21st Sunday after Trinity, 7 Nov 1954"
7 November 1954, St. John’s Chapel
Ephesians 6:10-20: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feed shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sord of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Today’s Epistle is one of the best known passages in the New Testament taken from the Epistle to the Ephesians. The Christian life is not an easy one. The Christian must always be ready to fight against the powers of evil. St. Paul does not minimise the severity of the spiritual combat every Christian must face in his life. To be able to face the enemy the Christian must put on the whole armour. Nothing less than the whole armour will suffice. We have to bring to our aid all our spiritual resources. We must therefore ask ourselves whether there is anything missing from our spiritual armour. If we are not well protected, not properly equipped, we will lose in the fight.
Part of the armour we are told is the shield of faith. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth; and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. The shield of faith: a real, living trust in God.
This is illustrated in the Gospel. The nobleman had complete trust in the power of Jesus to heal his son. The Collect also reminds us that it is only to those who have faith that God can grant pardon and peace. ‘Grant, we beseech Thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins.’ If we put on God’s armour of faith we shall receive God’s pardon, peace, and power. There will be the conviction of sin, followed by the realisation of our need for confession, and the assurance of God’s forgiveness.
For all this we must be daily in touch with God through prayer, and must be regular in our Communion. Prayer, study of God’s word, regular worship, particularly regular communions are all part of the divine armour. They do keep us safe and help us in our spiritual warfare. Let us pray that we may make the best use of every means appointed by God for our growth in spiritual life and coming into closer fellowship with God.