Who Needs Armor? (Part 2)

The Apostle Paul is very clear about the pieces of armor we have to enter into the battle with our enemy, the Devil. As you prepare to engage Satan in spiritual warfare, don’t be intimidated by his influence. Use the full armor of God and stand together with other believers. The order in which Paul describes the armor of God is significant.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:14-17 ESV).

1. First there is the belt of truth. First, a soldier, like the one Paul was chained to when he wrote this letter, would fasten his belt around his waist. The belt a Roman soldier wore was about 6 inches wide, and formed the foundation for his armor. Likewise, truth is the foundation of our armor that protects us from the father of lies. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. God’s Word is truth, and Jesus is the Word made flesh. One of the factors in the rapid decay of society is the lack of any absolute, objective truth thanks to relative humanism. Satan fights with lies, and sometimes his lies sound like truth; but only believers have God’s absolute truth, which has defeated Satan’s lies. Through study of the Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit, you may know the truth.

2. Second, there is the breastplate of righteousness. Next, the soldier puts on the breastplate to protect his vital organs. Satan attacks our heart, the seat of our emotions, self-worth and trust. God’s righteousness is the breastplate that protects our heart and ensures His approval. God approves of us because He loves us and sent His Son to die for us. We are His children and nothing can change that fact. We are loved through Jesus Christ.

3. Third, there are the shoes of peace. A soldier's shoes were very important. They enabled him to maintain his footing in a fight. Even the slightest slip and his life could be forfeited. Satan wants us to think that there are no firm footings for us. He wants us to believe that we can’t be sure of our standing with God. We can stand firm. Paul declared that nothing could separate us from His love (cf. Romans 8:31-37).

4. Fourth, there is the shield of faith. This is a complete reliance on God. Satan’s attacks come in the form of insults, setbacks, and temptations. But the shield of faith protects us. With God’s perspective, we can see beyond our immediate circumstances and know that ultimate victory is ours. This is the essence of faith.

5. Fifth, there is the helmet of salvation. Satan wants to make us doubt God. Through our constant celebration of our redemption through personal worship and praise we renew our understanding of the presence of God in our lives and know that we are saved. When the devil whispers doubt in our mind’s ear we will recognize the lie for what it is and turn it away.

6. Sixth, there is the sword of the Spirit. A sword is both a defensive and offensive weapon. It is the only offensive weapon in this list of armor. A sword is only effective if it is used properly. Jesus used the Word in response to the temptations of Satan in the wilderness before he began his earthly ministry. That is our example. When Satan attacks, fight back with the Sword of the Spirit. Study and memorize Scripture to take up this “sword” in your life.

Each of these pieces builds on the other. We cannot afford to be without any one of them. Today, begin to put them on, one by one, and equip yourself for the battle that is a part of life in this world.