Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NIV).

Christians must resist the devil. But how do we do that?  How do we take a firm stand against the devil? How can we be strong in our faith? (cf. 1 Peter 5:8-9). By putting on the armour of God.

“Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God’s armour to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armour of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere” Ephesians 6:11-18 (NLT).

Having put off your old self you must put on the new (cf. Ephesians 4:22-24). You resist the devil with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and prayer.

You can’t win the fight against the devil with natural weapons. You need supernatural weapons. You need truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit, and prayer. No one can walk the path of life without them. If you’re going to resist the devil, you have to put on the armour of God every day. For the armour of God is uniquely designed to take out the enemy.

Just listen to what God’s Word says about these weapons:

Truth: “… the truth will set you free” John 8:32 (NLT). Is your life in a bind? Buckle on the belt of truth.

Righteousness: “… righteousness delivers from death” Proverbs 10:2 (NIV). Are you feeling dead on the inside? Is there no spark in your life? Put on the breastplate of righteousness.

Peace: “… a wonderful future lies before those who love peace” Psalm 37:37 (NLT). Are you worried about tomorrow? Are you anxious about the future? Are you concerned about what could happen with the threats of war? Are you wondering how you’re going to handle a relationship that’s gone sour? Or are you agonizing over how you’re going to make ends meet since you lost your job? Put on the shoes of peace.

Faith: “… it is by faith you stand firm” 2 Corinthians 1:24 (NIV). Is your life feeling shaky?               Are you standing on shifting sand? Take up the shield of faith.

Salvation: “… his salvation is near to those who honor him” Psalm 85:9 (NLT). Are you feeling vulnerable? Do you need someone to protect you? Put on the helmet of salvation.

And finally, do you need support and encouragement? Do you need the wisdom that passes all understanding? Do you need strength and power to overcome the challenges that come your way? If yes, then take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. “For the word of God is full of living power …” Hebrews 4:12 (NLT).