The Armor of God - Our Weapons are not carnal, but mighty in God
Defending the Truth
                                                                             THE ARMOR OF GOD   Eph 6:11-17
                        A verse by verse exposition of Ephesians 6 by Michael W. Matkin
The armor of God is an expression of symbolic imagery of the spiritual weapons used by the Christian soldier to
fight against the evil forces of principalities and darkness.  The combination of each individual piece amounts to
the full resources of God available to all believers who take up their cross to follow Christ. Our battle is not
against flesh and blood, and the spiritual enemy is stronger than we are. Therefore we must "put on the full
armor of God".

There are several different views to Paul's analogy and comparison of combat equipment to spiritual weapons.
Views differ on the influence of Paul's imagery being from the book of Isa. in the O.T., LXX (LXX- Septuagint -
Greek translation of the Old Testament that existed before the first century A.D.) or that of a Roman soldier.
Each piece of equipment has different, yet not always opposing views, whether the comparison is derived from
the O.T. or from a Roman soldier. However, the differing views of the possible influence of Paul's imagery are
irrelevant to the topic at hand. Therefore I feel no need to give an explanation to each definition I will propose.
             

                                                                                             










"Put on the whole armor of God", implies a permanent stance of readiness. The armor of God should be the
defense of every Christian throughout their life defending each of us from the "wiles" or schemes of the devil.
In verse 6:14 Paul calls us to "stand", for the third time. This implies the Christian must take a firm position in
the spiritual battle.

"Having girded your waist with truth"........
A belt fastened tightly around the waist indicates a soldier being ready for action, not only defensive but
offensive action as well. "Girding" up is a matter of pulling in all the lose ends of the garments in preparation for
battle. The belt that pulls in all the spiritual lose ends is truth, the truth of the gospel. Jesus said he was the
truth the way and the life, so the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. We must live under the influence of the
power of the gospel's salvation and walk in the light and truth of God's word. If we live by the truth and speak
the truth we will resist the devil not giving him a place or foothold (Eph 4:27). Christians have no business
lying, stretching the truth, exaggerating or deceiving others in any way. Therefore, if the Spirit of truth dwells
in you, let no deceit be found in you and speak in truth and love. Joy and freedom are only found by walking in
truth. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.  (Psalm 32:2).

The breastplate of rightousness ........
The breastplate is what protects the vital organs such as the heart. As believer's we are in a growing process
of sanctification. Walking in obedience and by faith builds our relationship with God to a more intimate level. As
a result of our communion with Jesus Christ, His own righteousness produces an ever growing daily
righteousness in our lives, becoming our breastplate. The righteousness of God has the power to transform
believers. The protection of Christians can not be sought or found in any works, but only in what Christ has
done for us.

"Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace".........
The gospel of peace is the good news of salvation through Christ. Through Christ God has reconciled Himself
to us and believers are at peace with God. It is this confidence that allows believer's to stand firm. The
reference to shod also pertains to the readiness for combat and standing firm in the battle.

Shield of faith.......
Paul's reference to faith here is a basic trust in God. As I mentioned before a believer's continual faith and trust
in God's word and promise is above all absolutely necessary and essential for protection from temptation and
every form of sin. Without faith and trust the believer can fall victim to Satan's lies. The fiery darts mentioned
in verse 16 refers to all forms of assaults devised by Satan to attack us. Faith empowers believers to resist and
have victory over persecution, doubt, false teaching and all the fiery darts aimed at Christians.

Helmet of salvation..........
Since Paul is referring to those already saved we must know that Satan seeks to destroy a believer's assurance
of salvation. In doing this a believer is distracted and can not aid or serve to full potential in advancing the
kingdom. Paul says take the helmet because salvation is a gift to be received. Assurance of salvation is
important in spiritual battle. As a Christian you can be confident in the outcome of the battle; God wins and He
will win you too.

"The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"......
The "word" of God in this passage is (rhematheou), not the usual use of "logos". Logos is the expression of
thought while rhema would be divine utterance. But what exactly is the "utterance of God"? I will share four
views. Old Testament scripture, the words and parables of Christ or teaching of the apostles, the gospel which
is the power of God to salvation (Ro 1:16) and the words given by the spirit in critical moments or in times of
prayer. All of the old and new testament scriptures are the inspired word of God (2 Tim 3:16) and Jesus used
the word to rebuke Satan the tempter (Matt 4:4). Therefore I believe that the divine utterance of God is a
combination of all the views. It is impossible for spiritual growth to take place without a continuing study of the
word of God in a believer's life. Christians must resist and rebuke Satan by using scriptures and the words the
Spirit has inspired the believer to speak. The Holy Spirit brings scriptures to remembrance to aid the believer in
times of need. Often in my prayer time I find myself speaking thoughts that suddenly occur to me and I remind
myself of one of Paul's epistles. I know the Holy Spirit has inspired me because I am not intelligent enough to
speak in such a manner. The Spirit inspired word may not always be scripture. The Holy Spirit is the power
behind the word. The double edged sword is the word of God (Rev 1:16, 2:16). As we have seen, the sword of
the Spirit is used both defensively and offensively and is the only true offensive spiritual weapon.
In Eph 6:18, Paul continues by the mention of prayer. Prayer is not included in the armor because it is too
essential and great to be listed under this category. I have dedicated a section to prayer and will elaborate on
its importance and great significance. Prayer is an essential spiritual weapon but much more. Spiritual warfare
can not be won with out prayer.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the
heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand
in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of
righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above
all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked one. 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, being watchful to this end
with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.  (Eph 6:11-18)