Standing firm is the first statement of this verse above.
Another way to look at this phrase is through word study; the Greek word
“histemi” brings us to the definition of ‘being present.’ Being present means
engaging mentally, spiritually, socially, and emotionally and fully grasping
our faculties; why is this important? Because of the context of this passage
and the one who came before this one, we are in a battle with engrained
spiritual entities that seek to do us great harm. The key is to be so aware of
their presence around us and through other people that we don’t let their
influence cloud our vision of what we are here to do, which is to speak the
truth of the gospel with a profound love that transcends all understanding.
Paul uses a description of a belt, breastplate, sword, and
helmet, symbolizing the battle armament that adorns a Roman soldier, which the
early Jews considered as being the battle armament of their enemy. Paul uses
this description deliberately to illicit a reaction; he wants early Christian
Jews to see themselves as empowered and equal to the Romans. But these weapons
were not made of steel or brass but were of character and behavior based on the
love of the truth of Christ.
Delving into the belt metaphor, we discover its profound
significance. Just as the belt holds all the descriptive armaments together and
tight to the body, the truth of Christ acts as a unifying force. The belt,
positioned around the waist, symbolizes that bearing or carrying the truth is
not just a mental exercise, but a physical reality, a part of our very being.
This truth, embodied in Christ, is what holds all things together, as stated in
Colossians 1:16-17: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on
earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before
all things, and in him all things hold together”.
The breastplate of righteousness symbolizes our standing in
the righteousness of Jesus Christ. It's like putting on a coat or a robe, where
we 'put on' Christ by aligning our thoughts, actions, and beliefs with His
teachings. In doing so, He envelops us with His loving presence, becoming not
just a shield, but the protection of our vital organs. When the darts and
arrows of the enemy come at us, affecting our minds and emotions, we find not
just help but an advocate in our Savior, one who stands with us and takes the frontal
assault of the enemy’s attack on our behalf. We also have healing made
available to us by the death of Christ if we merely ask for it.
Our feet are prepared with shoes which are made for walking.
Another way to interpret this Greek word “hypodeo” is to bind under one’s self;
in other words, we are bound by the good news “gospel” that compels us to
proclaim what it has done in us and to walk or travel to others and share this
message of hope. This is not a duty, but a response to the incredible love that
has transformed us. We are driven to share the news of Christ because of the
overwhelming love He has shown us.
Let's not forget the shield of faith and the sword of the
spirit, a defensive tool, never for offensive attacks. These weapons are our
defense against the devil's tricks and the enemies of our faith. The
sword of the spirit, God's word, fills our minds and mouths with the spirit of
prophecy, which is the very word of God. When we speak the good news of the
kingdom, we unleash the truth, and the kingdom becomes tangible. As we actively
speak and pray the kingdom priorities over people and families, we can easily
break the enemy's stronghold, sensing the influence of our faith.
As we boldly proclaim the kingdom, let us be motivated by
the profound truth of Jesus residing within us. This truth empowers us, not as
warriors but as priest-kings in our savior’s kingdom. These defensive weapons
we don are not for warfare but for protection. Our mission is to safeguard
ourselves and extend God's protection to others, thereby advancing His kingdom.
This transformative understanding of our position in Christ elevates us to the
status of priest-kings, serving a savior who is alive and actively involved in
the lives of His people and those He yearns to save.
Stephen Barnett
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