Our Armour

 

The Armour of God: put on the whole Armour of God

In hindsight, reflecting on my life and the failures I’ve recorded, it all boils down to one thing: deception. No matter how you slice it, deception, in one form or another, paved the way for sin to dominate. Lies believed—about God, myself, or the world—opened doors that should have stayed closed. In fact, John highlights this point in the closing chapters of the book of Revelation; Revelation 19:20 “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

This is the reason why Paul stresses the importance of the Armour of God…

“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11

Following earlier reflections, it is worth revisiting the armour of God—not to admire it, but to understand its necessity and use.

What Is the Armour of God?

The armour of God is God’s provision for every believer engaged in spiritual battle. It is not physical but spiritual in nature: truth, righteousness, readiness through the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Each piece protects a vital area of our spiritual life, reminding us of our vulnerability without it and our security when we are clothed in it.

The command to “put on” is active. Possession alone is not enough. Like a soldier preparing for combat, we are called to clothe ourselves intentionally and daily. Passive faith will not sustain us; vigilance and obedience are required. The instruction to put on the whole armour leaves no room for complacency. We are at war—daily, consistently, and without pause.

Who Is the Enemy?

The battle is fought on multiple fronts:

• The enemy within: James warns,

“Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” — James 1:14

Unchecked desire gives birth to sin, and sin leads to death. This struggle is universal; no one is exempt.

• The external pressure of the world:

“The desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions… is passing away.” — 1 John 2:16–17

The world appeals to what is temporary, yet God calls us to what endures.

• The spiritual adversary: Satan opposes God and His people, moving relentlessly to accuse, tempt, and deceive:

“From going to and fro on the earth.” — Job 1:7

Paul reminds us:

“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood…” — Ephesians 6:12

Satan typically overpowers through deception. Lies believed become strongholds, enslaving hearts and minds. There is, however, one exception: demonic possession is an act of power. In Scripture, possession suppresses will and dominates the body, only reversed by the authority of Christ. Yet even here, deception often precedes power—truth rejected and sin embraced create vulnerability.

Why We Need the Armour

With temptation rising from within, seduction pressing from without, and spiritual warfare pressing in from beyond, God’s armour is essential. It enables us to live out His will and reflect His glory, rather than relying on our own strength.

Christ Himself is our example. He surrendered comfort, security, and status in obedience to the Father:

“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” — Luke 9:58

Victory flows from submission, not self-effort.

Putting On the Armour: Piece by Piece

The Belt of Truth

Truth holds everything together. Without it, the rest of the armour becomes ineffective. This is God’s revealed truth—His Word shaping thought and conduct. Satan traffics in deception; truth exposes and restrains his schemes.

“Your word is truth.” — John 17:17

The Breastplate of Righteousness

The breastplate guards the heart—our will, affections, and inner life. Righteousness is first received through Christ and then expressed through obedience. Tolerating sin leaves the heart exposed; walking in righteousness weakens accusation.

“That in him we might become the righteousness of God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21

Feet Fitted with the Readiness of the Gospel of Peace

A soldier who cannot stand cannot fight. The gospel gives firm footing—peace with God that steadies and prepares for action. This peace is not passive; it enables endurance under pressure.

“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1

The Shield of Faith

Faith is our mobile defence. It extinguishes the flaming darts of doubt, fear, accusation, and temptation. Faith is active trust, consistently raised, rendering attacks ineffective.

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” — Hebrews 11:6

The Helmet of Salvation

The helmet protects the mind. Assurance of salvation guards against despair, confusion, and condemnation. The mind anchors the walk.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

The Sword of the Spirit — The Word of God

This is the only offensive weapon. The Word cuts through deception and establishes the truth. Jesus modelled this in the wilderness: every temptation met with “It is written.”

“The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” — Hebrews 4:12

Prayer: Dependence, Not Decoration

Prayer sustains the armour. It keeps the believer dependent on God rather than on self, sharpens discernment, and keeps pride in check. A prayerless Christian is not strong, regardless of knowledge or skill.

Who Can Wear the Armour?

The armour belongs to those born of the Spirit—believers in the risen Christ. Partial obedience leaves one exposed. Full obedience is required:

“Put on the whole armour of God.” — Ephesians 6:11

Read it slowly. Let the Word strengthen your soul. Stand fully clothed.

Standing Is the Victory

The armour of God does not create victory—Christ already has. The armour enables believers to stand when deception presses in from every side.

Most believers do not fall because they are suddenly overpowered. They fall because preparation becomes inconsistent, truth is loosened, and discernment dulls over time.

Paul’s instruction remains clear:

“Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” — Ephesians 6:13

Standing is not dramatic. It is disciplined. It is holding ground when compromise is easier.

Wearing the armour shouldn't be just a ritual; it should be a habitual part of life. Gradually, truth influences your thoughts, righteousness guides your actions, peace stabilises your reactions, faith becomes second nature, and salvation defines your identity. The Word turns into your automatic response.

Stand clothed.
Stand alert.
Stand anchored in truth.

Because in this battle, passivity is costly—and deception is never harmless.

Until next time,

Signing off

Tyrone