How to Put on the Armor of God
A Study Based on the (KJV / Textus Receptus Aligned)
I. Introduction: Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare
Ephesians 6:10–11 (KJV)
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
We do not fight for salvation but from a position of salvation.
This armor is not for earning eternal life, but for preserving:
*Fellowship with God
*Fruitfulness in ministry
*Future rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ
Eternal life is the free gift of God (John 3:16), given the moment one believes in Christ (John 5:24; Titus 3:5).
But spiritual warfare threatens your walk, testimony, and reward (1 Cor 3:15; 2 John 8).
Key Warfare Verses:
*1 Corinthians 16:13 — “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith…”
*2 Timothy 2:3–4 — “Endure hardness, as a good soldier…”
*1 Peter 5:8–9 — “Be sober, be vigilant…”
II. The Full Armor of God
Spiritual Readiness = Positional Security + Practical Obedience
Each armor piece has:
*A positional truth (your standing in Christ)
*A practical discipline (daily walk by faith)
*A Roman military parallel (for vivid teaching)
1. The Belt of Truth – Girding for Stability
Ephesians 6:14a — “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…”
Greek (TR): aletheia — truth, sincerity, reality.
Positional: Christ is Truth (John 14:6).
Practical: Study, believe, and speak the truth (John 17:17).
Roman Context: The belt (cingulum) secured all other armor—truth stabilizes the Christian life.
"The Roman belt held the armor together—just as truth holds our spiritual lives steady."
Real-Life Example:
When facing doubt or fear, like when you’re unsure about God’s provision, the truth of God’s promises in Scripture (Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:19) steadies your heart and mind.
For example, when tempted to believe God has abandoned you, claim the truth that He is always with you (Hebrews 13:5).
Cross References:
*Ephesians 4:25
*Psalm 51:6
*John 8:31–32
*Proverbs 3:3
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness – Guarding the Heart
Ephesians 6:14b — “...and having on the breastplate of righteousness.”
Greek (TR): dikaiosune — righteousness.
Positional: Christ's righteousness imputed to believers (2 Cor 5:21).
Practical: Confession and clean living (1 John 1:9).
Roman Context: Covered heart and lungs — protects life’s core.
Real-Life Example:
When struggling with guilt over past mistakes, wear the breastplate of righteousness.
Remind yourself that Christ’s righteousness has been credited to you, and walk confidently in your new identity.
You are justified, even when tempted to look back at past sins.
Cross References:
*Isaiah 59:17
*Romans 13:14
*Proverbs 4:23
3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Grounded and Ready
Ephesians 6:15 — “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”
Greek (TR): eirene — peace, unity.
Positional: Reconciled in one body (Ephesians 2:14–17).
Practical: Live as a peacemaker (Romans 14:19).
Roman Context: Studded sandals (caligae) for firm footing—your gospel footing keeps you from slipping.
Real-Life Example:
When disagreements arise in your church or family, wearing the shoes of the gospel means you actively seek peace.
Instead of engaging in the drama, you look for ways to promote unity and forgiveness, remembering that Christ has reconciled us to one another (Colossians 3:13–15).
Cross References:
*Romans 5:1
*Isaiah 52:7
*Colossians 3:15
4. Shield of Faith – Deflecting Flaming Lies
Ephesians 6:16 — “Above all, taking the shield of faith…”
Greek (TR): pistis — belief, trust.
Positional: Faith justifies and secures (Gal 3:26).
Practical: Trust God under fire (James 1:2–3).
Roman Context: The scutum was nearly door-sized and interlocked with others—faith is stronger together.
Real-Life Example:
When you face temptations to doubt God’s goodness (like in difficult financial times or relationship struggles), raise your shield of faith.
Trust that God will provide and that His promises are true, even when the enemy whispers lies about your situation.
