The Armor of God

Most people in first world countries think of spiritual warfare as a thing of fantasy books and movies. Unfortunately this is exactly what Satan wants us to believe. He wants us to go about our business from day to day completely oblivious to the mischief and havoc he is causing in our lives. I am here to tell you, fellow Christian, that you do not have to let Satan ruin your life. 

As Christians we are given the ability not only to block Satan's attacks but also to rebuke Satan just as Jesus did and send him running with his tail tucked between his legs (Matthew 4:10, Mark 8:33). The scriptures speak many times of the power of the Holy Spirit that we are given through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 2, Ephesians 1:19) but I want to specifically explain how God has provided power in the form of armor for his saints who have been called into spiritual battle "against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)"

The Armor of God - Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)

 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. 

The Belt of Truth & Breastplate of Righteousness 

In Ephesians 6:14 Paul urges us to "stand firm" with the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness in place. In 2015 what might it mean for a Christian to "stand firm" with truth and righteousness? Americans in today's culture have very short attention spans and are constantly trying out the newest fad or trying to see who can be the most "open-minded" and "tolerant." Christians should not allow themselves to be blown through life with no sense of direction like a leaf fallen from a tree but instead we should be like branches from a vine, rooted and nourished by God and His Word (John 15:5). Because we know God's Word we know the truth and we are not tossed about in the flow of life's current like others who are constantly seeking peace, love, and truth but never finding it among all that the world claims to offer. 

Righteousness is our protection from Satan's evil schemes as well as our tool we use to witness to others. When we are walking blamelessly (Philippians 2:15) then we are not giving the devil ammunition to use against us and are instead a beacon in the dark lighting the way for the lost. However, as soon as we begin compromising on our values, morals, and convictions then we begin opening ourselves up to being used and abused by the evil one.    

Ready Feet

I have heard this analogy many times and I believe it is quite effective: Imagine you are a researcher and you just discovered the cure for cancer. Would you keep this information to yourself or would you use as many resources as available in order to spread the word that a cure has been found? If that day ever came I imagine there would be quite a lot of news coverage on TV, "#canceriscured" would be a trending topic on social media, and distribution of the formula would be carried out swiftly and efficiently so as to save as many lives as possible before it's too late. 

Now translate that response to the Gospel. Death has literally been cured through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. He paid for all of our sins and has made a way for us to be reunited in fellowship and relationship with God. This information is even greater than the cure for cancer but rarely do we see news coverage telling about the saving power of Jesus Christ. #JesusSaves is not a trending topic on social media, and the gossip at the water tank today was definitely not about how Jesus conquered the grave. 

What are we waiting for Christians?  Why are we not utilizing all of our resources and talents for the swift and efficient distribution of the Gospel to those who have never heard the Good News? We must be ready to go and tell others about God's Son and what He has done in our lives. God may call you to go far away or he may ask you to witness where you are at, but regardless we have been charged with the Heavenly orders to go and tell others about Him (Mark 16:15).  

The Shield of Faith

Faith is what keeps Christians going even though we serve a God who we cannot see with our own eyes. When we get tempted our discouraged by Satan, going back to God's word and dwelling on His promises is a great way to refocus and remember what God has done and is going to do in your life. We protect ourselves through faith and that faith can be renewed through reading scripture, prayer, and joining in fellowship with other believers. 

The Helmet of Salvation

Knowledge of salvation provides courage and confidence in battle. The Bible says, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him (John 3:36)." We can be confident through our faith in Jesus Christ that no matter what threats we may face we will be victorious over Satan. The persecution of Christians is happening all over the world, but because of the promise of salvation, people are willing to pronounce God as their savior even at the penalty of death.  

The Sword of the Spirit

Not only are Christians meant to defend ourselves from the wiles of Satan but we are also to go on the offensive and use the Word of God as our weapon against the evil forces in this world. The Bible tells us how to live lives that are pure and holy and worthy of the one who created us. The Bible tells us how to walk wisely through this world without becoming a part of it and the Bible also tells us how to effectively minister to others. As Christians we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are to compassionately let others know when their actions and behaviors are leading them down a path of destruction and we are also called to share with them how to find healing, peace, and eternal life through Jesus Christ.    

The Armor of God is such an incredible tool that God has provided for his children. A tool is most effective when it is used with the proper technique and for its designated purpose. I pray that Christians become more familiar with the Armor of God in these trying days as we strive to protect our hearts, spread the gospel, keep our faith, maintain confidence, and speak truth into a dying world in need of revival.