Armor of God
The Belt of Truth:
Physical applications of the belt
This belt was commonly worn by Romans and was always worn by soldiers.
The belt was usually 4 to 6 inches wide and fastened around the middle. The belt was made of leather or linen
Many times, the belt would support an apron that hung down, covering the soldier’s groin.
The belt was worn outside the flowing robe that was commonly worn in Paul’s day.
We have all read the statement in scripture to “gird up your loins.” This is getting into the position for battle.
In preparation for battle, the soldiers would pull up the robe and tuck it under the belt.
Spiritual applications of the belt
This is the belt of “TRUTH”
What is truth?
John 17:17 says “thy word is truth.”
In John 14:16, Jesus said, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life.”
To put on the TRUTH is literally to put on the word of God and Christ.
Steps to putting on the belt of TRUTH.
We need to KNOW the truth (2 Timothy 2:15)
We need to BELIEVE the truth (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
We need to ACT on the truth (James 1:22-25)
Satan is the father of lies, but he can never stand against the truth.
Breastplate of Righteousness:
Two types of breastplates were worn by Roman soldiers.
One was made by joining several broad, curved metal bands together using leather laces.
The second was a type of chain mail, constructed by joining many small metal rings together to form a vest. (Source: The Armor of God, Rose Publishing, Inc. 2005)
The purpose of the breastplate was to form a barrier of defense for the soldier’s vital organs.
The Position of Righteousness
When we receive Christ as our Savior by faith, we enter into a position of righteousness before God.
Philippians 3:9 says, “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
II Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
This is a symbol that Christ himself is protecting us in this spiritual battle.
The Practice of Righteousness
Most Christians accept their position of righteousness but do little to practice righteousness.
We need to become in practice what we have been made in position.
Our positional righteousness will win the war, but our practical righteousness will cause us to win or lose daily spiritual battles.
Ephesians 4:24 says, “that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
If we fail to live out our righteousness, we become easy targets for our enemy.
The Protection of Righteousness
The main purpose of the breastplate was to protect the heart. The heart is the most vital organ.
In the spiritual battle, the heart is also very important, because it is the seat of our emotions.
Whoever wins the battle for the heart will win the spiritual battle.
As we live out our position of righteousness in Christ, through living righteously, our hearts fall more and more in love with Christ.
If Christ rules our hearts, then he rules our emotions, and we will prove strong warriors in the spiritual battle.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Practical Application of the Shoes
The Roman soldiers’ shoes were made of thick leather, with straps that tied to the soldiers’ lower legs.
Sometimes the soles were made of wood and covered with leather for comfort.
Many times, the shoes would be studded with nails on the bottom for better traction.
Soldiers marching into battle needed a firm foundation.
The word translated “prepared” or “readiness” in verse 15 can also be translated a “firm foundation.”
The soldier marched into battle with his shoes, and the shoes provided a firm foundation when the battle was raging.
Spiritual Application of the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
The Christian needs a special kind of shoes for the spiritual battle (shoes of the gospel of peace.)
The “gospel” is the fact that God has sent His only Son, Jesus, into the world. Christ has lived a sinless life in the flesh. Jesus Christ has died on the cross for our sins and shed His blood for our cleansing. He arose victorious on the third day over death, hell, and the grave. He is coming again!!
The “peace” is the appropriation of this gospel and Christ into my life by faith.
The “gospel of peace” affects the spiritual battle in three areas:
Peace with God (Salvation)
Peace with other Christians (Unity)
Peace with circumstance (Absence of worry)
How to Put on the “Shoes of the Gospel of Peace”
We need a personal relationship with the author of peace. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…” (1 Corinthians 14:33)
We need to keep our attention on the Prince of Peace. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
We need to allow the Spirit of God to control our lives. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22)
We need to pray about everything. “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds…” (Phil. 4:6)
We need to love God’s Word. “Great peace have those who love your law.” (Psalm 119:165)
Jesus has given us His peace for the spiritual battle, but we must put it on. (John 14:27):
Shield of Faith:
Practical Application of the Shield (v. 16)
The Roman soldier’s shield was made of wood and then covered with animal skin.
A typical shield for the Roman period would be four feet long and three feet wide.
Many times, iron was molded around the edges to strengthen the shield.
A leather strap or wooden handle was attached to the back, by which the soldier could hold and maneuver the shield during battle
Many times, the soldiers would form a barrier by putting their shields side by side.
Roman soldiers would soak their shields in water, so flaming arrows would not burn up the shield
The shield would protect the soldier from exposed areas of weakness in the armor.
Spiritual Application of the “Shield of Faith”
Our spiritual shield is not wood or metal but “FAITH!”
Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by FAITH in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
We see yet again, this is another way of saying we need to put on Jesus Christ, and allow Him to be our defense.”
We need to answer three main questions:
What is faith?
Hebrews 11:1 answers that question. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Faith is not a doctrine, theology, fairy tale, myth, or wonderful working of my imagination.
Faith is “substance” and “evidence”
Where does faith come from?
Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Faith is something concrete, produced only by God’s Holy Word.
How do I “take up” the shield of faith?
We “take up” our faith by fixing our eyes on Jesus.
Problems, temptations, circumstances, tragedy, fear, doubt, death, and every imaginable evil will rage around us during this spiritual battle.
Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith….”
As we unwaveringly fix our eyes on Jesus, the Shield of His Faith rises between us and our enemy (Satan) to shield us from every flaming arrow of the one who would wound and kill us.
Helmet of Salvation:
Practical Application of the Helmet
During the Roman period, the soldier’s helmet was made of bronze or iron.
To make the helmet more comfortable, the soldier would cover his head or line his helmet with cloth.
The helmets would have a large strip of dyed horse hair down the top center. The different colors of this hair distinguished the rank.
The helmet usually covered part of the face and the back of the neck.
The helmet provided protection from head injuries in hand-to-hand combat and falling debris. (Source: Armour of God, 2005 RW Research, Inc., Rose Publishing, Inc., Author: Timothy Paul Jones, Ed.D.
Spiritual Application of the Helmet
Our spiritual helmets are “salvation.”
Before I can put something on, I must understand what it is that I am putting on, or I may put on the wrong thing.
Correct Identification of “Salvation”
Many people have tried to put on “salvation” by putting on religion, good works, church membership, baptism, biblical knowledge, suffering, poverty, legalism, false gods, and an endless host of other powerless imitations.
If these things are not salvation, then what is salvation?
The Bible records in Luke 2:30 that Simeon said, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”
Salvation is a person! The person is Jesus Christ!
Acts 4:12 says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
To put on the helmet of salvation is literally to put on Jesus Christ.
How to put on “Salvation”
Jesus said in Luke 13:3,5 “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Repent means to change your mind. It is a change of mind that leads to a change of action and direction.
Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
We must make a personal profession of Christ as our Savior.
We must place a personal faith in Christ and Christ alone as our Savior
How the Helmet of Salvation Helps in Spiritual Battle
It is a sign of His “Lordship” in my life. Romans 14:8 says, “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”
It means Christ’s victory has become my victory. I Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It allows us to win the battle of the “mind.” I Corinthians 2:16 says, “But we have the mind of Christ.” I Peter 1:13a says, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind…”
The Sword of the Spirit:
Practical Application of the Sword
The Roman soldier’s sword was made of iron and was between 2-3 feet long.
A blacksmith would heat the iron and cover the red-hot iron with coal dust to strengthen the sword when it cooled.
The handle of the sword could be made out of many different materials, including wood, bone, ivory, and iron.
While the sword could be used for defense, it was designed for attacking the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.
A soldier would skillfully use the sword to defeat the enemy and protect others. (Source: Armour of God, 2005 RW Research, Inc., Rose Publishing, Inc., Author: Timothy Paul Jones, Ed.D.)
Spiritual Application of the “Sword of the Spirit”
The Bible states clearly in v. 17 the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
There are two Greek words which are translated “word” in the New Testament.
LOGOS – this is the most common Greek word, which we find in the New Testament for “word.”
RHEMA – this Greek word is also translated “word” and is used less often in the New Testament. This is the word used in Ephesians 6:17. This word could literally be translated “the sayings of God.”
While the Bible in its entirety is the “sword of the Spirit,” there are many “sayings of God” which give wisdom, direction, answers, understanding and speak to our hearts in very personal and specific ways.
In a sense, the Bible is not just “A” sword, but an arsenal of swords which are available for any situation.
If you will, there is a “RHEMA” (word or saying of God) for every spiritual battle.
When Satan attacked Christ in the wilderness, Jesus used the sword of the Spirit each time. However, He used a different “RHEMA” for each encounter.
A Description of the “Sword of the Spirit”
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The Word of God is “ALIVE”; no other book can claim this. The Bible is more than just words on a page; it is the LIVING Word of God.
The Word of God is “POWERFUL.” Remember the “Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word has the power of God! (John 1:1)
The Word of God is “SHARP.” A metal sword can cut flesh, but the sword of God can cut in the spiritual realm.
On one side, the Lord attacks and kills our spiritual enemy.
With the other side, the Lord cuts us like a skilled surgeon. The Lord uses the same sword to cut things out of the lives of His children.
The Word of God is “DIVIDING.” It divides light from darkness and truth from lies. Nothing can fool or hide from this sword.
The Word of God is “DISCERNING.” Nothing is hidden. The enemy never has a secret or agenda that is outside of the understanding and victory of God’s will.
How to Put on the “Sword of this Spirit”
We need to study the Bible. We should read, memorize, and saturate our lives with the teaching and preaching of the Word of God. II Timothy 2:15 says, “ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth..”
The better I know the word, the better equipped I will be to use my sword in spiritual battle.
As we study the word, we sharpen the sword in our life.
We need to saturate our lives with the Word of God. Deuteronomy 11:18-19 says, ““You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise..”
The sword is not something we pick up on Sunday or for religious services.
The sword of God becomes the central focus of my life.