Are Your Children Putting On the Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 6-The Sword of The Spirit.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
(Ephesians 6:10-17)

Please see:

Introduction

Part 1- Truth

Part 2-The Breastplate of Righteousness

Part 3- The Gospel of Peace

Part 4- The Shield of Faith

Part 5- The Helmet of Salvation



Part 6- Taking up the Sword of The Spirit Which is the Word of God:

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. (Hebrews 4:12)


Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD. (Psalms 149:5-9)

The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit which we are to take up! From the Word of God we learn the great benefits of knowing and learning the Word of God and how to use it as a Spiritual Sword!

Here are a few points that tell us how the Bible is a Spiritual Sword:

We are blessed if we meditate on His Word... He promises that those who meditate on His Word day and night will be prosperous and useful to God!

Blessed is the man that walked not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalms 1:1-3)

We have victory over the enemy if we look unto the Lord and His Word and wait on Him:

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. (Micah 7:7-8)

The Lord will fight for us with His Sword:

See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever. If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. (Deuteronomy 32:39-41

He guides us in the right path as we live this life, as we keep reading His Word:

Psa 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

His Word helps us not to sin:

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11) Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Psalms 119:9)



Have you read Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan? We discovered "Little Pilgrims Progress" when my children were yet small, it has been one of our favorite books to read and learn from.
Pilgrims Progress is written in allegory to teach spiritual lessons. To learn more about Pilgrims Progress and John Bunyan go here..also go here.



This section taken from Part 2 of Pilgrims Progress gives a wonderful allegory for using the Sword of the Spirit :




Valiant-For-Truth


Then they went on; and just at the place where LITTLE-FAITH formerly was robbed, there stood a man with his sword drawn, and his face all bloody. Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART, "What art thou?" The man made answer, saying, "I am one whose name is VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH. I am a pilgrim, and am going to the Celestial City. Now as I was in my way, there three men did beset me, and propounded unto me these three things:


1. Whether I would become one of them?

2. Or go back from whence I came?

3. Or die upon the place? To the first I answered, I had been a true man a long season; and therefore it could not be expected that I now should cast in my lot with thieves.

"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:"
~ Proverbs 1:10-14 ~

Then they demanded what I would say to the second. So I told them that the place from whence I came, had I not found incommodity there, I had not forsaken it at all; but finding it altogether unsuitable to me, and very unprofitable for me, I forsook it for this way. Then they asked me what I said to the third; and I told them my life cost more dear far, than that I should lightly give it away. Besides, you have nothing to do thus to put things to my choice; wherefore at your peril be it if you meddle. Then these three, to wit, WILD-HEAD, INCONSIDERATE, and PRAGMATIC, drew upon me; and I also drew upon them.


"So we fell to it, one against three, for the space of above three hours. They have left upon me, as you see, some of the marks of their valour; and have also carried away with them some of mine. They are but just now gone. I suppose they might, as the saying is, hear your horse dash; and so they betook them to flight."


Great-heart. But here were great odds, three against one!


Valiant. "'Tis true; but little and more are nothing to him that has the truth on his side. 'Though a host should encamp against me,' said one, 'my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident,' etc.

"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident."
~ Psalms 27:3 ~


Besides," said he, "I have read in some records, that one man has fought an army; and how many did Samson slay with the jawbone of an ass?"


Great-heart. Then said the guide, "Why did you not cry out, that some might have come in for your succour."


Valiant. So I did, to my King,--who I knew could hear, and afford invisible help; and that was sufficient for me.


Great-heart. Then said GREAT-HEART to Mr. VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH, "Thou hast worthily behaved thyself: let me see thy sword." So he showed it him.


When he had taken it in his hand, and looked thereon awhile, he said, "Ah, it is a right Jerusalem blade!"


Valiant. It is so, Let a man have one of these blades, with a hand to wield it, and skill to use it, and he may venture upon an angel with it. He need not fear its holding, if he can but tell how to lay on. Its edges will never blunt. It will cut flesh, and bones, and soul, and spirit, and all.


"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. 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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
~ Ephesians 6:12-17 ~


"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."
~ Hebrews 4:12 ~


Great-heart. But you fought a great while, I wonder you were not weary.


Valiant. I fought till my sword did cleave to my hand;

"He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil."
~ 2 Samuel 23:10 ~


and when they were joined together, as if a sword grew out of my arm, and when the blood ran through my fingers, then I fought with most courage.


Great-heart. Thou hast done well; thou hast resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Thou shall abide by us: come in, and go out with us; for we are thy companions.




Valiant for truth used the Sword which represents the Word Of God.... this has been written as an allegory for our spiritual life, for us to apply to the battles in life. When the flesh, the devil, or the World tempts us to sin, we should call to mind the Word of God, which truly is a sharp sword to defeat the enemy of our souls!

After my children and I put on the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, we took up the Sword of the Spirit and I prayed something like this, "Dear Lord Jesus, I take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Please help me to meditate on your word, let it be in my thoughts day and night, and work as a two edged sword to fight against the enemy of my soul. Help me think on you all the day long." then my children would pray and take up the Sword..

Taking up the sword of the Spirit has helped to equip us for this evil day. My youngest children understand the importance of learning and reading God's Word. Now that they are adults they continue to read and meditate on the Word of God, it shows in their daily lives and our families discussions are predominantly on the Word of God, our favorite Book of all.


