As young Christians in a corrupt world we find that life can be difficult, especially when we are in public. Protecting our eyes, ears, and minds from everything that happens around us can be extremely difficult. Teenagers’ brains are still developing until they are 25. We must make sure they are fully developed in the right manner. How can one protect their mind and the rest of their spiritual body from the sins and temptations of this world? A suit of armor is needed. We can find and put on a suit of armor through the words of Paul in Ephesians 6. Those who are familiar with this passage will have the pieces of armor enter their mind: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. This illustration Paul uses is a wonderful application for the Christian.
When we put on the whole armor of God, we can face any battle the devil throws at us. Romans 8:31 states, “… if God is for us, who can be against us?” Christians who wear this armor in Ephesians 6 enlist themselves in a war. This war is not a physical one—it is a spiritual one that has been waged since sin entered this world. Paul tells his audience in verse 12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Each of us battles sin and temptation every day. The armor of God helps us combat sin and helps us prevail over it.
Once we put on the whole armor of God, we must utilize it. We’re not supposed to sit around and do nothing. We have to exercise our armor by going into the warzone. As much as we love spending time with God’s people, we must be away from them. The world applies a great amount of pressure on us young Christians to be like everyone else. However, we know about verses such as Romans 12;1,2. We should not be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of our minds! Many of us go to school or work and face discouragement when looking at the corrupted world around us. We sometimes enter into temptation because of the instant satisfaction it presents. We have to pick ourselves up and continue fighting the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12). Songs such as Soldiers of Christ Arise encourage us to do just that.
Good soldiers will keep their gear in nice and tidy condition. So should we! We cannot allow our armor to wear out. To keep the armor of God most effective to us, we must…
- Keep the Belt of Truth Tightened
The belt holds the breastplate and sword in place. We are girded with the belt of truth, showing that we are ready to go to battle. Truth is the foundation of our faith. What is truth? John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” God’s word is the truth we should be seeking and testing everything else we hear (Galatians 1:8,9; 1 John 4:1).
- Make Sure to Wash the Breastplate of Righteousness
We should be seeking to do the right and just action all the time. There will be times when we fall short and get our breastplate dirty. We can’t allow the world to influence the way we are seeking to live. Our hearts must remain pure and clean to continue in righteousness.
- Relace the Shoes with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace
If a soldier does not have a supportive pair of shoes to maintain his balance, he will ultimately fall victim to the enemy. What is the gospel of peace? Romans 5 and 6 explain the gospel perfectly. The term refers to the “good news” of Jesus’ death on the cross, burial in the tomb, and resurrection to the heavens. He was the ultimate sacrifice for mankind. The gospel is the cornerstone of Christianity, and we should remember it daily. We have confidence in the Bible, knowing what Christ did to give us the hope of eternal salvation.
- Reinforce the Shield of Faith
My dad has always taught me that I have to develop my own faith. I should not believe everything the Bible says just because my parents believe what it says. Hebrews 11:6 states, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him…” As our minds are still developing, we need to fill them with God’s word and understand what the Lord is trying to tell us. A strong faith in the word of God will defend us from false doctrines and temptations. But, we have to study for ourselves (1 Timothy 2:15; 3:16,17; 1 Peter 3:15)
- Beat Out Any Dents in the Helmet of Salvation
There will be days when doubts about our salvation invade our thoughts. “Am I really saved?” “Will I go to heaven?” The book of 1 John is wonderful when dealing with doubt. 1 John gives us blessed assurance of our salvation. While we are walking in the light and faithful to God, we will continue to be cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7)!
- Always Keep the Sword of the Spirit Sharpened
This is the Christian’s ultimate weapon. The Bible is sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). When one reads the scriptures, they are convicted by what is written. We understand what God’s will is, and if we are not following it, we need to repent and change the way we are living. We use this sword in our attack to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15,16). The Christian must keep his sword sharpened by studying the scriptures and applying them to his life.
This concludes the usual array of armor we are used to hearing, but there is one more important factor that completes this set of armor. Prayer is not given a specific piece of armor to go with it. We can continue reading Ephesians 6 to verses 18 through 20. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—” (Ephesians 6:18). We can further ensure our triumph over sin and the devil by continuing in prayer. This is one of the most powerful tools the Christian can utilize. God hears us and answers our prayers. He can guide us in the way we need to go.
As young Christians, we need to put on the whole armor of God! It will help us navigate through the adversity we will face in our lives.
Young servant of Christ, Wyatt Davis, is a 17 year old senior from Dunlap, Tennessee. He attends Sequatchie County High School and is a member of the Dunlap church of Christ congregation. After high school he plans to become a journeyman electrician and attend preaching school. He serves diligently in his home congregation by conducting song services, being active with his youth group, and preaching every opportunity available at other local congregations. When asked his goal to helping this ministry he said, “I want to help carry out God’s Will by spreading the gospel. Road of Redemption is actively doing that and I would like to be apart of it in anyway possible”. His word of advice for other young Christians is, “Make sure your priorities are in the right place. Putting God first earlier in life will set you up for success”. He brings valuable perspective and insight through his work that will be beneficial to all who find it!
