The Armor of God

Yesterday's lesson mentioned the armor of God. There's so much I wanted to say that I decided I would devote today to it. Follow the link below and read the passage or read it in your own Bible. Let God's word speak to you and then come back and read what I have to share.

Ephesians 6:10-18

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Paul is wrapping up his letter here with a final exhortation. We're to be strong in his mighty power. And to put on his armor to stand up against the devil. Who's armor? GOD'S armor. We have not been left to deal with the devil on our own. He has given us tools to work with so we are not to rely on our own strength.

13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
The full armor. Not part of it. We don't pick and choose. For us to stand we must use everything God has given us to succeed. As you read the parts of the armor you will notice the armor only protects from the front. We're to stand facing the enemy. To turn and flee will expose our backs to attack.

14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

Belt of truth. What truth? God's truth.

• We, that believe in Christ, are saved. John 3:16-18


• We are more than conquerors and can never lose God's love. Romans 8:37-39


• We will have trouble by Jesus has overcome the world. John 16:33

These are just a few of the truths you must know and believe if you are to stand. If we know the enemy is already a defeated foe than will will not fear him. John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

with the breastplate of righteousness in place,


The soldiers breastplate guards the heart and vital organs. This is the breastplate of God's righteousness. Romans 3:22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

When we put on this breastplate our heart is covered with God's righteousness. It's not what we do, it's what he has done.

15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

We've all lacked peace at one time or another. When our nerves are shot it effects every aspect of our being and we don't "move out" with confidence. The gospel (1Corinthians 15:2-5) brings peace to those who have accepted Christ. We can then move out for him.


16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Dodging one arrow may be possible if you know it's coming, but multiple arrows makes the task impossible. That's when a soldier would tuck under his shield.

When the devil or the world or our own doubts attack us we can tuck under our faith. Though we may not be having a good time now we have our faith in Christ and know that the situation will work out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

17Take the helmet of salvation

Protect your mind. How you think and how you believe will effect how you act.

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

Our only offensive weapon is the word of God. Follow Jesus example when he was tempted. Each time the devil offered him what he knew was wrong, Jesus responded quoting scripture.
Matthew 4:1-11 Luke 4:1-13 Learn the word of God. It never ceases to amaze me how much scripture is brought to my heart when I need it.

18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

The Holy Spirit is here to help us. We are promised in Romans 8:25-27 that the spirit will intercede for us in our prayers. We're to pray about everything. Nothing is too small for God. If it's on your heart bring it to him.

Also pray for you fellow believers. Pastors and church leaders come to mind first, but do not neglect spouses, children, parents and siblings. All of us need prayer.

I hope this study has been of some benefit to you. I know it has been a challenge for me.