Armor of God
During one of Pastor Steven’s recent Elevation sermons, I received a word. It was after he kept repeating “take it,” that I thought about the scripture to take every thought captive to the obedience of christ. The moment my pen touched paper, three groups of scripture popped up in my mind: Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Philippians 4:6-9.
All of these books were written by the Apostle Paul while he was jailed in Rome. Each one, a letter to different churches planted in different cities and all walking in the way of the Lord. The significance of the verses that came to mind that Sunday morning is that they all have something in common: their purpose. Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Philippians 4:6-9 all have to do with spiritual warfare, and when read in a particular order, they’re an encouragement and instruction for the hardest of days:
(KJV) “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principality, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness ion this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high things that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 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 the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Ephesians 6:10-11; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 6:13-18; Philippians 4:6-9. When read in the KJV, we can understand it as a person charge for what’s internal. When read in a more simplified version, like NLT, these passages of scripture can be understood as a charge for what’s external. In any case, there’s encouragement in the battle here that supplements the promise Paul wrote about in Romans 8:31-37: If God is for us, who can stand against us? In all things, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us. Even in John 16:33, Christ shares encouragement and promise in what is to come: “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart; I have overcome the world.”
There will be trouble that we face in life, and there will be trouble that’s beyond explaining with words because it’s more than tangible. Our troubles can harm us, affect us, and sometimes kill us. They can kill our joy, our hope, our strength, our confidence, etc. — this is why the armour of God is crucial for any Believer’s walk. Each peace corresponding to an intentionally designated area of the body, to keep us through the storms, battles, and troubles each day.
Paul first introduces the armour of God in Ephesians 6:10-18. In this study, we will be dissecting the different parts of the armour and why they correspond to each part of the body as well as each purpose in the Spirit. As we go along, take notes on any revelations and Rhema words the Lord gives you — they’re important for where you are and/or where you’ll be. Take note of the piece of armour that stands out to you the most, it might be what you need in this current moment and/or season.
