Series on Spiritual Warfare

In this series of posts, we will discuss spiritual warfare and how it influences and impacts us as family members who have difficult situations in our families.

Part 5

In the last post, we talked about standing firm when the day of evil comes. Today, we will talk about how we are to stand firm by wearing the armor of God.

As Paul introduces the believers at Ephesus to each piece of armor and its significance, he reminds them once again to stand firm. This time he tells them to stand firm with their armor on.

“So stand firm and hold your ground, HAVING TIGHTENED THE WIDE BAND OF TRUTH (personal integrity, moral courage) AROUND YOUR WAIST and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (an upright heart), and having strapped on YOUR FEET THE GOSPEL OF PEACE IN PREPARATION (to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news). Above all, lift up the (protective) shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the HELMET OF SALVATION and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With all prayer and petition pray (with specific requests) at all times (on every occasion and in every season) in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition (interceding in prayer) for all God’s people.”  (Ephesians 6:14-18)

There you have it. Paul delineates each piece of armor and ends by calling them to take action and pray.

We notice each piece of armor has a specific place to be put on the body.

The belt of Truth is around the waist.

The breastplate of righteousness covers the heart area.

The gospel of peace is on the feet. The shield of faith covers the chest.

The helmet of salvation is on the head.

And the sword of the spirit is actually in the belt.

We also notice each piece of armor has a specific Biblical Truth attached to it. The belt talks about Truth. The breastplate talks about righteousness. The shoes talk about peace. The helmet talks about salvation. The shield talks about faith. And the sword talks about the Spirit (actually the Rhema Word of God).  We will talk more about this in upcoming posts. Furthermore, we notice the armor covers one’s entire body from head to toe.

Hence, each part of the armor has significance and the armor protects the entire body.

When we are dealing with difficult family situations or challenging relationships inside or outside of the family or when we are dealing with a culture that calls good evil and evil good, you better believe we need to be wearing some kind of armor that will protect us from the fiery darts of the enemy. In the days we are living in, evil is abounding, and if you and I aren’t prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have, with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15) we could find ourselves caught off guard and reacting unwisely to any number of circumstances.

How do we live in a culture that runs contrary to our beliefs and values?

  • Where there are no absolutes;
  • Where family values have been hijacked by a different set of values the culture throws at you and your family;
  • Where anything goes and tolerance is the new norm;
  • Where Godly virtues and morals seem antiquated;
  • Where if you don’t believe the way someone else believes, you risk being hurt or demoralized?

 The armor of God speaks to how we are to live in a seemingly godless society.

Therefore, we will examine each piece of armor beginning next week and we will start by beginning with the belt of Truth.

Until then, let’s all pray for revival in our families, our neighbors, our communities, our nation, and our world.
Lord, let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

Marlene

Marlene’s mission is to bring the fire of God’s love to the hurting enabling them to find healing, restoration, and wholeness in order for them to be released into the fullness of their destiny.

Marlene has a unique combination of credentials. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with The International Coach Federation, as well as a BALM® Certified Family Recovery Life Coach. She is also certified in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Family Recovery Specialist.

Contact Marlene to learn more about working with her, enrolling in one of her classes, or joining her prayer movement.

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Heart Ablaze Restoration Ministries

Life is full of trials. In fact, Jesus told us to expect trials in John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)

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