The Armor Of God Is Real
Sunday, February 2
Ephesians 6:13-17 (NIV)
“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.”
Devoción
Most teachings on the armor of God emphasize the symbolism – how things like truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and God's word are essential in spiritual warfare. The deeper truth is that the armor of God is real and exists in the spiritual realm protecting our spirit bodies. Scripture refers to this as the “armor of God” because God himself has this armor and He wears it into battle.
“He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. According to what they have done, so will he repay wrath to his enemies and retribution to his foes.” (Isaiah 59:17-18)
The “armor of God” is a literal spiritual armor that God Himself has and wears into battle. The Holy Spirit tells us in Scripture that He wants us to put on this armor also. So, as a practical matter, how do we do this, beyond developing the character qualities and letting God wash us in His Word? Like most things in the spirit realm (spiritual gifts, for example), we ask the Lord for them in the name of Jesus, and we receive them. Another way we might think of the sword of the spirit is as the gift of prophecy, the right Scripture at the right time, the right song, the right question, the right encouragement, the right battle plan, etc.
Oración de hoy
Querido Padre Celestial,
I thank You that You will clothe me in Your spiritual armor. I confess that I have often gotten into spiritual battles under-prepared and without cultivating these character qualities or asking You for Your armor. Lord God, I pray that You will prepare me for the day of evil that is coming so that after I have done everything, I will stand firm. Give me the belt of truth buckled around my waist. Let Your breastplate of righteousness be in place. May my feet be fitted with the readiness that comes with the gospel of peace. Give me the shield of faith to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And give me the helmet of salvation and the sword of Your Spirit. Help me not be lax in my duties as a soldier in Your Kingdom. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Without turning it into a religious ritual, try acting out putting on each piece of the armor of God as you pray for it. This is a way to unite your mind, heart, and body in choosing to respond to this encouragement of Scripture. May you have increasing success in extinguishing the flaming arrows of the evil one, in Jesus’ Name.
Recursos:
- As you put on the full armor of God, watch this message, “The Power Of Personal Prophecy”, and receive the boldness you need to ask for the gift of prophecy.
- Exercise your spiritual gifts by joining a Free Chapel Serve Team today.