(Eph 6:13) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Well, there Paul was incarcerated in a Roman prison for the cause of Christ. As time went by the Spirit begins to speak to him as he peers at the guard he is chained to. He gets the idea that the Christian is in a spiritual war against Satan and his minions and must be dressed for battle. What should the Christian wear in the spiritual struggle against darkness? (Eph 6:10-18)
BELT OF TRUTH (v. 14): This belt was worn around the waist and served to brace the armor tight against the body. It supported daggers, short swords, and weapons of the sort. This refers to a believer’s integrity and faithfulness. A dishonest Christian cannot withstand the father of lies (John 8:32, 44).
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 14): The breastplate was made of hard leather or metal and so protected his chest from an enemy’s attacks. Righteous living guards a believer’s heart against the assaults of the devil. Of course, this righteousness is from Christ. (2 Cor 5:21)
GOSPEL SHOES (v. 15): A Roman soldier’s feet were shod with hard, studded shoes to be firm in battle in rough terrain. The Christian’s feet should be clean (John 13), beautiful (Rom 10:15), and always ready to go share the good news of Jesus (1 Pet 3:15).
SHIELD OF FAITH (v. 16): The Roman shield was about two and a half feet wide and four feet long and protected the soldier’s whole body as he crouched forward in battle. It was overlaid with linen and leather to absorb fiery arrows. Trusting in the Lord and not doubting will keep Satan from penetrating our effectiveness for Christ. (Pro 3:5; Rom 4:20-21)
HELMET OF SALVATION (v. 17): The intricately designed Roman helmet protected the soldier’s head and also made him look taller and more impressive. This refers to protection of the mind (thought life) and the hope of future deliverance when Jesus returns (1 Thes 5:8). Satan wants to make us doubt our salvation and the bright future we have in Christ. (Phil 4:8)
SWORD OF THE SPIRIT (v. 17): Christ defeated the devil in the temptation in the wilderness by using the offensive weapon of the Word of God (Mat 4:1-11). We, too, have the same weapon available if we will but read and study God’s Word and apply it when under spiritual attack. (Heb 4:12)
Paul goes on to talk about prayer in verse 18. This means we put all our armor on in prayer and keep it on as we pray. Let’s fight our enemy with spiritual, and not worldly methods (2 Cor 10:3-5). Remember it’s a good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12). The victory is ours in Christ! (1 Cor 15:57)
Louie