| Armor of God |
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1. The Belt of Truth
The belt tied tightly around the waist indicated that the soldier was prepared for action. To slacken the belt was to go off duty. The "belt" served an essential purpose. It gathered in the short tunic and helped keep the breastplate in place. The sword also hung from the belt. The belt of truth around our waist is said to be the truth of the gospel and the truthfulness of God and His Word. The belt of truth protects us from false teaching and false living. Truth is found in God's word and we must hold on to it. Is our doctrine and beliefs completely in line with the truth of God's Word?
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness
The heart protector. The breastplate secures the vital organs and shelters the heart. Holiness, godliness, uprightness and integrity of character are all part of being righteous. We put on the righteousness of Christ which fortifies the heart against the attacks which Satan makes against us. We have no fear when we are living a righteous life. Our hearts are protected and we remain strong in God. Is there any sin in our lives we need to deal with or is there any area where we need to make changes so that we are living a righteous life?
3. Feet fitted with readiness
The army boots of the soldier was described by Josephus as "shoes thickly studded with sharp nails" so as to ensure a good grip. For the believer it is the readiness to go out at any moment to announce the Good News to others. We need to be ready in season and out of season to share the Gospel message with others. Are you ready? Have you been trained how to clearly communicate the Gospel message?
4. Shield of Faith
To cover all the rest, we are to take up the shield of faith. We hold up the shield in front of us for protection. We must have faith in God. With this shield the believer can extinguish the fiery arrows from Satan. We can quench the flames with our shield to keep the fire of Satan's work from spreading. The breastplate protects the vital organs, but the shield we turn in all directions. Our enemy the devil is wicked and he tries to make us wicked. His temptations are called darts, because of their swift flight, and the deep wounds that they give to the soul. Faith will cause all of Satan's darts to be ineffective so that we might be effective for Him. Do you understand who God is so that you can totally put your trust in Him?
5. Helmet of Salvation
The helmet is the hope of full salvation. We must know that our salvation with God is secure. Christ died for us. With our salvation secure in Christ we can have boldness and assurance in our relationship with God and keep our minds from being polluted by Satan. Knowing our salvation brings us comfort and peace. Do you know for sure that Christ is in your life?
6. The sword of the Spirit
This is our only offensive weapon that is part of God's armor. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. As Jesus used the words of Scripture to repulse the tempter, so must the Christian use the inspired Word of God to drive away Satan. Jesus said that we do not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Scriptural arguments are the most powerful arguments with which to repel temptation and render Satan's tactics ineffective. How well do you know God's Word so that you might use it as an offensive weapon against sin and temptation?
7. Prayer
We must remain alert as a soldier in Christ through prayer. We must keep watch as we prepare for battle as well as pray during the battle. At the critical hour of spiritual battle, prayer support is most required. Through all this we need to stand firm. Are you praying about everything? Are you giving all the issues in your life to God in prayer? |
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