Be Ready for Battle – The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–20)
Have you ever faced a really hard day—one where everything seems to go wrong, and it feels like you’re in a fight you can’t see? In Ephesians 6:10–20, Paul tells us that this feeling isn’t just in our heads. There really is a battle going on—but it’s a spiritual one, not a physical one. And the good news? God gives us everything we need to stand strong.
A Real but Invisible Fight
Paul starts by saying, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” We can’t win this spiritual fight on our own. We need God’s strength. Then Paul explains that we’re not fighting against people, but against spiritual forces of evil. These are things we can’t see—like temptation, lies, fear, discouragement, and anything that tries to pull us away from God.
That’s why we need to put on the full armor of God.
What Is the Armor of God?
Paul uses the picture of a soldier putting on armor to help us understand how we can protect ourselves spiritually. Each piece of the armor has a special meaning:
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Belt of Truth – Truth holds everything together. When we know what’s real and what God says, we won’t be fooled by lies.
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Breastplate of Righteousness – Just like a breastplate protects your heart, living the right way protects your heart from guilt and shame.
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Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Shoes help you move. When we’re ready to share the good news of Jesus, we bring peace to others and stand strong ourselves.
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Shield of Faith – A shield blocks attacks. Faith helps us trust God, even when doubts or hard times try to knock us down.
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Helmet of Salvation – A helmet protects your head. Knowing that you belong to Jesus protects your mind from fear and confusion.
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Sword of the Spirit – This is the Word of God (the Bible). It’s the only weapon listed because it helps us fight back with truth. When Jesus was tempted, He used Scripture to respond.
Don’t Forget to Pray
After describing all this armor, Paul adds something very important: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers.” Prayer is like your constant connection with the Commander—God. Through prayer, we get direction, comfort, strength, and peace.
Paul even asks the believers to pray for him, that he would be bold in sharing the message of Jesus. That shows us we should also pray for others—not just ourselves.
Final Thoughts
Life can feel like a battle sometimes. But the good news is, we don’t have to fight alone. God gives us spiritual armor so we can stand strong, no matter what comes our way.
So, each day when you wake up, remember to “suit up”—put on truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. And stay connected to God through prayer.
You are not alone. You are equipped. And in Christ, you are strong.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (WEB)
6:10 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 wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, 16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery 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 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints. 19 Pray for me, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.