April 17: The Armor of God

April 17: The Armor of God

Scripture: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." — Ephesians 6:11

We are in a spiritual battle, and the "front line" is often in our own minds. The enemy uses lies, distractions, and discouragement to draw us away from the Truth. To survive, we need more than just good intentions; we need the "whole armor" provided by God. Each piece of this armor is an essential aspect of a vibrant faith.

The "Belt of Truth" is the first piece mentioned. Without a firm grip on Truth, everything else falls apart. The "Breastplate of Righteousness" protects our hearts from the accusations of the enemy. The "Shield of Faith" quenches the "fiery darts" of doubt. And the "Sword of the Spirit" is the Word of God, our only offensive weapon.

Love is the power that holds the armor together. We don't fight out of hatred for people, but out of love for God and the Truth. Our goal is not to destroy "flesh and blood," but to overcome the spiritual forces of darkness that hold people captive. We are soldiers of the Cross, and our "uniform" is the character of Christ.

Check your armor today. Is your "Belt of Truth" loose? Is your "Shield of Faith" down? Don't go into the world unprotected. Spend time in the Word and in prayer, "buckling on" the strength of the Lord. Remember, the battle is already won, but we must still "stand" in the victory.

Reflection Questions:

Which piece of the "Armor of God" do I feel is most lacking in my life right now?

How can I use the "Sword of the Spirit" (the Bible) more effectively when tempted?

What are the "fiery darts" (specific doubts or temptations) I am facing today?

Source: Inspired by The Great Controversy, Ellen G. White; Pastor Doug Batchelor's study on the Armor of God.