Astronauts, NASCAR drivers, and deep sea drivers all put on special suits with specially designed helmets for safety and effective performance. Well, we are no different. We also have a specially designed suit and helmet that we must put on if we want to be safe and effective.
The Apostle Paul encountered many hardships and difficult situations that were the direct result of his work as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. It was dangerous to be an outspoken advocate of the Gospel of Grace, and it was a precarious adventure to invade the realm of Satan, as a soldier of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Paul made comments like, “war a good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18), and “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3). You see, as Christians we are involved in a war. The devil is our adversary, and the world is his domain. Now that’s why Paul says in Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
This word “put on” is a word that means “to clothe oneself in something.” It’s a compound word that begins with the preposition “in,” and then adds the verb “to sink or to go down.” It’s the idea of sinking into a garment so that you are entirely covered. Literally, “to sink down in.”
Well, that’s what we are to do. We are to sink down into the armor of God so that we are entirely covered with the protection of Christ. In Romans 13:14 we are told a similar thing. It says, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh to fulfill its desires.” When you put on the armor, you are putting on Christ. First – you receive Him as Savior so that you are “in Christ.” Then – you serve Him as Lord so that the qualities of His life surround you. So, don’t forget – “Put on the whole armor of God.” Your life depends on it!
Hey – don’t go out without your armor. It’s a war out there!