Protective Padding

I’m sure you’ve seen photos of early football players wearing those distinctive leather helmets. We’ve certainly come a long way since then with football gear, that’s for sure.

But more important than protective sports equipment is the spiritual armor to prepare us for the spiritual battle we’re engaged in each and every day.

We are engaged in a monumental battle for our souls between the forces of good, with God in command, and the forces of evil under Satan’s power.

No wonder we need the full-body armor of God: the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness (Ephesians 6:14); shoes of peace (verse 15); the shield of faith (verse 16); the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (verse 17).

The good news is that in the very end, God wins. But we have work to do for Him in the meantime, so suit up!

His Promises

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. . . . 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.

Let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

In that coming day

no weapon turned against you will succeed.

You will silence every voice

raised up to accuse you.

These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD;

their vindication will come from me.

I, the LORD, have spoken!