The Armor of God

Today’s devotion is from Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (NASB) The question is, how do we become strong in the Lord? If you read Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul tells us. We are to put on the whole armor of God. Each piece of the armor is important. As Believers, we are in a battle daily. It is a battle that we don’t necessarily see in the flesh and is mostly a Spiritual battle being waged between the old man and the new man.

The first element of the armor of God is the Belt of Truth. We must seek out truth and that is found in God’s Word. Without knowing what is true, we have no defense against the lies of the enemy. The Bible says that Satan is a deceiver and the father of lies. John 8:44 says that he has no truth in him. So, when he speaks, he lies, and we must know the truth to be discerning when we hear him speak and know what we hear is not truth. We must also speak truth and believe the truth of the Bible.

The second element is the Breastplate of Righteousness. The Breastplate is extremely important because it protects the vital organs of the soldier’s body. Having the Breastplate of Righteousness is a protection against Satan’s attacks. Right living is also a testimony to others of the work God has done in our lives. Again, the only way to know how God expects us to live, is to read His Word and apply His principles and laws to our lives and exhibit those precepts so that unbelievers will see and know that God has made a change in our lives and is a testimony of God’s faithfulness to us.

Element number three is footwear…the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace. First of all, peace comes only through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are to spread the Gospel to others and to do that we must be prepared. Again, we are to search the Scriptures, hide God’s Word in our hearts, and go out to share the Good News that Jesus brings peace. Knowing God’s Word helps to strengthen us and helps others to know that they can rely on Him to deliver them.

The Shield of Faith is our next piece of armor. Shields fend off the attack of swords and other weapons of warfare delivered by the enemy. Satan wants to weaken our faith and he will throw all kinds of ammunition at us to derail our faith. Reading God’s Word, assembling with fellow Believers to be encouraged, learning more of God and His love for us, and remembering the times God has delivered us, all go toward strengthening our faith.

The next element of the armor is the Helmet of Salvation. Salvation is where our journey begins. Salvation is accepting Jesus into our hearts and lives, allowing Him to take total control, repenting for our sins, and endeavoring to live for Him for the rest of our lives. Joyce Meyer says that the battlefield is the mind, and it is true. It is one of Satan’s favorite areas to try and defeat Christians. He will try to deceive us into thinking that we have lost our salvation, or at least are a horrible Christian, and so we should give up trying to live a godly life. The helmet protects the head; therefore, the Helmet of Salvation is to protect us from the lies the enemy tries to place in our minds.
The last element of the armor is the Sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word. We are to read it daily for instruction, for encouragement, and for strength. As you look at the armor, notice it is the only piece of armor that is used for defense. The Sword is the only means of defense we have against Satan. The Bible says that God’s Word is a two-edged sword. It is given for teaching, reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16-17) Not only does it teach us, but it also shows us our sins and where we have messed up so that we can repent and correct our relationship with Jesus, and then in turn, as we bury His Word into our hearts, we can use it to fight against the enemy’s attacks. Jesus showed us how to use the Word to fight back when He was being tempted by Satan.

Satan knows the Word of God also, but he twists things around to mean something it doesn’t say. Jesus quoted Scripture in response to every temptation Satan brought before Him. Satan had no defense, because He knew that God’s Word is true, and his lies were no match for God’s Word.

The one thing you will notice about the armor of God is, there is no protection for the back. God does not want us to retreat or turn our back on the enemy. That is a very vulnerable position for the Believer. As the Army of God, we are to fight back to back, standing together to defeat the adversary of our souls. That is the reason meeting together as Believers is so vital. When one is weak, there are others who are strong who can help that one to gain strength in Christ. Having an accountability partner is a great help. We can keep each other from straying or retreating in the face of heavy opposition from the enemy, and that strengthens us when we are weak. Being with other Christians also encourages us to keep in the fight, and to rely on Jesus when the battle gets too hard.

So today, do you have your armor on? Are you prepared to fight the enemy? As Soldiers of God, put on your armor and prepare to win the battle against Satan’s attacks.