357. EPH 6:13. THE WHOLE ARMOR
Eph_6:13. The Whole Armor
"Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."’97Eph_6:13.
The present condition of the Christian is one of trial and peril. He is a mariner crossing the sea of life, exposed to storms and tempests, wherein many have made shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. He is a spiritual racer, and is running the Christian course, eagerly stretching forth his hand to seize the wreath of glory and eternal life. But the text refers to him as a warrior; he is exposed to numerous foes. "Wherefore," says the apostle, "take unto you the whole armor of God." Observe,
I. The Day referred to.
"The evil day."
II. The Advice given.
"Take unto you," &c.
III. The Motive assigned.
"That ye may be able," &c.
I. The day referred to.
"The evil day." Doubtless it refers to the period of our life, the day of human probation. This is a very striking and correct view of the shortness and evanescence of our existence. Jacob’s reply to Pharaoh was truly graphic and interesting, Gen_47:9. This is the account Moses gives us, Psa. xc. "The days of our years," &c. Job thus describes it; "Man, born of a woman," &c. Job_14:1. Yet, it is necessary we do not form too gloomy a view of human life. Life itself is a great blessing; we have many, very many enjoyments crowded in it; much to be truly grateful for. Our sorrows are infinitely lighter than our sins. Day a fit emblem, mixture of light and darkness, sunshine and storm, joy and sadness. Certain evils in his day to which we are all liable.
1. Evil day of affliction.
Our bodies have the seeds of innumerable diseases in them. Machine is in disorder. Few are exempted from this cup.
"We that are in this tabernacle, groan, being burdened." How often wearisome days and nights are appointed unto us.
"Let others boast how strong they be,
Nor death, nor danger fear;
But we’ll confess, O Lord, to thee,
What feeble thugs we are.
"Our life contains a thousand springs,
And dies if one be gone;
Strange that a harp of thousand strings
Should keep in tune so long."
2. Evil day of temptation It seems to form a part of God’s plan with respect to his people, that they should be tempted. "Blessed is the man who endureth," &c. Our great Head was tempted, and we must be conformed to him in his sufferings, that we may participate of his glory. Now, sometimes these temptations are exceedingly severe. "Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired thee," &c. The enemy is described as coming in like a flood, &c. "It needs be that we be in heaviness," &c.
3. Evil day of persecution.
That is a strong, sweeping remark of Paul’s to Timothy: "Yea, and all that will live godly," &c., 2Ti_3:12. There is eternal enmity between the seed of the woman, and the seed of the serpent. "Because ye are not of the world, the world hateth you," &c.
4. Evil day of death.
And this is sure to follow the rest. "We must needs die," &c. The apostle speaks of those who, through fear of death were all their lifetime subject unto bondage. This is an evil which nature dreads. The taking down of the earthly house of our tabernacle; the failing of our flesh and heart; the passing through the swellings of Jordan. Now, observe,
II. The Advice given by the apostle.
"Take unto you," &c. Notice,
1. We have recommended to us divine armor.
"Armor of God." This armor is particularly and fully specified, see ver. 14 Without armor we are incapable of resistance; we are not sufficient to select weapons for ourselves. This is never left to the soldier’s choice. We must not use carnal weapons. "The weapons," &c. The Lord’s warfare must be carried on by the Lord’s weapons. God has selected and appointed every piece, and has specified its place.
2. We must have the whole armor of God.
That is, we must be armed throughout. Every part is vulnerable, and every part, therefore, must be defended. Examine the armory, which piece can be dispensed with? Not the girdle, not the breastplate, not the helmet, not the shoes, not the sword, not the shield. We have not one unnecessary piece, &c.
3. The whole armor must be taken unto us.
It must be adopted; it must be put on; it must be employed; it must be kept in use; it must not be put off until we lay down the tabernacle itself
III. The Motives urged.
"That ye may be able," &c.
1. That we may not be destroyed by the evils of this life.
"Withstand." That the waves of affliction may not carry us away; that the floods of temptation may not overwhelm us; that the showers of fiery darts, however fierce and numerous, may not destroy us. That persecution may not move us from the hope of the gospel and the profession of Christ. And that when the surges of death wash round us, and beat over us, that death may be gain, and we may triumph over it, in the power of Christ’s resurrection.
2. That we appear victorious in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Having done all, stand." Great comprehensiveness in the words, "Done all." You have done something, ye young converts; you young men in Christ, have done more; you fathers, more still. Of your past trials and troubles, you shall know them no more. But all is not done. Much land to be possessed. Hold fast and persevere until you have done all, then you will stand, as,
(1) Amazing monuments of the preserving grace of God; kept by the power of God, &c.
(2) As more than conquerors through Jesus Christ. The warfare ended, the conflict gained, the victory achieved.
(3) As candidates for the rewards of a glorious immortality; the unfading crown; the overcomer’s felicity, "To sit down," &c., to lay aside the armor, and enjoy the rest and the glory forever and ever.
Application
1 Let believers rightly remember their present state. This is your evil day, expect and prepare for trouble.
2. Examine your armor; is it Divine armor? whole, and entire?
3. Let grace sustain you, depend entirely on it 4. Let glory animate you Think of the day when, having done all, you withstand.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS