Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13
People are continually discussing what’s happening in this country, the Middle East, and every corner of the globe. What many may not realize is that we are already at war—an invisible, unseen war between light and darkness, good and evil. And Satan is our adversary.
Ephesians 6:10-13 is not just a call to arms—it’s a declaration of victory. But to gain this victory, you must put on “the whole armor,” both defensive and offensive, that Paul goes right into describing in the following verses (14-18).
The defensive armor will shield us from Satan’s fiery arsenal:
The Girdle Of Truth – The Believer’s Integrity
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth… (v.14)
A soldier in Paul’s day had a leather girdle tightened about his waist to protect his loins and carry his weapons, such as a dagger or sword. The belt also held his tunic together so it wouldn’t be snagged.
In Christian armor, it is integrity that holds everything else together. If you do not have integrity in the big and small things of your life, you are going to lose the battle. Would people say you are a person of integrity? If not, then you cannot win the battle.
The Breastplate Of Righteousness – The Believer’s Purity
…and having on the breastplate of righteousness… (v.14)
The breastplate was sometimes made of woven chain and covered the vital organs. The Bible says our breastplate is righteousness.
The enemy wants to attack you not only with lies, but also with impurity. He wants you to read salacious magazines, watch immoral movies, and engage in all temptations of the flesh. Satan wants to get into your heart and mind. He’s looking for a crack in your armor. Don’t be fooled—Satan knows where that crack is. Is your heart pure before God? If not, then you cannot win the battle.
The Shoes Of Peace – The Believer’s Tranquility
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (v. 15)
A Roman soldier’s shoes had hobnails on the sole, much like football cleats. When they were fighting, they needed solid footing from which to move.
Unless you have a solid footing of peace, you can never make war. Sounds like a contradiction, doesn’t it? When Satan comes against your tranquility, he throws stones and briars of doubt and discouragement to cause you to stumble. Do you have peace? Jesus Christ is your peace! He is the Prince of Peace. Turn your eyes upon Jesus…and ask Him to give you His peace.
The Shield Of Faith – The Believer’s Certainty
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (v. 16)
The soldier’s shield measured about 2’ x 4’ feet and was made of wood covered with leather. In that day, soldiers dipped arrows in oil, then lit them and shot them at the enemy. These shields were vital to protect the solider from getting burned.
Satan will fire flaming arrows of doubt at you. He wants to place subtle doubts in your mind about God and His Truth. He knows a spark can ignite a big fire. You need to feed your faith and starve your doubts. Are there seeds of doubt in your mind today? Weed them out with your faith. This is not “faith in your faith,” but faith in who you are in Christ—beloved, redeemed, more than a conqueror!
The Helmet Of Salvation – The Believer’s Sanity
…And take the helmet of salvation… (v.17)
A helmet to protect his head was crucial. If his head was wounded, he wouldn’t be able to think. Every believer needs to have the mind of Christ under the control of Almighty God.
When a person is saved, for the first time he is in his right mind. A person without the Lord Jesus Christ has a form of insanity. They do not operate with the mind God made them to have. The most important thing for you to have at all times is an assurance of your salvation. Do you know you’re saved? If not, then you can’t win the battle.
But we also need offensive weapons to defeat the enemy:
The Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God
…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (v. 17)
How many of us aren’t using the primary weapon God has given us to grant sure victory? It’s not enough just to study the Bible; we must learn how to employ it.
How did our Lord Jesus Christ use the Word when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness after 40 days and nights of fasting? (Luke 4:1-13) He spoke it right back to him! He took the sword of the Word and ran Satan through. Jesus said, “It is written…, it is written…, it is written….” overcoming every temptation by one weapon—the Word of God. How effective is it?
“For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Satan fears the Word of God. He knows its overcoming power.
Prayer – The Believer’s Power Source
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” (v. 18)
Prayer is your second offensive weapon. Some Christians fail to understand that. They get all dressed up in their armor, pick up their sword, and think they’re ready to fight. No. “Praying always…” is the source of your supply.
A soldier must stay in contact with headquarters. Without that communication, he’s destined for defeat. Thank God we have the Holy Spirit, who gives us constant communication with our Commander-in-Chief.
Before we go into battle, we must get on our knees. The battle is not won in the pulpit or the Sunday school class. The battle is won in the prayer closet. Prayer is warfare.
You’ve probably never thought of yourself as a soldier. But sitting in your bedroom or kitchen, you can wage a mighty battle of intercessory prayer. Those who are sick or shut-in, on a hospital bed or in a wheelchair can fight because they can pray! What an awesome weapon is prayer!
I challenge you today to take the mighty weapons God has given you and get into the battle! Begin today to offer lingering, loving, laboring prayer on behalf of others.
You can have the victory you long for when you take up the armor and use the weapons of the Word of God and prayer.
