Equipped for Spiritual Warfare

ஆவிக்குரிய போராட்டம்

Abraham David John • 13 May 2021

One thing I have noticed since this pandemic began is how often medical experts and government officials have used military language in speaking about our response to the threat of the Covid-19 virus. Several people have described this as a war.

While it is not a war against human enemy combatants, it is still a war just the same. Even though the enemy we are fighting is almost invisible and unseen, the attacks of the enemy are real. Real people are being seriously sickened and real people are dying each day.

In any war, we are using a variety of weapons or combative practices to fight this unseen enemy.

Social distancing,
maintaining 6 feet,
washing hands with soap and water,
hand sanitizer,
wiping down and sanitizing door handles,
eating healthy,
appropriate medicines on hand,
storing non-perishable foods,
wearing a mask,
Stay at home.

These are all indispensable practices to fighting and slowing down the spread of COVID-19 and thus “flattening the curve” of ever rising cases and outbreaks. All of these are important tools to maintain the health of the public and literally save lives.

As Christians, we too are at war. Like the COVID-19 virus, our enemy cannot be seen but is everywhere, pervasive and insidious. But unlike COVID-19, the stakes are much higher. For our enemy does not seek to take our life so much as our eternal soul. Paul describes the war and the enemy with which we Christians are engaged in detail in Ephesians 6:10-17.

Our enemy, the Tempter, seeks to undermine our faith and destroy our souls with his own weapons some of which are discouragement, depression, denial of Christ, fear, panic and hopelessness.

The Coronavirus pandemic provides the perfect opportunity for us to be susceptible to these spiritual attacks. But just as the WHO have offered us some weapons to combat the Coronavirus, Paul reminds us of the weapons and armour we Christians have at our disposal to stand up to and combat the enemy.

Let us to examine are the weapons and armour that Paul suggests so that we can be “strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” What it means to put on the whole and complete armour of God? I ெகா(cid:133)(cid:219)(cid:127)ய(cid:223) 16:13, (cid:138)(cid:137)(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:177)(cid:213)க(cid:227), (cid:138)(cid:166)வாச(cid:218)(cid:127)ேல (cid:128)ைல(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:177)(cid:213)க(cid:227), (cid:174)(cid:177)ஷரா(cid:132)(cid:177)(cid:213)க(cid:227), (cid:127)ட(cid:229)ெகா(cid:227)(cid:180)(cid:213)க(cid:227) To which of the enemy’s weapons are you most susceptible?

Discouragement,
Depression,
Denial of Christ,
Fear,
Panic,
Hopelessness or
something else?

Which of the pieces of armour, Paul suggests might be most helpful to you to withstand this attack?

How?

1. Truth – the Belt

எேப(cid:122)ய(cid:223) 6:14, ச(cid:218)(cid:127)ய(cid:221) எ(cid:229)(cid:173)(cid:221) க(cid:214)ைசைய உ(cid:213)க(cid:227) அைர(cid:132)(cid:224) க(cid:216)(cid:125)னவ(cid:223)களா(cid:176)(cid:221), (cid:150)(cid:127)ெய(cid:229)(cid:173)(cid:221) மா(cid:223)(cid:212)கவச(cid:218)ைத(cid:218) த(cid:133)(cid:218)தவ(cid:223)களா(cid:176)(cid:221); Paul, begins his list of the panoply of the armour of God with the “belt of truth.”

The belt—known as the cingulum or balteus—played a crucial role in the effectiveness of a soldier’s armour. The belt that Paul’s talking about here is not meant to hold up a soldier’s pants. A Roman soldier wore a loose and floppy shirt. It was called a “tunic.” The tunic was meant to be loose, so that when the soldier was marching, or exercising, or doing his daily work, he would not get too warm. But, if the soldier ever had to fight with someone, his loose and floppy tunic could get in the way. It could give his opponent something with which to pull him down. This is one reason why a Roman soldier wore a belt. The belt was also there to help provide protection.

The belt protected the mid- section, from the waist to the knees. Roman soldiers did not go into battle wearing leather skirts because it was fashionable. The leather and metal strips of the belt were for protection. The belt also kept the breastplate tight and secure around the soldier and kept it from banging against his chest when in battle, and the belt also held a sheath for his sword or dagger. So, if a soldier got rid of his belt, his breastplate would not be secure, his tunic would trip him up, his sword would drop to the ground. In short, he would not be much good in battle.

