About to teach a series on the Armor of God.

[Mii]

Hmm...interesting topic.

I'm in a strange place at the moment...but I have an image in mind of Samurai armour. In a case, disused. Only used for special occasions. Full battle regalia.

Married with when I was in JROTC feeling ridiculous in full dress when everyone else was in "casual" school clothes.




If that image sinks in, with how the enemy attacks us and belittles us for "making something out of nothing" and it's "not that big of a deal"...then I suppose this was worthwhile.

I don't really know how to explain what I said further...except it seems to illustrate something to me. The world will tell us it's not a big deal, woah bro...but we are given our armour for a reason. It may seem like overkill but it most certainly is not. It's what is necessary and it is what we need. We may be ridiculed and called cowards for it...but the enemy is NOT asleep.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

A couple points migo.....

a. The analogy in Ephesians 6 mirrors a Roman suit of armor which would be fully understood during the time it was penned.

b. One thing it does not list is SOMETHING to protect the back.

Why? Because.....If a Roman soldier broke rank to run he was to be cut down by the other Roman soldiers within his element......The reason Paul dia inspiration has no protection for the back is because WE ARE TO HOLD OUR GROUND.......

Just a few points to ponder

I was researching about a Roman legionnaire's Armor. I just prefer to try and be accurate. Does this sound right?

I would assume Paul wrote Ephesians in the 1st century due to the mountains of evidence to show this.

The Roman Army by this time had peaked in armor technology and in the 1st–3rd century the armor called the lorica segmentata was used.

As seen below Roman legionaries marching across a pontoon bridge, a relief scene from the column of Emperor Trajan (r. 98-117 AD) in Rome, Italy



Below is the modern re-creation of the armor





The back was protected by armor plates. But of course the idea of holding the line was still a crucial part in Roman tactics. As line formations, wedge formations and a siege formation called the Testudo (Latin for ‘Tortoise’) was used it was only successful if every soldier acted as one and moved as one.

If 1 was to fall, slip, take a arrow etc this left a vulnerability that another soldier must hurry and take the injured's place in formation.

They also relied on Cavalry to protect them from enemy flanks as they covered more ground and was more agile.

All of this was in place to protect the back of the soldier but notice it took a well united army, multiple different roles, and well trained individuals to do just that.

Looking for accuracy mainly.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Hmm...interesting topic.

I'm in a strange place at the moment...but I have an image in mind of Samurai armour. In a case, disused. Only used for special occasions. Full battle regalia.

Married with when I was in JROTC feeling ridiculous in full dress when everyone else was in "casual" school clothes.




If that image sinks in, with how the enemy attacks us and belittles us for "making something out of nothing" and it's "not that big of a deal"...then I suppose this was worthwhile.

I don't really know how to explain what I said further...except it seems to illustrate something to me. The world will tell us it's not a big deal, woah bro...but we are given our armour for a reason. It may seem like overkill but it most certainly is not. It's what is necessary and it is what we need. We may be ridiculed and called cowards for it...but the enemy is NOT asleep.

Bro I can relate lol I was in a Navy JROTC for my whole High School duration as evident below.



We was always treated differently by the our fellow students. Most of us didn't care including me but still. You are right. A uniform or armor does separate you from the common folk. It is usually obvious and people usually can tell right away something is different about that individual.

Good insight thanks.

 

[posthuman]

A couple points migo.....

a. The analogy in Ephesians 6 mirrors a Roman suit of armor which would be fully understood during the time it was penned.

b. One thing it does not list is SOMETHING to protect the back.

Why? Because.....If a Roman soldier broke rank to run he was to be cut down by the other Roman soldiers within his element......The reason Paul dia inspiration has no protection for the back is because WE ARE TO HOLD OUR GROUND.......

Just a few points to ponder

Additional insights: we don't have protection for the back because generally Christians (as we are) we should stand back to back with our fellow, protecting one another in battle and in reality spiritually and physically we are accountable for each other.

