Put on the FULL Armor of God: Stand Firm in the battle

“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 armor 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.”

-Ephesians 6:12-13

I love this verse! How powerful and equipped we are in a battle against the enemy. Does God not give us everything we need?

In this message (Ephesians 6:10-20) Paul is telling other believers who they battle against, how to equip, and gives them a reminder to pray that they may be able to speak (with the right words) fearlessly in presence of the enemy. Which is exactly how God wants us to be at all times. Fearless.

We know in the 2 verses above who we are up against. Worldly rulers and the authority that the world tries to have on Gods people. As believers and children of God we STAND in the power and authority of God. We are also informed of the pieces of our armor: The Belt of Truth, The Breastplate of Righteousness, The Shoes, The Shield of Faith, The Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.

Lets take a closer look at how the word helps us put on the FULL armor.

1. The Belt of Truth – This is the part that holds everything together. By our conduct we should live our lives by the truth of the word. The bible says in John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Just think about having fear about something your have been called to do. It unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and unknown. All you are reminded of is your past and the lies of the enemy to keep you in bondage. But the truth of the Lord shall set us free! So put on your belt so that it my hold you up in truth!
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness – What is righteousness? Acting in accord with divine or moral law. In other words living an honest and ethical life. Conforming our lives to a standard of what is right and good. So you see truth and righteousness go hand in hand. When we are living according to Gods truth (divine law) we know the truth, are held up, and set free. The bible also tells us to “guard your heart” (proverbs 4:23) “Keep his words within our hearts because they are life to those who find them and health to ones body” (Proverbs 4:21-22). Hearing the truth, keeping the truth, conforming your life to the truth, guard the truth.
3. Having Shod your Feet… – Here we are learning that we are to prepare our feet to follow the Lord wherever he leads us. Although obstacles will be placed in front of us we know that by preparing ourselves we will overcome. Put on your gospel shoes for the battle at hand so that you may keep your eyes on God and not look down at the distraction. Don’t allow yourself to have to stop and worry about a shoelace in your faith-race. For 2 good reasons: 1. Its called a FAITH-race. Your hope and trust is in the one before you not below you. 2. You allow yourself to be too close to the distraction. Remember it only takes a crevasse for the enemy to sneak in.
4. The Shield of Faith – Think about a shield. A shield is a metal broad piece used to protect and defend a person. God compares our faith to a shield. Something that starts out so small and can grow so strong that nothing the enemy tries can penetrate through. Because of your faith anything is possible.
5. The Helmet of Salvation – A helmet protects out head, brain, and skull from getting damaged. So what is our spiritual helmet? Our knowledge of our salvation in Christ. Remember salvation is the deliverance from the power and effect of sin. So by you knowing and being sure of your freedom from power and effects of sin you are now confident that you can no longer be taken over by the enemy. Praise God for his love and protection! So many places in the bible talks about our salvation in Jesus Christ. Fill your head with those words and protect it! “You are saved.” “You are forgiven.” “You are protected.”
6. Sword of the Spirit – So a sword is obviously, a weapon used to fight with. As Christians our weapon is that big book full of truth and power (Hebrews 4:12). Just as Jesus was tempted we will be as well but just like Jesus we have to know how to fight back. Use your weapon! It’s all you need.