Armor of God

This coming Sunday’s lesson is one young people of all ages enjoy – putting on the full armor of God.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:14-17 KJV)

Every one of those are defensive – except the sword.

Truth is the first protection, wrapping it around our center mass – our spiritual center, not really a body’s protection.  Without truth we are open to wavering between wants, ours and others, rather than the knowledge that will set us free.

Righteousness is an absolute necessity.  We do not obtain it, we live it and the breastplate provides protection for our heart.  Living righteously is not easy.  It requires a submission to God’s will and an understanding of His commandments.

The gospel of peace isn’t to be put on our feet, just the preparation of it.  Keeping the gospel in our heart, in our lives, is part of that preparation. Being shod means to have that preparation fastened to our lives, taking it with us everywhere we walk.

Faith is our shield.  This shield can be moved in any direction, displaying our faith in Jesus to everyone.  It gives the furthest defense, away from our other armor.  Our faith provides protection from those wishing to destroy it, and us.

The helmet of salvation protects our life, now and through eternity, forever.  Without that helmet, our thoughts, our very soul, are subject to attack and damage.  Salvation is the one piece of armor we don’t have to work at, it is a gift. Salvation comes to us through God’s grace, through our faith:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)

Finally, the one offensive weapon – the sword of the Lord.  Yes, it is capable of much, able to divide asunder:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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. (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)

Be prepared to learn about yourself as you spend time with the word of God and prayer.  Reading His word will open the intentions of your heart to your own understanding.  It is through His word that our faith is grown:

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 KJV)

Are you willing to spend time with the word of God?