Step Six – Put on the Armor of God

If you’re going to serve God you need to be ready for an attack from the enemy.  The devil is real and he has demons roaming the world looking to block God’s work.  This is why you need to put on the armor of God and prepare yourself for battle.  You cannot overcome the devil with your own power and strength – you need the strength and power of God.  This is a spiritual battle and needs to be fought with the spiritual tools God provides.

Ephesians 6:10-12 (NASB)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

The Devil has an Army

The above verse talks about our spiritual battle against the rulers, powers, and world forces of darkness which are the devil’s demons lined up like an army.  The rulers are likely the foot soldiers working in the hearts and minds of individuals like you.  The powers are likely their commanders directing the operation.  The world forces of darkness are likely the generals overseeing the master plan.  And finally we are told about the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places, which are likely the architects of the worldwide assault.

It’s Time to put on the Armor of God

Ephesians 6:13-17 (NASB)

“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Belt of Truth

Jesus Christ told us in John 14:6 that He is “the way, and the truth, and the life.”  Before we even think about standing toe-to-toe with the devil’s demons, we need the belt of truth which is Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Breastplate of Righteousness

There is no way for us to acquire righteousness other than salvation through Jesus Christ. Having washed away our sin by his death on the cross, Jesus, supplies us with the breastplate of righteousness.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Boots of Peace

We are told in Luke 1:79 that the Jesus came “to guide our feet into the way of peace.”  The boots of peace are our foundation for battle.  We need our steps guided by Jesus Christ as His committed follower.

1 Corinthians 3:11 (NASB)

“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Shield of Faith

The shield of faith will be used to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  We have seen faith playing a major role as we put on the armor of God.  Jesus is the belt of truth that provides us with the breastplate of righteousness through salvation – the salvation which is a product of our faith.

Ephesians 2:8 (NASB)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

Helmet of Salvation

Now we are told to take that salvation granted to us by the grace of God and wear it as our helmet.  The helmet protects your head where your mind resides.  Wearing the helmet of salvation will protect your mind from the devil’s attacks.

Sword of the Spirit

We are clearly told that the sword of the spirit is the Word of God.  As we put on the armor of God we are preparing ourselves for battle.  Up until this point everything has been for defense.  Now we go on offense with the Word of God.

Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Finally, after we put on the armor of God we are told to pray.  We are to pray for ourselves and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ.  There is great power in prayer and it is another major offensive tool we are to use against the devil.

Ephesians 6:18-20 (NASB)

“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

The apostle Paul who wrote this section of scripture was himself a prisoner in Rome but he does not ask for prayer for his release from prison, but prayer for his ability to preach the gospel. Paul was standing firmly in is armor ready to swing the sword of the spirit – the Word of God.

When you make a decision to focus your life on serving God you become a target of the devil.  If you are walking with Jesus you have nothing to fear.  Your faith, by the grace of God, has brought you salvation and righteousness, allowing you the opportunity to put on the armor of God and stand firm with the Word of God and prayer just as the apostle Paul did a few thousand years ago.

1 John 4:4 (NASB)

“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”

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Step Seven – The Parables of Jesus