Putting on the Armor of God

How do we prepare to defend ourselves against spiritual attacks? In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God. This gives us the mentality that we are in a fight. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. - Ephesians 6:11-12 We’re in a spiritual battle. The enemy is trying to steal, kill, and destroy everything that God wants to do in your life. Scripture gives us ways to fight this battle against the spiritual forces in the present darkness. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. - Ephesians 6:14-17 As a follower of Jesus, we have authority over the demonic influences in our life but if we’re not wearing the armor of God, we can’t fight the battle effectively. If you want God’s power, you have to wear God’s armor. 1. The Belt of Truth (v14) One of Satan’s primary attacks is lies. The best defense against lies is truth. Jesus is truth. (John 14:6) Fight by knowing, believing, and living out the truth of God’s Word. 2. The Breastplate of Righteousness (v14) Part of your identity as a follower of Jesus is that you are righteous. God doesn't see your work; He sees the work of Christ in you. We fight the enemy’s attack by knowing who we are in Christ. As we live out the righteousness of Christ in our life, it begins to fight against those thoughts in our head. 3. The Right Shoes (v15) The Greek word translated as “stand” is a military term that means to hold your position. When the enemy attacks, you have to stand your ground by: 1) Submitting your life to God (James 4:7) 2) Being self-controlled and alert (1 Peter 5:8) 3) Prayer (James 5:16) 4. The Shield of Faith (v16) When you’re in an intense battle, it’s going to require endurance. God responds to those who trust in His sufficiency in the midst of our weakness – this is faith. When you have faith in the midst of the arrows that Satan is throwing at you, God is going to give you victory. Your faith is what gets God’s attention. 5. The Helmet of Salvation (v17) The helmet protects the most important part of your body. The battle you’re fighting is in your mind. Book by Mel Robbins, “The Five-Second Rule” provides a practical way to fight against anxiety and negative thoughts. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9 – the helmet is the hope of salvation. Christian hope is not wishful thinking, it’s a confident expectation that God is going to accomplish His will. 6. The Sword of the Spirit (v17) The sword is both a defensive weapon and an offensive weapon. When Jesus was tempted by the enemy in the desert, He fought by quoting Scripture. Hebrews 4:12 – The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. As you read the Bible, circle verbs where God tells us to do something, underline adjectives that describe God, highlight things that stand out to you. After being in the Word of God, your mind starts thinking differently. Remember, we’re told to put on the full armor of God, not just part of it.Stand firm, have faith and put on the whole armor of God. We're fighting this battle together. Book: “The Five-Second Rule” by Mel Robbins