The ultimate suit
How good would it be to own Iron Man’s suit? To be able to put it on and be instantly transformed into a one-man army, with weapons and power to burn? To be able to face any attack from any foe with complete confidence that you are fully protected? How good would it be?
Well dream no longer, for we do have such a suit. Not Iron Man’s suit, but something even better. Check out Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
To be a Christian is to be engaged in war; a spiritual battle. We are told to be strong, not in our own strength, but with Christ’s strength.
How do you get Christ's strength?
Get dressed. Put on God’s whole armour. Iron Man’s suit is powerful, but God’s is more powerful.
What is the armour and how do you put it on?
The armour is the gospel of Jesus and you “wear it” as you believe in it, rely on it and let it direct your life. Do this, and you will be able to face any attack from Satan (his lies, temptations and false accusations).
Putting on the armour
Put on truth, believing that God is truth, that Jesus is the truth and that the Gospel is truth. Know the truth. Live the truth. Fight for the truth and proclaim the truth.
Put on righteousness. In the Gospel God graciously declares us who are in Christ to be righteous. He changes us to make us righteous in his sight. Wear the gospel of peace and be ready to share the gospel.
Put on the shield of faith. It is faith that connects you to the gospel of grace. You will need this to protect you from the flaming darts of false guilt, doubt, disobedience, rebellion, lust, malice, fear, pride, and greed.
Put on the helmet of salvation to protect yourself. God has saved you from sin and death, by grace, through Jesus. The devil will try to take away your confidence and joy in your salvation. Don’t let him mess with your brain!
And finally, you would be foolish to go into battle without the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Read it, meditate on it, digest it, memorise it, live it and share it.
So who needs Iron Man’s suit, when we have the full armour of God! Are you dressed and ready for action?