Summary

Now Ephesians 6:10-20 is the chief passage that gives a detailed description of the armor of God. A couple of items are also mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:8. This fits well with Ephesians, the helmet being the hope of salvation and the breastplate covering both kinds of righteousness, the righteousness we have before God by faith and the righteousness He works in us through love.

But it is a mistake to see these pieces of armor as totally independent. There are certain underlying themes that run through the armor. One is understanding and using the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16,17; Colossians 3:16; John 17:17). While it is called the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), it is also the basis for other parts of the armor (Ephesians 6:14). Also there is the theme of understanding God's grace (Romans 1:16,17; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 11:25-30). Further, there is the need of faith and prayer (Philippians 4:6,7; 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7-11). But these are the basics of the Christian life in general. I would therefore conclude that spiritual warfare is the whole Christian life, as seen from a particular perspective. Therefore, the chief thing we need is to grow in Christ, that we might deal with all the situations we face in life.