A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church on Sunday, August 31, 2003, Trinity XI. Please read Ephesians 6:10-20.

In Ephesians 6, we find Saint Paul’s famous discourse regarding the armor of God. Many commentators and preachers have much to say about the significance of the individual elements that comprise such an array – the helmet of salvation, shield of faith, etc. Such a study is productive, but I would like us to take a moment and consider the significance of the armor as a whole. What does it mean for the Christian that he or she is to put on the armor of God?

The first and most obvious implication of wearing armor is that the wearer is in a battle or struggle of some sort. All who are baptized have been thrust into the conflict between the kingdom of God and all that opposes it. Saint Paul bids us to be aware of the struggle and our duty in it. Christians often need reminding that they are in the midst of spiritual warfare. It is easy to become complacent in prayer, to neglect the fellowship of the Lord’s Table, and to be less diligent in listening to God’s word. Putting on the armor of God prepares us for engaging in the conflict.

What then is the duty of the one who would wear God’s armor? Saint Paul tells us quite clearly – it is to stand. “Put on the whole armor of God, the you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (v. 11) …Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand, therefore …” (v.13-14). Someone may wonder how standing is any great accomplishment or worthwhile duty. After all, how hard is it simply to stand? True, in some contexts standing is not a very difficult task. However, let us suppose that we are standing waist deep in the ocean and rough waves are breaking upon us; or perhaps we are standing in an open field when the strong wind and rain of a storm are beating against us. In such contexts standing becomes quite tricky. For the Christian, life is not lived without pressure. Each day spiritual winds and waves beat against the believer’s soul, pushing him or her away from obedience to God and love for Him. Our eyes and ears are bombarded with images and voices that are contrary to the faith that has been handed down to us; and in this context that we need the armor of God so that we may stand faithful to Him and be the light of Christ in this dark world. 
Amen.