13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Christians need to arm themselves with “the whole armour of God” for their “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Our enemies are more than flesh and blood. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The devil has set against Christians a great many demonic forces, worldly and fleshly lusts, unbelieving people, etc. All these are constantly trying to bring down Christians through satanic devices.
This being a spiritual warfare, “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal” (2 Corinthians 10:4a). Christians are provided with the “armour of God”, which is “mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Corinthians 10:4b). The Christian soldier’s armour is wholly spiritual. The spiritual armaments provided by God are best suited for defeating the devices of Satan. No better armoury can a man find for spiritual victory than that which God has provided for him. According to Ephesians 6:14-17, the whole armour of God consists of (i) the belt of truth, (ii) the breastplate of righteousness, (iii) the shoes of the preparation of the Gospel of peace, (iv) the shield of faith, (v) the helmet of salvation, and (vi) the sword of the Spirit. The armour of God is indispensable, and also ever accessible. What glorious and powerful protective gear the Lord has given to us!
Christians must always be ready with the whole armour of God – that is an absolute necessity to fight the good fight. It is very foolish for a soldier to enter the battlefield without his armour, yet many Christians do this every day; being utterly defenceless, they become easy prey.
Christians are also called to stand firm in the evil day - when is “the evil day”? Though every day can be said to be an “evil day”, it refers to a day when the forces of the devil continuously pounce on a believer. It is the day of test! It can be today or tomorrow. Hence, having done all things in preparation for the battle, we must stand our ground. Christians must not become indolent or lazy. Neither should they become fearful. Even when they have gained victory over a certain satanic assault, they must brace themselves for the next battle. Fight for Christ to the end of your life!