We must always be ready for battle, warned Paul David Tripp in his book Lead: “[T]he Bible normalizes rather than dramatizes spiritual warfare. Because we live in a fallen world. Because there really is an enemy, Satan, because there is evil and temptation around us all the time, and because remaining sin still leaves us susceptible to attack, we live every day in a war zone.”

No wonder Paul commanded us to “put on the full armor of God” (v. 11)! After all, we’re soldiers for the Lord, a metaphor indicating commitment, obedience, and suffering (2 Tim. 2:3–4). There’s no way to “stand against the devil’s schemes” other than in God’s strength (v. 10). Our struggle is not physical but spiritual (v. 12). The “armor of God” is what enables us to stand our ground (v. 13).

Six items of armor, modeled on Roman army gear, are listed here: 1) The belt of truth (v. 14). Like most belts, it holds things together. 2) The breastplate of righteousness, which covers the heart. 3) “Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (v. 15). These sandals or boots are ready to go anywhere in obedience to the Great Commission (vv. 19–20; Matt. 28:19–20). 4) The shield of faith (v. 16), which protects us from the “flaming arrows of the evil one.” 5) The helmet of salvation (v. 17), which keeps safe our head and brain. 6) “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17, see also Heb. 4:12). There is one additional “secret weapon,” which is prayer (v. 18).

We’re not always clothed in the armor of God, nor is it automatic. We choose to put it on (v. 11). This should be a daily choice that becomes a routine, then a spiritual habit, then a joyful discipline.

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