Spiritual Armor (Part I)

Paul has been telling his Ephesus believers about the battle all believers are in, that of fighting against principalities and powers of the darkness of this world. But he encourages them by telling them that God gives us Spiritual armor to put on, all we have to do is put it on.

So to continue in Ephesians 6, Paul says in verse 14 and 15 that we are to "stand firm with the Belt of Truth buckled around your waist, with the Breastplate of Righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace." This is quoted from the New International Version. To read it in the Amplified Version: "Stand therefore (hold your ground), having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God. And having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news) of the Gospel of Peace."

Paul is telling us just what a good soldier of Jesus Christ needs to wear. First of all, it is important to have a belt. Belts can be used for many things, but one, and probably the most common use, is to hold ones clothing together and keep it from falling. Our spiritual belt is called the "Belt of Truth". In Jude 24 it says "Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling…" The Holy Spirit, also known as the ‘Spirit of Truth’ is given to us to keep us from falling.

Next we have the Breastplate of Righteousness. This is a protection for our heart and vital organs. It is like a ‘bullet proof vest’ used today to protect from bullets. Should a bullet strike, one will be bruised, but not broken. In Isaiah 61:10 we are told that "He has covered me with the robe of righteousness…" When the Father looks at us and sees us covered in the robe or Breastplate of Righteousness, He knows we are protected and whole, and yes, Holy.

Verse 15 states our feet should be shod in readiness to go; readiness to carry the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, to others. In Isaiah 52:7 it says, "how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tiding, who publishes peace…"

My Prayer: O my Lord! With my mind stayed on You I am covered with Your truth, Your righteousness and Your Peace. Thank you for helping me to stand firm. Amen