Put On the One Who Is Above All Things

Colossians 1:15–20, Ephesians 6:10–14

When we think about spiritual warfare, we often imagine something dramatic.But Paul begins the battle in a very different place.Where does the real battle happen?Surprisingly, it begins with what our hearts believe is “truth.”

Ephesians 6 tells us to “put on the full armor of God,”but Colossians 1 shows us why we can do it.These two passages are not separate.Together, they build a worldview that puts Christ at the center of everything.

1. The Belt of Truth — A Question About Our True Center

Today our culture says, “You decide your own truth.”Your desires lead you, your feelings guide you, and your self becomes the king.This message sounds attractive.

But in real life, this self-centered truth makes us anxious.For example, if I must create my own meaning,one bad work evaluation, one difficult relationship, or one small failurecan shake my whole sense of worth.When I am the center, everything becomes a threat.

Paul says, “Put on the belt of truth.”Why a belt?Because the belt holds the whole armor together.If our understanding of truth is wrong, everything else falls apart.

Colossians 1:16–17 explains what truth really is:“All things were created through Him and for Him.”

Paul challenges the message of our culture:“The world does not revolve around you.”

Truth is not simply moral honesty.Truth is the reality that Jesus Christ is the center of the universe.

Satan’s main strategy is lies, and the main lie is always the same:“You are the center.”

But Paul says,“No — Christ is the center.Without Him, no armor can stand.”

The belt of truth means building our whole worldview again —this time with Christ at the center.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness — Silencing the Voice of Condemnation

Even when we put Christ at the center, another attack soon comes.This attack is condemnation.

“You are still not enough.”“You failed again.”“How could God love someone like you?”

Paul says this attack aims at the heart,so we need the breastplate of righteousness.

Ephesians tells us to put it on,and Colossians 1:21–22 tells us what this righteousness is.

We were once God’s enemies,but through Christ’s death we are made right with God.Now we stand before Him “holy, without blame, and free from accusation.”

Here, Paul destroys another cultural message:“You must prove yourself.”Our world constantly demands performance.People do not use the word “righteousness,”but they chase it more than anyone — through success, reputation, image, and moral effort.

But the gospel says the opposite:“The righteousness you create is like dirty rags.Only the righteousness that comes through the blood of Christ can protect you.”

The breastplate does not deny that sin exists.It says that Christ’s cross has already dealt with it.We stand in His righteousness, not ours.

3. The Shield of Faith — Trusting Christ’s Fullness in Every Attack

Today we have too many choices and too much worry.Our hearts are easily shaken.

“Is Jesus really enough?”“Shouldn’t I try harder?”“Don’t I need something more?”

Paul calls these doubts “flaming arrows,”and the only thing that stops them is “the shield of faith.”

Colossians 1:19 gives us the foundation for this faith:“All the fullness of God lives in Christ.”

Faith is not strong feelings or positive thinking.Faith is trusting that Christ is fully sufficient.The power of the shield comes not from us,but from the One we trust.

So holding the shield of faith means saying:“I am weak, but Christ is enough.”“My resources run out, but His never do.”“All fullness is in Him.”

 The Armor Is Not a Moral Tool — It Is the Gospel Itself

Paul’s message is clear:

• Christ is the center of all things, so we put on the belt of truth.

• Christ has made us right with God, so we wear the breastplate of righteousness.

• Christ has all fullness, so we hold the shield of faith.

The armor of God is not something we achieve.It is stepping into the reality of Christ’s finished work.

And this is the power that reshapes our identity and our daily lives.

The gospel is the good news that Jesus has done for us what we could never do for ourselves.

Today, we put on the armor of God by putting on Christ Himself,standing in His victory, and trusting His truth, His righteousness, and His fullness.