The Unseen - Spiritual Armor

What’s the most embarrassing thing you have ever done? I am sure you immediately thought of something. It might be hard to identify the most embarrassing thing, but I can readily think of dozens.

Do you have one that comes back and haunts you still? As soon as you think about it, you get that pit in your stomach and ask yourself, “how could I have been so stupid?”

Yeah, those are never fun. I have memories of things I have done or said that I try to erase from my mind, but still come back from time to time to remind me how dumb I can be at times.

It is often those kind of thoughts that the enemy likes to use as he advances in spiritual warfare against believers. “How dumb are you?” “Remember that stupid thing you did?” “God wouldn’t want someone who would do that?” “God will never forgive you.” And so on.

Ephesians 6:10-20 give us a peek at the spiritual warfare we are engaged in. We do not battle against flesh and blood. Our battles shouldn’t be fought on the physical plane. There is a bigger, more sinister and crafty enemy behind the scenes that wants us to focus on the physical. When we are in spiritual warfare, we must recognize our need for God and His supernatural provisions for us.

Paul, chained to a Roman soldier when writing the book of Ephesians, must have looked over and saw the armor being worn by his guard and thought it was a good illustration of Biblical truths. So, Paul wrote a metaphor about a spiritual armor for the saints.

The Belt of Truth: an essential piece of armor, the belt, holds everything together. It is the first and most essential part because everything is built on it. Do you believe God is God? Do you take Him at His Word? Do you allow His Word to guide your view of this world? The belt of Truth is the Christian Worldview, it shapes how you see everything.

A few years ago, there was a huge controversy on the internet simply called, “The Dress.” Do you remember it? A picture was posted and a simple question was asked, “Is this white and gold or blue and black?” The internet was divided. Why? Because each person perceived the picture differently. I, for one, saw white and gold.

The Designer, when asked, said that the dress was blue and black and that they never made one that was white and gold. Since I saw white and gold, I have a choice, do I believe the designer or do I trust my perception more?

When it comes to life and this world, do we trust what God says, or the way we perceive it? The Belt of Truth is reminding ourselves that God is God and He is true and all men are liars (Romans 6:13).

The Breastplate Righteousness covers all the vital organs. Remembering that the armor is for the believer, none of these pieces are talking about earning salvation. This one is a reminder to the believer that doing the right thing, imitating Christ, will protect and guard their heart.

Not holding on to or nurturing sin, instead seeking to be Christ-like in all we do.

Obedience to Christ as an out flowing of salvation, doing the right thing protects the believers heart and mind. Obedience out of love and gratitude, not trying to earn God’s favor, but because of his favor, is wearing the breastplate.

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Romans 8:1 – peace with God

Surefootedness, the sandals had cleats, provided firm footing. As a believer your standing is sure, fast and secure. Matthew 7:24-27 that our foundation needs to be in Christ. Believing the promises of God and counting them to be true for you.

Shield of faith – romans 1:17; Matthew 17:20

The size of your faith is not as important as the object of your faith. A little bit of faith in a big God is more powerful than a whole lot of faith in something that will fail you.

Helmet of Salvation – 1 Thess 5:8

Resting our hope of the future in Christ. To set your mind on heavenly things that will guard your mind.

Sword of the Spirit – Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:11

Last week we looked at Jesus’ example of overcoming temptation by quoting the Word of God. We have to remember that the Word of God is a supernatural book, it is powerful and effective. The more we spend time in it, the more we will learn how to wield it effectively.

Prayer – James 5:16

The solider Paul was chained to must have run out of pieces of armor by this point, or Paul didn’t think there was a weapon in the Roman arsenal that could equate the power of prayer. Paul leaves the metaphor and directly tells the believers to pray. To pray for others and to pray for him.

Prayer is like a nuclear bomb. It is talking to the Creator and sustainer of everything.  There is no force or power in heaven or on earth that can stand against God. Learn to pray.

When we encounter spiritual warfare, we are in a battle and need an armor that can withstand. Allow this picture, these words to come to mind regularly and dress for battle every day.