Put on the full armor of God

Published 7:00 am Sunday, February 2, 2025

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints —and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” — Ephesians 6:10-20 (NKJV)

The above passage is arguably one of the least well received in the New Testament. Why, or how can this be? It is my contention, (and not mine alone) that many Christians have an aversion to facing the reality of evil among us; much less standing firm against such a presence. Fewer still dare to believe that we have been given a means of protection against such an enemy; the “whole armor of God” is that protection.

These several verses are an instruction as to how this armor is to be used. To put it simply, we are to put it on; to actually make this armor a way of life and to depend upon the Holy Spirit to further instruct us in it its usage. The whole armor is not an offensive weapon, as verse 13 above states, it is to enable us to stand, unyielding before the powers of Satan, while God fights the battle. After having put on the “full armor of God” we are only to stand.

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Rev. Bobby Thornhill is a retired pastor.