Bible Text; Ephesians 6:11-13: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” NKJV
The armor of God includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Each piece of armor represents spiritual features and protection against the schemes of the enemy.
By utilizing these weapons of our warfare, believers can effectively combat spiritual battles, overcome adversity, and experience victory in Christ.
Explain each amor of God listed in Ephesians 6:11-13. How to use it? When to use it?
In Ephesians 6:11-13, the apostle Paul describes the spiritual armor that believers are instructed to put on to stand against the schemes of the devil. Let’s break down each piece of the armor of God, along with its significance, usage, and timing:
- The Belt of Truth:
- Ephesians 6:14a: “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth.” NKJV
- Significance: The belt of truth represents a commitment to living in accordance with God’s truth revealed in His Word. Just like a belt that holds your shirt tucked into your trouser and prevents you from having any embarrassing situations like your trousers coming down publicly! In the same similitude the belt of truth (God’s word) holds all the other pieces of the armor together. Without the word of God richly in you, the other weapons of warfare will be ineffective or not fully deployed to their maximal ability due the scarcity of God’ word in you
- Usage: We use the belt of truth by aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with God’s truth. We reject lies and deception and cling to God’s Word as our foundation.
- When to use it: We should rely on the belt of truth daily and at all times, especially when facing situations where deception and falsehoods are prevalent.
- The Breastplate of Righteousness:
- Ephesians 6:14b: “…having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” NKJV
- Significance: The breastplate is worn to protect the soldiers heart and other inward vital organs. The breastplate of righteousness as a spiritual amour protects the inward parts of your person, which consist of your soul, mind, and spirit. The breastplate of righteousness represents the righteousness we receive through Christ’s sacrifice by grace and our obedience to God’s commands. It is not righteousness by works but by faith. And because we have received it by grace, it drives us to desire to obey Him and His word.
- Usage: We use the breastplate of righteousness by living a life of obedience and holiness, seeking to do what is right in God’s eyes and guarding our hearts against sin.
- When to use it: We should wear the breastplate of righteousness at all times, especially in moments of temptation and spiritual attack.
- The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace:
- Ephesians 6:15: “And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”
- Shoes protects the soldiers feet and give them stability even in uneven surfaces, so they can march forward and move with speed
- Significance: The shoes of the gospel of peace enable us to stand firm and ready to share the message of salvation with others. They provide stability and mobility in spiritual warfare.
- Usage: We use the shoes of the gospel of peace by being prepared to share the hope and peace found in Christ with those around us. We walk in readiness to proclaim the good news of salvation.
- When to use it: We should wear the shoes of the gospel of peace wherever we go, actively seeking opportunities to share God’s love and salvation with others.
4. The Shield of Faith:
- Ephesians 6:16: “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
- Significance: The fiery dart of the enemy are usually targeted at our mind. And if you study the enemy’s direct attack on Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, all his suggestions, lies and deception was to attack their belief system in the mind realm and make them sin by doubting and disbelieve the integrity of God’s word. Therefore the shield of faith protects us from the enemy’s attacks and extinguishes his fiery arrows of doubt, fear, and temptation which are directed to our mind.
- Usage: We use the shield of faith by trusting in God’s promises, standing firm on His Word, and refusing to waver in our belief, even in the face of adversity.
- When to use it: We should lift up the shield of faith in times of doubt, temptation, and spiritual warfare, trusting in God’s faithfulness to protect and deliver us.
- 5. The Helmet of Salvation:
- Ephesians 6:17a: “And take the helmet of salvation.”
- The helmet protects the head. The head also symbolises our thought life
- Significance: The helmet of salvation protects our thought-life and mind from doubts, fears, and attacks on our identity in Christ. It assures us of our eternal security and salvation through Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:8; “But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” NKJV
- Hope in God and His word protects your thought-life. Hope in God and His word protects your mind. You have got to be an optimist in God and His word, this is what will protect your mind. If you are a pessimist or pessimistic, gloomy view to life, your mind will be open to the attacks of satan.
- Usage: We use the helmet of salvation by renewing our minds with the truth of God’s Word and always hoping in God and His word, reminding ourselves of our identity as children of God, and guarding against negative thoughts and influences.
- When to use it: We should wear the helmet of salvation daily, especially when facing doubts, spiritual attacks on our faith, and battles for our minds.
6. The Sword of the Spirit:
- Ephesians 6:17b: “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
- Significance: The sword of the Spirit is the offensive weapon in the armor of God. It represents the power of God’s Word to defeat the enemy’s lies, temptations, and schemes.
- Usage: We use the sword of the Spirit by wielding the Word of God skilfully, speaking truth, declaring promises, and combating falsehoods and spiritual attacks.
- When to use it: We should wield the sword of the Spirit in every spiritual battle, relying on the Word of God to overcome the enemy’s tactics and to bring light and truth into darkness.
Each piece of the armor of God is essential for spiritual warfare, and believers are called to put on the whole armor to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes (Ephesians 6:13). By utilizing these spiritual weapons in accordance with God’s Word, believers can effectively resist the devil and experience victory in Christ.
God bless you
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name“
Prayer: O God arise and put an end to every spiritual attack of the enemy against my body, soul and spirit by Your consuming fire, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
Resource: The Weapons of Our Warfare as Believers – Feast of light
