Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Victory Through God's Presence, Prayer, and SurrenderSample

Your Divine Armor

The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about spiritual warfare. As a missionary and church planter, he regularly faced intense opposition. Sometimes that even included jail.

And it was in jail, guarded by Roman soldiers, that Paul gave us one of the most powerful Scripture truths about overcoming Satan: the armor of God. Just as a soldier would never have thought of going to battle without armor, so we shouldn’t go through our day without being fully equipped.

The list, found in Ephesians 6, helps us understand what we need to be protected against attack and able to fight back. As you read this list, I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you, revealing any areas where your armor might be missing or need an upgrade.

The first piece of armor is the belt of truth (verse 14). Truth is essential, because what we believe—about ourselves, about God, about life—dictates how we will act. Our beliefs need to be grounded in the truth of God’s Word.

The second is the body armor (or breastplate) of God’s righteousness (verse 14). Body armor covers our heart and other vital organs, protecting us from deadly blows. Spiritually, that body armor is Jesus’ righteousness. We are protected from guilt and condemnation by his righteousness, not our own.

The third is the shoes of peace (verse 15). Peace gives us steady footing amid the chaos and unpredictability of life. No matter what we face, we can stand firm in the peace of God.

The fourth is the shield of faith (verse 16). Faith deflects lies and other attacks like a shield blocks fiery arrows from the enemy. Our trust in God protects us from Satan’s attempts to deceive, discourage, or derail us.

The fifth is the helmet of salvation (verse 17). Salvation covers our mind like a helmet protects a soldier’s head, guarding our thoughts with truth. The more we understand God’s love for us, shown through Jesus, the more our mental health can flourish.

The sixth is the sword of the Spirit (verse 17). This is God’s Word. In the same way that Jesus fought Satan’s temptations with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11), we also fight his lies and temptations with the truth of God’s Word.

Just like a soldier receiving his armor, Jesus equips us with his truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and power.

Are there any of these that you feel are missing or weak in your own life? Right now, tell that to God and ask for his help. The armor is his gift to you, and he is ready and willing to help you put it on.

Reflection Questions

1. Which of these articles of armor feels most present in my life today? How do I see them at work protecting me?
2. Which of these articles feels lacking or weak? What holes are in my armor? Am I believing any lies that are causing this, and if so, what truths from God’s Word can I use to quench those fiery arrows?