There is a reason Paul mentions the belt of truth first. The belt was essential to help hold all the other pieces of armour together. The Matthew Henry Commentary says that the belt “girds on [secures] all the other pieces of our armour.” Truth should cleave to us as a belt cleaves to our body. The belt of truth Paul mentions refers to the teaching of Scripture.

Jesus defined truth. ேயாவா(cid:229) 17:17, உ(cid:221)(cid:175)ைடய ச(cid:218)(cid:127)ய(cid:218)(cid:127)னாேல அவ(cid:223)கைள(cid:220) ப(cid:133)(cid:166)(cid:218)தமா(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:221); உ(cid:221)(cid:175)ைடய வசனேம ச(cid:218)(cid:127)ய(cid:221) As Christians we use the truth of Scripture to test all things.

Iெதசேலா(cid:129)(cid:212)ேகய(cid:223) 5:21, எ(cid:224)லாவ(cid:228)ைற(cid:176)(cid:221) ேசா(cid:127)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:220)பா(cid:223)(cid:218)(cid:171), நலமானைத (cid:220) (cid:130)(cid:125)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:212)ெகா(cid:227)(cid:180)(cid:213)க(cid:227).

(cid:150)(cid:127)ெமா(cid:137)க(cid:227) 3:3-4, (cid:120)(cid:177)ைப(cid:176)(cid:221) ச(cid:218)(cid:127)ய(cid:175)(cid:221) உ(cid:229)ைன(cid:138)(cid:216)(cid:169) (cid:138)லகா(cid:127)(cid:177)(cid:220)பதாக; (cid:150) அைவகைள உ(cid:229) க(cid:181)(cid:218)(cid:127)ேல (cid:193)(cid:217)(cid:169), அைவகைள உ(cid:229) இ(cid:177)தயமா(cid:120)ய பலைக(cid:132)(cid:224) எ(cid:181)(cid:127)(cid:212)ெகா(cid:227). 4. அ(cid:127)னா(cid:224) ேதவ(cid:173)ைடய பா(cid:223)ைவ(cid:132)(cid:179)(cid:221) ம(cid:173)ஷ(cid:177)ைடய பா(cid:223)ைவ(cid:132)(cid:179)(cid:221) தைய(cid:176)(cid:221) ந(cid:228)(cid:174)(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:176)(cid:221) ெப(cid:178)வா(cid:222).

Therefore, we must immerse our minds in the Scriptures. The teaching of Scripture has primacy over all the others. The truth of Scripture, embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus, is to be our guide and criterion for life.

To wrap the belt of truth around is to give Christ and his examples and teachings the final say in our lives, rather than our feelings, or our culture, or our comfort. Jesus battled the enemy by quoting the Scriptures because Jesus is the very Word of God and the Scriptures all point to and find their meaning in him.

The belt of truth is indispensable because it’s what holds all the pieces of the armour as well as the sword in place. Prayer: Gracious God, help us to put on the belt of truth by being grounded in your Word as revealed in the Scriptures and the life and teachings of Jesus. May we learn and live in your word so that your Word might live through us in our world. In Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection

What is it that has final say in your life?

Feelings?

Culture?

Other people?

Comfort? Is Jesus’ life and teachings the ultimate standard by which we determine what is truth in our world, in our life and in our circumstances? What are some ways in which we can make Christ the final say in our life?

How specifically, would that change our current decision making and behaviour?

2. Righteousness – Breast plate

We are currently fighting a health battle against an unseen enemy called Covid-19. While this enemy may be invisible to our eyes it is nonetheless real and is inflicting deadly damage to our economy, our society and most significantly to real people.

As Christians, we are also fighting an unseen enemy, the Tempter who Jesus confronted during his temptation. We too must confront this same enemy, but we must be spiritually equipped with what Paul calls “the armour of God” to be able to withstand his attacks. Each piece of this armour represents a part of God’s strength that God extends to us when we become God’s children.

The breastplate of righteousness is nothing else but Christ’s righteousness which he obtained for us through his death on the cross. As the old gospel hymn so succinctly puts it, “My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus name”

The Scriptures clearly and consistently teach that it is God who is the source of our righteousness and not we ourselves. எேர(cid:131)யா 23:6, அவ(cid:223) நா(cid:216)க(cid:136)(cid:224) (cid:195)தா இர(cid:216)(cid:122)(cid:212)க(cid:220)ப(cid:169)(cid:221), இ(cid:230)ரேவ(cid:224) (cid:166)கமா(cid:222) வாச(cid:221)ப(cid:217)(cid:170)(cid:221); அவ(cid:177)(cid:212)(cid:164) இ(cid:169)(cid:221) நாம(cid:221) நம(cid:171) (cid:150)(cid:127)யா(cid:132)(cid:177)(cid:212)(cid:120)ற க(cid:223)(cid:218)த(cid:223) எ(cid:229)பேத.

