Armour
Definition:
The Christian Meaning and Imagery of Armour
In Christianity, armour symbolizes spiritual protection, defence, and readiness in the believer’s life. It is a metaphor for God’s provision and strength, enabling believers to resist evil, temptation, and spiritual attack. This imagery is most clearly taught in Ephesians 6:10–18, where Scripture describes the armour of God as both protective and empowering.
1. Armour as Spiritual Protection
Armour represents God’s protection against spiritual attack.
Scripture (Ephesians 6:11, NIV)
11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
God Himself supplies the protection believers need in spiritual conflict.
2. Armour as Readiness and Vigilance
Armour conveys alertness, stability, and preparedness.
Scripture (Ephesians 6:14, NIV)
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Believers are called to stand, not retreat, clothed in God’s provision.
3. Armour as Truth
The belt of truth represents integrity, honesty, and God’s revealed Word.
Scripture (Ephesians 6:14a, NIV)
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
Truth holds every other part of spiritual life together.
4. Armour as Righteousness
The breastplate protects the heart and moral life.
Scripture (Ephesians 6:14b, NIV)
14 …with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Righteousness guards the inner life against accusation and corruption.
5. Armour as Readiness to Proclaim the Gospel
The footwear represents readiness grounded in peace.
Scripture (Ephesians 6:15, NIV)
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Believers are equipped not only to stand but to move forward in peace.
6. Armour as Faith
Faith functions as active defence against attack.
Scripture (Ephesians 6:16, NIV)
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Faith blocks fear, doubt, accusation, and temptation.
7. Armour as Salvation
Salvation guards the mind with assurance and hope.
Scripture (Ephesians 6:17a, NIV)
17 Take the helmet of salvation
Salvation protects thoughts, identity, and confidence in Christ.
8. Armour as the Word of God
The Word is both defensive and offensive.
Scripture (Ephesians 6:17b, NIV)
17 …and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Scripture exposes lies and confronts spiritual darkness.
9. Armour as Prayer and Dependence on God
Prayer activates and sustains every part of the armour.
Scripture (Ephesians 6:18, NIV)
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Spiritual strength flows from continual dependence on God.
10. Armour as a Complete Spiritual Life
The armour represents a whole, integrated Christian life.
Scripture (Ephesians 6:11, NIV)
11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
God provides everything needed for spiritual endurance and victory.
Summary: What Armour Means in Christianity
Biblical armour imagery represents:
✔ God’s protection against spiritual attack
✔ Vigilance, readiness, and alertness
✔ Truth as foundational integrity
✔ Righteousness as moral defence
✔ Readiness to share the gospel of peace
✔ Faith as defence against fear and doubt
✔ Salvation as security for the mind
✔ The Word of God as spiritual weapon
✔ Prayer as continual dependence on God
✔ Full equipping for spiritual life and battle
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors
A breastplate guarding the heart
A helmet protecting the mind
A shield extinguishing flaming arrows
In Daily Faith
Putting on the full armour of God means choosing truth, righteousness, faith, Scripture, and prayer every day.
In Daily Life: Living Out the Armour of God
1. Put On the Armour Daily Through Surrender and Prayer
Scripture (Ephesians 6:11, NIV)
11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Daily Practice
Begin each day in prayer, committing your thoughts, plans, and weaknesses to God.
Deny self and follow Christ daily.
Scripture (Luke 9:23, NIV)
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Encouragement
You face spiritual pressure daily—God provides daily protection.
2. Belt of Truth — Choose Honesty and Reject Lies
Scripture (Ephesians 6:14, NIV)
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
Daily Practice
Speak truth even when costly.
Replace lies with Scripture.
Scripture (John 8:32, NIV)
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Encouragement
Truth brings stability and freedom.
3. Breastplate of Righteousness — Guard Your Heart
Scripture (Ephesians 6:14, NIV)
14 …with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Daily Practice
Confess sin quickly.
Choose obedience when tempted.
Scripture (1 John 1:9, NIV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Encouragement
Every righteous choice strengthens your spiritual defence.
4. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace — Walk in Peace
Scripture (Ephesians 6:15, NIV)
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Daily Practice
Walk in peace with God and others.
Refuse bitterness and division.
Scripture (Romans 5:1, NIV)
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Encouragement
Peace keeps you steady when life is unstable.
5. Shield of Faith — Fight Fear and Doubt
Scripture (Ephesians 6:16, NIV)
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Daily Practice
Trust God’s promises over circumstances.
Choose faith when fear arises.
Scripture (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
Encouragement
Faith does not remove the battle—it protects you within it.
6. Helmet of Salvation — Protect Your Mind
Scripture (Ephesians 6:17, NIV)
17 Take the helmet of salvation
Daily Practice
Renew your mind with truth.
Reject thoughts that contradict your identity in Christ.
Scripture (Romans 12:2, NIV)
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Encouragement
A mind secured in salvation resists despair and confusion.
7. Sword of the Spirit — Use the Word of God
Scripture (Ephesians 6:17, NIV)
17 …and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Daily Practice
Read Scripture daily.
Use God’s Word against temptation.
Scripture (Psalm 119:11, NIV)
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Encouragement
God’s Word is powerful and effective.
8. Prayer — Sustain the Armour
Scripture (Ephesians 6:18, NIV)
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Daily Practice
Pray continually.
Intercede for others.
Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV)
17 Pray continually.
Encouragement
Prayer keeps you alert, covered, and connected to God.
Daily Encouragement: Stand Firm
Scripture (Ephesians 6:10, NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Spiritual victory is not achieved by personal strength, but by living clothed in God’s strength every day.
Scripture References (NIV)
Ephesians 6:10–18 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…
Isaiah 59:17 (NIV)
He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head…
Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.