The Armor of God

One night not too long ago we felt led to have a Bible study on the Armor of God. We created these figures with Noah and Eden and they absolutely loved it! They had a personal connection by doing this and because of that they were able to memorize the different pieces of the armor of God as well as discuss why we need each one!


The scripture reference for the Bible study is in Ephesians 6:10-18 (provided at the end of the blog for reference). Verse 10 starts off by stating for God's people to be "strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might". How are we to do this? Verse 11 states to"put on the WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD" (emphasis mine). We must do this so we can "stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." The devil is trying (and unfortunately succeeding in many cases) to corrupt our minds and hearts as adults and even the minds and hearts of our children.

For example, the devil will come in at least three different ways: 1) Subtil (Genesis 3:1), 2) Roaring Lion (I Peter 5:8), and 3) An angel of light (II Corinthians 11:14). He will come in at least these three ways through seemingly harmless toys, TV shows, movies, books, various forms of entertainment, school, and other people to capture the minds and hearts of our children. We must realize as Christian parents that the devil not only wants to break us down, but he wants the minds and hearts of our children too. We must realize the devil will use anything he can to capture our children's hearts and minds so he can ultimately keep them in sin when they get older. 

Therefore, our children must know from an early age that we cannot fight the devil alone. We must have God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit to fight the devil. When we have all three in our life, then we can pick up the armor of God to defeat the devil. The pieces of armor are the following:

1. Loins girt with truth - Parents must teach their children the truth in all things! It is only through Jesus Christ that we can know the truth since He is truth (John 14:6). If we know the truth, we will be set free from the devil (John 8:32). We also must stand on the truth no matter what. Our souls depend on it.
2. Breastplate of righteousness - The breastplate was used to protect vital organs (e.g., the heart). We require righteousness to protect our hearts spiritually. We must teach and train our children to have integrity and live right (righteous living).
3. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace - True peace only comes from God. Wouldn't be wonderful to have more people carry the peace of God with them no matter where they went? We must also train our children to be peacemakers instead of sowing discord with others.
4. Shield of faith - We must teach our children that faith in God will protect us just like a shield. For example, Proverbs 30:5 says, "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." God will protect His people from the devil, however we must "pick up" the "shield of faith" if we desire His protection. The devil will always throw fiery darts at us and we must have the shield of faith to quench them. We may not always see how God protects us, but we still must have faith that He will and does.
5. Helmet of salvation - The helmet obviously is a vital piece of armor. Spiritually, it protects our minds from the enemy. Training our children to read and watch Godly things will help protect their minds from the enemy.
6. Sword of the spirit - Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." We all must be armed with the Word of God, because this is where the power is. Our words mean nothing, but God's Words mean everything. We must not use the Word of God to hurt people, however we must use it to stand on the truth.
7. Prayer - Many people leave this out, however without communication with headquarters, we are sure to lose the battle and the war.

Notice that there is no armor for our back. This is because we never turn our back on the enemy. Parents, be strong in the Lord. Put on the armor of God. Train your children to do the same. This will enable us to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10-18:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;