Spiritual Weapons in the Bible: Putting on the armor of god

My Story

A few years ago, I found myself going through one of the most challenging periods of my life. The pressures at work were overwhelming, my relationships felt strained, and it seemed like everything was spiraling out of control. I couldn’t shake the feeling of anxiety that clung to me, making even the simplest tasks feel like mountains to climb.

One night, after a particularly tough day, I remembered a lesson from my childhood about the Armor of God. It was something I had learned in Sunday school, but at that moment, it felt more relevant than ever. I decided to take a moment to pray and reflect on each piece of the armor, hoping it might help me find some peace.

First, I thought about the Belt of Truth. I asked myself what the truth was in my situation. The truth was that, while things were tough, I wasn’t alone. I had people who cared about me, and there were things within my control, even if they seemed small. Reminding myself of these truths helped me to see things more clearly, cutting through the fog of anxiety.

Next, I focused on the Breastplate of Righteousness. I realized that I needed to protect my heart from the negativity that was creeping in. I reminded myself to do what was right, even when it was difficult, and to stay true to my values. It wasn’t easy, but making a conscious effort to act with integrity helped me feel more grounded and in control.

Then came the Shoes of Peace. I thought about how much I needed peace in my life, and how I could be a peacemaker in my relationships. I decided to let go of some of the anger and frustration I had been holding onto, and to approach my challenges with a calm and open mind. Slowly, I felt a sense of peace start to replace the turmoil inside me.

The Shield of Faith was next. I reminded myself that faith wasn’t just about believing in God, but also about trusting that things would get better. I held onto that faith, using it to deflect the doubts and fears that were attacking my mind. With each act of trust, the weight on my shoulders felt a little lighter.

When I thought about the Helmet of Salvation, I realized how much my thoughts needed protecting. I had been allowing negative thoughts to take root in my mind, and I knew I needed to change that. I started focusing on the positive, on the things I was grateful for, and on the hope that I had for the future. This shift in perspective brought a sense of clarity and purpose that I hadn’t felt in a long time.

Finally, I picked up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. I opened my Bible and read passages that had always brought me comfort. The words seemed to cut through the darkness I had been feeling, filling me with strength and courage. I realized that I wasn’t fighting my battles alone—God was with me, guiding and supporting me every step of the way.

That night didn’t magically solve all my problems, but it marked the beginning of a change. By putting on the Armor of God, I found the strength to face my challenges with a renewed sense of hope and determination.

The anxiety that had once seemed overwhelming began to fade, replaced by a quiet confidence that I could get through whatever life threw at me. And ever since that night, whenever I start to feel overwhelmed, I remember to put on the Armor of God and face the world with faith, truth, and peace.

The Spirit Realm

In the spiritual and earthly realm there is a constant spiritual battle against the forces of evil. Satans rebellion in the pre-mortal life had him thrown out of heaven taking with him 1/3 of the hosts of heaven.

Understanding that part of our spiritual progression is to possess a body and to be tried and tested we decided to come to the earth from the pre-mortal world. When we came to earth we passed through the veil of forgetfulness and we are required to make choices here on earth that will effect our eternal life.

Satan and his hosts do not have a body nor did they go through the veil of forgetfulness. This gives him a 1 up on us strategy wise to bring down our souls to eternal damnation. He also has over a millenium of experience on influencing humankind to stray from the straight and narrow path.

From one devil to another: “It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.”― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

Thankfully Jesus Christ had a plan, and Gods word was brought to the world through his prophets. The Bible (Gods word) provides us with powerful spiritual weapons to combat these dark forces. One prevelent example of spiritual tools is the armor of God.

Unlike the weapons of the world, these spiritual weapons possess divine power, equipping us for the spiritual battle we face daily.

This comprehensive guide will explore the various spiritual weapons that account for the full armor of God mentioned in the Bible. Their significance, and how they can be effectively wielded in our spiritual lives.

Understanding Spiritual Weapons

Spiritual weapons, as described in the Bible, are divine tools given to believers to engage in spiritual warfare. Why are they called spiritual weapons? Because they are unseen and they help us stand strong in Gods truth and recognize false doctrine.

The apostle Paul frequently emphasized the importance of these spiritual weapons in his letters, highlighting their necessity in standing firm against the schemes of the devil.

The greatest battle of life is fought within the silent chambers of your own soul. (David O. McKay, Ensign, May 1980, 56)

Spiritual weapons are part of the full armor of God, designed to protect and empower believers in their spiritual battles.

The Full Armor of God

The full armor of God is a powerful metaphor used by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18. It describes the spiritual armor that Christians must wear to stand firm against the attacks of the enemy.

This armor includes several key components, each representing a different aspect of spiritual defense and offense.

