The Armor of God
The armor of God is a gift to us to be able to win spiritual battles. This passage in Ephesians 6 gives us a lot of insight on spiritual warfare, so let’s take a look.
Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong.
We lean not on our own strength but on the Lord’s. (Not by might or power but by the Spirit of the Lord!)
Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.
The armor is meant for defense from the enemy. AND our enemies are NEVER people. We fight against the forces of evil and rulers of darkness that come to deceive and destroy the hearts and minds of mankind.
We do not fight against our brother. We fight against the demonic influences over our brother. We do not fight a governing official. We fight against the principalities that official is partnering with.
God’s heart is that all shall be saved. Jesus understood this better than anyone, which is why He was able to give such incredible gracious words to those who tormented, slandered, and murdered Him. “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” Jesus could easily see the difference between the people who needed a Savior and the demonic influences that disillusioned them.
So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.
The armor of God is twice mentioned as a defense, so that you can defend yourself. It’s not meant to run rogue into battle. We don’t need to go picking fights and stirring up trouble. But when we walk into demonic territories, we can rest assured that the armor of God will allow us to face battle victoriously and overcoming, standing firm to the end. Hold on the that promise when you feel battle weary.
Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor.
The belt of truth is essential because it holds everything in place, including the shield. Essentially, Truth is foundational. Maybe that’s why absolute truth has been so muddled and warped. A strategy of the enemy to bring confusion. Because once Truth is forsaken, it’s very easy to knock a Believer down to the ground.
Ask the Lord to search your heart and show you if there is any wayward belief in you. Seek Truth in God’s Word. The Truth will not only set you free, it will also help you stand your ground in an onslaught of spiritual battles. Lately, just turning on the phone or driving down the street seems to require a great deal of spiritual battle. Make sure you’re fighting the right battles and with the right armor on. Guard yourself with truth.
Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet.
The Gospel is the Good New of Peace. It’s the Good News that Jesus came to pay the price we owe for our sins. He took our place on the cross to pay our debt. He took the chastisement that was due to us upon Himself. And by His stripes and beatings, we are healed. And then Jesus died and conquered death, resurrected after 3 days. And this resurrection power lives now in those who believe in Jesus and confess that He is Lord.
When the truth of this grips our hearts, it also compels our feet! It compels us to run the race because we realize we are no longer walking this earth for ourselves. We walk the earth now with purpose and readiness, knowing time is short! Knowing that we are here to bring as many of those who are lost (like we once were) into the forgiving, redeeming, loving arms of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
The ESV puts it this way, that the shield of faith extinguishes EVERY flaming arrow of the evil one. Another way to say this is “It’s by grace through faith we are saved.” Faith saves us, protects us, and becomes a shield around us. We have to step out in faith trusting God will extinguish the arrows hurled our way.
Another important thing westerners often miss is this… Nobody ever high tailed it into battle alone. Yet, we do. They linked their shields together and advanced as a united front. Don’t think you can fight these kind of battles ahead of us a lone ranger. We are designed and created for community, to link arms with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Together, we are the Body of Christ. Not the lone wolfs of Christ. Nope. That’s why Jesus says, “When two or more gather in my Name, I am there with them.” “If two or more agree in prayer, then it is done.” “Father, my heart is that they would be one.” Jesus longs for unity, not just because it’s His heart for us but because its also what strengthens and protects and shields us the most.
Shields are designed to link up with others. So do your battles on your knees in prayer with other believers by your side.
Let God’s saving power be like a helmet,
Much of the battle is in the mind. It’s over our thoughts. Because what we set our minds on determines the outcome of the battle. Set your minds on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and then you’ve already won every battle you face.
Set your minds on things below, and you’ve sunk down to the enemies level. Down low, it’s easy to see the trial, the storm, the destruction, and it will get to you quickly.
Set your mind on what is good and honorable and praiseworthy and excellent and lovely… and the peace of God will guard your mind in Christ Jesus. And let me tell you, the peace of God in the midst of any battle means you’ve already won before the war is even over.
Peace in the storm is like walking on water, and it’s our way of fighting from a place of victory, not grappling and struggling for the victory. Victory is already won in Jesus and we can live from that reality if we set our hearts and minds on Him.
and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit.
The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is our only ONLY offensive weapon. We don’t go into battle hurling insults at the enemy. We don’t go in to battle spewing curses. That’s what evil does. We just go into battle with the living, breathing, powerful, effective Word of God.
That’s why its so crucial to spend time in God’s Word, letting it wash over your mind, letting it sink in by memory, letting it change you and shape you. God’s Word truly is alive, living and breathing and sharper than a double edged sword. And it cuts away the authority, attempts, and torment of the evil one. God’s Word is Truth and will slice away all the condemnation and slander and hopelessness that the enemy might try to take you down with.
Fight back only with God’s Words, words that create into existence and bless you and your family and loved ones and even the people who are out to harm you, and His Words also have power to cut off evil in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.
When we couple God’s Word with prayer and pray God’s Word, then the deal is done and battle is won. And when we pray not from our own might and mind, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, there’s no stopping us. It’s a triple threat! So put on the offense of the armor of God, and fight to win your battles…
Pray God’s Word in the power of Holy Spirit in authority of Jesus’ Name, and you will take down every dark thing after you, your family, and your nation.
Til next time… Toodle-loo, and Peace be with you.
If you want to walk in full forgiveness and the full power of the Holy Spirit, here’s a prayer to ask Jesus to wash you clean and lead you in a new life.
If you decided to give your life to Jesus today, please let us know so we can share in your new joy! And seek out someone in your area who loves Jesus and walks in humility who can help show you the way.
If you have any questions, you can drop in comments below. That’s what I’m here for!
