NAME: Olorunnisola Ifedayo Ajiboye

100 LEVEL PROJECT: THE ARMOR OF GOD.

The armor of God is an analogy in the Bible that reminds Christians about the
reality of spiritual battle and describes the protection available to them. Each
piece of armor has a distinct purpose and means of defense against temptation
and evil.
Armor definition: The metal coverings formerly worn to protect the body in
battle.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of
God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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.

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to
stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the
breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness
that comes from the gospel of peace.

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with
all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on
praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Daily suiting up in the armor of God can feel abstract. But with prayer and
practice, Christians can better understand and implement habits of putting on
the full armor of God.
The Armor of God.

1. Belt of truth.
2. Breastplate of righteousness.
3. Shoes with the readiness of the gospel of peace.
4. Shield of faith.
5. Helmet of salvation.
6. Sword of the spirit, the word of God.
THE BELT OF TRUTH.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,” (Ephesians
6:14).
Belt definition: A strip of leather or other material worn, typically round the waist,
to support or hold in clothes or to carry weapons.
Importance & Application.
Some translations of the bible use a phrase like; “…having your loins girt
about with truth.”(KJV)
Loin definition: The part of the body on both sides of the spine between the
lowest (false) ribs and the hip bones.
In ancient days, men would wear long robes that would get in the way of work
or fighting, so they would wrap up the long, draping material. This was girding up
one’s loins.
The Lord knew our loins needed to be wrapped in truth. Regardless of the
culture or time we live in, the Lord has seen all the paths we’ve taken and how
they have hurt and derailed us. He knows we need truth.
Our identity is more than who we are, but this is one area of our lives that we
often use as a determinant. The first area of life in which the enemy frequently
attempts to rattle is our sense of identity.
The bible said in Romans 3: 23;
“for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
We need the truth about who we are. And only Jesus is the Truth that sets us
free.
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through Me.” John 14: 6.
Therefore our new baptism in Christ as changed us from who we are in Romans
3: 23 to a new creature having accepted Jesus and taking up the truth as in
John 14: 6.
The first piece of the armor is the belt of truth. Truth, by its very definition, is
exclusive. It means something is true and other things are lies.
The bible in Philippians 4: 8 says
 “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are
just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things
are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-
meditate on these things.”
The evil one(the devil) is the father of lies as written in John 8:44. Every lie finds its
origin in him and the bible has instructed us as written in the book of 1
Thessalonians 5: 22 to Run/Flee/Abstain.
In conclusion, it is important that we are girded with the belt of truth so as to live
and walk in freedom as written in the book of John 8: 32.
“For you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

“… having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” Ephesians 6:14.
Breastplate definition: A piece of armor covering the chest.
Importance and Application.
Righteousness means the act of being morally right or justifiable.
In its deeper spiritual meaning, righteousness is the quality of being right in the
eyes of God, including character (nature), conscience (attitude), conduct
(action), and command (word). Righteousness is, therefore, based upon God’s
standard because He is the ultimate Lawgiver.
According to the scripture, having girded ourselves in truth, the very most
important thing is living a righteous life.
“For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of
the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Mathew 5:20
In the book of 2 Corinthians 5: 21, it was written that Christ bore our sins so that
we can become righteous in him. Part of our freedom is in our righteous living.
The instruction on how to live a righteous life has been giving unto us according
to the book of Romans 1: 17.
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,
“The just shall live by faith.”
Conclusively, this means that Righteousness is a God-centered attribute: no man
can attain it through his own efforts apart from Gods ordinance. We, humans,
are inclined to follow our own paths and use our own ways, instead of God’s.
(Notice that this selfish desire for the independence from God is in our nature,
we need nobody to teach us that, but we always need discipline to remain
faithful in the path of God). In comparison to God’s righteousness, our righteous
deeds are “nothing but filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
Summarily, the way of righteousness leads to life, not death (Proverbs 12:28)
because God is the ultimate source of life. It means that righteousness belongs
to God alone and therefore as we pursue God, we surely find His righteousness.
Pursuing God’s righteousness means putting God at the center of our lives. And
here is the truth: God takes pleasure in those who pursue righteousness (Proverbs
15:9, 21:3, 21:21).
Stated another way, righteousness is the God-given quality imputed to man
upon believing in Christ.

THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.

“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of
peace” (Ephesians 6:15).
Peace is an attribute of the Lord’s very person and character (Galatians 5:22).
Definition: Freedom from disturbance; tranquility. In Greek, peace means
oneness or wholeness.
Importance and Application.
The gospel, which means good news, is the forgiveness of sins and access to
and oneness with God through faith in Christ. This oneness with the Lord
produces peace. One of the benefits of having a relationship with Jesus Christ is
peace. The New Testament repeatedly ties peace and salvation together. The
message of salvation is even known as the gospel of peace because the gospel
and peace are connected just as you can see from the definition.
The Bible reminds us we have peace with God and the peace of God. (Romans
5: 1, Philippians 4: 7). You have peace with God because of your righteousness
in Christ. You also have the peace of God, which comes from knowing you are
secure in him regardless of what is happening around you. One reason these
two aspects of peace matter is that they settle your heart before God. We live in
a world void of peace, so when peace reigns in your heart, you automatically
set yourself apart from everyone else in the world.
The reason our feet must be fitted with the gospel of peace is that the gospel is
meant to be shared. We have this responsibility to make it known to others.
In the book of John 14: 27, Jesus said;
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I
give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
These words strike to the heart of what the gospel is all about. Jesus is promising
his disciples peace in the face of the realities of life.
Note that historically, Roman battle shoes, otherwise known as caligae or calcei,
had spikes or textured soles. Not only would the comfortable, breathable
structure allow the soldiers to march several miles without pain, but these spikes
would help them stand their ground and stamp on the fallen enemy. This detail
further highlights the power of peace. The gospel of peace helps you stand your
ground in the face of anything the enemy throws at you.
This gospel promise supersedes everything in your life and can produce peace
in your heart. The reason peace comes is that the gospel addresses your living
and your dying. When we live, we have the peace of knowing our sins are
forgiven, and we stand in a right relationship before God. We live knowing we
have a Heavenly Father who will care for us and provide for us (1 Peter 5: 7).
Conclusively, that’s why Philippians 4:4-7 is such a remarkable verse because it
encompasses the entirety of the gospel of peace.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be
evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
However, the gospel of peace doesn’t just stop with living. The gospel settles
what happens after you die, also producing peace in your heart. Knowing that
your eternity is secure and the moment you breathe your last breath on earth,
you will be with the Lord, also produces peace in your heart. Ultimately it is this
peace that frees you to live.

THE SHIELD OF FAITH.

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,” (Ephesians 6:16).
SHIELD means a broad piece of metal or another suitable material, held by
straps or a handle attached on one side, used as a protection against blows or
missiles.
Importance and Application.

When Paul wrote this passage, Roman soldiers carried shields that were covered
with heavy animal hide. Before a battle, they would dip their shields into the
water so that when fiery darts hit them, the wet hide would extinguish the darts.

In a similar way, a Christian’s shield of faith needs to be regularly dipped in the

water of God’s word to be replenished and fully functional – because “faith
comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Paul includes the shield in a full set of spiritual armor to defend believers against
warfare that is “not of this world.” Christians should keep their eyes on what is
unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18), including Satan’s work and attacks; The shield of
faith is the equipment God has provided to protect us from Satan’s “fiery darts.”
And yes, it’s unseen, but that doesn’t make it any less real or effective.

FAITH means complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

According to the book of Hebrews 11: 1, faith is described as the substance of

things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Throughout the New Testament, faith is described as a quality every believer

must have (faith in Christ as Savior and Redeemer), something required to
please God (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus chided the disciples for having little faith
(Matthew 8:26). Peter exhorts us to increase in faith, along with other qualities (2
Peter 1:5-9); Peter also encourages believers to add knowledge to their faith.
Faith isn’t about blind belief. Hence, faith seems to be like a muscle that can be
strengthened as it is exercised.

