Armor of God
Ephesians 6:14-20
STAND (histēmi)
(Establish- positioned in God's presence)
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
TRUTH (alētheia)
(to equip ones self with)
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
RIGHTEOUSNESS (dikaiosynē)
(accepted by God)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6
PEACE (eirēnē)
(harmony, one accord, a fruit of the Spirit)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
FAITH (pistis)
(a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God)
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
SALVATION (sōtērion)
(to deliver from the law, by grace)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8
THE WORD OF GOD (rhēma)
(The spoken word, rhēma word of God)
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word(rhēma) that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
PRAYING (roseuchē)
(seeking Him in the secret place)
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
UTTERANCE (logos)
(A Divine Expression and Wisdom of Gods Word)
and for me, that utterance(logos)(the word of God) may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, Ephesians 6:19
AMBASSADOR (presbeuō)
(act as a representative)
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:20
BOLDNESS (parrhēsiazomai)
(to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit)
Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30
Ephesians 6:14-20
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with
truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of
peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of
faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God; 18
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that
utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth
boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an
ambassador in chains; that in it I may
speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:14-20
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Belt of Truth
- Imputed Righteousness (Position): This is the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ, given as a free gift through faith (2 Corinthians 5:21). It means that before God, you are declared holy, forgiven, and accepted. This forms the solid, impenetrable outer layer of the breastplate that the enemy's accusations cannot pierce.
- Imparted Righteousness (Practice): This is living out that righteousness through daily choices, obedience, and moral integrity. It is the practical outworking of the Holy Spirit changing your character.
- Arrows of doubt ("Does God really love you?")
- Arrows of fear and anxiety ("What if everything falls apart?")
- Arrows of temptation and lust ("Just give in, no one will know.")
- Arrows of lies and condemnation ("You are a failure, God is angry at you.")
- While the entire Bible is your armory, the Sword of the Spirit is the exact verse or scriptural truth you quote and apply to a specific temptation or trial right when it hits you.
- Outwardly: It defeats the schemes, cultural illusions, and spiritual strongholds of the enemy.
- Inwardly: It convicts our own hearts, carving away hidden pride, selfish desires, and ungodly habits. It keeps the believer pure and sharp.
- You cannot walk in the Belt of Truth or the Breastplate of Righteousness in your own strength.
- Prayer draws down the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, transforming the armor from a heavy weight into a functional defense.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
—Ephesians 6:12
Dutch evangelist Corrie ten Boom said, "It's a poor soldier indeed who does not recognize the enemy." The key to victory in both natural and spiritual warfare is to clearly identify the enemy, and to understand his character and methods.
Identity the Real Enemy
So who is the Christian's enemy? The answer is Satan and his host of fallen angels. Our opposition and struggle is against these unseen spiritual forces.
(See Isa. 14:12-14; Eph. 6:12; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6.)
Webster's Dictionary defines an enemy as a hostile force or power that has destructive effects. Several Hebrew words are translated "enemy" in the Old Testament They can mean "enemy or foe; one who is awake; adversary or distresser; one standing against; one hating; observer or one who is critically watching."
The name Satan literally means "an adversary" or "one who accuses."
According to author C. S. Lewis, "Satan's cleverest trick is to convince the world that he does not exist."
Few people, either Christian or non-Christian, have a clear concept of who Satan is and his place in the world. We succumb to our human reasoning in believing some person is our enemy and act accordingly. Meanwhile, the real enemy, Satan, wreaks havoc in our marriages, families, churches, communities and nations.
Puritan pastor William Gurnall. in his book The Christian in Complete Armour (Volume 1), illustrates my point:
Spend your wrath on Satan, who is your chief enemy. Men are only his puppets. They may be won to Christ's side and so become your friends at last. Anselm explains it in the following manner: "When the enemy comes riding up in battle, the valiant soldier is not angry with the horse, but with the horseman. He works to kill the rider so that he may possess the horse for his own use. Thus must we do with the wicked. We are not to bend our wrath against them, but against Satan who rides them and spurs them on. Let us pray fervently, as Christ did on the cross, that the devil will be dismounted and these miserable souls delivered from him." Satan was a perfect creature until he tried to exalt himself above God. His beauty filled him with pride causing him to no longer be holy and he wanted to receive worship that belonged only to God. Because Satan did not recognize the authority of God who made him, he was cast out of heaven, as recorded in the following passages:
How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! But you said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High" (Isa. 14:12-14). You were the anointed cherub who covers, and I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked in the midst of the stones of fire. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you. By the abundance of your trade you were internally filled with violence, and you sinned; therefore, I have cast you as profane from the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire (Ezek. 28:14-16).
