The final chapters of Breaking Dawn focus on
an epic showdown between the Volturi and the Cullen army. This group has
prepared to fight with worldly weapons and supernatural powers, but they are
also guarded by a bond of the heart. This is the lifeblood of a community – a
group of people knit together by a greater purpose than themselves. The
community of Christ provides a place of belonging for us, but it also serves as
a promise of protection. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul describes an armor that we
as a community put on together and use to defend each other. He urges
us to stand strong when the enemy attacks. Who is the enemy? Satan. We like to
demonize people (especially leaders), but our real attacks are led by Satan -
not humanity. We must prepare to fight a deceptive and powerful foe.
In an
eloquent analogy, Paul compares the armor of God to the armor of a Roman foot
soldier. The belt of truth represents the truth we find in Christ (John 14:6).
In real life, we use belts to keep our private parts covered from the public.
When we are girded with the truth of God, we no longer have to hide behind our
spiritual baggage. We live in freedom through the truth (John 8:32). Paul moves
from the waist to the chest with the breastplate of righteousness. Here we are
protected by the righteousness we are given in Christ (Romans 4:5). Our feelings
and emotions can be made right in Christ. Our vulnerabilities are protected
there. Women love shoes, and our shoes from God are decorated with peace. We
share the gospel of peace (Ephesians 2:15-16) - the message of reconciliation -
with those around us. We guard ourselves with the shield of faith - protecting
ourselves with a sound theology. Our enemy wants to create doubt in our
beliefs. This is why studying the Bible is so important. We cannot defend
ourselves without knowledge of God's word. The helmet of salvation gives us
assurance that we have a home in heaven which Satan cannot take away from us
(John 10:27-30). Then, the sword of the Spirit is our weapon against the
life-taking blows of the enemy.
Finally,
Paul commands us to pray in every way. Remember, this armor applies to a group
of people. This is not an individual command. We put on this armor together and
stand together against Satan. Our family is part of a small group at our
church. These groups are called LifeGroups because the purpose is doing life
together. Within this group of 10-12 people, we have found some of deepest
friendships. Our LifeGroup has prayed for us in every way and stood together
with us in the hardest battles. The members of this group have taught us about
community and love in the most profound ways. This is what standing together
means. God’s love is compelling. We walk beside each other and do life together
in Christ.