Romans wore whats called lorica segmentata:






this certainly did protect your back.

 

[posthuman]

I just prefer to try and be accurate. Does this sound right?

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
(Romans 6:12-14)
​

the word here translated as 'instruments' ((quoted the ESV for no particular reason)) is hoplon -- a form of the word we get 'hoplite' from, if that rings a bell.
it's proper meaning is more accurately, 'armament' -- it's not just any kind of 'instrument' it refers specifically to a soldier's kit. his weapons, armor, shield etc: implements for warfare.

 

[posthuman]

But of course the idea of holding the line was still a crucial part in Roman tactics. As line formations, wedge formations and a siege formation called the Testudo (Latin for ‘Tortoise’) was used it was only successful if every soldier acted as one and moved as one.

one of the major factors that made the Roman army so successful was the comparative discipline & support they had. while many nations kept a small standing army of palace guard / something-like-police etc. and could call up a kind of militia in times of war, Rome had a very large, dedicated professional military. they weren't farmers and tradesmen who fought for a season at the behest of their king; they were full-time career soldiers, a social class of their own, who were paid handsomely, underwent all kinds of rigorous training, and were well-equipped in a generally uniform way, with everyone having similar levels of armor that was regularly replaced due to wear and tear - iirc i remember hearing an historian mentioning that even their sandals were replaced twice a year.
having good, standardized kit in regular repair and being very well organized, trained & disciplined is an advantage for an army that can hardly be understated.

 

[posthuman]

having good, standardized kit in regular repair and being very well organized, trained & disciplined is an advantage for an army that can hardly be understated.

being career soldiers, they functioned as more than just fighting men - also playing roles similar to our modern seabees or army corp of engineers: they would build roads, bridges, siege equipment, forts, you-name-it in the line of duty, putting to use the enormous resources of an empire with a massive, efficient logistical infrastructure that kept them fed, sheltered, armed, paid & reinforced. this is a big contrast with most of the enemies they regularly faced ((ignore Carthage lol))

there's an analogy to be made here, i think, with how God is able to care for us and uphold us and provide for us -- and with how we ought to be of one mind and heart in the Lord. a Roman soldier typically did not stand alone, without allies, or with an empty stomach, and we don't either: when we stand with Christ, we are standing in security and strength - 'those who are with us are more than those who are against us' 2 Kings 6:16

 

[jb]

I am currently building a series to teach about the Armor of God to a group in my local church.

I would greatly appreciate any resources or references to anything related to this topic. I have 4 weeks to put all my thoughts and research down in a organized lesson.

This is from a blog I did some time ago on CC:

"To deliver the captives of Satan, we first have to have victory over him in our lives, we have to bind the strong man before we can spoil his goods. We have to overcome Satan by answering every lying temptation with the Truth, we have to put on ALL the armour of God. Matt 12v18-30, Mark 3v22-30, Eph 6v10-20. It is as follows:-

The belt of truth: A right knowledge of God's Word and Christian Doctrine.

The breastplate of righteousness: God's Word of Truth is applied to the life and it results in a practical holy life, the heart is kept pure, there is integrity of purpose, truthfulness, sincerity, genuine love and faithfulness.

The feet shod with the Gospel: An evangelistic fervour; a desire to extend God's kingdom and preach God's good news of forgiveness and peace.

The shield of faith: The 4 feet by 2 feet Roman type shield is spoken of here. A complete trust in God and His word at all times, can quench all Satan's flaming darts.

The helmet of salvation: A disciplined and pure thought-life. We think what God thinks, and weigh everything up in the light of God's Word and our salvation. False doctrines, impure thoughts, and worldliness are banished from the Christian mind. All is looked upon and judged in the light of an eternal future.

The sword of the Spirit: The ability to use God's Word against Satan and his children. This presupposes a knowledge of the Scriptures and essential Christian Truth.

