SEPTEMBER 30, Ephesians 6:12-18

Paul likened the armour of God to what a Roman soldier wore at that time. The first piece of the armour is the belt of truth. The belt is made of thick leather and from it hangs metal plates, perfect in protecting the lower body. God’s Word is the perfect truth and it is to protect us from errors and falsehood by bad and deceptive teachers. Are you reading God’s Word daily?

The Roman soldier also has a breastplate. This is his body protection. Likewise, we are to put on the breastplate of righteousness. We are to live a life that is right so that we will not be weakened by sins and backsliding.

Another piece of armour is good and firm footwear to give the soldier a firm footing in battle. As Christians, we are to have our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace”. That means we are to be aware of our responsibility to share God’s Word and to try our best to tell others about Jesus.

Carrying a shield is to protect from enemies’ shooting darts and arrows at us or to bash them in contact battles. Christians have faith as shields. Where there is faith, there is nothing to fear. Faith is believing what God has said, so we accept His teachings, obey them, heed His warnings and lay hold of His promises! Trust God and His Word.

The last piece is the helmet. It protects the head. We are to remember that as saved ones, we will have the final victory over Satan because Jesus had already conquered death and sin by His death and resurrection.

To have an armour for protection is not enough; Christians have two attacking weapons: the Spirit’s sword and prayer. The Spirit’s sword is the Word of God which is powerful to subdue the devil which controls people’s mind. God’s Word can enlighten minds, change lives and convert unrepentant hearts. We must declare God’s message to the world. Prayer is our secret weapon and we must pray without ceasing for the battle is fierce and ongoing. We are to intercede for believers everywhere and to pray for salvation of lost ones. The gospel will advance in this world if we will use the weapons God has given to us. Will you join in the battle? Will you put on the armour of God?

Thought: What comprises the armor of God?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I must put the armor of God on to fight spiritual battles. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.