ARMOUR OF GOD
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Paul the Apostle wrote the book of Ephesians during a time when he was in Rome under an unusual type of arrest. This arrest allowed him to reside in his own house, and come and go, but required him to be continually chained to a Roman soldier. For this reason, Paul became very knowledgeable about the armor and implements of warfare belonging to the man to which he was chained.
Paul described a divine and complete “outfit” that God gives believers in order to provide all we need to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. “Stand against” was a military term meaning to resist the enemy, hold the position, and offer no surrender. The Devil will not fight fair; he uses subtle tricks and schemes. Our ability to stand firm depends on our use of the armor.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Paul the Apostle wrote the book of Ephesians during a time when he was in Rome under an unusual type of arrest. This arrest allowed him to reside in his own house, and come and go, but required him to be continually chained to a Roman soldier. For this reason, Paul became very knowledgeable about the armor and implements of warfare belonging to the man to which he was chained.
Paul described a divine and complete “outfit” that God gives believers in order to provide all we need to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. “Stand against” was a military term meaning to resist the enemy, hold the position, and offer no surrender. The Devil will not fight fair; he uses subtle tricks and schemes. Our ability to stand firm depends on our use of the armor.
Eph 6:11 (NKJV) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of
wickedness in the heavenly places.
Eph 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the
evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of
righteousness,
Eph 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery
darts of the wicked one.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God;
The 6 Parts of the Armor:
Waist girt about with the truth.
Breastplate of righteousness.
Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Shield of faith.
Helmet of salvation. Ref: 2 Cor 7:10
Sword of the Spirit. Ref: Heb 4:12
wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of
wickedness in the heavenly places.
Eph 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the
evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of
righteousness,
Eph 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery
darts of the wicked one.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God;
The 6 Parts of the Armor:
Waist girt about with the truth.
Breastplate of righteousness.
Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Shield of faith.
Helmet of salvation. Ref: 2 Cor 7:10
Sword of the Spirit. Ref: Heb 4:12
The Belt of Truth
The Belt is not the most noticeable piece of the armor, however, it is actually the central piece that holds all the rest securely in place and provides for every need during battle. The belt was broad and made of sturdy leather. From it hung an overlapping skirt of leather straps which on the inside surface were armored with small rectangular pieces of metal held in place by decorative rivets which showed on the outside. Also from
The Belt is not the most noticeable piece of the armor, however, it is actually the central piece that holds all the rest securely in place and provides for every need during battle. The belt was broad and made of sturdy leather. From it hung an overlapping skirt of leather straps which on the inside surface were armored with small rectangular pieces of metal held in place by decorative rivets which showed on the outside. Also from
How do we put on Truth?
Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Joh 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth of God. To put on truth we must spend time with God in prayer and studying his word. We must know Gods will because satan will use whatever he can including other people to try to deceive and confuse us. The scriptures below show us why we must be clothed in the truth.
1Jn 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God;
because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2Pe 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
2Pe 2:2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
2Ti 3:13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you.
As Christians, we are to know the truth by studying God’s word. Act 17:11 says: Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
We can see that to put on the belt of truth we must read and study God’s word.
There are many more scriptures that warns us to be careful about being deceived. This is why it is so important to put on the belt of Gods truth so that we can use the word of God against satan.
Remember how satan tried to use scriptures to get Jesus to do things contrary to the word of God. Remember how Jesus used the word of God to defeat the devil when he was being tempted because he was clothed with the truth and could not be deceived. The same applies to us. If we want to live a victorious life then we must learn the truth by studying God’s word.
Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Joh 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth of God. To put on truth we must spend time with God in prayer and studying his word. We must know Gods will because satan will use whatever he can including other people to try to deceive and confuse us. The scriptures below show us why we must be clothed in the truth.
1Jn 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God;
because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2Pe 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
2Pe 2:2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
2Ti 3:13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you.
