Last week, we started this series by defining an armour as a special metal clothing that soldiers wore in the past to protect their bodies while fighting. It was mentioned that spiritual battles are not fought with physical weapons or strength but with spiritual armour. David was a copious example of a person who won the invincible battle against the giant, Goliath of Gath by spiritual weapons. Today, we shall be concluding the topic as we x-ray the contents of the Christian armour.
In Ephesians 6:10, Apostle Paul admonished the brethren at Ephesus to *be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.* He also requested them to put on the whole armour in order to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. He justified the need for putting on the whole armour of God in Ephesians 6:12 by saying *“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.”* Paul listed the armour in Ephesians 6:14-17.
The first is the armour of truth which is put first because of its foremost importance. Jesus Christ is the truth while lie is of the devil. How truthful are you in your relationship or in what you are entrusted with? The second is the armour of righteousness as the breastplate which covers the engine room for our actions and attitudes- *the heart*. Righteousness means right standing with God. Jesus Christ is our righteousness without whom we have no direct access to God. Denounce every form of self or legalistic righteousness! The breastplate can only be worn through integrity, uprightness and righteousness. The third is shoe of readiness to announce the Good News. Gospel is the power of God and nothing terrifies the devil than knowing you are actively involved in evangelism. You must be prepared at all times to preach the gospel. Are you playing active role in the Great Commission? The fourth is the shield of faith required to ensure victory. Without it, defeat is inevitable because we fight and win by faith. You need faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked e.g. demonic attack, temptation, fear, discouragement, etc. The fifth is the helmet of salvation which protects our souls from the spiritual attacks and daggers of backsliding. The sixth is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This is a potent and powerful armour to launch onslaught against the camp of the enemies. Meditate on the word, confess the word and act the word of God.
As you put on the whole armour, fighting the battles of life, victory is sure! (Concluded).
