Band of Brothers - Why We Fight

SIAFU Mens Conference, Band of Brothers: Why We Fight Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis, p. 35

I. With Heavenly Armor

A. W HAT ’ S UP ? We do not do battle with our enemies with our own strength and cunning, but with God’s effective heavenly armor, 2 Cor. 10.3-5

1. We do not wage war according to the flesh, according to our own strength and wisdom, Prov. 3.5-6

2. We do not get involved in “civilian affairs,” 2 Tim. 2.4

3. We throw off everything that hinders us and entangles us–I do mean “everything!” Heb. 12.1-2

The Use of Armor Symbolically in the Bible

In the Old Testament, the devastating effect of a vicious tongue is compared with the destructive purpose of the sword and arrow (Ps. 57:4; 64:3; Prov. 12:18). However, when weapons are used metaphorically in the Old Testament, it is usually to help convey the supreme sovereignty of God. For instance, one’s primary dependence on military arms is considered foolish, since they are not the ultimate source of deliverance, whether it be by the bow or sword (Josh. 24:12; Ps. 44:6; Hos. 1:7). This is because God overpowers and shatters the bow and arrow, spear, sword, and shield (Ps. 46:9; 76:3). In other places, God’s judgment is spoken of as a bow or sword (Ps. 7:12-13; Isa. 66:16; Jer 12:12). He also uses the literal weapons of conquering nations to judge Israel (Isa. 3:25). Finally, that God is the faithful protector of His people is often expressed by referring to Him as “a shield unto them that put their trust in Him” (Prov. 30:5), just as He Himself encouraged Abraham, “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield” (Gen. 15:1). Arms and armor surface on only a few occasions in the New Testament. Of course, the New Testament times found Roman imperial soldiers equipped with metal helmets, protective leather and metal vests, leg armor, shields, swords and spears. Christ accepted a legal, defensive use of the sword (Luke 22:36-38), but he rebuked Peter’s illegal and more offensive strike against Malchus at a time of arrest (John 18:10-11). Often the New Testament uses arms and armor symbolically as in the Old Testament poets and prophetic books. The Word of the Lord and its piercing, penetrating effect is referred to as a sword (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16; 2:16; 19:15,21). Paul used both arms and armor of a soldier to express the virtues necessary to defend the believer against Satan (Eph. 6:10-17; compare Isa. 59:16-17). ~ “Armor” in the Holman Dictionary of the Bible, ebook.