8486 spiritual warfare, armour
The armour of God refers to the resources that Christians possess for defending themselves against the attacks of the world, the flesh and the devil.
God is the believer’s strength and shield
Ps 28:7-8 See also Ge 15:1; Dt 33:29; Ps 3:3; Ps 7:10; Ps 119:114
Believers should be rightly clothed for battle
Ro 13:12-14 See also Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:9,12-14; 1Pe 4:1
Believers should put on the full armour of God
The belt of truth Eph 6:14 The importance of sound teaching: a good understanding of God’s truth counters Satan’s deceit: Ps 119:95,116; Eph 4:14-15; Col 2:8; 2Ti 1:13-14; 1Pe 1:13
The breastplate of righteousness Eph 6:14 Assurance that believers are righteous in God’s sight will counter Satan’s accusations: Pr 4:23; Pr 13:6; Isa 61:10; Zec 3:1-4
The gospel of peace Eph 6:15 The peace of God reassures and gives confidence in times of trouble: Jn 14:27; Jn 16:33; Php 4:6-7
The shield of faith Eph 6:16 Exercising faith draws strength from God, guards against deception and helps overcome temptation: Ro 1:17; Hab 2:4; 1Pe 5:9; 1Jn 5:4
The helmet of salvation Eph 6:17 The expectation of future glory encourages the Christian soldier and helps overcome despair: 1Th 5:8-9; Tit 2:11-14; 1Jn 3:3
The Christian’s spiritual weapons
The sword of the Spirit Eph 6:17 The Scriptures give readiness and confidence in battle and a sure defence against the evil one: Ps 119:11; 2Ti 3:16-17; Heb 4:12
The armour of God is worn with prayer Eph 6:18 Prayer ensures that believers recognise their need to turn to God and depend on him alone: Ps 55:16-18; Heb 4:16; Jas 5:16
