Veterans Day – Thanking Those Who Wear the Armor of God

Sermon Title: Thanking Those Who Wear the Armor of God

Good News Statement: God provides us with armor

Preached: Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Dogwood Prairie UMC & Seed Chapel UMC

Pastor Daniel G. Skelton, M.Div.

 

Scripture (NKJV): Ephesians 6:13-20 Today’s scripture reading comes from the words of Paul from his epistle to the people of Ephesus. We will be reading from Ephesians chapter six verses thirteen thru twenty. Listen to the words of Paul and God’s promise of newness…

 

¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— ¹⁹ and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

 

Psalm 100: A Psalm of Thanksgiving.

¹ Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
²     Serve the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.

³ Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him; bless his name.

⁵ For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.

This is the Word of God for the People of God; And all God’s people said, “Thanks be to God.”

 

Introduction:

I recently came across a journal entry from March 5^th, 1968, and it was titled Red Alert. This is what the journal entry shared:

Robert Kennedy is shot in Los Angeles and two Marines have been gunned down- unarmed-in Georgetown by members of the Poor Peoples’ March. You were in that same hamburger joint last weekend-in uniform…. Always in uniform. Whose uniform?

Jesus, God- Can you get out of the barracks tonight? Tile humidity is unbearable…. The radio blares soul and fresh disasters- no one listens. The PA box shrieks for Delaney. “Is Delaney there? Delaney is wanted in the Orderly Room!” The heat and noise are everywhere- swaying, sweating bodies, four rows of bunks, head-to-toe alignment. No room to breathe, to break away. To talk to someone.

And you can’t leave, you can’t get away. You’re confined to the Regiment- There’s a Red Alert and you may be called into Washington · to put down another riot. Your weekend pass is cancelled.

You break for a telephone. You’re outside. There’s a cool breeze, and at least you’re away from the barracks…. but the telephones are jammed-everyone has the same idea. You’ll never get through tonight.

Your head begins to throb. You walk…to think, to unwind…Red Alert. You head for the lounge-you can at least get a Coke there, and maybe write a letter. But the lounge is crowded too- the wives must be told about the Red Alert. There’s no room to move…. Smoke, heat, and crying babies. You’re out of place here. Hurriedly you search for the Coke machine.

Just one cold Coke … is that too much to ask? Just one cold bottle and everything will be all right…. Please God, just one lousy bottle of Coca-Cola. Empty. Your dime is rejected. “Make another Selection” … “Make another Selection” … Quietly, you return once again to the barracks.

In a time of crisis, we often put ourselves first: “Jesus, God, can you get me out of the barracks tonight? Please God, just one lousy bottle of Coca-Cola.” We’ve been there. We’ve said similar words. We forget about the many that are experiencing the crisis with us. I began this message by quoting this journal entry to help us think about those in our life who have found themselves in a “red alert”, who have climbed out of the barracks, who have been put in harm’s way so that you and I, today, have the freedom to find a Coke machine. Those who put others before themselves.

Today, we pause to think about all those who rose from the barracks and sacrificed themselves so that we are able to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Today, we offer our hymn of grateful praise to the Veterans who answered to a service call. We are grateful for their service and dedication to the nation by which we proudly proclaim, “In God, We Trust.” Our hymn of grateful praise is sung for the Veterans today and every day; those who chose or volunteered or were drafted to put on a uniform, God’s armor.  Our song of grateful praise is sung for the all the Veterans in our life.

 

Body:

In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of reverence for America’s Veterans today. Then in 1926, Armistice Day was recognized as the day that would universally commemorate the end of World War I. Armistice Day became a national holiday twelve years later under the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt.[i] In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11^th as Veterans Day.[ii] President Dwight D. Eisenhower, from Proclamation 3367, concerning Veterans Day 1960, wrote, “Let us celebrate that day with appropriate ceremonies not only in tribute to our veterans but also in rededication to the cause of peace with honor throughout the world.”[iii] Let us celebrate the Veterans in our life.

As Christians we are called to honor Veterans Day, as we, too, are sent into battle for the sake of preserving and proclaiming the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are called to be Christians Soldiers who “are marching as to war with the cross of Jesus Christ going before us.” We are called to administer honor and peace throughout the world. But, like the many Veterans before us, we must be equipped for the battle ahead: we must put on the whole armor of God, “so that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).  We all need to put on the armor of God and it begins by giving God thanks. It begins by singing in our heart the hymn of grateful praise. But what is this armor of God?

