RELIGION/STYLE

Spiritually dressed for success & victory
By Deaconess (Mrs.) Ozi  

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. John 10:10. For this reason and more, the Christians through the death and resurrection of Christ are made strong to face the challenges of this world.

 
We shall consider and meditate on the Scriptural meaning of each piece of the amour of God, so that we can understand fully their usefulness
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)
What/is/the/Amour/ofGod?
A protective covering of God for His children, so that we could stand and remain standing at the end of each and every complexity we encounter in life. God's armor brings victory because it is the very life of Jesus Christ that we carry with us each and every day.
Wearing the Amour of God: Eph 6:12-17
Our new life in Christ is knowing and trusting each part of the Amour of God.
The Parts of God’s Spiritual Dress (Amour) for Us!

Belt/of/truth
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth” - Ephesians 6:14 NKJV
The belt of truth keeps it all together! It keeps us secure in Christ. Truth is the sincerity of the heart. Sincerity leads us to be open to God. It keeps our motives pure, devoid of malice and wickedness towards our fellow men.
Our natural belt is used to hold things in place; spiritually the belt of truth does the same thing. Truth keeps us secure in Christ and makes effective the other pieces of armour.

The/Breastplate/of/Righteousness
“... having put on the breastplate of righteousness” Ephesians 6:14 NKJV
The word righteous can be translated as being just, since righteousness is so closely tied to justice.
The breastplate of righteousness covers our chest and protects our heart. We are worthy to stand before God because of Jesus. Often times our heart carries feelings of resentment, unforgivness and hate. As a soldier with his breastplate on goes boldly into battle full of confidence, so our Righteousness allows us to stand before God, men and demons
The Helmet of Salvation (Jesus)
“And taking the helmet of salvation” Ephesians 6:17
The importance of the head does not need much convincing. A soldier can survive a broken arm, but a broken head, depending on the severity of the wound, can be life threatening. By calling salvation a helmet we have a clear understanding of what salvation refers to here – LIFE!
The helmet of Salvation refers to protection of our thoughts and mind. Once salvation is received, it is crucial and of necessity to guard and protect our thoughts so as not to get our thoughts corrupted by the things of the world.
Philippians 4:8 says:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The/Sword/of/The/Spirit-The/Word/of/God
“And the sword of the spirit which is the word of God” - Ephesians 6:17
A sword is an unmistakable weapon of offence. No doubt that it can also be used as a tool for defence. This however is no ordinary sword. This sword is made of the Spirit and the Word. In spiritual warfare the battles are fought with words. Words packed and backed up with the Spirit of God.
Knowing and being deep rooted in the word of God gives you an edge over everything. This is because every difficulty, challenge, doubts even fear has a scripture for it. The word of God is a very useful tool in our daily living. The sword of the spirit is the Word of God spoken with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sandals/of/PEACE
“And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” Ephesians 6: 15
For He Himself is our peace..." (Eph. 2:14-15)Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14; John 14:27, 16:33, 20:21.
A spiritual shoe is something to aid our movement. This piece of armour is to aid our movement and defense and not for our appearance.
The gospel of peace is good news (Luke 2:10). God forgives and then He gives. What could be greater? The gospel takes hopeless beings and fills them with an eternity of glory. Even the afflictions of this world are too thin a veil to darken the joy of the good news of Jesus.

Shield/of/FAITH
“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” - Ephesians 6: 16
The shield of faith not only defends our whole body but also our armour. It keeps the darts of the enemy away from the head, chest, waist, arms and legs. No wonder the Bible says we should have it 'above all'.
The shield of faith has a very specific function, which the Bible makes abundantly clear: to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Not some of them but all of them.
None of the other pieces of weapon mentioned so far are exalted as highly as the shield.
Thank you, my Lord, for showing me the TRUTH about Yourself, Your plans and Your ways. Thank You for reminding me that You are the only God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of the universe, my Father who loves me, and my Shepherd who leads me. You are my wisdom, my counselor, my hope, and my strength. You are everything I need each day!