it means to honor someone we get the concept of respect and admiration. The challenge is that each of us knows there is a distinct difference in the two. There are many individuals we respect, and sometimes have to respect, but that does not always mean we admire them. Sometimes, because of our independence we respect someone for who they are, but actually despise them.
It is natural for children to initially look to their parents and admire them, and as their own personality and character matures it becomes independent and begins to question authority and definitely opposes discipline, even when it needed.
Paul touches on the important commandment more than once. First in the letter to the Colossians:
20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. – Colossians 3:20-21
We, as men, need to pay attention to Paul’s specific direction “do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged”. Each of us can probably reflect back on our lives and note times of discouragement and face that fact that our discouragement directly impacted our relationship with our parents. We can heed this warning and note that we can still discipline and raise children without discouraging them.
As we learn about our spirituality and our faith, we have grasped the idea of being “born again”. We have also gained knowledge of being children of God and we can grasp the reality of our spiritual maturity is different than our physical maturity. That there are actually younger aged people than us, that are more spiritually mature. We learn to honor and respect those in our lives and we can currently apply these biblical directions in a way that does not limit us to our biological relatives, but more on a spiritual relationship. This is clear as Paul ties the relationship of children and parents with slaves and masters.
Children and Parents
1Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Slaves and Masters
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. 6 Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. 7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 8 Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. 9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites. – Ephesians 6:1-9 NLT
In both of these sections there is a key cornerstone that we need to pull out.
What nuggets do you pull out in each paragraph?
the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.(v.4) / As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.(v.6) / have the same Master in heaven (v.9)
How have you used this mental and spiritual position in your own personal life? How has this biblical truth and directive changed your approach to respect and honor of people in your life? Or is this an area of your life that God still needs to work in? How do you respond to authority in your life?
This mindset is laid out intentionally for us to be clear on how to live. Remember, the first 3 chapters of Ephesians was about our identity and the last 3 chapters are on how to live. Well, the good thing about Paul is that he does not just tell us what to do, but how to do it. These section on honor is a great foundation that leads to one of the most classic biblical sections.
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 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, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. – Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV
The illustration of the amour of God is encouraging and can be really inspiring, but there are some basics that we need to keep in mind…
We need to acknowledge the words point to the fact that the battle we face, that we need to be equipped for, is not physical, but spiritual. We become equipped and ready by the power of God…
- belt of truth
- breastplate of righteousness
- shoes of the Gospel
- shield of faith
- helmet of salvation
- sword of the spirit
Belt of Truth
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,” Paul says. Truth is the belt that holds all the other pieces of the armor in place. There are two ways in which truth is a part of the armor of God.
First, it refers to the truths of Scripture as opposed to the lies of Satan. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (verse 32). The great truths of the Bible—the love of God, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the Second Coming, forgiveness of sin, grace and power to live for Jesus—these truths set us free from Satan’s lies. Satan would have us believe that we are sinful, lost, and without hope. The truth is that God’s love and salvation has set us free from sin and death.
The second way that truth serves as a belt, holding together the full armor of God, is our personal commitment to truth—to living a life that is upright, transparent, and without deceit. Integrity and honesty are vital to your Christian life. People should know that they can depend on you to be a person of truth and principle.
Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate covers the heart and shields it and the other vital organs. The Bible says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). That is what Christ’s righteousness does for you. It protects you against all of Satan’s accusations and charges. This righteousness is not made up of the good deeds you do. The Bible is clear that none of us are righteous in ourselves (Romans 3:10).
The breastplate of righteousness is entirely the righteousness of Jesus which He gives us freely when we accept Him as our Savior (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Philippians 3:9). It is Christ’s righteousness—not our own righteousness—that covers and protects us.
Shoes of the Gospel
Soldiers marching into battle must have comfortable shoes. As soldiers of Christ, we must put on “gospel shoes” that will allow us to march wherever our Lord leads. The apostle John says, “He who says he abides in Him [Jesus] ought himself also to walk just as He [Jesus] walked” (1 John 2:6). Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, . . . and they follow Me” (John 10:27). Satan will try to place obstacles in our path, but in Jesus’ strength we can walk forward, following our Lord, obeying Him, and advancing the gospel.
Shield of Faith
In listing the different pieces of the armor of God, Paul says, “In all circumstances, or isn some other translations it says “Above all, . . . [take] the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16). When Satan attacks with doubts, the shield of faith turns aside the blow. When temptations come, faith keeps us steadfast in following Jesus. We are able to withstand all the devil’s fiery darts, because we know whom we have believed (2 Timothy 3:12).
This faith is not something that comes from within us. It is God’s gift to us. He gives each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Then as we walk with Him, that faith grows and develops until it becomes a shield, protecting us and allowing us to live a victorious life in Christ. This was Paul’s experience. He said, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). And at the end of that life of faith, he declared, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). That can be your experience as well, as you use the shield of faith to turn aside everything Satan hurls at you.
Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protects the head—perhaps the most vital part of the body since it is the seat of thought and the mind. When we have a sure knowledge of our salvation, we will not be moved by Satan’s deceptions. When we are certain that we are in Christ with our sins forgiven, we will have a peace that nothing can disturb.
Can we be certain of our salvation? Can we be sure?
Yes. “If we confess our sins, He [Jesus] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life” (1 John 5:11, 12).
Sword of the Spirit
The sword of the spirit is the only weapon of offense listed in the armor of God. All the other parts are defensive in nature. God’s Word—the Bible—is described as “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus used this weapon when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness. To each of Satan’s efforts to lead Him into sin, Jesus replied, “it is written. . . “ and proceeded to quote Scripture to destroy Satan’s temptations. God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). That is why it is so powerful. That is why it is so important that we study the Bible and become familiar with its truths and its power. David wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The sword of God’s Word both protects us and destroys our enemy—the devil and his temptations.
Non-physical Offensive Weapon
After referring to all the armor to equip us against the enemy, we are given the power, the offensive power we need… “pray at all times in the spirit”. Although prayer is not one of the pieces of the whole armor of God, yet Paul closes his list by saying, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18). Even when you are clothed with the armor of God, you need to bathe it all in prayer. Prayer brings you into communion and fellowship with God so that His armor can protect you.
Time to get Dressed
We can get all this pile of equipment and the understanding of each, but how do we equip ourselves with the all this armor?
It isn’t as difficult as you might think. All the pieces of the armor are found in a relationship with Jesus. Paul said it like this: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). When you give yourself to Jesus and “put on” His righteousness, you are clothed in the whole armor of God.
Do you sometimes feel weak? Do you find yourself giving in to temptation when you really want to overcome? Are you ever discouraged? We all face these moments. But clothed in the whole armor God, the weakest of His children is more than a match for Satan. In Jesus, clothed in God’s invincible armor, you will “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” You will “be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10, 11).
Use this week to reflect on all the pieces of armor provided to us and consciously equip ourselves. Not in a proud, controlling attitude, but in the state of honor and admiration of our God.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.