A recent article about our state’s professional football team highlighted their distinction of having the best defense in the league… and the worst offense! In one game alone, we saw their quarterback get sacked six times and hit eighteen times! It takes more than a good defense to win a football game; somebody’s got to move the ball forward.
As believers our victory over the enemy requires both defensive and offensive strategy. Scripture describes our equipment more in biblical military terms than in sports apparel, but we see the blend for battle in Ephesians 6.
Paul tells his readers they must take up the full armor of God, starting with the belt of truth. This key piece of Roman gear secured their uniform and weapons. Soldiers wouldn’t feel dressed without it and wouldn’t look the part. For us, this relates to identity. We identify with who God says we are in His Word, and with everything provided us through the cross of Christ. And like a craftsman with his tool belt, we have all we need at our disposal, including every fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Without the belt of truth firmly fastened, we may be easily unsettled by the enemy and found as posers, just like the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19. These guys were trying to cast out demons “in the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches.” The demon responded, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” These would-be exorcists ended up fleeing the house beaten and naked, because they lacked the authority born of identity.
The breastplate of righteousness protects our core. We’re told in Proverbs 4:23 to guard our hearts with all diligence because that’s where our life flows from. Awareness of our righteousness through Christ and the freedom from guilt and condemnation that brings, gives us confidence for the battle.
We have the shoes of the gospel of peace that protect our feet and give us traction so we can stand firm. Jesus said He gave His peace to us, and to not let our hearts be troubled or afraid (John 14:27). Instead of being destabilized by worry or anxiety, we advance with firmness and determination.
The shield of faith is a big defensive weapon with which we extinguish all the enemy’s flaming arrows. Jesus told us in the world we’d have tribulation, but to be of good cheer because He’s overcome the world! We find protection for our minds in the helmet of salvation. This is where most spiritual warfare occurs, and why renewing our minds makes the difference between success and failure.
Paul ends the uniform description with a decisive offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Just as in football, points are scored in fencing with a skillful offense. Jesus didn’t come to just cloister disciples in the temple; He came to destroy the works of the devil, and granted us His authority to continue His work (Luke 10:19, Mark 16:17-18, John 14:12). God has given us everything we need to launch a good defense and offense, and assures us victory as we go!
