We’ve been putting on the armor of God at our house for quite some time.
It’s the first thing I do every morning.
I‘ve written about the armor of God before, I just didn’t explain how I use it.
I’ve been asked now, to do so.
This is my description, which also includes commentary from a military officer I know well.
Why putting on God’s armor is important
The concept comes from the Ephesians 6 passage that explains the importance of putting on the armor of God.
The key verse explains:
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.
Ephesians 6: 10-13
We live in a challenging time when Christians can feel vulnerable.
The best way to stand against the forces of evil–the spiritual ones–is by being prepared and therefore not being surprised when “attacks” of one type or another come.
Scripture warns Christians to “be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
It’s harder for a lion to sneak up on you if you’re listening for his roar, and you’re prepared to defend yourself.
Spiritually, of course.
A step-by-step guide to putting on the armor of God; Ephesians 6: 14-15
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 firm.
14. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.
The belt of truth is a symbol of authority–and, of course, refers to the Bible.
After I mentally put on the belt, I ask God to govern my words so that I may correctly speak Biblical concepts. My words need to speak truth by matching what God says in the Bible.
In addition, I ask God that I might bless people with my truthful words and not curse them.
You may have different concerns about how you speak and what you say. Since God already knows your weaknesses, ask Him to protect you and others. Metaphorically, that belt of truth is a reminder to speak only truth.
The military guy had a fuller explanation: “The belt is not to protect you. It’s a sign of authority, trust, and personal confidence I’ve been given the authority for what I need to do for the Kingdom of God.”
“When I put on the belt, I’m doning the Lord’s authority.”
Breastplate of Righteousness
A breastplate guards our heart, soul, and spirit. It goes over our head and we fasten it on both sides, secure in place.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the ephod the Temple high priest wore to determine the will of God.
Christians have the Holy Spirit living in them. I always picture him in my heart.
In reflecting on the breastplate, I think about how it’s the Holy Spirit who tells me to go this way or that way.
So, when I mentally secure the breastplate across my chest, I’m protecting the most important and eternal part of who I am.
And I try hard to follow where the Holy Spirit wants me to go.
15. As shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
As I mentally pull on my boots, I always think of the Isaiah 52:7 verse: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him/her who brings good news.”
The verse reminds me that my words, thoughts, and actions should present the Gospel to people with grace, humility, and peace.
I think of Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
I ask God to help me walk in His peace and bring His peace wherever His shoes take me that day.
The military guy commented, “in wearing the shoes of peace, remember to take time to rest.”
Putting on the shield and helmet; Ephesians 6:16-17
16. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.
“Flaming darts” also appear in Job 41:21 and refer to attacks by Leviathan (whom some Biblical scholars believe to have been Satan).
This shield–which is small enough to be placed above the head if need be, or linked to shields held by other soldiers–is designed to protect us.
In putting on a shield of armor, we’re asking God and His angels to step between us and Satan’s evil.
A surrounding shield is not to be hid but to be deployed. It’s not static, flexible, and mobile. We shouldn’t be afraid to use it offensibly.
It’s the first line of our defense. We can duck down and hide behind a shield.
17. Take the helmet of salvation
I remind myself that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Jesus told us not to worry when we go before authorities, “for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Wearing my helmet of salvation, I can trust Jesus will put the words into my mind.
(I picture a modern helmet with earphones that keep me in contact with my authority!)
I also ask God to “govern my thoughts, words, actions, that I might see with Your eyes, hear with Your ears, understand with Your heart, and speak only words that are consistent with Scripture.”
17b. And the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God
Before I “pick up” the shield of faith, I thank God for the sword of the spirit.
Swords come in different forms. Some are hacking swords–wide blades that can do a lot of damage
Some are thin, almost scapel-like blades that can go deep without doing as much damage–as between the bone and sinews.
Depending on the day and the planned activities, I usually ask that I would wield God’s sword without bludgeoning someone. I want to speak words of life, not death.
Don’t we all want truthful affirming Biblical words to come from our lips?
18. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication
Who can argue with that?
It doesn’t do us any good, spending time putting on the armor of God, if we aren’t convinced God is with us.
As Oswald Chambers always said, “prayer is the greater work.“
If we haven’t prepared ourselves with prayer before we “go into the fight” of life in the world, we’ll find it more difficult to come out unscathed.
Prayer, basically, is God’s “battle plan.”
A military officer expands on why putting on the armor, as well as taking it off, is important.
He commented about the use of the spiritual armor of God in a prayer session, providing these points:
- No warrior expects to be unscathed when s/he fights.
- Expect to come out with bruising, broken bones, and blood.
- Preparation can minimize the hurts.
- The armor protects from major injuries.
- Rest is a weapon (don’t be afraid to take off your armor and rest).
- If the enemy convinces you to fear injuries, he wins, because you’re not as effective.
- A soldier never goes into battle alone. Don’t try to be a “lone ranger.”
- Scars are marks of honor (The enemy whispers you’ve failed if you get injured. He lies.)
- Rotating out for a time is not failure. It’s rebuilding to re-enter the battle.
Don’t be afraid
He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Put on the armor of God and stand.
He’s with you.
Thanks be to God.
Tweetables
HOW, exactly, do you put on the armor of God? Click to Tweet
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Thank you, Michelle! So helpful always but this morning in the midst of bad storms in Texas I’m grateful for you. I’m about to forward to all our Bible study gals as we praise God for His protection & promised.
You’re absolutely right! Father God, put your hand of protection on Texas today, where storms brew, but throughout the world where people cower in fear–both real and imaginery. Fill them with your Holy Spirit and the confidence that Jesus will never leave them nor forsake them, and we can always trust you. Amen.