In Ephesians 6, Paul warns us of the power that we are up against in this world in which we live.  He reminds us that the threat is real and the danger is high.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

The present darkness is the world over which Satan is god (2 Corinthians 4:4).  It is the world we were delivered from when we obeyed the gospel (Galatians 1:4; Colossians 1:13).  The devil wants to draw us back into this world, and unless we are properly armed, he will succeed.  Paul tells us what to do.

Ephesians 6:13 (ESV)
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 firm.

If we are to escape becoming spiritual casualties in this war against the devil, we must put on the whole armor of God.  Fortunately, Paul tells us exactly what the armor is.  It is composed of six pieces.  Let’s think about the first three tonight and the last three tomorrow night.

First, we must fasten on the belt of truth.  The Roman soldier’s belt was a very important piece of his armor.  It wrapped around the loins and held the other pieces of the armor in place.  It was also the place where the sheath, which held the sword, was attached.  Without the belt, the soldier would have no way of carrying his sword into the battle.  It also held the bronze apron, which protected the lower body of the soldier, in place.  Clearly, the belt was a vital part of the armor.

Just the same, truth is a vital part of our defense against the devil.  The truth that Paul is referring to here is not the word of God but to integrity and honesty of character.  Everything we are as Christians is held in place by our sincerity and truthfulness.  To stand against the devil, we must be honest and sincere.

The devil can spot dishonesty a mile away because he is the father of lies (John 8:44).  If he finds that trait in us, he can surely use it against us.  On the other hand, if we are honest in all that we do, and if we especially have a sincere faith like Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5), we will maintain an advantage over the devil.

Next, we must put on the breastplate of righteousness.  For the Roman soldier, putting on the breastplate was critical.  The breastplate protected one’s vital organs, especially the heart.  While he might survive an arrow in certain parts of his body, an arrow to the heart meant certain death.

Our breastplate is critical as well.  Paul calls it a breastplate of righteousness.  The word righteousness refers to the doing of that which is right in the eyes of God.  To put on the breastplate of righteousness is to practice righteous living (1 John 2:29; 3:7-10).  To overcome the darts of the devil, we must have an impregnable righteousness that cannot be altered by the temptations of Satan.

Finally, we must have suitable shoes that will keep us upright in the battle.  The NIV says that our feet must be fitted with readiness.  We must be ready for the spiritual fight that the forces of evil will bring against us.  The Roman soldier had special sandals with spikes on the bottom for times when the battle was fought on a slope or on a slippery surface.  He knew that if he fell while in a fight, it would probably lead to his death; therefore, his shoes had to be prepared for such occasions.

Our feet have to be properly fitted as well.  What prepares us to stand regardless of the terrain of life?  The gospel of Christ.  It teaches us not only how to be saved, but how to maintain our salvation.  Let’s all examine our lives and make sure that we are living honestly, involved in the doing of righteousness, and have our feet properly fitted to stand against the devil.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.