Nothing can be as predictable as human life. No matter how much you plan and anticipate, unexpected turns of events can leave you vulnerable and weak. This is where the strong Bible metaphor, the Armor of God, comes into play! It focuses on using spiritual weapons to protect oneself from evil intentions, surprises, grief, agony, and other types of emotional imbalances.
If you go through the old manuscripts, you will discover the Apostles strengthening this metaphor using a picture of a Roman soldier. They call every Christian to stand strong against the test of time and use spiritual armor to protect themselves against evil. That being said, we have articulated a detailed guide on what the Armor of God is and how you can apply it in your daily life.
Understanding the metaphor: The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18 draws a clear resemblance to the portrayal of God’s armor. Paul stated:
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s scheme
He emphasized that a Christian’s life can never be passive. With the evil surrounding the heart, mind, and the very essence of the physical being (the devil’s scheme), every person has to embark on a spiritual battle. That’s why one needs to equip oneself with spiritual tools just like a soldier would do before going into a battle. Only then can you shield yourself against any type of bad intention, action, or scheme.
Exploring the elements of the Armor of God
The Belt of Truth
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist”: Ephesians 6:14
If you look at the gear of any Roman soldier from the past, you will find the belt to be the fundamental piece of their armor. Wrapped around the waist, it held everything in place and offered maximum protection. Talking spiritually, the Belt of Truth resembles integrity, honesty, and the truth of God’s words.
Daily application
1. Read scriptures daily, right at the start of the day, to ground yourself with Biblical truth.
2. Always practice truthfulness through your actions, speech, and decisions.
3. Never indulge yourself in rejection, lies, and gossip.
4. Align your beliefs and behaviors with God’s words and not those of the mortal world.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…”: Ephesians 6:14
Every soldier’s armor will have a strong breastplate to protect the heart and vital organs from any fatal blow. In spiritual terms, it is the shield of righteousness, protecting the heart from corruption and sin around us. This righteousness arises from putting one’s belief in Christ.
Daily application
1. Always make moralistic and ethical decisions that can be aligned with God’s righteousness
2. Confess your sins and seek forgiveness to keep your spirits high.
3. Put your faith in Christ’s righteousness to cover the flaws you have.
4. Do not let your emotions and thoughts go astray due to influence from the external world.
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
“…with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”: Ephesians 6:15
The shoes worn by the soldiers allow them to stay rooted to the ground and control their movements. Similarly, the Gospel of Peace provides stability and readiness to the believers. It helps them to carry and preach God’s words to others.
Daily application
1. Always start the day with a peaceful mind and take a resolution not to be shaken by fear and distress.
2. Be the peacemaker in every relationship you have formed.
3. Use your actions and words to share the Gospel with others.
4. Remind yourself that your identity in Christ is the main source of your strength.
The Shield of Faith
“Take up the shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one”: Ephesians 6:16
Enemies used arrows with flaming tips to destroy and injure their opponents. That’s why Roman soldiers relied on a portable, mobile shield to protect themselves. In spiritual terms, it will be the faith you have in God that will keep you safe from doubts, fear, temptation, and spiritual attacks.
Daily application
1. Always put your faith in God, especially when you encounter trials and difficult times.
2. Anxiety and fear can be deflected by reading and imbibing every word written in scriptures and manuscripts
3. If you have any doubt, turn to God’s promises to gain reassurance.
4. Keep yourself surrounded with people who will encourage you to practice faith in all situations.
The Helmet of Salvation
“Take the helmet of salvation…”: Ephesians 6:17
A soldier will always wear a helmet to protect the head, the center of decision-making and thought. Spiritually, this helmet symbolizes the assurance of salvation, which guards our minds from lies and confusing thoughts.
Daily application
1. God’s words will help you renew your mind and reset your thoughts.
2. Always keep reminding yourself of your salvation and what Christ has done for you..
3. Do not accept or believe in negative thoughts about yourself, as well as others.
4. Replace any type of anxiety or fear with the hope of eternal life.
The Sword of the Spirit
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”: Ephesians 6:17
Unlike the armor pieces we pointed out previously, the sword has an offensive purpose. It means you have to use the Word of God to defend faith, counterattack lies, and overcome any type of spiritual attack.
Daily application
1. Study the scriptures daily to understand the deeper meaning.
2.Memorize the important Bible verses to gain strength, especially during tempting events or trials.
3. Always speak the truth over any circumstance.
Prayer: The Power behind the Armor
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…”: Ephesians 6:18
While prayer is not considered a piece of God’s armor, it acts as the foundation that empowers every element discussed above. After all, it is through constant communication with God that one can receive strength, protection, and clarity.
Daily application
1. Begin and end every day with prayers.
2. Always pray throughout the day and not just in times of crisis
3. Pray for everyone around you, including your family, friends, and even your enemies.
Conclusion
The Armor of God is a powerful metaphor in the Bible that allows a Christian to protect oneself from harm and evil schemes. By putting on all the elements, you can attain salvation, shield your faith, and gain clarity in every situation.
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