READING: Eph. 6:14-17: Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God …
The spiritual armor that the Lord Himself provides us has several components to help us stand firm and overcome in the battle. We read about a belt of truth, girded around your waist. This is the truth of the complete gospel of salvation. We must always have this gospel at hand to guide decisions in life and to use in our battle against false teaching and temptation.
This truth strengthens us and guides us, but it also serves to expose and combat falsehood.
The breastplate of righteousness is a plate that protects vulnerable organs in the chest and abdomen from attacks. This righteousness involves works of obedience wrought by the Spirit and are pleasing to God; it shields us from pride and doubt.
At our feet, we have footwear that enables us to walk in the paths of the Gospel, providing stability and firmness in our way of life. Along with this solid covering, three more components are taken up when danger threatens: shield, helmet, and sword.
The shield is the shield of faith and assurance, which extinguishes the fiery arrows of temptations.
The helmet of salvation is the sure hope of eternal salvation that protects your head from doubt and discouragement.
Finally, there is the sword of God’s Word, given by the Spirit! With it, we keep the enemy at bay. False prophecy then gets no chance. Thus, God protects and defends us.
Do you use this armor of God?
Singing: Hymn 41:3,4 (1984), 53:3,4 (2014)