01/11/2026
Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
Truth sets you free, breastplates protect the heart, our readiness to share the gospel is paramount, the shield of faith is a heart dependent upon the might and power of God, the helmet protects the mind, and the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God is our primary offensive weapon.
This means being transparent with one another, prepared at all times for battle, not found defenseless and unready—Semper Paratus, as the Coast Guard says….and pray. Prayer is the foundational principle on which the full armor is built.
All that is left is to put it on, and let me tell you how
First, be transparent with your life…this what Jesus taught when He said, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.”
Second, For the Hebrew, human thought and emotion came from the heart—therefore, guard your heart by watching what you are engaging in, watching, participating…etc…and exchange it for godly activities.
Third, Prepare your testimony to share with someone and make it a point to testify of God’s goodness every day, even if it is just talking about what a great day God gave you. This makes you aware of the daily goodness.
Fourth, As we learned last week, your trust in God is in direct proportion to how you can lay down your burdens. Have faith in God who has been faithful in the past!
Fifth, Ask God to restore to you the joy of your salvation, the knowledge of which guards your mind.
Sixth, Draw your sword! When despair creeps in and the heart begins to fail, Draw the Word of God, speak the name of Jesus into the challenge and fight…and when you have done all you can do—Stand.
Lastly, Pray! In the Spirit through Scripture, which is the Word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
