Have you ever felt like you are under constant spiritual attack? Like the enemy is throwing flaming arrows your way, trying to deter you from living out your purpose in Christ?
As followers of Jesus, scripture tells us that we are in a spiritual battle. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:12 (NIV),
“For 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.”
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But God has not left us defenseless in this fight. Through faith in Christ, we have spiritual armor and weapons that enable us to stand firm.
What is the Armor of God?
The armor of God is the spiritual armor that God provides believers with to defend themselves against attack from the enemy.
This concept is based on the armor worn by Roman soldiers in Paul’s days. Let’s break down what each piece means and how we can use the armor effectively.
The Belt of Truth
The belt of truth refers to knowing, understanding, and living by the truth of God’s Word.
Just as a belt holds all the other pieces of armor in place, God’s truth is the foundational piece that holds our spiritual armor together.
Knowing scriptural truth empowers you to defeat the lies the enemy throws your way.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.”
Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)
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The Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate of righteousness refers to the righteousness of Christ that has been credited to you once you accept salvation.
It is the righteousness purchased by Christ’s sacrifice, not your own works. This breastplate protects your heart and guards you from condemnation or accusations from the enemy.
“Having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”
Ephesians 6:14 (ESV)
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Shoes of Peace
The gospel of peace refers to the peace you have by knowing and believing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
These shoes enable you to stand firm in the gospel so that you are prepared to move forward and take the message of the gospel everywhere you go.
“And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15 (NIV)
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The Shield of Faith
The shield of faith refers to complete trust and reliance on God.
As you believe God and take Him at His Word, you can quench all the flaming arrows of attack from the evil one. Your strong faith in God deflects all attacks.
“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)
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The Helmet of Salvation
The helmet of salvation represents the knowledge and hope we have in Christ to save us.
This assurance of salvation protects your mind from believing the lies of the devil and falling into despair.
Knowing Christ has saved you for eternity guards your mind from spiritual attacks.
“Take the helmet of salvation.”
Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
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The Sword of the Spirit
The sword of the Spirit refers to the Word of God. Scripture is our greatest weapon against the enemy.
As you read, memorize, meditate on, and apply God’s Word, you will defeat spiritual attacks and fight back.
“Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
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How to Put on the Armor of God
It’s one thing to know about God’s armor, it’s another thing to use it. You have to actively put it on for it to protect you.
Here is how you can put on the full armor of God every day:
- Belt on truth: Fill your mind and heart with God’s Word and allow it to guide all your actions.
- Breastplate of righteousness: Remember you have been made righteous before God through Christ. Do not let condemnation weigh you down.
- Fit feet with the gospel of peace: Stand firmly in the hope you have in Christ and His finished work. Be ready to share this hope with others.
- Take up the shield of faith: Hold up your shield of unwavering faith in God. Trust that He is good, powerful, and victorious.
- Put on the helmet of salvation: Renew your mind in the salvation Jesus has purchased for you. You have eternal security.
- Pick up the sword of the Spirit: Read God’s Word daily. Memorize key verses. Use specific verses to combat lies. Speak them out aloud.
- Pray at all times: Going through your day in constant prayer, relying on the Spirit’s help. Pray for others too.
When you intentionally put on this armor daily you will be strong in the Lord so that you can stand your ground. Ephesians 6:13 (NIV) says,
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.”
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Real-Life Applications of the Armor of God
The Roman soldier analogy gives us insight into spiritual realities, but what does this look like in everyday life? How can you apply God’s armor in practical ways?
1. Use Your Armor in Overcoming Sin
When you are tempted to sin, whether it be falling into bitterness, sexual immorality, or any other sin, use your spiritual armor to stand firm and overcome it.
For example, when the enemy whispers lies in your ear that certain behavior is not so bad or that your sinful urges are too powerful to resist, combat his lies using the belt of truth and sword of the Spirit, with specific verses that address that sin.
You can also wield your shield of faith by reminding yourself of God’s goodness. Believe that He has provided a way of escape from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Put on your helmet of salvation by renewing your mind in your identity in Christ – you are a new creation! Then, ask God for strength and pray against temptation. You have access to Him through Christ’s righteousness.
2. Use Our Armor in Suffering
Not only will you face temptation and accusation from the enemy, but as a Christian, you will face suffering in this life as well.
Whether a result of spiritual warfare, living in a fallen world, or sharing in Christ’s sufferings, you will have troubles in this world.
