The Armor of God

The Armorof God

Ephesians 6:11-17

so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Put on the full armor of God,

he armor of God is a metaphor that helps the believer visualize the protection that God provides for the soul. This defensive suit is built by learning God’s wisdom revealed in the Bible.Paul wrote the armor metaphor while he was imprisoned in Rome, surrounded day and night by elite guards of the Roman army. The impressive battle gear worn by these soldiers was the perfect way for Paul to illustrate what God wants us to know about our spiritual defenses.

Scripture warns that we must be on the alert, for Satan is like a roaring lion who prowls around looking for any spiritual life he can destroy (1 Pet. 5:8). The devil attacks with false ideas and situations that make us feel confused or lonely. By using our own weaknesses against us—our arrogance, fears, doubts— he keeps us in turmoil. But with the defensive “armor of God” in our souls, we have strength and courage to “stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Eph. 6:11b).

Keep in mind that since eternity past, Satan has been fighting an invisible war against God. Being the full-fledged enemy of God, the devil concentrates his evil forces on those who believe in Jesus Christ—those who belong to God. This means the soul of every believer is a battlefield for constant conflict.

By learning God’s Word—the doctrines, promises, and commands—day by day you equip your soul for spiritual battle. With the full armor in place, you will never be off-balance or defenseless. You will be able to persevere, even in the face of overwhelming odds, and live as a victor in the devils world.

Shield of Faith

Footgear of Gospel preparation

Belt of Truth

Sword of the Spirit

Breastplate ofRighteousness

Helmet ofSalvation

The Armor of God

Click on each piece of armor to learn its meaning and benefit for your spiritual life.

Helmet of Salvation

The metal helmet protected the Roman’s head and neck from injury in battle. For the Christian warrior, wearing the helmet of salvation means total confidence in an eternal future with God. Your salvation by faith alone in Christ alone is secure, permanently settled. But Satan wants you to believe you can lose your salvation, because if you have doubts and insecurities, you will be distracted from growing up spiritually. To avoid the devil’s trap, you must be absolutely certain about the doctrines of Christ’s work on the cross. This is how you strap on your helmet of salvation and move forward with God’s plan for your life. John 10:28; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:13

Footgear of Gospel preparation

The heavy, thick leather sandals worn by Roman infantrymen allowed them to march countless miles to and from battle. The Christian soldier who puts on his footgear of preparation is ready to present the Gospel to unbelievers. It is your duty and privilege to tell others about Christ’s work on the cross, so that they, too, might accept the gift of salvation. If you are prepared with accurate knowledge of the Gospel, you will never compromise the truth. You can stand firm against Satan’s false doctrines and not be discouraged when others reject the Gospel message. Acts 1:8; Rom. 10:15; 1 Pet. 3:15

Belt of Truth

The belt of the Roman soldier was the central item that protected the lower body and carried his sword and other essential battle provisions. For the Christian soldier, the belt of truth is the entire realm of Bible doctrine. Spiritual truth is the foundation for building defenses in the spiritual life. Before you can put on any other piece of battle gear, you must study and know the Word of God. These doctrines are essential for every aspect of life as a believer and are the key ingredient that strengthens your soul for battle. 2 Peter 3:18

Sword of the Spirit

Every soldier in the Roman army carried a double-edged sword designed to fatally wound the enemy in combat. Extensive training was needed to use this weapon effectively. Every believer in Jesus Christ is given a spiritual sword for protection against Satan’s attacks. The Christian’s sword is Bible doctrine, and that sword becomes alive and powerful by the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who makes the message of Bible doctrine understandable and usable by believers. Just like the Roman soldier, handling your mighty weapon effectively takes training and discipline. First, you must learn to stay filled with the Holy Spirit (rebound). Then every day, you must listen to well-taught Bible lessons, study and restudy the doctrines, and apply those truths to life. With that power of doctrine in your soul, you can “resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Matt. 4:4; John 17:17; Heb. 4:12

The Shield of Faith

A large rectangular shield protected the Roman soldier’s body from stones, swords, and fiery arrows thrown by the enemy. A soldier who dropped his shield was easily killed in battle. The shield of the Christian soldier is his trust in God to do what He has promised. In difficult situations, recalling Bible promises and thinking about related doctrines is a drill of faith that provides inner strength and stability. Faith in divine promises guards against Satan’s fiery arrows—like fear, frustration, and boredom—and results in confidence in the Lord’s perfect provision. Ps. 18:30b; 2 Cor 5:7

Breastplate of Righteousness

The Roman breastplate protected the soldier’s heart and upper body from the enemy’s swords and spears. The breastplate of righteousness protects the soul of the Christian from Satan’s lies and confusing ideas. Righteousness is the virtue gained from growing spiritually and consistently living inside the plan of God. As you learn more and more doctrine and stay filled with the Holy Spirit for longer periods of time, your thinking becomes like Christ’s thinking. You remain focused on God’s plan and can face Satan’s deceptions with stability and contentment. 1 Tim. 6:11