What is the most important piece of the Armor of God?
If one had to learn each of the pieces of armor in a specific order, which would be the best one to start with?
Ephesians 6:10 - 20
ESV - 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
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Asked December 11 2013
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Noel Ceballos
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Elisabeth Woltman
We are all aware of the Armor of God and the purpose of each part that covers the front of our "body" but what about the back?
The enemy is very quick to notice the weakest spot so why hasn't God provided the cover for our backs?
It is, in my opinion, really important issue that is rarely if at all addressed by the teachers of the Word.
Jennifer Rothnie
Armor covered both the front and the back.
The armor used for the example of 'the armor of God' is pulling from Roman armor.
The breastplate, often highly segmented for extra protection, covered the front and back of the torso, as well as the shoulders. It extended down to the hips. A cuirass also covered the front and back of the torso, though not the shoulders. The primary purpose of the breastplate was to protect the heart (figuratively, our emotions/desires/decisions/loyalties, etc).
The breastplate of righteousness shows how our hearts are conformed to the righteousness of God (Psalm 51:10, Heb 10:22, II Cor 4:16, Rom 12:2)
Likewise, the other armor covered the entire body part it was meant to protect helmet, sandals, etc).
The armor of God also includes a sword and a shield. The sword is primarily for offense (though it could be used to block as well) - such as using the word to discern or evangelize. The shield is primarily used for defense (though it could be used to attack as well) such as standing firm against the lies of satan (e.g.'you can't accept forgiveness you don't deserve it', 'you'll never get through this', etc) and relying on faith. Some shields were so large the soldier could hide under them.
One of the most celebrated defenses of the Roman army was the tortoise formation - a defense wherin the soldiers worked together by clustering close and overlapping their shields, showing how our defense exponentially increases alongside other believers.
Angel karing
Good explanation Jennifer, thank you sister
Daniel Veler
His love in your heart.