ேயா(cid:174) 36:3, நா(cid:229) (cid:190)ர(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:135)(cid:177)(cid:219)(cid:171) எ(cid:229) ஞான(cid:218)ைத(cid:212) ெகா(cid:217)(cid:169)வ(cid:219)(cid:171), எ(cid:229)ைன உ(cid:217)டா(cid:212)(cid:120)னவ(cid:177)ைடய (cid:150)(cid:127)ைய (cid:138)ள(cid:213)க(cid:220)ப(cid:217)(cid:170)ேவ(cid:229).

ச(cid:213)(cid:142)த(cid:221) 5:8, க(cid:223)(cid:218)தாேவ, எ(cid:229) ச(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:177)(cid:212)க(cid:136)(cid:129)(cid:131)(cid:218)த(cid:221) எ(cid:229)ைன உ(cid:221)(cid:175)ைடய (cid:150)(cid:127)(cid:132)ேல நட(cid:218)(cid:127), என(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:175)(cid:229)பாக உ(cid:221)(cid:175)ைடய வ(cid:137)ைய(cid:214) ெச(cid:225)ைவ(cid:220)ப(cid:169)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:221) ச(cid:213)(cid:142)த(cid:221) 23:3, அவ(cid:223) எ(cid:229) ஆ(cid:218)(cid:171)மாைவ(cid:218) ேத(cid:228)(cid:134), த(cid:221)(cid:175)ைடய நாம(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:129)(cid:131)(cid:218)த(cid:221) எ(cid:229)ைன (cid:150)(cid:127)(cid:132)(cid:229) பாைதக(cid:136)(cid:224) நட(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:120)றா(cid:223).

ச(cid:213)(cid:142)த(cid:221) 24:5, அவ(cid:229) க(cid:223)(cid:218)தரா(cid:224) ஆ(cid:144)(cid:223)வாத(cid:218)ைத(cid:176)(cid:221), த(cid:229) இர(cid:216)(cid:122)(cid:220)(cid:130)(cid:229) ேதவனா(cid:224) (cid:150)(cid:127)ைய(cid:176)(cid:221) ெப(cid:178)வா(cid:229).

ச(cid:213)(cid:142)த(cid:221) 71:16, க(cid:223)(cid:218)தரா(cid:120)ய ஆ(cid:217)டவ(cid:177)ைடய வ(cid:224)லைமைய (cid:175)(cid:229)(cid:129)(cid:216)(cid:169) நட(cid:220)ேப(cid:229); உ(cid:221)(cid:175)ைடய (cid:150)(cid:127)ைய(cid:220)ப(cid:228)(cid:134)ேய ேம(cid:229)ைமபாரா(cid:216)(cid:169)ேவ(cid:229).

We are instructed to “put on” the armour of God, which implies that we do not automatically wear it all the time. Putting on the armour of God requires a conscious decision on our part. This means that we make a decision to acknowledge that there is nothing we can do apart from Christ, He is the only source for our righteousness.

ேயாவா(cid:229) 15:6 ஒ(cid:177)வ(cid:229) எ(cid:229)(cid:129)(cid:224) (cid:128)ைல(cid:218)(cid:127)ரா(cid:138)(cid:216)டா(cid:224), ெவ(cid:136)ேய எ(cid:134)(cid:176)(cid:217)ட ெகா(cid:125)ைய(cid:220)ேபால அவ(cid:229) எ(cid:134)(cid:176)(cid:217)(cid:169) உல(cid:223)(cid:219)(cid:171) ேபாவா(cid:229); அ(cid:220)ப(cid:125)(cid:220)ப(cid:216)டைவகைள(cid:214) ேச(cid:223)(cid:218)(cid:171), அ(cid:212)(cid:120)(cid:129)(cid:132)ேல ேபா(cid:169)(cid:120)றா(cid:223)க(cid:227); அைவக(cid:227) எ(cid:133)(cid:219)(cid:171)ேபா(cid:221).

The belt of truth (teaching of scripture) holds firmly in place the breastplate of righteousness (our recognition that Jesus is our righteousness not we ourselves). Recognizing this, prevents us from becoming a victim to pride, self-righteousness or legalism which are weapons the enemy uses to spiritually defeat and enslave us.

We need our breastplate of righteousness securely in place in order to overcome the attacks of our enemy, the Tempter.