As Christians, we are to know the truth by studying God’s word. Act 17:11 says: Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
We can see that to put on the belt of truth we must read and study God’s word.
There are many more scriptures that warns us to be careful about being deceived. This is why it is so important to put on the belt of Gods truth so that we can use the word of God against satan.
Remember how satan tried to use scriptures to get Jesus to do things contrary to the word of God. Remember how Jesus used the word of God to defeat the devil when he was being tempted because he was clothed with the truth and could not be deceived. The same applies to us. If we want to live a victorious life then we must learn the truth by studying God’s word.
the belt hung specialized hooks and holders on which to secure the scabbard that contained the sword at the proper angle, the quiver which held lances, and an apparatus on which to rest the large battle shield. Also, on the belt were clips with which to hold the breastplate in its proper place. Supplies of bread, oil and water were also on the belt.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The Breastplate was really a work of art. Each breastplate was custom made for the soldier that wore it. Often a casting was made of the man’s torso. Breastplates were often made very elaborate with additional decorations and polished to a brilliant mirror finish that was blinding in the sunshine. Despite its beauty, the breastplate was very functional, protecting the heart and other vital organs from penetration through its metal shell.
The Breastplate was really a work of art. Each breastplate was custom made for the soldier that wore it. Often a casting was made of the man’s torso. Breastplates were often made very elaborate with additional decorations and polished to a brilliant mirror finish that was blinding in the sunshine. Despite its beauty, the breastplate was very functional, protecting the heart and other vital organs from penetration through its metal shell.
What is Righteousness?
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Righteousness as the state of being and acting in accordance with divine or moral law, and being free from guilt or sin. If that is true, then the breastplate of righteousness from a Christian perspective is being right with God and keeping his commandments.
Rom 3:20 (NIV) Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of
the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Rom 3:21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to
which the Law and the Prophets testify.
Rom 3:22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There
is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
Righteousness is a gift.
Rom 5:17 (NIV) For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man,
how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of
the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
When the enemy, the accuser tries to convince us that we are not really saved, that we just keep on disappointing God, and that we’re “poor excuses” for Christians, we can stand up to him because of the righteousness we have been promised through our faith in Jesus Christ.
How do we put on the breastplate of righteousness?
Rom 6:13 says: Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.
Remember that righteousness is a gift that we receive when we get saved but we must continue to strive to keep God’s commandments and live a life that is pleasing to him. As long as we do this then we will be wearing the breastplate of righteousness.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Righteousness as the state of being and acting in accordance with divine or moral law, and being free from guilt or sin. If that is true, then the breastplate of righteousness from a Christian perspective is being right with God and keeping his commandments.
Rom 3:20 (NIV) Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of
the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Rom 3:21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to
which the Law and the Prophets testify.
Rom 3:22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There
is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
Righteousness is a gift.
Rom 5:17 (NIV) For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man,
how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of
the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
When the enemy, the accuser tries to convince us that we are not really saved, that we just keep on disappointing God, and that we’re “poor excuses” for Christians, we can stand up to him because of the righteousness we have been promised through our faith in Jesus Christ.
How do we put on the breastplate of righteousness?
Rom 6:13 says: Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.
Remember that righteousness is a gift that we receive when we get saved but we must continue to strive to keep God’s commandments and live a life that is pleasing to him. As long as we do this then we will be wearing the breastplate of righteousness.
The Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace
The Shoes or sandals of the Roman soldier were no normal footwear. Greatcare was taken by Rome to supply the soldiers with appropriate footwear for their assignment. Their shoes (or boots) consisted of an elaborately cut and laced sandal of which the sole was layers of metal and leather with ‘hob nail’ spikes extending one-half inch, to in some cases ‘inches,’ from the sole to plant into the ground to keep them from being moved. Some had toe spikes and or built-in spurs with which to do
The Shoes or sandals of the Roman soldier were no normal footwear. Greatcare was taken by Rome to supply the soldiers with appropriate footwear for their assignment. Their shoes (or boots) consisted of an elaborately cut and laced sandal of which the sole was layers of metal and leather with ‘hob nail’ spikes extending one-half inch, to in some cases ‘inches,’ from the sole to plant into the ground to keep them from being moved. Some had toe spikes and or built-in spurs with which to do
damage to the enemy. The uppers of the sandals were often armored by small overlapping pieces of metal riveted to the leather straps. In addition, attached to the uppers of the sandal were removable metal greaves that extended up over the kneecap protecting the knees, shins and ankles.
