By Tom Garner
PAUL IN VERSES 11-17 HAS JUST SPOKEN on the "Full Armor Of God.." My friends there have been many, many, many books written on this one subject! Many sermons have been preached on this one subject. Many have written as to the various elements and importance of each piece. There has even been great theological debates of their importance.
Yet I, personally have heard or seen little written of the prayer which Paul directs us to in verse 18. If one where to say; "But there is no designation as to the armor regarding prayer, let us take a moment and reflect what Paul is saying.
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. - Ephesians 6:13
Here Paul starts out a illustration of something he is very familiar with, the Roman Army. He starts out with the basic instructions.
The "Why", to stand firm. To be able to resist the evil one. He then starts out describing each piece of the armor giving special attention to its attributes.
"Leggings of Truth";
"Breastplate of Righteousness";
"The Sandals of the Gospel of Peace";
"The Shield of Faith"
"Helmet of Salvation"
"Sword of the Spirit".
All these elements make up the full armor, and yet there is a missing element. Fully dressed for war, and yet there is something missing. Can you guess what that is?
Again, Paul being familiar with the Roman Army, gives to us verse 18. Why does he follow with verse 18? Let us read:
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, - Ephesians 6:18
Why "with all prayer?" The army ready is ready for battle but they have not received their instructions, or if you will, their "marching orders". A army without the lines of communications set up is ready for a fall. You must come to grips with this statement! When the lines of communication are down those who are in the battle are LOST! They do not know where the other units are in relationship to themselves. The soldier will not know where they are in the grand scheme of things. They will not realize nor can they be told where their weaknesses are, and most of all, they are cut off from the one who has designed the battle! Many here today have fought in WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm and they will tell you in no nonsense terms how essential the lines of communication are!
Many today are like those lost in battle, they have read the books, and have a full understanding of what the "full armor of God" is, yet they just skip over verses 18 - 20. You cannot do this, for if you do then the lines of communication have not been established and you will be LOST! That is why Paul speaks on this one subject after the discourse of the of the "ARMOR".
