“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 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, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Jesus was clear in John 10:10 where he said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” We have a very real enemy that is working against us and wishing us harm. He doesn’t care if your circumstances are already hard or what season of life you are in. He doesn’t play nice or fair. When we come up against anger, hurt, shame, criticism, hate, lust, cheating, fear, lack, or pain, you can be sure the source is the enemy. As awful as that sounds, we do not need to be afraid. 1 John 4:4 says, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Knowing God has already defeated the enemy is comforting but we are still in the battle. A wise soldier goes into battle prepared. God has given us very effective tools to defeat the enemy and destroy the works of the devil. The armor of God has several pieces of armor that are defensive in nature:
- The belt of truth: We know truth through reading and knowing the Word of God and through listening to the Holy Spirit.
- The breastplate of righteousness: We obey and live according to God’s Word so the enemy cannot have a foothold in our life. Jesus’ blood makes us righteous.
- The shoes of the gospel of peace: We stand firm in the good news of the peace of God. This piece of armor helps us to be ready to share the gospel with others at all times.
- The shield of faith: We believe in God’s Word and his promises. They cover us like a shield to defend us against the lies and attacks of the enemy.
- The helmet of salvation: We proclaim Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. As such, we are his children whom he protects. The enemy likes to wreak havoc on our minds. The helmet of salvation is the covering over the battle for our mind.
And there is our offensive weapon:
- The sword of the Spirit: which is the word of God. Read it. Memorize it. Pray it. Declare it. Meditate on it. The Word of God breaks strongholds, is filled with power, speaks the truth, brings hope, carries love, and proclaims the message of salvation.
It is wise to daily put on the armor of God as we are daily in a battle to destroy the works of the devil and partner with the Lord to bring about his purposes on the earth.
Listening Prayer:
Ask the Holy Spirit which pieces of the armor of God he wants you to focus on learning about. Ask him to direct you to scriptures and resources to gain more understanding.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank you for covering me and giving me everything I need to daily protect myself against the enemy. Thank you that you have already overcome the world. I pray that as I put on each piece of armor, that you would teach me and train me to use each one. Help me to trust in your weapons of warfare. Help me to saturate myself in your Word so when the battle arrives, I am prepared. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Resource: Bible Verses on the Armor of God
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13)
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
Worship Song:
“Protector” by Kim Walker-Smith