I recently did a word study on this. I wanted to share a few things I observed. In this passage we are told to stand firm four times. This is the reason to put on the armor. The phrase to gird your loins was a popular saying in Roman times and meant to be ready for anything. In researching the armor of Roman soldiers in Paul's time, they did not wear any type of belt in this area. Often, their breast shield came down low enough to cover this area. Another interesting piece of information I came across was the sandals the soldiers wore into battle had spikes in the soles. So when they were fighting the enemy they could plant their feet and not be pushed back. In regards to the sword being the word of God, Jesus is often referred to as the Word. When looking at this passage in context as a whole, I believe we are called as soldiers to stand firm and be on guard, to protect and not give ground. Jesus is the one who will fight the actual battles against the spiritual forces.

@SyoDraws

Жыл бұрын

Interesting

@justkenzie

Жыл бұрын

Very well stated... maybe this is something to study for my next video.

@nicholasgeorge3868

Жыл бұрын

Jesus is not often ENOUGH referred to as the Word, which he himself alone is deserving to be called. Instead we call the Bible the word of God, but it is only a slice of that pie: "The word of God is living and active..." That's Bible.

@riznooo

Жыл бұрын

I respectfully disagree he gave us authority. Mean God gave us a right 2 fight the devil in his name but we are not alone. Jesus yes is the sword but its in ur hands that requires both jesus and us 2 participate in the fight. Yes we are his soldier! That i agree.We can do nothing apart. That dosnt mean that our part isnt important . GOD works threw us! We were created with a spirit of power. The devil has convinced so many we are powerless! it all comes from him yes he is our king in his name we fight!his name has power but we have 2 weld it and stand firm. Our fight is with the principalities and darkness of the world. Let christs light shine threw us in faith!

@apalsnerg

Жыл бұрын

The romans did wear a protective girdle over their crotch, called a cingulum (militare). A related term is "balteus". The very wearing of a protective belt was one of the primary signifiers of one's occupation as a soldier. The studs in Roman caligae were not necessarily to stop soldiers being pushed back, but rather to ensure they could walk efficiently in mud and dirt, which they often did on their incredibly long marches. Had the caligae been flat-bottomed, they would easily have slipped.

Personally when I read sword and gods word, my mind immediately goes to Hebrews. "For the word of God is alive 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 NIV

@christatum3045

Жыл бұрын

Amen.

@tammiesherrie

Жыл бұрын

Amen

@Bloodshedx11223

11 ай бұрын

Amen

I used to be involved in a medieval reenactment guild. And the way separate pieces of armor are attached to you or to each other are with really short belts with buckles to latch them. Once when reading this it hit me, the belt of truth could refer to the belts used to hold all of the armor together and on to you. Because if the Gospel weren’t true, it would be useless. Righteousness wouldn’t work if it wasn’t true, salvation wouldn’t either if it wasn’t true. I’m never one for altering the Bible but I think it’s nice to see the belt of truth as the fastening belts of truth.

@HartyBiker

Жыл бұрын

You'll know then that properly fitting armour is usually held in place by a belt around the waist such that the majority of the weight is carried on the hips rather than the shoulders. I always considered this when I was reading the text that it doesn't matter what else your armour is that if it is not properly held in place by a firm foundation on the truth (we might say sola scriptura) then everything else will be out of whack. A belt is a foundational aspect of armour and truth is a foundational aspect of our Christian lives.

@swen6797

Жыл бұрын

Belt of truth = the result of coming to the light diligently. All the armor is manifested in you by God's works in light. John 3:21. Salvation? 1 John 1:7. Righteousness? Malachi 4:2. Faith? Authored and Finished in the light. Your faith is dead without the works of God performed in His light. His light is the refiners fire. Preparation of the gospel of peace ? Walking in light. Sword of the spirit? Jesus Christ who is the image of God. God is light. It's all about the commission of His light verses the omission of His light on the flesh. You can't say you have fellowship with Him, yet walk in darkness. 1 John 1:6 Walking in darkness is denying the image of God as coming to the flesh. 2 John 1:7. Walking in darkness is blasphemy of the spirit that manifests sin. Nobody who sins is a child of God caused by His light. 1 John 3:9

@nataliebritton8602

Жыл бұрын

Yes!! You got it Brother!!!