Faith is also a spiritual gift that the Holy Spirit gives for building up the body of
Christ (1 Corinthians 12:9). Some have greater faith than others, but we aren’t to
judge one another (Romans 14:1-4).

The faith Paul Is talking about, a faith shielding against Satan’s fiery darts, is
available to every follower of Jesus Christ. It is about having a strong assurance
in the person and work of Jesus. This faith is primarily informed by God’s Word
(which is the sword within our armor). So, reading, memorizing, studying, and
applying God’s Word is one way we activate this shield.

Faith is also a spiritual gift that the Holy Spirit gives for building up the body of
Christ (1 Corinthians 12:9). Some have greater faith than others, but we aren’t to
judge one another (Romans 14:1-4).

The faith Paul is talking about, a faith shielding against Satan’s fiery darts, is
available to every follower of Jesus Christ. It is about having a strong assurance
in the person and work of Jesus. This faith is primarily informed by God’s Word
(which is the sword within our armor). So, reading, memorizing, studying, and
applying God’s Word is one way we activate this shield.

THE HELMET OF SALVATION.

“Take the helmet of salvation,” (Ephesians 6:17).

HELMET definition: a hard or padded protective hat, various types of which are
worn by soldiers, police officers, motorcyclists, sports players, and others.

Importance and Application.

The helmet serves as a very important part of the armor and it serves two
purposes.

1. Protection.
2. Identification.

A helmet is designed to protect your head. As a Christian, the biggest battlefield

is in your mind, where much of the warfare you will fight takes place. When the
enemy attacks, he usually attacks there because he knows if he can influence
the way you think, he will influence the way you will act. One major focus of
attack by the enemy is to attempt to move you to doubt your salvation. If the
enemy can convince you to doubt your salvation or question the validity of your
relationship with God, then he can erode your confidence in your salvation.

A person who begins to doubt their salvation can easily move in one direction or
another. A person who begins to doubt their salvation will either be encouraged
to continue in their doubts, or just not think about their salvation. Both attitudes
present a problem. When doubt creeps in, you may slip from operating on
grace to operating law. Instead of walking in the grace of God by which you
were saved, you slip into works to try to win God’s approval and earn back your
salvation. You try to prove to God (and yourself) that you are still saved. This is an
exercise in frustration that does not work. If you move in the other direction and
don’t think about the salvation Jesus has freely provided, then discouragement
can sink in. You lose all desire to continue in your relationship because you feel
there is no use. Both things eat away at your walk with God and remove your
freedom in your relationship with Jesus Christ. For these reasons, the helmet of
salvation becomes your protection. It reminds you constantly of what God has
provided for you in Jesus Christ. When you have your helmet on, the fight is not
in trying to earn your salvation. The fight is in remembering you don’t have to
earn your salvation. The price has been paid in full; your helmet reminds you of
that and protects you.

During the Roman empire, a Roman soldiers helmet usually come with cheek
guards and are thicker in places most likely to be hit. Helmets worn by
legionaries and centurions had crests made of plumes of horse hair which were
usually dyed red. With the distinct nature of their helmets, it was easy to identify
these men in the midst of a battle.

When you put the helmet of salvation on, it becomes clear to the enemy which
side you are on. Once you put the helmet on, you belong to Christ. You are
marked with his seal (Ephesians 1:13-14) and Satan knows you are a threat to his
kingdom.

You can make the argument that the rest of the armor of God it will not work
without the helmet of salvation. Without salvation, you can’t even put on the
rest of the armor. Those other pieces are rendered useless until the moment of
salvation. Your salvation is the thing that identifies you as belonging to Christ and
that activates the armor.

Salvation comes the moment we place our trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection
as the payment for our sin. But salvation is also worked out through a lengthy
process of sanctification.

