“Therefore, take up the whole armor (panoply) of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
When the evil day of Satan’s expected and surprise attacks come, when his fiery darts rain down upon you and the intense hand-to-hand combat of spiritual warfare ensues, God’s command is clear: “Stand your ground!”
You are expected to withstand this attack of the spiritual hosts of wickedness. Using the standard equipment issued by the captain of your salvation, you have all you need to emerge triumphant. This panoply has every essential needed for you to be victorious against the archenemy and his allies.
Because Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), you must wear the girdle of integrity—that honesty and goodness of heart which are essential components of the good soil (Luke 8:15).
Because our archenemy is a subtle slanderer, you must protect your heart with the breastplate of righteousness which comes from obedience.
Because the devil ever seeks to find a time and place of weakness so he can attack (1 Peter 5:8), you must always be prepared for battle by having feet shod with the gospel of peace.
Because the wicked one specializes in creating doubt and unbelief, you must ever have the shield of faith which can quench his dangerous fiery darts.
Because the deceiver is the source of despair and discouragement, you must protect your mind with the confident, vibrant hope contained in salvation.
Because the tempter is powerless against the authority of God’s all-sufficient word (cf. Matthew 4:1-11), you must carry and rightly wield the sword of the Spirit.
Because it is impossible for Satan to trip up a saint on bended knee, “praying always with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18) is the final piece of God’s protective armor.
This panoply has been battle-tested throughout human history. It is guaranteed by God to be successful in every spiritual conflict you have.
You must put it on for yourself. No one can do it for you. “Therefore, take up the whole armor (panoply) of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