What is the purpose of the shoes?
It would appear that the purpose of the shoes is to spread the gospel but we are being told to put on the whole armor of God to protect ourselves against the wiles of the devil not to do evangelizing. The shoes, or the sandals, which are called “the preparation of the gospel of peace” means to meet attacks similar to those against which the Roman soldier designed to guard himself by the sandals or greaves which he wore. They gave the soldier the ability to stand firm and press forward against his attacker. We are to do the same thing and stand firm against the attacks of the devil and keep pressing on forward for God. Three words are mentioned about the shoes.
1. Preparation is a word meaning “a prepared or firm foundation.”
2. The gospel provides the footing for everything we do.
3. Peace is the kind that can only come from God.
How do we put on the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace?
Remember that Paul was not talking about evangelism, but rather about being in spiritual warfare.
In the original Greek, the word preparation used in Ephesians 6:15 can be defined as "firm-footing; a strong foundation." So that tells us that we need to have a firm foundation in God's Word. We do this by actively being in the Word of God on a regular basis and standing firm on what his word says.
The Gospel of Peace is the peace with God that comes through our relationship with Jesus.
Romans 5:1 says: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 4:7 says: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
It would appear that the purpose of the shoes is to spread the gospel but we are being told to put on the whole armor of God to protect ourselves against the wiles of the devil not to do evangelizing. The shoes, or the sandals, which are called “the preparation of the gospel of peace” means to meet attacks similar to those against which the Roman soldier designed to guard himself by the sandals or greaves which he wore. They gave the soldier the ability to stand firm and press forward against his attacker. We are to do the same thing and stand firm against the attacks of the devil and keep pressing on forward for God. Three words are mentioned about the shoes.
1. Preparation is a word meaning “a prepared or firm foundation.”
2. The gospel provides the footing for everything we do.
3. Peace is the kind that can only come from God.
How do we put on the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace?
Remember that Paul was not talking about evangelism, but rather about being in spiritual warfare.
In the original Greek, the word preparation used in Ephesians 6:15 can be defined as "firm-footing; a strong foundation." So that tells us that we need to have a firm foundation in God's Word. We do this by actively being in the Word of God on a regular basis and standing firm on what his word says.
The Gospel of Peace is the peace with God that comes through our relationship with Jesus.
Romans 5:1 says: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 4:7 says: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The Shield of Faith
There were actually two types of shields used by Roman soldiers of the day. One, a small (24”-36” diameter) round one, was for dress parades. The other, was a large (60”x30”) rectangular shield that in Greek was named, “a door,” because it looked like the soldier was carrying a full size leather covered door behind which he could safely stand. Each shield was made of six layers of thick animal hide specially tanned and woven together making them as tough and durable as metal yet relatively light weight. The leather shields could be soaked in water before battle so that in the event the enemy would rain fiery projectiles on them, the fire would be extinguished on impact.
There were actually two types of shields used by Roman soldiers of the day. One, a small (24”-36” diameter) round one, was for dress parades. The other, was a large (60”x30”) rectangular shield that in Greek was named, “a door,” because it looked like the soldier was carrying a full size leather covered door behind which he could safely stand. Each shield was made of six layers of thick animal hide specially tanned and woven together making them as tough and durable as metal yet relatively light weight. The leather shields could be soaked in water before battle so that in the event the enemy would rain fiery projectiles on them, the fire would be extinguished on impact.
