THE BELIEVER’S SPIRITUAL ARMOUR

Ephesians 6:13 – 17 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 the Spirit, which is the word of God:

According to the above scripture, there are six pieces of armor: the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. What is unique about this armor is pieces can be used for defensive or offensive purposes. For defense, articles can be used to defend or deter attacks; and for offense, articles can be used for invasion and to attack the enemy.

I believe most believers know the spiritual armor and can name them. Some recite them daily as an act of putting them on; however, it has proven just to be a recitation. The actual utilization of the armor is unfortunately neglected.

Here are some simple explanations of how to use each piece of armor:

1. Girdle of truth – covers the loins which are where organs of elimination and reproduction are located. This means throughout the day we are releasing truth; we are speaking, declaring, and confessing the Word to ourselves and to the enemy.

2. Breastplate of righteousness – covers your chest area and mainly protects the heart, which is considered the center of man’s emotion and the organ that pumps blood (life source) throughout the body. Believers are to guard their affections, emotions, and desires, remembering we have right standing with God, and therefore, we are not going to allow negativity to come in and pollute our body. Also, in biblical times, the breastplate did not cover the back, which means don’t turn your back and run from the enemy; stand your ground.

3. Shod your feet with the gospel of peace – means wherever your feet which are used for movement and standing takes you, the good news of the gospel and peace should prevail in that atmosphere. When you come into a place of chaos, your presence should generate calm.

4. Shield of faith – is used to cover the body. Your belief and trust in God and His word keep you protected and can extinguish and subdue the vicious assaults of the enemy.

5. Sword of the spirit — is the Word of God which applied defensively upholds and strengthens believers, and cuts and destroys the enemy when used offensively. (Please read the previous blog on The Word of God for more information).

6. Helmet of salvation – covers and protects your head (mind, and ears) from injury. The enemy wants to infiltrate the mind with doubt and fears concerning the benefits that believers obtained when they accept Christ in their lives. The helmet allows us to reject these insinuations and to boldly confess who we are and what we have obtained through Christ.

Finally, as we wear and wield this powerful armor, we will victoriously stand, and successfully engage in warfare. Remember, you are God’s weapons of war on earth, and He has made provisions for a favorable outcome when you use His prescription.