The Armor of God

What can’t you afford to leave at home?

PROTECTION only works when you PUT it on.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

Ephesians 6:13

You are in a real spiritual BATTLE with a real spiritual ENEMY.

God has given you supernatural ARMOR to stand your GROUND.

When you GO OUT, you GET READY.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:14-17

HOW DO YOU PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD?

TRUTH – that which corresponds to reality, revealed perfectly in Jesus and made known through the Word of God. (John 14:6; John 17:17)

Practice: Daily RENEW your MIND with God’s Word.

What am I believing about God, myself, or my circumstances that isn’t true?

RIGHTEOUSNESS – clothed in the very righteousness of Jesus and learning to live out this new identity.  (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:8-9) 

Practice: Choose INTEGRITY over HIDING.

What part of my life am I tempted to hide, excuse, or compartmentalize?

THE GOSPEL OF PEACE – the good news that through Jesus we have peace with God and are called to carry His peace to the world. (Romans 5:1-2)

Practice:  Be a CARRIER of PEACE.

Where am I called to carry the peace of Jesus today?

FAITH – the confidence that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. (Hebrews 11:1-3)

Practice: Stay close to people who STRENGTHEN your FAITH.

Who strengthens my faith in Jesus?

Who is close enough to know where the flaming arrows are landing?

SALVATION – the settled assurance that Jesus has rescued you, is rescuing you, and will bring you safely home. (1 Thessalonians 5:8; 2 Timothy 4:18)

Practice: When the BATTLE rages, run to JESUS. 

Where am I trying to handle the battle without Jesus?

THE WORD OF GOD – the spoken Word of God used to combat the attacks of the enemy. (Matthew 4:1-11)

Practice: Put the Word of God to MEMORY. 

What Scripture do I need ready for the battle I am facing?