As Christians, our battle is supernatural, not natural, so we need the supernatural armor of God, which is available to us in Christ Jesus.
This week I want to take you through the six pieces of God’s armor you need in order to be prepared to fight. This armor is described in Ephesians 6:14–17.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Notice something interesting—the first three pieces of armor are introduced with verbs that indicate a state of being. In other words, these are things we wear all the time. They’re part of the daily uniform. But the last three pieces are introduced with the verb take, meaning these are things we pick up as needed for the moment.
The first piece of armor Scripture tells us to put on is the belt of truth. “Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth” (v. 14a).
To fully understand this piece of armor you have to ask yourself, “what is truth?” Simply put, truth is a nonnegotiable standard to which everything else must adjust. God’s Word is that standard.
Go back and read Ephesians 6:10-17.
Reflect: How does putting on the armor of God help you to fight temptation?
I was once flying with a friend who explained to me how important it is to trust the airplane’s instruments no matter what your senses tell you, because you can easily become disoriented in flight. Your eyes may tell you you’re right side up when you are actually upside down and heading for disaster.
Reflect: What is the connection between your growth and believing God’s Word to be the only truth?
God’s Word is the instrument panel, and we have to believe it no matter what our senses, feelings or the devil may be telling us.
Reflect: In your own words explain what it means to put on the “belt of truth” in your daily walk with God.
Reflect: Write a prayer asking God to clothe you in His armor and specifically in the area of truth.
For His Kingdom,
Tony Evans
Prayer: Lord, I ask you to clothe me with each piece of Your armor. Help me to take up the specific armor I need in every situation I find myself in this week. Give me diligence in seeking You and growing spiritually so that I always remain spiritually dressed and able to resist any and all temptation. Amen.