Cross References:
*Hebrews 11:6
*Romans 10:17
*1 John 5:4
*Psalm 91:4
5. Helmet of Salvation – Guarding the Mind
Ephesians 6:17a — “And take the helmet of salvation…”
Greek (TR): soterios — rescue, deliverance.
Positional: Secure salvation (John 10:28–29).
Practical: Guard your thoughts (2 Cor 10:5); renew your mind.
Roman Context: Protected the head from lethal attacks—hope protects against discouragement.
Real-Life Example:
In moments of fear or doubt, when you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, the helmet of salvation reminds you that your salvation is secure.
No matter the enemy's attacks, your eternal security in Christ is unshakable (Romans 8:38–39).
Cross References:
*Isaiah 26:3
*1 Thess 5:8
*Psalm 140:7
6. Sword of the Spirit – Offensive Strike
Ephesians 6:17b — “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Greek (TR): rhema — spoken word.
Positional: The Spirit gives understanding (1 Cor 2:12–13).
Practical: Speak Scripture boldly to resist the enemy (Matt 4).
Roman Context: Short sword (machaira) for precise strikes—use the Word with precision.
Real-Life Example:
When tempted by the enemy’s lies, wield the sword of the Spirit.
Speak God’s Word aloud to resist temptation, just as Jesus did in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11).
Each verse you speak becomes a precise strike against the lies of the enemy.
Cross References:
*Hebrews 4:12
*Psalm 119:11
*Isaiah 49:2
III. Prayer: The Power Behind the Armor
Ephesians 6:18 — “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…”
Prayer isn’t a 7th piece—it is the power source for all six.
Armor without prayer is like a soldier asleep on the battlefield.
Real-Life Example:
When you feel spiritually weak, prayer connects you to God’s power.
It is your lifeline in the heat of battle, enabling you to stand firm and draw strength from Him.
Without prayer, the armor becomes a mere ornament rather than a protective force.
Cross References:
*Romans 8:26
*Colossians 4:2
*Luke 18:1
IV. Not an Army of One: Corporate Application
“No Roman soldier went into battle alone—and neither should you.”
Support one another in faith (Ecc 4:9–12)
Worship and grow together (Heb 10:24–25)
Intercede for each other (Eph 6:18)
Real-Life Example:
Fighting spiritual battles is easier when we fight together.
Regular fellowship and prayer within the body of Christ strengthen each member.
Just like soldiers support each other on the battlefield, we must support our brothers and sisters in faith.
Cross References:
*Romans 15:5–6
*Philippians 1:27
*1 Corinthians 1:10
V. Daily Discipleship Practice
Identity Reset – Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:1–3
Confess & Cleanse – 1 John 1:9, Psalm 32:5
Engage Scripture – Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 2:15
Spirit-led Prayer – Ephesians 1:17, Colossians 1:9–11
Assemble & Encourage – Hebrews 10:25, Acts 2:42
Serve in Love – Galatians 5:13, Romans 12:18
Real-Life Example:
As you walk through your day, remember to keep your armor on.
Begin with morning prayer to set your focus. Throughout the day, meditate on Scriptures like Romans 8:28 to remind yourself of God’s sovereign control over your life.
VI. Final Encouragement: Your Victory Is in Christ
Ephesians 6:13 (KJV)
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day…”
We are not fighting to get to heaven—we are fighting to finish well and receive eternal reward (1 Cor 9:24–27). Every day is a battlefield.
Christ has secured your victory; the armor helps you walk in it.
Victory Verses:
2 Timothy 4:7–8 — “I have fought a good fight…”
Revelation 3:11 — “Hold that fast which thou hast…”
James 1:12 — “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation…”
Appendix: Suggested Memorization List
Ephesians 6:10–18
Psalm 119:11
2 Corinthians 10:5
John 17:17
Romans 10:17
2 Timothy 4:7–8
Summary Takeaways
You are saved by grace (Eph 2:8–9)
Armor is for protection, not justification
Victory is lived, not earned
Prayer powers your defense
Community strengthens your stance