The Whole Armor of God: An Introspective
Spiritual strength and courage are needed for our spiritual warfare and suffering. Those who would prove themselves to have true grace, must aim at all grace; and put on the whole armour of God, which he prepares and bestows. The Christian armour is made to be worn; and there is no putting off our armour till we have done our warfare, and finished our course. ~ Matthew Henry
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”— Ephesians 6:10
A long time back, a fellow Believer shared with me the importance putting on the “whole armor of God” daily. As I am a very literal person, I took this challenge seriously, and there isn’t a day that goes by now that I don’t take a few minutes to do this in the morning. It is very important for me to be reminded, that no matter how influential a person I may become, it is really the might of the Lord that has brought me to a place of authority, and it is in Him that I depend.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”— Ephesians 6:11
Pinpointing the enemy is an important strategy that we must learn, if we wish to be successful in life. We truly are in a battle for a Kingdom. Although we already know that the Kingdom of God is victorious, this does not mean that we can take a backseat mentality to life. It is imperative that we can discern between the Holy Spirit and the counterfeit spirits that Satan has released on the earth.
“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.”— Ephesians 6:12
We must remember that although the enemy uses hurting people to hurt others, they are actually NOT our enemy. It might feel that they are in the moment, but the truth is that they are just pawns in a very dangerous game. When we can operate in a life of forgiveness, then, and only then, can we minister to those hurting people who have been mislead. I am reminded of Corrie Ten Boom, years after the Holocaust, who was approached by the very Nazi guard who imprisoned her and her family, requesting her forgiveness. In that moment, she made a conscious decision to shake his hand in agreement—changing the direction of their lives forever. Forgiveness is never easy, but it is the right thing to do.
“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.”— Ephesians 6:13
We are not alone. It is important as Believers that we understand that God has left us very unique tools in order to lead a successful, Kingdom-driven lifestyle. However, it is our choice to utilize these precious gifts or not.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”— Ephesians 6:14
When the Word says to “gird our waist with truth” this statement is much deeper than it originally appears. What truth? This is depicting the covenant truth of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When a man made covenant with another, during the time of the ancient patriarchs, it meant that whatever was on one belt loop was available to the other. In other words, whatever resources I have, they are yours at a moments notice. As we strap on the covenant belt of Father God, we are literally placing the authority of the Creator around our waists. His truth demolishes strongholds and sets captives free.
As we put on the breastplate of righteousness we are delivered from our previous state of being an outsider of the Kingdom. We are now able to walk boldly into the throne room of Heaven. This is not because we have earned it through our own good works. No, it is only because we have accepted the blood covenant sacrifice of Yeshua as payment for our sin.
“Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”— Ephesians 6:15
In the Biblical text of Ephesians chapter 6, there are pieces of armor: the helmet, shield, loins, feet, sword, and breastplate. The seventh is prayer. These pieces have a description of what they are: helmet of salvation, shield of faith, loins girt with truth (belt of truth), feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (peace), the sword of the spirit/word of God, and the breastplate of righteousness.
Believers should bring shalom peace with them wherever they go. Why? We can accomplish so much more when in a state of peace, rather than a state of confusion—besides the fact that our own shalom/peace is a reflection of the Father’s consistent state of being. If you, or someone you know, is stirring up fear then take a moment to shod your feet and ask forgiveness for allowing fear to take hold.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”— Ephesians 6:16
This shield of faith is trust in our covenant-keeping God. As He has been faithful to the children of Israel, He is also faithful to us.
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”—Ephesians 6:17
When I put on the helmet of salvation or deliverance, I take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ—I also include every motive, passion, and personal agenda, as well. This has become an important daily reminder; I desire to make all aspects of my thought-life like His.
When I “take up the sword of the Spirit” I am literally coming in agreement with the covenant promises of the Word of God. This is a legally binding document, and its instruction— along with the guidance of the Holy Spirit—allows me to cut-off anything that is trying to hinder me from missing my destiny for that day.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”—Ephesians 6:18
Finally, when all of this is said and done, I release warring angels into the atmosphere on behalf of my family and myself. I also pray in the Spirit. Speaking in tongues is a way of communicating in God’s language, allowing us to speak over areas in our lives that we do not even know that we are in need. Then, if the Lord lays a burden for another on my heart, I will also lift them up in prayer. I seal all of this in the covenant blood of Yeshua who paid the price for us to have access to life, and life more abundant.
We hope that you are greatly encouraged by this word and look forward to hearing any of your personal testimonies in regards to the power of prayer and spiritual warfare in your own life!