Devotional

So how can we increase our knowledge of the Scriptures? Reading is ordinarily our first and simplest approach. Perhaps we begin in Genesis and read right through to Revelation. On our way, the Holy Spirit is slowly, but surely reprogramming us and creating in us a Christ-centered worldview. By consistently reading through the Scriptures, we […]

Now, when Paul spoke of the “word” of God, he used the Greek word rhema, not the more familiar Greek word logos. Rhema is an interesting word that refers to “a saying,” or in our context, a particular verse or a number of verses. By using this Greek word, Paul is emphasizing the need to […]

We come now to our only offensive weapon and the final piece of armor mentioned in Ephesians chapter 6—the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. It is that which God has spoken, His Word, the Bible. It is sharper than any two-edged sword. It is the wisdom of God and the […]

The final piece of defensive equipment is the helmet of salvation. This helmet protects our minds from attacks against the assurance of our salvation. Satan will accuse us of not doing enough for God and then will call into question the validity of our salvation. Understanding and applying the doctrine of salvation by grace alone […]

Having considered the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the boots of peace, we come now to the shield of faith. The particular shield referred to here was so enormous that the soldier could hide completely behind it. This shield would thoroughly protect him from the barrage of arrows sent by the enemy. […]

We are to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. The Roman soldier wore a studded sandal in battle that gave him security and helped him stand immovable in the conflict. Those shoes gave him confidence. Likewise, the peace of God gives us security and confidence in battle. It is […]

Today, we come to the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate, of course, protected the vital organs—the heart, the lungs, the pancreas, and the liver. The ancients believed this part of the body to be the seat of the emotions. So we speak of sorrow as being “brokenhearted,” or we use the term “bowels of mercy” […]

The belt is mentioned first because it is the foundational piece of the armor. It gave the soldier mobility and support. For us, it is the belt of truth. The truths of the Word of God are the foundation from which our warfare is waged. To be girded with the truth means to know the […]

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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, […]

So is it possible to overcome temptation? Yes, it is! The only good news about being tempted is that we are guaranteed victory. It is crucial to know this. Some Christians leave you with the impression that victory is impossible and that backsliding is just another facet of the Christian experience. Yet, nothing could be […]