Armor of God

Finally, my brethren, be strong in (with) the Lord and in (by) the power of His might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but

  • against principalities,
  • against powers,
  • against the rulers of the darkness of this age,
  • against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day (2 Corinthians 6:3-5,8-10), and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore,

  1. having girded your waist with truth,
  2. having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and
  3. having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
  4. above all, taking the shield of faith (trust) with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And
  5. take the helmet of salvation, and
  6. the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
  7. praying always with all prayer and supplication in (with) the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

-- Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)

As an example, Paul did not list endless renunciation prayers or the commanding demons, but instead he mentions a practical prayer request which was at that moment his greatest desire:

... for me that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. -- Ephesians 6:19-20 (ESV)

Paul never said we should take on any spiritual battle in our own capacity. This is a battle we need to take up with God so that we can fight by His power of His might.

Summary

Image Aspect Meaning
belt truth Guard your reputation by speaking the truth (2 Corinthians 6:7)
breastplate righteousness Guard your heart against idols by loving God instead (1 Thessalonians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 6:6)
shoes gospel Spread the gospel of peace
shield faith/trust Trust God when under attack in difficult times
helmet salvation Guard your mind against temptations, sin and condemnation (1 Thessalonians 5:8-9; Romans 12:2)
sword word of God Obey God's word (1 John 2:3-6)
being watchful prayer & supplication Persevere by earnestly and humbly praying for all the saints (Romans 12:12)