The full armor of God is a set of spiritual tools described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18 that helps protect believers against the schemes and attacks of the devil. Each piece represents an important aspect of our faith that provides protection and empowerment as we fight spiritual battles. Let’s take a closer look at each part of the armor and how we can utilize it effectively.
The Belt of Truth
The belt of truth refers to living and walking in truth, integrity and moral uprightness (Ephesians 6:14). Just as a Roman soldier’s belt or girdle held his armor in place, so truth holds all the other pieces of our spiritual armor together. The truth of God’s Word allows us to fight against deception and lies. We must know the truth of Scripture and stand firm in biblical truth if we want to withstand the enemy’s attacks. As Jesus declared, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32).
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate of righteousness refers to living a life of holiness and purity that is pleasing to God (Ephesians 6:14). A Roman soldier’s metal breastplate shielded his vital organs from enemy attacks, and in the same way, pursuing righteousness and remaining righteous helps protect our heart and soul. When we seek to obey God’s commands and walk in His ways, we guard ourselves from the dangerous schemes and accusations of the devil. As 2 Corinthians 6:7 states, we take up the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left.
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
The shoes of the gospel of peace refer to the motivation to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere we go (Ephesians 6:15). Roman soldiers wore sturdy sandals with embedded nails that provided stability and traction, allowing them to march long distances and stand their ground in battle. In the same way, being firmly rooted in the gospel of peace gives us a firm foundation to stand on and the motivation to advance the kingdom of God. As Romans 10:15 declares, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” We are called to carry this gospel of reconciliation and salvation everywhere.
The Shield of Faith
The shield of faith refers to deep trust in God that absorbs and deflects the enemy’s flaming arrows of doubt, fear, lies and temptations (Ephesians 6:16). A Roman soldier’s large shield provided full-body protection from spears, arrows and swords. In the same way, unwavering faith in God protects us when the enemy launches attacks against our minds and hearts. Scripture says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). It is only by faith that we have power to overcome the world (1 John 5:4).
The Helmet of Salvation
The helmet of salvation represents the hope and assurance of eternal life that removes doubt and despair (Ephesians 6:17). Just as a helmet protected a Roman soldier’s head from blows during battle, so the promise of salvation through Christ guards our minds against the enemy’s attacks. We do not need to fear because we know that Jesus has already won the victory at the cross. There is no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1), so we can have confidence in what Jesus did for us on the cross. This helmet protects us from doubts about God’s saving grace.
The Sword of the Spirit
The sword of the Spirit refers to God’s Word that equips us to fight spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:17). A Roman soldier’s sword was a long, two-edged weapon that could slash, pierce and defeat the enemy. Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword, able to divide soul and spirit. As Jesus fended off Satan’s temptations by quoting Scripture, so must we wield the sword of God’s Word to stand strong against the enemy. It cuts through lies, confusion and false teachings.
Praying in the Spirit
While not a physical piece of armor, Paul also mentions praying in the Spirit as part of our defense against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:18). This refers to continual, faithful prayer that is led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. When we make prayer a priority and allow the Spirit to guide us in prayer, it provides protection from the enemy’s schemes. Through prayer in the Spirit, we tap into the very power and authority of God.
Putting on the Full Armor of God
Each morning as we wake up, we need to intentionally put on this spiritual armor to ready ourselves for spiritual battle. As Ephesians 6:13 tells us, we must take up the whole armor of God so that we can stand firm in our faith. When the enemy attacks with temptations, fears, persecutions and accusations, do not be caught defenseless. Know your identity in Christ and the authority that believers have. While the victory has already been won by Jesus, we must fight from a place of victory, clothed in God’s strength and protective armor. Stand firm!
In summary, the full armor of God consists of the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit and praying in the Spirit. When we appropriate these powerful pieces of spiritual armor, we are protected and empowered to achieve victory over the enemy’s schemes. God wants us to be strong and courageous warriors who rely on His mighty power. We fight from a place of victory with the full assurance that God is with us.
Some key Bible verses about the full armor of God include:
– Ephesians 6:10-18 – Paul’s description of the armor of God
– Ephesians 6:11 – Put on the full armor of God so you can stand against the devil’s schemes
– Ephesians 6:13 – Take up the full armor of God so that you may resist in the evil day
– 2 Corinthians 6:7 – The weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left
– Ephesians 6:14 – Having fastened on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness
– Isaiah 11:5 – Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins
– Isaiah 59:17 – He put on righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation on his head
– 1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation
– Romans 10:15 – How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!
– Ephesians 6:16 – In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one
– 1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober-minded and watchful, for your adversary prowls around like a roaring lion
– Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword
– Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus countering Satan’s temptations by quoting Scripture
– Ephesians 6:18 – Praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication
When we put on the full armor of God and rely on His strength, we can walk confidently in victory with the assurance that God fights for us. His Word reminds us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We do not wage war according to the flesh but divinely powerful weapons for pulling down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33) and in Him we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). Glory be to God!
