7. _On the issue of this warfare depend all our hopes._--If we
"stand" not in this, our loss when defeated can never be retrieved.
+II. The armour provided for us.+--1. _In general, this armour is the
grace of the Gospel believed and trusted in._ In common warfare it is
usual for the commanders to persuade their enemies to think highly of
their strength; but in this it is quite the reverse. We must go as
Israel was always taught to do, as having no might of our own, but
deriving all our strength from the Lord.
2. _It is described as a whole or perfect armour._--Sufficient to
defend us in every part. . . . "Truth" is the girdle to strengthen
us; "righteousness" a breastplate; the "gospel" of peace as shoes, by
which we shall be able to trample upon the lion and the adder, the
young lion and the dragon; "faith" is a shield; "salvation," or the
hope of eternal life, a helmet. . . . All this armour is to be drawn
from the truths of the everlasting Gospel.
3. _The use to be made of it is,_ that we may be able to "withstand,"
and to face the enemy. There is no armour for the back; he that
fleeth is wholly defenceless, and must inevitably fall.
+III. The necessity of putting on this armour.+--Armour is of no
avail, unless it is used. The application of the Gospel is that which
proves our security.
+IV. The inducement to put on this armour.+--"That we may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil" (ver. 11). Many neglecting this
armour have been foiled in the day of battle.--_Theological Sketch
Book._