Your Personal Armor

What protective armor do you wear?

If you are a sports enthusiast, you may be fully aware of the protective gear you need to wear in order to keep yourself safe. If you are not into sports, you may think that this message does not apply to you, but I hope you will stick with me because I am going to show you why it does.

Each sport has a unique requirement for protective gear. For example, in moto crossing, it's obvious that wearing a helmet is critical, but the boots are also one of the most important pieces of protective equipment because they keep your feet, ankles, and lower legs protected. In hockey you wear full body equipment from a helmet with a face guard to neck, shoulder and elbow pads, to gloves, shin guards etc.

Whether you enjoy playing sports or not we should all be protecting ourselves every day. Not just with any armor, but with our spiritual armor.

God has shown us the importance of Ephesians 6:10-18 and why it is critical for us to put on this armor on every single day because there is spiritual warfare going on all around us whether we realize it or not and if we are not protecting ourselves, we can become overwhelmed by the attacks.

Ephesians 6:11-12 NIV

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

HCSB says "While many would like to believe that accepting Jesus means comfort, wealth, and blessing, the Bible offers quite a different perspective; the reality is that a Christian has many enemies in the world. Enemies can be Satan, unbelievers, your own flesh, and others. Paul warns us in Ephesians 6:10-18 that Satan will not wait for the Christian to get their act together and dress for battle, he will start his attack when you are most vulnerable." Let's take a look at those verses and what God's Word says about each.

Ephesians 6:14

says "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place

Belt of Truth - God's Truth keeps us from giving in to the world's beliefs. Take a moment to compare your beliefs and action to the truth of the Word of God. John 8:31-32; John 14:6; John 16:13; 2 Timothy 2:15

Breastplate of Righteousness - is being right with God and people. Righteousness is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable. It's being honest, good, humble and fair to others. It means standing up for weaker people. Psalm 106:3; Isaiah 33:15-17; Matthew 6:33; Romans 5:1-8; Peter 3:14

Ephesians 6:15

and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Gospel of Peace - is being right with God and being contented in troubled times. Jesus said peacemakers were blessed. Isaiah 26:3-4; Matthew 5:9; John 14:27; John 16:33; Romans 12:18

Ephesians 6:16

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

The Shield of Faith - faith is being sure that God will keep His promises. Faith in God protects you when you are tempted to doubt. Matthew 21:21-22; Mark 11:22-25; Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 11:1, 6; 1 Corinthians 2:2-5; 2 Corinthians 5:7

Ephesians 6:17

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Helmet of Salvation - we put on the helmet of salvation by believing that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again. Mark 16:16; Acts 4:8-12; Romans 10:8-13; Titus 3:4-8

The Sword of the Spirit - is the Word of God. God's Word is our offensive weapon. When we tell others about what the Bible says, the Holy Spirit helps people see their bad thoughts and actions and makes them want to be forgiven. Psalm 119:105; Matthew 4:4; John 1:1; John 16:13;

Galatians 5:16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; 1 John 4:13

Ephesians 6:18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

HSCB says "Just as any soldier would have to practice with weaponry to be used, so believers must learn to be comfortable with their armor; and this verse offers a great training program showing the necessity of prayer."

Friends, it is imperative that we become disciplined in our prayer life and consistently put on our armor so that we can stand against evil. I hope you will be encouraged as you research the various Scriptures shown above.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime