Armor of God

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

The purpose of the armour of God is to enable you «to stand against the wiles of the devil; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).» When you fail to put on the armour of God you go naked onto the battlefield and may get eaten.

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

This reminds us that the true nature of the fight is spiritual, not carnal and our enemies are spirits and not other people! When you are in a battle that involves other people, bind the spirits and pray for the other people. «Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven». (Matthew 5:44-45) Jesus said, «Father forgive them for they know not what they do» (Luke 23:34) even after being nailed to the cross. This is the response that shows you are a child of God!

Having your loins girt about with truth Ephesians 6:14

1 Peter 1:13 tells us that these loins are the loins of our minds. The loins of your mind are where the generative thought processes take place ie, where the seed of a thought can root in the heart and spring up into words and actions. You know, when «you›d like to give ‹em a piece of your mind.»

Girding up the loins of your mind is …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 2 Corinthians 10:5. To «girt or girdle» means to attach or fasten garments. The girdle of truth is what anchors all the rest of our armour. It goes all the way around us and covers our front, back and sides. Jesus was stripped and beaten beyond recognition, having no protection, yet his «Truth» protects us today and forever!

Having on the breastplate of righteousness Ephesians 6:14

God said in Ezekiel 36:26 that He will give you a new heart, a heart of flesh and not stone. The breastplate of righteousness protects our heart and vital organs. You put it on by having Jesus cleanse you from all unrighteousness, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9) and then professing that righteousness. I am made the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus was naked and a sword pierced his heart in death. Now he pierces our hearts to life and his righteousness!

Having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace Ephesians 6:14

These are the «shoes of readiness.» Preaching instantly in season; out of season (2 Timothy 4:2)», being ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)» and having your speech always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man Colossians 4:6.

The shoes come by studying to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth 2 Timothy 2:15. and a willingness to just do it. The shoes also are fit to tread on serpents and scorpions crushing the enemy under our feet and bringing peace to the downtrodden. Jesus feet were bare when he walked the way of the cross!

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16

God is our shield and our hiding place (Psalm 119:114). he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him Proverbs 30:5. When you›ve taken up the shield of faith and know that God is going before you and watching behind you it doesn’t matter who or what is against you, for He will always give you the victory through Christ Jesus and the wicked one can’t touch you! Jesus hands were pierced and held no weapon or defense for himself. He did it all for us!

And take the helmet of salvation Ephesians 6:17

The helmet of salvation is to protect our minds from all the lies of the enemy, our ears from deafness and our eyes from blindness. Jesus head was uncovered and he wore a crown of thorns. They smote him in the face and pulled out his beard. His face was marred more than any man’s and they spit on him. Yet he is our headship, the head of the church and we have the mind of Christ 1 Corinthians 2:16.

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God! Ephesians 6:17

The sword of the Spirit is the word of God spoken out loud. On the mount of temptation (Matthew 4:1-11) Jesus showed us how to use the sword; each time the devil tempted him he responded with the sword and said, it is written… And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword…Revelation 19:15. Now when you›ve put on this armour you›ll discover you have put on Christ and are dressed for the Battle of Victory.

Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day…for the battle is the Lord’s! Exodus 14:13