After losing his residence in heaven, Satan was next seen in the Garden of Eden, where he deceived humanity (see Gen. 3:1-13), causing humans to rebel against their Creator and drawing the line of battle between the two kingdoms: the kingdom of Light and the kingdom of darkness. As one Bible scholar states: "Satan is a creature; he is no match for the Creator. Satan is powerful, but not omnipotent. He can hinder, but he cannot prevent. The master of deceit can convince the prayer warrior that his or her prayer has not reached the Throne. Your strength is to remember that Satan is a defeated antagonist. To accredit it to him otherwise is to allow Satan supremacy over you. He is and always will be the Usurper. You cannot avoid warfare. You are continuously involved in the battle. Therefore, you must 'Draw near to God, resist the devil [stand your ground] and he will flee."
Know Your Enemy's Names
Let us examine some of Satan's names recorded in Scripture so you can
better understand the character of your enemy. Many of his names not only
reveal his character, but also suggest his tactics in warfare against the Body
of Christ:
• devil (Matt. 4.1,5,8,11; 1 John 3:8,10; Jude 9; Rev. 12:9,12; 20:2);
• father of lies (John 8:44);
• god of this evil world (2 Cor. 4:4);
• an infidel or unbeliever (2 Cor. 6:15);
• prince of the bottomless pit or angel of the abyss (destroyer) (Rev. 9:11);
• angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14);
• star of the morning, son of the dawn (Isa. 14:12);
• the enemy or the avenger (Ps. 8:2);
• evil one (Matt. 6:13; John 17:15);
• adversary (1 Pet. 5:8);
• ruler of demons (Beelzebub) (Matt. 12:24);
• the destroyer (Job 15:21; 2 Thess. 2:3);
• the accuser (Rev. 12:10);
• the tempter (Gen. 3:1; Matt. 4:3; 1 Thess. 3:5);
• the dragon (Rev. 12:7-13; 20:2);
• the serpent (Gen. 3:1-4.13; Rev. 12:9; 20:2);
• the deceiver (Gen. 3:13; 2 John 7; 2 Thess. 2:3).
The Enemy's Tactics
As we see by Satan's names, his military might is camouflaged in blame, deceit and darkness. Satan's greatest strategy has been to convince the world that he does not exist By perpetuating this lie, he is able to sneak up behind God's creation and whisper accusations that cause men and women to blame each other and their circumstances instead of himself This has been an especially effective tactic against those who have joined the ranks of God's army. His little bombs of gossip and blame have so infiltrated the ranks of God's troops that Christian soldiers often fight each other instead of penetrating the enemy's camp to save the millions of hostages who are bound by his yoke of oppression and floundering in his hopeless den of darkness. Satan beguiles us by convincing us that he has claim to the principalities (Christ referred to him as the prince of this world-
see John 12:31; 14:30; Eph. 2:2).
His rule is limited to:
1. this time, not the hereafter;
2. the world, not heaven;
3. the people in darkness, not the children of light
He disarms and disables us by perpetuating spiritual sins that promote his kingdom and threaten to kill, rob and destroy our destinies. He deceptively lurks around masked as an angel of light, causing the Christian army to be off guard and fall prey to indifference, passivity and prayerlessness. When God's warriors awaken for momentary bouts of urgency, he convinces them to fight for trivial things, rather than for heaven itself. How does he do this? He attacks your mind. When Satan can't get you to fall asleep at your battle station, he uses your mind to accuse you and judge you; then he keeps you in that position by guarding over you.
