Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints…

Ephesians 6:10-18

1. Loins (Belt) = Truth
2. Breastplate = Righteousness
3. Feet (shoe) = Preparation of the gospel of peace
4. Shield = Faith
5. Helmet = Salvation
6. Sword of Spirit = Word of God

The armor of God is a very important part for a child of God to have in their life. When we are able to carry the full armor of God, we will be able to carry great power that God has given us. This great power will bring a transformation in not just our life but the lives of people that surround us. I would like to go into detail to each one of these so that we can know what each one is and how we can either carry it or also grow into each one. When we carry the full armor, we will be able to be equipped with what we need to go against the god of this world which is Lucifer (2 Corinthians 4:4).

1. Belt = Truth
   1. John 17:17 – Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
   1. John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
   1. John 8:31-32 – Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
   1. Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The belt in ancient times, just as now, was worn around the waist. But the belt was also the first accessory  put on, for the belt also held your sword and other tools that were necessary for everyday life. The belt was worn even when you did not carry any other type of armor. This shows us that no matter what, no matter where we are, we always need to carry with us the truth. This truth, the truth, is the truth of God.

That Jesus Christ is the son of God. That he died for us. The truth is what has happened.

We see that truth will sanctify you, because when you know the truth and understand it you will then start purifying yourself for the truth, which is our Lord.

You will know what is truth, which is that the Lord God is Holy and because of this we must be Holy, we know he is also Spirit and because of this we must also worship Him in Spirit. We know what He says is truth, that He is life and there is no other way to heaven other than through Him. We understand that if we do not do what He commands, that there is a hell (which will be cast in the lake of fire) and a heaven and, depending on what we do, we will end in one of the two. The truth is what Jesus Christ has spoken. The truth is Him.

When Jesus Christ said that He is the Truth, this meant that there is no other way. When something is true that means that is the only way we can go, all the rest is false no matter how much you try to prove it any other way. Why would you want to go in a direction which is not true unless you fear truth, but we have John 8 which tells us that the truth shall make you free because you know the truth. If you fear knowing truth it is time to understand that the truth will make you free.

Further on we have Philippians 4 which tells us that which is true, we should think on it and mediate on it. We need to take the truth, which is our Lord, and what he has set for us, His will, his path and plan for us, mediate on it and by mediating on truth we will become even more free in truth. It is time for us to start wearing the Belt of Truth in our life. When we will, others around us will be attracted to you because we all want to be around someone that has truth – this is another reason why so many were attracted to Jesus Christ. This will start making others around you change because they know that what you say and what you do is truth. They may either like it or not because truth is the enemy’s enemy. For he knows that truth will set anyone that is in bondage or chains or that have been oppressed, set free.

• Breastplate = Righteousness
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 – For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
  • Philippians 3:9 – And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith…
  • Isaiah 53:11 – He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
  • Proverbs 21:21 – He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
  • 1 Timothy 6:11 – But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
  • Matthew 6:33 –  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
  • Psalms 112:6 – Surely, he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

The word ‘Righteousness’ is what is right, morally right, and what is justifiable. We know that a breastplate is what we wear to protect are main organs, mainly or heart. This means that when we wear this armor, which is the breastplate, we will protect that which is the most important: our heart or soul, which holds desires and wants. What is correct and pure in front of God must be protected. When we think of the word ‘righteous,’ many of us already know it means to be right and correct in what your are doing. If we are justifiable as well, it means with what we judge or do in our actions that we are right. This means that at all times, where we go, do, say, or act we must be right.  I would say that to truly be righteous is very difficult.

The question then comes what is right? Right is what God has set for you in His ways (path), His commands (law), His statues (Limits), His judgment (Resolving), His testimonies. When we know what this means knowing what God has put in front of us to follow and how to follow it and how to resolve specific issues among brothers and sisters, we will be right in following what He has told us.

