“Finally, put your trust in the Lord and his powerful might. Put on all of God's gear so that you can stand firm against the devil's plans. Our war is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the higher realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12, NASB)
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The chapter in Ephesians 6 where Paul tells us to put on the armor of God may be familiar to you. Perhaps you've already read this section, but there's a lot to learn if we look at it closely and study it well.
In today's world, how can we put on God's armor? Even if we are not familiar with putting on combat armor like a Roman soldier, this passage can be applied to our life in the same manner it was at the time it was written.
The armor of God reflects the spiritual defense we must employ. According to the Bible, we are at battle with Satan, who is out to destroy us. As a result, we must act and put on God's armor.
It is critical for Christians to comprehend the gravity of this conflict. It's easy to lose sight of the impact it can have because it's typically something we can't see. When we fail to put on the armor of God and allow the enemy to take control of our life, it may be extremely hazardous.
The belt of truth is the first piece of armor Paul mentions. “Stand steady, then, with the belt of truth wrapped around your waist,” Jesus advises in Ephesians 6:14. You might be asking why Paul started with the belt out of all the components of God's armor. The belt, on the other hand, is far more significant than we might believe.
The belt was where Roman soldiers kept their weapons they couldn't carry a weapon without one! So, what makes Paul associate a soldier's belt with truth? God's Word is truth for Christians, and it is our foundation.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness,” says 2 Timothy 3:16. We cannot expect to fight fights for Christ if our convictions are not based on God's Word.
We should carry God's truth close to us and allow it to encircle us, much as a belt is worn tight to the body. We can tell what is true from what is false when we stay in His Word.
As a result, I encourage you to use the concept of the belt of truth in your life and hang on to God's truth. Finally, by staying in His Word, you will be prepared for any spiritual fights that may arise.
What does it mean to put on the armor of God?
God's armor is a crucial reality to comprehend and use. It's not just for coloring pages of a charming soldier in full armor for kids. It is, after all, a biblical command to put on the full armor of God.
I had the opportunity to study and teach the book of Ephesians for an entire year. It was one of the most profound experiences I've ever had. I'd want to share some of what I learned because it clarifies what the armor of God in Ephesians 6 is and how to put it on.
The 6 elements of God's armor are described in Ephesians 6:14-17.
To put on the full armor of God, you must believe what Jesus has done (Ephesians 1-3) and carry it out in your everyday life (Eph. 4-5). It's believing in the power of everything God has done in your life, even while you're facing difficulties.
To put it another way, to properly understand the armor of God in Ephesians 6, you must first read Ephesians chapters 1-5. It must be interpreted in its proper context.
Putting on the full armor of God isn't just about learning a skill or paying attention to evil and darkness. It has nothing to do with a hidden prayer, a mysterious spiritual experience, or visualization techniques.
The entire armor is an outward manifestation of your complete faith in God and all He has done for you via Jesus Christ. The cross of Christ and the blood poured there secured your victory in spiritual warfare (Rev. 12:11).
A misunderstanding of God's armor might lead to a misunderstanding of what the Christian life is all about. When taken out of context, it might become a diversion from Jesus' basic and straightforward teachings.
Ephesus witnessed one of the most significant revivals in the early church's history. In two years, the Gospel reached the entire territory of Asia Minor, and amazing miracles occurred to corroborate Jesus' teaching. It overthrew the religion of a Roman deity, and many people burned their magical books in favor of following Jesus.
All of this happened because of the Gospel message that Paul puts out in Ephesians. One heart, one home at a time, the Gospel conquered the Roman Empire. Without any direct political engagement, large budgets, or events, it changed the culture of the region. It was the Gospel's raw force, as well as its proper application through the armor of God.
Let's take a closer look at what it means to put on the whole armor of God in this post so you can apply it effectively to your life. The whole armor is designed to provide you with strength, stability, and encouragement so that you can receive everything God has planned for you.
What is the purpose of Armour?
Protective clothing with the ability to deflect or absorb the impact of projectiles or other weapons that may be used against its wearer, often known as body armour. Armour used by warriors in warfare was laboriously crafted and frequently intricately constructed until modern times, reflecting the personal value placed on its protection by the vulnerable soldier, as well as the social importance of its user within the group. Modern technology has resulted in the development of lighter protective materials that may be fashioned into a range of clothing to meet the demands of modern combat. With the advent of terrorism and criminals' use of powerful personal weapons, armour is now commonly worn by police, private nonmilitary security forces, and even noncombatants who could be attacked.
What is the breastplate of righteousness in the Bible?
“Put on all of God's armor so that when the day of evil arrives, you will be able to stand your ground and, after you have done everything, to stand.” (6:13) (Ephesians 6:13)
The breastplate of righteousness is the second element of God's armor that Paul mentions in Ephesians 6.