For more on the Sword of the Spirit, please go to this post: Are Your Children Filled With God's Holy Word? Let us teach our children to fill their minds with the Word of God!



Here is the commentary from Albert Barns about the Sword of the Spirit:



And the sword - The sword was an essential part of the armor of an ancient soldier. His other weapons were the bow, the spear, or the battle-axe. But, without a sword, no soldier would have regarded himself as well armed. The ancient sword was short, and usually two-edged, and resembled very much a dagger.

Of the Spirit - Which the Holy Spirit furnishes; the truth which he has revealed. Which is the word of God - What God has spoken - his truth and promises; see the notes on Heb_4:12. It was with this weapon that the Saviour met the tempter in the wilderness; Matt. 4. It is only by this that Satan can now be met. Error and falsehood will not put back temptation; nor can we hope for victory, unless we are armed with truth. Learn, hence:
(1) That we should study the Bible, that we may understand what the truth is.
(2) we should have texts of Scripture at command, as the Saviour did, to meet the various forms of temptation.
(3) we should not depend on our own reason, or rely on our own wisdom.
A single text of Scripture is better to meet a temptation, than all the philosophy which the world contains. The tempter can reason, and reason plausibly too. But he cannot resist a direct and positive command of the Almighty. Had Eve adhered simply to the Word of God, and urged his command, without attempting to “reason” about it, sire would have been safe.
The Saviour Mat_4:4, Mat_4:7,Mat_4:10, met the tempter with the Word of God, and he was foiled. So we shah be safe if we adhere to the simple declarations of the Bible, and oppose a temptation by a positive command of God. But, the moment we leave that, and begin to parley with sin, that moment we are gone. It is as if a man should throw away his sword, and use his naked hands only in meeting an adversary. Hence,
(4) we may seethe importance of training up the young in the accurate study of the Bible. There is nothing which will furnish a better security to them in future life, when temptation comes upon them, than to have a pertinent text of Scripture at command. Temptation often assails us so suddenly that it checks all “reasoning;” but a text of Scripture will suffice to drive the tempter from us.



Let us teach our children to put on the Whole Armor of God Daily!

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (Revelation 1:16)

Are Your Children Putting On the Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part -5 Salvation

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God": (Ephesians 6:13-17)


Please see:

Introduction of Seven Parts for The Armor of God

Part One - Truth

Part Two- Righteousness

Part Three- Gospel of Peace

Part Four- Shield of Faith


Part Five- The Hemet of Salvation

John Gill's commentary on the Helmet of Salvation:

.....and such an hope of salvation by Christ is a defence of the head against false doctrines; for the helmet is a piece of armour for the head; and it is an erecter of the head in times of difficulty, affliction, and distress; and it covers the head in the day of battle, when engaged with Satan, the enemy of souls.


The helmet of salvation is the 5th piece of armor in the scriptures that we are to put on or take up. Since the helmet protects the head, and we are talking about spiritual armor for spiritual battle then we can see that the helmet protects the mind. There are so many scriptures that talk about the mind that it would take too long to mention each one, but I would like to point to several:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Matthew 22:37)


Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)


For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)


Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7)


For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)


And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (Ephesians 4:23)


And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)


Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)


And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (Colossians 1:21)


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)



After reading these scriptures about the mind, you might get the idea that the mind is very important to God. The mind controls our behavior, our way of talking and thinking.

A true godly mother has the desire in her heart to have a pure mind and to follow what God says in His Word about the mind. She desires her children to have a pure mind as well. We often blame the environment we live in or other people when we find impurity in our thinking, or notice it in our children. However, God says we wrestle not against flesh and blood, we need to realize who the true enemy is and how to have victory over this evil fiend ... have you noticed the verses in Ephesians that describe who are true enemy is?

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:11-13)

As you can read, our enemy is satan and his hosts and they are after the minds of people!


I have been talking about putting on the Armor of God and how my children and I put on the individual pieces of armor; The girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith Now we have come to the helmet of salvation. We took the cardboard helmet and put it on the soldier and then pretended to place the helmet on our heads, I would pray something like this;" Dear Lord Jesus I place the helmet of salvation on my head. Thank you for salvation and allowing me to be your child. Please help my mind to think right thoughts, protect me from evil coming into my eyes, ears, or mind. I ask for the wisdom that is from above. Let the mediation of my heart and the words of my mouth please you." after I prayed, my children took turns and prayed putting on the helmet of salvation.

This may seem simple and silly to some people, but since God says to put on His armor, I found it a very effective way in helping my children to get the concept of spiritual warfare and the armor that God has provided.

When we put on the helmet of salvation to protect our minds, I taught my children that we must keep the helmet on during the day! I found that it is very easy to remove the helmet if I am not careful and then suffer the consequences of that action!

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. (Psalms 101:3)

God has so much to say to us about how we should live, He has provided the helmet of salvation for us for those unsuspected attacks of the enemy that come to us daily. However, if we deliberately place wickedness before our eyes, we are inviting satan's realms into our lives, consciously or unconsciously. It is like saying "Here, the door is open, I will chance that nothing wicked will come in, but if it does, I can handle it." We exchange temporal excitement and relaxation for purity and holiness. We exchange silver and gold and riches, for hay, wood, muck and stubble, and then we cry out to God for deliverance as we feel ourselves slipping away from Him. We are weak and feeble and have not the spiritual strength that would be ours if we obeyed God's Word and refused to set that wickedness before our eyes. In order to have the strength to teach our children these truths we must be very careful to obey God ourselves!

