Page 183 - Ephesians

Let’s go back to prison with the Apostle Paul. Picture this, he was
in a Roman prison chained to a Roman soldier for four years.
Every six hours they changed the guard. So, that meant that over
seven thousand times, he saw a soldier approach him dressed in
full armor. Then, when God the Holy Spirit inspired him to write
Ephesians, God dawned upon his heart a most beautiful picture.
He looked at the soldier, all clothed in his armor and thought,
“Now there’s the perfect picture of the Christian clothed in his
God.” Put on Jesus Christ.

Verse 6:11, “Put on the full armor of God.” OF GOD! Not the
armor God gives. But the armor He is! Verse 13, “Therefore,
take up the full armor of God.” This is not Iron Man’s suit. It’s
Himself! God is the armor! That’s why in verse 10 it says, “Be
strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” We
read in a sister passage, Romans 13:14, “Put on the Lord
Jesus Christ.” Why should you put on the Lord Jesus Christ?
Because you are clothed in Him, as the soldier was clothed in his
armor. Paul saw the soldier in his uniform, and thought of the
Christian in his uniform. The armor of God is a Person. Victory,
is not a thing. Victory is a Person.

Every Christian is responsible to have victory. Every Christian is
responsible to stand clothed in his God, from head to toe. That’s
why we can read in verse 11, “Stand firm.” That’s why we can
read in verse 13, “Stand firm.” That’s why we can read in verse
14, “Stand firm.” The Holy Spirit did not change horses
midstream. He didn’t say, “It’s rich but it’s going to be tough. You
have amazing strength in Christ, but you’re going to struggle.” He
didn’t say that. He said, “You are rich and wealthy.” And then He
brings it to a climax saying, “You are clothed in God.” How much
safer could you be!

Now, I get excited that 100% of God lives in me. The indwelling
Christ, the indwelling God, all of God in me. Do you know how
Ephesians ends? Not, with God in you. But, with you in God.
He’s the armor. And you’re inside. It’s wonderful to know that