He raises doubt through suggestions such as, "You're not a Christian...look at what you did yesterday." And, "You aren't really saved; you can't give the exact date that you accepted Jesus." Or, "Look at you; you have a shameful past." He creates fear: "These times you live in are hopeless." "What if you get cancer?" He steals from you financially: You have car problems; the water heater breaks; your air conditioner goes out; you lose your job, etc. Satan also uses your fear of man: "Everybody will laugh at me if I talk about Jesus." "What will people think if..?" When you become a God pleaser more than a man pleaser, one of your biggest battles is won.
Be Alert
You can win the daily battles with your enemy by recognizing that to fight Satan, you must fight in the realm of the spirit Spiritual things are spiritually discerned, not figured out by human reasoning. You are not fighting flesh and blood, but the powers of darkness. Be alert to cycles or patterns in attacks from the enemy—a rash of accidents and sicknesses that lead to death. DON'T FEAR. You have all authority and power in the name of Jesus.
You may wonder, If Jesus won the battle, why are we still fighting? Let's look at the end of World War II. Even though the victory was won and Hitler was defeated, occupation troops remained in different areas of the nations.
In the same way. you must maintain the victory that was won at Calvary through the blood of Jesus.
Recognize the Battlefield
Scripture teaches that humans are tripartite beings, made up of spirit, soul and body: Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
(1 Thess. 5:23).
In the soulish realm—the seat of the intellect, emotions and will—the mind is our most common battleground, for it is in the mind that choices are made. These choices, all of which involve the will, determine not only the course of a person's daily life, but also his or her eternal destiny. As the Word of God becomes alive in you and you act upon it, the Word will change your heart and mind, and your actions will change for your good and God's glory. Through Christ, the believer can receive revelation and understanding of spiritual mysteries, whereas the unbeliever is spiritually blind.
(Compare Eph. 1:17-21 to 4:17,18.)
Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus has defeated Satan-stripped him of his power—and put all things under Christ's feet
(see Eph. 1:19-22). The enemy's primary point of attack is against your mind, to raise questions as he did in tempting Eve in the garden and Jesus in the wilderness to influence you to doubt God's Word and His faithfulness. Your mind has three voices to which it may respond: God's, the enemy's and your own. The more you become familiar with God's Word, the easier it will become for you to recognize God's voice; He always speaks that which is consistent with His character, as revealed in His Word. The voice of the Holy Spirit will speak to provide encouragement, comfort, direction, revelation, assurance of God's love, conviction or correction.
By contrast, the enemy usually speaks in a way that brings thoughts of doubt, guilt, fear, jealousy, hatred, self-condemnation or self-righteousness.
Your own "self-talk" is usually based on your human logic and reasoning, or your selfish desires and will.
You must take authority over the voice of the enemy and forbid him to speak:
"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (Jas. 4:7).
Bind your own voice of human reasoning and desire; then open your mind and spirit to receive the voice of the Holy Spirit. Often the direction for prayer which the Holy Spirit gives does not seem logical to the human mind; do not allow this to hinder your obedience and effectiveness. When God calls you to take a stand, obey Him
(see Isa. 55:8):
Blessing Follows Obedience
Blessing follows obedience as surely as night follows day, And God rewards the man whose time is set apart to pray. Rarely does the answer come from channels we would choose, And often just before we win, it looks as though we'll lose. But our God is faithful;
His ways no man can understand— He only asks obedience to stand when He says stand.
—by Karen Kaufman
Spiritual things must be spiritually discerned not figured out by human reasoning. Affirm the truth of Paul's teaching: "I have the mind of Christ." (See 1 Cor. 2:14-16.)
Recognize that your fight is not with flesh and blood, but with the powers of darkness and Satan's spiritual rulers of this age. This age (world) has become the battleground between these satanic forces and humankind. Therefore, you are not fighting against people you know or with whom you come in contact in your daily life. The enemy may harass you by stirring up strife in the lives of people who are close to you in order to deter you from prayer and intercession. Always remember that the real battle is in the spiritual realm, and not in your physical circumstances.
Satan sends assignments against your spirit, soul and body. If he can keep you oppressed, he can keep you from growing spiritually and from being an effective intercessor. Taking authority over the enemy and making the right choices according to God's Word will bring you into victory and increase your spiritual growth. Failure to make the right choices gives ground to physical sickness, emotional problems and stunted spiritual growth.
