Ephesians 6:13 (NET), “…take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.”

In order to stand firm, you must fasten “the belt of truth around your waist.”  That means studying the scriptures as often as possible. Learn the plan of GOD so you will not be swayed by errors or church traditions. John 4:24, “God is a spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

The breastplate of righteousness protects our vital organs from deadly injury. It is the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness – his merit covers our life, our vitals. Our own righteousness is “as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). But “through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith” covers and protects us (Philippians 3:9).

Your feet are sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. The soldier of the cross who starts in the campaign without the peace of God to assist him over the rough places will accomplish less and with great difficulty. This peace will allow us to accept blessings as well as fiery trials because wehave learned to trust GOD. John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Additionally, Christians should seek to follow peace with all men – to live peaceably with all so far as possible, without compromising God’s truth (Romans 12:18).

The shield of faith protects us from Satan’s poison arrows.  If we have unshakable faith in God’s love for us and His wisdom in allowing whatever comes to us, spiritual peace is ours even if our flesh is suffering (1 Peter 1:5).

The helmet of salvation protects our head, our mind. We must believe God has a plan to save all people, and God’s plans do not fail. Unless we have an intellectual understanding of His truth – a helmet – the enemy will strike us with arrows of bitter words, sarcasm, deception and lies. You “are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation,” 1 Peter 1:5.

The sword is the only item used not for defense but for attack.  Look how Jesus dealt with Satan after 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. He countered Satan with scriptures, “It is written…” We need to know the Bible very well so we can quote scripture when someone is attacking the truth (Matthew 4:1-11).

The war with Satan is a spiritual war requiring spiritual armor. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV), “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.”

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1287: “What Does God Promise Us As Christians?”
Learning who God’s magnificent promises are for and how they work
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #732: “Got Armor?”
Proper use of the armor of God
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated Video: What is the armor of God?