"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" Ephesians 6:14-17
Belt: Holds garments steady in one place. The belt of truth will hold our hearts steady in one place. A belt keeps pants from falling like truth keeps us from falling into sin and lies.
Breastplate: Worn to protect from injury and used to be worn as an item of status. Our status is a righteous child of God. righteous means free from guilt or sin. We put on the breastplate of righteousness to protect our freedom, guard against shame. We are free under Christ's reign.
Shoes for your feet: Our feet allow us to walk and step in direction. Our feet are vulnerable on their own so we protect them with shoes. We protect our feet, our direction, our steps in readiness.
Readiness: state of being fully prepared for something; willingness to do something. We clothe our direction in a willingness to fight the good fight of faith.
Gospel of peace: The only thing that allows us to take steps of faith in readiness for battle is the gospel of peace. What is peace? "For He Himself is our peace" Ephesians 2:14.
WE STEP INTO BATTLE BECAUSE GOD IS ON OUR SIDE, BEHIND US, AHEAD OF US, IN US, ABOVE US, AND BEYOND US.
Why are we even doing this? "because the days are evil" Ephesians 5:16.
Shield: intercepts specific attacks with active blocks instead of passive protection. Faith is complete trust or confidence. The shield of faith is active blocks against the enemy with complete trust that God is behind those blocks. Our shield is knowing God knows best, will give us His best, won't let us down, and know how to protect us. This is how we annihilate the attacks of the enemy.
Helmet: Protects the head from injury. We remember Jesus died a gruesome death for us because He loved us and because of His mercy. We must protect our belief and identity in this. Our head is where we think too much and believe lies and lose discernment on what is a lie and what is truth. We must put on the helmet of salvation - eternal life with the King because of His love only. We are: worthy, accepted, approved, loved, eagerly forgiven, pursued, heard, anointed with righteousness, holy in His eyes, precious and honored. His blood was poured out for us.
Sword: Bladed weapon intended for slashing or thrusting longer than a knife or a dagger. The sword of the Spirit is better than resorting to the comfort of a knife I knew how to use before the sword. His words are better than mine. His vengeance is above mine. We can play defense all day long but we'll never get anywhere if we don't play offense. The sword of the Spirit is our weapon, our offense. Offense is how we score - the Holy Spirit is how we score - the Holy Spirit is how we defeat the enemy.