Our glorious Savior wants us to live a supernatural life of victory over Satan and his schemes. Scripture explains the protection Christ offers by comparing it to a Roman soldier’s armor:
Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:13–17).
A Roman soldier’s belt was essential. The soldier tucked the loose parts of his tunic under his belt so he could move freely without getting tangled in his clothes. The belt also kept his breastplate in place and held the scabbard for his sword.
Similarly, the belt of truth keeps our perception of reality securely bound to God’s absolute truth. Satan’s tactic is to deceive us with lies and distortions. But if we hold firmly to God’s truth, we will have an accurate understanding of our spiritual identity and the magnificent character of our wonderful God. The belt of truth will keep us from getting tripped up by Satan’s deceptions.
The Roman breastplate or body armor covered the torso from the neck to the thighs. It was intended to protect the heart and other vital organs. In a similar way, the breastplate of righteousness protects our spiritual self-image. Satan’s scheme is to berate us with accusations and condemnation. But Christ has imparted His righteousness to us so we can enjoy an open and guilt-free relationship with our heavenly Father. And righteous living guards our deepest emotions and protects us from the mortal wounds caused by disobeying God.
A Roman soldier’s boots gave him necessary traction and protection from the rugged terrain, enabling the soldier’s freedom of movement.
Likewise, the shoes of peace promote freedom of movement and unity in the body of Christ. Satan wants to alienate us from God through disobedience, bitterness, and unforgiveness, for we are vulnerable when we are isolated from God and fellow believers. But when we allow peace to reign in our hearts and lives, we move closer to God and others. The shoes of peace equip us to dodge Satan’s arrows of dissension and bitterness so we can stand in unity.
The Roman shield was almost as big as a refrigerator door. A line of soldiers bearing shields formed a wall of protection against the flaming arrows of the enemy.
Similarly, the shield of faith protects us against Satan’s assaults. Satan bombards us with troubles and temptations. He entices us with worldly pleasures so we will distrust God’s Word, doubt God’s character, and dispute God’s motives. Satan knows that the more we question God’s commitment to us, the more we will depend upon ourselves. As we do, our shield is lowered, and we expose ourselves to Satan’s wrath. But when we hold fast to our faith in God and join forces with our fellow believers, we are safe. For the shields Christ has provided for the church form a wall of protection against Satan’s fury.
The Roman helmet protected soldiers from enemy cavalrymen taking aim at their heads with a three- to four-foot-long double-edged sword. The head is a strategic target because it gives direction to the rest of the body.
The helmet of salvation protects us against Satan’s efforts to attack our mind with poisonous thoughts. Standing firm in the knowledge of our salvation gives us the needed hope, confidence, and assurance to withstand Satan’s propaganda. It wards off his efforts to provoke worry, fear, and discouragement, which can paralyze our Christian walk.
In addition, the helmet of salvation deflects any thoughts of despair with the hope of future glory. That is one reason Paul writes:
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!...Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4–7).
Spiritual battles often begin in our minds. That is why it is essential for us to “put on salvation as our helmet.”
Our Mighty Sword
The only offensive weapon Paul lists as part of our spiritual armor is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The emphasis in this passage is on its use as an instrument like the Roman sword, a weapon that required skill and precision. If we know and understand God’s Word, the Holy Spirit can guide us to use specific passages against Satan in each situation. Empowered by the Spirit, we can use God’s inspired Word to attack strongholds of deception and drive Satan away.
David wrote, “I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He quoted the Word of God. If we memorize Scripture, we too can hurl the truth of God’s Word at Satan in times of temptation.
The following are promises you may want to commit to memory:
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling (Psalm 91:9,10).
Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).
As you read God’s Word, identify strategic passages to memorize that you can add to your arsenal of ammunition against Satan.
By Bill Bright, Written by His Hand
©2023 Bright Media Foundation