The Armor of God

Last week I talked about how we could stand up to our enemy using God’s power, the Holy Spirit’s counsel, and the armor of God. I want to talk about the armor today.

Eph 6:10-18 NLT

A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

13 Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy 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 every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.   17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

It requires all the pieces. God will supply the armor; we have to put it on. This is a spiritual battle. Each piece has its own use in this battle:

·         Belt of Truth – Use God’s truth, not your own.

·         Body Armor – this is listed as a breastplate in most versions because we are to face our enemy to show him the righteousness of Jesus which cloaks in as a follower.

·         Shoes – we are to share what we know of Jesus by using our testimonies. Don’t go barefoot because that only helps the enemy keep you from helping others in Jesus’ name.

·         Shield – this is our faith and it can quench the fiery arrows Satan throws at you to make you doubt or even turn and run from what God has given you to do.

·         Helmet – it is your salvation and will help protect your mind from Satan’s lies.

·         Sword of the Spirit – your only weapon and this is the Word of God. You can’t use this if you are not studying your Bible daily.

We are part of an army. We can get help from fellow Christians. We are to be praying for all Christians to stand firm against the enemy. All of us have the same mission, to grow as a disciple of Christ and to share what we know with the world. Each of us has our own ministry field, big or small, where we are given opportunities to show who Jesus is by our actions and our words.

If you feel weak, run to God in prayer for the help you need. He may lead you to a verse or a person who will help you overcome. Go to an elder of your church for prayer if you feel the need. Be patient with yourself and never give up. If you turn to flee, Satan has a free shot at your back. We are to stand on the power of God and the Holy Spirit and pray for other Christians so they can do so, too. Do not let the enemy get a free shot.

Do whatever it takes to stay in all the armor of God and let His power direct you in refuting the enemy.