Using Our Armor

Religion article by Larry Bennett:

When we became a follower of Jesus we were placed into Christ. That means wherever Christ is, we are also. We see this truth in Ephesians , “God. . .has raised us up with Him and seated us in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:5-6).

There is another element to that transaction of faith. Christ was also placed in us. That means that wherever we go, Christ is in us. (John 17:22-23). Jesus promises to never leave
nor forsake us.

Now because we are in Christ and Christ is in us, we can draw on the resources of heaven as we live our daily life. That’s the reason that Paul reminds us that God has equipped us with the tools/armor to live a victorious life (Ephesians 6:11-18). There should be nothing we encounter that the armor of God cannot handle and defeat.

Here is our armor:

1. Belt of Truth – “put on the belt of truth” (NLT)
2. Body Armor – “the body armor of God’s righteousness” (NLT)
3. Shoes – “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be
fully prepared”. (NLT)
4. Helmet – “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God” (NLT)

As you consider the armor of God ask yourself these questions. Does my spiritual arsenal remain steady when adversity comes or do I shake with worry and doubt? Do various situations make me drop my belt of truth and fall toward an attitude that there is no hope? Do certain events cause me to lower my shield of faith and let doubt enter into my thinking?

When the storms of life come my way am I still a person of faith that brings peace to the situation, or do I bring trouble of chaos? Do certain situations cause me to lower my Sword (the Word), or do I raise it even higher and use it all the more to combat error and the negative that comes into my life?

Bottom Line
The Scripture tells us that we are made complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10) Everything we need is found in the armor that God through Christ has provided for us. When we learn to daily practice “putting on the whole armor of God” then we will be prepared for whatever the world, the devil and the flesh puts before us.

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT)