What Are The 7 Pieces Of Armor Of God?

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Published by Kimberly Wall

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God aids us and provides His armor. The “Armor of God” is a concept from Ephesians 6:10–20, introduced by the Apostle Paul. He adapts the idea of a soldier’s armor for spiritual warfare[1]. This armor has seven parts, serving both defensive and offensive purposes.

Paul wasn’t the first to use this analogy, so he expected his audience to grasp his metaphor. His urgent tone serves as a call to action for Christians. So, what are the seven pieces of God’s armor?

Key Takeaways

  • The Armor of God symbolizes spiritual strength. Each piece—the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and Sword of the Spirit—represents virtues and practices vital for Christians to ward off spiritual challenges and evil.
  • Practical tips for embodying the Armor of God include daily scripture reading for the Belt of Truth, self-reflection for the Breastplate of Righteousness, and prayer and community engagement for faith strengthening. This makes biblical teachings more applicable today.
  • Using all components of the Armor of God is essential. Like a soldier needs full armor, a Christian’s spiritual health depends on a holistic faith approach. This includes understanding scripture, praying, being righteous, keeping faith, and sharing the gospel for complete spiritual protection and strength.

What Are The 7 Pieces Of Armor Of God And Their Significance?

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, stand.

Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the fiery darts of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

— Ephesians 6:10–18

Belt Of Truth

A Roman soldier’s belt held everything together. Similarly, Jesus Christ, embodying truth, is our main defense, binding everything and ensuring our safety.

Breastplate Of Righteousness

Soldiers wore a basic breastplate to protect their hearts. Similarly, our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, safeguards our hearts.

Feet Fitted With The Gospel Of Peace

Roman soldiers wore sturdy sandals for protection and readiness. Similarly, the gospel of peace in Jesus Christ equips us to stand firm and spread the good news.

Shield Of Faith

The Roman shield, or scutum, was a soldier’s main defense, made of wood, canvas, leather, and metal. It could even extinguish flaming arrows.

Similarly, a believer’s faith is their shield. It’s about trusting in God’s promises and protection and believing that trials will only strengthen our resolve.

Helmet Of Salvation

A helmet is crucial in a soldier’s gear, just as hearing and acting on God’s Word are vital for believers to trust in Him.

Acknowledging our flaws and worth to God is essential for salvation. We are invaluable to God, who sacrificed His only Son for us. This assurance of salvation protects us from the devil’s deceptions.

Sword Of The Spirit

The Word of God is our main defense against spiritual attacks. Understanding Scripture, along with discernment and wisdom, is crucial, as the enemy can also interpret it for his purposes.

Prayer

Effective communication in battle is often underestimated. Similarly, communicating with God strengthens our relationships. Being part of God’s family and sharing prayers is a blessing.

The Holy Spirit guides every believer in praying for God’s will. This prayer instills confidence that God’s plans will be fulfilled.

a medieval knight adorned in battle-worn armor

How Do You Use The 7 Pieces Of Armor Of God?

To use the 7 pieces of armor of God, one must actively wield them, applying them practically in spiritual battles.

1. Using The Belt Of Truth

  • Read Word To Kick Off And Wrap Up Your Day

Your daily success in spiritual battles depends on how you start and end your day. Consider spending at least ten minutes reading the Bible early in the morning and twenty minutes before bed, uninterrupted and in a peaceful setting.

  • Take The Falsehoods You’re Believing And Find A Verse In The Bible That Counters Them

God’s word is our life’s manual. For any issue, there’s a guiding Bible verse. To find a resonating passage, simply search “Bible verses about ____.” Memorize it and use it as a shield against Satan’s attacks.

2. Using The Breastplate Of Righteousness

  • Find The Sins That Are Bringing You Down And Stop Doing Them

Each of us has a unique journey. Be mindful of the media you consume, particularly if it contradicts your values. Engaging in immoral behavior can weaken the spiritual barriers established by Christ.

3. Using The Gospel Of Peace

  • Give Yourself A Sermon On The Gospel Daily

Reflect on the assurance provided by Jesus Christ. Your faith in His sacrifice promises eternal life. Don’t wait for hardship to remember this. Make this hope your foundation to face any challenge.

  • Testify With Others

Sharing your personal experiences with Jesus is a potent way to spread the gospel.

  • Set A Good Example In Your Life

People observe your actions. If you display the fruit of the spirit, it will be noticed.

4. Using The Shield Of Faith

  • Spend Some Time Reflecting On God’s Promises

Counteract heart-piercing fiery arrows with memories of God’s grace in your life.

  • The Combined Strength Of Soldiers’ Shields Is The Strongest

In faith struggles, unite with other Christians. Forming small, intimate groups fosters strong relationships, mirroring the early church’s foundation.

  • Think Back On The Times God Has Helped You

In the movie The War Room, Clara kept a list of answered prayers. Similarly, maintain a record of God’s past provisions. When faith wavers, revisit this list to remember God’s guidance.

