Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

Saved people are set on a collision course with the devil (vv. 10–13). We must put on the armour which God supplies (vv. 11, 13). 

The first piece of armour is the belt of truth (v. 14). A belt was an invisible but vital piece of equipment for a Roman soldier. When he prepared for battle, he had to tuck his long robes into his belt; without the belt, he would fall flat on his face in a fight. Likewise Christians need the foundation of both an integrity of heart and the unerring Word of God. We meet the devil’s lies with the truth of Scripture. As we hide the Bible in our hearts, it gives us the strength we need to resist him (Ps. 119:11). How can you guard the integrity of your heart? 

The second piece of equipment is the breastplate of righteousness (v. 14). A soldier’s breastplate covered the thorax and abdomen, protecting the heart, the lungs and the intestines. We too need to guard our hearts, the driving force of our lives. Satan, the ‘accuser’, attacks our hearts with condemnation (Rev. 12:9–11). To defend ourselves against his false accusations, we need the breastplate of righteousness. 

This breastplate is not our own selfrighteousness (Phil. 3:1–7), which is no defence against the devil’s condemnation (Rom. 3:10–12, 19, 23; Luke 18:9–14). Instead, we need the imputed righteousness of Christ (Phil. 3:8–9). Jesus lived a perfect life and died to pay the price for our sins. When we trust Him, we are justified by grace. God cancels and forgives our sins based on Christ’s atonement for us. But He does more than that: God imputes the full and perfect righteousness of Christ to us. How should you respond when Satan reminds you of your sins? 

The third pieces of armour are the boots of peace (v. 15). The Roman war boot was vital, enabling the soldier to march and stand firm. Jesus is our peace (2:14) who, during our battle with Satan, keeps us secure and stable, with our feet firmly planted (vv. 11, 13–14). We know that God is for us, so who can be against us (Rom. 8:31–39)? We also need mobility so that we can proclaim the gospel to those who are in the grip of Satan (2:1–3; 2 Cor. 10:4–6). Our feet are to carry it to the nations (Rom. 10:11–15).

Reflection

Romans 5:1–5 reminds us that because of the gospel we have peace with God (v. 1), access (v. 2), hope (v. 2) and confidence in suffering (vv. 3–5). How does this protect us against the devil’s attacks?