Putting on the Whole Armor of God

(Ephesians 6:10-17 ESV)

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 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. 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 6:10-17 ESV)

Putting on the "whole armor of God" conjurers up many images for me, but the modern US Soldier's battle gear is the one I like best. But putting on God's Armor is more than the physical components of a soldier's gear. Here are the details:

1. The Belt of Truth - The Truth of God - Deut. 4:39 Palm 18:1-3

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness - The Righteousness of Jesus in You

     Palm 100:3, Rom. 3:23-24, Gal. 2:20-21, Phil 3:8-10

3.  Shoes for spreading the Gospel of Peace - Inner Peace and the readiness to spread 

     the Word of Jesus.  Rom. 5:1, Eph. 2:14, John 14:27

4. The Shield of Faith - Living by Faith Rom. 4:18-21, Heb. 11:1, 1 Peter 1:6-7

5. The Helmet of Salvation - Salvation through Jesus Christ Heb. 1:3-6, 2 Cor. 4:16:18, 

    1 Thess. 4:17, 1 John 3:1-3

6. The Sword of the Spirit - God's Word Countering Spiritual Deception, and Accusations

     Matt. 4:2-11, Heb. 4:12, 1 Peter 3:15

God's armor is more than a protective covering. It is Jesus Christ within us "Put on the armor of light," Paul wrote to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14). When you do, the enemy does not see you and your weakness, but he sees the Living God in His Armor ready to do battle, and all His strengths. 

So put on the Armor of God, and his Victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.