The Armor of God

I was prompted this week to revisit the Armor of God study (Ephesians 6:13-18) I did earlier this year. So I reread my notes and was again humbled by the lavish love of God. Look at what He has given us for the “day of evil” or the spiritual battles His saints encounter.

"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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with 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." – Ephesians 6:13-18 (NIV)

Before I was led to study this, I counted six components to the full spiritual armor God provided for his children: the belt of truth & the breastplate of righteousness (vs 14), shoes of readiness from the gospel of peace (vs 15), the shield of faith (vs 16), and the helmet of salvation & the sword of the Spirit (vs 17). Now I count seven; see verse 18 where Paul says “And pray in the Spirit…” (emphasis mine). I say more later. First the components.

Belt of Truth: A belt or girdle protects the lower body from assault. The NIV study Bible notes Isaiah 11:5 here referring to the clothing of the Messiah. The Truth here is the very character of God and His Christ, who He is. By putting on the Belt of Truth, we are clothing ourselves in the character of Christ. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.’” (John 14:6)

Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate protects the upper body, especially our vital organs like the heart. This righteousness is Christ’s own, coming from the outpouring of His blood on the cross. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

Shoes of Readiness: These shoes protect our feet, give us mobility and stability. Here the NIV Study Bible notes this is the only place the phrase “gospel of peace” is recorded. We can stand firm in the knowledge that Christ has already won the war; He has already brought peace to us. In Him we are on solid ground, no matter our circumstances. “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

Shield of Faith: This shield is tall and broad; it provides full frontal protection from incoming missiles or battering. It is God’s faithfulness, not our own, which protects us. Remember, Jesus said that if we but had the faith of a mustard seed (tiny indeed) we would be able to move mountains. But God’s faithfulness is unwavering and strong. “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:4-5)

Helmet of Salvation: A helmet covers the head and indicates to whom the soldier belongs. Through Christ’s redemption and grace covering us, this helmet protects our mind and soul, our thoughts and dreams. It also proclaims to others whose we are. “But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)

Sword of the Spirit: Notice this is an offensive as well as defensive piece. This is the Word of God. As Jesus did in His wilderness temptation, we speak out God’s word and parry the attack of the evil one. It also is the Spirit of God dwelling in us to bring us knowledge, wisdom and understanding during battle. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Pray in the Spirit: Another vital offensive piece. Paul states that this is our final component for standing firm under attack. We are to keep our line of connection with God open at all times through His Spirit, not only for our own well-being but to assist the saints who stand with us in battle. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

All these pieces are provided by God for us. Even prayer is a gift of relationship from our loving Father God. This is most important and poignant for me: Nothing of my own power is required. For my power is insufficient, like standing in rags on the battlefield. Like grace, my part is to accept and to clothe myself with Christ.

Lord, I accept! I accept and clothe myself with Your armor. Thank, Father God, for your great love and provision.

All this is available to you, as His beloved children. Will you accept? Will you put on His armor?

“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:17

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57-58