A previous post reminded us that while God uses the armor mentioned in Ephesians 6, He is the Source of power, protection, and deliverance. The armor represents aspects of Himself that we need to put on. Note that we “put on” the armor. We don’t have what it takes within ourselves. Only God is great enough to overcome the evil one (1 Jn. 4:4).
Satan’s Ploys Can’t Stand Against the Armor of God
The various pieces of armor of God help us stand against different aspects of Satan and his ploys.
belt of truth
Satan is the father of lies, with no truth in him (Jn. 8:44). When we stand with God’s truth securely holding us together, we’re set free (Jn. 8:32). We’re enabled to find the truth in situations and lovingly speak the truth (Eph. 4:15, 25-27).
breastplate of righteousness
Satan is the evil one (1 Jn. 5:18-19) trying to pull our hearts into sinful desires (1 Thess. 3:5). Remembering that the Lord’s righteousness has been imputed to us (2 Cor. 5:21), we stand shielded behind Him. We put on the new self (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10), created in Christ Jesus, knowing that it isn’t up to us to live righteously, but rather because of what He’s done for us.
feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
Satan seeks to divide and destroy (2 Cor. 2:10-11; 1 Pet. 5:8). We have a message of peace and deliverance from sin, death, and the devil (Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 15:55-57; Heb. 2:14-15). The Gospel is the power of God that brings salvation” (Rom. 1:16).
shield of faith
Satan barrages us with darts meant to cause our hearts to doubt. We stand behind and put our confidence in the Overcomer, who is greater than all forces of evil (1 Jn. 4:4; 5:4).
helmet of salvation
Satan attacks our minds, trying to distort our view of God (2 Cor. 11:3). With divine weaponry, we’re able to take those thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:4-5), with the hope that one day we will see our Lord in the fullness of who He is (1 Thess. 5:8) and be rid of these distractions.
sword of the Spirit
Satan tries to get to us when we’re vulnerable, appealing to our flesh to meet our needs apart from God, like he did with Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11). We can stand offensively with the Word of God, as Jesus did, to ward off the schemes of the evil one. By regularly using God’s Word to navigate through this world, we’re able to discern between good and evil (Heb. 5:14).
Do you want victory over spiritual battles?
“Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Eph. 6:13). Acknowledge what He’s already done for you, being clad in His truth, righteousness, and gospel deliverance. Then you’ll be ready to take up that shield of faith and hold on to the hope from His helmet of salvation. You’ll grab hold of that sword of the Spirit, His Word, knowing that you need divine weaponry to resist and stand against Satan and his forces of evil.
Church leaders, be sure to check out: God’s Power for the Church: Spiritual Weaponry