We all face many challenges. However, as Christians, we know that we aren’t up against something physical but rather something in the spiritual realm. We do not wage war against the seen but the unseen world. To win the battle, we must wear the right clothes. These battle clothes are what we are instructed to do in the book of Ephesians as “putting on the whole armor of God.”
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”- Ephesians 6:10-11.
Why You Can't Use Natural Weapons in Spiritual Warfare
Natural weapons cannot be used in spiritual warfare because the enemy is unseen. We must fight the devil's temptations, our selfish desires, and feelings of pride or inadequacies with the whole armor of God, not fleshly weapons. The enemy doesn’t care how smart, willful, or sophisticated we are. We are no match for him… unless we are putting on the whole armor of God. That’s when we are a threat.
That is why it is essential to be ready at all times by putting on the whole armor of God so that we emerge victorious like Christ, who has gone before us.
Do You Know You Have the Whole Armor of God?
When some Christians hear about putting on the whole armor of God to fight the war going on in the spirit, they think they are not equipped for it. When we accept to be led by the Holy Spirit and accept Jesus as the Lord and Savior, we are already wearing the armor of God.
However, when we aren’t aware of the armor available, we don’t use weaponry. If we aren’t committed to truth, righteousness, and peaceful life of prayer, we stray further away from the protection the Spirit provides us in the unseen battles.
The devil waits for any possible moment to steal from us in an effort to steal God’s glory. When we walk in the Spirit, it is not by our might that we can be victorious but by the power of God working through us.
Learning the Enemy's Strategy
To win the battle, we must study the enemy's strategies. Jesus, in His teachings, described the devil as a spirit that comes among the flock to kill, steal and destroy. We must be aware of how the devil comes into our lives to plunder what is in our stewardship and destroy the life we are meant to have – a life of abundance.
He uses various tactics:
- He spreads lies and attacks our faith.
- He stirs division within the body of Christ
- He causes us to feel discouraged and distracted from the mission that Christ has given us.
Putting on the Whole Armor of God
Paul wrote to the church in the city of Ephesus to encourage them not to be afraid of the enemy. Rather, he wants them to be equipped so that they are always vigilant. After giving instructions about how the body of Christ must love each other, he instructs the church to put on the whole armor of God to fight off the devil's schemes.
“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.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…”–Ephesians 6:13-18
1. The Belt of Truth
The first item in the armor of God is the belt. The belt of truth helps to hold up all the other pieces. It speaks to our commitment to live by the truth of God’s Word. The belt of truth also has the weapon ready to fight the devil's lies. For it is also written, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”- John 8:32
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness
A breastplate protects all vital organs, including the heart. The breastplate of Christ's righteousness acts as a bulletproof vest that protects the heart from the arrows of Satan's charges and accusations. For it is written, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”–Proverbs 4:23
3. The Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protects the head. This keeps the enemy’s lies from infiltrating your thought life and robbing you of the abundant peace that Christ gives unto us. For it is written, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”–Philippians 4:7
4. Shoes of the Gospel
Our feet are fitted with the gospel of peace. Wherever we go, we are at peace with God and walk just as Jesus walked. For it is written, “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.”–Galatians 6:16
5. The Shield of Faith
God gave us faith to repel the fiery darts of doubt the enemy throws our way. For it is written, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.”–Psalm 28:7-9
6. The Sword of the Spirit
This is the only offensive piece of armor. The Word of God has been described as a double-edged sword. When you have the Word of God in your heart and speak it and believe it, the enemy loses the power to intimidate or confuse you. For it is written, “The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of sould and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”–Hebrews 4:12
Understanding the Authority, You Have
When you receive Christ, the power and authority of God to pull down strongholds is given to you. This is how you can put on the whole armor of God. Just as the disciples were sent forth with the power to cast out demons, trample over snakes and scorpions, and defeat the enemy, you will be equipped to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.
How Satan Gets a Stronghold
The devil has no power over us except the power we give him. He gains a stronghold in our lives by the sins we habitually commit, such as lying, gossiping, and stealing. Then we allow him a chance to reign in our lives.
The devil wants nothing more than for his schemes to stay hidden. Therefore, we must investigate within ourselves the parts we have allowed him to occupy, then pray for God's strength to regain authority in His name.
Final Thoughts
As you have seen, every Christian must work diligently in Christ to win the battle against spiritual warfare.
Putting on the whole armor of God means you put on the…
- Belt of truth
- Breastplate of righteousness,
- Shield of faith
- Helmet of salvation
- Shoes of the gospel
- Shield of faith
- Sword of the Spirit
This way, you can defeat the enemy who cannot be seen with physical eyes. Be aware of the devil's tactics to avoid giving him a chance to gain a stronghold in your life. It's time to win the war and claim the promised peace you’ve been given through Jesus.