@tammysims8716

4 ай бұрын

Good points. I'm trying to learn about this in order to fight the enemy more effectively.

@Charles-mv7sv

2 ай бұрын

Interesting, but it doesn't say belts.

I always understood it this way, Eph. 6:13 - 17: "loins girded with truth" so truth is our core foundation; breastplate of righteousness " protects our heart (our desires); "feet shod with the gospel" directing the way we walk; "shield of faith" protects us from doubt; "helmet of salvation" protects our thinking from falsehoods; "sword of the Spirit"; God Word, because it is truly through His Word and Spirit that His spiritual battles are fought and not by our hands, not by man's power.

@ryangreenwood208

10 ай бұрын

I like this notion, and I won’t argue just sharing my thoughts In 1 Cor 3:10 we’re told that Christ is our foundation. Physically speaking our feet:legs are our foundation. Scripture also says that “we can’t believe without hearing….. how sweet are the feet that carry the Gospel” (Romans 10:14-15). Also if the Gospel isn’t true, we still would have a foundation, it just wouldn’t be any good. Truth is more like the glue that holds the Armor together. No truth means no salvation or righteousness etc. just my own thoughts and some scripture

This video, in only 7 minutes, answered so many questions😭. I experienced extreme doubt just this morning and it overwhelmed me. I refuse to be a part of those who will fall away. I wanted to cry. I was like, “no way.” I started saying “Jesus” over and over again. Until the doubt went away. I smiled and started singing. The enemy sees that I’m taking a stand to live righteously for God and is attacking my faith. After this whole thing happened, I immediately went to study this very scripture. Then when I was done (for the day) I decided to look for videos to help me further my understanding. And now I understand what was going on. Spiritual warfare. Makes total sense now that I started praying consistently. God is soooo good. I refuse to go down.

What you said about deal with your sins first actually made me understand something I've been struggling with for a long time

How is God continually intentional of all that Concerns us? I just finished Armor of God devotional that my son invited me to on the Bible App, listened to a powerful message over 30 times by Priscilla Shirer, and just received deliverance this Sunday after fasting concerning the Armor of God and then last night my 14-year-old daughter and I talked about it after her swim practice! Even still, I need more and I 'm grateful for Mike's obedience this morning. God is faithful still! 💚

The Armor of God: Read the Word Obey the Word Share the Word Believe the Word Know the Word Able to quote the Word

@NilesFoster-ry9in

7 ай бұрын

Nice short and to the point. Thank you

@BelieveInJesus77774

Ай бұрын

I love how simple this explanation is

Wow I needed to hear this. It zeroed in on my season of doubt. Thanks, Mike! I’m so thankful to God for you.

@stephmullin9709

Жыл бұрын

Haven't seen your cat lately

Thanks Pastor Mike! I really need to not compromise in life. I need to put on the whole armor of God, I've been missing the breastplate recently, that's why my doubts were so much, I had not gave up sin for righteousness. God bless!

Hi Mike, just wanted to say that i have been very blessed by your teaching! I found your channel about a year ago and have listened to nearly all your material! Thank you for your effort, dedication and integrity in the faith. Best regards from Sweden

YES. TO EVERYONE IN THIS PERIOD OF END TIMES. THANK YOU SO MUCH

May we stand firm even in this crooked and perverse world!!

Thank you 🥹 The analogy of the Armor of God is no more vague for me..!!!

It's important to remember that this is metaphorical armor and the actual "pieces" are the attributes themselves.

I love how Jesus Christ explained through the armor of God. Not many pastors tell truth of God. Showing to apply the love life of God . This'll help me and I will share this with my family and friends. Thanks for your service and help in Jesus name. Continue to help us build a relationship with Jesus. I'm humbled by the way Jesus works of faith that you shared with us. Glory to God . Amen.

So appreciated this little "devotional" this morning. Thank you Mike! God bless

Great job Mike God bless you

Pastors need to preach this often in there church to help the people stay strong and fight back

Oh wow., thank you my favourite VERSES! God Bless you and your Wife! 🙏🏻✝️🇿🇦Jenny

Hey Mike, an amazing book on this exists! It is called "The Christian in Complete Armour" by William Grunall. Written by a Puritan man in the 16th century. It has been a great tool, and certainly a top book for me!

