It is essential for every Christian to understand and put on the whole armor of God. The armor of God reminds Christians about the reality of spiritual battles and the protection available to them.
The armor of God comprises the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:10-18 says, “Therefore, put on the whole 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
1. The Belt of Truth
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14). The Lord knows our loins need to be wrapped in truth and regardless of our culture or time, He knows we need truth.
The first piece of the armor of God is the belt of truth. The evil one is the father of lies (John 8:44). Every lie finds its origin in him. Every other piece of the whole armor of God is attached to the belt of truth. You have to begin with the truth; otherwise, you will not be able to defeat the enemy because God’s Word is true (John 17:17).
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness.
“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…” (Ephesians 6:14). Righteousness means being made right. We have been given the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). God carries out through us, “the righteous acts of the saints.” (Revelation 19:8).
In daily spiritual battles, we need righteousness to protect the heart. We need Christ’s righteousness and the righteousness that comes in response to God’s gift. The enemy tempts us with sinful entanglements, but righteousness protects our hearts.
3. The Gospel of Peace.
“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).
Peace is a characteristic of the Lord’s person and character (Galatians 5:22). The scripture reminds us to “stand firm,” on the word of God and not worry. When we carry anxiousness and worry, we are robbed of peace. But the gospel of peace will help us to be anchored and stand firm.
4. The Shield of Faith.
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith” (Ephesians 6:16).
When Paul wrote this passage, during those times, the warriors would carry heavy shields and wet them in the water so that when the enemy’s fiery darts would hit them, they would extinguish them.
Just like this, a Christian’s shield of faith should be dipped in the water of God’s word and be fully functional because “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
5. The Helmet of Salvation.
“Take the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17).
Salvation comes from placing our trust in Jesus Christ and is a continuous process of sanctification through the word of God. The helmet of salvation rests on the work of Christ to save us and also depends on our journey with the Lord.
The battlefield of our mind is where most of the spiritual battles are fought. God is working on our side as the enemy fights for strongholds to bind us (John 10:10).
6. The Sword of the Spirit.
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
The sword of the spirit is the word of God which is the only defensive and offensive piece of armor. When the devil tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, He used the sword of the Spirit (see Luke 4:1-13). All three times, Jesus responded with God’s word which is the sword of the spirit.
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