QKAG: Issue # 60

PAST ISSUE # 60
Questions Kids Ask About God

Question: What is the armour of God?

Answer: In Ephesians 6:10-18, the armour of God is a sort of spiritual fighting gear for Christians to put on so that we can defend ourselves against the forces of darkness. The armour of God consists of the following items - belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit.
In order for us to resist the devil, we must put on the whole armour of God. If we are missing a piece of the armour, we will be vulnerable to attacks. Each item of the armour is significant but they are only effective if they used together. For example, a soldier will be defenseless if he does not have a shield or breastplate. As such, he needs to have the full armour to be secure.
So, what do the different pieces of the armour mean? Many bible scholars have different views of these items. Therefore, we need to ask God for guidance on what His armour means to us personally. We also need to ask for God's help to put on the full armour of God.

Key Bible verses:
Luke 10:17; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Ephesians 6:10-18; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 1 John 4:4; Revelation 12:11, 20:10;

My views:
I heard a very good sermon on the armour of God from my pastor during my mission trip to Jakarta, Indonesia. Let me share with you what he had preached on the armour of God:
1. Belt of truth - The belt of truth is like a weight-lifter's belt which protects his back when he lifts a heavy load. In our Christian life, we need to be truthful in everything we do and speak because we are of the God of truth (Psalm 25:5, 31:5). If we do not have the belt of truth, we will be easily quashed by our enemy and the pressures of the world.
2. Breastplate of righteousness - A breastplate protects the organs of our upper body, especially the heart. The breastplate of righteousness is supposed to protect our heart, and ensure that our heart is righteous (Proverbs 4:23). We need to be careful that we do not defile ourselves with wicked desires (Matthew 15:18).
3. Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace - Soldiers need to wear shoes to protect their feet. Therefore, we should put on the gospel of peace everywhere we go. Every step we take, we are declaring the gospel of peace or the good news to everyone we meet. Because the gospel has the power to save, and the people who used to be our enemies will be our allies when they believe and enter the kingdom of God (Romans 1:16).
4. Shield of faith - Soldiers carry shields to protect themselves from the attacks of arrows and swords. Therefore, when we are being attacked by Satan, we need to carry the shield of faith which is to place our faith and trust in Christ Jesus who protects us from evil (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
5. Helmet of salvation - A helmet protects a soldier's head. As such, we need to protect our mind against doubt and deception with the helmet of salvation. We need to study the Bible so that we may know and believe in the promises of God, especially His promise of salvation to those who place their faith in Christ Jesus (Romans 5:1).
6. Sword of the Spirit - A soldier uses a sword to defend himself and attack the enemy. In Ephesians 6:17, the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. In Hebrews 4:12, the Word of God is liken to a double-edged sword. Therefore, when we are being attacked by Satan, we can rebuke him with God's Word (Luke 4:1-13).
7. Last, we need to pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). Praying in the Spirit is to pray according to God's will. Therefore, when we undergoing spiritual attack, we should pray in the Spirit and ask for God's guidance.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please help me put on Your full armour so that I can stand firm and guard myself against the enemy. I want to submit to You so that I can resist the tempter and his agents (James 4:7). In my trials and tribulations, I want to fix my eyes on Your Son, Jesus because I believe that He can win the battle for me. I thank You for making me Your child. I want to follow You through the days of my life. In Your Son's most precious Name I pray, Amen.

Last words...
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
Next