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. Eph 6:14  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Eph 6:15  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Eph 6:16  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; Eph 6:17  and take the helmet of salvation…                  

 

                       Yesterday, we considered the Christian’s battle.  Now we come to the armor that the Lord has provided for us in that battle. Each piece is designed to cover a specific portion of the body providing complete protection.  God always watches out for His children.

                Warren Wiersbe, the well-known teacher and theologian, stated the following about the amor of God. 

Each part of the spiritual armor tells us what believers must have if they are to be protected against Satan:

Belt of truth --Truth — Satan is a liar, but the Christian who knows the truth of the Word of God will not be deceived.  Repeat the truth of God’s Word when the attacks come.

Breastplate of righteousness - Righteousness — This means the consistent daily walk of the Christian. Satan is the accuser (Rev_12:10), but the believer who walks in the light will give Satan no opportunity to attack. We stand in the imputed righteousness of Christ, and we walk in the imparted righteousness of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel of peace - Peace — Satan is a divider and a destroyer. When the believer walks in the way of peace, the Gospel way, then Satan cannot reach him. The Christian’s feet should be clean (Joh_13:1-38), beautiful (Rom_10:15), and shod with the Gospel. Christians who are ready to witness for Christ have an easier time defeating the evil one.

Shield of faith - Faith — Satan is the source of unbelief and doubt. “Has God indeed said?” is his favorite question (Gen_3:1). Faith is what overcomes every foe (1Jn_5:4). As believers use the shield of faith, the fiery darts of unbelief and doubt are kept away.

Helmet of salvation - Salvation — This verse (Eph_6:17) probably refers to our ultimate salvation when Christ returns (see 1Th_5:8). The believer whose mind is fixed on Christ’s imminent coming will not fall into Satan’s traps. The blessed hope must be like a helmet to protect the mind. Satan would love to have us believe that Christ is not coming back, or that He may not come back today. Read Mat_24:45-51 to see what happens to the person who takes off the helmet of salvation.  (Copied)

 

As we observe the armor of the believer, we find that we have the means to stand against the devices of the devil.  God’s provision is there if we will use it.  Like anything else, we must appropriately take advantage of what we are given in this struggle.  Therefore, let’s strap on the armor and go forth to stand against the evil one.

Tomorrow, we will find there is not only defensive armor to use in this battle, but also offensive weapons that will help us to gain the victory in this spiritual battle in which we are all engaged.  Praise the Lord for His provision!

 

August 19^th, Psalms 119:1-48; 1 Corinthians 3