Along with the helmet of salvation, the Christian is given the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. With it, the Christian defends himself and repels the devil. The word of God determines truth, is powerful and changes lives.

The end of Elijah's ministry demonstrates the danger of removing the helmet of salvation. The great prophet Elijah sank into a deep depression having forgotten to wear God's provided helmet of salvation. Our shield of faith becomes irrelevant without God's helmet of salvation.

The helmet of salvation is the last piece of defensive armor listed for us in this text. It is not a reference to putting on saving grace, but to embrace and recall the truths of our salvation that produces hope in the mind of the believer.

The shield of faith is not the most important part of the armor of God because all of the armor is essential. However, it does appear that the shield of faith is what is most quickly set aside in times of the devil's attack. Raising the shield of faith happens every time the Christian believes and upholds the truth of God when Satan strikes.

God provides to the Christian faith by which he can in all circumstances defeat the devil's arrows of deception. The shield of faith provides an ongoing confidence in who God is and what God does.

The Christian life requires the proper "foot wear" if he is going to remain standing at the end of the battle against the attacks of the devil. This spiritual foot gear refers to a readiness to extend the very same peace given to the Christian to others wherever we go. It is not about evangelism, but being a person whose life is marked by extending peace to others.

Paul explains in 1 Cor. 6 that in Christ we are washed, sanctified and justified and are no longer who we used to be. By God's grace, we can have a proper view of ourselves according to God's creative order. Our sexuality should not be confused with race & neither should we place our identity in sexuality.

The breastplate of righteousness is to protect our mind, will, affections and emotions. These are the areas Satan attacks most often. Through the Holy Spirit's molding us, Christ's imputed righteousness allows us to live in practical righteousness.

The first piece of armor the Christian needs is the belt of truth by which he will support his righteousness and his weapon - the word of God.

Having described the reality and potency of the devil, Paul now gives us the guaranteed remedy against Satan and assurance of victory... the whole armor of God.