Spiritual Weapon: Armor of God

Armor of God is the third weapon mentioned in my 12/29/08 post, "W.E.A.P.O.N.S. of Spiritual Warfare".

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to a group of Christians in the great city of Ephesus while he lingered in a Roman prison. This letter today is the tenth book in our New Testament. The book of Ephesians serves as a manual for Christian living, a call for unity in Christ's church, and an earnest attempt to persuade Christians to be bold in our faith.

As Paul launches the extended close of his letter to the Ephesians, he says this:

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of Spirit, which is the Word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."-Ephesians 6:10-18

Let's review each piece of armor Paul advises us to put on:

Truth -We are advised to "stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth." In ancient times, a warrior wore a girdle or wide belt (usually leather) around his waist, which held his tunic or other loose, flowing garments in place, permitting freedom of movement in the fight and, more important, providing a place to keep his sword.

As a spiritual warrior, I am most vulnerable in my mind. Receiving the truth keeps me from getting caught up in loose and twisted ideas, and empowers me to carry the sword of a Christian soldier, which is the Word of God.

Righteousness - We envision the spiritual warrior as "having on the breastplate of righteousness." Being righteous or right with God forms a metaphorical breastplate, protecting one's heart (or soul) from the enemy.

Peace - Keep "your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace."Preparation enables you to withstand a marathon battle, as a great pair of sandals would have enabled a first century warrior to march or even run long distances.

Faith - Take "the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Only faith made of assurance in, obedience to, and dependence on Jesus can fend off the strongest attacks of Satan. We can never fight Satan on our own. However, by holding Christ like a shield between the enemy and ourselves we can be saved.

Salvation - Before I can fight any spiritual battle, I need to put on "the helmet of salvation." This symbolic helmet saves my life by guarding my mind from the enemy's sneak attacks. It also presages the crown I will wear in heaven (see 2 Timothy 4:8).

Spirit - "The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" is the supreme weapon of attack in our arsenal. The other weapons preserve us, but the Word of God--found both in the Bible and in the Holy Spirit within us provides us power to "withstand all in the evil day."

Next: Praises of God

(Photograph by ejdzej)