Put on Your Armor [Devotion]

One thing that has been laid on my heart as we move further and further into this project is the need for us and our families to be prepared for the spiritual battle that will likely surround the making of this movie. And one of the most important ways to prepare for that battle is to put on the Armor of God. But that’s all well and good to say but how do we actually do that? How do we daily put on the armor of God? I don’t claim to have any special insight, but there is a direct correlation between our time spent in prayer and in the word and how prepared we are for spiritual warfare. So what I’ve started doing (and found to be helpful) is using the armor of God as a template for my prayer and devotion time.

But start with the passage itself.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV), “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 schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming 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 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

The Belt of Truth – The belt cinches up the tunic so it doesn’t get in the way of fighting. Truth cuts through distractions and helps us focus on what is truly important. Praise God for who He is! Proclaim the truth that, “…Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31B). Take time to focus and confess the truth about God (who He is) and to understand the truth about yourself in light of who He is.

The Breastplate of Righteousness – 1 Peter 1:16, “since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” As servants of God we should be marked as well as protected by righteousness. But the only righteousness that can be pleasing to God is not ours but rather Christs. 1 John 1:8-9 “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Take time to confess your sinful actions, attitudes, and thoughts asking God to help you see them for what they are and to forgive you.

The Shoes of the Readiness of the Gospel – Just like Roman soldier wore shoes that kept them from slipping in battle the assurance of the Gospel enables us to stand firm! It is the rock on which believers are to build (Luke 6:46-49). At the end of the day it is our Master before whom we must stand and we will stand because the Lord is able to make us stand (Romans 14:4). So take some time to remember the message of the Gospel and to thank God that you can stand secure knowing your salvation rests not in what you do but in what He’s done!

The Shield of Faith – Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is ultimately trusting the promises of God! To take up this defensive peace we must “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6a-7). Take time to thank God for His track record of faithfulness, commit the things that you want or are worried about to His care.

The Helmet of Salvation – The assurance of salvation through Christ is what gives us confidence in the face of any accusations of the devil. If God is for us who can stand against us and if God does not condemn us we are not condemned (Romans 8:31-39). Believers, especially when sin isn’t getting between us and God need have no guilt or shame. But even when we are convicted of sin we should remember that the Holy Spirit will call believers to repentance the devil will call them to despair.

The Sword of the Spirit – Finally we take up the sword of the Spirit. Draw your prayer time to a close, asking the Lord to give you insight and understanding in your time in His word. Conclude your prayer time in the name of the Son and then spend time in the word!

Whether you use this or not I hope it helps you in putting on your own armor for the fights ahead! Trust in the strength of the Lord and fight on!