When we “keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), we keep our breastplate securely fastened. Prayer: Gracious Father, we thank you for sending Jesus who is everything to us: our life, our truth, our righteousness. Help us to put on the breastplate of righteousness by consciously deciding each day to trust completely in Jesus and to focus our attention on his teachings and examples. We ask this in the name of Christ, our righteousness. Amen.

Reflection

1. What is the breastplate of righteousness? Why is it so vital for our spiritual lives? 2. How can it protect us from pride, self-righteousness and legalism? 3. Are we daily putting on the breastplate of righteousness? How?

4. How do we secure in place the breastplate of righteousness and how can putting on the belt of truth help us do this?

3. Gospel of Peace – Shoes

எேப(cid:122)ய(cid:223) 6:15, சமாதான(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:229) (cid:166)(cid:138)ேசஷ(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:228)(cid:164)(cid:133)ய ஆய(cid:218)த(cid:221) எ(cid:229)(cid:173)(cid:221) பாதர(cid:216)ைசைய(cid:212) கா(cid:224)க(cid:136)ேல ெதா(cid:169)(cid:218)தவ(cid:223)களா(cid:176)(cid:221); The third piece Paul mentions that composes the armour of God is what he calls the [shoes] of the “readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”

We generally do not consider shoes as being a part of a soldier’s armour. But think about it. If soldiers do not have solid, comfortable shoes that will hold up on the field of battle, they will not be able to prevail. Romans’ soldiers’ sandals were often fitted with nails or spikes to anchor securely to the ground.

Similarly, to share the good news anchors us to the marching orders of our commander who commands us in the Great Commission.

ம(cid:218)ேத(cid:176) 28:18-20, அ(cid:220)ெபா(cid:181)(cid:171) இேய(cid:166) ச(cid:153)ப(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:224) வ(cid:219)(cid:171), அவ(cid:223)கைள ேநா(cid:212)(cid:120): வான(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:179)(cid:221) (cid:193)(cid:131)(cid:132)(cid:179)(cid:221) சகல அ(cid:127)கார(cid:175)(cid:221) என(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:212) ெகா(cid:169)(cid:212)க(cid:220)ப(cid:216)(cid:125)(cid:177)(cid:212)(cid:120)ற(cid:171).19. ஆைகயா(cid:224), (cid:150)(cid:213)க(cid:227) (cid:174)ற(cid:220)ப(cid:216)(cid:169)(cid:220)ேபா(cid:222), சகல ஜா(cid:127)கைள(cid:176)(cid:221) (cid:144)ஷரா(cid:212)(cid:120), (cid:130)தா (cid:164)மார(cid:229) ப(cid:133)(cid:166)(cid:218)த ஆ(cid:138)(cid:132)(cid:229) நாம(cid:218)(cid:127)ேல அவ(cid:223)க(cid:180)(cid:212)(cid:164) ஞான(cid:230)நான(cid:213)ெகா(cid:169)(cid:218)(cid:171),20. நா(cid:229) உ(cid:213)க(cid:180)(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:212) க(cid:216)டைள(cid:132)(cid:216)ட யாைவ(cid:176)(cid:221) அவ(cid:223)க(cid:227) ைக(cid:212)ெகா(cid:227)(cid:180)(cid:221)ப(cid:125) அவ(cid:223)க(cid:180)(cid:212)(cid:164) உபேதச(cid:221) ப(cid:217)(cid:170)(cid:213)க(cid:227); இேதா, உலக(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:229) (cid:175)(cid:125)(cid:182)ப(cid:133)ய(cid:219)த(cid:221) சகல நா(cid:216)க(cid:136)(cid:179)(cid:221) நா(cid:229) உ(cid:213)க(cid:180)டேன(cid:183)ட இ(cid:177)(cid:212)(cid:120)ேற(cid:229) எ(cid:229)றா(cid:223). ஆெம(cid:229).