Of course television is a major concern for purity for our eyes, but also movies and video games, radio, CD's and stories on tape...

Oh mothers beware! Fear God! For if we allow ourselves to be so busy that we place our dear precious children before the "t.v. babysitter" or movies ... what kind of wicked things are they being exposed to? We have to answer to God for the things we do... our children are precious and so vulnerable! Would we allow others to teach our children corruption and ungodly content? Oh! their little minds are so fragile, so influenced! Whatever they view when young will be burned into their memory for their entire lives! Let us involve them in all godliness that they might have the mind of God and hunger for the things of God!

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Let us teach our children diligently the commandments of God. This is a sober day... let us stop careless behavior and take God's Word seriously!

When I put on the helmet of salvation, I always ask God for His wisdom, since He has invited us to do so. Here are some verses concerning wisdom from God:


If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."(James 1:5-7)



For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6)


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Psalms 111:10)


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)


If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)


Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:13-18)


Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. (Proverbs 3:13-18)

My children have learned this song and love it:

Be Thou my Vision

Be thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart.
Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night.
Waking or sleeping, Thy Presence, my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son:
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heavens joys, O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, what ever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
By: Mary Byrne

Commentary of the Helmet of Salvation by Albert Barnes

Eph 6:17 ... And take the helmet - The helmet was a cap made of thick leather, or brass, fitted to the head, and was usually crowned with a plume, or crest, as an ornament. Its use was to guard the head from a blow by a sword, or war-club, or battle-axe. The cuts will show its usual form.


Of salvation - That is, "of the hope of salvation;" for so it is expressed in the parallel place in 1Thessalonians 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." The idea is, that a well-founded hope of salvation will preserve us in the day of spiritual conflict, and will guard us from the blows which an enemy would strike. The helmet defended the head, a vital part; and so the hope of salvation will defend the soul, and keep it from the blows of the enemy. A soldier would not fight well without a hope of victory. A Christian could not contend with his foes, without the hope of final salvation; but, sustained by this, what has he to dread?

Let us teach our children to take up the whole armor of God!

Please go to part 6-"The Sword of the Spirit"

Are Your Children Putting On The Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 4 - The Shield Of Faith

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
(Ephesians 6:10-16)

If you have not yet read the previous parts of the armor of God, please see:

INTRODUCTION OF SEVEN PARTS

Part-1 Truth

Part -2 Righteousness

Part-3 Gospel of Peace

Part-4 The Shield Of Faith

Holding up the Shield of Faith works! I have taught my children to practice holding up the wonderful shield of faith and God has proven, (as He always shows us) that He is faithful and MOST Powerful against the attacks of the enemy of our souls. Our precious children need to know this powerful spiritual defensive weapon of war; Faith...

God has provided us with a shield call "Faith" and as He shows us in Ephesians, it is to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked"... I had to wonder, just what are those fiery darts? Considering it, I remembered the story of "Pilgrims Progress" written by John Bunyan, Of Christian facing the fierce, Apollyon:




What a picture this creates, the wicked one hurling fiery arrows and the shield stopping them from piercing the flesh, in this case; the mind, soul, and spirit. What are those arrows or darts? and why fiery?

Doubt is the opposite of faith, God says to: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5) The enemy of our soul says, as in the Garden of Eden to Eve,"Yeah, hath God said?"(or, is it really true what God said?") and so this fierce enemy shoots the arrow of doubt into our minds to make us question God's faithfulness and righteousness. Holding up the shield of faith will quench that dart of doubt. Oh how many countless times I have used the shield of faith against an arrow of doubt. The shield literally quenches and repels doubt from me. How exciting it is to experience victory over doubting God's goodness and His faithful love in everything and in all situations and to teach this to my own dear children!
Oh but there are so many other arrows the enemy shoots at us and... Yes, Fiery!

I so appreciate Albert Barnes commentary about the Shield Of Faith:

"By the “fiery darts of the wicked,” Paul here refers, probably, to the temptations of the great adversary, which are like fiery darts; or those furious suggestions of evil, and excitements to sin, which he may throw into the mind like fiery darts. They are - blasphemous thoughts, unbelief, sudden temptation to do wrong, or thoughts that wound and torment the soul. In regard to them, we may observe:
(1) that they come suddenly, like arrows sped from a bow;
(2) they come from unexpected quarters, like arrows shot suddenly from an enemy in ambush;
(3) they pierce, and penetrate, and torment the soul, as arrows would that are on fire;
(4) they set the soul on fire, and enkindle the worst passions, as fiery darts do a ship or camp against which they are sent.
The only way to meet them is by the “shield of faith;” by confidence in God, and by relying on his gracious promises and aid. It is not by our own strength; and, if we have not faith in God, we are wholly defenseless. We should have a shield that we can turn in any direction, on which we may receive the arrow, and by which it may be put out."

We are given multiple opportunities through-out the days, months and years to point our dear children to the faithfulness of God and use Scripture to help them understand what God wants... "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom 10:17



Here are a few examples of how we taught our children Scripture for lessons of faith in God:


We were planning a Birthday Party in the park for Leah who was turning 6 years old. That morning the wind became very dangerous outside and we had to cancel until next week. Now we had the wonderful opportunity to tell Leah again to, "Trust the Lord Jesus Christ, His plan is perfect and He knows what is best for us. Let us thank Him for loving us and taking care of us. Sometimes these things happen because He knows it's best for us, but let's ask Him to give us faith in Him about it." We prayed and reminded Leah to keep up the shield of faith. Leah was given the precious opportunity to learn faith and patience. It was a great lesson for her!


