Text:  Ephesians 6:12-13; Colossians 2:15

 What we wear to the War is important.  We must dress for success and put on the Whole Armor of God, which is God Himself and God’s Armor.  This armor is designed to render the believer untouchable.

1 John 5:18 – “We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him and the evil one does not touch him.”

THE WARDROBE…

When we consider the Wardrobe, we see the five (5) listed garments and/or tools or weapons.  We have the Girdle of Truth.  In the ancient armies, the girdle held the different weapons and pieces of armor in place.  Every piece of armor connected to the girdle – TRUTH.  Then we note the Breast Plate of Righteousness which signifies right standing with God.  It is a heart covering.  Next, we note the Gospel Shoes, or the feet shod with the preparation of readiness in the Gospel of Peace.  Footwear in the soldier’s wardrobe was essential.  In the Roman Army great care was given to the feet of the fighting men.  If they could not walk, march, run, or stand the army would be terribly weakened. 

We then move to two items that could be defined as weapons. There is the Shield of Faith, which signifies that we are protected by Jesus who Himself can take anything the devil can dish out.  We are empowered by the Holy Spirit’s anointing.  Then we see the Helmet of Salvation.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, we discover that we are to live in Confident Expectation.  The mind that is helmeted cannot be attacked by the devil and overcome by the lies that depress, discourage, and defeat.  We have our minds covered so that we can bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  We have the mind that was also in Christ Jesus in us. 

When we put on the Whole Armor, we are putting on Christ Himself.  Whether we attempt to put it on as individual pieces or receive it all as the infusion of Christ in us, we need to understand that the Armor is Jesus.  He is the Truth.  He is Righteousness.  He is Faith.  He is Hope and Assurance.  He is Readiness.  Therefore, when we have on the Whole Armor of God we are dressed up in Jesus! 

THE WEAPONS…

The only offensive weapon in that list is the Sword of the Spirit.  It is the Spirit’s sword and therefore the most powerful of spiritual weapons. 

Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” 

It is vital that we become intimately familiar with our Sword and learn its power and capabilities.  We need to distinguish ourselves in the use of it.  We need to never be without it.  We need to have it hidden in our hearts and our minds.  We need to meditate on it day and night.  It needs to be as close to us as breathing.

The Blood is a symbol of the finished work of Jesus and the ultimate defeat of the devil.  When we employ the Blood of Jesus we are declaring: “I believe that through the Blood of Jesus, we have been delivered from the power of darkness and we have authority over him now.”

Next time we will consider the Warfare and the Winners but will pause here and pray that you embrace the provision we have in Jesus and begin the process of becoming Warriors for Him, exercising our authority and enforcing the Victory of Calvary in this present world.

God bless you as you enjoy this day in Jesus!