I would like to share some information on the translation of verse 16. I often wondered why this said “above all” which gives the impression of this being the most important part. After looking up the original greek words it is easy to see that this can be translated a different way. What I found when I researched this is that the KJV and NKJV are the only versions that translates this into “above all”. Here is a partial list of how other versions translated this:
(NIV- New International Version) - In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith.
(AMP - Amplified) - Lift up over all the covering.
(ESV – English Standard Version) - In all circumstances take up the shield of faith.
(ASV – American Standard Version) - withal taking up the shield of faith.
(NLT – New Living Translation) - In addition to all of these.
(NASB – New American Bible) - in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith.
(ISV – International Standard Version) - In addition to having clothed yourselves with these.
Quench all the fiery darts
What are these “flaming darts of the evil one”? They are the schemes and clever tricks of Satan. These “flaming arrows” come upon us in various forms including evil or filthy thoughts, lustful imaginations, unforgiving attitudes, anger, etc. They can flash upon the mind suddenly regardless of what we are doing or thinking. They can also come in the form of “do it later”. I’ll study later, I’ll pray later, I’ll do this for God later, etc. Sometimes when we put things off till later we find that we failed to do them at all
The shield of faith not only defends our whole body but also our armor. The shield of faith has a very specific function, which the Bible makes abundantly clear: quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Not some of them but all of them.
How do we take up the shield of faith? We all have a certain amount of faith (Rom 12:3) but the stronger our faith the stronger our shield. So how do we perfect our faith? The answer to this is in Rom 10:17 and Jam 2: 17- 22.
Rom 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Jas 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Jas 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Jas 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
Jas 2:20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
Jas 2:22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
We can then see from scripture that taking the shield of faith involves two important things.
1. Hearing the message about Jesus.
2. Having works to help make our faith perfect.
What are some of the works that James was talking about?
Col 1:10 (NIV) so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every
way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Paul tells us that bearing fruit in every good work is pleasing to God. So what are the different ways we can bear fruit and have good works?
The bible tells of 3 different ways to do this:
1. Fruit of the Spirit
Gal 5:22 – 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
2. Fruit of our lips
Heb 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is,
the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
3. Fruit of our labor
Php 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Php 1:22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall
choose I cannot tell.
(NIV- New International Version) - In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith.
(AMP - Amplified) - Lift up over all the covering.
(ESV – English Standard Version) - In all circumstances take up the shield of faith.
(ASV – American Standard Version) - withal taking up the shield of faith.
(NLT – New Living Translation) - In addition to all of these.
(NASB – New American Bible) - in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith.
(ISV – International Standard Version) - In addition to having clothed yourselves with these.
Quench all the fiery darts
What are these “flaming darts of the evil one”? They are the schemes and clever tricks of Satan. These “flaming arrows” come upon us in various forms including evil or filthy thoughts, lustful imaginations, unforgiving attitudes, anger, etc. They can flash upon the mind suddenly regardless of what we are doing or thinking. They can also come in the form of “do it later”. I’ll study later, I’ll pray later, I’ll do this for God later, etc. Sometimes when we put things off till later we find that we failed to do them at all
The shield of faith not only defends our whole body but also our armor. The shield of faith has a very specific function, which the Bible makes abundantly clear: quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Not some of them but all of them.
How do we take up the shield of faith? We all have a certain amount of faith (Rom 12:3) but the stronger our faith the stronger our shield. So how do we perfect our faith? The answer to this is in Rom 10:17 and Jam 2: 17- 22.
Rom 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Jas 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Jas 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Jas 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
Jas 2:20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
Jas 2:22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
We can then see from scripture that taking the shield of faith involves two important things.
1. Hearing the message about Jesus.
2. Having works to help make our faith perfect.
What are some of the works that James was talking about?
Col 1:10 (NIV) so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every
way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Paul tells us that bearing fruit in every good work is pleasing to God. So what are the different ways we can bear fruit and have good works?
