The Armor of God
The Armor of God: Being Strong in the Lord and His Mighty Power
Most every culture accepts the reality of some type of spiritual world beyond our physical senses. The Bible is the correct source to learn about this reality, and as we've drawn back the curtain on the angelic world, we've learned that a battle is underway for the hearts of mankind.
So…what exactly is our role in this battle? Do we sit on the sidelines, cheering for angels and hoping for the best? No, we've been called to engage in this war! Fortunately, we're not sent into battle ill-equipped; God has designed an entire suit of armor which will protect us and enable us to defend ourselves and defeat our spiritual enemy. Paul instructs us in Ephesians 6:10-11, "Finally, 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." This direct command encapsulates the essence of our strength—it is derived from God and His mighty power, not our own.
What is the Armor of God?
The Armor of God is a metaphorical description found in Ephesians 6:10-18, where the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a Roman soldier’s armor to illustrate the spiritual defenses available to Christians. Each piece of the armor represents a specific aspect of the spiritual protection and weaponry we have in Christ to stand firm against spiritual adversities.
The Belt of Truth
"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth" (Ephesians 6:14a).
Wisdom International exists because we believe the Bible is the only source of divine truth. That's why I teach the Bible passage by passage, and verse by verse, not skipping over uncomfortable passages or focusing on feel-good topics. True preaching isn't simply interested in passing along information, but personal transformation. As A.W. Tozer used to say, 'We are not delivering suggestions, but ultimatums.'
The belt of truth symbolizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and the truth of God's Word in the life of a believer. Just as a soldier’s belt secures their armor and provides stability, truth stabilizes us in our spiritual battles, allowing us to stand firm against the enemy's lies.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
"...and having put on the breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14b).
The breastplate of a Roman soldier covered him from the bottom of his neck to his upper thigh. The purpose of the breastplate was to protect vital organs, most importantly the heart.
The heart of the Christian is pictured here as the vital organ, protected by the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, as we resist the enemy daily, our lives are marked by the pursuit of righteousness through obedience to Jesus.
We do not wage war by killing, capturing, or binding demons. We wage war by resisting temptation and saturating our minds and hearts with God's truth.
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
"...and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15).
Do you know why Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great were able to conquer the world? Because of their shoes! These thick boots were a unique invention, enabling them to accomplish long marches, at rapid speed, over difficult ground and in all kinds of weather.
Another unique invention was the cleats on the soles; the shoes of Roman soldiers were studded with sharp pieces of metal, similar to the cleats athletes wear today. These studs provided traction as the soldiers climbed, moved forward, and advanced on their mission.
For the Christian soldier, the gospel provides both balance for our personal lives and traction to progress forward with the gospel. We advance with the gospel—against the resistance of spiritual enemies and wicked worldviews—proclaiming the truth and growing the ranks of the army of God with new recruits—new lives dedicated to living for God.
The Shield of Faith
"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16).
The word for shield here is thyreos, and this was a very unique defense for the Roman army. The thyreos was four feet tall and two feet wide, giving the soldier full body protection if they crouched down behind it. It also featured a locking mechanism, so that an entire line of soldiers could lock their shields together, creating an impenetrable wall of protection for the advancing mass of troops.
Prior to battle, a soldier soaked the leather straps on his shield with water, so the water could extinguish any flaming arrows. They also polished the bronze plate attached to the center of the shield, reflecting the light of the sun into the eyes of their enemy.
Our faith dampens the flaming arrows of demons as they attack us, and our faith shines the light of the Son of God into a dark world. Through this armor, we are not just equipped but empowered to stand strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, as we take our stand against the devil's schemes.
The Helmet of Salvation
"And take the helmet of salvation..." (Ephesians 6:17a).
The helmet protected a soldier's head, the most critical part of the body in battle. For Christians, the helmet of salvation guards our minds against doubt, despair, and spiritual deception. It reminds us of our eternal security in Christ and the hope we have through His saving work.
The Sword of the Spirit
"...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17b).
The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon listed in the Armor of God. It represents the Word of God, which is alive, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). By knowing and applying Scripture, we can counter the lies and attacks of the enemy, just as Jesus did when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
Praying at All Times
"Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication" (Ephesians 6:18).
Though not a piece of armor, prayer is essential for spiritual warfare. Constant communication with God empowers us to stand firm and reinforces each piece of the Armor of God. Through prayer, we seek God's guidance, strength, and protection, ensuring we are spiritually prepared for battle.
Conclusion
The Armor of God is an essential concept for Christians to understand and apply in their daily lives. It symbolizes the spiritual defenses and weapons provided by God to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. By putting on the full armor of God, believers are equipped to face spiritual battles with strength and confidence.
Whether you are seeking to deepen your understanding of the "Armor of God," the "suit of armor Bible," the "meaning of the armor of God," or simply asking, "What is the armor of God?"—this comprehensive guide provides the biblical insights and practical applications needed to stand strong in the Lord. Through Scripture, prayer, and community, we can fortify ourselves for the spiritual battles we encounter, always relying on God's mighty power to sustain and protect us.
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