மா(cid:228)(cid:164) 16:15, (cid:130)(cid:229)(cid:174), அவ(cid:223) அவ(cid:223)கைள ேநா(cid:212)(cid:120): (cid:150)(cid:213)க(cid:227) உலகெம(cid:213)(cid:164)(cid:221) ேபா(cid:222), ச(cid:223)வ (cid:122)(cid:177)(cid:232)(cid:125)(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:221) (cid:166)(cid:138)ேசஷ(cid:218)ைத(cid:220) (cid:130)ரச(cid:213)(cid:120)(cid:176)(cid:213)க(cid:227) அ(cid:220)ேபா(cid:230)தல(cid:223) 1:8, ப(cid:133)(cid:166)(cid:218)தஆ(cid:138) உ(cid:213)க(cid:136)ட(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:224) வ(cid:177)(cid:221)ேபா(cid:171) (cid:150)(cid:213)க(cid:227) ெபலனைட(cid:219)(cid:171), எ(cid:177)சேல(cid:131)(cid:179)(cid:221), (cid:195)ேதயா (cid:175)(cid:181)வ(cid:127)(cid:179)(cid:221), சமா(cid:133)யா(cid:138)(cid:179)(cid:221), (cid:193)(cid:131)(cid:132)(cid:229) கைட(cid:122)ப(cid:133)ய(cid:219)த(cid:175)(cid:221), என(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:214) சா(cid:216)(cid:122)களா(cid:132)(cid:177)(cid:220)(cid:152)(cid:223)க(cid:227) எ(cid:229)றா(cid:223).

But what do shoes have to do with the gospel of peace? To answer this question, we have to understand what “gospel of peace” means. The word “gospel” “euaggellion” means “good news.” The word peace, “eirene” means not only “peace,” but also “wholeness” and “salvation.” It has a similar meaning with the Hebrew word “shalom.”

The gospel of peace is none other than the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. To put on the shoes of the gospel of peace means being ready and eager to find opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

I ேப(cid:171)(cid:177) 3:15, க(cid:223)(cid:218)தரா(cid:120)ய ேதவைன உ(cid:213)க(cid:227) இ(cid:177)தய(cid:213)க(cid:136)(cid:224) ப(cid:133)(cid:166)(cid:218)த(cid:221)ப(cid:217)(cid:170)(cid:213)க(cid:227); உ(cid:213)க(cid:136)(cid:135)(cid:177)(cid:212)(cid:120)ற ந(cid:221)(cid:130)(cid:212)ைகைய(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:134)(cid:218)(cid:171) உ(cid:213)க(cid:136)ட(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:224) (cid:138)சா(cid:133)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:212) ேக(cid:216)(cid:120)ற யாவ(cid:177)(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:221) சா(cid:219)த(cid:218)ேதா(cid:169)(cid:221) வண(cid:212)க(cid:218)ேதா(cid:169)(cid:221) உ(cid:218)தர(cid:182)ெசா(cid:224)ல எ(cid:220)ெபா(cid:181)(cid:171)(cid:221) ஆய(cid:218)தமா(cid:132)(cid:177)(cid:213)க(cid:227).

As Christians, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with other people. Having our shoes fitted with the gospel of peace allows us to carry out our commander’s orders in sharing the good news with others. The shoes of peace then equip us to fight for Christ in the spiritual battles we have with the enemy.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, fit us with the shoes of the Gospel of Peace so that we might be effective soldiers to spread Your Gospel, the good news to all who need to hear it. Amen.

Reflection

1. Why is the story of Jesus good news? 2. It may be easier to answer the first question by answering this question: How has the good news about Jesus been good news for your life? 3. How would you explain this “good news” to someone who knew nothing about Jesus?

4. What opportunities do you have each day to share the good news of Jesus with others by words and actions?

4. Faith – Shield

எேப(cid:122)ய(cid:223) 6:16, ெபா(cid:224)லா(cid:213)க(cid:229) எ(cid:222)(cid:176)(cid:221) அ(cid:212)(cid:120)(cid:129)யா(cid:230)(cid:127)ர(cid:213)கைளெய(cid:224)லா(cid:221) அ(cid:138)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:220)ேபாட(cid:218)த(cid:212)கதா(cid:222), எ(cid:224)லாவ(cid:228)(cid:134)(cid:228)(cid:164)(cid:221) ேமலாக (cid:138)(cid:166)வாசெம(cid:229)(cid:173)(cid:221) ேகடக(cid:218)ைத(cid:220) (cid:130)(cid:125)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:212)ெகா(cid:217)டவ(cid:223)களா(cid:176)(cid:221) (cid:128)(cid:224)(cid:179)(cid:213)க(cid:227).

Paul mentions as a part of the armour of God is the shield of faith. In the Greek, the first words of the verse can be translated, “Above all,” or “most importantly, take up the shield of faith…” The shield of faith is different from the rest of the armour. While the soldier wears the other pieces

of armour

the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith is not worn. It must be taken up! The soldier had to make a conscious decision to pick up the shield and use it. The shield was a very important part of a Roman soldier’s battle equipment.

