Sometimes

 “Sometimes the strongest people are those who love beyond all measure, cry when no one can see, and fight battles that only God knows about. Put on the whole armor of God.” (ArmorCoin.com)

The Bible often describes the life of a Christian using the imagery of a Roman soldier in battle, which is where the term “spiritual warfare” comes from. Spiritual warfare is about recognizing that the enemy, the devil, is doing all He can to pull you away from living a life that pleases God.

The spiritual realm is real, and Christians must learn how to fight the battle taking place there between the devil and God. You are given every resource you need to engage in spiritual warfare. The ultimate battle of good versus evil is already won through the hope of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Recognizing and making use of the armor of God gives you is part of becoming more like Jesus. It is vital to comprehend the meaning of each piece of the armor of God that you need to put on daily. Ephesians 6:13-17 (Contemporary English Version) says this:

¹³ So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Be ready. Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like [chest plate] armor. ¹⁵ Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. ¹⁶ Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Let God’s saving power [is] like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit.

The Belt: A Roman soldier’s belt was made of metal and thick heavy leather and was the carrying place for his sword. It also had a protective piece that hung down in the front. His belt held all other pieces of his armor together.

To be fitted with his belt, meant he was ready to face action. The belt emphasizes that you should focus your sight on Jesus as you live a life of authenticity, integrity, and openness. (Ephesians 6:14)

The Chest Plate: The chest plate protected the Roman soldier’s vital organs in the heat of the battle when he wasn’t quick enough to take up his shield in unexpected advances of the enemy. The chest plate reminds you to keep short accounts of wrongs done to your heavenly Father by regularly asking for forgiveness from God and others. (Ephesians 6:14)

The Shoes: Roman soldier’s feet were fitted with sandals called “caligae.” These sandals were made to help protect soldier’s feet during their long marches into battle. They had extremely thick soles and wrapped perfectly around their ankles in a way that protected against blistering.

Caligae also had spikes on the bottom to help them stand firm as they traveled, which helped them have a firm foundation. The shoes remind you to get involved in serving others. Let them know about the difference Jesus as made in you as you help them. (Ephesians 6:15)

The Shield: The Roman soldier’s shield (a scutum) was made of impenetrable wood, leather, canvas, and metal and could be doused in water to extinguish the fiery arrows of the enemy. The shield helps you trust God in difficult times when the devil fights you with doubt, fear, anxiety, and lust. Remember to never give up on your faith. (Ephesians 6:16)

The Helmet: A Roman soldier’s head was one of his most defenseless areas. Without his helmet, one blow to the head would prove fatal. His helmet covered his entire head, facial area, and between the eyes.

His armor would prove useless if he wasn’t equipped with his helmet. The helmet aids in winning the battle of your mind by protecting it against temptations. This starts with your thoughts because that can result in negative actions. In your life, your salvation in Jesus is your true freedom. (Ephesians 6:17)

The Sword: A Roman soldier’s sword (a gladius) was a deadly weapon in the hands of a skilled warrior. With it, he could pierce through even the strongest armor. Your sword is the Bible. You should read it, memorize it, and study it regularly. (Ephesians 6:17)

“The enemy is not after your money or your stuff. He wants your mind, your attitude, your heart, your faith, [and] your peace. Kick him in the teeth, [and] take back what’s yours, and stand. Understand that you’re not being attacked over the tangible things in your life. The enemy is fighting [you] over the things [you] can’t see.” (@RealTalkKim)[i]

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[i] Adapted from:

·        “How Can I Resist Evil?” (Session 12) by Alpha

·        “The 7 Pieces of the Armor of God and How to Use Them” by ConnectUS

·        “The Armor of God: How to Prepare for Spiritual Warfare” by Chelsea Kight

Inspired by Alpha’s teaching on the Armor of God