THE ARMOUR OF GOD

Read Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

When you hear the word “armour”, what comes to mind is “there is a threat of war, the need for protection or fortification”.

True Christianity is about warfare. The true Christian is a soldier from the day of his conversion. However, the nature of the Christian warfare is not carnal, not with fellow Christians, not with churches or groups but with the world, the Flesh and the devil. (2Corin. 10:3)

The kind of battle we encounter in our Christian race calls for the putting on of armour for fortification. This calls for strength in the Lord and in the power of His might. The Christian has no other physical armour of men than the “armour of God”. (2Corin. 10:4)

Armour of God

The armour of God is perfect and protective armour against the wiles of the devil, the flesh and the world. Not the imperfect one worn by Goliath which was easily penetrated by a stone or that of Saul, which could not fit David for battle with Goliath. The perfect armour of God fits every Christian, no matter your size, shape or position. But it should be worn whole and at every time to ensure complete protection (v11)

Paul compared the armour of God with the carnal armour of the Roman Soldier as these:

a)     Belt of truth, holiness: Belt holds all garments together and prevents them from falling apart. Truthfulness makes you credible, worthy and can stand accusation as our Lord Jesus Christ did before Pilate.

b)     Breast plate of righteousness: It covers our hearts and not our backs. You shall stand firm in righteousness with a pure heart and to move confidently forward.

c)     Feet in gospel of peace: When the foot is grounded in battle, it prevents the soldier from falling. If you are grounded in the word of God, no deception can win you. Study and know the gospel, walk in it daily and spread it.

d)     Shield of faith: The shield is the first defense in attack and it is your faith in battle. If you hold on firmly to the faith in Jesus Christ, you will ward off the fiery darts of the devil.

e)     Helmet of salvation: the helmet prevents entry into our minds, things of this world. Confess Jesus always and let Him only be your hope.

f)       Sword of the Spirit: the sword is for attacking and cutting the enemy in battle. Our sword (word of God) is sharper than a double-edged sword; it is the same when turned both ways. Hold firmly onto the sword, no how to use it well in battle. Jesus, after he has fasted for 40days was tempted by Satan, using a twisted word. If Jesus had not known the word skillfully He would have been deceived by Satan.

g)     Prayer: Beware of God’s presence. Call on Him at all times. When the going gets tough, talk (pray) to God about it. He is ready to hear and answer.

Putting on the armour of God also calls for watchfulness with all perseverance and vigilance because our adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking to devour us.

Is there assurance of victory in using our spiritual weapon? Yes! There is absolutely total victory as Christ did on Calvary. see 1John 4:4, 1 Corin. 10:13; 1 John 5:4, 2Corin. 10:3-6.

How strong is your armour of spiritual protection?