articlesforchristians

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 (Ephesians 6:12). For this reason, we need to put on the whole armor of God. We must have the complete covering. Yes, when we accept Jesus we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

• Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

However, for daily living we need to put on the armor of God. We must daily choose to put it on. This armor is freely offered to all of God’s children. God, in his word, has commanded us to put it on.

• Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
• Ephesians 6:13 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.

What is the armor of God?

• Belt of truth
  • Ephesians 6:14 So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart)
  • The belt holds your clothes up. This belt is what holds everything together.
• Breast plate of Righteousness
  • Ephesians 6:14 So, stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart)
  • Protects your heart and soul
• Shoes of the gospel
  • Ephesians 6:15 and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].
  • Allows you to boldly share the Gospel with others.
• Sheild of Faith
  • Ephesians 6:16 Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 
  • Protects you from attack
• Helmet of Salvation
  • Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
  • Protects your thinking.
  • Directs your thinking
    • helps us to think like and have the attitude of Christ
      • Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
• Sword of the Spirit
  • Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
  • The Word of God is likened to a sword.
    •  Hebrews 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.
• Prayer (this could be likened to a spear)
  • There is power in prayer. As a spear is thrown at enemies (problems), we send out prayers when we need help.
  • Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
  • Psalm 149:6-9 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord.

God’s armor covers us from head to toe. Our armor and weapons are of a spiritual nature.

•  2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Our weapons work best when we pray and read the Bible daily.