The Armor of God

We must be on guard to resist the temptation of making anything, including fortune, fame, power, pleasure and even our problems, more important than God. By resisting, we develop Godly character. The battle is on so be alert; keep your eyes open and your shield ready. Put on the Armor of God. In the days of Paul the Apostle, a Roman Guard would wear a helmet, breastplate, sandals and would carry a shield and sword. This outfit for a Roman soldier is used to visualize Paul’s illustration of putting on the armor of God.

“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full Armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. The helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, shoes fitted with the gospel of peace and take up the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit” (Ephesians 6:10-17).

The Bible teaches us how to protect our Souls and to grow our Spirit. “Put on the Armor of Light. Clothes yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13:12-14).

Helmet of Salvation: It is important to have the right thinking. We must protect our thoughts. Peter tells us to “Prepare your minds” (1Peter 1:13). Paul also says “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds (Romans 12:2). The Bible warns us when we ignore his principles. God gave us a will to make a choice, but choices are not without consequences. “Since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind” (Romans 1:28).

What we focus and dwell on determines our thoughts. What you are thinking is going to affect your life. Our thoughts move us into a direction ultimately who we will become tomorrow. Thoughts create a feeling or emotion. A feeling creates an action. An action leads to a habit. A habit forms our character and our character produces our destiny. If we are to control and protect our thoughts, we have to learn to “screen” we think about. Select Godly thoughts and then cultivate those Godly thoughts. We can screen our thoughts by evaluating them. What is the source of my thoughts and can I share them with anyone? Where will my thought lead me? Will my thoughts build up or tear down? Do my thoughts make me feel guilty? “Control your thoughts. Keep seeking Christ and set your minds on Heavenly thoughts” (Colossians 3:1-3).

Breastplate of Righteousness: A breastplate is worn across the chest and protects the Heart. Our heart is our inner being, the seat and source of motives, thoughts, passions and violations “Watch over your heart with all diligence for from it, flows the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). The next two verses remind us of the same: “He put on righteousness as a breastplate and the helmet of salvation on his head” (Isaiah 59:17). “Let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet” (1Thessalonians 5:8).

Belt of Truth: Illumination is when we understand truth. It is the act of being enlighten with the truths of God’s word. “I have chosen the way of truth. I have set my heart on your ways” (Psalm 119:30). The truth is we were slaves to sin and now we are slaves to righteousness. “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life” (See Romans 6:15-23).

Sandals fitted with the Gospel of Peace: We can live life by the Spirit that produces the fruit of peace. When the flesh is in control we struggle, are easily offended and irritable. With the Spirit alive in us wherever we go, we go in peace. “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want” (Galatians 5:16-17). When we walk in the Spirit, we walk in peace.

Shield of Faith: Our faith is what we believe in. The shield is our Faith. We hold up our shield of faith to protect us from the enemy’s attack that will come. We believe in God because He loves us and He promises to protect us, like a shield. All things are possible if we believe, speak and act upon His Word. “Without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:16). God wants us to believe in Him. “For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield. The Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk blameless” (Psalm 86:11).

Sword of the Spirit: The sword is the word of God, the Bible. “The weapons we fight with are not weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2Corinthians 10:4). The Word of God is alive: “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Prayer: Paul tells us to complete our preparations by praying in the Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit lead you in worshipping God. Pray also for others, that all of

God's people may stand strong and faithful in the armor of God!

The Armor of God is the reassurance of salvation and the truth of God’s word. It is our Faith, Hope and Love in Jesus Christ who makes us righteous, whole and complete. It is the Holy Spirit alive within, guiding and leading us. “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men and women of courage, be strong, and do everything in love” (1Corinthians 16:13-14).

Picture yourself putting on the Armor of God

1. The Helmet of Salvation: Re-claim and celebrate your salvation. Let Christ give you his mind and thoughts.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness: Get right with God by confessing any sin.
Invite Jesus to make you into his likeness.

3. The Belt of Truth: Ask Jesus to show you the truth about yourself. Ask for discernment to know God's leading from that of the Evil One.

4. The Sandals of Peace: Exhale fully and breathe in the Peace of God. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you anyone with whom you need to be reconciled. Forgive them and seek your forgiveness.

5. The Shield of Faith: Envision yourself with a mighty shield, capturing and extinguishing doubts and temptations.

6. The Sword of the Spirit: Take the sword to cut yourself free from anything that restricts you from living in faith and health. Praise God for His Word, in the Bible and in life.

7. Final Prayers: Let the Holy Spirit lead you in worshipping God and intercede for others God brings to mind.