Ephesians 6:13 tells us to “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having prevailed against everything, to stand firm.” This verse is followed by descriptions of various pieces of armor that God has given to you and me. But what is this armor, and how do we make us of it? In Greek, the phrase “full armor” is the word panoplia, which is similar to the word panoply—meaning to have all kinds of stuff. So the full armor is a combination of many different pieces—a panoply of pieces—coming together to represent the wholeness or fullness of God. However, why would the average Christian need armor?

Before Jesus is taken to be crucified, while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, soldiers—both of the High Priests and the Roman Military—came to arrest him. While taking Jesus away, we read that one of Jesus’ disciples, a person of faith, love, and peace, pulls out his sword and cuts off the ear of a slave. John wrote in chapter eighteen of his gospel, “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath…” (John 18:10-11). Maybe we need armor because we want to be more like Simon Peter? Or maybe we need armor to protect Jesus? Or maybe we need armor for our own protection against the wicked forces that surround us? Or even worse, maybe we need armor becomes there is war, a battle of darkness and pain, going on in our own life that we haven’t recognized yet? Or maybe we need armor because God knows following Christ will not be easy?

Picture this: It’s June 1944. After a 24-hour weather delay, the largest military operation in the history of warfare was about to begin. Preceded by an aerial bombardment of coastal defenses and 13 thousand paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines, five thousand ships and 156 thousand soldiers are about to storm the beaches of Normandy, France. D-Day has arrived.

Just before the invasion of Normandy, General Eisenhower issued a now-famous letter which he, with devastation in his heart, states “[You are] about to embark upon the great crusade [to] bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world… Your task will not be an easy one.”

The General wanted his troops to understand the grim reality of the battle that awaited them: that they were going to encounter a red alert. Failure to do so would only lead to greater causalities. Imagine the carnage if the soldiers got off the landing craft at Omaha beach and didn’t realize that they were going to be shot at. But that is how it often is regarding our spiritual enemy, Satan. Christians do not give much thought to the reality of our spiritual enemy, and neglect taking up the whole armor of God because we think that we can handle things on our own.[iv]

This is where Paul’s illustration in Ephesians 6 comes in. He uses the Roman soldiers’ armor to describe what he calls “the whole armor of God”—a panoply of things to help us fight the fight. Paul could be drawing from his knowledge of Scripture: In Isaiah 59:17, the prophet wrote, “He put on righteousness like a breastplate and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing and wrapped himself in fury as in a mantle.” But more likely, being a prisoner of the Roman Empire, Paul is using physical appearance of the soldier’s armor to help explain his metaphor for how God has equipped us with protection from a powerful spiritual enemy.[v]

But why do we need protection from this spiritual enemy if “absolutely nothing” can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:28-39)? Because every day we are fighting some sort of battle: we struggle, we are frustrated, we are stressed out, we are tempted, we sin, we make mistakes, we say or do the wrong thing. Every day we are encountering something that puts us in a fight by which seeks to remove our armor. Every day we encounter something that distracts us from God. Life isn’t easy: nobody said it was…which is why God is giving us something to protect us and to help us win the fight.

First, we must put on the belt of truth (6:14). A soldier’s belt wasn’t just an accessory to hold their pants up. It was an important piece of the armor, which other pieces fastened onto and which also held their sword. Just as the belt was the foundational element of the Roman soldier’s armor which kept everything together, truth is at the center of the armor of God. Christians must hold to what is true because the truth gives us a firm foundation on which to stand for Jesus Christ. “What is truth?” is the question that Pontius Pilate asked Jesus before Jesus was turned over to the people. Truth is scripture, the word of God made flesh. Truth is the love of Christ. Truth is the knowledge of the Holy Spirit. Truth is knowing that God has a plan for you. When Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:17 he said, “Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth.” If only Pontius Pilate had realized this when he asked Jesus “What is truth?” (John 18:38), then maybe history would have been changed. We must be willing to live out the truth—alethia—of Christ’s word. Because that truth will set us free (John 8:32). The belt of truth holds everything together. Are you wearing the belt of truth?

