Armor Of God (Prayer, Verse, Meaning & Application)

The Armor of God is a common phrase from Ephesians 6 and often quoted in church, but what does it mean and how is it applied in day-to-day life?

The verse comes from Paul.  In previous letters, Paul has described the Christian life as a “walk”.

Several scriptures describe the this “walk”:

  • We are to walk in the newness of life (Romans)
  • Walk in faith (2 Corinthians)
  • Walk by the spirit (Galatians)
  • Walk in love (Ephesians).

Throughout Ephesians 6 and in this particular passage, Paul describes a spiritual war that we are in.  In this spiritual battle we fight against that which we cannot see.

In Timothy, Paul compares us to soldiers with a focus and a job to do but here in Ephesians he develops the idea, going into detail about preparedness.  He identifies the enemy, describes our source of strength and lists the way Satan will be defeated.

Oddly enough it is through God’s power not ours, even though we are the ones who must be equipped.

Armor Of God Verse – Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

13 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.

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

What Are The 7 Pieces of the Armor Of God (Whole Armor)

The full armor of God includes:

  • Belt of truth
  • Breastplate of righteousness
  • Fitted feet for readiness
  • Shield of faith
  • Helmet of salvation
  • Sword of the spirit – word of God

>> also read my article about Romans 8:18

Strategies To Put On God’s Armor Daily

The enemy never sleeps.  We are to stand against Satan and so we need to be prepared.

This is no longer the walk referred to earlier but Paul describes a spiritual war zone and it’s more like a mine field.

How to apply these instructions in our daily life?  Do the following.

  • To fasten on the belt of truth we must know and believe the truth of the gospel.

              (Galatians 2:5)

  • We must allow the Lord to be our righteousness and protect us like a breastplate.

            (Jeremiah 23:6)

  • If we wait upon the Lord in prayer and meditation, our feet will be ready to run and not be weary.

            (Isaiah 40:31)

  • Develop and maintain a strong faith and he He will be our shield and our buckler.

            (Psalm 91:4)

  • A helmet surrounds our head and protects our mind which is the way we understand our salvation. Study the Bible. Know where your salvation comes from and why.

             (Job 28:20)

  • The Word of God is the Bible. Memorize meaningful verses to be ready when the time arises to use this sword of the Spirit. 

            (Hebrews 4:12)

Significance and Importance In Life

As Christians we are not in a physical battle but a spiritual one.  Satan is real and wants to defeat us at every turn.

As Christians we realize that this world is only our temporary home – a short one at that – and eternity stretches before us afterwards.  Everyone dies, but not everyone has the assurance of eternity with God (read my article on “God’s timing is Perfect”).

Jesus is the only famous “religious” historical person who claimed to be God – one with the Father – and then conquered death.  His disciples all were afraid when he died and then all died martyr deaths because they saw Him after his resurrection.

There is no getting around that fact.  Jesus spoke of Satan many times.  He also spoke of problems we would face as believers. 

Paul’s writings describe how best to live the lives God wishes for us. He addressed the same challenges and sins they had and we still have.

Satan is a liar and will do anything to defeat us.  Put on the whole armor of God. It is important.

Armor Of God Prayer – Use The Verse In Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for these words of Paul. Thank you for warning us that there are dangers and forces we cannot see, principalities and powers that rule heavenly places.

The devil is real and he schemes against us.

We know that only with your power and your strength will we be prepared for what’s ahead.

>>read my article on How To Give Grace

We know the truth needs to be understood and strapped on tight, the breastplate of righteousness should protect our heart, our faith is a shield against fiery darts of Satan, our helmet our secure salvation.

Finally our shoes are ready to take the gospel of peace while the word of God is our mightiest weapon.

In this present darkness which surrounds us, it is necessary for us to be prepared, not to win.  We will stand ready with Gods armor for protection but it is God who does the fighting, he winning, and the overcoming.

The whole armor is a spirit of protection. 

The only offensive item in the list is the Sword and even it is “just” the words of God.  However, God’s words are living and sharper than a two-edged sword discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrew 4:12)

Conclusion

“And finally brethren”, Paul ends his famous letter to the Ephesians by exhorting them to be strong and ready to fight principalities and powers that they could not see.

He was writing this during his first imprisonment and was probably watched over by a soldier dressed and equipped much like he describes in these verses.

This brief article describes the Armor of God as Paul described in in Ephesians 6.  I hope it provides some encouragement and ideas on how to best apply the battle dress he wants you to put on.

If I may recommend an interesting book about the spiritual world and a title that came from this passage.  Ephesians 6:12, “This Present Darkness” written by Frank Peretti a few years ago.

Although it is a work of fiction, he does a wonderful job of describing what might be going on in that other dimension of spiritual warfare.  I enjoyed it and you might also.