Stand Fast

Stand Fast Ephesians 6:14-15 Review/Preview • With the word “finally,” Paul unveils how the entire letter prepares us for a call to arms. • Paul’s closing theme: Stand Fast in God’s Power through Prayer. • Paul commands us to stand our ground with the help of God’s armor, which has 6 specific pieces. • Today, the first three pieces of armor along with the final exhortation to stand. Stand Fast • “Stand” is urgent and conclusive. • The command draws from other Biblical texts, most notably, Exodus 14:13 The Belt of Truth • Having girded yourselves – personal and urgent action (also present in the breastplate and cleated shoes). • Truth: accords with reality (Luke 4:25); reliable (Psalm 119:160); leading to salvation (Ephesians 1:13) • Truth is, notably, the first item Paul mentions: 1. The truth of God’s Word – Isaiah 45:19 2. The truth of Christ – John 14:6 3. The truth of Salvation – Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 1:5 4. The truth of Christian love – 1 Corinthians 13:6 • As the belt, truth holds everything together. Breastplate of Righteousness • Breastplate: 1. Paul describes another facet of this breastplate in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, “breastplate of faith and love” 2. This varied description makes sense when we consider the Roman breastplate (lorica segmentate): overlapping strips of soft iron/mild steel riveted to leather straps protecting the torso, abdomen, back, and shoulders. Flexible, durable, and highly resistant to projectiles, this armor would last for several generations of soldiers. • Righteousness: the righteous declaration of God in response to faith in Christ (Romans 1:17) and God’s resulting righteous deliverance (Psalm 31:1) Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace • Shoes of Readiness: 1. Roman soldiers used heavy soled, hobnailed sandals. Caliga looked much like modern day, short-spike soccer cleats. 2. Solders needed footwear that would hold up against a brute force charge. 3. “Readiness” is a challenging word to translate, but probably means more like “foundation” than “preparation.” • The Gospel of Peace – your present, ongoing peace with God (Luke 7:50; Romans 5:1) will prevent you from slipping. Conclusion May God grant us the urgency that comes when life-and-death battle is imminent.