The bible tells of 3 different ways to do this:
1. Fruit of the Spirit
Gal 5:22 – 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
2. Fruit of our lips
Heb 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is,
the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
3. Fruit of our labor
Php 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Php 1:22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall
choose I cannot tell.
The Helmet of Salvation
The helmet was the most noticeable piece of armor. It was often decorated and plumed with brightly dyed feathers or horsehair. Some parade dress helmets had course horsehair plumes that would extend to the waist. The Roman helmet was designed so that blows from sword, hammer or ax could not pierce it but would be deflected and yet allow the soldier maximum visibility.
The helmet was the most noticeable piece of armor. It was often decorated and plumed with brightly dyed feathers or horsehair. Some parade dress helmets had course horsehair plumes that would extend to the waist. The Roman helmet was designed so that blows from sword, hammer or ax could not pierce it but would be deflected and yet allow the soldier maximum visibility.
The fact that the helmet is related to salvation indicates that Satan’s blows are directed at the believer’s security and assurance in Christ. Satan tries to attack us with discouragement and doubt. To discourage us he points to our failures, our sins, our unresolved problems, our poor health, or to whatever else seems negative in our lives in order to make us lose confidence in the love and care of our heavenly Father.
The helmet protects the head or the mind. If salvation is working in our lives, then our minds will be renewed. We will not continue to think the way we did, or the way the world does
Even when our minds have been renewed, they need protection. This is what the helmet of salvation is for. It is the salvation that we have received that protects our minds. Salvation is such a dramatic contrast to our former life and way of thinking, that from the time we are born again, our relationship with Jesus should be the one thing that determines what we allow in our minds or not.
There are several actions a believer can take to keep the helmet of salvation functioning:
1. Renew our minds. Our minds are battlefields. The outcomes of those battles determine the course of our lives. Romans 12:2 instructs us to renew our minds by allowing the truth of God’s Word to wipe out anything contrary to it. Old ideas, opinions, and worldviews must be replaced. We must allow God’s truth to continually wash away the world’s filth, lies, and confusion from our minds.
2. Reject doubts that arise from circumstances. If we allow them to, circumstances may convince us that God does not really love us or that His Word is not true. With the helmet of salvation firmly in place, we can choose to believe what appears impossible.
3. Keep a positive attitude. When life crashes in around us, we must remember to look up. Our salvation is the most precious gift we have received. Keeping our eyes on that can help us weather life’s storms.
4. Keep all our hope in Him. The salvation Jesus purchased for us cannot share the place of importance in our hearts with earthly things. When pleasing the Lord is our number 1 priority, we eliminate many of Satan’s lures and render his evil suggestions powerless.
As we wear the helmet of salvation every day, our minds become more guarded against the suggestions, desires, and traps the enemy lays for us. We choose to guard our minds from excessive worldly influence and instead think on things that honor Christ (Philippians 4:8).
The helmet protects the head or the mind. If salvation is working in our lives, then our minds will be renewed. We will not continue to think the way we did, or the way the world does
Even when our minds have been renewed, they need protection. This is what the helmet of salvation is for. It is the salvation that we have received that protects our minds. Salvation is such a dramatic contrast to our former life and way of thinking, that from the time we are born again, our relationship with Jesus should be the one thing that determines what we allow in our minds or not.
There are several actions a believer can take to keep the helmet of salvation functioning:
1. Renew our minds. Our minds are battlefields. The outcomes of those battles determine the course of our lives. Romans 12:2 instructs us to renew our minds by allowing the truth of God’s Word to wipe out anything contrary to it. Old ideas, opinions, and worldviews must be replaced. We must allow God’s truth to continually wash away the world’s filth, lies, and confusion from our minds.
2. Reject doubts that arise from circumstances. If we allow them to, circumstances may convince us that God does not really love us or that His Word is not true. With the helmet of salvation firmly in place, we can choose to believe what appears impossible.