Prayer: (Greek, “proseuche” (Strong's NT:4335) and “enteuxis” (Strong's NT:1783) which mean “the making of interventions with power so as to affect a change in circumstances”). The spear, or bow and arrow? A vigilant, intelligent and persevering prayer life, for all the saints and the ministries that God has set in the Church. Rom 12v6-8, 1Cor 12v28, Eph 4v8-11."

You can find the blog Here

 

[Roughsoul1991]

being career soldiers, they functioned as more than just fighting men - also playing roles similar to our modern seabees or army corp of engineers: they would build roads, bridges, siege equipment, forts, you-name-it in the line of duty, putting to use the enormous resources of an empire with a massive, efficient logistical infrastructure that kept them fed, sheltered, armed, paid & reinforced. this is a big contrast with most of the enemies they regularly faced ((ignore Carthage lol))

there's an analogy to be made here, i think, with how God is able to care for us and uphold us and provide for us -- and with how we ought to be of one mind and heart in the Lord. a Roman soldier typically did not stand alone, without allies, or with an empty stomach, and we don't either: when we stand with Christ, we are standing in security and strength - 'those who are with us are more than those who are against us' 2 Kings 6:16

Very good info thank you.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

This is from a blog I did some time ago on CC:

"To deliver the captives of Satan, we first have to have victory over him in our lives, we have to bind the strong man before we can spoil his goods. We have to overcome Satan by answering every lying temptation with the Truth, we have to put on ALL the armour of God. Matt 12v18-30, Mark 3v22-30, Eph 6v10-20. It is as follows:-

The belt of truth: A right knowledge of God's Word and Christian Doctrine.

The breastplate of righteousness: God's Word of Truth is applied to the life and it results in a practical holy life, the heart is kept pure, there is integrity of purpose, truthfulness, sincerity, genuine love and faithfulness.

The feet shod with the Gospel: An evangelistic fervour; a desire to extend God's kingdom and preach God's good news of forgiveness and peace.

The shield of faith: The 4 feet by 2 feet Roman type shield is spoken of here. A complete trust in God and His word at all times, can quench all Satan's flaming darts.

The helmet of salvation: A disciplined and pure thought-life. We think what God thinks, and weigh everything up in the light of God's Word and our salvation. False doctrines, impure thoughts, and worldliness are banished from the Christian mind. All is looked upon and judged in the light of an eternal future.

The sword of the Spirit: The ability to use God's Word against Satan and his children. This presupposes a knowledge of the Scriptures and essential Christian Truth.

Prayer: (Greek, “proseuche” (Strong's NT:4335) and “enteuxis” (Strong's NT:1783) which mean “the making of interventions with power so as to affect a change in circumstances”). The spear, or bow and arrow? A vigilant, intelligent and persevering prayer life, for all the saints and the ministries that God has set in the Church. Rom 12v6-8, 1Cor 12v28, Eph 4v8-11."

You can find the blog Here

Thank you also. Very good info. I'll have to go read all of the blog.

 

[pottersclay]

Praying that your teaching is blessed😊

You may want to reflect on the story of David and Goliath. That it doesn't take a seasoned warrior , nor what this world says you will need to succeed. ( As Saul dressed David for battle) but trusting the Lord at his word.
Regardless of the reputation or size of the enemy the Lord is able and will enable those who trust in him.
The most dangerous weapon is the one that is not seen. Although David appeared to be alone that was far from the truth.

 

[garee]

One thing to remember is we guard it because it guards us as our stronghold or fortress. In that way we have no weapons of our own. our weapons are not against of flesh and blood what the eyes see .

 

[dcontroversal]

Yeshua/Jesus did NOT retreat from the cross....... LOVE does NOT seek to save its own life.... It freely lays It down for others......amen. Thank You, Father, Lord Yeshua/Jesus.

Ummmmm......how does this have any bearing on what I said?....I never indicated any such thing!

 

[dcontroversal]

Romans wore whats called lorica segmentata:

View attachment 206422

View attachment 206423


this certainly did protect your back.

