God has provided us a wardrobe to wear as we enter in battle each day. As you dress in the morning, you need to suit up in God's armor as well(Ephesians 6:10-18).
Belt of Truth: For the first item in the armor of God, Paul writes to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist." Truth is having sound doctrine which can only come with careful study of the Bible. Many times, Satan uses half-truths, or lies which sound like the truth, to deceive those who do not know better. As Paul encouraged Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Knowledge of God's word provides you with the truth they need to combat Satan. Buckle it securely around your waist. Know that God is with you every step of the way. He alone is the truth in life. Spend time in His Word and learn His truth.
Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate of righteousness is the second piece of the armor of God. Righteousness comes from standing free of condemnation before God, but it is not something that anyone earns. In (Romans 4:6-7), the apostle Paul writes, "David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works. 'Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” Satan may confront you with past sins but God's forgiveness provides you with the breastplate of righteousness you need to protect you from Satan's attacks. As you put on your breastplate, thank God for His never ending mercy towards us. He has given us righteousness when we follow Him. He will teach us every day if we open our eyes and ears to see and hear Him. The cross is an excellent example of God's mercy to us. He gave His Son for us so that we may spend eternity with Him.
Sandals of Peace: Paul identifies the next part of the armor of God when he writes that you should have their "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." This alludes to what the prophet Isaiah wrote, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" (Isaiah 52:7). Those who have spiritual footwear are prepared to go out and share Christ's gospel with those who will listen. Without God in our lives, we could not have peace. The "peace that transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) is available to us only as we give our lives entirely over to His control. As you strap on your sandals each day, give your cares and concerns to Him and ask Him to carry them. God's Peace will be left in their place.
Shield of Faith: For the fourth item in the armor of God, you are encouraged to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." The shield protects the soldier's body and can be moved to counter an attack. Likewise, faith in God's promise of eternal life serves to deflect the doubts and fears that assault you. Faith has to be developed. As stated in (Romans 10:17), "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word Of God." So therefore, faith can only grow through continual Bible study. This is another defensive weapon in our arsenal. We use this piece of armor to guard against the constant assaults by the enemy. Each morning as you pick up your shield, thank God for your faith. Faith that comes in knowing He will never leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Helmet of Salvation: An important part of the armor of God is the "helmet of salvation." In (1 Thessalonians 5:8), Paul also refers to the helmet as "the hope of salvation." One of Satan's schemes is to cast doubt into the minds of believers, making them wonder if God is real of if his promises are true.The helmet of salvation is based on "a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised from the beginning of time." (Titus 1:2).When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are given this defensive piece of armor to protect us. We know that we have been saved to battle with Him here on the planet Earth. We can do so willingly, knowing that we will spend eternity with Him.
The Sword of the Spirit: The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God; the holy scriptures. When faced with temptations or some other moral choices, using scripture can help to win the battle. As (II Corinthians 10:3-5 )declares, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This is our only offensive weapon in the armor of God mentioned in this passage. Our sword is His Word, the Bible. With it we can slay the evil in the world as it presents itself to us. Read your Bible, learn His Word and memorize verses. Keep it on the tip of your tongue. Dressed in this armor daily, we are prepared to enter the world. Without it we will be prey to attack. Think about each piece as you put it on. Thank God for supplying us with His armor to protect us. God Bless You,The Worship Center
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