Ephesians 6 Is an extended metaphor

The armor of God in Ephesians 6 is an extended metaphor. There are many examples of metaphors in our language. Pat Benatar said, “Love is a battlefield.” Elvis sang, “You ain’t nothing but a hound dog.” We might say, “He is drowning in debt.” The apostle Paul used the armor of God to illustrate the spiritual battle.

Every Christian is engaged in spiritual warfare. The battle is won or lost in the mind. Satan always uses lies. His kingdom is built on lies. Jesus described the devil as “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Christ’s kingdom is built on the truth. When Satan brings a lie against you, stand on God’s truth! Ephesians 6:10-17 mentions several pieces of armor.

The first piece of armor is the belt of truth (verse 14). The belt of truth is a growing knowledge of God’s Word. In ancient Rome people wore long flowing robes. Fighting involved cinching up their robe into their belt. The first step is to understand God’s truth.

The second piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness (verse 14). This righteousness is certainly not self righteousness! It is the righteousness of Christ Himself credited to every believer.

Satan is a diabolical foe. He first says, “Go ahead and sin. It’s no big deal.” After we sin he says, “You better not return to God. He now hates you.” No! If we confess our sins God is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We stand forgiven through the finished work of Christ.

The third piece of armor is the sandal of the gospel of peace (verse 15). The first time I sinned, I declared war on God. Fortunately, at salvation that long war ended. Every Christian enjoys peace with God. God is our Friend (John 15:13-15). He is for us- not against us (Romans 8:31). All things work together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

The fourth piece of armor is the shield of faith (verse 16). Faith is believing God’s Word. It is resting in His promises. Satan launches a heat seeking missile. He says, “God does not love you. He has forgotten about you. He is not good.” Hold up the shield of faith (an unwavering confidence in God’s truth) and respond, “He will never leave me or forsake me” (Hebrews 13:5).

A fifth piece of armor is the helmet of salvation (verse 17). Sometimes the Bible describes our salvation in the past tense. “For by grace you have been saved through faith….” (Ephesians 2:8-9). We have been saved from the penalty of sin. Sometimes our salvation is described in the present tense. “For now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). We are being saved from the power of sin. Other times our salvation is described in the future tense. “We shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10). We will be saved from even the possibility and the presence of sin.

The helmet of salvation is confidence in the future aspect of our salvation. We are on the winning team! Our destiny is certain! We are bound for heaven!

Another piece of armor is the sword of the Spirit (verse 17). The sword is very specific promises in the Word of God.

Metaphors bring added meaning and life to language. When it seems to be raining cats and dogs (a metaphor), meditate on Ephesians 6! Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water (another metaphor)- focus on God’s truth. Transform a heart of gold (metaphor) into a mind filled with truth. Satan is a wildfire of rage (another metaphor) but we can stand against him.

Ethan Hansen is a pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.