To stand strong against the Devil’s schemes, we use the spiritual armor of God.
Ephesians 6:13-17 says, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 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. 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.”
Belt of Truth
God wants us to know what the truth is. He wants us to be righteous. And to live in Christlikeness in character and actions. This means not living as the world lives, and the belt of truth is an essential part of the spiritual armor of God. We are to be God’s witnesses; to do that, we must show God’s love by living righteously.
Breastplate of Righteousness
This protected the soldiers from the flaming arrows of the enemies. God wants us to live as he called us to by following his word and doing the right things. The breastplate will protect you emotionally by guarding your heart as it did with the soldiers’ lives.
Shield of Faith
This shield protected them in combat from the flaming arrows that hit them. This shield protects us when we trust God. They stood side by side, and when we face our battles with other Christians, we are stronger than if we fight evil alone. This is an essential piece of protection.
Ask God to strengthen you in your battles. Then have unshakable faith that he will do it instead of trusting your feelings. Don’t leave home without faith. James 1:6 says, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Helmet of Salvation
Soldiers wore these strong helmets in every battle; our helmets will protect how we think. Christians need this to respond to attacks. These helmets also protect us by knowing that grace is real and that we will spend eternity in heaven.
Sword of the Spirit
To have the sword of the spirit means we are to read and study the Bible so that we can use the Word of God to stand our ground when Satan attacks. Memorizing Bible verses will help you in times of trouble. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Do not argue with the Devil when he attacks.
Instead, God wants you to pray and ask him to help you. Be still and listen to what he has to say. When you stop praying, Satan will attack. By praying, you are submitting to God’s will. So keep on praying—pray in all situations. If you put on the spiritual armor of God described in Ephesians, you will be prepared for any attacks because God has already equipped you.
Morning prayer
Good morning, God. Thank you that I’m alive today to serve you. Please put on the belt of truth and help me trust you by faith. Put on the breastplate of righteousness and help me not to trust my feelings but to listen to you instead. Arm me with the shield of faith so I don’t falter when the Devil tempts me. Use the helmet of salvation so that my thoughts don’t go astray but instead stay in your will for my life. Help me to use the sword of the spirit when I meet someone who needs to hear the Good News—the best gift I can give. Amen.