Second, we must put on the breastplate of righteousness (6:14). The author of 1 Thessalonians wrote, “let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). We are to live righteously through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). When we are made righteous through faith in Christ, we are forever made right with God. So many of Satan’s attacks are deflected by knowing that we are righteous in the eyes of God, that we have been called worthy enough to live out His will here on earth. Horatio G. Spafford wrote, in his hymn titled “It Is Well With My Soul,” “Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blessed assurance control; That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul.” Through righteousness in Christ we live boldly in the presence of worthiness and salvation. Not even Satan can take those things away from us. The breastplate of righteousness is what protects us in battle: it reminds us that God is walking with us wherever we go. Are you wearing the breastplate of righteousness?

Third, we must put on the gospel of peace, our shoes (6:15). The “gospel of peace” is what carries us through life. We don’t give much thought to footwear, but the Roman army’s shoes were an innovation that allowed them to travel further and faster than their enemies. These boots, called caligae, had heavy soles with hobnails in them to provide traction for the wearer. The Roman soldier’s footwear is what enabled him to travel through any terrain they may encounter along their journey. Similarly, the peace of the gospel—the peace that passes all understanding, the peace that calms the storm and the waves, the peace that restores a demon possessed man—is what equips us to travel over rough roads as we carry this same gospel to others. Although we are unable, like John the Baptist, to untie the sandals of Christ (John 1:27), we are able to wear the sandals of Christ as we share the good news. This good news is what always us to say “It is well with my soul” in any battle that we encounter. The gospel of peace is guiding our footsteps wherever Jesus needs us to be. Are you wearing the shoes of peace?

Fourth, we must carry the shield of faith (6:16). A typical Roman shield was oblong in shape—about 2 1/2 feet by 4 feet. It was about the size of a refrigerator door. Darts are an especially helpful illustration as a weapon of Satan. This is not one of hand to hand combat; it is a projectile. By nature, it is launched from a distance to strike its mark unexpectedly. Like a dart, strong temptations and sinful thoughts come upon us suddenly. Sin seeks to pierce your defenses and inflame lust, pride, anger, contempt, or any number of sinful reactions. This is why we must use the shield of faith, which can extinguish these fiery darts. When temptations come, are we going to believe what the devil says, or are we going to believe God in faith? The shield of faith extinguishes the fiery darts when we trust the promises of God, when we know that He is exceedingly more precious than anything that may be sacrificed in His service.[vi]

Another way to think of your shield of faith is to view it as God’s protection, as God going before you, leading the way, taking the blows offered by Satan for you. The Prophet Isaiah shares, “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed” because God is your shield (Isaiah 54:17). Moses notes in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous…for it is the Lord your God who goes with you” because God is your shield. Lastly, the Psalmist reminds us that the Lord preserves us from trouble and surrounds us with “shouts of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7) because the Lord is our shield. Our shield of faith is God’s protection in our life. What would your life be like if you didn’t have that shield in front of you? Would you still be following God today? Are you carrying the shield of faith?

Fifth, we must put on the helmet of salvation (6:17). Again, the author of 1 Thessalonians states, “for a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). Like a helmet covering our head, our salvation protects us from being dealt a deathblow. Those who are in Christ cannot ultimately be defeated by Satan. In Romans 8:38-39 we read: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our “helmet of salvation” gives us confidence, knowing we will emerge victorious. As has been said by others, Christians do not fight for victory, we fight from a position of victory. As that famous hymn reminds us, “There is victory in Jesus,” there is salvation in the cross. Salvation is the great work of God (Jonah 2:9) in which He forgives sin and gives eternal life to His children (Ephesians 2:8-9). We wear the helmet of salvation because God has given us salvation through the victory of Jesus Christ. We need the helmet of salvation in order to know that there is nothing greater than our God. Are you wearing the helmet of salvation?

And so we see that the “whole armor of God” leaves the Christian well protected against the dangers of the battlefield, and we need every part of it. But are you missing a part of God’s armor in your life today? Are you truly wearing the “whole armor of God”? Just think about what our life would be like today if those fighting for our freedom went into battle without the tools and knowledge needed for battle. We need every part of God’s armor in order to be a Christian Soldier.

Lastly, Ephesians 17-18 states, “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.” First, the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. To wield the sword of the Spirit is to use Scripture to defend against attacks on truth and to “destroy strongholds” of false beliefs.

