beautifully broken

I’m recently reading an EXCELLENT book called “The Bondage Breaker” by Neil Anderson. I highly recommend it. It’s a great guide to claiming the freedom we have in Christ, realizing our power over sin, and how to be successful when the enemy makes war over you.

I wanted to share something specific that has helped me realize my power in Christ. If you’re familiar with Ephesians 6, you know it speaks of the armor of God and that we must be fully armed in it. Those verses have always pumped me up but I never really knew how to wear the armor because I never knew it’s significance. As Christians, we are constantly at war with the enemy, whether we realize it or not. To be successful, we have to wear our armor! But, we need to know what it signifies before we can fully understand it’s power.

Ephesians 6:12-17—”For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body of armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on the salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (NLT).

What do these 6 pieces signify and/or mean?

Armor we already have in salvation immediately is the belt, breastplate, and shoes. That is what helps us to “stand firm”. It’s our position in Christ! Claim it!

1. The belt of truth—Jesus said, “I am…the truth” (John 14:6). Because Christ is in me, truth is too. The belt of truth is my primary weapon because it blocks Satan’s ultimate goal: deception. the belt is continually attacked because it holds the other places of body armor in place. Satan always attacks with lies.
2. The breastplate of righteousness—It’s not my righteousness but Christ’s righteousness (1 Cor 1:30). When Satan aims an arrow at me telling me I am not good enough, I can respond with Paul, “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies.” (Rom 8:33)
3. The shoes of peace—When I received Christ, I was untied with the Prince of Peace! I have positional peace with God right now (Rom 5:1), but the peace of Christ must also rule my heart which is only possible when the word dwells in me (Col 3:15-16). These become protection against the devil when I act as peacemaker; which pleases God! (Matt 5:9)

The rest of the armor is the Word of God and help in the battle win:

1. The shield of faith—The more I know about God and His word, the more faith I”ll have; to grow my shield; to grow my knowledge of God (Rom 8:16).
2. The helmet of salvation—Covers the most crucial part; my mind-where spiritual battles occur. Satan tries to make us doubt our salvation when under attack (Col 1:13, Rom 8:16).
3. The sword of the spirit—Speak aloud God’s truth! Satan isn’t omniscient so he needs to hear it. By observing me, Satan can pretty well tell what I’m thinking, but he doesn’t know what I’m going to do before I do it. If I pay attention to a deceiving spirit (1 Tim 4:1), he is putting thoughts into my mind and he will know whether I buy his lie by the way I behave. It is not hard for him to tell what I am thinking if he has given me the though. I can, however, communicate silently with God in my mind and spirit because He knows the thoughts and intents of my heart (Heb 4:12).

It’s easier to wear something when you know what you’re wearing and why you’re wearing it.