3. Keep a positive attitude. When life crashes in around us, we must remember to look up. Our salvation is the most precious gift we have received. Keeping our eyes on that can help us weather life’s storms.
4. Keep all our hope in Him. The salvation Jesus purchased for us cannot share the place of importance in our hearts with earthly things. When pleasing the Lord is our number 1 priority, we eliminate many of Satan’s lures and render his evil suggestions powerless.
As we wear the helmet of salvation every day, our minds become more guarded against the suggestions, desires, and traps the enemy lays for us. We choose to guard our minds from excessive worldly influence and instead think on things that honor Christ (Philippians 4:8).
The Sword of the Spirit (The Word of God)
The sword of a Roman soldier of that day, was a feared weapon. Short, lightweight and well balanced, it was quick and deadly. The two razor sharpened edges of the broad blade could easily slice a roast. And, the flared and tapered point was designed to easily penetrate and disembowel the enemy. It was well known that if a Roman soldier ever unsheathed his sword -- he would use it.
The sword of a Roman soldier of that day, was a feared weapon. Short, lightweight and well balanced, it was quick and deadly. The two razor sharpened edges of the broad blade could easily slice a roast. And, the flared and tapered point was designed to easily penetrate and disembowel the enemy. It was well known that if a Roman soldier ever unsheathed his sword -- he would use it.
The sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon used by soldiers or warriors. In this case it is a weapon belonging to the Holy Spirit. Swords were used to protect oneself from harm or to attack the enemy to overcome or kill him. In both cases it was necessary for a solider to get rigid training on the proper use of the sword to get maximum protection or defense. All Christian soldiers need the same rigid training to know how to properly handle the Sword of the Spirit “which is the word of God.” The sword which Paul refers to here is the Holy Scriptures. We know from 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that the word of God is from the Holy Spirit and written by men. Since every Christian is on the spiritual battle with the satanic and evil forces of this world, we need to know how to handle the Word properly. Only then will it be an effective defense against evil, but it will be an offensive weapon we use to “demolish strongholds” of error and falsehood (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
The purpose of the Sword of the Spirit—the Bible—is to make us strong and able to withstand the evil onslaughts of Satan our enemy. The Holy Spirit uses the power of the Word to save souls and then to give them spiritual strength to be mature soldiers for the Lord in fighting this corrupt and evil world we live in. The more we know and understand the word of God, the more effective we will be in standing against the enemy of our souls.
SUMMARY
Here are a few more scriptures to help in our spiritual battle.
1. Resist the devil. -- Jas 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
2. Stay away from the devil’s territory. -- 1Th 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.
3. Be aware of the devil’s tricks. -- Mat 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Also Ref: 2Cor 11:3 and 14
4. Be watchful and alert. -- 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
5. Don’t let the devil get his foot in the door. -- Eph 4:27 nor give place to the devil.
The purpose of this study was to show us what the Whole Armor of God is and how to put it on because we are at war! We are in a spiritual warfare and we must be aware of our enemy’s
weapons and tactics, because our spiritual life depends on it. It is an absolute necessity to know how to put on the Whole Armor of God.
The apostle Paul was well aware of the dangers Satan poses for Christians. We must follow Paul’s example and not be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). This means we must understand the devil’s tricks and traps and examine how he uses his weapons in individually targeted ways to attack each of us.
One point worth remembering is this. We are in a spiritual warfare. The devil attacks us by trying to trick us and tempt us through our thoughts. Some believe that he can make us physically sick but that is not what scripture tells us. There are several scriptures that confirm this but we’ll look at just one of them.
1John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.
There are many tricks that the devil will use to try to hinder our relationship with God. Here is a small list of some of those tricks.
1. Deception: The devil will almost always try to deceive us with empty promises. “If you do this, you will get that” type of thought process. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines deception as: an act or statement intended to make people believe something that is not true. The devil will always try to get us to believe a lie.
