![]() ![]() Iniquity is the opposite of righteousness, so when we give in to sin without repenting, we are removing our breastplate and leaving ourselves open to more of Satan’s attacks. Isaiah 59 starts by explaining that “your iniquities have separated you from your God” ( verse 2). ![]() Isaiah 59:17 says that God Himself puts on righteousness as a breastplate! This may be part of what inspired Paul to use this analogy. So to be righteous is to obey God’s laws of love. Psalm 119:172 tells us that God’s commandments are righteousness. To be righteous is first of all to repent and be forgiven of our sins, and then to do what is right in God’s eyes. Without righteousness, we leave ourselves open to Satan’s attacks. Next, Paul tells us to “put on the breastplate of righteousness.” What is the breastplate of righteousness? And to be truly ready for the battle, we must be completely truthful ourselves in our inner being, like our Creator. Knowing God’s truth is the surefire antidote to Satan’s lies and deception. Wearing the belt showed that the soldier was ready for action, since he would only loosen his belt when he went off duty. What is the belt of truth?Ī belt was the first piece of equipment put on, and it secures all the other pieces of our armor. Here is how you can use each piece of armor to fight against the powers of Satan. Now Paul starts to list the individual elements of this spiritual armor. The Bible also tells us how to put on the armor of God. What does he mean, “to stand”? He was emphasizing that with God’s help, we will be able to hold the line, to not retreat, to not give up an inch of God’s territory. Paul continued in Ephesians 6:13: “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.” He is able to convince people that he doesn’t exist, and he is able to sway society and suggest wrong thoughts to us without our even realizing he is there. Satan and the demons are invisible, and he is a master of camouflage. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:7-9).Īll this is happening behind the scenes in the spiritual world, but it has great influence over the physical world. The Bible describes unseen spiritual battles, such as the titanic battle at the end of the age that the apostle John witnessed: “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was any place found for them in heaven any longer. “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” (verse 12). But if we do, we will be able to withstand Satan’s attacks. This is a comprehensive defense strategy, and we have to pay attention to all parts of this armor God offers. Verse 11 continues: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” We have access to the greatest power in the universe! You see, we don’t have to be discouraged by Satan’s devices or by his power and stealth. Paul wrote: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (verse 10). Following Isaiah’s lead ( Isaiah 59:17), Paul drew a powerful comparison between a soldier’s armor and the spiritual armor of God. During Paul’s time in prison he obviously became well acquainted with the armor worn and carried by his captors in the Roman army. Ephesians was one of Paul’s letters written from prison. Paul addressed this in Ephesians 6:10-20 where he talks about putting on the whole armor of God. The apostle Paul warns us to beware of Satan’s devices and tactics ( 2 Corinthians 2:11). The Bible tells us we are in a war, and our adversary, Satan the devil, is bent on destroying us. How to use the armor of God to defend against the attacks of Satan Each piece is essential, and the Bible tells us how to put them on and use them effectively. God provides these six aspects of the Christian life, plus prayer (verse 18), to strengthen and protect us and ultimately help us to triumph in our spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:14-17 lists six pieces of the armor of God: ![]()
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