Recently many people will ask you, “what color clothes did you wear when you go out?” or “You wear this color? You are not afraid?” As your pastor, it is my responsibility to ask “Have you worn the necessary equipment to fight a sure win war?”Ephesians 6:10-17
Be strong
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”(V.10)
Not by might, not by abilities, but by God’s mighty power to be strong!
Recognize the enemy
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)
God’s word has clearly remind us, government officers, police and protestants … any man with fleshand blood is not our final enemy, God loves the world!He loves every soul of flesh and blood.Our enemy only rule the world of darkness and spiritual forces of evil. Therefore we have to try our best to keep unity, and don’t let that evil divides us.
Prepare the armor
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (V.13)
The main point is not what color of clothes we wear or what do we bring with us. It is whether you have received and understood the full armor of God and make sure that you have worn and have not taken off.
Belt of truth buckleted around your waist, with breastplate of righteousness
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,” (V.14)
In this age that is overflowed with information, only God’s word is the foundation of our believe. They are light of our feet. Only truth can establish and strengthen our lives. Faithful servant will also speak the word according to its meaning. We have to read and go deeper to avoid being blinded and do not even know.
Now many people expressed that they protest to defend righteousness. Here it reminded us we have to use righteous to protect our heart, how to understand this? Jesus is our model. He has verbally express what was righteous. But what is more important, He acted out righteous. He has not treated people unrighteous because they were not “just” to him. He chose that no matter how people treat Him, He still remains holy and righteous. Therefore when we understand God’s righteousness and act it out, we do not have to afraid of any attack !
Gospel of peace save the soul
“and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (V.15) Yes, be Christians (Jesus’ disciples) should not live away from reality. The main point is not whether we go out to protest to not. It is whether we have enter the crowd to save people. Have we faithfully preach the good news to those who are humble and willing to listen. It is my prayer everyday: Lord! I am willing to preaching your gospel of peace, please give me people who are willing to listen !
Faith plus behavior don’t afraid of that evil
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.(V.16)
Real faith is established on God’s word and His promise but not in circumstances and situation. We have faith that we are not afraid of death is because we have eternal hope and salvation. We do not judge our people because we believe only God is the final judge. I believe any political power in the world may look steady will be over one day. Only eternal authority is put on His shoulder” and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Helmet of salvation sword of spirit
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (V.17) You want to go to protest? What I care is not whether you have worn a helment but whether you are saved. If you are not sure whether you have worn the helmet of salvation, please confirm with you pastor before you go to protest. Sword of the Spirit is Word of God. Jesus said, But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26) Therefore we have to rely on the Holy Spirit, read God’s word, then we will win the spiritual warfare.
Dear brothers and sisters, may you bring message of peace with you wherever you go, so that people’s heart will be consoled. May God’s Word and Holy Spirit fill you so that in these days of confusion, you will be God’s blameless children!