2. Pride: Another one of Satan’s weapons is pride. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines it as: a feeling that you are more important or better than other people
1Jn 2:16 tells us: For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and
the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world.
3. Do it later: Another powerful device of Satan is telling us to do it later. I’ll pray later, I’ll study later, I’ll go on visitation later etc. We all know that many times when we say we’ll do it later we usually end up not doing it at all.
4. Itching ears: Paul warned about another device of Satan which is Itching ears.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what
their itching ears want to hear.
2Ti 4:4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
Paul was warning Timothy of a natural tendency of human beings to want to hear new things, smooth things, things that appeal to us. We must not fall prey to this weapon of Satan.
5. Discouragement: We all face some sort of discouragement and disappointments at some point in our life. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way we had hoped or planned and the devil will definitely use it to try and hinder us spiritually. We need to remind him that God is in control and that he has always taken care of us.
6. Another trick is to keep us busy with other things. Do we give more priority in doing the things we want to do instead of making the time to do the things that God wants us to do? Mat 6:33 says: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
7. Anxieties, fears and doubts cause many diversions for us. This is one of the tricks he uses a lot. If we know or have a pretty good idea of what God is wanting us to do, the devil will try planting anxiety and fears and doubts within us so that we do not do the will of God. We tell ourselves we simply cannot do that or we doubt that it is God’s will. Be careful not to make the wrong decisions based on fears. If you take the fears out of the equation – would you still make the same decision?
8. Compromise. This is one of satan’s greatest weapons. Have you ever heard the story of the guy who could not decide what side he wanted to fight for during the Civil War? He put on the coat of the North and the trousers of the South, and guess what? He got shot at from both sides! This is what happens to the compromiser, the person who tries to live in two worlds. It's one miserable place to be.
Sadly, there are many in the church today that live a compromised life and this is how some people want it today. They want to go to church — when they get around to it. They certainly want to go to heaven, but they still want to compromise God’s word. They make excuses and twist the word of God around to satisfy their own wants and desires instead of taking a stand and striving to please and obey God.
We should live in such a way that unbelievers could look at us and say, "There is something different about that person. Something that is desirable, something admirable." They may laugh at you at times, but deep in their hearts they may deeply respect you. The compromising person, on the other hand, reaches no one.
Another form of compromise is reinventing new terminology for sinful acts. Murdering a child through abortion is now called “choice” or “reproductive Health”; sodomy is now called “gay”, “fornication” is now called co-habitation, and the redefinition of marriage, as it has been known for 5000 years, is now being labeled “marriage freedom”. It is through these false labeling of sins, the devil deceives us… and our whole society is being deceived and compromising.
9. Unforgiveness is another tool of the devil. Unforgiveness hurts you, not the person that you choose not to forgive. When someone hurts you, you have a choice to forgive them and you get better, or do not forgive them and you get bitter.
When you practice forgiveness you disconnect with satan and connect with God. When you forgive others you become a threat to satan. The devil cannot succeed through a person who forgives others.
The purpose of the Sword of the Spirit—the Bible—is to make us strong and able to withstand the evil onslaughts of Satan our enemy. The Holy Spirit uses the power of the Word to save souls and then to give them spiritual strength to be mature soldiers for the Lord in fighting this corrupt and evil world we live in. The more we know and understand the word of God, the more effective we will be in standing against the enemy of our souls.
SUMMARY
Here are a few more scriptures to help in our spiritual battle.
1. Resist the devil. -- Jas 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
2. Stay away from the devil’s territory. -- 1Th 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.
3. Be aware of the devil’s tricks. -- Mat 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Also Ref: 2Cor 11:3 and 14
4. Be watchful and alert. -- 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
5. Don’t let the devil get his foot in the door. -- Eph 4:27 nor give place to the devil.
The purpose of this study was to show us what the Whole Armor of God is and how to put it on because we are at war! We are in a spiritual warfare and we must be aware of our enemy’s
weapons and tactics, because our spiritual life depends on it. It is an absolute necessity to know how to put on the Whole Armor of God.
