To start, read Ephesians 6:10-20 before continuing on!

In this section, Paul warns us of the enemy that we all have, the devil. In 1 Peter he is described as prowling around like a roaring lion. Waiting to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy, as Paul describes here, is not a physical being and is not something that we physically can fight. However, Paul tells us how to defend against the enemy and even how to combat him. 

How can we fight something that we cannot see or touch? Paul reminds us to take our strength from Christ and in his power; not our own. Reminding us that we cannot fight alone. And thankfully, we don’t have to because Christ is there along with us. It is impossible for us to fight the fight without Christ. We cannot combat something we don’t even know is there.

So how do we defend and combat him with Christ’s help? By putting on the armor of God… Sounds nice and it’s a memorable symbolism of how we need to defend ourselves, but what does it actually mean? I’m sure we have heard this section used before and it’s not a new concept, but what does the symbolism actually mean and why is it important? What does it mean to take up the helmet of salvation and to put on the breastplate of righteousness?

It is important to note that without each piece of armor we are exposed to the enemy. You can’t go into battle without a breastplate and hope no one hits you in the chest. You can’t run around without your shoes on and hope no one steps on your foot and hope you don’t step in some of the Cavalries’ poo. And you can’t have your pants fall down mid battle because you forgot your belt. All jokes aside, it is crucial that we take up the FULL armor of God. Not just the ones we are good at, not just the ones that make us feel comfortable, and not just the ones that are easy. If we are to survive the battle against this present darkness (verse 12) then we must be battle ready. Standing firm even when we have been knocked down, when we are tired of fighting, and when it feels hopeless. When we have done everything we can to stand and fight and we have no more fight to give; stand back up and keep fighting (verse14).

Paul ends the section with the final and possibly most important defense, prayer. It is crucial that we remain in prayer both for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters who are in the fight along with us. Prayer is our direct communication line to God. It is our way of God reminding us we are not alone and that he is fighting the battle with us and for us. If we are disconnected from the power source, we no longer have the strength to fight. Remember it is not our strength that will win us the fight, but Christ’s in us. We must be rooted in him and put on his armor in order to stand against the enemy.

Weekly Challenge:

Each day this week, reflect on, and journal what each piece of armor truly means in the context of our faith and defending against the enemy by answering each of the following questions for each piece of armor.

What significance does that piece of armor have when combined with that trait?  What does it mean to use that trait as a defense against our enemy? 

Day 1 Belt of Truth

Day 2 Breastplate of Righteousness

Day 3 Shoes with the Readiness of the Gospel of Peace 

Day 4 Shield of Faith

Day 5 Helmet of Salvation

Day 6 Sword of the Spirit