“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11
This particular verse in Ephesians really means a lot to me. It is a verse that the Holy Spirit often speaks to me. Putting on the armor of God every day is just as important to me as putting on my clothes or brushing my teeth. And obviously this is another biblical metaphor, as we are not actually given suits of armor to wear (although that would be pretty cool). What it means is that we are wearing the protection of God. We are putting on the Lord Jesus Christ. Your armor is found in your relationship with Him. After all, accepting Jesus as your Lord and your Savior is the first step in winning the spiritual battle.
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:14
Spiritual warfare requires spiritual armor. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but rather against spiritual powers. So, we need to wear God’s armor in order to be protected. The armor of God is made up of six pieces, and without them we are vulnerable to the schemes and temptations of the enemy. We are to defend ourselves with these gifts from God. Each piece signifies a part of our relationship with Him.
Belt of Truth
The belt of truth refers to the truth of God’s word versus the lies of Satan. Without God’s truth, we are lost. Truth is one of the most important things in the life of a Christian. Jesus Himself is truth. In John 14:6, He says: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The word of God is truth. And the more we understand this, the more confidently we can wear this belt.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
“Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.” Psalms 25:5
Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate of righteousness guards your heart and your soul. It means that we are covered by the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Matthew 6:33 says that we should be seeking His righteousness above all other things. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Our own righteousness is not enough to protect us. We need Jesus to lend us His righteousness.
“Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face.” Psalms 5:8
“My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalms 73:26
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
The shoes of peace means that we are walking with Jesus. We are walking and living in His peace. We are wearing the gospel of peace on our feet. We are ready to stand firm in these shoes. We are ready to embrace them. We are ready to share the gospel.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15
Shield of Faith
The shield of faith means that we are able to block the shots fired at us from the enemy. When trouble comes our way, our faith and trust in Jesus Christ will shield us and keep us on the right track. It is like a blanket of protection from God.
“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” Proverbs 30:5
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Helmet of Salvation
The helmet of salvation represents the new mind that we are given when we invite Jesus into our lives. It means that our thinking is aligned with God’s word, and we have a sound knowledge of our salvation in Jesus Christ. Our helmets will not allow our minds to be deceived by the enemy. Our assurance of salvation serves as our protection.
“He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” Psalms 62:6-7
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
Sword of Spirit
The sword of spirit is the only weapon in the six pieces of armor. The others are all means of defense. The sword stands for God’s word. Scripture is alive and so very powerful, and the more familiar we become with it the better. Because it acts as a sword to fight off evil. The more we immerse ourselves in the Bible, the more prepared we will be to combat evil with the truths of scripture.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
The more we feed ourselves with God’s word, the stronger our armor will grow. Remember that we desperately need Jesus. He truly is our everything. We need to allow Him to be our strength. Our armor. We can’t do this without Him. With the knowledge of the Bible and having Jesus by our side, we will win against the enemy every time.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Luke 10:19 even says that we have authority over the enemy: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Scripture for the Whole Armor of God:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:10-20
God bless you all.
My Light for My Lord 