Why do we wear God's Armor - Part 1 of 2

Ephesians 6:10-18-

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against ^[a]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ^16 [b]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

^18 [c]With all prayer and petition ^[d]pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, ^[e]be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

To Equip The Saints

From: "The Mighty Warrior"
Author: Elizabeth Alves

*It helps you to stand against the schemes of the devil.
*It keeps you strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might.
*It enables you to resist in the evil day of the enemy's attack.
*It secures your safety and repels the enemy.
*It accomplishes the Father's Will.

1. STANDING FIRM
Area of Protection
DEFINITION
To STAND means to resist without yielding; to maintain a position; to persist; to endure; to remain upright; to encounter; to meet face to face.

APPLICATION
As an heir and child of God, you are to stand in that place that is already yours. It has been delivered to you through the cross of Jesus Christ.
Do not in any way surrender to an uprising of the enemy. Submit yourself to God; then STAND and resist the devil and he will flee.
NOTE: Jesus did not use the word of God to attack the devil; He used it to maintain the victory he already had.

DECLARATION
Having done all, I am going to stand firm. I will not yield to the devils schemes, but will hold fast to the Word of God.
I will stand in faith on the solid rock, Jesus. You are my foundation. I will not be moved by the roar of the enemy, nor by negative circumstances. I will stand valiant and strong, for with you on my side, who can be against me?
As a priest before You, O Lord, I will bless Your Holy Name and serve You in obedience.
I will stand in the victory that has been won, for the battle is not mine but Yours. In this way, I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.

AFFIRMATION
2 Chronicles 20:15,17
Joshua 1:9
1 Corinthians 16:13
Ephesians 6:11-14
Phillipians 4:1
1 Thessalonians 3:6-8
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5

2. THE GIRDLE OF TRUTH
Area of Protection
DEFINITION
LOINS are a picture of strength, power, vigor, and maturity. They include the reproductive organs, the digestions system and the bowel. Week loins disable a soldier. THE GIRDLE, worn about the loins to brace him for the fight, was a symbol of a soldiers strength and superior ability. It kept the armor in place, and supported the sword; money and valuables were also carried here. To GIRD means to prepare oneself for action.

APPLICATION
One whose mind is girded with truth will be strong and vigorous with mature spiritual insight, and will reproduce the Word of God for His Glory. One who is double-minded is unstable in all his ways. TRUTH is the teaching presented in God's Word, embodied in Jesus Christ, revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. WE GIRD OURSELVES WITH TRUTH when we embrace and uphold God's revelation to us, and walk in agreement with Him.

DECLARATION

Jesus, You are my truth. You have made me to know the truth in my inward parts. I am dressed in readiness because your truth clothes me.
I encompass my mind with your truth so I am ready for action. I resist all double-mindedness, and claim that I have the mind of Christ.
I shall know the truth and the truth will set me free. I will speak forth the truth in love today. I will accurately handle the word of truth, and will plant seeds of truth in others so that you may be reproduced in them.
Thank you, Jesus, for choosing me from the foundation of the world for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

AFFIRMATION
Exodus 12:11
Deuteronomy 33:11
Psalm 51:6; 69:23
Luke 12:35
John 14:6
1 Corinthians 2:16
Ephesians 4:15; 6:14
2 Thessalonians 2:13
2 Timothy 2:15
James 1:8; 4:8
1 Peter 1:13

3. THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Area of Protection
The BREASTPLATE, covering the soldier's vital organs (heart, lungs, liver, etc.), came down over the girdle, increasing the protection of the loins. By protecting these vital organs, the breastplate emboldened a soldier to face the enemy without fear.

APPLICATION
RIGHTEOUSNESS ------ right-standing or uprighteous before God----is imparted by Christ to the believer. This BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS preserves the Christian's soul and conscience----the "vital organs" of his spirit-man. Thus he is filled with courage, knowing he is protected by the righteousness of Christ and can face the enemy without fear.

DECLARATION
Jesus, You are my righteousness. In You I live and move and have my being. Help me to conform to Your character and Your will in my life.
I put on Your righteousness by faith and ask that You protect my heart, that I may walk with pure motives.
Help me to do that which is right and just, so that I may have a clear conscience and not be afraid of evil consequences. Thank you for courage to face the enemy with fear.
Thank You for cleansing me from my sins and restoring me to fellowship with You because You were the perfect sacrifice for my sins.

AFFIRMATION
Proverbs 28:1
Isaiah 59:16-17
Romans 3:22,25,26
Romans 5:17-19
2 Corinthians 5:21
Ephesians 6:14
1 Thessalonians 5:8
1 John 1:7,9

CONTINUED......SEE NEXT POST