We are told to take the whole armour. Not just a sword. The spirit is associated with the sword, “salvation” is associated with the helmet. Our minds and our heads must be protected. It takes our minds to win the hearts of a lost destitute soul. Without a sound mind one cannot have sound doctrine. If a man does not understand salvation he cannot be saved, nor lead others to salvation.
We often forget about the shield. Funny how we are told to take this above all isn’t! Our faith, surely, will be tested in this life as a Christian. The world and the devil have been at it for a long time. Long before any of us showed up. We are in the most corrupted age, well beyond Genesis 6 in my view! The only reason we aren’t drowned again is because God promised he wouldn’t do it! Fiery darts of the wicked stick into things. We need that shield.
Arrows go into our shields, mingle with our reason, cloud our faith. Our faith is our protection. What we can’t see with our eyes is our power. Our shield of faith is to quench not to deflect. We are to stand, having done all to stand. It needs to be mentioned here as well, that the sword of the spirit is the only offensive element. One offensive item listed in six. Loins girt about with truth; the Breastplate of Righteousness; our Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; the Shield of Faith; the Helmet of Salvation; and the Sword of the spirit.
Our feet need to be preaching the gospel of peace. How can we give peace to others, by going for the execution stroke at first contact? The fatal blow to the neck with our big 66lbs broadsword. Our authority and our training in the book can be our downfall through pride and arrogance. With all this in mind, let me talk to you bold Bible Believing preachers out there.
We are to use the word of God carefully. Not “handling the word deceitfully”. Approaching sinners with the truth and not pride. This should be our manner. We are ambassadors to the world. We should be well versed in how we conduct ourselves in every facet of life. The servant of the Lord must not strive. It carries with all men. Especially so; if one is going to attempt to “suit up”, play the part, and preach the gospel to the masses at the town square.
