Know Your Tools: Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10–17 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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 firm. 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,

The armour is definitely a major part of our tools. It is very important to be suited up. This is something each and everyone of us need to put on everyday. Not just one part of the armor, but all of it.

We would not think of leaving the house without being dressed, the armor is the same thing.

How can we expect to stand strong for God if we are not dressed appropriately?

-Belt of Truth-

This holds everything in place. It is very important we know the truth of God’s word. It is our anchor.

Hebrews 6:18–19 ESV

so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,

-Breastplate of Righteousness-

This is the armor of what is right and justice. To be in a right relationship with God. Notice the armor for righteousness is over the heart. We need to protect our heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 ESV

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

Faith here is a firm persuasion or assurance. The word of love here is agape. This is God’s love put into action. This must govern our heart. It is not something we are born with. This comes from having a relationship with the Lord. We must put it on everyday. Otherwise, our heart moves towards evil. See how important our tools are. How we must put them on everyday.

-Shoes of the Gospel of Peace-

Feet represent forward movement or putting into action. We must be prepared to share the wonderful news of the gospel at all times. This does not just happen. Have you watched or taught a child to tie their shoes? I have never handed any of my children a pair of shoes with shoestrings and tell them to just put it on and tie them without teaching them how to first. That would be unfair.

But in the church, that is exactly what we do. Someone comes to a salvation knowledge of Jesus Christ and we just set them out there. Maybe we put them in ministry or teaching a class and they are not ready. Discipleship is paramount.

-Shield of Faith-

Psalm 3:3 ESV

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

The shield was covered with leather. This was something that had to be taken care of. They needed to oil the shield every day to keep the shield strong. If they did not, then the shield would crack and break under the pressure of rocks or other weapons hurdled at them. If they were going against an enemy known for using flaming arrows, they would dip their shields in water first and then the shields would not allow the arrows to go through.

We need to cover our shield of faith in the Holy Spirit every day. If we do not, we will fall for anything. Our faith must define us and protect us.

-Helmet of Salvation-

The mind is extremely powerful. This is where the battle is fought first. It is God’s will for us to have a powerful and strong mind. This is part of the armor. A tool to protect our mind.

2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

DEMONSTRATION

-Sword of the Spirit, the word of God-

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

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.

Conclusion:

It is God’s will for us to live an overcoming life. A life full of freedom from sin and fulfillment in the riches of God’s mercy and grace. We are meant to have a powerful mind and a servants heart just like Jesus. These things are not natural. You were not born with them. These come from utilizing the tools we have been given. Maybe you have not used the tools correctly or not at all. Maybe you have not made Jesus your Lord and Saviour so these have not been a part of your life. Great news. Today is your day.

Jesus has already done the hard part and He makes it as easy as knowing your A, B, C’s.

A - Acknowledge

Romans 3:23 ESV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

B - Believe

Acts 16:31 (ESV)

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

C - Confess

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.