We were able to point Leah to God and His Word! We often showed Scripture to the children that applied to the need:

We said to Leah, "Trust the Lord Jesus Christ, His plan is perfect and He knows what is best for us." "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." (Proverbs 3:5-7)

"Let us thank Him for loving us and taking care of us", "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

"Sometimes these things happen because He knows it's best for us, but let's ask Him to give us faith in Him about it". Heb 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.

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. It was a good time to remind Leah to hold up the shield of faith and teach her!

Another example:

Leah was invited to a skating Birthday Party for a friend, she was very, very excited about going, but when we learned about the kind of music they were going to play there, we told her she couldn't go.

We said, "Leah, trust the Lord Jesus Christ that He has given Daddy and Mommy wisdom to know what is best for you." "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."(Ephesians 6:1-3)

"Listening to that kind of music does not honor God and might draw you away from God."
"Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: (Proverbs 2:11-15) Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (Proverbs 4:14-15)


"Remember that we are a peculiar people, God's chosen treasure." "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Leah was willing to submit to God with a peaceful heart. Leah learned what God says and she was willing to obey. God did the work in her heart by His Spirit. It was another wonderful opportunity to hold up the shield of faith!


Michael had longed to go on a special trip with his Daddy. Two of his sisters had already had the chance and now it was his turn. A situation came up and the trip was canceled, he never had his turn granted to him.

We said,"Michael even though you're disappointed, trust the Lord Jesus Christ that He knows what is best for you." "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8)

"Give your disappointment to the Lord" "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
(1 Peter 5:7)


How wonderful it is to show to our children that God cares for the daily things in life and use Scripture to teach them every lesson there is! We can teach them to involve God in their thoughts and reasoning. We can never make them truly understand the deep things of the Spirit of God, but that is not our job. It is our job to communicate to them the truths of God's Word, it is up to God to do what He chooses to do with it in their lives.......

A fun trip denied, someone being unfair, something cherished suddenly lost forever, a friend that turns and becomes an enemy and will not explain why, loneliness for lack of godly friends, a move from a larger house to a much smaller house, siblings that need understanding... the list is endless. Each situation is a wonderful opportunity to teach our children to have faith in our Faithful Savior!


After we put on the Girdle of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, my children would place the Shield of Faith in the hand of our cardboard soldier, and we would imagine taking the shield in our hands and I would pray, (not exactly the same each time to avoid vain repetition), something like this; "Dear Lord Jesus, I take up Your Shield of Faith, thank you for it. Please help me have faith in You in all things. Help me to take up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. Cause my faith to grow stronger each day. Let me believe You and trust You that everything that happens will work out for good in our lives. Let Your Name be glorified through me"

God says to put on the spiritual armor for the battle, if we obey, He does the rest. This is spiritual thinking, although we cannot explain these things sufficiently to our children, we can teach them as God leads us and as stated before, let Him bring the understanding.



Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Shield of Faith:

This is more necessary than any of them. Faith is all in all to us in an hour of temptation. The breast-plate secures the vitals; but with the shield we turn every way. This is the victory over the world, even our faith. We are to be fully persuaded of the truth of all God's promises and threatenings, such a faith being of great use against temptations. Consider faith as it is the evidence of things not seen and the substance of things hoped for, and it will appear to be of admirable use for this purpose. Faith, as receiving Christ and the benefits of redemption, so deriving grace from him, is like a shield, a sort of universal defence. Our enemy the devil is here called the wicked one. He is wicked himself, and he endeavours to make us wicked. His temptations are called darts, because of their swift and undiscerned flight, and the deep wounds that they give to the soul; fiery darts, by way of allusion to the poisonous darts which were wont to inflame the parts which were wounded with them, and therefore were so called, as the serpents with poisonous stings are called fiery serpents. Violent temptations, by which the soul is set on fire of hell, are the darts which Satan shoots at us. Faith is the shield with which we must quench these fiery darts, wherein we should receive them, and so render them ineffectual, that they may not hit us, or at least that they may not hurt us. Observe, Faith, acted upon the word of God and applying that, acted upon the grace of Christ and improving that, quenches the darts of temptation.


John Gill's Commentary about the Shield Of Faith:

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,.... Which may be understood either of the grace of faith, which is like a golden shield, precious, solid, and substantial; and like a shield of mighty men, by which mighty things are done, and by which the believer not only repels, but conquers the enemy. The Jews say (n), that repentance and good works are as a shield against divine vengeance: or rather of the object of faith, that which faith makes use of as a shield; so God himself is a shield, Gen_15:1; his divine perfections, as his power, faithfulness, truth, and immutability, which encompass the saints as a shield, and are opposed by faith to the temptations of Satan; also the love and favour of God, Psa_5:12; and particularly God in his word, Pro_30:5, which is a shield against false doctrines, and the wiles of Satan. Moreover, Christ is a shield, Psa_84:11; and faith makes rise of him as a shield, his person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; which it holds up and opposes to all the charges and objections of Satan; and who is the saints' protection, and security from the wrath of God, divine justice, and eternal death. The disciples of the wise men are said to be (o) תריסון, "shielded men", who, as the gloss says fight in the war of the law; but they are not like Christ's disciples, who have on the shield, and fight the fight of faith: and this is "above all" to be taken, as being the most useful part of the Christian armour; or "with all", with the rest, this is to be taken, and by no means to be neglected; and it is to be used "in all"; in every temptation of Satan, in every conflict with that enemy, or any other.

Wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; of the wicked one, Satan; who was the first wicked one, and the tempter of others to wickedness; and is emphatically the wicked one, being wickedness itself; and his temptations are "fiery darts": they may be compared to "darts", because they sometimes come suddenly and swiftly and thick and fast, are very numerous, and where they stick are very troublesome and grieving; see Gen_49:23. And they may be said to be "fiery", because they serve to inflame the mind, and excite to sin, as lust, anger, revenge, and the like; and were they not repelled, would be the occasion of bringing into everlasting burnings. The allusion is to βελεσι πεπυρωμενοις, "the fiery darts", cast by enemies into towns, and upon houses, in order to burn them (p). Mention is also made of גירי דאשא, "fiery darts", with the Jews (q), and of Satan's casting a dart at David (r): from these customs, and ways of speaking, the apostle borrows his phrases; and suggests, that the shield of faith is of use to quench the fiery darts of Satan's temptations; so that they may not have the malignant influence they are designed for; which is chiefly done by faith's dealing with the blood of Christ. And there were ways of quenching the fiery darts alluded to; which was done by skins and hides of beasts made wet, or anointed with alum (s).



Let us teach our children to take up the whole armor of God!

Please go to part-5 the Helmet of Salvation

Are Your Children Putting On The Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 3 - Gospel of Peace

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (Ephesians 6:10-15)

Please See: Introduction Of Seven Parts
Part 1 -Truth
Part 2 - Righteousness

Part 3- The Preperation of the Gospel of Peace:

Years ago, when my youngest children were yet very small, I began to wonder if I knew how to communicate the gospel rightly to them and to others. I carefully went through the Scriptures and meditated on what our Lord Jesus Christ really did on the cross. It took prayer and very sober thought about the cross of Jesus and what He did for us. It gave me the fear of God to think of the responsibility I have before God to tell others of Him, and more importantly, to tell my children.

It is a tremendous and wonderous thing that Jesus was willing to suffer for us as He did. Isaiah says it better then any words I can express:

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6)...... "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:10-11)"


It is very important to know how to carefully expound the gospel to our children. There are so many false teachers that teach the easy believe method, "Just ask Jesus to come into your heart." etc.. this is a false gospel! Nowhere does the Bible say to, "ask Jesus to come into your heart" Let us tell our children the truth.


If we want our children to understand what Jesus did for them on the cross, we need to help them understand that they are sinners and need a Savior, (how can they want to be saved if they don't understand the sinful state they are in?) The best way to do this is by reading the Bible and true Bible stories to them so they can learn that God hates sin and those who practice iniquity, (Psalms 5:5). This way they can learn the consequences of sin, the darkness and the sorrow it brings into lives. Read the Bible to them daily, starting with creation, then on through the garden of Eden, the fall, and on, telling of Methuselah, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, the law and the prophets, and to Jesus on the cross and His resurrection. Oh teach them about God and His mercy for us through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.


Dear mothers, it takes prayer, ask God to lead you to expound 0n the Bible truths. You will be amazed at what He will put into your mind and mouth to help them understand. The important thing is to teach them, make the effort and God will guide you. It is up to us to be faithful in teaching them and setting the example, it is up to God to move in their hearts and bring them to salvation.


After we placed the cardboard pieces of the girdle of truth and the breastplate of righteousness on our soldier, we placed the cardboard piece of the "Preparation of the Gospel of Peace" on the feet of the soldier. I would pray something like this," Dear Lord Jesus, I put on my feet the preparation of the gospel of peace, thank you for the gospel and for saving me from the wrath of God because of my sin. Please help me to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within me because of Jesus Christ. Let me share the gospel with others so that they might know your peace." Again, I don't pray the same thing each time, but as God leads me. God is the one that equips us to give the gospel, we need to ask Him to prepare us for each opportunity. My children asked God to prepare them to give the gospel, and He DID and also see THIS!


Is Jesus Christ our passion? Do the children see this in our lives? They know what is most important to us. Let us have a clean heart and conscience before God and let Him use us to point our dear little ones to Him. He is our ONLY Hope, and their ONLY hope as well.




John Gills Commentary says:


Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. The Gospel is so called, because it makes men to be of peaceable tempers and behaviour, and gives peace to distressed minds: it directs the way to eternal peace, and publishes peace made by the blood of Christ; and has a much better claim to this name, and epithet, than the law has, which is often called "peace" by the Jews (l): the "preparation" of it does not design a promptitude or readiness to preach the Gospel, or to receive it, or profess it, or to give a reason of faith in it, or to endure reproach and persecution for it; nor that readiness which the Gospel is a means of, as for every good work, for the spiritual warfare, for the Christian's journey heavenward, or for heaven itself: but the word ετοιμασια signifies a "base", or foundation; and so it is used by the Septuagint interpreters on Zec_5:11; and here it designs a firm and solid knowledge of the Gospel, as it publishes peace by Jesus Christ, which yields a sure foundation for the Christian soldier to set his foot upon, and stand fast on; it being that to him, as the shoe is to the foot, its base or foundation: and for the feet to be "shod with" it, does not mean the outward conversation being agreeably to the Gospel, though such a walk and conversation is very beautiful and safe, and such may walk and war with intrepidity: but it designs the constant and firm standing of believers in the faith of the Gospel, and so striving and contending for it, without being moved from it, that it may continue with them. Shoes or boots, which were sometimes of iron, and sometimes of brass, are reckoned among the armour of soldiers (m).



