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. 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 (Ephesians 6:10-17 NAS95).
Paul uses the imagery of a Roman soldier’s protective gear to illustrate our defenses against the devil's schemes. Having an understanding and having faith that God can make you stand is essential.
Truth is the first item mentioned; it serves to protect the loins, which is a particularly vulnerable area. The devil is a liar, and he seeks to distort truth to lead believers astray. Jesus said, “The truth will make you free" (John 8:32b). Knowing the Word of God well will help you to spot counterfeits when you encounter them.
The breastplate of Righteousness will guard your heart. Recognizing that you stand not on your own merit, but in Christ’s righteousness, which has been imputed to you, eliminates the works-based mentality that can creep into your mind and rob you of joy.
The Gospel of peace reminds us of the love of Christ and HIs sacrifice in which we stand. Preach the Gospel to yourself often. This is the material used in the shield of faith.
The devil's accusations are repelled with the shield of faith. All of the things that seek to pull your trust away from Christ are smashed by faith. Hebrews 11 list many of the saints who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground (Hebrews 11:33-38 NAS95). Faith is the victory!
Also, knowing who you are in Christ. The helmet of salvation protects the mind. "THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM," He then says, "AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE" (Hebrews 10:16-17 NAS95). Earlier, Paul wrote that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth (Ephesians 4:22-24 NAS95).
Knowing this, what do you think about? Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2 NAS95). Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13 NAS95). This helmet will protect you.
Finally, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 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. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4:12-13 NAS95). This is the standard that reveals your heart to you. All of the armor is held in place by the Word of God, Jesus Christ, our righteousness.
Are you prepared for the attacks that will come your way today? Is your armor on?
Lord help us not to lean on our own understanding, but to trust in You. Make our paths straight, Lord. We pray in Christ's Name.
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