Strategy for Warfare
The work of the intercessor is to combat the enemy in the spirit realm (as opposed to the natural realm), using spiritual weapons (not carnal ones). In the process, he or she must determine strategy for warfare through the guidance and revelation of the Holy Spirit. Discernment is a key element in your strategy, and a vital quality for leaders and intercessors to possess.
"Discern" means "to distinguish or separate." God said to His prophet Jeremiah, "If you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman" (Jer. 15:19).
Activity in the heavenlies is intensifying as the time of the Messiah's sure return draws near. Intercessors seem to be saying with one voice. "The conflict is real, and the battle lines are being drawn!"
As spiritual warfare intensifies, particularly in the area of the mind, the intercessor's prayer life must not falter. Satan doesn't fight fair in this battle. If he can't keep you from praying, he will assail you with doubt, discouragement and fear as you look at seemingly impossible circumstances. This deceiver will try to make you feel you are being objective and getting a lay of the land as you look at the situation. In reality his goal is to sideline you with an attitude of hopelessness and passivity.
You need to know your enemy! General Douglas MacArthur, when stating some important requisites of military victory, gave the following:
• A will to win: a cause worth dying for.
• Strength: adequately trained and well-equipped personnel.
• Adequate source of supply: lifelines must be kept open.
• Knowledge of the enemy "The greater the knowledge of the enemy, the greater the victory."
These same elements are necessary for maintaining your victory. Jesus has won the victory. It is your place to occupy until He comes.
Let's look at Nehemiah and see how he overcame the battle of the mind.
The Lord put the desire in Nehemiah's heart to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. As he fasted and prayed over the situation. God gave him favor with the king. The king then released him to go back to his homeland to
rebuild the city wall.
How did Satan fight that? By waging a battle in Nehemiah's mind. First, he attacked Nehemiah's reputation by trying to make a mockery of his efforts, saying, "Even what they are building if a fox should jump on it, he would break their stone wall down!"
(Neh. 4:3).
When mockery and discouragement failed to deter Nehemiah, the next tactic the enemy tried was intimidation and fright
(see vv. 10-12). Nehemiah
knew the enemy was trying to render him helpless through fear. Then the enemy (in the form of two men) sent word, "Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono" (6:2). With this Nehemiah recognized a major principle in warfare: "Never negotiate with the enemy!" Though this threatening message was sent to him FIVE times, Nehemiah steadfastly refused to negotiate on enemy territory.
This warrior builder also resisted the advice of a false prophet who tried to get him to run and hide from the enemy (see 6:12). He prayed from God's perspective, and fearlessly moved on to fulfill the commission God had given him. Satan still tries to lure you into his encampment through the mind, just as he tried to do with Nehemiah. There is no mention of battle, only that which was done through the battle of the mind. You are defeated the moment you sink to the enemy's level.
Satan and his ruling spirits give specific assignments to the fallen angels or demons in his army. They will seek to manipulate circumstances and people in order to carry out their assignments. However, as a believer, you have the power and the authority to thwart their success and to destroy their assignments and curses. Not only that, but you can also turn those curses back upon the ranks of the enemy to do greater damage to Satan's cause than he intended for the body of believers. (See Acts 13:6-12.)
A study of Scripture indicates that Satan has delegated spiritual rulers to be in charge of countries and geographical areas.
Read Ezekiel 28 and Daniel 9 and 10
for an example of how strongholds operate over a geographical area. Keep in mind that the spiritual warfare takes place in the heavenlies, but the effects of that warfare are seen upon the earth and in people's lives. Consider the story of an evangelist in Latin America who was passing out tracts and witnessing to people on the streets of a particular city. A provincial boundary ran through the heart of the city. The evangelist met great opposition from the people with whom he tried to share the gospel; they threw the tracts in the gutter and refused to listen to his message.
The spiritual warfare takes place in the
heavenlies, but the effects of that warfare are
seen upon the earth and in people's lives.
In frustration, the evangelist crossed to the other side of the street, which was in a different province and under a different government. Suddenly he realized the attitude of the people on this side of the street was completely different—though their language and outward appearance was the same as the first group of people he had encountered. These people gladly accepted the gospel tracts and eagerly listened to his message of salvation. Sometime later the evangelist learned that a group of Christians in the second province had been binding the forces of darkness in their area, and praying for the gospel to go forth. Because of their spiritual warfare, the work of the evangelist was fruitful. But apparently no one was waging warfare on behalf of the first province, and resistance to the gospel was very strong.
