The Bible is full of word pictures. Â One of the best known and most loved is the armor of God Paul describes in Ephesians. But like all word pictures in Scripture, the armor of God is given to help us understand vital spiritual truths to apply to our lives. Â (Also see “How to Find Timeless Biblical Principles in Scripture” and “How to Understand Metaphors and Similes in the Bible.”)
I know some Christians who “pray on the armor of God” every day. While that level of awareness is good, the spiritual armor we need to “stand against the schemes of the devil” is not simply a rote prayer before we start our day.
Christians are Fighting a Battle
This passage (Ephesians 6:10-20) is a battle call. Our opposition is real. Satan and his forces are fighting to prevent us from experiencing everything God has for us. They want to shake our faith, to make us fall. They scheme to derail us from living the full life of faith Jesus died to give us. Satan is powerful, wicked, and cunning.
But he is no match for God. Satan cannot overpower the Spirit of God who dwells inside believers. So, don’t give Satan too much credit. God supplies the power we need to say “no” to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). So, when temptation comes, turn to God in prayer.
Yes, God calls us to pray at all times (Ephesians 6:18). And prayer is the over-arching key to winning the spiritual battle. But this prayer is active. We are not simply to “pray” the armor but to “put on the whole armor of God.” Then get in the trenches and join God in the fight.
God provides His strength as we fight with His armor.
The “Armor of God” Represents Spiritual Principles
Paul was very familiar with the armor of the Roman soldier. While the list in Ephesians 6 is not exhaustive, the elements Paul cites were key to the soldier’s protection and victory. Let us “put on” the armor of God represented by these ancient pieces and fight alongside God for the spiritual victory!
6 Pieces of God’s Armor
- Know God’s Truth (Belt of truth) – Here we find two-levels of meaning. First, we must know God’s truth in order to recognize and reveal Satan’s lies. Second, when we maintain sincerity and integrity in our lives, we will not give Satan any ammunition to use against us. (Also see “God’s Truth Trumps Culture Every Time.”)
- Live a Holy Life (Breastplate of righteousness) – Like the soldier’s breastplateprotected him from and back covering all the vital organs, a Christian’s righteousness protects her spiritually. Commitment to holy living and purposeful guards on our hearts and minds help us resist Satan’s temptations. (See “5 Benefits of Living a Holy Life.”)
- Keep the Gospel Central (Gospel Boots) – When we keep a constant awareness of the Gospel of Christ our firm footing is established and we are equipped to share the Gospel with others, rescuing them from an eternity separated from God. (Also see “Are you experiencing the full power of the gospel?“)
- Hold on to Faith (Shield of Faith) – Our faith in God – knowing who He is and remembering His promises for us – will quench all the arrows of doubt, guilt, and fear the accuser shoots at us. Remembering who you belong to and what He has done for you will protect you like the soldier’s shield covered his whole body.
- Rejoice in eternity (Helmet of Salvation) – The enemy of your soul has no power over your eternity. If you have a saving relationship with Jesus, you belong to God and are protected by His Spirit. Reflect on this truth and rejoice!
- Use the Word (Sword of the Spirit) – The Word of God is a powerful, two-edged sword. God not only uses it to reveal our hearts and refine our faith, it is also our weapon of offense against the enemy. Study it. Dwell on it. Root yourself in the Scripture so you will be equipped to defeat Satan and his schemes. (Also see “4 Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life” and “3 Reasons We Can Trust the Bible.”)
So, let us pray as we fight the spiritual forces of evil. Always, without ceasing. But let us also live the spiritual principles represented by the armor.
Is this way of looking at the armor of God helpful to you? If so, in what way?
I love how you simplify the command here. It is a rich passage with a simple reminder of how to walk daily. Plan to share this with my ladies’ Bible study on the armor.
Hi Jeanne! I love how you put it: “Simple reminder of how to walk daily!” Yes! Our life of faith is a daily, intentional practice of staying close to Jesus and being on guard against the devil’s schemes!
To God be the Glory! I have read this passage of scripture many times before and never received the simplified revelation like this. This is my first time reading your material and it will definitely not be my last. God bless you!
Glad you came by! Hope you are encouraged!
This is so inspiring, encouraging. Thanks
Truth shared in a practical way, thankyou
How we can put into practice GODS word VIP
Thanks
I have to smile sometimes at how the Lord has you write something that I’m also writing about! I am writing an article for a ministry—about our walk with the Lord, and how armor to fight is part of that walk. Good stuff, Kathy. Thanks!
Kathy, awesome how our Lord has anointed your heart, analytical ability to dissect His word, and then arrange on paper to share with your audience! This article is a blessing and a concrete, real way to use this passage in our daily battle in spiritual warfare! God bless you!
Thanks Sandra! I’m so glad you found it helpful!
7/5/2021. Thanks for this great reminder. It is interesting to me how 6:18-20 tends to get separated from Ephesians 6:10-17 on the armor of God. I believe the prayers in the Spirit commanded there are also a part of the armor of God. Which would bring the total items to 7, that symbolic perfect number.
Yes! Good observation!
Thank you for this post. A clear understandable explanation of the armor of God and how it plays a part in our walk.
Thanks for coming by and reading!
I am really helped in this teaching.
I am reminded about the armors of God…
Anyway, I, personally need prayers because I work hard for the living of the family abroad and have no time for the holy scriptures…
I actually need to live a holy life.