5. Using The Helmet Of Salvation

  • Keep Your Faith In God’s Plan Of Redemption

When your eternity is secured by faith in Christ’s sacrifice, not even death can remove that assurance. Despite life’s inevitable hardships, our salvation guides us safely.

  • Listening To Sermons On Podcasts Might Help You Set Your Mind On Higher Things

Set aside daily time to enrich your spirit. Listen to podcasts with inspiring sermons and make a habit of listening during your commute.

6. Using The Sword Of The Spirit

  • Prepare To Fight

Allocate daily, uninterrupted time for Bible reading and study.

  • Retaliate With The Truth Of God’s Word When You Feel Threatened

When tempted by Satan in the desert, Christ responded, “No, for it is written.” Follow His example and resist when Satan tempts you.

  • If You’re Feeling Down, Reading The Bible Is A Great Way To Get Yourself Back Up

Some days, even devout believers may struggle. Ten minutes of Bible study may not suffice. On your day off, immerse yourself in His Word. Persist in reading, studying, and praying until you achieve the desired spiritual growth.

7. Using Prayer

  • Say A Little Prayer First Thing In The Morning

Start your day with prayer, seeking God’s guidance, self-control to adhere to His teachings, and clarity to discern His direction.

  • Intermittently Pray Throughout The Day

Repetitive prayers can seem robotic. Spontaneous prayers can add variety. Remember to pray for people you meet, stories you read, and God’s marvelous deeds.

  • Get Down On Your Knees Before Bed And Talk To God

Bowing before the King of Kings is powerful. You can reach out to the Creator anytime. Express gratitude and share your thoughts with Him.

a medieval knight adorned in armor

Do We Need All 7 Pieces Of Armor?

Yes, we all need 7 pieces of armor. Each piece is interconnected, providing full protection when worn together. Just as a soldier is vulnerable when any part of their armor is discarded, we too are exposed to risks if we lack any part of God’s armor.

What Does It Mean To Put On The Armor Of God, And Why Do We Need To?

To put on the armor of God, one must engage in spiritual warfare, which necessitates a deep faith in the teachings of God and the actions of Jesus. During times of uncertainty, we strengthen ourselves by immersing ourselves in the word of God and communicating with Him through prayer.

God continues to establish His kingdom on earth, expanding with each new Christian. Thus, time progresses in a world where the devil and his minions reside.

The Scriptures remind us that our true battle is not against individuals but against unseen spiritual forces. Despite personal trials, we anticipate Christ’s Second Coming, knowing that more souls are yet to choose Him. The fight continues, but the ultimate victory belongs to the Lord.

To overcome challenges, Ephesians 6:14–17 instructs us to stand firm with truth, righteousness, and readiness from the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God.

a knight in armor

How Can Modern Believers Put On The Armor Of God Today?

Paul’s metaphor of armor, while old-fashioned, emphasizes the importance of a close relationship with God for spiritual strength.

We don’t need special attire, but we can enhance our lives through consistent self-improvement. This helps us gain the discipline and wisdom needed as God’s soldiers:

  • Study the Scriptures (Joshua 1:8).
  • Reflect on Passages (Psalm 119:105).
  • Pray (Psalm 145:18).
  • Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25).
  • Share experiences and truths (1 Peter 3:15).

Regular worship keeps us focused on God. Honoring Him weakens the enemy’s power, makes God’s power more visible in our lives, and gives our words more impact.

a medieval knight

Summary

Our world is experiencing significant upheaval, as forewarned in the Bible. Despite winning the war, we face daily battles, for which we need God’s armor.

By focusing on Jesus, we can maintain our faith amidst chaos. As citizens of God’s eternal kingdom, we are secure in His everlasting love and rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do The Pieces Of The Armor Of God Mean?

The pieces of the Armor of God mean the following: The Belt of Truth symbolizes the grounding effect of truth in a Christian’s life. The breastplate of righteousness represents the protection of our emotions and will by Jesus’s righteousness. The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace equip believers to spread peace through the gospel.

The shield of faith symbolizes faith’s defensive protection against doubts and fears. The Helmet of Salvation represents the assurance of salvation, protecting the mind from doubts. Lastly, the sword of the spirit, the Word of God, is used to combat lies and deceit.

How Do I Put On The Whole Armor Of God?

To put on the whole Armor of God, trust in God’s Word, and live honestly. Cover your heart with Jesus’s purity and follow God’s calling. Use faith to protect yourself from spiritual attacks. Wear the assurance of salvation as a helmet, and use God’s word to combat deceit. Pray in the Spirit on all occasions, being alert and praying for all the Lord’s people.

Where Can I Find The Whole Armor Of God?

The whole Armor of God can be found in the Bible, specifically in the book of Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 10–18. This passage, written by the Apostle Paul, describes the six pieces of God’s armor that we are to put on: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of Spirit.

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