JAG, Short Reads, Teachings
The Full Armour Of God
May
THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD Part 1
The Belt Of Truth
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
The Shoes Of Peace
The Shield Of Faith
The Helmet Of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit
Why do we need the Armor of God? To answer this it is important to understand the situation or circumstance that is before us. It is important to realise we are always in a battle. It is important to realise we do have a very real enemy.
“ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Given that the enemy is always looking for ways to “devour” us we need to “be alert”. The enemies time is short. He will look for every opportunity to attack God’s children.
GO DEEPER READ: Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20:2, Revelation 20:10
We must constantly be on our guard. Satan (the Devil) is a thief, a murderer, a deceiver and a tempter (among other things).
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV)
We must be sure that we do not allow any cracks in our lives for the enemy to exploit (attack or gain access through). As seen below if we walk blameless we give the enemy very little room to come after us (although He will still try).
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4-8 (NIV)
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalm 84:11 (NIV)
There are many situations that will come our way. To name a few there are temptations, trials, tests and attacks. How we respond requires faith, knowledge (of God’s Word) and wisdom (to name a few). We always have the full armor of God available to us. Ephesians 6 below highlights the need for “the full armor of God”. We can also see that the devil does scheme against us. Verse 10 indicates that we CAN be “strong in the Lord and his mighty power”. How? By remaining within the “full armor of God”. This enables us to “stand y(our) ground”.
The Armor of God
10”Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.12 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.13 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.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV)
The goal of having and remaining within the full armor is to be able to “stand firm” in the face of adversity! (vs 14 and vs 20). Let’s look at what our Armor is:
- belt of truth buckled around your waist (vs 14)
Truth is what holds all the other pieces of the armor in place. The Truth is the Truth of God’s word as opposed to the lies of Satan.
“He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”John 8:44-47 NIV (regarding Satan)
Jesus said “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”John 8:32 (NIV)
GO DEEPER READ: ROMANS 3:23, ROMANS 3:10, ROMANS 5:12, ROMANS 6:23, ROMANS 5:8, ROMANS 10:9-10, ROMANS 10:13
The greatest truth in Bible is that there is forgiveness of sin through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. This shed blood of the spotless Lamb of God opens the door to forgiveness through repentance. The truth of this “belt” holds together the full armor of God.
- breastplate of righteousness in place (vs 14)
The breastplate covers the chest (it shields shields the heart and the other vital organs)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Christ’s righteousness protects against all of Satan’s accusations and charges.
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;Romans 3:10 (NIV)
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
The Bible is clear that none of us are righteous. Our righteousness comes from Christ alone.
“and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Philippians 3:9 (NIV)
GO DEEPER READ: Ephesians 2:8-9
It is Christ’s righteousness—not our own righteousness—that covers and protects us.
- feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (vs 15)
What is “the gospel of peace”? The word “gospel” means “good news,” This “good news” refers to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Having our “feet fitted with the readiness that gospel comes from the gospel of peace “ is a posture we must have to advance the gospel.
GO DEEPER READ: Matthew 28:19-20
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
As previously discussed we must take up our cross daily because we are in a race and cannot remain stationary if we are to finish. As we move forward we take with us the peace of Christ as our armor. To be in the peace of Christ we must listen to His words and abide in His ways.
“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 (NIV)
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” John 10:27 (NIV)
- take up the shield of faith (vs 16)
As we take up our cross and run this race we are not alone. We run the race with Him. As we move forward our faith grows and develops until it becomes a shield, protecting us (as a shield) and allowing us to live a victorious life in Christ. In Paul”s words:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. We can have the same triumphant lives as you use the shield of faith to defend against everything Satan hurls at you. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
- Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (vs 17)
The Helmet protects our head which, of course, contains our brain. With our brain we can sift through thoughts and situations as they present themselves to us. When we have a sure knowledge of our salvation we will not be moved by Satan’s deceptions.
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)
- Sword of the Spirit (vs 17)
The sword of the spirit is the only weapon of offense listed in the armor of God. All the other parts are what we have through Christ(faith, righteousness, peace, salvation)
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
GO DEEPER READ: Mathew 4:1-11 Jesus Temptation
God’s Word is powerful.
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
It is so important that we study the Bible and become familiar with its truths and its power. David wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The sword of God’s Word both protects us from and destroys our enemy (the lies, the temptations, the plans and the schemes)
“See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” Isaiah 54:16-17 NIV
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Full Armor of God is both an offensive weapon and a defensive tool.
We must always remember prayer as part of our arsenal of weapons.
We thank you JAG for writing and sharing this beautiful word of knowledge with us. We eagerly await to see other parts and further revelations the Lord reveals through you.