We see that in 2 Corinthians 5,  Jesus was made sin and died for you and me to make us become righteous in front of God the Father. This shows us that for us to be right and correct in front of God, because of sin, that the Son of God had to die and this made us become righteous in front of God.  We can also look at Matthew 6, which tells us to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. When we continue, looking at the passage in 1 Timothy 6, it tells us to flee many things, but it tells us to follow righteousness. 

Why should we follow and look for righteousness? In Proverbs 21, it tells us that if we follow what is right in life that we will find life, righteousness, and honor. When you and I speak what is right, no matter what situation we might find ourselves in, we will find life. This is because if we do not do what is right, meaning what is wrong and unclean in front of God and we know that when we go against what God tells us to follow, we will go towards death not life.  In the same idea, when we follow life we will find what is right in front of God and because of this we will also find honor which our Lord will give us. It is time for us to wear the breastplate of righteousness in our life. For us to show others that Christ lives in us and because of this we will do what is right in front of Him and not man.

• Boots (Feet) = Readiness of the Gospel of Peace
  • John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
  • Romans 10:15 – And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
  • John 10:29 – My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
  • 1 John 5:13 – These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
  • Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I believe this is one of the pieces of armor that gets many confused. Many assume this is the peace that the gospel will bring among people; it does mean this, but we must realize that the Bible also tells us that this Gospel will bring brother against brother and sister against sister and that there will be division, as it says in Luke 13:53. What it speaks about here is what it is for us and for who receive it. In John 14, Jesus leaves peace with us and says that He gives it to us. But He also says not as the world gives; this is a warning for us, to let us know that the peace of the world or what the world offers as peace is not true peace. It tells us not to be troubled or afraid, for we have peace. A peace that surpasses all of this.

In addition, in John 10 tells us that no one is able to pluck us out of the Father’s hands. It also says He is greater than all. We need to realize the ‘Readiness of the Gospel of Peace’ is knowing and being prepared that no matter where you go or what situation that might arise, that no one is able to pluck you out of the Father’s hand. This alone should bring a true peace to us because we know that, no matter what, we are safe. And because you know this you also have the peace of knowing that true belief in the name of the Son of God you will have everlasting life.

The readiness of the Gospel of peace goes even further than this, as we see in Romans 10:15 where it says how beautiful the feet are of the ones that preach the Gospel, which bring good tidings and good things. But the question comes in the first part of this verse. How will anyone go, unless they were sent first? This tells us that this peace of the readiness is being sent by God to do His will; this is the readiness of the Gospel of peace as well, knowing that where you are going and what you’re doing is from God. If we look in Romans 8:28, it tells us that all things work for good for the ones that love God and the one called by Him for His purpose. We all are called and we all have a specific purpose in God’s plan.

The Readiness of the Gospel of Peace is putting on your boots. Knowing where you’re going and what you’re doing because God has sent you there and, when you are there, the Holy Spirit will reveal to you what you need to do. A readiness so that when God tells you to pick up and go, you go, just as Philip did when he was sent to attach himself to the chariot were the eunuch was and he did; when he did the eunuch received Christ as Lord and was saved and baptized. Readiness is being prepared at all times and ready to go whenever it is necessary to go and bring this gospel of peace all over.

• Shield = Faith
  • Ephesians 6:16 – Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
  • 1 Peter 1:5 – Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
  • Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is defined, as it says in Hebrew 11 above, as a substance in things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. I would like to go a little further and say it is also trusting or having true confidence, in what you believe in Christ. Therefore, this is one of the more important pieces of armor that you should want, because faith is what makes you live your life. We gain faith by hearing the word of God.

In scripture we see in many areas that Jesus Christ speaks about having faith or telling His disciples, “ye of little faith.” Faith is a big key. The woman that touched Jesus was healed because she believed. A centurion’s servant was healed because of the faith he had. Jesus tells us that that if we have faith as big as a mustard seed we could tell a mountain to be moved and it would. Everything we do comes from our faith. That is why it tells us to put the Shield of a Faith on, meant to protect the whole body.

