Paul continues, in verses 13-18, to list each piece of armour needed but begins by stressing the point that we NEED the WHOLE armour of God....one or two pieces won't work.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
The Armour of God:
- Belt of Truth
- Breastplate of Righteousness
- Preparation of the Gospel of Peace
- Shield of Faith
- Helmet of Salvation
- Sword of the Spirit
Belt of Truth
All the weapons, all forms of armour, hang on this belt of truth (the Word of God)!!
Breastplate of Righteousness
Confessing all sins to REMAIN in righteousness 1 John 1:9
The Lord God is Faithful and True, if we confess / repent of our sins, He will cleanse us of all sin and we will be made righteous before Him.
Gospel of Peace
The Good News of Peace! Actually Walking in His Word.
Shield of Faith
Maintaining firm confidence in the Word of God! Read His Word and have the Faith to truly believe in what He promises!
Helmet of Salvation
Your Helmet Protects Your Mind, Your Thoughts! Read The Word of God and Believe It!
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world". 1 John 4:4
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord". Isaiah 54:17
Sword of The Spirit
This is our only OFFENSIVE weapon. It is also a short sword meant for hand-to-hand combat.
The sword is not only the written Word of God but also the Living Word of God. The more you read the Word and once you receive the indwelling of the Spirit (baptism of the Holy Spirit), reading your bible will be a whole new experience...your "spiritual eyes" will be opened and God will reveal Himself to you and never cease to amaze you!
Jesus Himself showed us how to use this sword against an attack from "the enemy" (Satan) when Satan tempted Him to turn the stones into bread. Jesus replied, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God"
Last, but not least, Ephesians 6:18: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.."
This is not 'heavy armour"....this is Heavy Artillery from the Heavens! Praying "in the spirit" means not "praying in the flesh"....not simply saying repetitive, pre-written prayers. We need to pray from the heart. We should feel comfortable speaking directly to the Lord but also keep ourselves humble before Him....and of course, thankful in all things!
