Closing in on the final chapter of Ephesians, Paul leaves us with a powerful image to review key points he’s covered. He reminds believers of their true adversary and then shows us all of the spiritual resources we have at our disposal:
“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.” (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV)
Prompted by his surroundings in prison, Paul uses pieces of a Roman soldier’s armor as visual reminders of spiritual tools available to believers. As an expert in Hebrew scriptures, he’s also drawing a comparison from a prophecy about the Messiah in the book of Isaiah:
“The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.” (Isaiah 59:15b-17, NIV)
In this passage Isaiah describes One who will intervene on behalf of sinners to bring justice to humankind. A commentary explains, “The One who is offended by sin, the Holy God, became the intercessor for the people…The offended rescues the offenders…Therefore, God puts on his armor. He is going to battle to save his people. He not only puts on garments of righteousness but also garments of vengeance. And most beautifully, he wraps himself with a cloak of zeal. The Lion of Judah has watched this mess for too long… The enemy now is the greatest one of all, sin and Satan and his spiritual forces of wickedness. These are the ones he is going to conquer like a mighty warrior.”1
Paul brings this notion full circle in Ephesians, celebrating Christ as the intercessor acting on behalf of sinners. When we read Ephesians 6:10-18 we discover that God conquers, then puts His armor on us and equips us for spiritual battle as well. If you’ve read Ephesians 6 recently, you probably recognize the parallels from the Isaiah passage above: “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 flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-17, NIV)
As he closes, Paul reminds believers of all the riches he’s been writing about throughout his letter. Physical armor provides a memorable summary of what he’s written.
The Belt of Truth encircles us. It protects us from the lies and deceptions of the enemy and provides the core support we need to pursue spiritual maturity. It also keeps us from damaging our relationships with others:
- “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” (1:13a)
- “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (4:15)
- “When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” (4:21)
- “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” (4:25)
- “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” (5:9)
The Breastplate of Righteousness protects our hearts from the accusations of the enemy. It reminds us that we wear the righteousness of Christ and can never be condemned or shamed for our sin because Christ has already atoned for it.
- “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (4:24)
- “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” (5:9)
The Gospel of Peace equips us with the readiness to walk confidently in faith without the hindrance of fear, anxiety, or sin. Being at peace with God also brings peace between believers, regardless of their differing backgrounds.
- “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1:2)
- “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (2:14)
- “His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.” (2:15b)
- “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” (2:17)
- “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
The Shield of Faith protects us from attacks of the evil one. Through faith in Christ we are adopted as God’s children and given the protection, rights, and privileges reserved for members of His holy and eternal family.
- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” (2:8)
- “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (3:12)
- “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (3:16-17a)
- “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (4:4-6)
- “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (4:11-13)
The Helmet of Salvation protects our minds and allows us to remain clear thinking and sound minded. Wearing it affects how we view all things: ourselves, our circumstances, God, and others.
- “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13)
The Sword of the Spirit is the word of God and is the only offensive weapon we have or need. We can discover the extent of our spiritual authority and power within the pages of Scripture. With the help of the Spirit, we can have wisdom and revelation to know God better and to walk in a manner worthy of our calling.
- “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13b)
- “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (1:17)
- “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (2:18)
- “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (2:22)
- “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” (3:16)
- “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.” (4:4)
- “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (4:30)
- “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,” (5:18)
Learning each element of the Armor of God provides a simple way to remember the incredible spiritual resources always within our grasp. If you’d like to delve deeper into any of the specific aspects of the Armor of God, click on the links below to access blogs written while I was studying The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer.
- The Roots of Our Spiritual Authority
- The Belt of Truth
- The Breastplate of Righteousness
- The Gospel of Peace
- The Shield of Faith
- The Helmet of Salvation
- The Sword of the Spirit
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Inspired by Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Press, 2024
1. Berry Kercheville, “Isaiah 59: God Was Appalled” August 2020