Put on the Armour of God
We need to put on the full armour of God so we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. Armour is worn by a warrior to protect the body in battle and help defend from attack. Our Christian armour includes
Belt of Truth: Knowing the truth
Breastplate of Righteousness: Knowing we have been made righteous in God’s sight and living in righteousness
Footwear: Knowing we have peace with God, and living in peace
Shield of Faith: Take up the shield of faith
Helmet of Salvation: Knowing we have salvation and the hope of our eternal salvation
Sword: The word of God, which is the Bible.
As we understand each of these, we can stand firm against the devil’s schemes and be strong. It is important to have a good understanding of each part of the armour so you can really believe in it.
Believe in faith that you have put your armour on, knowing that our weapons have divine power to demolish strongholds. Whatever comes your way, you should always fix your eyes on Jesus, not on the problem or spiritual force behind it.
Some people ‘put their armour on’ each morning by praying through the parts of the armour and they especially make sure they pray it on before they go into a situation in which it may be needed more. Some people touch the parts of their body as they put it on, and some imagine it in their mind.
Let’s now look at each piece of armour to understand the truths that will provide protection. Then we will be dressed, ready to help in God’s battle of rescuing people from the kingdom of darkness.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Ephesians 6:10-18
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2
Prepared by Julie Young