1. Belt of Truth
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness
3. The Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace
4. The Shield of Faith
5. The Helmet of Salvation
6. The Sword of the Spirit

The Belt of Truth

We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. – 1 John 4:6

The belt of truth is the first piece of the armor. In ancient Roman times, a soldier’s belt secured his armor and held his weapons. For Christians, the belt of truth represents the foundation of integrity and honesty. It holds everything together and ensures that we are not easily swayed by false doctrines or deceit.

By knowing Gods truth we are able to recognize false doctrine. A large misleading doctrine prevalent in today’s society is manifestation. We must remember that everything we have has been gifted to us from God. The scary thing about believing in manifestation is that it leads down the path as Self as God.

Yes we co-create with Heavenly Father but it is still up to God as to whether he will bless you or not.

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust. – 2 Nephi 1:23.

The Breastplate of Righteousness is a metaphor for living a life aligned with God’s standards and moral integrity, protecting the heart and soul from spiritual attacks. Here’s an example of how it might be applied in daily life:

Scenario: Sarah Facing Workplace Temptation

Sarah was a dedicated employee at her company, known for her honesty and hard work. One day, she was approached by a colleague who suggested they manipulate some financial reports to make their department’s performance look better than it actually was. This deception would likely lead to a bonus and recognition from upper management.

Sarah was tempted. The idea of a bonus was appealing, and she knew that manipulating the numbers would be easy and unlikely to be caught. However, as a believer, she felt a tug on her conscience. She remembered the Breastplate of Righteousness, which represents living a life of integrity and moral uprightness according to God’s standards.

Instead of giving in to the temptation, Sarah chose to stand firm in righteousness. She declined the offer, explaining to her colleague that honesty and integrity were more important to her than any financial gain. She knew that compromising her values would damage her relationship with God and could lead to further spiritual and ethical decline.

By making this decision, Sarah protected her heart from the corruption that could have taken root. She maintained her integrity, and although she didn’t receive the bonus, she felt at peace knowing she had honored God in her actions. Over time, her consistent integrity earned her the trust and respect of her peers and superiors, leading to genuine recognition and opportunities for advancement.

In this example, Sarah’s choice to wear the Breastplate of Righteousness protected her from the moral and spiritual consequences of deceit, helping her remain aligned with God’s will and safeguarding her heart from the harm that could come from compromising her values.

The breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts and vital organs from the enemy’s attacks. It signifies the righteousness we receive through faith in Christ Jesus. By living a righteous life, we safeguard ourselves against the accusations and temptations of the powers of darkness.

“Most of us don’t mind doing what we ought to do when it doesn’t interfere with what we want to do, but it takes discipline and maturity to do what we ought to do whether we want to or not” (Ensign, November 1980, 69). This is the battle we all face, the will of God vs the natural man.

The Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

The shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace enable us to stand firm and move forward in our spiritual journey. They symbolize the readiness and stability that comes from knowing and spreading the gospel. As we share the good news of Jesus Christ, we bring peace to others and strengthen our own faith.

To be a peacemaker means we must seek to be delivered from self-interest and not look at everything in terms of how it affects us. Instead we must be concerned about the glory of God and how we can best promote that glory in situations of conflict.

Personal relationship are a true test in our ability to be peacemakers. We are tested with times of contention, feeling as though the relationship is unfair and disagreements. In times like these I like to ask myself will this matter in 5 years or now?

Tools to be a peacemaker

• Be the judge of your own thoughts. Is what you are thinking definitively true?
• Put yourself in the other persons shoes. How would you feel if you were the other person.
• Be quick to forgive and slow to take offense. Admit when you’re wrong and apologize sincerely. Encourage others to let go of grudges and move forward with a spirit of reconciliation.
• Try I feel statements over you did statements. This will disarm the other person as they won’t see your statements as attacks and it allows them to understand how the situation has effected your feelings.

The Shield of Faith

“For the Present is the point at which time touches eternity.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

The shield of faith is a vital piece of spiritual armor that quenches all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Faith in God and His promises acts as a powerful defense against doubt, fear, and the attacks of the enemy. It is through faith that we can extinguish the lies and accusations hurled at us by evil spirits.

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality. ”― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

Strengthening Your Faith

Take time to remember and reflect on the times God has been faithful in your life. Journaling these moments can help you see how God has worked in your past, which can boost your faith in His future plans.

I personally like to have a dedicated blessings journal that is separate from my everyday journal so that I can go back and read all the ways my life has been blessed.

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The Helmet of Salvation

The helmet of salvation protects our minds from the influence of the enemy. It represents the assurance of our salvation and the confidence we have in Christ’s victory over sin and death.

One of Satan’s primary strategies is to take control of our thoughts by diverting our attention from the Lord and His commandments. He wages his war on the battlefield of the mind, knowing that “to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

Satan knows that he can get into our minds and use impressionable images and thoughts about sin. Because he knows us and his followers watch us they know where are weaknesses lay and use that knowledge against us. “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). “Suspicion often creates what it suspects.”― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

The cognitive behavioral therapy method is based on our beliefs and thoughts affect how we feel. We want to be able to stomp out unrighteousness from our minds before they become emotions such as lust or greed residing in our hearts.

