Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10-18 to put on the full armor of God, but what does that consist of? Today we are going to explore that question.
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17.
Our God is amazing! We are in a spiritual battle and He equips us with spiritual weapons. But weapons don’t do you any good if you don’t put them on. Take time today to armor up. The Lord is with you mighty warrior!
The Belt of Truth – The belt formed the foundation of the soldier’s weapons. The enemy attacks with lies and as believers we need to know the truth that is found in God’s word.
The body armor of God’s righteousness – Righteousness means being made right. Sometimes Scripture refers to righteousness that Christ gives us – His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Sometimes Scripture refers to righteousness that God carries out through us, like “the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8). In daily spiritual battle, both varieties of righteousness protect the heart. We need the complete righteousness of Christ, but also the continuing righteousness that comes as a response to God’s gift.
Gospel of Peace (Shoes) – Peace is an attribute of the Lord’s very person and character (Galatians 5:22). The gospel, which means good news, is the forgiveness of sins and access to and oneness with God through faith in Christ. This oneness with the Lord produces peace.
Shield of Faith – When Paul wrote this passage, Roman soldiers carried shields that were covered with heavy animal hide. Before a battle they would dip their shields into water so that when fiery darts hit them, the wet hide would extinguish the darts. In a similar way, a Christian’s shield of faith needs to be regularly dipped in the water of God’s word to be replenished and fully functional – because “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
The helmet of salvation (like the breastplate of righteousness) rests on the work of Christ to save us, but also involves us as we journey with the Lord. and allow Him to work that salvation into every part of our thoughts. The battlefield of our mind is the primary place spiritual battle is fought. The Lord works His freeing truth into our perspectives while the enemy fights for strongholds to bind us (John 10:10).
Sword of the Spirt – The explanation of this piece of armor is right there in the verse – it is the word of God. And it is the only piece of armor that is both defensive and offensive.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 6:10–17). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.