Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
As we prepare for spiritual battle we need to inventory our equipment. We would never enter a physical battle or contest without the proper tools. So let's check the list:
Belt of Truth - In almost any athletic movement, power comes from you hips. Any throw, swing, kick...power emanates from your waist. Spiritually the belt of Truth is where you power begins. Allow no hypocrisy or falsehoods to weaken you...speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15)
Breastplate of Righteousness - In a conflict, vital organs are covered by the breastplate. Your heart is protected by righteousness. Put on the breastplate of Christ's righteousness, and emulate his purity, and retain a reverence for the Holy Law of God.
Feet fitted with Gospel of Peace - An important piece of equipment for performance is a shoe that provides traction. Athletes can't perform, soldiers can't fight...without a good solid stance. In our battle knowing the gospel of peace, gives you that stability. You must put on knowledge of the gospel like you would put on your cleats before taking the field.
Shield of Faith - As the enemy fires flaming arrows at us during the fight we have a shield to block them. Faith by which we have been saved, can block, and extinguish the lust, pride, revenge, and other temptations fired at you... all shots by the enemy are useless against our faith.
Helmet of Salvation - Critical protection for the head which directs the warrior. Our assurance of victory, our ultimate salvation directs and protects us.
Sword of the Spirit - Our only offensive weapon is the Word of God. We must know how to handle it. As we prepare for battle this is where the bulk of our time should be spent...knowing the Word of God.
It's game time...check your equipment... get dressed... and let's hit the field!
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