What spiritual "armor" should Christians prioritize over physical defenses like Goliath's? Goliath’s Impressive Armor • 1 Samuel 17:5-7 catalogs the giant’s helmet, coat of mail, bronze greaves, javelin, spear, and shield bearer—an intimidating display of human strength. • Yet David answered, “You come to me with a sword and spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45). Physical armor dazzles, but divine power delivers. Our Superior Armor in Christ “Therefore take up the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13). The Spirit-given gear outclasses every earthly defense: • Belt of Truth – “Stand firm then with the belt of truth fastened around your waist” (v. 14). Truth holds everything together and keeps us from stumbling into deceit. • Breastplate of Righteousness – “with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed” (v. 14). Christ’s righteousness guards the heart against accusation and shame (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – “with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace” (v. 15). Firm footing that cannot slip, enabling steady advance (Romans 10:15). • Shield of Faith – “with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (v. 16). Trust in God deflects doubt, fear, and temptation (Psalm 18:30). • Helmet of Salvation – “take the helmet of salvation” (v. 17). Assurance of being rescued secures the mind against despair (1 Thessalonians 5:8). • Sword of the Spirit – “which is the word of God” (v. 17). Scripture is both defensive and offensive, cutting through lies (Hebrews 4:12). Putting On Each Piece • Embrace Scripture daily; truth straps the belt tight. • Confess sin and walk in obedience; righteousness stays polished. • Rehearse the gospel; peace steadies every step. • Exercise faith through prayer and remembrance of God’s past faithfulness. • Meditate on salvation’s promises; hope guards the mind. • Speak and memorize God’s Word; the sword stays sharp. Why Spiritual Armor Outshines Physical Defenses • “The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). • Physical armor protects bodies temporarily; spiritual armor preserves souls eternally (Matthew 10:28). • Earthly gear can fail; God’s armor is “tried and true; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him” (Psalm 18:30). Living Ready Every Day • Dress in God’s armor before confronting the day’s challenges. • Depend on the Spirit, not human strength, remembering that David’s victory came “so that all this assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves” (1 Samuel 17:47). • Remain alert and steadfast, because “the night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). |
    |