The Armor of God

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, uses the metaphor of a Roman soldier's armor to describe the spiritual defenses available to Christians. This passage is found in Ephesians 6:10-18.

The Full Passage

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 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.
13 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.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The Source of Strength

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

This verse reminds believers that their strength comes not from themselves, but from God.

Start each day by acknowledging your dependence on God. Pray for His strength and guidance in all your activities. Memorize scriptures that remind you of God's power, such as Philippians 4:13 or Isaiah 41:10.

The Purpose of the Armor

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

The armor's purpose is defensive - to stand against the devil's schemes and attacks.

Make a conscious decision each morning to "put on" the armor of God. You might even act it out physically as a reminder. Be aware of potential spiritual attacks throughout the day and actively use your spiritual defenses.

The Nature of the Battle

12 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.

This verse emphasizes that the Christian's struggle is not against human enemies, but against spiritual forces of evil.

When facing conflicts, remind yourself that your real enemy is not the person in front of you, but spiritual forces. Pray for discernment to recognize spiritual battles. Practice responding to human conflicts with love and understanding, while being alert to the spiritual dimension.

The Command to Take Up the Armor

13 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of utilizing all aspects of God's armor to withstand spiritual attacks and remain steadfast in faith.

Make a daily commitment to put on the full armor of God. Create a checklist or reminder system to ensure you're spiritually prepared each day. Reflect on each piece of armor as you prepare yourself. When facing challenges, remind yourself to 'stand' firm in your faith. Regularly assess your spiritual readiness and identify areas where you might need to strengthen your defenses.

The Belt of Truth

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,

The belt of truth represents honesty, integrity, and an understanding of God's truth as revealed in Scripture.

Commit to absolute honesty in your life. Study the Bible regularly to understand God's truth. When tempted to lie or compromise, remind yourself of the importance of integrity. Memorize key Bible verses about truth, such as John 14:6 or John 8:32.

The Breastplate of Righteousness

and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

This piece represents living a life of holiness and moral uprightness, which protects the heart and vital organs.

Examine your life for areas that need improvement. Confess sins promptly and seek to live in a way that pleases God. Make choices based on what is right, not what is easy or popular. Regularly reflect on Philippians 4:8 to guide your thoughts and actions.

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

This refers to the readiness to share the good news of peace with God through Christ.

Study the core message of the gospel so you can explain it clearly. Practice sharing your faith story. Look for opportunities to discuss your faith with others. Cultivate a peaceful demeanor that attracts others to the message of Christ.

The Shield of Faith

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Faith in God's promises and character acts as a shield against doubts and temptations.

Identify areas where you struggle with doubt or fear. Find and memorize Bible promises that address these specific areas. When negative thoughts come, actively replace them with truths from Scripture. Regularly share and celebrate stories of God's faithfulness with other believers.

The Helmet of Salvation

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

This represents the assurance of salvation, protecting the mind from doubts about one's eternal security.

Review the basis of your salvation regularly. Memorize key verses about eternal security, such as John 10:28-29 or Romans 8:38-39. When doubts arise, speak these truths aloud. Keep a journal of your spiritual journey to remind yourself of God's work in your life.

The Sword of the Spirit

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

The only offensive weapon in the armor, representing the Bible, which can be used to counter spiritual attacks.

Develop a consistent Bible study habit. Memorize Scripture passages that address common temptations or struggles you face. Practice using these verses when you face challenges. Join a Bible study group to deepen your understanding and application of God's Word.

The Importance of Prayer

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

While not a piece of armor, prayer is crucial in spiritual warfare, keeping the believer connected to God.

Establish a daily prayer routine. Keep a prayer journal to record requests and answers. Practice different types of prayer (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication). Set reminders throughout the day for brief prayer times. Join with others for regular prayer meetings.

Conclusion

The Armor of God is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual resources available to Christians. Each piece represents a different aspect of faith and Christian living, all working together to provide comprehensive spiritual protection and empowerment. By actively applying these instructions, believers can strengthen their spiritual defenses and live more effectively for God.

THE ARMOR OF GOD