Having to overcome thoughts and emotions is much harder than having to deal with the mind alone.

Sometimes I really feel Satans oppression on me in my thoughts. One thing that I like to do is sing a gospel song over and over either in my head or out loud. I usually sing I am a child of God, from the primary hymn book.

Reading scriptures is another way to renew our minds with God’s word. Knowledge of God and his teachings guards against the schemes of the devil and maintain a clear focus on our eternal life in Christ.

The Sword of the Spirit

The sword of the Spirit is the word of God, our offensive weapon in spiritual warfare. This double-edged sword is powerful and effective in exposing the lies of the enemy and bringing about transformation in our lives. By wielding the word of truth, we can combat the attacks of the enemy and stand firm in our faith.

Unlike other pieces of the Armor of God, which are primarily defensive, the Sword of the Spirit is an offensive weapon, used to combat spiritual deception, temptation, and attacks.

We have the power as sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father to call upon him in times of need.

Jesus’s Example of The Sword of the Spirit

In spiritual battles, the Sword of the Spirit is used to counter the lies and attacks of the enemy. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), He responded to each temptation by quoting Scripture, effectively wielding the Sword of the Spirit to defeat the enemy.

How to Use The Sword of The Spirit

1. Study and Memorize Scripture:
   • Regularly reading and memorizing Bible verses equips you with the knowledge needed to respond to life’s challenges and spiritual attacks. When you have Scripture in your heart and mind, you can draw upon it in times of need.
2. Speak and Declare God’s Word:
   • In moments of temptation or doubt, verbally declare Scripture that addresses the situation. Speaking God’s Word out loud can be a powerful act of faith, reinforcing truth and driving away spiritual darkness.
3. Apply the Word in Your Life:
   • The Sword of the Spirit is most effective when you live out the principles found in the Bible. Obedience to God’s Word strengthens your faith and gives you the confidence to stand against spiritual attacks.

The Power of God’s Word

God’s word is a central element in our spiritual arsenal. It is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. The Bible is not just a collection of human language but a divine revelation that equips us for every good work.

As we meditate on and study the scriptures, we gain knowledge of God and His will for our lives. This knowledge empowers us to resist the devil’s schemes and walk in the mighty power of God.

The Name of Jesus

The name of Jesus is one of the most powerful weapons in our spiritual battle. The name of Jesus holds authority over every spiritual force and every evil spirit. When we call upon the name of Jesus, we invoke the power of the Son of God, who has triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness.

The apostle Paul reminds us that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

The Word of Their Testimony

Our testimony is another powerful weapon against the attacks of the enemy. Revelation 12:11 states, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Sharing our experiences of God’s faithfulness and deliverance strengthens our faith and encourages others in their spiritual journey.

It is through the word of our testimony that we overcome the enemy and declare the victory of Christ Jesus in our lives.

The Role of Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting are essential practices in wielding spiritual weapons effectively. Through prayer, we communicate with God, seek His guidance, and intercede for others.

Fasting, on the other hand, helps us to humble ourselves before God and seek His face with greater intensity. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of prayer and fasting in overcoming spiritual obstacles and accessing divine power.

The Holy Spirit’s Role in Spiritual Warfare

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual battles. He empowers us with divine power, guides us into all truth, and equips us with spiritual gifts.

The Holy Spirit helps us to discern the attacks of the enemy and provides us with the strength and wisdom to resist them. By walking in the Spirit, we can effectively utilize our spiritual weapons and experience victory in our spiritual battles.

The Importance of Community and Fellowship

Engaging in spiritual warfare is not a solitary endeavor. The Bible encourages us to stand together as a community of believers, supporting and encouraging one another in our spiritual journey.

Fellowship with other believers strengthens our faith and provides accountability. Together, we can wield our spiritual weapons more effectively and overcome the powers of this dark world.

The Heritage of the Servants of the Lord

Isaiah 54:17 declares, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord.”

As servants of the Lord, we have a heritage of divine protection and victory. God promises to defend us against the attacks of the enemy and to grant us victory in our spiritual battles.

Conclusion

Spiritual weapons are essential for every believer engaged in the spiritual battle against the forces of evil. By putting on the full armor of God, wielding the sword of the Spirit, and relying on the power of God’s word and the name of Jesus, we can stand firm against the attacks of the enemy.

Through prayer, fasting, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to overcome the schemes of the devil and experience victory in our spiritual lives. As we walk in faith, righteousness, and truth, we are assured of God’s protection and the ultimate triumph over the powers of darkness.

This comprehensive guide on spiritual weapons in the Bible aims to equip and inspire believers to engage in spiritual warfare with confidence and faith. By understanding and utilizing these divine tools, we can stand firm in the face of spiritual battles and experience the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus.