by Emily Wooten
Why do we need to arm ourselves? Because our battle is not only against things we can see. In this section, Paul tells us twice to put on the whole armor of God.
Ephesians 6:11-18 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
That is twice that he tells us we will need to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Again, he tells us to stand. The truth of the good news is that nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God. As long as we trust Him and obey Him, He has made a covenant with us. Who wouldn’t want to be on God’s team?
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
We must be prepared with a firm foundation, a settled state of mind, and be firmly equipped and ready to give an answer concerning what we believe.
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
There is no question about who we are in Christ Jesus. The Word is clear: Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil, and he will flee. We believe God’s Word over every lie or delusion the devil throws at us.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Our minds are stayed on Him, and He keeps us in perfect peace. We speak the Word, which is the sword of the Spirit, and His Word accomplishes what it is sent to do.
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Prayer is the weapon through which we access supplies, ammunition and sharpen our swords. When we come to the throne room, we gain access to all of heaven’s arsenal.
As we are led by the Holy Spirit into prayer, we speak into the air, releasing God’s Word. Strongholds can be torn down. Doors are opened, and when we come together, joining our faith together as touching a thing, God’s Word goes to work.
We must never forget that we are a part of the kingdom of God. Whom He calls, He equips. It is up to us to take the tools and weapons He has provided and arm ourselves to fight the good fight of faith.
Let’s try starting every morning by equipping ourselves to win!
The Belt of Truth (Verse 14) •The Breastplate of Righteousness (Verse 14)
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Verse 15) •The Shield of Faith (Verse 16)
The Helmet of Salvation (Verse 17) • The Sword of the Spirit (Verse 17)