"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." — Ephesians 6:11
Every believer is engaged in spiritual warfare. Paul uses the image of a Roman soldier's equipment to describe how God equips us for battle.
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
"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." — Ephesians 6:12
Our enemies are invisible but real. We need supernatural armor.
The Six Pieces of Armor
1. Belt of Truth (v. 14)
The Roman soldier's belt held everything together. Truth—God's truth and living truthfully—is foundational.
Application: Know the truth of Scripture. Live with integrity.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness (v. 14)
The breastplate protected vital organs. Christ's righteousness, imputed to us and lived out through us, guards our hearts.
Application: Stand in Christ's righteousness. Pursue holy living.
3. Shoes of the Gospel (v. 15)
Roman soldiers wore sturdy sandals for sure footing. The gospel gives us stability and readiness.
Application: Know the gospel. Be ready to share it.
4. Shield of Faith (v. 16)
The large Roman shield could extinguish flaming arrows. Faith quenches Satan's attacks.
Application: Trust God's promises when doubts and temptations come.
5. Helmet of Salvation (v. 17)
The helmet protected the head. Assurance of salvation guards our minds from despair and deception.
Application: Know you are saved. Guard your thought life.
6. Sword of the Spirit (v. 17)
The Word of God is our only offensive weapon. Jesus used Scripture against Satan's temptations.
Application: Know Scripture. Use it against the enemy's lies.
Prayer: The Essential Practice (v. 18)
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit."
Paul adds prayer as essential to spiritual warfare. The armor requires prayer to be effective.
Daily Application
Each morning, consciously "put on" each piece:
- Commit to truth
- Rest in Christ's righteousness
- Remember the gospel
- Choose to trust God
- Affirm your salvation
- Take up God's Word
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." — Ephesians 6:13