The breastplate served as protection for some of the most essential elements of a Roman soldier's body in his armor. The heart, lungs, and other vital organs are located beneath the breastplate. As a result, a soldier who did not wear his armor was susceptible to an attack that could kill him instantly.
So, why does Paul refer to it as the righteousness breastplate? We open ourselves up to attack from the enemy and can fall into sin if we do not shield ourselves with holiness.
To be righteous is to follow God's commands and live in a way that is pleasing to Him. According to Psalm 106:3, “How fortunate are those who uphold the law and exercise righteousness at all times!”
Our sinful nature, unfortunately, frequently comes in the way of living a moral life. We make decisions that are damaging to ourselves and others when we choose to live based on our own wishes rather than God's. According to Romans 8:6, “So allowing your sinful nature to govern your thoughts leads to death, whereas allowing the Spirit to control your thoughts leads to life and peace.”
How do we put on the righteousness breastplate? We can begin by learning God's Word, which will enable us to comprehend how to live a righteous life. When faced with hardships and temptations, we can make decisions based on His Word.
Furthermore, we can ask God to help us to resist living in sin and to do what is good in His eyes through prayer. According to 1 John 3:22, “And we will receive whatever we ask from him because we obey and do what pleases him.”
We can put on the breastplate of righteousness in our daily life as Christians. We can decide whether or not our decisions are founded on God's Word by becoming aware of them. We might also pray Him to give us the strength to live a moral life. In the end, this will enable us to withstand the enemy's attacks and live in ways that glorify Christ.
What is the purpose of a breastplate?
A breastplate (also known as a breastcollar, breaststrap, or breastgirth) is a component of horseback riding equipment. Its function is to prevent the saddle or harness from sliding backwards.
It is most useful when riding horses with large shoulders and a flat ribcage. It's also a safety element, especially while riding cross-country, because the rider will have ample time to stop the horse and dismount before the saddle slips off the animal's back or underneath its belly. On both English and Western saddles, the breastplate is employed. The hunting breastplate, like the western version used for horse shows, is formed of thinner leather straps when used in English riding. Working western horses in cattle-related disciplines wear a thicker, sturdier form.
What is the shield of faith?
The shield of trust is the fourth item of armor Paul describes in Ephesians 6. He instructs us to take up the shield of faith in order to extinguish all of the evil one's blazing arrows.
A shield served as a measure of protection for Roman soldiers. It was tied to one's arm and could be held up at any time to deflect strikes. It could also be employed as an offensive weapon to forcefully push foes over.
“Now faith is trust in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,” says Hebrews 11:1. Faith is more than a sensation. Faith is believing that God created the world and sent His only Son to die for our sins so that we can enjoy eternal life.
Our confidence in Christ as Christians is grounded in fact. “For God's invisible characteristics – his everlasting power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse,” says Romans 1:20. God has expressed Himself via creation, despite the fact that we cannot see Him. As a result, this reality underpins our faith in Him.
The way we live will be influenced by our trust in Christ. In the same way that a shield protects us during war, our faith can protect us amid difficulties. When doubt sets in and our views are questioned, for example, our faith in Christ will keep us safe. We can be confident in our convictions.
Furthermore, when we are anxious or afraid, our faith can protect us. “So do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be frightened, for I am your God,” says Isaiah 41:10. I will strengthen and assist you; with my upright hand, I will uphold you.” We don't have to be afraid if we believe in God's promises.
I encourage you to use the shield of faith concept in your daily life. Remember that we are unstoppable when we put our confidence in Christ.
What does the helmet of salvation represent?
Another aspect of God's armor that Paul describes in Ephesians 6 is the helmet of salvation. The helmet was used to protect the head in the Roman army. It was a crucial part of the armor because a head wound may result in quick death.
What were the two main types of armor?
Chain mail and plate armor were the two most common types of armor. Thousands of metal rings were used to make chain mail. A long cloak known as a hauberk was the most common chain mail armor.
Is armour a weapon?
Armour (British English) or armor (American English; note spelling changes) is a protective coating for an object, person, or vehicle against physical injury or damage, particularly from direct contact weapons or projectiles during conflict, or from a potentially dangerous environment or activity (e.g. cycling, construction sites, etc.). Soldiers and war animals are protected by personal armour. Warships, armoured fighting vehicles, and some ground attack combat aircraft all have vehicle armour.
The term armour is also used to denote armoured forces, armoured weapons, and their combat role. Tanks and mechanised infantry, as well as their fighting formations, became known as “armour” after the emergence of armoured warfare.
What are the 6 pieces of the armor of God?
Six pieces of armor are mentioned in Ephesians chapter 6 of the Bible:
In Ephesians, these items are defined as follows: loins girt with truth (belt of truth), breastplate of righteousness, shoes with the preparation of the gospel of peace (peace), shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the spirit/word of God.
In Isaiah 59:17, the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness are also mentioned.