What Is the Armor of God
“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.” (Ephesians 6:13-17)
According to Ephesians 6:12, we are not fighting physical enemies but spiritual ones. Consequently, no earthly weapon can stand a chance against Satan and his armies. Unfortunately, Satan's exact strategies are withheld from us. But the verse makes it quite plain that no matter what Satan's plan is, we shall stand firm and triumphant if we obey all the rules and put on the biblical armor.
What Are the 6 Pieces of Armor of God?
The armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual protection and strength available to believers. It illustrates the unseen battles Christians face daily and offers divine tools to stand firm against challenges, temptations, and spiritual attacks.
Each piece of armor has a unique significance, reinforcing faith, truth, and righteousness in a believer’s life.
The Belt of Truth
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” (Ephesians 6:14)
Truth is the foundation of faith. Just as a belt holds a soldier’s armor together, truth secures a Christian’s spiritual stability. In a world filled with deception, confusion, and moral relativism, believers are called to anchor themselves in the unwavering truth of God’s word.
What It Represents:
- Truth aligns us with God’s will and strengthens us against the enemy’s lies.
- It protects our identity, helping us discern between right and wrong.
- Living in truth brings clarity and confidence, removing fear and doubt.
How to Apply It:
- Seek biblical truth: Study scripture to understand God’s perspective on life’s challenges.
- Use truth in prayer: Speak God’s truth over your life and circumstances.
- Memorize scripture: Store God’s word in your heart to combat deception and discouragement.
- Live truthfully: Walk in integrity and let your words and actions reflect God’s righteousness.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” (Ephesians 6:14)
A breastplate protects vital organs, particularly the heart. Spiritually, righteousness guards our hearts from sin and guilt. Through Christ, we receive righteousness, yet we must also strive to live righteously in our daily lives.
What It Represents:
- Christ’s righteousness shields believers from condemnation and spiritual defeat.
- Choosing righteousness protects our emotions and spiritual well-being.
- Sin weakens our defenses, but obedience strengthens us.
How to Apply It:
- Embrace God’s righteousness: Accept that you are made right through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- Guard your heart: Be mindful of what influences your thoughts and decisions.
- Seek purity: Avoid behaviors that lead to guilt and spiritual weakness.
- Obey God’s word: Follow His commandments, not as a burden but as protection and guidance.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15)
Shoes enable movement, stability, and endurance. The gospel of peace grounds believers, allowing them to walk confidently in faith, free from fear and anxiety. It’s a reminder that peace is not just an emotion but a position of strength.
What It Represents:
- A firm foundation in the gospel gives believers unwavering confidence.
- Peace enables endurance, preventing distractions from fear and worry.
- It prepares us to share the good news with others.
How to Apply It:
- Anchor yourself in peace: Rest in the truth that you are reconciled with God.
- Resist anxiety: Replace fear with faith through prayer and scripture.
- Walk boldly: Step into opportunities to share God’s love and truth.
- Stay grounded in faith: Don’t let life’s storms shake your foundation.
The Shield of Faith
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith.” (Ephesians 6:16)
A shield is a soldier’s first line of defense against attacks. Faith functions the same way—protecting believers from doubt, discouragement, and spiritual oppression. Just as Roman soldiers soaked their shields in water to extinguish flaming arrows, our faith must be continually renewed in God’s word.
What It Represents:
- Faith deflects fear, doubt, and negativity.
- A strong faith withstands attacks from the enemy.
- Trusting God brings peace and resilience.
How to Apply It:
- Strengthen your faith daily: Spend time in God’s word to deepen your trust in Him.
- Declare God’s promises: Speak faith-filled words over your life.
- Reject fear and doubt: When trials come, hold fast to your belief in God’s goodness.
- Surround yourself with faith-filled people: Engage in fellowship and encouragement.
The Helmet of Salvation
“Take the helmet of salvation.” (Ephesians 6:17)
A helmet protects the head—the center of thoughts and decision-making. Spiritually, salvation secures our minds, keeping us focused on eternal truths rather than worldly distractions.
What It Represents:
- Salvation assures us of our eternal destiny.
- It guards our thoughts from doubt and discouragement.
- A renewed mind leads to transformed living.
How to Apply It:
- Renew your mind daily: Replace worldly thoughts with biblical truths (Romans 12:2).
- Stay confident in your salvation: Trust in God’s grace, not your performance.
- Resist negative thinking: Fill your mind with scripture and uplifting teachings.
- Live as a child of God: Walk boldly, knowing you are saved and loved.
The Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
Unlike the other armor pieces, which are defensive, the sword is both defensive and offensive. God’s word is our spiritual weapon, powerful enough to counter attacks and strongholds.
What It Represents:
- The Bible is the ultimate weapon against spiritual deception.
- It is alive and active, equipping believers to overcome challenges (Hebrews 4:12).
- Jesus used scripture to defeat Satan’s temptations.
