The Whole Armor of God

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

—Ephesians 6:14-18 (ESV)

Ephesians 6:14-18 shows us how to be a winning contender in spiritual warfare. The whole armor of God powerfully overcomes powers, principalities, and all the power of the enemy. Each weapon in the armor comes from the Word of God, residing within you.

The belt of truth, like that of a Roman centurion, serves as a unifying force, holding all the armor together. By diligently reading and studying the Bible daily, believers establish the Word of God firmly in their hearts until it becomes their foundation, holding everything together in their lives.

Ephesians 4:14 says, “having fastened on the belt of truth.” 

“Fasten” means to make fast or secure (American Heritage Dictionary). “Fastened” is in the past tense in this verse, and it means something you have secured. When you’ve “fastened” on the belt of truth, you’ve disciplined and prepared yourself with the Word of God. Just as a Roman soldier once practiced and prepared for war, so too have you. 

The next is the breastplate of righteousness. As a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, you are deemed righteous and have right standing with God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Righteousness is the realization of the Holy Spirit’s revelation of the completed work of Jesus for you. As you grow wiser and more mature in your understanding of your identity in Christ, God’s love will flood your heart, making you compassionate and respectful of others’ needs.

Ephesians 5:15 says, “And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” 

This refers to being ready to share the message of God’s peace. You can’t do that until you’re at peace with God in your own heart. Do you know that God loves you unconditionally, and His promises are always true? Are you ready to embrace His Word, whether it’s in good times or challenging circumstances? When you are trained and prepared in God’s truth, you are prepared to take the gospel of peace into any situation.

Ephesians 5:16 continues, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” 

Ephesians 6:14-15 represents the “logos,” the written Word of God. This preparation of the Word affects the way you conduct your life. Ephesians 5:16 is the “rhema,” the spoken Word of God. When the devil tries to lie about you, steal from you, attack you with sickness, penetrate your mind, and direct your actions, this Word is your power to stand against him. The Word you’ve put in your mind and heart activates your faith for the battle that is coming. You are so full of the Word that when the attacks of the enemy come, you recognize the lie. The shield of faith prevents that lie from taking root in you. It’s snuffed out.

Ephesians 6:17 says we are to “take the helmet of salvation.” 

This helmet is our renewed mind to the Word of God. It ensures we are saved, delivered, healed, protected, thriving, and whole. You know no lie of the devil, no darkness, or ailment can come near you because you are covered by your salvation, the finished work of Jesus. You lack nothing.

Ephesians 6:17 also says we are to take “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” In Greek, “distomos” is a two-edged sword.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

God’s Word, when spoken, has immense power. The spoken Word can thwart the enemy’s attempts to deceive you with lies that contradict God’s truth about you. Jesus responded to the devil in the wilderness by speaking God’s truth over each temptation (Matthew 4:4-11, Luke 4:3-12). The devil could not win against the spoken Word, declaring, “It is written.”

Finally, Ephesians 6:18 reminds us to always be aware of the enemy’s schemes, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” 

Warfare manifests as demonic influence, mental depression, unforgiveness, offense, illness, or any other evil attack by the devil. His lies go on forever. But God IS your forever. His truth is always available. When you truly get into the Word, God tears down strongholds and brings life and freedom in every area of your life. He wants you to experience the joy found in winning your battles. 

The Lord loves you. He formed you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. He wants you to know everything He has already provided for you. The only way you will know what is yours and be prepared to defend it is to know God's Word. The devil wants to steal God's promises from you, kill your faith, and destroy you. It’s time to learn what God has promised you.