Introduction
Dear friends, I want to talk to you today about something vital for every Christian—how we can stand strong in the battles of life. We’re not just facing everyday troubles; we’re up against a spiritual enemy who wants to destroy our faith, our families, and our hope. But God, in His love, has not left us defenseless. He gives us everything we need to stand firm. The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Let’s dig into what this means, why it matters, and how you and I can put on this armor each day.
Why We Need God’s Armor
Paul had just told the believers in Ephesus to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). But he goes on to explain that being strong in the Lord doesn’t mean we march into spiritual battles unprepared, just hoping God will bail us out. No, we’re called to use the means God has provided. We’re not to be reckless or presumptuous, thinking we can just say a few spiritual words and everything will be fine.
There’s a story in Acts 19:13-16 about some men who tried to cast out demons “by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” The evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them and beat them up. They thought using the right words was enough, but they didn’t know Jesus themselves. Friends, we can’t fight spiritual battles on borrowed faith or empty words. We need to be clothed in Christ.
Some people talk boldly about trusting God, hoping in His mercy, or defying the devil, but they haven’t actually put on any of God’s armor. They’re like soldiers going to war in their pajamas. Paul wants to protect us from that kind of presumption. That’s why he says, “Put on the whole armor of God.”
What Is the Armor of God?
Let’s break down what Paul means by “armor.” First and foremost, the armor is Christ Himself. Romans 13:14 says, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Until we put on Jesus—until we trust Him and rely on Him—we’re spiritually unarmed.
It’s not just about being moral or trying to be a good person. No amount of good deeds or willpower can protect us from the enemy’s attacks. Only Jesus can. Paul also talks about the graces and virtues that come from Christ—truth, righteousness, faith, the gospel of peace, the Word of God, and prayer. Ephesians 4:24 says, “…put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
The Miserable State of the Unarmed Soul
Let’s be honest: without Christ, we’re defenseless. Genesis 3:7 tells us what happened to Adam and Eve after they sinned: “Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.” Sin strips us of our spiritual covering. Only God can clothe us in righteousness.
Ephesians 2:12 describes the person without Christ: “Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” That’s a heartbreaking place to be—cut off from God’s promises, exposed to the enemy.
Paul says in Ephesians 5:8, “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Before Christ, we aren’t just in the dark—we are darkness. We can’t see the enemy or even understand what’s happening to us.
Romans 5:6 reminds us, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” Without Jesus, we’re powerless to resist sin or the devil’s schemes.
And let’s not forget: being without Christ isn’t just weakness. It’s actually friendship with sin and the devil. James 4:4 says, “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” If we’re not for Christ, we’re against Him, whether we realize it or not.
Why the World Is So Easily Conquered
Ever wonder why the devil seems to have such an easy time in our world? Why so many people fall into sin, confusion, or despair? It’s because, apart from Christ, the world is unarmed. When the enemy comes, there’s nothing to stop him. The soul without Christ is like a city without walls or gates—completely open to attack.
But when Christ comes to claim a soul, there’s often resistance. The world says, “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). And yet, by God’s grace, some do respond and become part of Christ’s “little flock” (Luke 12:32), marching under His banner.
The Gospel: Our Armory
The gospel is the armory God has provided for us. Song of Solomon 4:4 says, “Your neck is like the tower of David, built for an arsenal, on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.” The preaching of the gospel opens the armory of God’s grace. When the gospel is proclaimed and believed, Satan’s power is broken.
Jesus said in Luke 10:18, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” When the gospel advances, the devil’s kingdom is shaken. That’s why the enemy works so hard to distract us from the gospel, to make us take it lightly, or to stir up opposition to it.
The Danger of Neglecting the Gospel
Sadly, many today take the gospel for granted. Some who once would have traveled far to hear God’s Word now find it a burden to cross the street. Others mock or criticize faithful preaching. The result? They leave themselves and their families spiritually unprotected, like soldiers refusing to wear their armor into battle.
Thomas Watson, a Puritan pastor, once wrote, “Satan loves to fish in the troubled waters of a discontented heart.” When we neglect the gospel, we make ourselves easy prey for the enemy.
The Armor Must Be God’s, Not Ours
Paul emphasizes that the armor must be “of God.” That means it’s not something we invent, but something God provides. Jeremiah 23:22 says, “But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds.”
We can’t substitute God’s armor with man-made traditions or self-help strategies. Only God’s armor can withstand the enemy’s attacks.
Three Common Mistakes with God’s Armor
Even among Christians, it’s possible to misuse the armor of God. Let’s look at three common mistakes:
- Using Spiritual Duties as a Cover for Sin
Some people go through the motions—attending church, praying, reading the Bible—but their hearts aren’t changed. Jesus said in Matthew 15:8, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Outward religion can’t substitute for a real relationship with Jesus. - Trusting in the Armor Instead of God
It’s possible to trust in our spiritual routines rather than in God Himself. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” Our confidence must be in the Lord, not in our own performance. - Neglecting to Seek God’s Blessing
Sometimes we do the right things—reading the Bible, praying, serving—but we forget to seek God’s presence and blessing. We need to remember that all spiritual effectiveness comes from Him.
How to Put On the Armor of God
So how do we put on this armor in daily life?
- Start with Christ. If you’ve never trusted Jesus as your Savior, that’s your first and greatest need. Only in Him are you truly protected.
- Daily Commitment. Putting on the armor is a daily practice. Each morning, ask God to clothe you in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word.
- Use Every Piece. Don’t neglect any part of the armor. Each piece protects a vital part of your spiritual life.
- Stay in the Word. The Bible is your sword and shield. Read it, meditate on it, memorize it, obey it.
- Pray Continually. Prayer is how we stay connected to our Commander. Pray for strength, wisdom, and protection for yourself and others.
- Stand Firm. When temptation comes, don’t run or compromise. Stand your ground, trusting in God’s power and promises.
Encouragement from Charles Spurgeon
Charles Spurgeon once said, “We are to put on the whole armor of God, piece by piece, and then to stand firm. The armor is to be worn always; we must never take it off until we have finished our course.”
God has given us everything we need to stand strong. But we must use what He has provided.
A Word from the Puritans
John Owen, another great Puritan, wrote, “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.” The Christian life is a daily fight against sin, the world, and the devil. But God is with us, and His armor is sure.
The Promise of God’s Protection
Let’s remember the promise of Psalm 28:7 as we close:
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”
God Himself is our strength and shield. If you are in Christ, you are never alone on the battlefield. He is with you, and His armor never fails.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Friends, don’t be careless or complacent. The enemy is real, but so is our Savior. Let’s put on the whole armor of God—every day, in every situation. Let’s trust not in ourselves, but in Christ. And let’s encourage one another to stand firm until the day we see Jesus face-to-face.
If you’ve never put on Christ, I urge you—don’t wait. Come to Him today. If you are a believer, examine your life. Are you using every piece of God’s armor? Are you trusting in Him, or in yourself?
May God grant us the grace to stand strong, clothed in His mighty armor, for His glory and our good.
Amen.
Like (1)