In Daniel's experience, the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" withstood the angel whom God had sent with the answer to the prophet's prayers (see Dan. 10:12,13). When Daniel prayed, his prayers brought additional reinforcements into the spiritual conflict, and the prince of Persia was overcome. Daniel influenced the entire nation of Israel through his fasting and his persistent prayer.
Ask the Lord for specific revelation and discernment concerning the leaders for whom you are praying, and for the areas in which they are ministering. In praying for those who work among Muslims or in an area where cults are prevalent, you will be combating an antichrist spirit. Where occult activity is strong, you are also dealing with spirits of deception, control and seduction
(see 1 John 2:18).
In an area where there are many churches, but much conflict among the leaders and members, the Holy Spirit may reveal to you that the problem is a religious spirit ruling over that area, along with spirits of strife, contention and self-righteousness. Discerning the spirits responsible for a given problem if indeed evil spirits are responsible will make your intercession more specific and more effective. It's important to discern patterns or cycles in attacks from the enemy. For some period of time there have been strong attacks against marriages among spiritual leaders. One particular denominational group has lost a large number of missionaries to cancer. Then there was a rash of serious accidents causing death or severe injury to ministers and missionaries, and or their family members. The intercessors should serve as "watchmen on the wall"
(see Isa. 62:6,7)
to help ward off these attacks through spiritual warfare, and to lend their support by praying for those on the front lines of ministry.
Put On Your Spiritual Armor
Since you are engaged in a spiritual battle, it is wise to be acquainted with the armor of God which secures your safety and allows you to withstand the attacks of the enemy in these evil days:
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God. that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having
GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH,
and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,
and having shod
YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;
in addition to all, taking up the
SHIELD OF FAITH
with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take
THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT,
which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints (Eph. 6:10-18).
The armor described in Ephesians 6 is compared to that of a Roman soldier. A common complaint of the soldiers was that the armor was very heavy. Without proper exercise and discipline, the armor became weighty and would cause a soldier to lay it aside, leaving him undisciplined for battle and unprotected from the enemy. Your spiritual armor fulfills the same function spiritually as the physical armor fulfilled for the Roman soldier. You are called to walk with Christ daily. You must be disciplined not only to put on the armor, but also to wield your weapons in battle against the forces of darkness. Your armor is to be a defense against the strategy of the devil to protect you from assault. The sword of the Spirit (God's Word) is an offensive weapon to attack, overpower and plunder the spoil of the powers of darkness. Lack of exercise and discipline will leave you open to assault. Therefore, be diligent as a soldier of God's army, always wearing your armor and ready for battle.
Keep in mind that the Roman soldier was expected to be in full-time service to his commanders. Paul makes reference to this in writing to Timothy:
No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier
(2 Tim. 2:4).
This symbolizes the Christian's loyalty to Jesus Christ, the Commander in Chief, living a life of single-minded allegiance to Him.
Romans 13:12,14 says: "Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ." Your spiritual armor is, in reality, the Lord Jesus Christ. He wants to be your defense by clothing you in Himself You walk in total security when you walk daily covered in Jesus. Unlike conventional armor, your spiritual armor should never be taken off!
The following are reasons you need to daily put on the armor:
• It helps you to stand against the schemes of the devil.
• It keeps you strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
• It enables you to resist in the evil day of the enemy's attack.
• It secures your safety and repels the enemy.
• It accomplishes the Father's will.
Walking in Triumph
With your armor of God in place, know that it is in and through Christ Jesus alone that you triumph.
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing
(2 Cor. 2:14,15).
According to James M. Freeman, a Roman military procession of triumph was one of the spectacular events of ancient times. It was granted to a conqueror when he had met all the qualifications of victory established by the Roman Senate. One of these qualifications was that the victory be complete and decisive, putting an end to war. In this victory NO enemy could remain.On the day chosen for the triumphal procession, people crowded into the streets and onto buildings to get a good view of the conqueror in whose honor it was held. This procession was made up of the conqueror, the senate members, heads of state, chief citizens and the prisoners who had been captured. The valuable spoils of the war were prominently displayed. The conqueror, wearing a robe embroidered with gold and a tunic covered with flowers, rode in a special chariot drawn by four horses. In his right hand he held a laurel wreath which was the symbol of the crown of a conqueror; in his left hand he held a scepter. It was a day when all the heathen temples were open and decorated elaborately with sweet-smelling flowers. Incense was lit on every altar so that the victor was greeted with a cloud of perfume.