Matthew Henry's Commentary says:


And their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, Eph_6:15. Shoes, or greaves of brass, or the like, were formerly part of the military armour (1Sa_17:6): the use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were wont to be laid privily in the way, to obstruct the marching of the enemy, those who fell upon them being unfit to march. The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. It is styled the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. It may also be meant of that which prepares for the entertainment of the gospel, namely, repentance. With this our feet must be shod: for by living a life of repentance we are armed against temptations to sin, and the designs of our great enemy. Dr. Whitby thinks this may be the sense of the words: “That you may be ready for the combat, be shod with the gospel of peace, endeavour after that peaceable and quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Be not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but show all gentleness and all long-suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, as did those shoes of brass the soldiers from those galltraps,” etc

Let us teach our children to put on the whole armor of God!

Part 4- The Shield of Faith

Are Your Children Putting On the Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 2-Righteousness

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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ...
(Ephesians 6:13-14)

Before I continue on in this series, I would like to take a moment to consider the Whole Armor Of God and what it is about. I feel the need to explain a little more about this: When I was saved.(see side bar.. "Not By Might Nor By Power. But By MY SPIRIT Says the LORD" ) God at that moment equipped me with His Armor, by giving me salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is TRUTH (John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.)

Jesus covers us with His RIGHTEOUSNESS (Php 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith..)

Jesus is the GOSPEL OF PEACE (Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..)

Jesus gives us saving FAITH (For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9)

Jesus is our SALVATION (But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel...(2 Thess. 2:14..) "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." (Psalms 62:7)

Jesus is THE WORD OF GOD (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14)

Jesus enables us to PRAY (Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

In Ephesians 6 God tells us to take up the armor of God. Years ago we began to do this in obedience to His Word and now I understand better why we should. Taking up the armor of God daily, helps me to examine my heart and to think upon who Jesus is and what he is doing for me in the spiritual battle. It gives a greater perspective of the reality of God's protection upon us in the spiritual battle we are in. It prepares me to stand in this very evil day. Putting on the armor of God is like a word picture of what Jesus has done for us, a daily reminder.

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Romans 13:14)


Please See: Introduction Of Seven Parts
And: Part 1 -Truth

Now I would like to continue with:

PART 2 - THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Our next piece of armor is the Breastplate of Righteousness.

Contrary to the world's intellect that dictates to parents to build self esteem in their children, we need to communicate to our children that we have no righteousness of our own, we are not good!
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6) God clearly wants us to know that our human nature is terrible and wicked ; "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)
Should we tell our children differently? Let us tell them what God says about us, and point them to the ONLY ONE that can deliver us from our own pitiful nature; Jesus Christ our Lord!
We can explain to them that Jesus is the only Righteousness that God has provided for us. We can teach them that they have to answer to God for their actions, and have consequences for poor behavior...("Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol". Proverbs 23:13-14) It is right to point our children to God all day long and let them know He wants them to love Him and obey His Word! Perhaps they will not understand, but that is alright, pray for them and wait on God to bring the understanding. We need to obey God in teaching our children.

After my children and I had put on the belt of Truth, we put on the breastplate of Righteousness. We would place the cardboard breastplate piece on the soldier and then pretend to place it on ourselves. I would pray something like this: "Dear Lord Jesus I put on the breastplate of righteousness. Please protect my heart from wrong feelings. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit, through my life pour forth your fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."(Galatians 5:22-23) Please bear forth good fruit for the Kingdom of God. Let me listen to your leading and not obey what my flesh tells me to do. Thank you for your Righteousness that covers me through Jesus Christ. " Again, I didn't pray the same thing every time, but only as the Spirit of God would lead me. This was an example to my children and they would take turns and pray as well, in their own words.

Putting on the breastplate of Righteousness gives opportunity for thought to reflect on Jesus and His Holy Righteousness. If we are tempted to be proud for anything, just look at what Jesus says about our human nature... this causes me to fear God even more, that He should be so merciful to save a wretch like me!

Praise God forever more!

John Gill's Commentary says:

"and having on the breastplate of righteousness"; in allusion to Isa_59:17, meaning not works of righteousness done by men, though these are a fence when rightly used against the reproaches and charges of the enemy, as they were by Samuel, 1Sa_12:3, but rather the graces of faith and love, 1Th_5:8, though faith has another place in the Christian armour, afterwards mentioned; wherefore it seems best to understand this of the righteousness of Christ, which being imputed by God, and received by faith, is a guard against, and repels the accusations and charges of Satan, and is a security from all wrath and condemnation.

