Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8400 The tasks of the believer » 8482 spiritual warfare » 8486 spiritual warfare, armour
The armour of God refers to the resources that Christians possess for defending themselves against the attacks of the world, the flesh and the devil.
God is the believer's strength and shield
Psalm 28:7-8 See also Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 3:3; Psalm 7:10; Psalm 119:114
Believers should be rightly clothed for battle
Romans 13:12-14 See also Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9,12-14; 1 Peter 4:1
Believers should put on the full armour of God
The belt of truth
Ephesians 6:14
The importance of sound teaching: a good understanding of God's truth counters Satan's deceit:
Psalm 119:95,116; Ephesians 4:14-15; Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:13
The breastplate of righteousness
Assurance that believers are righteous in God's sight will counter Satan's accusations:
Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 13:6; Isaiah 61:10; Zechariah 3:1-4
The gospel of peace
Ephesians 6:15
The peace of God reassures and gives confidence in times of trouble:
John 14:27; John 16:33; Philippians 4:6-7
The shield of faith
Ephesians 6:16
Exercising faith draws strength from God, guards against deception and helps overcome temptation:
Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 John 5:4
The helmet of salvation
Ephesians 6:17
The expectation of future glory encourages the Christian soldier and helps overcome despair:
1 Thessalonians 5:8-9; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 3:3
The Christian's spiritual weapons
2 Corinthians 10:4
The sword of the Spirit
The Scriptures give readiness and confidence in battle and a sure defence against the evil one:
Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12
The armour of God is worn with prayer
Ephesians 6:18
Prayer ensures that believers recognise their need to turn to God and depend on him alone:
Psalm 55:16-18; Hebrews 4:16; James 5:16
See also
1460 truth 1610 Scripture 3236 Holy Spirit & Scripture 5292 defence, divine 5953 stability 6705 peace, experience 7797 teaching 8020 faith 8154 righteousness 8422 equipping, spiritual 8498 witnessing & Holy Spirit 9613 hope as confidence