Paul uses this analogy in writing about the believer being victorious in Christ Jesus.
In 2 Corinthians 2:14,15. Paul thanks God who ALWAYS leads us in triumph. Christ Himself is the conqueror; we are trophies of His victory. Our prayers and our lives diffuse a sweet odor of Him wherever we go. The following verses also refer to this analogy:
When He [God] had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made
a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him [Christ]
(Col. 2:15).
And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints
(Rev. 5:8).
Intercession is an incense before God's altar, and the prayers of the righteous do accomplish much
(see Jas. 5:16).
It is through intercession that the battle is won over the forces of darkness. You must constantly wear the armor of God to be able to withstand and overcome during this war.
On that day when the seal is broken in heaven and the trumpet sounds, may your prayers return unto Him as sweet-smelling incense before His throne. And may you be a fragrance of Christ unto God among those being saved and among those who are perishing.
On the next few pages you will find charts for each piece of the Armor of God, beginning with "Standing Firm" and ending with "The Whole Armor of God." The section will expand the meaning of each piece of armor based on
Ephesians 6:14-17. The charts will contain an "Area of Protection." including the "Definition" and "Application." the "Affirmation" (Scriptures) and the
"Declaration" for that piece of armor. When the enemy attacks, refer to the
page where the appropriate piece of armor is listed. Read the Scriptures
given and repeat the declaration.
Standing Firm
Area of Protection
Definition
To STAND means to resist without yielding;
to maintain a position; to persist; to endure;
to remain upright; to encounter; to meet
face-to-face
Application
As an heir and child of God. you are to
STAND in that place that is already yours. It
has been delivered to you through the cross
of Jesus Christ.
Do not in any way surrender to an uprising
of the enemy. Submit yourself to God; then
STAND and resist the devil and he will flee.
Note: Jesus did not use the Word of God to
attack the devil; He used it to maintain the
victory He already had.
Declaration
Having done all, I am going to stand firm. I
will not yield to the devil's schemes, but will
hold fast to the Word of God.
I will stand in faith on the solid rock, Jesus.
You are my foundation; I will not be moved
by the roar of the enemy, nor by negative
circumstances. I will stand valiant and
strong, for with You on my side, who can be
against me?
As a priest before You, O Lord, I will bless
Your holy name and serve You in obedience.
I will stand in the victory that has been won,
for the battle is not mine but Yours. In this
way. I am more than a conqueror in Christ
Jesus.
Affirmation
2 Chronicles 20:15.17
Joshua 1:9 1
Corinthians 16:13
Ephesians 6:11-14
Philippians 4:1
1 Thessalonians 3:6-8
2 Thessalonians 21-5
The Girdle or Belt of Truth
Area of Protection
Definition
LOINS are a picture of strength, power, vigor
and maturity. They include the reproductive
organs, the digestive system and the bowels.
Weak loins disable a soldier. The GIRDLE or
BELT, worn about the loins to brace him for the fight, was a symbol of a soldier's strength and superior ability. It kept the armor in place, and supported the sword; money and valuables were also carried here. To GIRD means to prepare oneself for action.
Application
A person whose mind is girded with truth will be strong and vigorous with mature spiritual insight, and will reproduce the Word of God for His glory. One who is double-minded is unstable in all his/her ways. TRUTH is the teaching presented in God's Word, embodied in Jesus Christ, revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
WE GIRD OURSELVES WITH TRUTH
when we embrace and uphold God's revelation to us, and walk in agreement with Him.
