God’s Armor

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil…Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness... In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, ...and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-20

Why do we need God's armor? If we believe the Bible and I do, it's because there are unseen forces doing battle against us. Many people don't believe in the existence of the devil. It's like he is something we outgrow, like a child's plaything. A Gallup poll last  year showed that belief in God and the enemy is falling. But Jesus believed the devil existed, didn't He? He not only believed, HE KNEW THE DEVIL EXISTED. And He battled against the devil with what? God's Word, which is, in this verse, the Sword of the Spirit.

A soldier uses a sword not only to defend himself but also to expand his territory and 

to take over the enemy's position. So it is necessary not only to read and hear God's Word, but we should also know how to use it. The way Jesus wielded the Word of God was He had it with Him. It was in His heart. Imagine if Jesus was in the wilderness with Satan, “If you really are the Son of God, tell the stones to become bread!" (Matthew 4:3), and Jesus had to search the scriptures for His parry!!! That would be the same as a soldier going to battle without his sword, without his armor!

So let's try to put God's Word in our hearts, and again, trust in the promises of God: “Submit yourselves to God. Resist, stand against the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7