Barnes commentary says:

And having on the breast-plate - The word rendered here as “breastplate” θώρἀξ thōrax denoted the “cuirass,” Lat.: lorica, or coat of mail; i. e., the armor that covered the body from the neck to the thighs, and consisted of two parts, one covering the front and the other the back. It was made of rings, or in the form of scales, or of plates, so fastened together that they, would be flexible, and yet guard the body from a sword, spear, or arrow. It is referred to in the Scriptures as a “coat of mail” 1Sa_17:5; an “habergeon” Neh_4:16, or as a “breast-plate.” We are told that Goliath’s coat of mail weighed five thousand shekels of brass, or nearly one hundred and sixty pounds. It was often formed of plates of brass, laid one upon another, like the scales of a fish. The following cuts will give an idea of this ancient piece of armor.
Of righteousness - Integrity, holiness, purity of life, sincerity of piety. The breast-plate defended the vital parts of the body; and the idea here may be that the integrity of life, and righteousness of character, is as necessary to defend us from the assaults of Satan, as the coat of mail was to preserve the heart from the arrows of an enemy. It was the incorruptible integrity of Job, and, in a higher sense, of the Redeemer himself, that saved them from the temptations of the devil. And it is as true now that no one can successfully meet the power of temptation unless he is righteous, as that a soldier could not defend himself against a foe without such a coat of mail. A want of integrity will leave a man exposed to the assaults of the enemy, just as a man would be whose coat of mail was defective, or some part of which was missing. The king of Israel was smitten by an arrow sent from a bow, drawn at a venture, “between the joints of his harness” or the “breast-plate” (margin), 1Ki_22:34; and many a man who thinks he has on the “Christian” armor is smitten in the same manner. There is some defect of character; some want of incorruptible integrity; some point that is unguarded - and that will be sure to be the point of attack by the foe. So David was tempted to commit the enormous crimes that stain his memory, and Peter to deny his Lord. So Judas was assailed, for the want of the armor of righteousness, through his avarice; and so, by some want of incorruptible integrity in a single point, many a minister of the gospel has been assailed and has fallen. It may be added here, that we need a righteousness which God alone can give; the righteousness of God our Saviour, to make us perfectly invulnerable to all the arrows of the foe.

Let us teach our children to put on the whole armor of God!

Part 3- The Preperation of the Gospel of Peace
Part 4- The Shield Of Faith

Are Your Children Putting On The Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 1- Truth

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth... (Ephesians 6:14a)

See Introduction to Putting On the Whole Armor Of God.
and please see more explanation in Part 2-Righteousness


Part 1: The Girdle of Truth


The Girdle--Here was the juncture of the main pieces of the body-armor, so that the girdle formed the common bond of the whole, it helped to hold the armor together.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth..


The center of our armor is truth. In John 17:17, Jesus said God's word is truth.

In John 18:37, Jesus said "Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." Pilot answered Jesus and said, "What is truth?" But if Pilot had known truth, he would have known Him. Jesus did say, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through ME."

How do we put on the girdle of truth?

By prayer. Here we have an opportunity to examine our own hearts before God. For those who are in the faith, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and know Him personally, rejoice at this thought! It is a sobering thing to think that we may be deceiving ourselves in some way, since "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9-10) God also said: "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah." Psa 4:4 We need to come before God asking Him if there is some deception within our own hearts, "level" with Him and be willing for Him to reveal any sin that you need to confess, so that you might walk in truth with a clear conscience.

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Corinthians 13:5)

When I put on the girdle of truth I pray something like this, "Dear Lord, I put on the girdle of truth. You said you are truth I want you to fill me with your truth. Let me not lie nor deceive myself. I want all truth to be in my members. Let your Word of truth fill me today", I do not pray the exact same thing every time, but as God moves my heart, I pray. But I do put on truth, It is HIS armor and I put it on as He told me to do, it is an important piece of spiritual warfare.


But how to communicate this to our children?


When my little ones were learning to put on the armor of God, they learned mostly through the example I set. We would gather together for prayer in the morning and have the cardboard soldier there, ready to be dressed for battle. We had already talked about the reason we put on the armor, They took turns to put on the Velcro pieces, one would place the girdle of truth on the soldier and we would pretend to place the girdle about our waist, then we prayed... they heard me confess my sins asking God to fill me with His truth and His Word to be in my mind I was very open to them about my need for God to keep me from lying and deception. Hearing these things made them realize that only God can keep us from our own evil nature. They took turns praying and then we went on to the next piece of armor.

This was an example set for them for God to use as they grew. It helped them to understand better that we have an unseen enemy, that we need to come to God for protection, that He has the armor to equip us to stand in the evil day. My daughter Leah, who is now 20 years old, told me that putting on the armor of God daily as we did, helped her to become sober about the spiritual enemy we face. It was a symbol for her of God's protection and a reminder to obey Him.

It also helped her to understand the discipline and need for daily prayer and coming to God for help.

Yes, it took TIME .. and the best investment of my time for LIFE! Teaching our children to live holy and godly lives is what our God has asked us to do! Is there any job more important than this for a godly mother?


Matthew Henry in his commentary writes:

1.] Truth or sincerity is our girdle, Eph_6:14. It was prophesied of Christ (Isa_11:5) that righteousness should be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. That which Christ was girded with all Christians must be girded with. God desires truth, that is, sincerity, in the inward parts. This is the strength of our loins; and it girds on all other pieces of our armour, and therefore is first mentioned. I know no religion without sincerity. Some understand it of the doctrine of the truths of the gospel: they should cleave to us as the girdle does to the loins, Jer_13:11. This will restrain from libertinism and licentiousness, as a girdle restrains and keeps in the body. This is the Christian soldier's belt: ungirded with this, he is unblessed.


