What is The Armor of God? Detailed Explanation

 

The Armor of God: Equipping Yourself for Spiritual Battle

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Introduction

In the Christian faith, the Bible often portrays the life of a believer as a battle against sin and spiritual forces of evil. As soldiers of Christ, we are called to equip ourselves with the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). This armor consists of six essential pieces: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. Additionally, prayer plays a vital role in our spiritual warfare. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore each piece of the armor of God, understanding its significance and how it enables us to be victorious in our battle against the forces of darkness.

1. The Belt of Truth

The first piece of the armor of God is the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14). Just as a belt holds everything together, truth is the foundation that secures the rest of the armor. There are two aspects to the belt of truth.

a. Biblical Truth: In a world filled with deception, the belt of truth refers to the truths revealed in Scripture. Satan, often referred to as the father of lies, seeks to deceive and lead people astray (John 8:44). However, the truth of God's Word sets us free from his lies. The Bible reveals God's love, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the promise of His Second Coming, forgiveness of sins, and the grace to live for Him. Embracing these truths dispels the darkness of Satan's lies and strengthens us in our spiritual battle.

b. Personal Integrity: The second aspect of the belt of truth is our personal commitment to living a life of integrity and honesty. As believers, we are called to walk uprightly, transparently, and without deceit. Our character should reflect the truth we profess. People should see us as individuals who can be trusted and rely on us to be people of principle. By walking in truth, our spiritual armor remains intact and effective.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness

The breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) serves as a vital piece of the armor, protecting our hearts from Satan's attacks. The heart is the seat of our emotions, thoughts, and desires, and it is from the heart that the issues of life flow (Proverbs 4:23). However, our righteousness is not based on our own good deeds, as none of us are righteous in ourselves (Romans 3:10).

The breastplate of righteousness represents the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, His righteousness covers and shields us from the accusations and charges of the enemy (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9). It is His righteousness that makes us righteous before God, and it is this righteousness that protects our hearts from the enemy's attacks.

3. The Shoes of the Gospel

Just as soldiers need sturdy and comfortable shoes for battle, believers are called to put on the shoes of the gospel (Ephesians 6:15). These shoes enable us to walk in obedience to Jesus and advance the message of the gospel.

The apostle John emphasizes the importance of walking as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). As followers of Christ, we are called to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). The shoes of the gospel allow us to march forward, overcoming obstacles and sharing the good news of salvation. Satan may try to hinder our progress, but with the strength and guidance of Jesus, we can press on, obeying His commands, and spreading the gospel message.

4. The Shield of Faith

The Shoes of the Gospel are the third piece of the armor, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:15. Paul encourages believers to have their feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Just as soldiers marching into battle need comfortable and sturdy shoes, Christians must wear the Shoes of the Gospel to advance in their spiritual journey.

The Shoes of the Gospel represent our commitment to walk in obedience to Jesus and follow His example. As 1 John 2:6 states, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." By following Jesus' footsteps, we can overcome the obstacles and oppositions that Satan places in our path. Listening to the voice of our Savior, we can confidently move forward, spreading the good news of the gospel and bringing light to a dark world.

The Helmet of Salvation

The fifth piece of the armor is the Helmet of Salvation, mentioned in Ephesians 6:17. The helmet protects the head, which houses our thoughts and minds. When we have a firm assurance of our salvation, nothing can shake or disturb us.

The Helmet of Salvation provides us with the certainty of eternal life in Christ. 1 John 1:9 assures us that if we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Moreover, 1 John 5:11-12 declares that God has given us eternal life, and this life is found in His Son. When we have the Son, we have life. This assurance of salvation gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding. It guards our minds against the doubts and deceptions of the enemy.

The Sword of the Spirit

The sixth component of the armor is the Sword of the Spirit, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:17. Unlike the other pieces, which are defensive in nature, the Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon listed. It represents the Word of God, which is described as living, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).

Jesus Himself demonstrated the power of the Sword of the Spirit when He faced Satan's temptations in the wilderness. Each time the devil tried to lead Him into sin, Jesus responded with the words, "It is written," quoting Scripture to counter the enemy's attacks. The Word of God is truth (John 17:17), and its power is unrivaled. It is essential for us to study and become familiar with the Bible's truths and its transformative power.

Just as a sword protects and defends, the Sword of the Spirit guards us from the enemy's schemes and temptations. It illuminates our path, providing guidance and direction. As Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." By wielding the Sword of the Spirit, we can both protect ourselves and defeat the enemy's tactics.

Praying in the Spirit

While not specifically mentioned as a component of the armor, Paul concludes his discourse on spiritual warfare by emphasizing the importance of prayer. In Ephesians 6:18, he writes, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian's life, and it plays a crucial role in strengthening and reinforcing the armor of God.

Through prayer, we enter into communion and fellowship with God, allowing His armor to protect and empower us. It is a means of aligning our hearts and minds with the will of God. Prayer enables us to seek His guidance, wisdom, and strength as we navigate the challenges of the spiritual battle. By praying in the Spirit, we tap into the supernatural resources available to us, enabling us to stand firm against the enemy's attacks.

Putting on the Whole Armor of God

Paul's exhortation to "put on the whole armor of God" may seem like a daunting task, but it is simpler than it appears. In Romans 13:14, Paul encapsulates the essence of putting on the armor by saying, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ." When we surrender our lives to Jesus and clothe ourselves in His righteousness, we are fully equipped with the armor of God.

As believers, we may sometimes feel weak, susceptible to temptation, or discouraged. However, when we are clothed in the whole armor of God, even the weakest among us becomes more than a match for Satan. In Christ, with God's invincible armor, we can be strong and withstand the enemy's wiles (Ephesians 6:10-11). Like Paul, we can declare, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

Conclusion

In the spiritual battle we face as followers of Christ, the armor of God is essential. Each piece plays a vital role in equipping us to stand against the schemes of the devil. The Belt of Truth guards us against lies, the Breastplate of Righteousness protects our hearts, the Shoes of the Gospel enable us to march forward, the Shield of Faith defends us from doubt, the Helmet of Salvation assures us of our eternal security, the Sword of the Spirit defeats the enemy's attacks, and prayer strengthens and empowers us. By putting on the whole armor of God, we can be victorious soldiers for Christ, standing firm against the forces of evil and advancing the kingdom of God.