Put on the Whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6: 10-20
This scripture is a significant one, informing us of how to prepare for the battle in front of us. A closer look at it reveals so much.
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might
This verse reminds us of the strength we have in God. As we focus on who God is, having faith in Him and giving Him the glory, we are reminded of the strength we have in Him (Romans 4:19). The Bible gives us many references showing His remarkable strength. Psalm, for instance, says He utters His voice and the earth melts (Psalm 46:6). His power is beyond measure for us who believe (Ephesians 1:19).
Put on the Whole Armor of God so that you may stand against the schemes of the devil and on the evil day. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against rulers, cosmic powers, spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places.
This tells us that we need to arm ourselves against the devil and the evil day. The Bible tells us that our enemy, the devil prowls like a lion waiting for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We need to cover ourselves with what God has provided to protect us, His armour. We are reminded that we are not fighting a physical battle but a spiritual one. Therefore, we need spiritual ways to fight this battle. We need the armour of God to protect ourselves.
But what is the Armour of God?
The rest of this article describes the armour piece by piece.
Fasten the Belt of Truth
We need to ensure that we know the truth, that we stand on it and be ready for action (1 Peter 1:13). We should know the truth of who God is and who we are in Him. Where do we find the truth? We find the truth in the word of God. We get to know who God is and the privilege He has given to us. We need to stand firm on this truth, regardless of the circumstances.
Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness
We are reminded that we are righteous because of what Jesus has done for us. He paid for our sins on the cross and made us new again. By ourselves, we are not righteous, but when we have accepted the gift of Jesus Christ, we are righteous. We can then live right according to the ways of God.
Like shoes put on the Readiness given by the Gospel of Peace
We should be in a state of preparedness, being ready for the evil one, expecting it (Exodus 12:11). We need to ensure that we do not get distracted by the things of the world or by the business of everyday life but remember that the enemy is waiting to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). We should always be prepared.
In all circumstance take up the Shield of Faith to extinguish all flaming darts of the evil one
We should always know what we believe so that we do not fall for the lies of the enemy. We need to have that unwavering faith in God always. By our faith, we will be able to overcome the world (1 John 5:4). Faith is our shield protecting us from the attacks of the evil one. The shield protects us from critical damage. Faith is believing in God, and His promises even when everything around us looks discouraging and defeating. In all circumstance, have faith in God and this shall extinguish the lies and doubts of the evil one.
Take the Helmet of Salvation
We have a protecting helmet when we have salvation. We have this helmet when we have accepted the gift that Jesus has given us. We know that we have been forgiven, we know that we are new creatures and we know that we are children of the most high God. We need to operate knowing who we are. That salvation has elevated us to be sons and daughters of the King (Ephesians 1:18-20).
Take the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Our sword for fighting this spiritual battle is the word of God. We are instructed to take the word with us as we fight. This means we need to know the word of God. When you fight with a sword, training to use that sword is necessary; otherwise, it is useless. We need to prepare by reading and studying the word always. The word can continue to teach us throughout our entire lives. We need to know it by spending time in the word.
Praying at all times in the Spirit
We are always to pray and not to lose heart (Luke 18:1). And it is so easy for us to lose heart when things do not go as we desire, when we have doubts from the enemy, when it seems like God does not hear us, but this is such a great reminder to pray. Pray in the Spirit, allowing Him to lead and not just pray from the mind, logical and planned. The Spirit helps us in our weakness, so depend on Him and speak with Him (Romans 8:26). Pray and do not lose heart.
Keep alert with all perseverance
We are to always be alert with the awareness that we do not know when Christ will return, and we need to be ready (Mark 13:33; Matthew 25). We are to remain on the course despite how difficult it can get. The reward for perseverance is far greater than the temporary pain and discomfort which we will suffer for the sake of Christ (Romans 8:18).
Making supplication for all saints
We are commanded to love others. One of the most powerful things we can do for others is to intercede for them. We pray for them because we love them. We bring their concerns to God because we care for them. So, let us continue to show love for one another and care for them.
In Summary, The Armour of God is
- The Belt of Truth
- Breastplate of Salvation
- Shoes of Readiness
- Shield of Faith
- Helmet of Salvation
- Sword of the Spirit – the Word
- Perseverance and Supplication
And let us put on the armour of God and be watchful and aware that the battle is upon us.
All photos were taken by Kyle or Vani. These photos are from the many adventures we have been blessed to experience together. We are so grateful for every blessing from God. No filters were used nor were the photos edited except for an occasional crop. We hope you enjoy.
4 thoughts on “Put on the Whole Armor of God”
Thank you Vani for reminding us that we have all the armor that we need to fight our spiritual battles every day. We never have to be defeated if we hold fast to the promises God has given to us. Be blessed!
Thanks you for this encouragement.
Morris Cerullo used to say; don’t look at the bigness of your circumstances, look at the bigness of your God. Armour and weapons are important tools for waging any warfare but Guidance, backing , support and reinforcement are invaluable. Thus despite all the Armor, the focus really on knowing our God.
In fact these pieces of Armor only work because of him. Thank You Vani.
Thank you, such an important truth