@Gospelogian

Жыл бұрын

That is a classic!!

@nateyz2001

10 ай бұрын

@@devra5186 so many nuggets! Some that take longer to chew on...

I don't feel disconnected. Reading the inspired description gives me security and my confidence in God expands. Nothing is so powerful as the imputed and imparted righteousness truly guards me. As sealed by Holy Spirit, I love more deliberately, my intentions more determined to follow Christ

The belt of truth... the belt holds everything else up, or from falling down...

@tammiesherrie

Жыл бұрын

Wow amen!

@deeinfinite

Ай бұрын

Helmet of Salvation?

I love going through this armor of God, it's such a centering thing to contemplate. There's so much in each one, practically and spiritually. Thanks for sharing Mike!

I just wanted to say thank you so much Pastor Mike for your ministry and dedication to this channel. Many times I have questions or debates that I don’t know how to answer and you always come through with a video that’s on point, so I just wanted to say once again thank you so much and may God bless you.

Great thoughts, Mike! One thing I've thought of before is that the belt of truth prevents us from embarrassment. Just like a belt might hold our pants up. if we're walking in truth then we won't be embarrassed by the truth coming out after we've been untruthful. I've also thought that the helmet of salvation gives us assurance. As long as have that salvation, then we should be able to rest in that assurance in our minds. I recently released a children's book that is loosely based on this passage! Never Ever Build a Blanket Fort: Finding Courage in the Armor of God is a fun story about two kids building a blanket fort that morphs into a castle, which they then need to defend against the most unlikely of villains!

@HartyBiker

Жыл бұрын

I think it's even more than that. Properly fitting armour rests on the waist rather than the shoulders and the belt keeps it in place. Our Christian armour won't function properly and will tire us out if it is built on non truth, so we must have the truth (ultimately sola scriptura) as the foundation of our lives.

Thank you so much. I don’t even know how much to say that you have helped me grow in my faith and I can’t wait to see where God is going to take me.

I am teaching My kids this in our family Bible study and this helps a lot. Thank you so much.

Ahaha It was the chapter of our daily ready today 😄😄! What a pleasant surprise!

Holy wow I can't believe how much insight this one little video offers. Thank you!!!

Thank you so much for this. Always a good reminder.

Thank you pastor Mike

It's a fearful thing to have God call you out in such a blatant manner. Thank you, pastor Mike for this video.

I find these videos incredibly helpful

Love your video's they help me out so much! You are doing great work for Jesus!🙂

Thank you so much Mike. 🙏

Thank you for the quick overview. The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall, is a great resource for a study on the armor of GOD.

This is all so timely!

Thanks Mike, beautiful teaching!

Pastor Mike, your segment covering the third item of the armor, having our feet shod with the gospel of peace, was a good reminder and challenge!

Thanks for making that up Mike

Great breakdown on the armor of God Mike, you are truly a soldier in Gods army. Love your content!

Thank you for covering this topic simply, and quickly. Most Bible teachers go on wild tangents when they cover the armor of God. I am always reminded of something Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough”. God bless you.

Very Helpful... Thank You

Thanks for this!

Thank you! I'm excited to hear this break down! My kids are learning these verses right now and this should help

Cool timing. Just wrapping up a study on Tony Evan's spiritual warfare book. One chapter devoted to the full armor of God.

Amen. When you leaned into talking about doubt made me feel so much better. I have been experiencing this lately (for the first time) and yes, it was because of my sin. I don’t know why, but it makes so much sense when you explained it. Though, disclaimer: I wasn’t doubting the truth of Christianity. I was doubting my salvation😭😅. And I always thought, “Had you just chosen to love God by obeying His commands and not choose to temporarily satisfy the lusts of the flesh, you wouldn’t be here doubting your salvation so much.” But hearing you talk about it gave me a lightbulb moment. God is soo good❤️. I thank Him for directing my steps to watch this video so I may come to the understanding of what I’ve been going through. Thank you, Mike. May God bless you.

God Bless you all.

This was good, thank you!!! 😊

@jb_1971

Жыл бұрын

Hi, who do you say Jesus is?

