Are You Wearing The Armor of God? (article) by Stanley T. Crawford on AuthorsDen

A talk about the armor of God. In Ephesians 6:10–20, the “Armor of God” is described. The armor helps us to stand up to the attacks of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). What is this armor? What are its parts and pieces? The armor of God consists of truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. The full impact of these parts is realized when we visualize an ancient warrior prepared to do battle. Let us look at theses parts as described in the scriptures. Gird your waist with truth (vs. 14), the truth of God, knowing who God is, and what his expectations are for us as his warriors. We can accomplish this by studying God’s word, the Bible, and writing his word on the tablet of our hearts. Put on the breastplate of righteousness (vs. 14). This requires us to be moral and act according the standards of God. We must not only know God’s word, but must apply his teachings to our lives. We must be righteous. Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (vs. 15). Knowledge and belief in the gospel allows the warrior to know that victory over the devil has been achieved by Jesus Christ. Yet the devil will not relent until he has been utterly crushed. As a result knowledge and belief in the gospel are essential. Take the shield of faith (vs. 16). A shield protects a warrior from the enemy weapons. Faith allows the Christian to withstand the on slaught of the devil. In addition, a shield can be used to protect the warrior as he or she advances in battle. The shield of faith, serves a similar purpose for the Christian. When we are attacked our faith in God through Jesus Christ is critical to our spiritual health and well-being. In addition when we advance, our faith protects us and allows us to pull through in order to win battles. Take the helmet of salvation (vs. 17). Salvation is the saving from sin. As Christians, we are already saved from sin by the grace of God. Yet, a helmet like the shield offers protection during attacks and advances. Our comfort is knowing that God through Christ has defeated sin. Therefore, we have added protection from the devil, and his workings of deceit. The sword of the Spirit is the word of God (vs. 17). A sword can be used for offensive and defensive purposes. As a warrior is only as effective as he or she trains and practices to be, our sword, the word of God, requires that we study and meditate on the word. At some point, we will engage in offensive and defensive battles with the devil. Using God’s word and the power that it provides will carry us through these battles. Again, a warrior is only as effective as his or her training and practice. It must be clear that practice is not engaging the enemy. At some point, the warrior must engage the enemy in order to prove his or effectiveness. As Christians, this is often through our trials in tribulations in life. In addition, to these 6 parts, we are admonished to pray. Prayer serves as thread or glue that holds everything together. Copyright 2003
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