Suicide Mission - Ephesians 6

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 4:11-12

I noticed today that the Armor of God has no protection for the back. Much like regular armor or chain mail…the back is left unprotected because warriors are not to retreat or go into a defensive posture (i.e I’m not even gonna go there). Fighting an opponent in armor only made sense in close quarters, hand to hand combat. As a follwer of Christ, it is assumed that there will be close-in fighting. One might even wonder, if I’m not feeling or sensing any spiritual attacks….am I in the fight? Am I in the game?

Another mention of our enemy is;
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Be alert….It is mentioned in the Ephesians passage as well as the 1 Peter passage. We have a formidable opponent in the devil and he is seeking opportunities to find us without our FULL armor. We could have the buckle of truth but no gospel of peace …..or the helmet of salvation with no sword of the spirit….and be sitting ducks. I recommend we reread this passage and know our own deficiencies, because Satan already does.

Gentlemen….you are handling the sword of the spirit this morning, the bible.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 You are prepping for battle….but the sword is of little use without the other pieces of armor, unless you are on a suicide mission.