Declaration
Jesus, You are my truth. You have made me to know the truth in my inward parts. I am dressed in readiness because Your truth clothes me. I encompass my mind with Your truth so I am ready for action. I resist all double-mindedness, and claim that I have the mind of Christ. I shall know the truth and the truth will set me free. I will speak forth the truth in love today. I will accurately handle the Word of truth, and will plant seeds of truth in others so You may be reproduced in them. Thank You, Jesus, for choosing me from the foundation of the world for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
Affirmation
Exodus 12:11
Deuteronomy 33:11
Psalm 51.6
Luke 12:35
John 8:32; 14.6
1 Corinthians 2:16
Ephesians 4:15; 6.14
2 Thessalonians 2:13
2 Timothy 2:15
James 1:8; 4:8
1 Peter 1:13
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Area of Protection
Definition
The BREASTPLATE, covering the soldier's
vital organs (heart, lungs, liver, etc.), came
down over the girdle or belt, increasing the
protection of the loins. By protecting these
vital organs, the breastplate emboldened a
soldier to face the enemy without fear.
Application
RIGHTEOUSNESS—right-standing or
uprightness before God—is imparted by
Christ to the believer.
This BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS preserves the Christian's soul and conscience—the "vital organs" of the spirit-man. Thus the Christian is filled with courage, knowing he/she is protected by the righteousness of Christ and can face the enemy without fear.
Declaration
Jesus, You are my righteousness. In You I live and move and have my being. Help me to conform to Your character and Your will in my life. I put on Your righteousness by faith and ask that You protect my heart, that I may walk with pure motives. Help me to do that which is right and just, so that I might have a clear conscience and not be afraid of evil consequences. Thank You for courage to face the enemy without fear. Thank You for cleansing me from my sins and restoring me to fellowship with You because You were the perfect sacrifice for my sins.
Affirmation
Proverbs 28:1
Isaiah 59:16-17
Romans 3:22,25,26
Romans 5:17-19
2 Corinthians 5:21
Ephesians 6:14
1 Thessalonians 5:8
1 John 1:7,9
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Area of Protection
Definition
The phrase "preparation of the gospel of peace" means "to be ready, or dressed in readiness," which was vital when a soldier had to dodge, stand or run in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. His SHOES had metal cleats, which made him more surefooted in battle.
Application
FEET represent your walk with the Lord. Your "walk" is the witness of your speech, your behavior and your attitude. SHOD means to bind under or to tie up; i.e., to be ready to receive marching orders. Shoes were removed upon entering a house and put on again when going out. GOSPEL is the good news that Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins, was raised from the dead, and has defeated the enemy. PEACE is freedom from strife inner peace which comes from God when conflict with the enemy rages without. It is a walk founded in reconciliation.
Declaration
Jesus, You are my peace. You have brought to my life wholeness and harmony with the Father. May Your peace sanctify me wholly body, soul and spirit. I shod my feet with Your gospel, Your peace. I desire to walk today in a quiet, un-quarrelsome manner. Thank You for keeping my feet from harm and guiding my path. My feet will not be moved from the gospel, for I am not ashamed of the good news. Your gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Because my feet are set securely in Your peace, I am ready to maneuver in any direction the Holy Spirit leads me. Keep me in a state of readiness so I can boldly tread upon enemy territory to set the captives free from Satan's bondage.
Affirmation
Exodus 1211
1 Samuel 29
Psalm 18:33
Psalm 66:8.9
Isaiah 26:3
Matthew 1218-21
Ephesians 6:15
Colossians 1:20
1 Thessalonians 5:23
The Shield of Faith
Area of Protection
Definition
The SHIELD, a defensive weapon, was usually carried on the left arm and was used to protect the entire body of a soldier. The surface was kept bright with oil, which reflected the sun to blind the enemy. It helped deflect the enemy's blows. Application A SHIELD represents protection and security; our shield of faith works in cooperation with the other pieces of armor to quench the fiery darts of doubt, fear and unbelief, and to blind the enemy. The mind and the will control its movements.
FAITH is simply believing, accepting and appropriating what God has said. FAITH requires a total trust in the Lord Jesus in all things.
Declaration
Lord Jesus, You are my shield of faith. My self-nature has been crucified with You, and the life I now live, I live by faith in You. I will resist the devil by being firm in that faith. Thank You for being a shield unto me. I put my trust in You, choosing to walk by faith, not by sight or circumstances. I will speak words of faith and I will ask in faith without doubting. Your Word is Your power. Thank You, Father, that You are alert and active, watching over Your Word to perform it. It protects me from the evil one because..."It is written." The devil runs in terror from me because I draw near unto You and resist him in Jesus' name by lifting up this shield of faith which is anointed with the oil of Your Holy Spirit.
