Eph 6:14-17

Paul introduces what is affectionately known as “the full armour of God.”

Ephesians 6:14-17
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

We stand our ground with the spiritual resources that God has made available to us. Namely the truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation, and the word of God.

While these are metaphors, their function as armour correlates to how we apply them.

• The belt holds everything together, like the truth of our character.
• The breast place protects the heart like the righteousness of God is our firm foundation.
• Feet is about speed and mobility. The Gospel is about going out into the world.
• Our shield of faith protects us from the arrows of the enemy.
• We protect our minds with the helmet of salvation.
• Our weapon is the word of God. “It is written” is our most powerful counterattack.

These aspects all represent the character and characteristics of God, who stepped in when no one else was taking action.

Isaiah 59:14-17
So justice is driven back,
and righteousness stands at a distance;
truth has stumbled in the streets,
honesty cannot enter.
Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever shuns evil becomes prey.
The LORD looked and was displeased
that there was no justice.
He saw that there was no one,
he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm achieved salvation for him,
and his own righteousness sustained him.
He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.