ARMOR OF GOD
Ephesians 6:11-18 (KJV)
Eph 6:11: Put on the armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil;
Eph 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places;
Eph 6:13: Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand;
Eph 6:14: Stand therefore, having your lois girt about the truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
Eph 6:17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
The armor of God which was said by Apostle Paul is our “spiritual defense” against the darkness (when we say Spiritual defense it means fighting against evil perpetrators which might want to harm us). For us to be able to put on our armor daily we need to meditate in the word of God daily, putting on the armor of God doesn’t mean we will be wearing suit armor everyday to our respective places. When we meditate its gives us ultimate protection against the evil forces even when we sleep, we are always rest assured 1 thess. 5:17 “pray without ceasing”.
Paul identifies six pieces of the armor of God which we can use to which are: The belt of truth, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness and the sword of the spirit. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers. Wearing our spiritual armor daily protect us from the attack of the enemy, Paul in his words reminded the Christian that the devil makes use of his subordinate which are the demons.
Now further explaining the element: The belt of truth- the truth protects us from the devil, when a soldier is going to the battle field he makes sure he make sure his belt is tightened enough. The devil hates the truth and always make people want to lie; Jesus Christ called Satan the father of lies because he loves lying. John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it”. But since we know the truth, we shall be free. John 8:31-32 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believeth on him, if he continues in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and he shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”.
The helmet of salvation- the work of the helmet is to protect the head from dangerous attack. Salvation means deliverance from sin and its consequences, salvation through Christ has set us free and we are free indeed; we are free from lies, temptation, condemnation, etc. Salvation protects us from hell and those who refuse to be save by it will be sent to hell, the helmet of salvation protects us from evil attack, our thoughts and minds.
The shield of faith- the shield is very important it protect the soldier chest from arrows, sword and spears same goes to Christian. Our shield guides us against evils and their weapons, faith is very important in the life of a Christian Matt 17:20 Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’. And it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you”. Faith and doubt don’t move together, so as a Christian we shouldn’t doubt and also, we should not be afraid of the devil. Always remember you can command the devil to leave you alone.
The sword of the spirit- The word of God represents the sword of spirit. When you meditate daily in the world of God you will have the right sword to use to the devil when he comes with his evil agent. The world of God is more than two-edged sword meaning it fight for us and also protect us Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”.
The breastplate of righteous- The breastplate provide protection against unexpected and overwhelming numbers. As a Christian righteousness defends everything on which the man’s spiritual existence depend on, God promise rewards to those who walk in righteousness Prov 11:4-6 “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivered from death, the righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness, the righteous of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness”.