Second, we must pray in the Spirit at all times.[vii] We are to pray at all times. Not just in hard times, when trouble surrounds us and courage fails u but in the good times as well. Take everything to God in prayer. Pray that our churches may shine as beacons of truth. Pray for those in the world who are under the siege of persecution and oppression. Pray for those on the front lines of God’s advancing army. Pray for those who have been wounded by the schemes of the devil. Pray for your loved ones. Pray for your friends. Pray for yourself that you may find the strength to climb out of the barracks to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Pray. Pray. Pray. Never leave home without the sword of the Spirit.

And so we see that the “whole armor of God” leaves the Christian well protected against the dangers of the battlefield, and we need every part of it. But are you missing a part of God’s armor in your life today? Are you truly wearing the “whole armor of God”? Just think about what our life would be like today if those fighting for our freedom went into battle without the tools and knowledge needed for battle. We need every part of God’s armor in order to be a Christian Soldier. And in our life, we have witnessed many people who have entered battle with God’s armor cloaked over them, and we thank them today.

 

The Hymn of Grateful Praise:

As we find ourselves thinking about the armor of God, may we use the armor of God as a means to give thanks for all those who wear or have worn some sort of armor in their life: I’m talking about the Veterans both near and far, related to or friends, or shook their hand or saw them in passing. Because they chose to wear the armor of God, we have been given the wonderful opportunity to sing our hymn of grateful praise. And this hymn is found in the Psalm 100.

The Psalmist writes, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him; bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.”

As God’s people, we make a joyful noise unto all the earth, as we gather to give thanks and gratitude to the veterans in our life. We celebrate their service, their dedication, their overwhelming power of commitment, and their unrelenting love for their country. We make a joyful noise, come into the presence of the Lord with singing, knowing that those who wore the armor of God have made a sacrifice, so powerful and meaningful, that we strive every day to live with such honor and depth as a disciple. We make a joyful noise for the veterans in our life.

As God’s people, we know that the LORD is God and that he made us and we are his, and we are his people and sheep in the pasture. The veterans in our life were made by God and they are belong to him. They waded in the waters, they stood on unsettled ground, they witnessed things that we can only imagine, they hid in forests, they marched into unknown territory, they screamed in the silence of the night, they received and took orders, they battled and fought and sacrificed, they cried, experienced fear, and endured pain, and they left the barracks so that we can have freedom today. The veterans were made by God; they are His people, so let us make a joyful noise for the veterans in our life.

As God’s people, we understand the command to enter his gates with thanksgiving and to enter his courts with praise; and that we must give thanks to him and bless his name. Relating this to the veterans, they passed through many gates and quite possibly not too many where they gave thanks and praise. But here today, because of their sacrifice, they are worthy to enter the pearly gates with thanksgiving in their hearts and praise in their footsteps. They have demonstrated what it takes to carry a cross, to carry heavy burdens, to the finish line—to the day when they came home. Returning home resembles the gates of thanksgiving and the courts of praise. We give thanks, to the veterans, for showing us what it takes to enter the gates and courts of God—sacrifice, love, and dedication. We bless the veterans for what they have done and continue to do in our life today.

Lastly, as God’s people we know the LORD is good and that his steadfast love endures forever. Veterans, you are good. Your steadfast love for your country endures forever. Your steadfast commitment to “In God, We Trust” endures forever. Your steadfast faithfulness to serve and sacrifice endures forever. Veterans, you are good because what you have done—the armor of God that you have put on—endures forever and has made a difference in all generations. Because of the veterans, we, here today, can experience freedom. Because of them, we, here today, can make a joyful noise of gladness. Because of them, we, here today, know that the LORD is good. Because of them, we, here today, can enter courts of God with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts. Because of the veterans, we, here today, are able to sing our hymn of grateful praise and know what it takes to wear and fulfill duties of God’s armor.

Conclusion:

Our duty is clear: Under the banner of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are to: “Take up the whole armor of God, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

Like the many Veterans before us today, who have put on the armor of God, we are called to do the same as we seek to stand firm against Satan and proclaim the word of God and pray for strength to face tomorrow. Are you ready to put on the “whole armor of God,” to be equipped to do what God has called you to do—to serve others in faith and love? Remember you are worthy, so put on your belt, breastplate, shoes, helmet, and grab your shield and climb out of the barracks because God is calling you, Christian soldiers, to march with the cross going before you.

