We read about the “armor of God” in Ephesians 6:14-18, but before we look at each “piece of the armor” let’s read verses 10-13: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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” (NKJV). The moment one is saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ they enter into combat with unseen forces (Satan and the angels that followed him in his rebellion against God). Though we do have “human enemies” that persecute us and seek to silence us for proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, the real “enemies behind the scenes” are “the devil and his angels.” They are doomed and will eventually be cast into the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41 with Revelation 20:10), but presently they are living right above us in “heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:2 with 6:12) where they are doing everything they can to rob the believer of the “JOY of his salvation” and of their “TESTIMONY before the world.” In this “spiritual battle” we are told to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might,” for we have “no power in ourselves.” Yet God has graciously provided “the whole armor of God” so we can “stand against the wiles of the devil.” In other words, we can gain the victory over Satan and his angels. But to do so, we must “TAKE UP the whole armor of God.” Perhaps Paul (who was writing this epistle from a Roman prison) saw soldiers clothed with armor and he used the armor they wore to illustrate each piece of God’s armor. Notice, it says to “take up THE WHOLE ARMOR of God,” which means every piece is important in our conflict with Satan and if we neglect one or more pieces, we will be vulnerable to his attacks on us. Now we are ready to look at each piece (using the King James Version):

Verse 14a: “Stand therefore, having your LOINS GIRT ABOUT WITH TRUTH.” The Roman soldier wore a BELT around his waist to hold in his robe so he would be free for combat. We need the “Word of TRUTH” (the Bible) to be “holding our thoughts and affections” when Satan tries to introduce false teachings into our minds and hearts” (see 2 Corinthians 10:2-5). To “put on this piece” we should read and study the scriptures at the beginning of each day to be prepared for the battles throughout the day.

Verse 14b: Having on the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.” God declares us “righteous before Him” the moment we trusted in Christ (Romans 3:21-26 with 2 Corinthians 5:21). But here we are told to be “living a RIGHTEOUS LIFE” and if we do, it will protect us from Satan’s snares to lure us into sin. If we aren’t clothed with “practical righteousness” we are vulnerable to his attacks (see Psalm 7:3-5). See also Acts 25:16 where Paul desired to have a GOOD CONSCIENCE “void of offense toward God, and toward men,” for he knew Satan has no success against those who have a good conscience.

Verse 15: “Your FEET shod with the preparation of the GOSPEL OF PEACE.” As mentioned above, Satan wants to SILENCE US (to keep us from “proclaiming the gospel” as we’re told to do in Mark 16:15). As we carry the gospel of Christ to the lost God says of us, “How beautiful are the FEET of them that PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.” Satan hates to see this piece of armor on us!

Verse 16: “Taking the SHIELD OF FAITH, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Every Roman soldier had this on to protect them from the enemy’s sword or arrows. But we must have COMPLETE FAITH in God (Proverbs 3:5) to ward off Satan assailing us with either “physical persecution” or “subtle temptations and false teachings.”

Verse 17a: “And take the HELMET OF SALVATION.” This speaks of having the “ASSURANCE of eternal salvation” through scriptures such as John 3:16; 5:24; 10:27-30 and 1 John 5:11-13. If our MINDS are persuaded of this truth Satan can never “get into our heads” and cause us to doubt God’s salvation.

Verse 17b: “and the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the word of God.” This is the only OFFENSIVE PIECE OF ARMOR. If we have on the Word of God, as applied by the Holy Spirit who empowers us, we can cause the Devil to flee (see Matthew 4:1-11 with Hebrews 4:12).

In closing, verse 18 goes on to say, “PRAYING always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Though not “part of the armor,” this speaks of our need to be in constant communication with the “Captain of our salvation.” The enemy would love to “cut off our communication with headquarters” and we must maintain “dependence on God” so He can lead us and give us the victory. (DO)  (726.3)