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I. EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF THE CHRISTIAN ARMOUR.

1. It is armour for every part, except the back, which is provided with no defence, to show that the Christian is never to quit the field, but to face his enemies.

2. The armour is of every sort, offensive and defensive, both to protect the Christian, and to annoy his enemies.

3. It is armour that has been proved.

4. This armour is spiritual, and is intended only for spiritual purposes. It is called "the armour of light," in allusion perhaps to the bright and glittering army of the Romans, and to show that it is for ornament as well as for defence. It is also "armour of righteousness," designed only for righteous persons and righteous purposes; it cannot therefore be rendered subservient to acts of violence and oppression. It is provided by a righteous God, and His righteous word is the rule for using it (Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7).

5. It is called "the armour of God," to denote its transcendent excellency and usefulness, and that it is provided by His special grace.

II. CONSIDER THE NECESSITY OF PUTTING ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD.

1. We are in a state of warfare, exposed to innumerable enemies: and if not called to fight, we should not need to be armed.

2. We are naturally unprepared for this contest, having no means of defence, and therefore need to put on the armour of God. We must be equipped from God's armoury, for no weapon of our own will be able to defend us.

3. Putting on this armour implies that we see our need of it, and that we use it for the purposes intended. Though we are not saved for our endeavours, yet neither can we be saved without them. We cannot exert ourselves too much in this warfare, nor depend upon our exertions too little.

4. The spiritual armour is not designed for show, like weapons that are hung up in some houses, but for use, and therefore it must be put on.

5. We must be careful to take to ourselves the "whole" armour of God, for a part of it will not avail. Such is the variety of Satan's temptations and the world's allurements that the whole of it is but sufficient for our defence; and should any part be left unguarded, a mortal wound might be inflicted. He is also mightier than we are, and we are no match for him, unless we put on the whole armour of God, and place our trust in His holy name.

(B. Beddome, M. A.)

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KJV: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

WEB: Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.