The Psalmist’s words of thanksgiving resemble an anthem of praise for the veterans in our life. So, make a joyful noise and remember that because of their sacrifice, we have been given a freedom that endures forever. Now it’s our turn to put on the armor of God and serve those who have served us. “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.” Thank you Veterans!

Closing Prayer/Veterans Day Poem by Cheryl Dyson:

On Veterans Day we honor all, Who answered to a service call.

Soldiers young, and soldiers old, Fought for freedom, brave and bold.

Some have lived, while others died, And all of them deserve our pride.

We’re proud of all the soldiers who, Kept thinking of red, white, and blue.   

They fought for us and all our rights, They fought through many days and nights.

And though we may not know each name, We thank ALL Veterans just the same.

 

Thank you Ken Hurla, Warren Parker, George Piersall, and Ron Smith[viii]  for your service and dedication to our country. Thank you for being brave and for wearing the Armor of God for all of us here today. And thank you for being brave and true to the red, white, and blue.

 

Benediction:

This week take a moment to thank a Veteran: let them know that you are proud of them, that you honor them, that you are thankful for their service. And let God bless you, like He did with the Veterans, with His whole armor. May you be blessed this week as you make a joyful noise and enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit go living a life of thanks and love by which endure forever. And all God’s people said, Amen. Amen. Amen.

 

 

[i] …who boldly advocated for “Novus Ordo Seclorum,” which means “A New Order of the Ages.” This new order of the ages was to ensure that wars would seize and that those who fought to “to end all wars” would be rightly and justly recognized for their braveness. However, a few years later after Armistice Day became a national holiday, to honor World War I Veterans and the end of wars, a war broke out in Europe, killing 407,000 people in service.

[ii] Fourteen years after President Eisenhower signed the bill renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day, a law was passed to move Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. This law was overturned in 1978. However, prior to 1954, it has been reported that the first celebration using the term “Veterans Day” occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947.

[iii] President Dwight D. Eisenhower begins this quote by stating the following: “Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Friday, November 11, 1960, as Veterans Day.” To honor the significance of Veterans Day at 11:00AM on November 11^th every year, a combined color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms” at the tomb. The nation’s tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath. “Taps” echoes throughout the cemetery, and the rest of the ceremony takes place in the amphitheater.

[iv] The Bible speaks of the devil more than 100 times. Not once is he a short, red, goat-man with a pitchfork. Scripture makes it clear that Satan is very real and that he is always working against God and His kingdom. Jesus refers to Satan as the “ruler of this world.” In 2 Corinthians 4, he is called the “god of this world” who blinds the minds of unbelievers and keeps them from seeing the light of the gospel. 1 John 5:19 tells us that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. Scripture tells us He lays snares for believers and attempts to lead them astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. There is a real spiritual war being waged against God, and every believer finds themselves in this spiritual battle.

[v] But why do we need protection from this spiritual enemy, Satan, if Christ defeated Satan? Just as an army that has been dealt a decisive blow can still inflict casualties on individual soldiers, Christians can become casualties on the spiritual battlefield. Though we can never lose our salvation—nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:31-39)—we can nevertheless be gravely wounded in our spiritual life. Each of us must take up the armor of God.

[vi] I recognize that as believers we are in the midst of a spiritual battle. We thank God that we are well-equipped to stand in the evil day. No matter what may happen our eternity is secure and Christ’s ultimate victory is certain. To those here who have been greatly wounded in the battle—take heart! You may be wounded, but you are not defeated. The Christian life is not a vow to never lose a battle, but it is a commitment to always fight. To those here who are weary from dodging fiery darts—take courage. We are not asked to rely on our own strength, but to rely on the strength of Christ. He is never outmatched and never grows weary. To those who are distressed at the state of our nation and our world—take comfort. We know that although darkness creeps in from every side, God has equipped us to stand firm in the evil day and against the schemes of the devil.

[vii] What are we doing when we pray? We are approaching the very throne of the holy, almighty, Triune God – the Creator of all things. The God who spoke the universe into existence. The God who made the mountains and the seas. The God who created man from the dust of the earth; the God who parted the Red Sea; God whose sent His Son to deliver us from sin and death. We pray because through prayer we have access to the throne of grace, where we speak to the One who sustains us.

[viii] Gene Smith, Byron Gullett, and Doug Jones