The Holy Art of Self-Defence
Ephesians 6:11 - "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
The belt of truth holds all the armor in place. Knowing the truth of the scriptures will help us to recognize the devil’s lies because he is well-known as the “Father of Lies.” The truth can also set us free from believing the devil’s false accusations against us. In addition, it helps us to stay committed to the truth of God, so we remain a person of honesty and integrity that pleases God.
John 8:32 - "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
The breastplate of righteousness protects and shields all our vital organs from the enemy like a soldier in battle. The breastplate of righteousness protects our heart from evil so we can stay Holy and pure. We are protected by the righteousness of Jesus’ blood.
Proverbs 4:23 - "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
The shoes of peace allow us to stand firm in the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ peace will shine in us so we can be a light for others.
Romans 10:15 - "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
The shield of faith protects us from the fiery dart attacks of the devil. His attacks include putting doubt in our minds about the goodness of God, our salvation because of sin, or how others think about us.
Hebrews 11:6 - "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
The helmet of salvation protects our head and thoughts from doubt and fear. It keeps our mind focused on the truth of God’s promises so the devil cannot control our thinking. With the helmet, our thinking is controlled by the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 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."
Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Ephesians 6:12 - "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
2 Corinthians 10:4 - "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."
1 Peter 5:8 - "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Luke 10:19 - "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Isaiah 54:17 - "No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord."
Revelation 12:11 - "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."
Matthew 10:16 - "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
