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1 Thessalonians 5:8 – A Prayer Commentary – Dressed For War
TEXT: “But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation.” (CSB’17 1 Thessalonians 5:8)
DEVOTIONAL: Did you know one of the most common reasons young men choose the Marines over other branches of our military is because of the dress uniforms! They are snappy, and most could point out a Marine because of their cool looking threads.
In Paul’s days, Roman uniforms were ubiquitous in his geographical surroundings.
For those in the Lord’s army, most spiritual soldiers are familiar with his extended military dress illustration in Ephesians 6. Paul used it first in 1 Thessalonians, although more limited. And while not a direct repetition between those two epistles, there is here a direct correlation to how Paul began and ended this letter:
• Armor of faith (5:8) – Work of faith (1:3)
• Armor of love (5:8) – Labor of love (1:3)
• Helmet of hope (5:8) – Endurance of hope (1:3)
Paul begins and ends exactly how our life must be – While we work, labor, and endure, let us cover our vulnerabilities with God’s armor and helmet. Love, faith, and hope help with self-control. Love shapes our control for seeking good for others. Faith forces our attention on God’s greater unseen realm. And hope keeps everything alive!
Imagine the strongest material making up bullet proof vests, such as Kevlar. Our uniform is stronger! I would choose it over both the Marines and Roman uniforms.
PRAYER: Oh Great General of all Generals, I don’t have a choice but to do battle or surrender, every day. To keep the enemy from capturing me, I need your warfare protection, every day. Love, faith, and hope are my battlefield forces against evil, every day. May I wear them every day because I see love, faith, and hope in Your incarnated soldier, Jesus. Amen.
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