Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God…having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace..taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
~Ephesians 6:13-18
Loins girt about with truth –
What was the purpose of girding the loins in Bible times? They would gird their sword at their waist so as to be prepared for the upcoming, expected battle. The believer who does not gird himself with truth is unprepared for the inevitable battles that come and great will be his destruction from lack of preparedness.
It was not simply enough to take the sword; that was merely the last step to the preparatory process. Disciplined and scheduled practice with the instrument prior to use in battle was quintessential to victory! For today’s Christian, practicing this meaning calling to mind verses that will prepare one for future conflicts.
Having on the breastplate of righteousness –
Righteousness is provided for us by God – we cannot do anything to achieve it on our own. This phrase may be coupled with the helmet of salvation because they are both the gift of God. Interesting that the two places where one may be defeated are covered by God and not dependent on our own preparation! Like Job, our souls are untouchable to the enemy, but if we lack proper discipline prior to battle, he may take every other part of us.
Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace –
I’ve always thought this involved taking the Gospel of peace to the regions beyond, yet we are commanded to “stand therefore” indicating this peace – sourced from the Gospel of Christ – is for our own steadfastness. Rooted in Christ we may be truly steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding, even in the day of war. “Having done all, to stand,” reiterated being prepared in every way.
Above all, taking the shield of faith –
If all of the enemy’s darts are quenched by faith, then we can conclude that his wiles are solely directed at eliciting unbelief in our lives. As unbelief is the root of all sin, this is of primary importance – “above all.”
Take the helmet of salvation –
Our minds are protected when we remind ourselves of the salvation of our God. Just like the breastplate of righteousness, it is provided for us only by God and is a gift. With this vital piece of armor, we are eternally protected by the Lord from Satan’s fiery darts.
Laura started attending Lehigh Valley Baptist Church as a child when her family moved to the area. For years, her primary passion was in nursing and furthering her education. In the midst of pursuing a medical degree, God changed her plans and she married Jonathan Snow (read their story here). Now, she has discovered a special fulfillment from being a wife and a mother! Truly, God’s ways are always for our good and for His glory.