Treasures of Truth
13 The Armor of God
The Walk of Victory
For though we walk in the flesh,
we do not war according to the flesh.
For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal
but mighty in God
for pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into captivity
to the obedience of Christ. II Corinthians 10:3-5
Put on the FULL Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18
1 THE BELT OF TRUTH
“…having girded your waist with truth…”
This is our responsibility as believers:
• Remember that the Word of God is Truth.
It is up to us as believers to be grounded in the facts of our salvation.
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” John 14:6
• Remind yourself of who He says you are as:
a royal priesthood, a heavenly citizen,
a child of God, His offspring,
a saint, and a new creation.
2 THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
“…and having put on the breastplate of righteousness…”
Our righteousness is given to us.
In the realm of the emotions,
the enemy constantly tries to create doubt
in what God has declared to be true.
“For He made Him who knew no sin
to be sin for us,
that we might become
the righteousness of God in Him.” II Corinthians 5:21
3 THE SANDALS OF PEACE
“…and having shod your feet with preparation of the gospel of peace…”
Because of what Christ did for us on the cross,
‘we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’
It is the peace of our justification,
union, and fellowship in Him.
The enemy tries to create guilt and condemnation
to keep us from going to our Father in His grace.
4 THE SHIELD OF FAITH
“…in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith…”
The shield of faith is not the primary piece of equipment.
In order for the soldier to fight effectively,
all the other pieces of the armor must be securely in place.
The shield is used defensively.
The other pieces of the armor
(belt, breastplate, sandals, and helmet)
are also used defensively.
The Sword of the Spirit
is used both offensively and defensively.
“Temptation acts on susceptible material.
Self-confidence is combustible.
Faith, in doing away with dependence on self (flesh),
takes away fuel for the dart.
It creates sensitivity to holy influences
by which the power of temptation is neutralized” (Wuest).
Faith enlists the direct aid of God (I Corinthians 10:13;
Luke 22:32; James 1:2; I Peter 4:12; II Peter 2:9).
5 THE HELMET OF SALVATION
“…and take the helmet of salvation…”
The helmet protects the head.
Our thought life,
as it is transformed by the Word of God,
will protect us in the battle.
“The salvation spoken of here is
salvation from the power of sin in this present life;
salvation from the onslaught of Satan” (Wuest).
6 THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
Learn to fence quickly
by exchanging the enemy’s lie for God’s truth.
Regardless of your immediate feelings,
experiences, or circumstances,
learn to live by what God says.
By walking discerningly in this life of faith,
you will progress in your ability to use this weapon skillfully.
Remember,
the Sword of the Spirit is used
both offensively and defensively
to defend and protect us.
7 ALL PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT
“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 6:18