The Divine Armour of God

In warfare, the gears and weapons of the troops are force multiplers and very often a decisive factor in battles. In the Bible, we are also given a set of heavy defensive armours and offensive weapons as the soliders of God. We are told the spiritual battles with the devil is real and we are to stand against the devil’s schemes. Plainly by ourselves, we don’t stand half a chance. But when God avails His power for us as described in the Armour of God, and we stand actively on guard, the table turned.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   Ephesians 6:11-17

Ephesians is written to a group of believers who have not realised the full power and protection they have in Jesus Christ. In the letter, Paul points to Jesus as their only source of provision, protection and power, so they can lead a victorious life. He uses the armour of the soldiers to relate to the various aspects of active dependence on Jesus, without which is sure defeat in the hands of the devil.

The reverse is also true, a believer weak in the relationship with Jesus, is like a soldier with no or faulty armour, a big fat target for the devil and defeat is certain.

Belt of Truth is buckled or tied to the central of the human being, it also hold up the Breastplate of Righteousness and hold the Sword of God’s Word when its not in battle. At the center of our being, we must be firmly tied to the Truth, that is centered on Jesus Christ.  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.   John 14:6 

Breastplate of Righteousness is the active armour for the protecting the vital organs. Any fault or holes within this armour will be fatal. If we believe that on our self-righteousness is good enough, then like the faulty armour we are doomed. We can only depend actively on the perfect righteousness through Jesus Christ are we able to stand against the enemy.   but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.   Philippians 3:9

Sandals of the Gospel of Peace is the message or good news of the Peace that ensures the firm and proper footing for the soldiers. The entire support being anchored with readiness on the divine Peace of Jesus Christ.   Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.   John 14:27

Shield of Faith is only protection against the flaming arrows that rained down from the evil one. It is both defensive and offensive. And it can be used to shield others as well. In the heat of the battle in life, we are shielded and protected, when we stand in active faith, until the coming of salvation.  who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.   1 Peter 1:5

Helmet of Salvation is to protect the most important part of the body, the head. Only Jesus Christ can deliver us from the power and penalty of sin and death.   Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ,   1 Corinthians 11:3

Sword of the Spirit is the main offensive weapon avaliable. Paul tells us the the sword is the Word of God, the written picture of Jesus. Jesus is the living Word, made in flesh. God’s Word is the very power of God and under the direction of the Holy Spirit, avail for us to use to cut the enemy into pieces.   For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.   Hebrews 4:12

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.   1 John 5:3-5

The key fact is that Jesus has already won at the cross.

And so we too.