How is it protected by Faith? If we believe and do not have doubt in our heart it will come to pass what we declare in the name of Jesus Christ. If the devil comes with lies, lust, despair, doubt, hatred, or gossip they might be fiery when coming at you, but it tells us in Ephesians 6 that faith will quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Anything that is directed towards you from the devil will come but through your faith it is quenched, it will lose power and, not only that, but it will be destroyed as it was never there.

We must become strong and root our faith deeply in God so that it will last and never waiver or be burnt down. Our faith is what brings salvation, faith is what brings works for Christ, faith is what brings transformation in our life and we need it, we need to start growing it to a new level daily.  

• Helmet = Salvation
  • Acts 4:12 – Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
  • Psalms 62:1 – Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
  • Titus 2:11-12 – For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world…

Salvation is being saved from sin, iniquity, transgression, and death. The Helmet protects our mind, or thoughts, from the devil’s attacks on us. We must carry the helmet, but we must wear it on our head to protect ourselves from the devil’s maneuvers. In Psalms 62, it says that he waits upon God for salvation to come from Him. We need to realize that our salvation only comes from Him and there is nothing we can do to gain it other than to accept Him as our Lord.

Someone that is wearing a strong Helmet understands his position and knows that he is able to take much, for he is protected. The more we know and understand in Christ, that we are saved in His name and that He is our Lord, our salvation which is the Helmet is that much stronger to protect ourselves from the devil’s tricks, for you know you are strong. There are too many that are weak in faith and salvation because they are confused if they are saved because they are weak in faith. We need to grow in faith and to also have a stronger understanding and not allow the devil to deceive us of our salvation.

Once we know and wear the Helmet of salvation it will teach us how to deny ungodliness and the world’s lust, that we must live soberly and right and godly in this dark world. This happens because when salvation has entered into you, you will want to keep yourself clean in front of God to make sure you do not depart from the living God just as  it states in Hebrew 3:12. The Holy Spirit starts working and revealing this to you for you to start cleaning yourself and becoming more sanctified and Holy.

• Sword of Spirit = Word of God
  • John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
  • Hebrew 4:12 – For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
  • Matthew 4:4 – But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)…
  • 1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Until now we have covered the armor that is there to shield and protect us from the Devil. Now we will cover the part of the armor that is put on us to fight back against the devil himself the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

This sword is used against both the enemy and family in the body of Christ you might say how is this possible. The sword, as it says in Hebrew 4, is quick and powerful and it’s even sharper than any two-edged sword, and it will cut the soul and spirit. It is a discerner of the thoughts of the heart. When we preach the children of God to change or become more holy, because of what the word of God teaches us, this is one way to use the sword. The other is to battle against the devil and pulling down of strong holds. The reason we are able to fight and win with the sword is because we see that even Jesus himself did it when He was tempted by the devil, He told him what was in the scripture and the devil fled away eventually. On top of this, the reason it has power is because it tells us that the word was God and with God from the beginning. When we use the word of God it is God himself which has power.

Peter 5 tells us that the devil, which is our adversary, is as a roaring lion walking around to see whom he can devour. It tells us to resist and stay steadfast against him in faith. When we resist it means to battle, fight against him. How do we do this with the sword? We use the word of God and fight against him, for when we have God on our side, who can stand against us. The devil will flee and run away every time for he knows he can not win against God. This is why he tries to lie and deceive all in darkness and in confusion.

You need to pick this sword up and start breaking the strongholds that the devil has on you. It is time to start breaking the bondages and chains he has latched on you since you have not picked up the sword to fight back. We need to realize that if we do not fight back then we automatically lose. In a war you must choose a side and pick up your sword to fight. If you do not pick up your sword, you will lose. The fight is won because the army in the kingdom picks up the full armor and fights back and the devil’s stronghold and all he has put together will start crumbling down.

It is time for us to fight back and show the devil himself and his kingdom that God is greater and his lies, fears, hatred, lust and all he has been using against us, has no more power for the sword will cut them down and we shall be free.