Belt, Breastplate, and Shoes | Armor Up | Pastor Johnny Mitcham
ARMOR UP
Belt, Breastplate, and Shoes
Soul Tattoo: Partial armor invites attack—only full armor shields you from harm.
“The right gear protects the warrior; the absence of any piece leaves a weakness.” – Anonymous
“Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit. Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.” Ephesians 6:10-18 CEV
“But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.” Galatians 5:16-17 AMPC
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.” Galatians 5:22-23 CSB
Soul Tattoo: Partial armor invites attack—only full armor shields you from harm.
Belt of Truth and the Fruit of Love
- Truth Holds Us Together: The belt holds the armor in place, and God’s truth holds our lives together.
- Love Anchors Us: Love as a fruit of the Spirit reminds us that our fight is not against people, but against spiritual forces
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”1 Corinthians 13:4-6 ESV
“A soldier who forgets even one piece of armor steps into battle already defeated.” – Unknown
Breastplate of Righteousness and the Fruit of Goodness
- Righteousness Protects the Heart: The breastplate guards our heart from sin and corruption
- Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 ESV
- Goodness Reflects God’s Heart: As we live righteously, goodness naturally flows from our lives, reflecting God’s nature
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV
“Victory belongs to those who are fully equipped, not partially prepared.” – Anonymous
Shoes of Peace and the Fruit of Peace
- Peace Enables Us to Stand Firm: The peace of God stabilizes us in the spiritual battles we face, no matter how chaotic
- “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ESV
- Peace Overcomes Anxiety: The fruit of peace gives us inner calm, guarding our hearts and minds during times of stress
- “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 ESV
“You can’t win a battle wearing half your gear; it’s the same with life—you need to be fully suited to stand strong.” – Unknown
Soul Tattoo: Partial armor invites attack—only full armor shields you from harm.