The Unseen Battle: The Armour of God!
Standing Firm in Victory
In the Christian life, we face a battle that extends far beyond the physical realm. The Apostle Paul reminds us that "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, KJV). To stand firm in this unseen battle, God has provided believers with spiritual armour—divine equipment that enables us to withstand the enemy's attacks and stand victorious in Christ.
Introduction to Spiritual Armour
The concept of spiritual armour is introduced in Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV, where Paul exhorts believers to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Ephesians 6:10, KJV). This strength doesn't come from our own abilities but from God Himself. Paul instructs us to "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11, KJV). Each piece of this armour serves a specific purpose in our spiritual defence and offence.
The Belt of Truth
The first piece of armour is the belt of truth. Paul writes, "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth" (Ephesians 6:14, KJV). In ancient warfare, the belt held the soldier's armour together and secured their weapons. Spiritually, truth is foundational to everything else. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6, KJV). When we embrace God's truth and live honestly, we establish a firm foundation that holds our spiritual life together. Deception is one of Satan's primary weapons, but truth exposes and defeats his lies.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Next comes the breastplate of righteousness, which protects the vital organs, particularly the heart. Paul instructs us to have "the breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14, KJV). This righteousness isn't our own—"all our righteousness's are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6, KJV)—but Christ's righteousness imputed to us. When we live righteously, walking in obedience to God's Word, we guard our hearts against the enemy's accusations and temptations. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6, KJV).
Feet Fitted with the Readiness of the Gospel of Peace
Paul continues, "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15, KJV). Roman soldiers wore sturdy footwear that provided stability and mobility. Spiritually, the gospel gives us firm footing and readiness to move forward in our calling. We're called to be ambassadors of peace, ready to share the good news. "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15, KJV). This readiness keeps us stable and purposeful in spiritual warfare.
The Shield of Faith
The shield of faith is crucial for protection: "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16, KJV). Faith in God's promises and character deflects the enemy's attacks—doubt, fear, temptation, and accusation. "Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, KJV). When fiery trials come, faith extinguishes them.
The Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protects the head, representing our minds and thoughts. Paul instructs us to take "the helmet of salvation" (Ephesians 6:17, KJV). Our assurance of salvation protects our minds from despair, doubt, and the enemy's mental attacks. When we know we are saved and secure in Christ, we can withstand the psychological warfare of the enemy. "Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation" (1 Thessalonians 5:8, KJV).
The Sword of the Spirit
The only offensive weapon in the armour is "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17, KJV). God's Word is living and powerful, "sharper than any two edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12, KJV). Jesus Himself demonstrated this weapon's effectiveness when tempted by Satan, responding to each temptation with "It is written" (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10, KJV). To wield this sword effectively, we must know Scripture, meditate on it, and apply it to our lives.
Prayer & the Armour of God
Paul concludes his discussion of spiritual armour with the vital practice of prayer: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:18, KJV). Prayer isn't a separate piece of armour but the atmosphere in which we wear it all. Through prayer, we maintain communication with our Heavenly Father, receive strength, and intercede for others. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16, KJV).
Practical Application
Understanding the armour of God is essential, but application is crucial. We must daily and deliberately put on this armour. Begin each day by acknowledging your need for God's protection. Commit to truth in all your dealings. Pursue righteousness through obedience to God's Word. Be ready to share the gospel. Exercise faith in God's promises. Rest in your salvation. Study and memorise Scripture. Pray without ceasing.
Remember, this isn't armour we manufacture ourselves—it's provided by God. Our responsibility is to put it on and keep it on. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Ephesians 6:10, KJV). The battle is real, but victory is assured for those who stand firm in God's armour, for "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4, KJV).
Key Takeaways:
- We face a spiritual battle against unseen forces, not physical enemies (Ephesians 6:12 KJV)
- God provides complete armour for our protection and victory in spiritual warfare
- The Belt of Truth holds everything together—living in God's truth defeats Satan's deception
- The Breastplate of Righteousness guards our hearts through Christ's righteousness, not our own
- Gospel-ready feet give us stability and purpose to share the good news of peace
- The Shield of Faith extinguishes all fiery darts of doubt, fear, and temptation
- The Helmet of Salvation protects our minds with assurance of our security in Christ
- The Sword of the Spirit (God's Word) is our offensive weapon—know it, memorise it, wield it
- Prayer is essential—the atmosphere in which we wear all the armour
- Daily application is crucial—deliberately put on God's armour each day
- Victory is assured for those who stand firm in God's strength: "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4 KJV)
