The Whole Armor of God

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, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 2:2) At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. (Titus 3:3) And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8)]

Therefore put on the full armor of God,

so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground

and after you have done everything, to stand.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:13)] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8-9) for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)]

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, also read Jeremiah 23:29)]

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 saints. [``Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.'' (Matthew 26:41)]