Explaining EACH piece of "The Armor of God"

I recently did a word study on this. I wanted to share a few things I observed. In this passage we are told to stand firm four times. This is the reason to put on the armor. The phrase to gird your loins was a popular saying in Roman times and meant to be ready for anything. In researching the armor of Roman soldiers in Paul's time, they did not wear any type of belt in this area. Often, their breast shield came down low enough to cover this area. Another interesting piece of information I came across was the sandals the soldiers wore into battle had spikes in the soles. So when they were fighting the enemy they could plant their feet and not be pushed back. In regards to the sword being the word of God, Jesus is often referred to as the Word. When looking at this passage in context as a whole, I believe we are called as soldiers to stand firm and be on guard, to protect and not give ground. Jesus is the one who will fight the actual battles against the spiritual forces.

Personally when I read sword and gods word, my mind immediately goes to Hebrews. "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12 NIV

I used to be involved in a medieval reenactment guild. And the way separate pieces of armor are attached to you or to each other are with really short belts with buckles to latch them. Once when reading this it hit me, the belt of truth could refer to the belts used to hold all of the armor together and on to you. Because if the Gospel weren’t true, it would be useless. Righteousness wouldn’t work if it wasn’t true, salvation wouldn’t either if it wasn’t true. I’m never one for altering the Bible but I think it’s nice to see the belt of truth as the fastening belts of truth.

I always understood it this way, Eph. 6:13 - 17: "loins girded with truth" so truth is our core foundation; breastplate of righteousness " protects our heart (our desires); "feet shod with the gospel" directing the way we walk; "shield of faith" protects us from doubt; "helmet of salvation" protects our thinking from falsehoods; "sword of the Spirit"; God Word, because it is truly through His Word and Spirit that His spiritual battles are fought and not by our hands, not by man's power.

This video, in only 7 minutes, answered so many questions😭. I experienced extreme doubt just this morning and it overwhelmed me. I refuse to be a part of those who will fall away. I wanted to cry. I was like, “no way.” I started saying “Jesus” over and over again. Until the doubt went away. I smiled and started singing. The enemy sees that I’m taking a stand to live righteously for God and is attacking my faith. After this whole thing happened, I immediately went to study this very scripture. Then when I was done (for the day) I decided to look for videos to help me further my understanding. And now I understand what was going on. Spiritual warfare. Makes total sense now that I started praying consistently. God is soooo good. I refuse to go down.

Wow I needed to hear this. It zeroed in on my season of doubt. Thanks, Mike! I’m so thankful to God for you.

The Armor of God: Read the Word Obey the Word Share the Word Believe the Word Know the Word Able to quote the Word

How is God continually intentional of all that Concerns us? I just finished Armor of God devotional that my son invited me to on the Bible App, listened to a powerful message over 30 times by Priscilla Shirer, and just received deliverance this Sunday after fasting concerning the Armor of God and then last night my 14-year-old daughter and I talked about it after her swim practice! Even still, I need more and I 'm grateful for Mike's obedience this morning. God is faithful still! 💚

What you said about deal with your sins first actually made me understand something I've been struggling with for a long time

Thank you for covering this topic simply, and quickly. Most Bible teachers go on wild tangents when they cover the armor of God. I am always reminded of something Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough”. God bless you.

Thanks Pastor Mike! I really need to not compromise in life. I need to put on the whole armor of God, I've been missing the breastplate recently, that's why my doubts were so much, I had not gave up sin for righteousness. God bless!

Hi Mike, just wanted to say that i have been very blessed by your teaching! I found your channel about a year ago and have listened to nearly all your material! Thank you for your effort, dedication and integrity in the faith. Best regards from Sweden

May we stand firm even in this crooked and perverse world!!

Hey Mike, an amazing book on this exists! It is called "The Christian in Complete Armour" by William Grunall. Written by a Puritan man in the 16th century. It has been a great tool, and certainly a top book for me!

It's important to remember that this is metaphorical armor and the actual "pieces" are the attributes themselves.

Pastors need to preach this often in there church to help the people stay strong and fight back

Great thoughts, Mike! One thing I've thought of before is that the belt of truth prevents us from embarrassment. Just like a belt might hold our pants up. if we're walking in truth then we won't be embarrassed by the truth coming out after we've been untruthful. I've also thought that the helmet of salvation gives us assurance. As long as have that salvation, then we should be able to rest in that assurance in our minds. I recently released a children's book that is loosely based on this passage! Never Ever Build a Blanket Fort: Finding Courage in the Armor of God is a fun story about two kids building a blanket fort that morphs into a castle, which they then need to defend against the most unlikely of villains!

So appreciated this little "devotional" this morning. Thank you Mike! God bless

YES. TO EVERYONE IN THIS PERIOD OF END TIMES. THANK YOU SO MUCH

I love how Jesus Christ explained through the armor of God. Not many pastors tell truth of God. Showing to apply the love life of God . This'll help me and I will share this with my family and friends. Thanks for your service and help in Jesus name. Continue to help us build a relationship with Jesus. I'm humbled by the way Jesus works of faith that you shared with us. Glory to God . Amen.