For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13
Into the Text
During Paul’s lifetime, Rome was the political superpower of the day. The Roman soldiers would wear full body armor when going into battle. Paul uses their armor as a picture of the weapons we have been given in our battle against Satan and evil.
There are six pieces to the armor of God: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. All of these pieces are meant to fight the flaming arrows that the enemy throws at us.
Notice that the picture of the armor of God covers all of a person’s body. We are in an all-out assault. We cannot be partially covered.
Notice also that the tools of our armor are powerful things that we already have access to. We have been given righteousness through Jesus’ salvation. The gospel is to be at the center of all that we do. Our faith is what protects us and keeps us holding on to hope in the midst of hardship. Our salvation is firm and secure and can help us to negate the lies of the enemy. And the Spirit leads us to go on the offensive using the Word of God to cut down the tactics aimed at disarming us.
Though the battle can sound daunting and scary, you have been equipped to fight and to win. Prayer is the key to standing firm and fighting with our weapons. We have a commander who is battle tested and battle won, but we are also fighting alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are an unstoppable army, thanks to Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for giving me your armor to fight against the schemes of the enemy. I pray that you would strengthen me and help me to utilize my weapons so that I can stand firm. Amen.