Recap from last week: more on the shoes of peace

Shield of Faith–Ephesians 6:16

The Roman Soldier had a large door-like shield called a Scutum/scuta…composed of up to 5-6 layers of wood planks ‘glued’ together at differing angles, much like plywood. Then this would be covered by a combination of leather and pieces of metal. The leather covering was to be oiled daily, and if going into battle…soaked in water for a brief period so that the fire arrows would be extinguished upon being embedded in the shield. This was a very large shield, able to cover a man down to his knees. It also had some type of hook where the shields of others could be linked up in formation, almost resembling a turtle shell. This maneuver was called the ‘testudo.’ 

-The oil of the Holy Spirit and the washing with the water of the Word…

-It’s clipped to the Belt of Truth, so that my faith is attached to the Word of Truth…because if there’s no Word, then there’s no faith. Comes is gained as we plant the seed of God’s Word into our hearts, so that when needed, the Holy Spirit can reach down into the reservoir of our spirit and pull up the exact verse needed for that situation.

From our previous study a few weeks ago, ‘we remember faith comes by hearing the Word of God.’ Romans 10:17 Repetitive listening enhances memory, and memory aids the mouth to speak! 

-This implanting takes discipline. Hopefully, a daily habit is formed whereby we gain access to the Throne of God through our position in Jesus, and receive our download for that day through His Word…our ‘daily bread’ from the Father.

*Why do we sometimes lay down our shields? What happens to our walk?

*What are some examples of ‘fiery darts’ that the enemy will fling our way?

Helmet of Salvation- Verse 17a

Helmets were made from brass/ bronze metal…topped with a rim around the entire helmet to deflect direct hits; also was embossed in the top to further increase it’s tensile strength. There was a protruding back piece that covered the neck as well. Cheek pieces were added to each of the sides by a pin/hinge and inside was light padding composed of leather and cloth…, most of this has never been recovered. The helmet was strapped underneath with a leather strap tightly for support in battle.

-Helmets were bright and polished with plumes to signify rank and designate divisions.

-Main purpose was to PROTECT the head of the soldier in battle.

The Enemy knows where and how to weaken us the most. He knows the most devastating blow is to the head, paralyzing our ability to counter, and allowing entrance into our lives, family, ministry. Fear will absolutely freeze us into non-action…as will anxiety and worry. Temptation followed by shame and accusation is a deadly combination that he uses everyday to assault the weak and strong! Once he strikes, the debilitating blows try to shake us to our very CORE…”are you really saved? God can’t forgive you from THIS sin. Christians don’t act like this, they DON’T DO this.” And IF you don’t know that you’re save, and forgiven, and justified, and graced with right-standing with God through Jesus…then you’re going to be dog-meat for the enemy.  WE HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO DEFEAT THE ENEMIES’S ATTACK WITH A SECURE HELMET OF SALVATION!!!

Within our bodies, the ‘head’ is the control center: every bodily function is controlled by our brains and nervous systems. IF we take a direct hit without protection, it will be fatal. Protection that’s offered by the helmet is priceless in battle. Assurance and protection from eternal damnation is our priceless gift given by the Head of the Body!! 

Sword of the Spirit- The Word of God Verse 17b 

-Most famous Roman sword was called the gladius- a short two-edged sword, many iterations of this sword for many centuries.

-Paul used the word ‘machaira’ for sword. Malcus’ sword was the same word. This also was a short sword, two-edged, made for thrusting and stabbing. Sometimes would have a curved tip, to enhance the draw into the abdominal area.

We know from history that the Romans were very adept at taking ideas from their enemies, and with further engineering, developing a better device for their own armies’ use.

• Since we KNOW that the sword is the Word of God, we need to understand some truths.
• A sword left in the scabbard is USELESS in battle…likewise, the Word of God that isn’t spoken aloud in prayer or declaration is no less useless.
• IT”S SPOKEN!!! Isaiah 49:2 “He has made my mouth like a sharp sword.” God said “Let there be…and it was so.” Genesis 1.
• “So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth, it shall never return void” Isaiah 55:11 

Lance of Prayer- verse 18

• Maybe this is a stretch…pun intended, but I believe the Holy Spirit wanted Paul to continue with the LONG-RANGE WEAPON PLATFORM OF PRAYER.Up until now, all the weapon systems given are either defensive or short-range offensive weapons. But…PRAYER HAS NO BOUNDARIES, NO LIMITS TO TIME OR DISTANCE!!! 
• PRAYER is our MOST EFFECTIVE, yet the LEAST APPRECIATED AND UTILIZED. 
• Listen to the verse: “Praying always…with all KINDS of prayer…and supplication in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…” 
  • I added ‘all kinds’ of prayer, but it was meant by Paul. There are different types of prayers that he is alluding to: petition; supplication; thankfulness; intercession for personal needs of others; intercession for regions and nations…to name just a few examples.
  • John records in chapter 17 Jesus’ prayer for His people, those that were around Him then and those to come in the future. In Luke 22:44, we see Jesus praying with such intensity that he begins to perspire blood…a condition called ‘hematidrosis.’ Romans 8:26-27 shows us in a limited way, the role of the Holy Spirit praying through the Believer with moanings and utterances without words…according to the will of God.

We have much, so much to learn in the prayer closet…and my prayer is that we will Go there instead of being LED there by circumstances. Either way, we will always be met with the grace and fellowship of the Spirit, as we use His Word to guide us in different kinds of prayers.

COMMS for battle-verse 18 (Another perspective)

-1984-88: I wrote out MY (7) articles of weapons in the Spirit/articles of God’s armor and PRAYER was my ‘walkie talkie!’ It was my ‘comms’ to the Field General/Head-quarters. 

-It is an INVISIBLE, SCRAMBLED, DIRECT-LINE TO GOD THRU THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

-It’s efficacy/effectiveness depends on at least (2) things: 

A-It’s value on the ‘WILL Meter’ How close to the will of God is the prayer?

B-It’s battery-capacity. It’s SOLAR-POWERED…Powered by FAITH in the SON and His Word!