Armor of God

 The believer's strength comes from The Lord.

The Apostle Paul speaks of putting on the "whole armor of God" to stand against the cunning ways of Satan. 

Paul uses the analogy of a heavily armed infantry soldier of Rome for the believer's preparedness for spiritual conflict.

I believe the “devil” works where he can have the greatest and broadest impact in opposing the purposes of God.  He wants believers to fail, so that they are ineffective.

“10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  11  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12  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].  13  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”   Ephesians 6.10-13

This “armor” is so the believer can “withstand” and “stand.”

I think the armor is more defensive than offensive. 

Spiritually speaking, the withstanding would be to not give into temptation, while to stand would be to hold your position: stand firm in the truth and trust in God.

The evil day would be any day when evil comes, whether temptation to sin or being challenged in one's faith through some difficulty. 

We may be putting this armor on through our spiritual priorities without consciously thinking of it as an armor we are putting on.

“14  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  15  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”   Ephesians 6.14-17

This armor analogy begins with having the waist "girded" (like with a belt) with truth, and since the word of God is connected with the "sword," I tend to think this is that character of one who speaks the truth.    Paul said to put away lying in Ephesians 4.25: “Therefore, putting away lying, Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

The breastplate protected the vital organs, such as the heart. I think the "breastplate of righteousness" portrays  personal righteousness instead of justification.  In addition to being truthful, moral character is essential.  I believe the devil will defeat you if you are committing immorality.    Paul wrote, "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27

Paul speaks of the having the feet covered with the "preparation of the gospel of peace."
One commentary said that Roman Soldiers wore hobnailed sandals that allowed them firm footing in combat. In reference to standing in the evil day, believers need to have a firm grip on the truth of the gospel which will keep them standing. Believers can stumble when they are challenged about the assurance of their salvation.

The "shield of faith" is to protect the believer from another attempt by the devil to defeat them.  The faith here is trusting God in difficulties in which the devil throws everything at you to get you to question God.  How many believers in difficult times question God and become angry at Him.  In difficult and uncertain times, “the just shall live by faith”--as it says in Habakkuk 2:4.

The "helmet" protected the head.  I think this "helmet of salvation" is the understanding of salvation, past, present, and future.  Believers are saved from the penalty of sin, but deliverance from the experience of sin is only potential in this life, depending on your walk, but the believer will be finally removed from the experience of sin in the resurrection.  Understanding this will protect from Satan's attempt to deceive about salvation.

The sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon.  Here the sword is said to be "of the Spirit" being the "word of God."  The word of God is used by the Spirit to transform and edify the believer.  In the battle to stand and withstand, we can think of how Christ stood on the truth of the word of God in withstanding the temptations of Satan.

“18  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--  19  and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,  20  for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  Ephesians 6.18-20

Paul sets forth the importance of prayer.  He doesn't give it any armor analogy, but it is definitely part of weaponry in spiritual warfare. Requests need to be according to God's will, not only for us but for other believers. Paul asks the Ephesians for prayer support that he would speak appropriately and boldly according to the ministry for which he has been chosen.