Whole Armor of God

Sermon Ephesians 6:10-20 May 24, 2020 Memorial Day Service.

Whole Armor of God

On this Memorial Day weekend we remember those who died for their service to this country. “Established in 1868 as a day to honor the fallen soldiers of the just concluded Civil War, Memorial Day has grown to become a solemn recognition of all of our nation's war dead and the high price of our freedoms. There is the sense in which the dead, though silent, still speak -- the quality and character of their lives lingering long after they have gone.” 

Anonymous quote.

It is more than appropriate for us to spend time in worship, in reflection, in silence, in meditation, in a church service remembering those who fought for justice, peace, reconciliation, and freedom. Because the struggle and conflict is real in this world and God is the God of all nations. God is the God of peace, righteousness, love, tenderness and compassion. God seeks for those who follow in faith to live their lives serving to fight against oppression, to break the chains of human trafficking, to release the captives, to bring about equality, to work so the whole world is fed and people live in places where the rulers provide a safe haven for all their people.

We remember the lives lost in the most recent conflicts of war in Afghanistan and Iraq; in conflicts forgotten, Kosovo, Bosnia, Somalia; in wars short in duration, Gulf War, Panama, Granada, Lebanon, Dominican Republic; in wars of controversy, Bay of Pigs, Vietnam, Korea; in the great wars, WWI & WWII; in wars of regret, the Indian wars, and the Civil war. People chose to go to war, were drafted into war, tried to flee from war, ran straight into war. All, no matter the reason, gave their lives and this one weekend, just this one weekend we remember them and their families. In November we remember & honor all who served, but this weekend we remember those who are gone.

Why does it matter some may ask?

Others may say this has no place in the church worship.

Some may have conflicted ideals with war and the military.

Others may have high and lofty ideals of sovereignty.

But, in the church, God helps us to recognize that life and love are most important.

How do we seek to serve to make sure that all life receives the love God has ordained?

How do we walk through war torn cities and nations without being impacted and moved to help, to renew, to provide?

These are the words of those who have gone to foreign lands. Soldiers and Chaplains have shared with me how their lives have been touched beyond measure. They speak of the unthinkable that happened.

Those who have served in the military in front lines have seen so much, have been changed by all they have witnessed for the hope to bring dignity back to the lives of those they have fought for. Perhaps, that’s what’s most important to share with our next generation. The importance of serving, the importance of integrity, the importance of a well lived life. They speak of how they have also fought here at home for the freedom of those held captive, those being tortured and maimed, those who had lost everything.

 

Art By Marsh Ryon

Paul is speaking to the people of Ephesus to give them courage. Paul wants them to remember first of all that they are a new creation in Christ Jesus.

Paul knew that these new Christians felt powerless.

They felt their lives were filled with instability.

He was worried they lacked resolve.

He was most concerned that they did not fully understand their identity in Christ. Paul assists the Ephesians in understanding their new identity by uniting them no longer as Jew and Gentile but as new creations in Jesus.

Paul emphasizes that their identity is in the risen Lord.

Unity is key.

And the fact that all authority and powers are subject to Christ.

It is important to let them know that God will free them from the powers of darkness. God will provide for them in times of fear and confusion,

in times of frustration,

and lack of understanding.

When ignorance and sin are at the forefront,

Paul guides the Ephesians in finding truth and peace.

In his final appeal to the Ephesians, he admonishes them to stand firm.

Just as any officer would do for his/her troops a firm grip of confidence is key just prior to entering dangerous territory.

It was not easy for the Ephesians living a faith that was as radical as Christianity.

It didn’t make sense.

It created turmoil.

People lost work, and even lost lives because of their faith.

The gospel message of love and peace has been dangerous for so many.

And Paul’s words to don the whole armor of God fit well for these early people of faith.

As it also fits well for us.

To know our bodies are clothed in the protection we need when we are facing the unknown, the things beyond our control, the powers of darkness and danger, gives us the inner strength to stand firm, to move forward, to engage in the rigors of life and not be afraid.

God is with us.

We are called upon to be active in our faith and active in our life.

Our military heroes have gone into battle in places where the assault was great. It required a firm confidence to get them through to do what had to be done.

There have been many times that the world has been grateful to the United States joining the allied forces. If it had not been for the decisions to enter into these global conflicts many more lives would have been lost and the tables of global power would have been very different. It is important that each generation remember this truth and choose to do the same.

Paul is advocating for a defensive armor to protect oneself in the conflict of the ages. We could all do with a little bit of armor in the conflict of life. Armor is not a bad thing. Protecting oneself from harm is not a bad thing. Using military language synonymously with our faith in the love of Christ is not a bad thing. Armor is a form of resilience. It is a testimony of being able to face the enemies of our life, whether they be real physical entities or the demons of our imagination, or the darkness that lies within our own hearts, or the reality of oppression, or the cruelty of language, or the pain of disease, or the sorrow of death, or the seriousness of loss.

Wearing things as real as a helmet of salvation,

a belt of truth,

a breastplate of righteousness,

a shield of faith,

shoes ready to proclaim the gospel of peace,

and the sword of Spirit, make us prepared for anything and ready to be bold in all things.

We need that language today.

We need our resilience if Christ to stand firm as we go forward. 

Hold on to hope. 

Hold on to love. 

Hold on to peace.

Every part of our body covered to face forward to whatever is coming our way.

Let us always remember our battle is to come to the fullness of our identity in the newness offered us in the risen Christ. The emptiness in our heart filled with floods of peace. The sorrow in our soul filled with the real presence of Jesus.   

Yes.

Today we remember the sacrifice of so many for us here today as the future generation of freedom and peace. We too will don the whole armor of God and stand together in the love of Christ for the future generations.

May we never forget.

Amen.

Resources: NIB Ephesians.