The Roman shield was called the scutum. It was a very large, slightly curved rectangular shield that held in its centre a large metal knob called a boss. The scutum was an impressive line of defence.

Because of its great size (some were three and a half feet tall and almost three feet wide), soldiers were provided with great protection from their enemies. The scutum had a defensive and a limited offensive function. Defensively, the slight curve of the shield deflected attacks without transferring the full force of the assault to the man holding the shield. The metal knob or boss in the centre could also be used defensively to deflect the worst blows of an opponent. But it could also be used offensively as a weapon to knock an opponent backwards.

The primary purpose of the shield was to deflect attacks. The enemy is always hurling fiery darts of fear, doubt and worry in our direction, but the only time they can hit us is when we let our shield of faith down—when we stop believing that God is in control; that God is working everything out for our good. Our God who loves us in Christ will have the ultimate victory, however little it seems to be that way. So, the shield of faith is vital in protecting us from these attacks.

From where does this shield come? It is important to understand that the source for the shield of faith does not originate with us anymore than the other parts of the armour of God. It is God’s armour. But it is God’s armour given and fitted to us. The shield is provided by God. It is a supernatural gift imparted by God’s unmerited grace.

எேப(cid:122)ய(cid:223) 2:8-9, (cid:120)(cid:177)ைப(cid:132)னாேல (cid:138)(cid:166)வாச(cid:218)ைத(cid:212)ெகா(cid:217)(cid:169) இர(cid:216)(cid:122)(cid:212)க(cid:220)ப(cid:216)(cid:147)(cid:223)க(cid:227); இ(cid:171) உ(cid:213)களா(cid:224) உ(cid:217)டானத(cid:224)ல, இ(cid:171) ேதவ(cid:173)ைடய ஈ(cid:182); 9. ஒ(cid:177)வ(cid:177)(cid:221) ெப(cid:177)ைமபாரா(cid:216)டாதப(cid:125)(cid:212)(cid:164) இ(cid:171) (cid:120)(cid:133)ையக(cid:136)னா(cid:224) உ(cid:217)டானத(cid:224)ல; We do not work up faith by ourselves. It is not something we can ourselves to do. It is a gift given to us by the grace of Christ. And it can be a shield to protect us from attacks of doubt, fear and worry.

All we need do is ask for it! Like the man who had the son with an unclean spirit begged of Jesus, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!” The shield of faith is a gift of God. If we would stand up against the attacks of the enemy, we must take up the shield of faith that God offers us in Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to take up the shield of faith so that we might repeal the fiery attacks of the enemy who flings arrows of fear, doubt and worry any chance he can get. Arm us with the shield of faith today that we may be able to extinguish his arrows and spread your Gospel to those who need to hear it. Help us in our fear and doubt to trust in your Son Jesus’ goodness, graciousness, and protection. In Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection

1. How can trusting completely in Christ shield you from the attacks of doubt and fear?

2. What happens when we lower our shield of faith when we are facing a frightening or

threatening situation? 3. Is faith something we work up mentally in our thinking or is it a gift we receive freely by God’s grace for the asking?

4. Are there times when you may have lowered or even dropped your faith shield? What

happened when you did? 5. Paul tells us “to take up” or in the Greek “take in your hands” the shield of faith. What does this imply we need to do when God offers it to us? 6. Are we making a conscious decision each day to arm ourselves with complete faith and trust in Christ? If not, why not?

5. Salvation – Helmet

எேப(cid:122)ய(cid:223) 6:17, இர(cid:216)ச(cid:126)யெம(cid:229)(cid:173)(cid:221) தைல(cid:214)(cid:144)ராைவ(cid:176)(cid:221), ேதவவசனமா(cid:120)ய ஆ(cid:138)(cid:132)(cid:229) ப(cid:216)டய(cid:218)ைத(cid:176)(cid:221) எ(cid:169)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:212)ெகா(cid:227)(cid:180)(cid:213)க(cid:227).

Helmets are vital in protecting the head from serious injuries. I used to be a bike rider and never ride my bike without a helmet. Many people have been killed with head trauma when they meet with an accident. Helmets are vital in protecting our head from injury. Imagine how much more they are needed in time of battle!

The Roman helmet, like helmets today, protected the head from the attacks of the enemy. The helmet of salvation protects us spiritually from a powerful attack against our mind from the enemy. Without the helmet, we leave ourselves exposed on the spiritual battlefield.

So, what is this helmet of salvation Paul tells us we are to put on? It is none other than our hope and confidence that we are saved through Christ. Our trust is not in ourselves or what we have done but in what Jesus has already done for us by dying for us on the cross and being raised by God in the resurrection.

