Ready for battle: how to put on the full Armor of God | Episode 415, Identity in the Battle series

We invite you this week to focus on understanding our identity in Christ as we engage in spiritual battle, highlighting the practical meaning and Old Testament roots of the armor God equips us with. Based on Ephesians 6:13-17, let’s consider our identity and readiness in spiritual battle!

Listen here: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372030/link/ 

We invite you to consider purchasing the accompanying workbook here: https://www.gospelspice.com/identity 

Context: Identity in the Midst of Battle

The Christian life necessarily involves a spiritual battle. The Apostle Paul calls believers to “stand”—not in our own strength, but grounded in our new identity in Christ. Paul’s instruction to put on the “full armor of God” isn’t new; its roots run deep in the Old Testament, with key imagery borrowed from books like Isaiah and Deuteronomy.

• In Isaiah 11:5 and 59:17, righteousness, faithfulness, and salvation appear as God’s own armor.
• This armor is now given to us, His adopted children, not as a child’s imitation set but as the genuine armor of our commander.

Why the Armor Fits—Old and New Testament Connections

Paul isn’t inventing something new for the church in Ephesians. The same armor God Himself wears in Isaiah—righteousness as a breastplate, salvation as a helmet—is now available to every believer, thanks to our adoption in Christ. In God’s army, the commander and soldiers wear the same “colors”—we share in God’s strength and righteousness.

The armor is also prophetic: Isaiah 59 speaks of the coming of the Messiah like a rushing stream (an echo of Pentecost) and describes how God’s Spirit will seal and empower His people. This sealing (see Ephesians 1:13) corresponds with being clothed in God’s armor.

Seven Elements of the Armor

While many list six pieces, Ephesians points to seven, symbolizing fullness and perfection:

1. Belt of Truth: Truth is both light and freedom. It’s the foundation that supports all other pieces, anchoring our identity in what God has said and done, not our own perception or the world’s lies.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness: This isn’t self-righteousness but Christ’s righteousness. It’s described as a “heart protector,” guarding us against accusations—whether from the enemy or our own self-doubt. Standing in Christ’s righteousness, not our own, keeps us from the traps of pride or despair.
3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: These boots provide both stability (standing firm) and mobility (readiness to move). They symbolize preparation and the peace rooted in the gospel, enabling us to stand and advance as one body with other believers.
4. Shield of Faith
5. Helmet of Salvation
6. Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)
7. Prayer—the element that undergirds and animates all the others, keeping us connected to God and alert in the battle.

Application: Standing Ready

God calls us to “put on” and “take up” these elements daily—not hastily when the enemy attacks, but as preparation for victorious living. The Christian walk is not passive; it’s a team endeavor, fought best in community, by truthfully embracing our identity and actively trusting God’s provision.

The full armor of God is a gift of grace, perfectly suited for each believer, grounding us in truth, righteousness, and peace, and continually energized by prayer. This is how we stand firm and advance in the spiritual battle, secure in our identity as children of God.

​​​​​​​----- IDENTITY IN THE BATTLE WORKBOOK ------

You have the option to go beyond listening to this series, and to participate actively. This exclusive Gospel Spice Ministries resource is available at gospelspice.com/identity . You will receive a downloadable, printable workbook containing listening guide for each of the 6 episodes in this series, space for note taking, and discussion questions if you want to do this study with a friend! What better way to enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend this season, than to discuss your identity in the battle together? So, grab a friend or family member, or someone to mentor or be mentored by, and signup together. 

Every week, Stephanie shares truth from Scripture and invites you to dig deeper in your faith to delight in the glory of God.

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