ARMOR OF GOD

I just finished up my personal study on Ephesians. It’s a short book of the Bible found in the New Testament. It’s a letter from Paul to the Ephesians while Paul is in prison in Rome. 

Now- I have definitely struggled with studying my Bible. My focus isn’t always there, I don’t understand a lot of what is said, and frankly- I never had time. At least that what I was telling myself. 

I started to MAKE time to sit down with the Lord, even if it was just a few minutes. I put away all distractions (besides my child… can’t exactly put him away LOL) or I waited for slower times during my day. I also did some research to find tools to better help me understand what I was reading. One of the things I found is called Enduring Word. It breaks down EVERY. SINGLE. VERSE. It tells you who’s writing, where it’s coming from, and what it all means. I love it! 

As I was reading Ephesians, I was feeling discouraged. I was feeling unmotivated. So I asked God to show me what He wanted me to see, and you know where I needed up spending the bulk of my time? In Ephesians 6:10-20… the Armor of God!

I know we have all heard about this Armor - but I personally have never gotten down to what it truly means to wear the Armor of God. 

Paul starts talking about putting on the FULL armor of God so that we can take our stand against the devils schemes. (Ephesians 6:11) Our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. 

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Belt of Truth- 

“Belt of truth buckled around your waist” We have to stand firm in Gods truth. Knowing who we are and what our Savior has to say. The belt is not a a part of the armor, but if you don’t start with a strong foundation (knowing the TRUTH) your pants won’t stay up! 

Breastplate of Righteousness-

“With the Breastplate of righteousness in place” Represented as a breastplate because it protects our most vital organs. We can’t battle against spiritual enemies in our OWN righteousness, just like a solider can’t fight without his breastplate. It’s not our own earned righteousness, but righteousness received by faith in Jesus! 

Gospel of Peace-

“With your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” The gospel of Peace is represented as protective shoes. If your feet are exposed or wounded, you are easy prey for the enemy. Peace helps us to stay grounded, and simultaneously stand our ground. 

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭16-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Shield of Faith-

“Take up the shield of faith” That way we can protect ourselves against the devils lies. The devil will send these flaming arrows to confuse and panic you! But with your shield of faith, you can send it right back. Not today Satan! 

Helmet of Salvation-

“Take the helmet of salvation” The helmet of salvation protects us from discouragement and wanting to give up. It gives us hope in knowing that we WILL be saved. 

Sword of Spirit-

“And the sword of spirit, which is Gods word” my personal favorite is the sword of spirit- AKA the Bible! It is our weapon against the evil of this world!! 

Paul goes on to say that even with all the Armor of God, we still need to pray! Pray hard, pray big, pray LOUD, pray quiet. Just Pray! Not only for ourselves, but for all the Lords people. (Ephesians 6:18) Soldiers don’t fight alone! They feel the need to protect and battle on behalf of others. 

I don’t know about you, but all of this truly encourages me to put on the full Armor of God so that I can stand firm in Gods truth and protect myself & my family against evil! 

Put on your armor friends! Til next time…

Your friend,

     AlliJean