The Armor of God

Followers of Jesus have a real enemy. Paul reminds the Ephesian believers to stand firm when spiritual battles come. God doesn’t leave his people defenseless. He gives the full armor—belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet and sword. This picture reminds the early church of a Roman soldier ready for battle. The armor has one purpose: to enable believers to stand their ground. They are not told to run or hide, but to stand. Long before them, God himself is pictured as wearing armor (Isaiah 59:16-17). The strength they fight with is his strength, not their own...