Military of the Roman Republic and Empire wore loosely regulated dress and armour. The contemporary concept of uniforms was not part of Roman culture and there were considerable differences in detail. Armour was not standardized and even that produced in state factories varied according to the province of origin. Likewise the Romans had no concept of obsolescence. Provided it remained serviceable, soldiers were free to use armour handed down by family members, buy armour from soldiers who had completed their service or wear discontinued styles of armour if they preferred it to (or could not afford) the latest issue. Thus it was common for legions to wear a mix of various styles that could cover a considerable time period.

 

[PennEd]

I am currently building a series to teach about the Armor of God to a group in my local church.

I would greatly appreciate any resources or references to anything related to this topic. I have 4 weeks to put all my thoughts and research down in a organized lesson.

Have a great study!

Couple points if I may.

Merely possessing the armor does no good unless you put it on and use it. The Sword (Bible) for instance, does no good gathering dust on a night table.

One approach you might want to explore, is how every piece, relates to Jesus Christ. Ie.. He is our Helmet of Salvation, and He is our Breastplate of Righteousness etc...

You can gather Scriptures for each piece relating to Him.

 

[Nehemiah6]

I am currently building a series to teach about the Armor of God to a group in my local church.

You should try and show which components are defensive and which are offensive. The soldier both defends himself and also goes on the offensive. Further all Christians are likened to soldiers, and clearly told that they are engaged in spiritual warfare. At the same time, Paul tells us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (fleshly or worldly) but mighty through God, since they are spiritual and come from God. We are also told that the battle is not ours but God's. Lastly, Christian forums are also battlegrounds where Satan is trying to oppose truth with lies. And that is where the Sword of the Spirit is required.

 

[Miri]

One thing I notice, it says to STAND.
Not run, walk or fight. That’s because the battle is the Lords!

1 Samuel 17:47 NKJV
[47] Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands."


People may think standing is passive and not sufficient they may want to take their own action. Take things into their own hands - just like King Saul did when he refused to wait for Samuel. But it takes a lot of effort and character to just stand. It’s not passive at all, it’s waiting on the Lord fully protected and obedient.

 

[Lafftur]

Ummmmm......how does this have any bearing on what I said?....I never indicated any such thing!

LOL!

I'm agreeing with your "b. ....nothing to protect the back........" Like Yeshua/Jesus did NOT retreat from the cross, neither will we! We don't retreat.

 

[Whispered]

Thank God if we lose faith in God He does not lose faith in us.
Someone I know drafted this not long ago. It will be a blessing if you are able to glean points that will be of use in your talk. And this serves your teaching in future. I pray you have great success in your venture. Do update us please.
The Armor of God

 

[Lafftur]

I was researching about a Roman legionnaire's Armor. I just prefer to try and be accurate. Does this sound right?

I would assume Paul wrote Ephesians in the 1st century due to the mountains of evidence to show this.

The Roman Army by this time had peaked in armor technology and in the 1st–3rd century the armor called the lorica segmentata was used.

As seen below Roman legionaries marching across a pontoon bridge, a relief scene from the column of Emperor Trajan (r. 98-117 AD) in Rome, Italy

View attachment 206418

Below is the modern re-creation of the armor

View attachment 206419

View attachment 206420

The back was protected by armor plates. But of course the idea of holding the line was still a crucial part in Roman tactics. As line formations, wedge formations and a siege formation called the Testudo (Latin for ‘Tortoise’) was used it was only successful if every soldier acted as one and moved as one.

If 1 was to fall, slip, take a arrow etc this left a vulnerability that another soldier must hurry and take the injured's place in formation.

They also relied on Cavalry to protect them from enemy flanks as they covered more ground and was more agile.

All of this was in place to protect the back of the soldier but notice it took a well united army, multiple different roles, and well trained individuals to do just that.

Looking for accuracy mainly.

Great job! I did not realize there was a back side.....thanks! Keep sharing all you find with us, this is interesting!