The Armor of God

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.
Ephesians 6:10-11

I have read through Ephesians many times and I have covered it with highlighter, but Paul's last statements have to be my favorite. This conclusion is like most, it gives you the takeaway. Paul tells us if we remember nothing else, we should remember to be strong in the Lord.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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, 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. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:12-17

The conclusion of Ephesians is packed with information. It's easy to lose sight of Paul's purpose of in writing this.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Our war is not against people, this world, or anything we can see...it's against Satan and his demons. With that in mind, let's look at how to fight the devil

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

What was the purpose of the belt?
The belt is very important, it holds your scabbard and any of your weapons. If you forget your belt, you would also leave behind your weapon.

with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

What was the purpose of the breastplate?
The breastplate protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Without a breastplate, any attack could become fatal, but with a firm breastplate, those same attacks can be ineffective.

and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

What was the purpose of the shoes?
A soldier needs shoes. Battle can create debris. Even pebbles and twigs can be painful to the barefoot.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

What was the purpose of the shield?
Shields in the Roman army were three and a half feet tall and nearly three feet wide. This would offer a lot of protection from enemies.

Take the helmet of salvation

What was the purpose of the helmet?
The helmet protects the head from attacks

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

What was the purpose of the sword?
The sword is the only thing Paul lists that can be used offensively. Without a sword, we are just well-armored moving targets.

The bible is the only offensive weapon given to us. That is why it is vital to use the bible when you trying to convert a nonchristian. You must fight for people with your sword, armor in place.

-Ruth

Sources
http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-belt-of-truth.htm
http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-breasplate-of-righteousness.htm
http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-shoes-of-preparation-gospel-of-peace.htm
http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-shield-of-faith.htm
http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-helmet-of-salvation.htm
http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-sword-of-spirit-word.htm

Photo Credit:
http://bloggingwithjames.jamesduncan-writer.net/2011/09/27/warriors-in-armor/