Identity and Scripture: Desperate for the Whole Armor of God (Continued)
Vickie Hodge
This month we will take a look at the Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. With prayer and practice, we as children of the Most High God can better understand as well as implement habits of putting on the full armor of God. Without this armor, we will experience spiritual death.
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,” (Ephesians 6:16). In biblical days, Roman soldiers carried shields that were covered with animal hide. The shields would be dipped into water so when darts would hit them, the wet hide would extinguish the fiery darts. In a similar way, our shield of faith must be regularly dipped in the water of the Word of God for optimal protection because “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
“Take the helmet of salvation,” (Ephesians 6:17). We receive salvation when we accept the death (repentance of our sins), burial (baptism in Jesus’ Name), and resurrection (infilling of the Holy Ghost) of Jesus Christ. As we journey with the Lord we allow Him to work salvation into our very thoughts. Why is this necessary? Because the battlefield of our minds is the central location where spiritual battles are fought. With the helmet of salvation, the Lord works truth into our perspectives, and the enemy fights for strongholds to bind us (John 10:10). We continue to wear the helmet of salvation by surrendering thoughts that do not align with scripture (Colossians 3:2), and we wash our minds with the renewing of God’s Word (Romans 12:2).
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). The most effective weapon for believers to use while traveling this journey of life is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, Jesus responded with the sword of the Spirit every time (Luke 4:1-13).
If we intend to win the battles of life, we must make sure we are suited with the correct armor — the whole armor of God. So, go out and claim your victory over every battle!
