What comes to mind when you hear the word “armour”?

Perhaps it’s the clanging of metal as warriors ready themselves for battle, or the impenetrable scales of a dragon, fierce and intimidating. Maybe you picture a soldier, fortified behind layers of protection, prepared to face whatever comes.

The armour has long symbolized protection, strength, and resilience, serving as the first line of defense against the unknown and the dangerous. However, beyond its literal meaning, armour also represents the barriers we build around ourselves—physical, emotional, and in this case, spiritual—to shield us as we navigate through life.

This idea becomes even more significant when we see the Bible use the same imagery.

Ephesians 6:11

New King James Version

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

It’s fascinating how accurately the analogies used to describe the Christian faith reflect the reality we often face, analogies like this include the imagery of an athlete in a race in 1 Corinthians 9 or the good soldier who must endure hardship in 2 Timothy 2. In this same way, the apostle also effectively uses the analogy of armour to represent the believer’s defense against the enemy.

Why is that? It is because in truth, what we find ourselves in war. As believers, we are in a constant battle.

Therefore, a warrior needs armour—he wouldn’t survive without it.

Armour, in its most traditional sense, is a safeguard, a tangible barrier designed to withstand the blows of an enemy. In our situation, where the enemy has repeatedly shown that he isn’t backing down, we must take the initiative to stay secure and ready for the inevitable blows. We must be guarded enough to endure repeated attacks without sustaining harmful damage. It is absolutely possible to remain standing even after many assaults!

However, as important as putting on armour is, the effectiveness of your protection heavily depends on being “dressed for the occasion.” Just as you wouldn’t head out for a walk on a cold winter night in summer clothes like a singlet and shorts, you also wouldn’t want to enter a battle fully kitted in the wrong gear.

Different types of armour are designed for specific kinds of warfare. Factors such as the weapons used, the environment of the battlefield, and the soldier’s role have influenced the design and materials of armour throughout history.

For instance, heavy armour is crafted to protect against swords, arrows, and blunt force. Modern ballistic armour, on the other hand, is designed to shield against firearms and shrapnel, capable of stopping bullets from handguns or high-velocity rifle rounds, depending on the vest chosen. And then there’s combat armour for different ranges, siege warfare gear, and even riot armour.

We see that each type of armour is designed for a specific kind of warfare. For example, one might find themselves in some trouble if they enter a battle where bullets and high-velocity rounds are being fired while wearing gear meant for a different type of combat. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, it’s essential to recognize the nature of the battle we’re in.

This means that the battles you face on this earth are not always physical. It would be naïve to think that our struggles exist solely in the natural realm, especially in ministry. There is a spiritual component to these battles. This means that the challenges a person faces might not be due solely to natural causes, because, as Scripture reminds us, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood.”

The Bible reveals that it’s not merely a natural issue when people are unable to see the light of the Gospel, despite our tireless efforts to show it to them. Why is that? Because even soul winning is a form of warfare.

But thanks be to God, a solution is provided, equipping us with everything we need to wage a good warfare.

Ephesians 6:12-13

New King James Version

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

New King James Version

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

The Bible reveals that it’s not merely a natural issue when people are unable to see the light of the Gospel, despite our tireless efforts to show it to them. Why is that? Because even soul winning is a form of warfare.

But thanks be to God, a solution is provided, equipping us with everything we need to wage a good warfare in Ephesians 6:13- 17.

We are instructed on the perfect armour for this fight, and from the descriptions given, this armour is complete, offering optimal defense and shielding every part of the soldier on the battlefield. However, this protection is effective only if the believer is willing to put on the entire armour, without leaving out a single piece.

With this, we are assured of victory as we fight the good fight for the Kingdom. Glory to God!

As you meditate on this devotional, take time to reflect on your spiritual armour.

Are there areas where you’re leaving yourself vulnerable? Consider how you can actively “put on” the full armour of God in your daily life, ensuring that you’re fully equipped for the battles ahead.

Prayer Point:

Father, I thank you for your word. Today, I put on your whole armour and I stand strong. I give no room to the devil.