Faith

Understanding the Whole Armor of God

Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about the whole armor of God. It illustrates a seven piece suit – an invisible uniform, worn by a Christian soldier.

The seven layered protection helps a believer in Christ to exercise faith, irrespective of time and place.

It is beyond magic – a supernatural power that keeps us covered in a protective bubble. 

Why do we need the Whole Armor?

With Christ, I am a Superhero. 
Then, where are my superpowers?
Who is my enemy? What is my battle? 

Our war isn’t with flesh and blood, but it’s a spiritual warfare against the evil powers and the darkness of this world. 

We don’t need sticks & stones or guns & weapons to fight them. We need something more than that – Spiritual strength and willpower – that’s our superpower. 

This isn’t for the weak and faint hearted. 

Disclaimer: This post might contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I’ll earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

An armor is a soldier’s suit, and a soldier is someone who is ever ready to walk into battle.

Let’s dig into each piece of the suit, and make use of the superpowers that we have access to. 

1. Belt of Truth

What is a belt used for?

Belt is used for support.
In normal context, it holds up your pants. 
For a Karate kid, it’s a support and a must-wear.
For a weight-lifter, it’s a spinal support and holds up the body straight. 
For a new mom, it’s a support until she regains her lost strength.

Why Truth?

Because, Lies never support. One lie makes way for another, until you cannot keep a count. Finally, it all crashes down. 
But, the Truth will set you free. 
And, Jesus is the only Truth. 

Old Testament Passover – 

In the olden days, while eating the Passover, they were instructed to gird their waist. It was a symbolic way to be ready. Exodus 12:11
The olden day Passover meant that the death angel passes over the houses on which there is mark of the blood.

New Testament Passover –

We are awaiting our Passover – we do not know when it’s going to happen. If we’re ready, we can pass over eternal death and hellfire and be captured with Lord Jesus, who is the blood-mark on our lives. 
So, gird yourself with the Belt of Truth and be ready to pass over from Death to Life.

Tip:
Memorize scripture and defeat the lies by the word of God. 

2. Breastplate of Righteousness

What is a Breastplate used for?

In a battlefield, a soldier wears a breastplate to safeguard himself from the enemy’s darts directly striking his heart.

Why Righteousness?

Because, Unrighteousness never offers peace.
Isaiah 64:6 says, Our righteousness is nothing but filthy rags. 
But, Isaiah 61:10 says, He covered us with the robe of His righteousness. 
And that’s what we need to safeguard our heart.

Old Testament High Priest –

In olden days, the high priest was supposed to wear an artistically woven breastplate with precious stones embedded and carried the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. This meant that the high priest was responsible for all the people. Exodus 28:15-30

New Testament High Priest –

1 Peter 2:9 says, We are a royal priesthood. 
We carry our own responsibility now. We are accountable for our own deeds. 

Jeremiah 17:9 says, The heart is deceitful above all things.
Proverbs 4:23 says, Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. 

When we give our deceitful heart to Christ, He makes us a new creation – new and beautiful. 

Fight your battles bearing the names of God on your breastplate – Isaiah 9:6 Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Revelation 19:16 King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

His name is powerful. Wonders and miracles happen at the sound of His name.

Tip:
Identify unrighteous acts and overcome them. Replace them with good things.

3. Sandals with Gospel of Peace

What are sandals used for?

Sandals protect our feet from getting hurt, and from getting dirty. 

Why Peace?

Because, War only brings chaos.
In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands – Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Romans 10:15 says, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace. 

Matthew 10:13 says, Let your peace rest on the place, or, Let your peace return to you. 
What does it mean?
If people accept you, spread peace.
If people reject you, come back in peace instead of arousing a situation. 

Tip:
As much as possible, be good and do good. That’ll give you peace and save your sanity.
Let your walk of life be a testimony – a carrier of good news.

4. Shield of Faith

What is a shield used for?

A shield is used to stop the enemy’s darts. 

Why Faith?

Because, doubt proves nothing. 
Matthew 17:20 says, If you have faith, nothing will be impossible for you.

In Luke 7:50; 8:48; 17:19; 18:42 and many other instances, when Jesus healed people, He said – “Your faith has healed you.”

Only your faith can make impossible things possible for you. Don’t depend on other’s faith – not your parents, not even your spouse’s. Carry your own shield. 

Goliath had a shield bearer who went before him trying to stop all the darts thrown towards them. Unfortunately, he didn’t realize he could stop the ones only thrown at him. 

Psalm 20:7 says, Some may trust in horses, some may trust in chariots, but we will trust in the name of the Lord.

Tip:
Exercise your faith by reminding yourself of your past victories through His faithfulness. 

5. Helmet of Salvation

What is a helmet used for?

Helmet is used as a protective covering for the head, and our brain. 

Why Salvation?

Because, destruction ruins everything. 

Salvation isn’t a one time ritual. It’s a daily exercise to keep ourselves holy for the coming of Christ.

Our thoughts keep drifting away every second. Feeding our thoughts with spiritual food is crucial for the well being of our head and mind.

Joshua 1:8, Meditate on the word of God day and night.

Tip:
Replace negative thoughts with the word of God, and be renewed.

6. Sword of the Spirit

What is a sword used for?

A sword is a weapon used to fight and kill.

Why the Holy Spirit?

All other Spirits do not come from the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the mediator and comforter, who lives inside of us and connects us with the Father. 

For the word of God is  living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Jesus used the word of God to fight back with Satan.

Tip:
Use the word of God as your sword to fight back any evil.

7. Prayer

Prayer is the communication tool through which we have access to God. 

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 

Why Pray?

It is a powerful weapon for a Christian. 

The one who fights his battles on his knees is going to be victorious, because the one who is listening to him has already won the world.

Jesus got his alone time in prayer and He drew His strength from there. 

Tip:
Pray without ceasing. When you want to share something, take it to God in prayer. 
Remember, the Warrior is on our side.

Congratulations! You have now unlocked your superpowers.
Claim your superhero suit now and put your superpowers to use.
Happy Battling!

Like it? Share it!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.