When you undergo suffering, use your armor to help you to stand. For example, Job is a great model of how to use the shield of faith even under intense suffering. Job 13:15 (NIV) says,
“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.”
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And again in Job 19:25 (NIV),
“I know that my redeemer lives.”
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Even when everything was taken from Job, he still trusted in God.
You can also be encouraged to stand amid suffering by anchoring yourself in the gospel of peace – reminding yourself that this life is temporary and our eternity with Christ makes any earthly suffering worth it.
Your helmet of salvation protects your mind from thinking you have no hope or purpose left. Holding up the shield of faith will defend you from feelings of despair.
Wielding the sword, claim God’s promises that your present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory to come (Romans 8:18).
Why is the Armor of God Important?
You may still be wondering – why bother putting on all this spiritual armor if God is powerful enough to defeat the enemy Himself? Why doesn’t He just conquer Satan now?
Understanding the purpose behind the armor of God gives us the motivation to daily put it on.
Our armor allows us to stand so that we can be witnesses for Christ
Ephesians 6:13 (LSB) tells us to put on the full armor of God so that when the day of battle comes we may “be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”
God has chosen not to completely remove our enemy from earth yet for a reason – to allow the gospel to spread across the nations.
Our charge is to stand firm against attacks from the enemy so that nothing prevents us from advancing the kingdom of God throughout the whole world before Christ’s return.
Our armor helps us to walk in the victory Christ already secured
Colossians 2:15 (NIV) tells us that Jesus “disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
The devil’s power has been broken! Our spiritual armor does not win the victory – Christ already has – it simply helps us to walk in and appropriate that victory.
Jesus won the war; our armor helps us to win daily battles.
Putting on our armor strengthens our faith muscles
Like physical exercise, putting on the armor of God each day trains our faith and grows spiritual strength in us. Think of soldiers training for battle daily.
As we use the weapons of warfare God has given us, we become more confident warriors wherever God calls us, whether it is sharing the gospel, serving the poor, or walking closely with Him.
Our skills in wielding God’s Word, praying powerfully, and resisting temptation increase as we put on the armor daily.
Key Takeaways on Wearing Our Armor Daily
Getting dressed is one of the first things you do when starting your day. In the same way, putting on spiritual armor should become part of your daily routine.
As you go through your day, constantly reaffirm why each piece is important and how you are wearing it.
Here are some key things to remember to wear the armor of God daily:
- The armor prepares you for battle and helps you to stand firm.
- The battle belongs to the Lord; the armor allows you to walk in Christ’s victory.
- Putting it on must lead to action – wield the sword, pray continuously, and share the gospel.
- God provides the armor, but you must choose to put it on and utilize it.
- Keep each piece on all day; the battle does not end after morning prayer.
- Getting dressed daily trains you for battle and will strengthen your faith.
The last thing we take off at night is our clothing. Spiritually speaking, our armor should be the last thing we take off as well.
As you prepare for bed, give thanks to God for helping you stand that day. Ask Him to wake you in the morning up ready to put your armor back on again.
Our enemy does not relent – but God’s power, promises, and protection never fail.
“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.”
Isaiah 54:17 (ESV)
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Take heart and stand firm! The battle belongs to the Lord.
Final Thoughts
I hope this overview of the full armor of God has been helpful! Remember, it’s not just facts to know but spiritual realities you must actively apply.
Determine today to be dressed, ready, and equipped!
“Therefore 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.”
Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the seven pieces of the armor of God?
a. The seven pieces of armor described in Ephesians 6 are the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and constant prayer.
Q. Who is the armor of God designed to protect?
A. The armor of God is spiritual armor given by God to every Christian to protect them against spiritual forces of evil as they advance His kingdom.
Q. How does the sword of the Spirit work to help fight spiritual battles?
A. As you read, memorize, meditate on, and apply Scripture to your life, the Holy Spirit will empower the Word to cut through the lies of the devil and strengthen you.
Specific verses will combat specific lies from the enemy.
Q. What happens if I forget to put on a piece of armor?
A. It’s important to put on the whole armor of God daily because if you forget even one piece, the enemy can attack you through that area.
For example, if you drop your shield of faith, you’ll have no protection against doubts and despair.
Q. How do I teach my kids about the armor of God?
A. Make it interactive and turn it into a skit! Get creative with materials around the house to represent the armor.
Quiz them to ensure they understand what each piece means. Encourage them to put on the armor each morning.
