.webp)
Wearing the Full Armor of God as a Community
-
![Plus]()
- Updated Dec 21, 2022
"Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).
A paper trail followed me into the kitchen and magnets dropped to the ground as our refrigerator reached its maximum capacity. I love being a mom. I love hanging every little drawing and achievement, photo and memory that will fit on the side of our refrigerator. Community is a compilation of what’s stuck on everyone’s fridge.
A fridge full of stuff is one of my favorite parts of parenthood, but every once in a while it needs to be cleared off. There are few things that have made it past all of the clean fridge sweeps, but one piece of paper has remained. It’s a take-home paper from the kids’ ministry program my daughters participate in as elementary kiddos. It’s a picture of a knight, wearing full armor, each piece labeled with one of the pieces of the armor of God. Our kids, our families and our communities need to put on the full armor of God each day – both individually and together as the family of God. Paul wrote the Ephesians,
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 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 6:10:12).
The full armor of God protects us from the ways our enemy seeks to distract and derail us. These are things we cannot see, but can know are assuredly out there in the spiritual realm, ready to attack. No matter what age, stage, or season of life, the full armor of God covers our lives and protects our steps. The Lord fights for us! His army of angles is loosed on our behalf at the command of the Lord. God loves us, not with the fleeting love of the world, but with a sacrificial, unexplainable love.
What Is the Armor of God?
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm” (Ephesians 6:13).
Life within the love of Christ is a rich and satisfying life, but just because life is full of purpose doesn’t mean it’s easy. “According to the Bible, life is not a picnic but a battle, an armed struggle against a powerful adversary,” Ian Duguid wrote for Desiring God. “To engage in that battle properly, we need a spiritual makeover in which our flimsy, inadequate natural attire is replaced by suitable armor and weaponry.” Walking out God’s purpose for our lives requires us to submit them to Him completely. But our lives are in good care in God’s hands.
The Pieces of the Armor
“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:14-17).
1. Belt of Truth
“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth…”
Integrity and genuineness. Authenticity. The world is accustomed to a bait and switch, not just in the world of advertising, but the highlight reels of social media. Truth is real, it takes bravery, vulnerability, and it stands out in the world. When we put on the belt of truth as a community, we commit ourselves to being real with each other. Not a license to be rude, but an effort to be authentic, genuine, and have integrity.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness
“…and the body armor of God’s righteousness.”
This is our character and moral compass. The Lord gives us the ability to walk in righteousness because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. We put on the breastplate righteousness as a community when we rally together for what is right, not by the ways of the world, but measured by the love of God.
3. Gospel of Peace
“For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.”
We are called to be Peacekeepers, and we cannot do it alone. The Gospel of Peace gives us a sound mind to settle dust and clear up misunderstandings. As Christ followers, we must refuse to be offended, and obediently forgive. The miracle of reconciliation is the work of God. We are called to love Him, and love others, straining to see the good in everyone. The pursuit of peace yields a healthy community.
4. Shield of Faith
“In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.”
Soldiers didn’t just lift their shields to protect themselves, but the entire army behind them, as well. The NIV Study Bible explains “It was large enough to protect a soldier’s entire body. This shield represents faith or a believer’s confidence and trust in God, a faith which allows them to repel the attacks of the devil.” We were made to do life together, in community, and that includes the battle we have to fight sometimes!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images
5. Helmet of Salvation
“Put on salvation as your helmet."
Helmets protect us. Our salvation protects us. The NIV Study Bible notes helmets were also a sign of victory. We have already won in Christ. When we put on our salvation as a community – a church body – we are protecting ourselves from attack. Where there are many souls to be reached for Jesus, the attack will be the strongest.
6. Sword of the Spirit
“And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
The word of God is powerful, and we seek Him in it daily we will find what we need, when we need it. “The sword was a short sward (or dagger) use for close combat,” the NIV Bible explains. “Here it is linked with the Holy Spirit, who is the source of the sword, making it powerful and effective.” God’s Word must be delivered in love, because He is love, and everything He does is rooted in who He is. Even “tough love” needs to be delivered with a compassion for our mission to go make disciples …to seek and save the lost, as Jesus came to do. As a community we must be committed to the Word of God.
Prayer Holds the Armor Together
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” (Ephesians 6:18).
There is power in numbers. When we pray individually, it’s powerful. God says, when two or more gather in His name, He is THERE. The presence of God is directive, and clarifying. His heart is never to confuse us, or for us to suffer needlessly or wander aimlessly. Countless times He assures us He will never leave us or forsake us. Paul wrote:
“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should” (Ephesians 6:19-20).
Praying for each other, together, is powerful. Putting on the armor of God daily, both individually and as a community, is powerful. The Bible is not only for individual instruction, for we were meant to live in community with each other. God said it was not good for man to be alone. We need each other to help put on pieces of armor some days, and link arms with one another when the fight and the suffering is too much for one soul to bear alone.
When we picture the armor of God, like the picture of the soldier still hanging on my refrigerator, let’s aim to be diligent in wearing every piece of it. Remember it also as we make disciples, teaching others how to put on the armor of God daily before walking out into the world.
Sources
NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible. Copyright © 2021 by Zondervan.
NIV Study Bible. Copyright © 1985, 1995, 2002, 2008, 2011 by Zondervan
More from this author
Seek to Find the Good in Everyone
Fighting the Everyday Fears We Face
The Benefits of Listening, Not Just Hearing
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Katarzyna Bialasiewicz
