What is the purpose of the armor?
The purpose of the armor is to protect us against Satan’s schemes, attacks, and persecution. It also protects us against principalities and powers of darkness, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The Bible clearly states that we are not at war with flesh and blood (meaning we are not fighting with someone that looks like us), but against the satanic oppression and control that the devil may have over one’s life, against the temptation, and unseen wickedness.
God’s armor is to fight against the evil that Satan directed towards us. Every day we engage in spiritual warfare battles as believers whether it be with ourselves to find the motivation to read the bible and pray, a fight/ disagreement with a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or the neighbor, whatever means necessary the devil will use to cause us to lose focus. The reason why we overcome all these trials and attacks; it’s because of the protection of God’s armor.
The first element of the armor we are to take is the BELT OF TRUTH
He shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free John 8:32.
Satan is the father of all lies John 8:44, therefore; telling the truth is not a part of his nature, telling lies is true to his character. He will dress the lies to pass them off as truth, and only the spirit of God can reveal such lies to you. (Try the spirit to see which is of God 1 John 4:1). Once you know the truth that is in the word of God, you cannot be deceived by the lies of Satan. The BELT OF TRUTH is what guards you against the lies and deception of the enemy. It holds the rest of our garments in place and keeps them from falling so we are not vulnerable to the enemy and we can expose him for the liar he is. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life John 14:6. Once you have found Jesus, you have found and know the truth; knowing the truth will lead you to everlasting life—everlasting life in Christ.
Second, is the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
The heart is the incubator of our emotions. It is where we nurse what comes in and what goes out. We feel with our hearts and not with our heads. So if the enemy can penetrate us through what we feel about others, ourselves, hurt, pain—then he can cause us to go into a dark place where we doubt the righteousness of God towards us on the merit of whether God loves and approves of us. God sent His son to die for us so that we might be made the righteousness of God 2 Corinthians 5:21. The devil wants you to doubt that through Jesus we are saved and are made righteous unto God through the death of Jesus on the cross. So guard your heart, and be sensitive to what you allow in. Feed on the righteous things of God that will protect your heart.
Third, is your FEET WITH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.
True peace comes from knowing God (John 14:27).
Wherever we go, we have to share the good news of salvation. The devil will have us think that no one will listen, and he will try to throw us off course by putting all kinds of obstacles and traps to try and deter us or slow us down, but with the right shoes, we will be ready to sidestep, jump, run and move over all the devils stumbling blocks. Our job is to share the gospel with others and leave the rest to God. The ones that accept and repent, the angels in heaven will rejoice over one sinner that came to repentance than over the ninety-nine that is saved (Luke 15:7)—the whole purpose is to win souls for the kingdom. The good news of salvation is for any and everyone who will receive this precious gift. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). God has equipped us with the right shoes to take us to the highways and byways to proclaim His word—the Gospel of peace.
Fourth, the SHIELD OF FAITH
The shield of faith ties all the other elements together. Without faith none of this is possible. The shield of faith is what protects the entire body. We used it as a barrier to take all the arrows of the enemy. These attacks can come from anywhere and in any form; whether it be from temptations, setbacks, opposition, humiliation, etc. but the deadliest of all is doubt (D-O-U-B-T); if the devil can cause us to doubt God and His faithfulness then he would have control over us. Faith protects our mind from doubting, and it strengthens our beliefs and trustworthiness in a God that we can count on—one that will never leave us or forsake us. Faith allows us to look far beyond the attack and see God fighting for us, faith opens our eyes to see the victory because our battle does not belong to us, it belongs to God (2Chronicles 20:15), and faith in God conquers all; so that we can persevere and overcome—that’s what the Shield of Faith does, it keeps you safe.
Fifth, the HELMET OF SALVATION
We know that Jesus died so we can have salvation. Salvation is a gift from God, so we can have life abundantly. Having the helmet of salvation helps guard and protect our heads where the wisdom and knowledge of God and our thoughts reside. The knowledge of God is knowing that through Him we are saved and have been made free. Free from the bondage of sin, free from the pleasures of the world, free from seeking satisfaction from the world that can only be found in God. The helmet of salvation protects our thoughts and minds because it is with the mind that we serve the Lord. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2). Those who reject the gift of salvation will be doomed to hell. The Helmet of Salvation will guard your mind against the things that keep you separated from God and will keep you steadfast and focused on the things of God.
Finally, the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT—the word of God
There is no way a person will show up to war without their sword. The sword of the spirit is the most effective weapon to use against the devil.
(Hebrews 4:12) states that 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.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the devil, Jesus used the written word of God against him. We did not read anywhere where Jesus got into an argument or tried to go back and forth with the devil. What was proven to be effective against Satan was the living, undiluted word of God. This is an example for us as well to know that we do not have to sin against God, just speak the word and it will be used as a sword against the enemy.
We as believers cannot fight and win against the devil in our flesh or on our own. God has given us the most powerful tool we would ever need and that is the armor. Don’t go to warfare without it, don’t put it in the closet and forget about it, and don’t lose sight of the importance of having it because with the armor you will conquer the enemy, destroy and completely crush him. With this armor, you will win every battle — which is many, but greater is He that is in us than the one in the world and opposes everything we do for God. Paul sums it up by saying that we ought not to forget about the power of prayer. We have to always be praying in the spirit. Prayer shows our dependence on God and causes us to express our needs and desires that only He alone can satisfy. Prayer is unselfish; we are to pray for other saints in Christ, leaders, and those in authority.
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 (Ephesians 6:18).
Deliverer, mighty God, our strong tower, and our refuge. Thank you for giving us your armor as our means of protection. Thank you for fighting our battles for us. May we continue to be strengthened in all your truths and faithfulness; May we not be deceived and destroyed by the enemy, but may we overcome all his attacks and get victory every single time. God of the universe we thank you for loving and protecting us. Save us this day from all evil and May we all find rest in you. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN!
