The Armor of God

This opening lesson introduces the course text, Ephesians 6:10-18, framing Paul's teaching as a fourfold pattern: a command to be strong in the Lord, a solution to put on the whole armor, a reason to stand against the devil's wiles, and an explanation that we wrestle against principalities, not flesh and blood. It surveys each piece as the Word of God and closes with Isaiah's vision of God clothed in that same armor (Isaiah 59:17).

Focusing on Ephesians 6:14, this lesson unpacks the belt, or girdle, of truth as the foundation that holds every other piece of armor in place. Through Old Testament word studies it shows girding used for strengthening, support, gladness, and readiness, and identifies truth as the inerrant Word of God. Students examine right and wrong attitudes toward truth and why one must first settle that Scripture is wholly reliable.

Turning to the breastplate of righteousness, this lesson studies the high priest's jeweled breastplate in Exodus 28, its twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel, and the Urim and Thummim (lights and perfection) used to consult God's will. It presents the fruit of the Spirit as the New Testament counterpart, examines several kinds of righteousness, and notes the breastplate is also called one of faith and love (1 Thessalonians 5:8).

This lesson explores Ephesians 6:15, the feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. It traces biblical acts and images tied to the feet, from subjection and conquest to Mary anointing Jesus and the beautiful feet of Romans 10:15, and stresses readiness, alertness, and love for the lost. It closes by tracing peace to its source in God, Christ, and the Spirit, and to Christ the Prince of Peace.

Called the instructor's favorite piece, the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) quenches the fiery darts of the wicked one. The lesson studies the shield's Old Testament uses for protection and as treasure, such as Solomon's golden shields, then defines faith from Hebrews 11:1 as the substance of things hoped for. It surveys the nature, sources, and fruits of faith, concluding that faith is the victory that overcomes the world.

This lesson treats the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17) as protection for the mind and ears. Drawing on the doctrine of man, it presents the tripartite makeup of body, soul, and spirit, showing how the reborn spirit relates to God and how the renewed mind (Romans 12:2) takes on the mind of Christ. It warns how an unguarded mind breeds anxiety, guilt, and even bodily illness.

Here the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is examined as both defensive and offensive weapon. Old Testament studies show the sword worn in a sheath and used for self-defense, defending others, and aggressive attack, illustrated by Ehud and Eglon and by the captain of the Lord's host before Jericho. The lesson then catalogs the Word as pure, perfect, enduring, inspired, and living (Hebrews 4:12).

The final lesson argues that praying and watching (Ephesians 6:18) complete the armor. It sets out personal requirements for prayer, purity of heart, believing, asking in Jesus' name, and according to God's will, alongside general requirements like a forgiving spirit, simplicity, humility, and importunity. It reviews reasons prayers go unanswered, acceptable postures of prayer, and the call to watch and intercede with perseverance for all the saints.