That thing you do: Day 16

Ephesians 6:10-20 The Whole Armor of God

(Taken from the Women's Devotional Bible)

When a woman becomes a child of God, she not only inherits God's blessings but God's enemies as well. The Lord's foremost enemy is Satan whose purpose is to destroy His work (John 8:44), but Jesus came in order to destroy "the works of the devil" (1John 3:8).

Believers have been given the whole armor of God "to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:11). Each piece of the armor is to be "put on" to help believers overcome the temptations and attacks of the evil one. 

1. Having Girded Your Waist with truth (v.14): The waist or abdomen area was generally thought to be the seat of emotions. To gird this area with truth is to commit your emotions to believe the truth. Often a person knowingly allows herself to believe a lie because of fear and self-pity. Believers must hold a commitment to truth regardless of the repercussions (John 8:32,36).

2. Having put on the breastplate of righteousness (Eph. 6:14):  THe breast is generally thought of as the place of the soul. The heart must be kept pure and righteous because sin gives a foothold to the enemy. Confession and forgiveness on the basis of the blood of Christ cleanse the heart. 

3. Having Shod Your Feet With Preparation of the Gospel of Peace(Eph. 6:15):Proper shoes enable the feet to go from place to place. The believer is to be about her Father's business. which is to spread the gospel of peace and reconciliation. An undaunted sense of this mission keeps the believer headed in the right direction(Matthew 28:19-20). 

4. Taking the shield of Faith(Eph 6:16): The wicked one is "the accuser of our brethren"(Rev. 12:20) And will send his fiery darts to instill doubt, fear and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusation.(Hebrews 11:6)

5. Take the Helmet of Salvation(Eph 6:17) A helmet protects the head, that is, the brain and thoughts. Assurance of salvation is a mighty  defense against doubt and insecurity and the kinds of works bred by them.(1 John 5:11-13) 
6. Take the Sword of the Spirit(Eph 6:17) The word of God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was used by the Lord Jesus against Satan(Luke 4:1-13). The living word is powerful, effective and instructive(Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

7. Praying Always(Eh 6:18) Prayer opens the channels between us and God. In the midst of battle, we as believers must keep in constant communication with our leader for directions and encouragement. Our prayers for one another are important and effectual.(James 5:15)