The Armor Of God

“…my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people you save me. “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies.” – 2 Samuel 22:3-4.

In the Pray First – a Personal Prayer Guide, there is a section entitled Warfare Prayers – Protection Prayer. That is the subject of this devotional.

The Christian life is a battle. It is warfare on a grand scale. What do you do to prepare for this battle with Satan? Ephesians 6:11 says we are to “stand against the devil’s schemes.” Satan is God’s enemy; therefore he is our enemy. The only way he can attack God is through us. And we can be sure he will seek us out and attack us with his schemes. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Our best protection is to put on the armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-20) I would like to highlight just a few pieces of the total armor of God. 

A primary piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness isn’t found in our actions, goodness, or ability to go to God without Jesus; it is found in Jesus alone. Nothing that we’ve done, and everything that He’s done, is what allows us to be in a right relationship with God the Father, making us righteous in His eyes. When we are attacked by our enemies, it’s His righteousness that protects us. 

Then you have the shield of faith. Clearly, a shield is vitally important to a soldier. It provides a blanket of protection. It is meant to be taken up in all circumstances. It is the first barrier against the enemy’s attack. Often, shields were painted with identifying marks; a Christian who takes up the shield of faith identifies himself as a foot soldier who serves God. The arrows, the attacks of the enemy, the lies, the bad circumstances, they are stopped by our faith.

Then you don the helmet of salvation. Needless to say your head must be protected in battle. The assurance of salvation is our impenetrable defense against anything the enemy throws at us. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28). The idea in this verse is that, as we prepare for Satan’s attacks, we must grab that helmet and buckle it on tightly. Salvation is not limited to a one-time act, rather is daily protection and deliverance from our enemies.

Finally, the sword of the Spirit, which is an offensive weapon. Rather than being defensive we can take the offensive by using a powerful weapon, His word. How did Jesus fight the devil? He quoted scripture. How can we fight the lies, the deception, the attitudes, the circumstances, the enemy coming against us? Confessing and standing on the scripture. Which is why we need to read it. Daily. Intentionally.

God’s Word is filled with promises of His protection. For example, Psalm 28:7 which says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” 

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Psalm 91: What does this passage tell us about protection from illness, the trials in our life, the unforeseen circumstances and the attacks of the enemy?
2. Why is the armor of God important in your view?
3. Is it possible to “put on” only part of the armor? Why or why not?
4. What’s the importance of our faith?
5. Pray and ask God to help you with a piece of armor this week.