Hi. Thanks for sharing this video. I recently discovered in Isaiah 59:17 that the Lord “put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head.” This makes me think when Paul talks about those things they are Christ’s righteousness and salvation covering us and protecting us, not our own behavior, although being clothed in his righteousness and salvation should give us the desire to live as He demonstrates so when others look at us they see Him.

I, very much, appreciate your thoughts on "Putting on the whole armor of God." I have tried to figure out exactly what Paul meant, when he spoke of the Whole Armor of God. The way YOU put it, brings its meaning a little closer to my understanding. I appreciate your time & thoughts. I found you thru a quick video about "putting the proverbial rock in a JW's shoe. I came to your page, seeking the whole section of that study. Thank you again. I subbed.

wow i strongly believe with mikes interpretation of the breastplate of righteousness... but thats okay! thanks for teh video. i love this topic, it's a GREAT scripture to pray every morning.

Thank you 🙏🤍😊

Thankyou for this breakdown Mike, I know I personally needed this today.

Clinton E Arnold’s work on this has been very helpful for me.

This is perfect Mike, I've all ways found the armour of God confusing as there is so many pastor's who use this verse in wrong way's.

Amen!

New guitar! Cool!

This is good

I see people miss this a lot, but regarding the shoes, they represent, " *the readiness* which *comes from* the gospel of peace." "Readiness" is what they represent, and that readiness, in turn, comes from the Gospel. I tend to think that the primary point being made is about motivation. We are to be made lightfooted and "ready" in our mission by the fact that we are messengers of such an amazing, redeeming, and saving message. The shoes aren't about protection, per se, but mobility and energy. The picture seems to me to be similar in spirit to the "hind's feet" of the Old Testament. I think Paul is telling us to let the beauty of the Good News of Peace, which Gospel we are the bearers of and which Peace we are intimately aquainted with, provide our feet with the "readiness" of dutiful and fleetfooted soldiers as we go about our Royal Commander's business.

Anointed oil on your feet/shoes so that wherever you may wander is blessed and anointed in Jesus and God’s name

Praying in all occasions and in all types of prayers could be the Face Shield that protects our face from the enemy.

2 Cor 5:21 explains that when we put on Christ we are made righteous through Him.

epic vid sir

Isnt it awesome that we do not have to ask for this armour ? God has already given it to us, we have it. We only need to put it on 🌷

As Handel quotes in his wonderful “Messiah”, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace”

Amen 🙏

Another thing about the belt; it's what keeps the armor together. Without it, the whole thing falls apart and you only have the Word of God (like having the bare minimum). Truth keeps us all together.

In your explanation of the "belt of truth", I'd have to say it is definitely the _latter_ of the thoughts you had on that, which is appropriate. Very interesting topic. Maybe something worth studying for my next video.🤷‍♀️

I AM A SOLDIER OF GOD I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH THE ARMOUR OF GOD, I AM PROTECTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT FLOWS THREW ME, I HAVE SURRENDERED MYSELF TO GODZ WILL AND NOW I WAIT FOR MY NEXT MESSAGE, I WILL CONTINUE TO DO MY DUTY HERE ON EARTH AND THE NEXT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. I LOVE ALL OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. GOD IZ GOOD. I SAY ALL OF THESE WORDZ IN EVERYTHING THAT IZ SACRED HOLY AND TRUE IN JESUS NAME I PRAY AMEN 🙏🏾

@kamohelo.phoebe

2 ай бұрын

Amen 🙏🏼

Pastor Mike is back 🙌🏿

Trusting he will protect u is the most important when it comes 2 protection from the devil. Act with God and step up use the authority jesus gives us and trust its there cause it is!!!

Hello really appreciate your video was put on by my fiancé, I am in the arts industry specifically acting and sometimes I get requested to do rolls that are a bit out there for Christian, and I know that acting is not who I am outside of that, but I still have those morals and values personally of a Christian, but I do look at people like yvonne orji Who was on a show on HBO that was heavily sexualized I believe I have not seen it but just from hearing a bit about it and I get conflicted it’s something that I’m praying about it but I would love you’ll intake as well😊🙏🏾

Dude, here under 10 minutes! I feel like I won a prize or something.

@alishaesch5636

3 ай бұрын

Same

@BansheeKing22

2 ай бұрын

I dont get it.