This confidence protects us from doubt and other of the weapons enemies which would weaken us when we face adversity or calamity. I ெதசேலா(cid:129)(cid:212)ேகய(cid:223) 5:8, பக(cid:179)(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:133)யவ(cid:223)களா(cid:120)ய நாேமா ெத(cid:136)(cid:219)தவ(cid:223)களா(cid:132)(cid:177)(cid:219)(cid:171), (cid:138)(cid:166)வாச(cid:221) அ(cid:229)(cid:174) எ(cid:229)(cid:173)(cid:221) மா(cid:223)(cid:212)கவச(cid:218)ைத(cid:176)(cid:221), இர(cid:216)(cid:122)(cid:220)(cid:130)(cid:229) ந(cid:221)(cid:130)(cid:212)ைகெய(cid:229)(cid:173)(cid:221) தைல(cid:214)(cid:144)ராைவ(cid:176)(cid:221) த(cid:133)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:212)ெகா(cid:217)(cid:125)(cid:177)(cid:212)க(cid:212)கடேவா(cid:221).

It is our firm hope and confidence in what Jesus has done for us that gives us courage and boldness to face our challenges, whatever they may be unafraid. The helmet of salvation also protects us from sinful and selfish thoughts that would draw us away from Christ. As Christians, we are not to be controlled by worldly values.

ேராம(cid:223) 12:2, (cid:150)(cid:213)க(cid:227) இ(cid:219)த(cid:220) (cid:130)ரப(cid:215)ச(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:228)(cid:164) ஒ(cid:218)த ேவஷ(cid:219)த(cid:133)யாம(cid:224), ேதவ(cid:173)ைடய ந(cid:229)ைம(cid:176)(cid:221) (cid:130)(cid:133)ய(cid:175)(cid:221) ப(cid:133)(cid:193)ரண(cid:175)மான (cid:122)(cid:218)த(cid:221) இ(cid:229)னெத(cid:229)(cid:178) ப(cid:164)(cid:218)த(cid:134)ய(cid:218)த(cid:212)கதாக, உ(cid:213)க(cid:227) மன(cid:221) (cid:174)(cid:127)தா(cid:120)ற(cid:127)னாேல ம(cid:178)(cid:196)பமா(cid:164)(cid:213)க(cid:227).

When we put on the helmet of salvation, we can avoid sinful thoughts and understand what is good and true.

When we forget to do this, we are susceptible to thoughts that are planted in us by the enemy, who seeks to harm our walk with Christ. We are to keep our thoughts under the guidance and direction of Christ. II ெகா(cid:133)(cid:219)(cid:127)ய(cid:223) 10:5 இத(cid:228)(cid:164) ந(cid:221)ைம ஆய(cid:218)த(cid:220)ப(cid:169)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:120)றவ(cid:223) ேதவேன; ஆ(cid:138)ெய(cid:229)(cid:173)(cid:221) அ(cid:214)சார(cid:218)ைத நம(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:218) த(cid:219)தவ(cid:177)(cid:221) அவேர.

The helmet of salvation as well as the rest of the armour is “putting on Christ.” This helmet of salvation protects us from thoughts and inclinations which would draw us away from Christ. But we must consciously put it on every day to protect our minds. We must put on the helmet of salvation in our daily lives so that we may be confident in Christ.

In order to keep it secured, we must daily, consciously submit to His ways. When God is on our side, there is no battle we cannot face in this world. Prayer: Almighty God, salvation comes through your Son Jesus alone. Please grant us the assurance that we are your children, saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone and by nothing we have done. Help us to renew our minds. Purge any thoughts that are not holy or true and equip us for spiritual warfare. Remove any doubts that may cloud our minds and help us to keep our minds on heavenly things and values, even amidst the worries of this present pandemic. We love you Lord, and trust in you today and every day. Amen.

Reflection

1. Why does Paul describe the helmet as the helmet of salvation? Whose salvation is being

referred to here? 2. How does our faith in Jesus and his atoning work of salvation for us (the helmet of salvation) give us confidence to face trials and threats unafraid? 3. Besides strengthening our courage to face trials and threats and protecting us from fear and worry what else does the helmet of salvation protect our minds from?

4. How can daily putting on the helmet of salvation strengthen you in the midst of this

pandemic threat?

6. Word of God – Sword

We come across the final piece of the armour of God that Paul says the Christian must be equipped with for spiritual warfare, the sword of the Spirit. Unlike the other pieces of armour Paul mentions which are defensive in nature such as the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of preparation of the gospel of peace and the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit is offensive in nature.

