Strong in the Lord

 

The Armour of God

Scripture Reading Ephesians 6:10-20

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” — Ephesians 6:12

The Bible is clear: the Christian life is not a playground but a battlefield. Our enemies are not people but unseen spiritual forces that oppose God’s purposes. These unseen powers work subtly—through lies, temptations, discouragement, and distortions of God’s truth. What we face on the surface may look like conflict with people or circumstances, but behind it is a deeper struggle to pull us away from God’s will. Yet the good news is that victory does not depend on our strength—it comes through the Lord’s mighty power. Paul calls us to “put on the full armour of God” (Ephesians 6:11), a daily practice of clothing ourselves in Christ.

Paul describes the armour of God as essential equipment for the Christian life. The belt of truth holds everything together, reminding us that Christ himself is the Truth (John 14:6). The breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts, keeping us in right relationship with God as we confess our sins and receive his forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Our feet are fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace, echoing Isaiah’s vision of those who bring good news (Isaiah 52:7), and reminding us that proclaiming Christ pushes back the darkness.

The shield of faith protects us from the enemy’s fiery arrows of fear, guilt, or condemnation, as Spurgeon noted that faith is a screen against them all. The helmet of salvation safeguards our minds, enabling us to take every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). With these, we can stand firm in assurance and confidence, knowing our identity is secure in Jesus.

Finally, Paul highlights two weapons of victory. The sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—cuts through lies and deception, just as Jesus did when tempted by the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). And prayer, which John Wesley called the force behind all God’s work, keeps us in constant communion with our Lord. This armour is not a symbol to admire but a daily reality to live. Every piece points us back to Christ himself—our truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, Word, and intercessor. In Him, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we confess that the battle is too great for us on our own. Clothe us with Your armour today—belt us with truth, guard us with righteousness, fit us with readiness, shield us with faith, protect us with salvation, arm us with Your Word, and keep us in prayer. Strengthen us to stand firm and live victoriously in You. Amen.