I just found out that Isaiah 59 also talks about the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness, though it is in context of Christ coming to save Israel for their unrighteousness

Okay, so knowing the purposes of the physical armor might shine some light on the spiritual armor. -Belt: Romans apparently wore belts that showed their status in the military; the truth defines our status. -Breastplate: The second most important piece of armor which will protect your vital organs; it defends us. -Shoes/Sandals: If you don't have good shoes, you're not going very far, or at least it isn't going to be a good journey; enough said. -Shield: It will get in the way of any attack you turn it to. -Helmet: The single most important piece of armor in any soldier's kit, as while you might survive a wound to your torso, you're less likely to survive a blow to the head. -Sword: Sure, armor's all well and good, but you're not going to be much good to anyone else if don't have some capacity to fight.

The breastplate of righteousness is to go forth boldly into the world, among your fellow man and woman, with intention to build them up. When lifting a heavy object and expecting to carry it awhile, would you sink your shoulder and hunch your back, like an old woman? NO! You would breathe in, shoulders back, head high, and eyes fixed on the glory of teamwork! Righteous means selfless and sanctified in the knowledge that "when two or more are gathered in my name, there so will be the Holy Spirit, and the blessings of God the father". VERILY

Thank you Mike for shedding light on this important passage, adding new insights to what I already knew.

I was looking up this passage in the midnight hours. I found it interesting the I the Greek rendition of Word is translated as Rhema

@brianchittenden6261

Жыл бұрын

And it means utterance. The spoken Word Of God

I appreciate your ministry, Mike! Have you considered the connections between Paul's discussion of the armor of God and the OT references to God's armor?

Its all about faith! No works.. the armor is about faith!

I think the shoes also refer to unity. A big theme of Ephesians is Christ's peace between rivaling Jews and Gentiles. I think of the shoes as standing side by side in proper ranks with Christian in peace rather than conflict.

Like

Thank you. Do you have anything on The Tabernacle? The detailed instructions even down to the color of thread to be used is mind boggling. Is there an explanation?

Thank you for explaining this in detail brother 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Mike. I would love to hear you explain how we are to “love one another”. I think that Jesus showed his love (of course by taking on our sins) but also by being truthful and confronting false teaching (ex: the Pharisees, etc.). I get it but it would be great to hear you have a long discussion in this. Thanks!

Prayer is what you do when you put on the armour. Pray at all time. Arm yourself before you pray. Go to war in prayer. Our battle is against those spiritual powers... So armour up and pray.

Talking about the armor of GOD: we need to focus on him alone. In the end it is not about the armor, it is about the content of it: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and the Holy Spirit. This is what the whole letter to the Ephesians is all about. It is what we receive by God (just as an armor). We shall not think about a robe and an armor, but about the content of Pauls words! That is by the way typically jewish. Jim Osman, an elder and friend of Justin Peters wrote a helpful book about the whole controversy - called: truth or territory.

has mike done a video on the spiritual forces and evil rulers?

further definition 1Th_5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

I'm very grateful for a mind, temperament, dedication and researcher like you has been presented to us by God.

I like Jim Osman on this. He says we shouldn’t exegete Roman armour - all of the elements of the armour are elsewhere in the book of Ephesians.

Thank you so much for this. Much appreciated.

Truth: Jesus is the way "The Truth" and the Life Make sure Jesus and his word its The Truth I believe is the belt of truth

I suppose the "modern" armour of God would be * The Utility Belt (or, Bandolier) of Truth * The Bulletproof Vest of Righteousness * The Riot Shield of Faith * The Military Boots of Peace * Still the Helmet of Salvation (but with Visor) * The Rifle of the Spirit

Do review Adam Harwood's new, Book of the Year, systematic theology !

🔷️ARMOR 🔷️ARMOUR

There are two offensive weapons in Ephesians 6, most people forget the heavy artillery.. praying always in the Spirit.

@jb_1971

Жыл бұрын

Who do you say Jesus is?

@thirdplace3973

Жыл бұрын

@@jb_1971 The Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

Also see Isaiah 59:17 where God wears the Helmet of Salvation and the breastplate of righteousness. And Isaiah 52:7 as the redeemer has "feet shod with the good news, proclaiming peace and salvation." Also maybe Isaiah 49:2 where the servant has "a mouth like a sharp sword, speaking the word of God."