The Armor of God and the Spirit-Filled Life (First Love Fire Part 10)
As we reach the conclusion of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we find a sobering and powerful reminder: we are in a spiritual battle. This battle isn’t metaphorical or symbolic—it’s real. And while it may be invisible to the natural eye, it impacts our daily lives in profound ways.
A Shift from Identity to Instruction
The book of Ephesians opens with three chapters soaked in identity—who we are in Christ. We are adopted, redeemed, sealed with the Spirit, and made alive together with Christ. Our spiritual blessings are secure, our place in the household of God is affirmed, and our inner being is strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
But starting in chapter four, Paul pivots from identity to instruction. Now that we know who we are, how do we live it out? How do we walk worthy of our calling? The themes shift to humility, patience, unity, purity, and love.
And finally, in Ephesians 6, Paul gets intensely practical—and profoundly spiritual.
We Are in a Battle
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
– Ephesians 6:11 (ESV)
Whether we realize it or not, we are in a spiritual war. Paul makes it crystal clear: our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood. It’s not against people. It's against spiritual forces of evil.
The enemy’s strategy is subtle yet powerful—primarily operating through deception and lies. As Jesus said:
“When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
– John 8:44 (ESV)
Spiritual warfare often takes the form of distorted thoughts, identity confusion, irrational fear, or persistent shame. These lies take root and grow unless we confront them with truth.
The Armor of God: Our Spiritual Gear for Victory
Paul doesn’t just tell us there’s a battle—he gives us God’s armor for the fight. Each piece is symbolic of a greater spiritual reality, and together they make us ready to stand.
Belt of Truth: Holds everything together. This is both the truth of God’s Word and the honesty of walking in the light.
Breastplate of Righteousness: Covers the heart. We are protected by Christ’s righteousness and called to live uprightly.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: These are not passive—they’re for movement. We bring the good news wherever we go, and the gospel is our offensive weapon against the darkness.
Shield of Faith: Deflects lies and accusations. Faith—rooted in the Word—extinguishes the enemy’s fiery darts.
Helmet of Salvation: Guards our minds. Our security in Christ shields us from attacks on our identity.
Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God—our only offensive weapon. It is sharp, close-range, and powerful to cut through deception.
Importantly, Paul closes this list by urging continual prayer. We do not just wear the armor—we activate it through prayer, lifting up our needs and interceding for one another.
The Power of Truth and Community
One striking reality about the armor is this: it covers the front, not the back. That means we are not called to turn and run. We are called to stand. And we do not stand alone.
When believers join together in faith—shield to shield—we become a formidable force. The enemy cannot pierce the unity of a Spirit-filled community standing on God’s Word.
This is why Paul ends the passage urging us to:
“Keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
– Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
We pray for ourselves and for each other. We battle not just for our own freedom, but for the flourishing of the family of God.
Don’t Retreat—Stand Firm
Paul’s call is not to live in fear, but to stand in readiness. To stand firm in the strength of the Lord and in His mighty power. We are not called to retreat. We are called to resist. And the victory is already secured in Christ.
Let us not be unaware of the battle. Let us not walk into our days unarmed. Let us rise each morning with the armor of God fastened securely, and with prayer on our lips.
“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
– Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)
Reflection Questions
What lies have you been believing that need to be confronted with the truth of God’s Word?
Which piece of the armor of God do you most need to actively put on each day?
How can you come alongside others in your church family to stand together and battle in prayer?