How to Apply It:
- Study the Word: Dive deep into scripture for wisdom and direction.
- Speak God’s promises: Use His word to declare victory over struggles.
- Defend against temptation: Follow Christ’s example of countering lies with truth.
- Apply scripture in daily life: Let God’s word shape your thoughts and actions.
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How To Put On the Full Armor of God
Putting on the whole armor of God is an intentional daily practice of faith, prayer, and obedience. It starts with recognizing that spiritual battles are real and that God provides protection through His Word.
Begin each day with prayer, asking God to equip you with His armor. Declare His truth over your life, committing to live with integrity (Belt of Truth). Guard your heart by striving for righteousness and staying away from sin (Breastplate of Righteousness). Walk in peace by trusting God’s promises and standing firm in faith, resisting anxiety and fear (Shoes of the Gospel of Peace).
Hold onto faith, trusting in God's power and promises even when circumstances challenge you (Shield of Faith). Keep your thoughts centered on Christ and His salvation, reminding yourself that you belong to Him (Helmet of Salvation). Finally, immerse yourself in scripture, using God’s Word as your weapon against doubt, temptation, and deception (Sword of the Spirit).
The Armor of God Prayers
Let’s equip you with a few prayers that will help you call on the spiritual armor when you need to prepare for a spiritual battle in your life.
1. Here is, for example, a prayer suggested by Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove:
“Father, help us to prepare for any battle we may face. Help us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. As we go through today, help us to stand strong and not live in fear of the enemy.
Please Lord, equip me today with the armor of God.
I put on the belt of truth (verse 14).
May Your truth rule in my heard, my mind, and through my words today.
I put on the breastplate of righteousness (verse 14).
Apart from You, Jesus, there is no righteousness. Through Jesus I have been “born again” and made righteous in Your sight. Help me to live as a righteous person.
I put on the shoes of peace (verse 15) and pray that they will be firmly grounded in the good news of what Jesus did on the cross.
Lord, help me to reflect the Gospel in my words and in my actions, that through me, I may shine Jesus’ light and others may be drawn to know You.
I take up the shield of Faith (verse 16) for any fiery darts that may come my way. Thank You that in Jesus, we have the victory. No matter what tactics the enemy may throw at us, God has everything under control.
I put on the helmet of salvation (verse 17)
Lord, protect my mind and remind me that nothing can separate me from Your love. I’ve been saved by grace through faith.
I take up the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (verse 17).
Lord, as I open Your Word – let Your Holy Spirit open my eyes to see new things about You and open my mind and heart as You lead me. May I be “filled with the Spirit” and ready with Scriptures. Help me to memorize Your Word and keep it safe in my heart.
Finally, Lord, remind me to pray in the Spirit on all occasions (verse 18).
Help me to always be in constant communication with you. Cause me to be alert, to be joyful and give thanks in everything. In Jesus’ mighty name – Amen.”
2. Ginger Harrington gives another great prayer for when you need God’s protection:
“Lord, by faith I put on the full armor you have given me. Your provision and power are my protection. Thank you for this extraordinary gift.
By faith, I put on the belt that is truth of your Word and the truth that is the Lord Jesus Himself. Jesus, you are my way, my truth, and my life. Hold me together with your truth. Fortify me to the core, the center of my strength, with your belt of truth. Hold every part of me in alignment with truth.
By faith I put on the breastplate of your righteousness. Cover my heart, my source of life, and all my desires with your way of doing and being right. Guard my heart and my emotions from every dart and arrow of the Enemy. Remind me you of your nearness when I feel alone in the fight. You cover my vulnerability with your presence. Thank you that you for the gift of your righteousness.
By faith I put on my shoes of the preparation of the gospel, the good news of salvation that gives me peace. Empower me to stand and to walk in your powerful peace. May your peace prepare my motivation, words, and actions for all I will encounter today.
By faith in the power of your name, I lift my shield. Cover me with your faithfulness. Shelter my family with the shield of faith. Deflect every fiery arrow that comes against us today. We depend on you as we raise our faith over our vulnerability and need.
By faith, I put on the helmet of salvation. Guard my every thought with your saving grace. Protect my mind and don’t let me forget that you have saved me and are making me holy and whole. Let my salvation deliver me from faulty thinking that leads to doubt and defeat. Help me to remember that the battle is yours and you have already defeated the Enemy.
By faith, I take up the powerful sword of your Spirit. Open my ears to your “rhema” words “uttered by the living voice.” Guide my hand to the specific truth of your Living Word that will best defend against Satan’s schemes. Your Word is a two-edged sword, powerful to defend and to advance. Move me to wield the sword of the Spirit, for you know what will best meet the need of the moment.
In all these things, I pray in the Spirit with every kind of prayer you put in my heart. I depend on you to help me to pray. I depend on your protection and help to stand firm and resist the Enemy.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
And in the shelter of My Savior, let it be so.”