It is not just armour. It is a weapon with which to attack the enemy. You might recall when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, he fought the tempter by quoting the Word of God. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.

எ(cid:130)ெரய(cid:223) 4:12, ேதவ(cid:173)ைடய வா(cid:223)(cid:218)ைதயான(cid:171) (cid:145)வ(cid:173)(cid:221) வ(cid:224)லைம(cid:176)(cid:221) உ(cid:227)ளதா(cid:176)(cid:221), இ(cid:177)(cid:174)ற(cid:175)(cid:221) க(cid:177)(cid:212)(cid:164)(cid:227)ள எ(cid:219)த(cid:220) ப(cid:216)டய(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:179)(cid:221) க(cid:177)(cid:212)கானதா(cid:176)(cid:221), ஆ(cid:218)(cid:171)மாைவ(cid:176)(cid:221) ஆ(cid:138)ைய(cid:176)(cid:221), க(cid:170)(cid:212)கைள(cid:176)(cid:221) ஊைன(cid:176)(cid:221) (cid:130)(cid:133)(cid:212)க(cid:218)த(cid:212)கதாக உ(cid:177)வ(cid:212) (cid:164)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:120)றதா(cid:176)(cid:221), இ(cid:177)தய(cid:218)(cid:127)(cid:229) (cid:128)ைன(cid:182)கைள(cid:176)(cid:221) ேயாசைனகைள(cid:176)(cid:221) வைகய(cid:178)(cid:212)(cid:120)றதா(cid:176)(cid:221) இ(cid:177)(cid:212)(cid:120)ற(cid:171) The sword of the Spirit has the power to trample any objections to Christianity posed by the enemy.

A single text can reassure us when the enemy attacks us with heavy blows. But we must be well trained to use the sword and use it responsibly. This means when we wield the sword or utilize Scripture, we must place it within its original context so we don’t misuse it by proof-texting.

II (cid:149)ேமா(cid:218)ேத(cid:176) 2:15, (cid:150) ெவ(cid:216)க(cid:220)படாத ஊ(cid:137)ய(cid:212)காரனா(cid:176)(cid:221) ச(cid:218)(cid:127)ய வசன(cid:218)ைத (cid:128)தானமா(cid:222)(cid:220) ப(cid:164)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:220) ேபா(cid:127)(cid:212)(cid:120)றவனா(cid:176)(cid:221) உ(cid:229)ைன ேதவ(cid:173)(cid:212)(cid:164) (cid:175)(cid:229)பாக உ(cid:218)தமனாக (cid:128)(cid:178)(cid:218)(cid:171)(cid:221)ப(cid:125) ஜா(cid:212)(cid:120)ரைதயா(cid:132)(cid:177).

We must learn all we can about the Sword by reading the Word frequently and use commentaries to better understand its message and apply it to our daily lives. We should ask God to reveal God’s self to us through the Word. While God’s Word is perfect, our understanding of it is imperfect and fallible. We need the inspiration and illumination of the Holy Spirit to understand and correctly interpret it. Therefore, it is called the Sword of the Spirit.

Only the Holy Spirit can teach us how to rightly understand and interpret the Sword or Word of God since the Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture and the Word and the Spirit are one with the Father.

Reflection

1. How does the sword of the Spirit differ from the other parts of the Armor of God? 2. What is the sword of the Spirit and why is it so effective a weapon against the enemy? 3. How adept are you in using the Sword of the Spirit?

4. What are some ways in which you can train yourself in better using it? Are you using these methods daily to improve your sword wielding skills? If not, why not? In conclusion, we need to daily put on all the armour of God to equip us for spiritual battle, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of preparation of the gospel of peace, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

We consciously array ourselves in this armour through prayer. We ask through prayer to equip us with God’s armour and God spiritually equips us with it when we ask in faith. May we equip ourselves for the spiritual battles we will surely face in the days ahead!

Prayer: Lord of the Heavenly Armies, equip us with the sword of the Spirit. Make us ever ready to witness to others the hope that we have within us. Whenever the enemy attacks us with doubt or twists Scripture, teach and remind us what your Word truly says. As we study your Word, help us to understand the original context of the passage, so we will not distort the meaning through our personal biases. Through Your Spirit, reveal the meaning of your Word and how it applies to our lives this day. Most importantly, never let us forget to carry the sword of the Spirit, which is your Word. This we pray in the name of Jesus, the True Word of God. Amen.