Life may be difficult, giving us curveballs that sometimes seem like more than just ordinary problems. These are the occasions when it seems like something else is going on, something darker. According to the Bible, these conflicts include combat against spiritual powers of evil in addition to those with the world around us. This is known as spiritual warfare, and it is something that all Christians are expected to participate in.
What is Spiritual Warfare?
Spiritual warfare is the conflict between good and evil that takes place on the spiritual dimension. It is the war against demons and bad spirits that want to separate us from God. The Apostle Paul discusses this in Ephesians 6:12, stating, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” This scripture makes it plain that our true foes are not human people, but wicked powers in the spiritual world.
Why We Need the Armour of God
Because we are fighting spiritual forces, we must likewise use spiritual defenses. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul describes the Armour of God as the weapons we need to stand firm against these wicked powers. He presents numerous articles of armor, each having a distinct function to help us stand firm in our faith and live triumphant Christian lives.
Breaking Down the Armour of God
Each item of the Armour of God has a symbolic significance that might aid us in our everyday battles against sin and temptation.
Belt of Truth: The belt of truth entails living honestly and according to God’s word. Jesus is the truth (John 14:6), and following Him allows us to stand steadfast against the enemy’s falsehoods.
Breastplate of Righteousness: This piece guards our hearts and souls with God’s righteousness. It is about living a decent life based on what is proper (Proverbs 4:23). When we live righteously, we defend ourselves against the evils that want to harm us.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: These shoes help us share the good news of peace. As Romans 10:15 states, people who deliver good news are blessed. When we carry peace, we can quell the havoc that evil causes.
Shield of Faith: Our faith can withstand any negative assaults. Like a shield in battle, our faith may extinguish the burning darts of doubt, fear, and temptation (Ephesians 6:16).
Helmet of Salvation: Wearing the helmet of salvation entails focusing our attention on the knowledge that we are rescued by Jesus. It helps to shield our minds from uncertainty and dread (1 Thessalonians 5:8).
Sword of the Spirit: This is God’s word, the Bible. It’s our lone offensive weapon on the list, and it’s really strong. According to Hebrews 4:12, it is sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of cutting through all falsehoods and deception.
Living in Victory
Equipping ourselves with this armour requires more than simply understanding what each piece performs. It entails actively carrying out these values in our life. By doing so, we are not only protecting ourselves but also combating the falsehoods and deceptions that the devil throws at us.
How to Apply This Armour in Your Everyday Life
- Daily Bible reading and meditation: This helps to keep the Sword of the Spirit sharp and ready.
- Pray Constantly: Maintain connection with God to keep your armour clean and fitting.
- Join with other believers: Fellowship fortifies your armour as you help polish one another’s through encouragement and prayer.
- Live Righteously: Strive to make decisions that reflect God’s righteousness every day.
- Spread Peace: Share the wonderful news of God’s peace to others.
- Maintain Your Faith: Believe in God’s promises and strength to keep your shield up.
Prayer Points to Fortify Your Spiritual Armor
As we conclude, let’s focus on strengthening our spiritual armor through these prayer points:
- Prayer for Truth: Lord, help me to always seek and stand in Your truth in every aspect of my life.
- Prayer for Righteousness: God, clothe me with Your righteousness so that I may resist the temptations that come my way.
- Prayer for the Gospel of Peace: Grant me the courage to spread the message of Your peace wherever I go.
- Prayer for Faith: Increase my faith, O Lord, that I may deflect all the fiery darts of the enemy.
- Prayer for Salvation: Remind me daily of the salvation I have in You and help me to live out this truth.
- Prayer for the Word of God: Make Your word alive and active in me, cutting through any deception and doubt.
- Prayer for Spiritual Strength: Equip me with spiritual strength to stand firm against all spiritual attacks.
- Prayer for Wisdom: Provide me with wisdom to discern the attacks of the enemy.
- Prayer for Fellowship: Help me to find and nurture godly relationships that will strengthen my spiritual walk.
- Prayer for Perseverance: Teach me to persevere in prayer and faith, even when the battle feels overwhelming.
Understanding and putting on the full armor of God is crucial for all believers engaged in Christian Living. It’s not just about knowing what each piece represents but actively incorporating them into our daily lives as a biblical defense. By doing so, we ensure that we are not only protected from the enemy’s attacks but also actively pushing back against the darkness of spiritual warfare. Let’s commit to wearing this Ephesians 6 armor daily and standing firm in our faith, bolstered by prayer points and the word of God, ensuring our spiritual growth. This Christian spiritual armor helps us in fighting spiritual battles, guided by Bible verses about protection.