Notes on “Personal Protective Equipment”

This Sunday’s lectionary text is one that has been preached a number of times, and those with church backgrounds have likely heard this scripture directly or at least allusions to its imagery. Images of breastplates and helmets likely have limited impact for us because we aren’t used to living in a place occupied by Roman soldiers as was prevalent in Paul’s time.

But perhaps we are familiar with wearing barriers to protect ourselves. Perhaps even in our moderate climate we will wear jackets; perhaps we wear hats to protect from the sun; and we are familiar with wearing face-coverings in public settings. Perhaps this text will take on significant and new meaning for us as we read through the lens of our current reality.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (CEB)
¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. ¹¹ Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. ¹² We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. ¹³ Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand. ¹⁴ So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, ¹⁵ and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace.¹⁶ Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.

¹⁸ Offer prayers and petitions in the Spirit all the time. Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers. ¹⁹ As for me, pray that when I open my mouth, I’ll get a message that confidently makes this secret plan of the gospel known. ²⁰ I’m an ambassador in chains for the sake of the gospel. Pray so that the Lord will give me the confidence to say what I have to say.

Consider these questions:

1. Where does Paul note the source of our strength coming from?
2. Who does Paul observe as our real enemies? What does this say about who are enemies are and are not?
3. Which part of the armor of God do you desire the most and why?
4. How might this armor help us to “stand against” evil? How might this armor help us to “keep alert?”