The Supremacy of Christ

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.
(Colossians 1:15-20 ESV)

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Put on the Whole Armor of God

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:11-20 ESV)

  • belt of truth - the whole counsel of God; the Gospel
  • breastplate of righteousness - the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us by God
  • the gospel of peace - brings peace to a mind that was once hostile toward God
  • shield of faith - God is our shield (Genesis 15:1)
  • helmet of salvation - in Christ we are saved
  • sword of the Spirit - the Word of God, with its two edges - the law and the Gospel. It convicts of sin, wrath, and destruction. (Hebrews 4:12) It humbles us and cuts down all forms of self-righteousness. It tells us we cannot depend on our reasoning or wisdom, but trust God in all things.
  • prayer - God alone gives the victory and we are to fervently ask for it, in all forms of prayer - public, private, casting away of evil, petitions for good, thanksgiving for mercies, looking for every opportunity to pray.
Posted by Michael Chen at 3:07 PM

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