THE ARMOR OT GOD !

GOD'S ARMOR !: (Ephesians 6:10--17). "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might [not your might]. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Let's look at Ephesians in the amplified Bible. "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord being empowered through your union with Him; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Put on God's hold on [the armor of a heavy armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents]? But against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly [supernatural] sphere. Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground], now you must have the word of God in your heart to hold your ground to make a stand against the enemy. Having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, and having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith. Upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God." The different parts of this almost symbolizes spiritual truths which belongs to the believer. Wearing this armor, the believer is protected and unhampered in his or her ministry of authority. All he needs or she needs to become concerned about is keeping this on a bright and well secured about him or her. Now let's take a closer look at this armor: First, as John A McMillan taught, then heirs the girdle of truth, which represents a clear understanding of God's Word. Like a soldiers belt, it holds the rest of the armor in place. Second is the breastplate of righteousness. This has a twofold application: Jesus Is Our Righteousness, and we put Him on first. It also shows our obedience to the Word of God. Third, our feet are shod with the preparations of the Gospel of peace. This is a faithful ministry proclaiming the Word of God. Fourth is the shield of faith. A shield is a covering for the entire body. This represents our complete safety under the blood of Christ Jesus, where no power of the enemy can't penetrate. Fifth is the helmet of salvation, referred to in (1 Thessalonians 5:8) as the hope of salvation. The hope of salvation is the only helmet able to protect the head and these days of turning from the truth. Sixth is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. This shows that the word of God is to be used offensively. The other parts of the armor all mainly defensive, but the sword--- The Word of God--- is an active weapon. Dressed in the arm of God, you are prepared to withstand every attack of the enemy.