Affirmation
Proverbs 30:5
Jeremiah 1:12
2 Corinthians 5:7
Galatians 2:20
Ephesians 6:16
Colossians 1:10,11
Hebrews 10:22; 11:1
James 1:6; 4:7
1 Peter 1:5; 5:9
1 John 5:10
The Helmet of Salvation
Area of Protection
Definition
The HELMET was the armor worn by a
soldier to protect his head. It often bore
insignia or ornaments identifying the army
to which the soldier belonged.
Application
The HELMET, the hope of salvation, guards your mind from the enemy's darts. Your mind directs the use of your shield and your sword and all movements of the body thus it must be protected so you can be an effective soldier. Your mind is the battleground between the flesh and the spirit; a disciplined soldier will not yield to the flesh, but will be strong in spirit.
Declaration
Jesus, You are my salvation. You have covered my head in the day of battle; You are my strength and song, and You have
become my salvation. I put my hope and trust in You. The helmet of hope shall be as a helmet of deliverance to me. You have set my mind free from the darts of the enemy. Today I will renew my mind by the Word of God; I refuse to entertain the thoughts of doubt and unbelief the enemy would bring to me. I bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. I will concentrate on those things which pertain to life and peace. All praise be unto You. the God of my salvation!
Affirmation
Psalm 140:7
Isaiah 51:6; 59:16.17
Romans 8:6; 12:2
2 Corinthians 2:16; 10:5
Ephesians 4:23; 6:17
Colossians 3:2
I Thessalonians 5:8
Titus 1:2; 3:7
Hebrews 5:9
1 Peter 1:13
The Sword of the Spirit
Area of Protection
Definition
The SWORD was both defensive and offensive. It defended the soldier from the enemy's assault, and was used to wound or kill the enemy. It was wielded with the right arm, and was a symbol of power and authority.
Application
The SWORD OF THE SPIRIT is the Word of God quickened and made alive by the Holy Spirit; the wielding of this sword is only effective when the other pieces of armor are in place. The WORD comes from your mouth. The Word of God is your power and authority when quickened by the Holy Spirit. It will judge the thoughts and intents of your own heart, and of the heart of the one spoken to.
Declaration
Lord Jesus, You are the Living Word. I go forth with praises in my mouth and a two-edged sword in my hand. Today I will confess Your Word before men, and You will confess me before the Father in heaven. Your words are true. Your Word is the foundation of the world. You are the joy and rejoicing of my heart because I have been called by Your name, and therefore have the authority to use this weapon. I will to speak forth Your Word in power. Your Word abides in me and I in You. Your Word is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword; it divides between that which is spiritual or godly, and that which is soulish or of the flesh. Your Word is Your wisdom. The Holy Spirit will give me in the hour of need a mouth of wisdom which none of my opponents will be able to resist or refute. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving me the Affirmation
1 Samuel 17:51,54
Psalm 149:6
Jeremiah 15:16
Luke 21:15
John 1:1,14
1 Corinthians 1:30
Ephesians 6:17
Hebrews 1:3; 4:12
provision of Your Word, my SWORD!
The Whole Armor of God
When the enemy attacks in these areas, refer to the page where the appropriate piece of armor is listed. Then read the Scriptures given and repeat the "Declaration."
Type of Attach
Lies against the character of God
Deception about who I am
Error as to the way I am going
Believing accusations from Satan
Feeling condemned
Puffed up with spiritual pride
Attacked by persecution or lies
Compromising the Word of God
Passive and asleep
Hit by a flaming missile of doubt, fear, or unbelief
Protection
Girdle of Truth
Breastplate of Righteousness
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Shield of Faith
Type of Attack
Having trouble with thoughts of guilt, condemnation, hatred toward others. Operating in the flesh and not the spirit Remaining in darkness; unrenewed mind Whispered words such as "Hath God said?"
Distortion of the Word of God
Word taken out of heart of the hearer listening to doctrines of demons
Protection
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit
