What is the Armour of God? A Complete Overview

If you have ever played chess, you would know it is a battle between two opponents locked in a strategy war, each trying to outsmart and overpower the other. The game ends when the King is trapped, and one word seals the fate: Checkmate.

There is a famous painting called Die Schachspieler (The Chess Players) by Retzsch.  In it, Satan plays chess against a man whose soul is at stake. The man looks defeated. Lost. Satan smirks with pride, convinced it is checkmate. But the story does not end there. A chess master, Paul Morphy, is said to have studied a version of this painting, recreated the board, and found what no one else saw. A winning move for the man. Morphy, leaning in, reportedly said, “Young man, your enemy miscalculated. I uncovered the move. You do not have to lose. You win.”

Spiritual warfare is real. Even when it looks like the enemy has won, God has already revealed the winning move.

Just like that Chess master uncovered the winning strategy, so we who follow Christ are invited to recognise that the battle has already been won. The enemy may appear strong, but his defeat is sealed.

Spiritual Warfare Is Real

The truth is, there is an unseen war continually raging. Whether you know it or not, you are in the middle of a spiritual battle for your life. It impacts our mind, our marriage, our workplace, our emotions, our relationships, and our health. In fact, many of the problems Christians face, including discouragement, distractions, addiction, uncontrollable anger, debt, and spiritual defeat, find their root in this war. Not one of us is immune to the consequences of spiritual warfare

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul makes it clear:

“'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens."

This fight is not just about what is going wrong in your finances, relationships, emotions, or health. It is rooted deeper in the spiritual realm.

Here is what I have come to realise:

The devil is crafty. Strategic. A manipulator. And he absolutely does not play fair. He will use anything to get us to be separated from God, leading us to doubt God, question our worth, and walk in fear instead of faith. Whether he convinces us that he does not exist, or overwhelms us so much we give him too much credit, he wins if we are not alert.

But here is the good news: the enemy has already been defeated. Jesus crushed him at the cross. The only power the enemy has now is what we give him, through fear, passivity, or lack of faith

And that is exactly why we need to put on the full Armour of God.

So, What Is the Armour of God Really About?

The full armour of God equips every believer to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.

When Paul wrote Ephesians 6:10-18, he was not giving us a motivational speech. He was in prison in chains! Writing to believers. Urging them to stand firm, not by willpower, but by dressing well for spiritual battle. In Ephesians 6:11-13, Paul writes

“Put on the full armour of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand."

Paul used the analogy of a Roman soldier's armour, which was relevant to his culture at the time. Understanding the unique nature of each piece and how to use it is key. Let’s walk through what that looks like, piece by piece.

1. The Belt of Truth (6:14):

A belt in a Roman soldier’s gear secured his sword and held everything in place. Without it, the soldier would struggle. Truth is what holds everything together in our spiritual walk. Since the enemy is the father of lies, as Jesus says in John 8:44, truth is our first line of defence.

How to put it on: 

Start your day with truth. Speak it. Declare it. “I live in God’s truth.”

Ask yourself, “What lie have I believed? What truth do I need to put on today?”

Live with honesty before others, before God, and before yourself.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness (6:14):

A breastplate protects the vital organs, especially the heart of the soldier. The enemy loves to aim at our hearts through shame, guilt, and self-condemnation. However, the righteousness we wear is Christ’s perfect righteousness as described in 2 Corinthians 5:21. We are made right with God because of what Jesus did on the cross. Our lifestyle flows from that identity.

How to put it on: 

When the enemy brings up your past, remind him, "I am righteous through Christ Jesus."

Pray Psalm 139:23-24. Ask God to help you walk and live in righteousness.

3. The Shoes of Peace (6:15)

Soldiers needed solid footwear to march, stand firm, and advance. In the spiritual battle, the shoes represent readiness to share the gospel of peace and to walk in the peace that Christ gives, even in the fiercest fight.

How to put it on: 

Reflect on Philippians 4:6-8.

Lay down your worries and fix your thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

Pray, “God, equip me to bring Your peace into every situation I walk into today.”

4. The Shield of Faith (6:16)

Roman shields were large and capable of absorbing flaming arrows. These shields were usually as large as two and a half feet wide and four feet tall. They protected the entire body and were large enough to hide behind. Our faith is that shield. It is not a feeling; it is our decision to believe God anyway. Even when the report is bad. Even when we don't feel strong. Even when the storm rages. Faith is the defence that blocks the enemy’s flaming darts.... lies, fear, temptation, discouragement.

How to put it on: 

Find specific scriptures that affirm God’s promises for you.

Daily declare, “I trust God more than I trust what I feel or see.”

When negative thoughts assault you, lift up your shield and stand firm.

5. The Helmet of Salvation (6:17)

Many battles start in the mind.  If the enemy can mess with our thoughts, he will mess with our lives. That is why we need a head covering. The helmet protects the head. To wear the helmet of salvation means that we make decisions with a biblical mindset, adopting the mind of Christ. We are to think God's thoughts and not operate in human wisdom (Col 3:1-2). It means walking in deliverance, resurrection, and hope, not by human strength but by divine truth.

How to put it on: 

Guard your mind. Use Philippians 4:6-8 to refocus.

Renew your thoughts in God’s Word.

Declare, “My mind is captive to the Word of God,” as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:5, and I choose to think of the things above, not things on earth (Col 3:1-2)

6. The Sword of the Spirit - God’s Word (6:17)

This is the one offensive weapon in the armour. All the others are defensive - protective. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He used Scripture. We are called to do the same. So our offensive weapon against the enemy is the Word of God, the Bible, and we are called to become familiar with God's word so that we can be prepared to use it when the decisive moment arises. Do not just study the Word. Apply it. Speak it. Believe it. Live it.

How to put it on: 

Read God’s Word regularly. Memorise key passages.

Speak it aloud. Say, “It is written,...” as Jesus did.

Move from quoting the Word to declaring it, walking in it and living it.

Prayer: The Power That Activates It All

Prayer is the power that activates every piece of the armour.

Paul finishes the list with this:

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18)

Prayer is essential. It is not just a spiritual routine. It is our lifeline. It is the means by which we put on the armour and live in victory. Prayer draws us into deep connection with God, helps us depend on Him, and aligns us with His will. Prayer brings clarity. Power. Peace.

How to put it on:

Begin your day in prayer. Ask God to fill you with his spirit and clothe you in each piece of armour.

Keep the conversation with God going throughout your day.

Pray not just for yourself, but for others too. Pray continually.

Prayer is where battles are won.

Before You Step Out Today…

Every morning, before you step out, take a moment to clothe yourself in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word.

Ask yourself:

Am I wearing the full armour?

What piece have I been neglecting?

Where is the enemy trying to strike right now?

Download our “Holy Armour Checklist” and take 5 -10 minutes each morning to put it on. Piece by piece. It changes everything.

Remember, the victory is already yours in Christ. We are not fighting for victory. We are fighting from victory.

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Next up: “Sword of the Spirit — How to Use God’s Word as Your Weapon.