The armor makes a difference!
Part 1 The Armor of God
I believe there’s a battle that we can’t see going on in the world today.
God gives believers armor and weapons to wear and use as protection, and as offensive and defensive weapons against the evil one and his schemes against us.
Many picture the battle for the world as 2 near equal powers fighting for control – as if on a see-saw, where any little thing could easily tip the scale in one direction or the other.
<- Us ->
God Satan
/\
World
NO WAY ! ! That is far from the truth!
As a created being, the devil is in NO WAY equal to God
not in power, stature, character, not in any way.
If you are a believer, you’re on God’s team. The truth is: once we join Jesus’ team by accepting his free gift of salvation, we NEVER return to satan’s team. The enemy, satan, knows this and he looks for ways to trick or discourage us to keep us sidelined and out of the game.
Ephesians 6 talks about the pieces of armor.
Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians while in Rome, under house arrest. He was guarded by Roman soldiers. Every day, he saw men dressed in armor, bearing the insignia of their authority. The Holy Spirit must have inspired his analogy of a Christian “soldier.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us the armor we should have in place.
Belt of Truth – a wide, tight band around the waist, this holds pieces of armor in place, as well as the sword. With it we are constantly girded about with the truth – God’s truth, and can recognize a lie from the evil one when it’s launched as a half-truth or outright lie. With it we can hold anything up to compare it to scripture, the plumb line for truth.
Breastplate of Righteousness – protects our heart and vital organs (a forerunner of the bulletproof vest). It is the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ that forms a protective cover that halts darts and arrows, and deflects blows directed at us.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – In our homes, we often remove our shoes as a sign of relaxation. So, to put on shoes is a sign of readiness or preparedness to accept marching orders to stand for the gospel of peace we have in Christ Jesus.
Helmet of Salvation – bears the insignia of our authority and who we serve, the army in which we fight. It protects our heads and guards our minds so we can reject thoughts placed there by the enemy who would like nothing more than to sideline us with thoughts of fear, doubt, insecurity, or unworthiness. “as you think, so you are…” Pr 23:7 KJV. It allows us to take every thought captive to be sure it is God’s truth before accepting it.
Shield of Faith – not some puny little garbage can lid with a handle, but a head to toe protection, repelling the enemy’s offense – when the shield was anointed with oil it would reflect the glare of the sun and blind the enemy. This shield covers a soldier from top to bottom, side to side and can join with others to form a wall of protection that will fend off an attacker. On a wooden frame, its thick covering can stop projectiles and extinguish flaming arrows.
Sword of the Spirit – our offensive weapon, the WORD of GOD. We can use the very words of scripture to fight against, repel, harm and defeat the enemy. Jesus used these very words to overcome satan’s temptations. There is power in the Word of God.
Wearing this Spiritual Armor prepares us for and protects us in battle. So, arm yourself with the armor daily.
Speak each piece on in prayer. Out loud so the evil one hears you!
Here’s a sample prayer for the armor.
Lord Jesus Christ, with the belt of truth fastened around my waist, I say that I will not believe the lies satan would try to use to confuse me. Give me clarity and an understanding of what is the truth in this situation.
The helmet of salvation I wear will guard my mind, and I take every thought captive to you. Help me see past what the world and others tell me, to what you want to say to me.
The breastplate of righteousness I place over my chest protects my heart, so I can hear you with my mind and my heart. I believe satan is tempting me with lies and half-truths so I will stand on Your promises and Your truths.
I wear the shoes of peace to say that I am ready to receive my marching orders from you and to obey what you tell me to do.
I take up my shield to repel all the arguments the evil one would send against me. Father, You have taught me right from wrong, help me cling to what is right.
I take up the sword, the Word of God, and say that satan has no power over me. Lord, You are my Master, my Commander, my Creator, and it is you who I will follow and obey. You have created me fearfully and wonderfully, and you alone are worthy of all my praise.
Father, anoint me with the Holy Spirit so I may truly hear and understand your words. Send the Holy Spirit to guide me in this decision and to silence all the voices that are not from you.
In the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, I thank you for hearing my prayer. I yield my will to You and wait to hear from You, listening with my heart and my spirit. Amen.