Spiritual Armor Part 1

Ephesians 6: 13-15 “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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”

Paul describes the different pieces of the armor that believers are to put on. While writing this letter, Paul was in a Roman prison and was well acquainted with the Roman Legionary Soldier, who were the best trained fighters of the time. Paul may have had the armor of a Legionary in mind when he was describing the spiritual armor believers should wear.

Below is a picture of a Roman Legionary, just to give a visual to what Paul was familiar with:

The pieces of the armor believers should wear are:

The Belt of Truth. A belt is what holds everything together. Truth corresponds with doctrine, Biblical doctrine found in the Word of God. We can resist the devil when we guard truth in our hearts and do not capitulate to this age where truth is relative. If we compromise on the truth, everything falls apart.

Body Armor (or Breastplate) of Righteousness. Roman body armor could be chainmail clothing, segmented pieces of overlapping steel or thick leather, or a breastplate made in a single large piece of metal which formed itself around the chest. This kind of body armor was designed to protect the heart, lungs, and chest from a fatal wound. Satan attacks our hearts, our emotions, and trust. Righteousness is God’s holiness, imputed to believers through Jesus’ death on the cross. Understanding our position in Christ as believers, standing for righteousness and resisting sin prevents a fatal wound.

Shoes of the Peace of the Gospel. Shoes allowed one to move faster and minimize the chance of wounding the feet in rough ground. Believers should put on their spiritual “shoes,” and be prepared to go where they are needed to share the Gospel of Peace. Sharing the Gospel not only fulfills the Lord's command in the Great Commission, but strengthens us spiritually as we are reminded of the Gospel that saves us.