Today I have some notes I’d like to share with you.

The Armor of God

Have you heard about the Armor of God? Paul writes about it here in Ephesians 6:10-20. Paul describes each piece of armor here.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:14-17

I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard it said that Paul was likely inspired to give such a visualization of the armor, associating it with different godly elements by watching his Roman guards. As interesting and innocuous as that explanation might be, it’s inaccurate. That’s not to say Paul didn’t think about the armor of God and his captors, but the inspiration came from the Holy Spirit who brought some of these descriptors to the prophet Isaiah.

He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.

Isaiah 59:17 (NIV)

I know Paul had read Isaiah and would have been familiar with this Scripture. Although I’ve heard a lot of teaching about the Armor of God, I’ve never heard anyone bring up Isaiah when talking about it. The idea that Paul got the idea from watching his Roman captors sounds plausible, but it’s not true. This is how false teaching works. It sounds plausible. Perhaps even appealing. This is why reading the Bible and listening to the Holy Spirit is essential. 

Testify!

Every Sunday at church, we have a praise, worship, and testimony service. In this service, not everyone gives a testimony. Now, if everyone did have a testimony to share each week, we could run into logistics issues with the rest of our services. However, what I have noticed amongst those who do testify is this: It’s usually the same people testifying, and there are some who I’ve never seen testify. 

If you’re saved, you have something to testify about. However, if you’ve forgotten, here’s something to think about.

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103:2-5 (NIV)

Something Else to Think About

In Peter’s second letter to the church, he explains why he’s written two letters here in 2 Peter 3:1.

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking (emphasis added).

2 Peter 3:1 (NIV)

Peter has given us a lot to think about in 1 and 2 Peter. This is why I find the close of 2 Peter so interesting. I think Peter is telling the church to think about everything he’s said so far relative to what he talks about in 2 Peter 3. In addition to everything that has been brought up before. As revealed in this verse.

I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

2 Peter 3:2 (NIV)

We’re to think about the Bible and what it says. Peter presents us with how we should consider it all. 

Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires (emphasis added).

2 Peter 3:3 (NIV)

The end of the world and its relationship to Scripture and everything it teaches. This is what Peter wanted his audience to think about. Hence, the closing lines of Peter’s final letter.

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen (emphasis added).

2 Peter 17:1-18 (NIV)

That’s all I have for today. I pray this day finds you well, and thank you for stopping by!

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