The apostle Paul was well aware of the dangers Satan poses for Christians. We must follow Paul’s example and not be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). This means we must understand the devil’s tricks and traps and examine how he uses his weapons in individually targeted ways to attack each of us.
One point worth remembering is this. We are in a spiritual warfare. The devil attacks us by trying to trick us and tempt us through our thoughts. Some believe that he can make us physically sick but that is not what scripture tells us. There are several scriptures that confirm this but we’ll look at just one of them.
1John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.
There are many tricks that the devil will use to try to hinder our relationship with God. Here is a small list of some of those tricks.
1. Deception: The devil will almost always try to deceive us with empty promises. “If you do this, you will get that” type of thought process. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines deception as: an act or statement intended to make people believe something that is not true. The devil will always try to get us to believe a lie.
2. Pride: Another one of Satan’s weapons is pride. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines it as: a feeling that you are more important or better than other people
1Jn 2:16 tells us: For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and
the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world.
3. Do it later: Another powerful device of Satan is telling us to do it later. I’ll pray later, I’ll study later, I’ll go on visitation later etc. We all know that many times when we say we’ll do it later we usually end up not doing it at all.
4. Itching ears: Paul warned about another device of Satan which is Itching ears.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what
their itching ears want to hear.
2Ti 4:4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
Paul was warning Timothy of a natural tendency of human beings to want to hear new things, smooth things, things that appeal to us. We must not fall prey to this weapon of Satan.
5. Discouragement: We all face some sort of discouragement and disappointments at some point in our life. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way we had hoped or planned and the devil will definitely use it to try and hinder us spiritually. We need to remind him that God is in control and that he has always taken care of us.
6. Another trick is to keep us busy with other things. Do we give more priority in doing the things we want to do instead of making the time to do the things that God wants us to do? Mat 6:33 says: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
7. Anxieties, fears and doubts cause many diversions for us. This is one of the tricks he uses a lot. If we know or have a pretty good idea of what God is wanting us to do, the devil will try planting anxiety and fears and doubts within us so that we do not do the will of God. We tell ourselves we simply cannot do that or we doubt that it is God’s will. Be careful not to make the wrong decisions based on fears. If you take the fears out of the equation – would you still make the same decision?
8. Compromise. This is one of satan’s greatest weapons. Have you ever heard the story of the guy who could not decide what side he wanted to fight for during the Civil War? He put on the coat of the North and the trousers of the South, and guess what? He got shot at from both sides! This is what happens to the compromiser, the person who tries to live in two worlds. It's one miserable place to be.
Sadly, there are many in the church today that live a compromised life and this is how some people want it today. They want to go to church — when they get around to it. They certainly want to go to heaven, but they still want to compromise God’s word. They make excuses and twist the word of God around to satisfy their own wants and desires instead of taking a stand and striving to please and obey God.
We should live in such a way that unbelievers could look at us and say, "There is something different about that person. Something that is desirable, something admirable." They may laugh at you at times, but deep in their hearts they may deeply respect you. The compromising person, on the other hand, reaches no one.
Another form of compromise is reinventing new terminology for sinful acts. Murdering a child through abortion is now called “choice” or “reproductive Health”; sodomy is now called “gay”, “fornication” is now called co-habitation, and the redefinition of marriage, as it has been known for 5000 years, is now being labeled “marriage freedom”. It is through these false labeling of sins, the devil deceives us… and our whole society is being deceived and compromising.
9. Unforgiveness is another tool of the devil. Unforgiveness hurts you, not the person that you choose not to forgive. When someone hurts you, you have a choice to forgive them and you get better, or do not forgive them and you get bitter.
When you practice forgiveness you disconnect with satan and connect with God. When you forgive others you become a threat to satan. The devil cannot succeed through a person who forgives others.