John Gill in his commentary writes:

"having your loins girt about with truth; by which is meant the Gospel, and the several doctrines of it; see Eph_1:13; and to have the loins girt with it, shows, that it should be near and close to the saints, and never departed from; and that it is a means of keeping them close to God and Christ, and of strengthening them against the assaults and attacks of Satan; and is of great use in the Christians' spiritual conflict with their enemies; the girdle is a part of armour, and so considerable as sometimes to be put for the whole, Isa_5:27; and here it is mentioned in the first place:"



Let us teach our children to put on the whole armor of God!

.

Part 2- The Breastplate of Righteousness
Part 3- The Gospel of Peace
Part 4- The Shield of Faith

Are Your Children Putting On the Whole Armor Of God Daily? -- INTRODUCTION OF SEVEN PARTS

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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 heavenly places. Therefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thus with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
(Ephesians 6:10-18)

As I woke up to the radio alarm one morning, I was hearing a sermon about putting on the whole armor of God. I listened with great interest and remember very keenly hearing the, "still small voice" of God in the depth of my soul, telling me to apply this to my life. I heard the sermon again that day, (This station played sermons twice daily) and began to study Ephesians Chapter 6.

I WAS ALARMED! Was I hearing that we should put on the armor of God daily?
Could this be? But according to the sermon I had heard and the Word of God, yes, this is what we should do. I became very, very sober at the thought that my walk with God is daily . . Luke 9:23 "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. " and Ephesians 6:10-18, (above), this tells me I must put on the armor of God in order to stand in the evil day. I thought, this certainly is an evil day!

As I grew in the understanding of putting on the armor of God piece by piece, and practiced doing so, I became very excited to see the spiritual strength and deliverance God gave me through doing so.

It came to my attention that my young ones needed to know about the armor of God, but how was I to communicate this lesson to them? And so with prayer and seeking God's direction, I came up with a plan.

WE MADE A SOLDIER!

Our soldier and his armor pieces were made from cardboard. The soldier himself had to have armor placed over his clothing, so we used Velcro strips to fasten the pieces. Our soldier looked somewhat like the one pictured above. The children colored in the armor pieces and we wrote on each one it's meaning.

I explained to my young ones the duties of a Roman soldier and what each piece of armor was used for:

The Girdle--Here was the point of junction for the main pieces of the body-armor, so that the girdle formed the common bond of the whole, it helped to hold the armor together.

The Breastplate--The breastplate covers the vital parts, as the heart, to help protect from the sword of the enemy.

The Sandals or shoes-- the sandals, bound by thongs over the instep and round the ankle, and having the soles thickly studded with nails so they could stand their ground in times of battle.

The Shield-- The shield here described is that of the heavy infantry; a large, oblong shield, four by two and a half feet, and sometimes curved on the inner side. It served to shield from hard blows and arrows that were covered with a type of pitch and set on fire.

The Helmet--The protection for the head. The helmet was originally of skin, strengthened with bronze or other metal.

The Sword--serves both for attack and to parry the thrusts of the enemy.

I told them to think how a Roman soldier had to act on the mornings when a battle was about to begin. He would rise quickly when awakened, and immediately put on his armor piece by piece so he would be ready when the battle cry was heard, it meant his very life.

I told them to imagine this soldier jumping up and dressing in a clown suit instead of armor and then running out to the battle field. He wouldn't last long would he? No, because he had no protection and he would be cut down right away, not only that, but the enemy would probably laugh at him.

Then I explained our spiritual enemy, the devil. We memorized Ephesians 6 and talked about the unseen battle that is in the spiritual realm. We talked about the Captain of our souls, the Lord Jesus Christ, and how He has all power over the enemy. Jesus told us to put on the armor, it is HIS armor, not ours, and we need to obey Him. The children were very excited about the whole idea and began the practice of putting on the armor.

This introduction about putting on the whole armor of God is simply to explain why we do so. For the next seven blogs I hope to explain each piece of God's armor and how we have been putting it on almost daily for the past 16 years, not as a ritual but as a living reminder and example of the spiritual battle we are all engaged in.

Here is a commentary by John Gill about the Armour of God, that I appreciate very much:

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God... Not that which God himself is sometimes clothed with, and uses against his enemies; but what he has provided for his people, and furnishes them with; the particulars of which are after mentioned: and it is called "the armour of God", because it is prepared by him for his people, and is bestowed on them by him; and because it is in its own nature divine and spiritual, and not carnal; and because it is provided for fighting the Lord's battles, and is used in them; and because the efficacy of it is from him, and the execution it does is owing to him: and it is whole, complete, and perfect; and all of it is useful, and no part to be neglected, but all to be taken and "put on"; which is not to make and provide this armour, but to take it, as in Eph_6:13; as being ready made and provided, and to expect and prepare for battle, and make use of it; and this supposes saints to be in a warfare state, and that they are in the character of soldiers, and have enemies to fight with, and therefore should be accoutred with proper and suitable armour, to meet them:

that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; who is the grand enemy of Christ and his people, and a very powerful and cunning one he is; so that the whole armour of God should be put on, which is proof against all his might and craft, in order to stand against him, oppose him, and fight, and get the victory over him, which in the issue is always obtained by believers; for they not only stand their ground in the strength of Christ, and by the use of their armour confound his schemes, and baffle all his arts and stratagems, but are more than conquerors through him that has loved them.

To be continued...God willing!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
(Ephesians 6:10)

Please See: Part 1-Truth
And: Part 2- Righteousness
Part 3- The Preperation of the Gospel of Peace
Part 4- The Shield Of Faith