The helmet of salvation (like the breastplate of righteousness) rests on the work
of Christ to save us, but also involves us as we journey with the Lord and allow
Him to work that salvation into every part of our thoughts. The battlefield of our
mind is the primary place spiritual battle is fought. The Lord works His freeing truth
into our perspectives while the enemy fights for strongholds to bind us (John
10:10).

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT.

“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).

SWORD definition: a weapon with a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand
guard, used for thrusting or striking and now typically worn as part of ceremonial
dress.
Importance and Application.

A further connection between the sword of the Spirit and the Word of God
comes in another book of the Bible:

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged
sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges
the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

The sword Is classified as an offensive weapon but can also be used defensively,
as is true for the Word of God; Scripture goes on the offense by revealing the
devil’s schemes and tactics. It also exposes our thoughts and attitudes before
God, as seen in Hebrews 4:12. When we read and study the Word, we’re able to
discern and receive what the Holy Spirit reveals so that we’re not blindsided by
the devil’s attempt to destroy us, our families, and our testimonies.

Scripture is also a powerful defensive weapon. No passage demonstrates this

more than Matthew 4:1-11. The tempter tempted Jesus three times, and each
time, Jesus responded with scripture that specifically defeated the devil’s
temptation. That’s wielding the sword of the Spirit!

Having seen and known now that the sword of the spirit as used in the bible as a
part of the armor of God is the word of God, we will have to build ourselves to
be skilled in wielding this sword.

How to build ourselves to become skilled in wielding the sword.

1. Read the Word (the sword of the Spirit) regularly.

2. Memorize the Word. If you’re new to memorizing, try choosing a few
verses that speak to a personal challenge and memorize one a week.
3. Study the Word. Dive deeper.
4. Pray like a warrior.
5. Learn the pieces of your spiritual armor.
6. Practice using God’s Armor by faith.
7. Put on the whole armor.
In conclusion, let’s do a quick review of the six pieces of armor and their spiritual
significance.

1. Belt of Truth. Do you believe God and His Word are true? This is
foundational. The other pieces are void of power if this belief isn’t nailed
down first. Psalm 18:30 says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of
the LORD is flawless.” Satan lied to Eve about what God said in the
Garden (Genesis 3), and those lies continue today. “Did God really
say?...” Our Belt of Truth holds all the pieces together.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness. This piece covers the heart, reminding us
that we stand firm in God’s righteousness. It’s not a Breastplate of
Happiness or a Breastplate of Good Works. Neither happiness nor good
works are innately wrong, but when we depend on anything other than
God’s righteousness to guard our hearts, we are being led astray by the
enemy.
3. Shoes of the Gospel. Roman soldiers were given sturdy, reliable sandals
with spikes on the bottom for firm footing as they went into battle. Our feet
are fitted with the Gospel, offering us peace and a firm foundation as we
go to tell others about Jesus.
4. Shield of Faith. In Ancient times, enemies often shot arrows smeared in
pitch and lit. Although the flaming arrow couldn’t penetrate the Roman
soldier’s armor, it would cause them to drop their shield, leaving them
defenseless to an attack. Our shield is faith. Trusting God even when we
can’t see Him, hear Him, or sense His presence. We trust because the
Word says He is faithful and keeps His promises (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
5. Helmet of Salvation. This is a vital piece of spiritual armor because the
head is a vulnerable place for an attack. The Roman soldiers’ helmets
covered their entire heads. When we’re sure of our salvation, we must
stand firm against the attacks of doubts that can render us powerless. Are
you unsure of your salvation? If so, there’s no better time to experience
the peace and assurance that comes with wearing the Helmet of
Salvation (Acts 4:12).
6. Sword of the Spirit: The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is the only
offensive weapon in our arsenal. Defensive weapons protect us, but how
can we go to battle without a weapon? The sword of the Spirit works
together with the rest of the armor by contributing an offensive weapon.