Spiritual Warfare Teaching Series: The Spiritual Armor – Part 1

Teaching Series: Born into Battle – Equipping the Saints for Spiritual Warfare
By: Minister Denise N. Fyffe

Opening Scripture

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)

Introduction

Earlier this week, I was thinking about how we prepare for different challenges in life. If it’s raining, we grab an umbrella. If we’re going for a run, we put on the right shoes. But when it comes to the spiritual battles we face daily, many believers step out unprepared — not because they don’t care, but because they don’t realize they’ve been given armor to wear.

In Spiritual Warfare: Born into Battle (Chapter 4), I explain that the armor of God is not symbolic decoration; it is Christ’s own victory issued to us as protective and offensive equipment. Paul’s command to “put on” the armor is not a suggestion — it’s a survival order.

Today, we’ll look at the first three pieces: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, and the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace.

The Belt of Truth – Holding Everything Together

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth…” (Ephesians 6:14a, NKJV).

In Roman armor, the belt secured the tunic and held the sword. Without it, the soldier’s gear would shift and loosen in battle. In the same way, truth — God’s truth — holds our spiritual life together. Lies loosen everything: convictions sag, decisions wobble, and our footing becomes unstable.

Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17, NKJV). This means we must measure every thought, opinion, and cultural trend against Scripture. Truth is not just what we believe; it’s what we live by.

Practical Tip: Begin your day by reading a short passage of Scripture before you read the news or check your phone. Let truth be the first thing you “put on.”

The Breastplate of Righteousness – Guarding the Heart

“…having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14b, NKJV).

The breastplate protected the soldier’s vital organs, especially the heart. Spiritually, the heart is the command center of our life (Proverbs 4:23). Accusations, condemnation, and shame aim here first.

Righteousness is twofold:

• Imputed righteousness — who you are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Practical righteousness — how you live in obedience to God’s Word (Romans 6:13).

When we walk in righteousness, we close the gaps the enemy tries to exploit. Quick repentance keeps the breastplate in place.

Practical Tip: If you feel condemned, answer with Romans 8:1 — “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” Then take any needed step of repentance so your heart stays protected.

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Finding Your Footing

“…and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15, NKJV).

Roman soldiers wore sandals with studded soles for traction on rough terrain. Peace is our spiritual traction. Anxious, hurried hearts slip easily; peace stabilizes us so we can stand firm and move forward.

Philippians 4:7 (NKJV) promises, “And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This peace comes from knowing the gospel — the good news that Jesus has reconciled us to God — and being ready to share it.

Practical Tip: When you feel rushed or pressured, pause and breathe a short prayer: “Lord, I receive Your peace.” Then respond, not react.

Practical Exercise for the Week

Morning Suit-Up – Each morning for the next 7 days:

• Read Ephesians 6:10–18 aloud.
• Speak one sentence of commitment for each of these three pieces:
  • Belt: “I bind my life to God’s truth today.”
  • Breastplate: “I stand in Christ’s righteousness and walk in obedience.”
  • Shoes: “I walk in the peace of the gospel, ready to stand and to go.”

Reflection Question

• Which of these three pieces — truth, righteousness, or peace — do I most need to strengthen in my life this week?

Be Encouraged

This is only the beginning of understanding the armor God has given you. In Spiritual Warfare: Born into Battle, Chapter 4, I go deeper into each piece, with drills, declarations, and prayers to help you “suit up” daily. If you don’t have your copy yet, I encourage you to get it and use it as your personal training manual. The more familiar you are with your armor, the more confident and effective you’ll be in every spiritual battle.

Please feel free to drop us a line, using the Prayer Request Contact form and we will pray for you.

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The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look at yourself and reflect on your life. Are you searching for something more? Are you satisfied with how things are today? Is God calling you to confess your sins, be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him?  What can you do to take the first step?

Trust God to help you with that first step.

Click here to understand how to Answer the Call or answer the Altar Call.

It shall be well with you, in Jesus mighty name.

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About the writer:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey. She also shares her knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.