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In Episode 240 of the Hope Rescue Podcast, we conclude our powerful series on addiction by turning to God’s ultimate provision for victory: the armor of God. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the nature of addiction, its spiritual roots, and the path to true freedom through surrender to Christ. If you’ve missed any of those episodes, we encourage you to go back and listen!
Our anchor verse for this series has been 1 Corinthians 6:12, which states:
"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything."
This verse reminds us that while we have freedom in Christ, true liberty is not about indulging every desire. Instead, it means refusing to be enslaved by anything. We are called to live under the lordship of Christ, not under the domination of sin.
Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons. Ephesians 6:14-18 outlines the armor of God, which equips us to stand firm against the enemy’s attacks:
"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, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Each piece of armor represents a vital truth about our identity in Christ and our defense against sin and addiction.
1. The Belt of Truth – Foundation of Freedom
In biblical times, soldiers wore tunics, which had long, flowing fabric that could hinder movement. Before battle, they would gird their loins by tucking the excess fabric into their belt, allowing them to move freely.
Likewise, the truth of the Gospel secures us and enables us to stand firm. Ephesians 1:13 describes this truth:
"In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit."
When we understand that we are already saved in Christ, we realize we no longer have to be enslaved to sin. Addiction loses its grip when we stand on the truth of our identity in Christ. Every other piece of armor depends on this foundation.
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness – Your Protection
A breastplate protects the heart and vital organs. Spiritually, our righteousness in Christ protects us from the enemy’s accusations. Satan will try to convince us that we are failures, too sinful for God’s grace, or unworthy of His love. But our righteousness is not based on our works—it is given to us through Christ. When we wear the breastplate of righteousness, we stand confidently in the truth that we are fully accepted by God.
3. The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Standing Firm in Truth
Roman soldiers wore sandals with metal studs on the soles, giving them traction and stability in battle. Without them, they would slip and fall. Likewise, our firm footing comes from the Gospel—the good news that we have peace with God through Christ. This peace means:
Our salvation is eternally secure (Ephesians 1:13).
We are united in Christ, regardless of race, background, or social status. When we stand on the Gospel, we don’t let earthly divisions distract us.
We can stand firm in the face of trials because we know that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
4. The Shield of Faith – Deflecting the Enemy’s Lies
The shield of faith protects us from the flaming arrows of the enemy—those deceptive thoughts that try to weaken us:
“You’re not really saved.”
“You’re not worthy.”
“You’ll never be free from this addiction.”
Faith is the weapon that extinguishes these lies. When we trust in God’s promises rather than our feelings, we block the enemy’s attacks. Faith is not just believing in God; it is believing God’s truth over every lie.
5. The Helmet of Salvation – Guarding Your Mind
The helmet of salvation protects our minds. Satan wants to keep us in doubt, confusion, and fear, but our salvation is secure in Christ. We don’t fight addiction or sin in order to be saved—we fight from the position of already being saved by grace. When we keep our thoughts fixed on the certainty of our salvation, we can resist the temptation to fall back into sin.
6. The Sword of the Spirit – The Power of God's Word
The Greek word for "sword" here is machaira, referring to a small, razor-sharp dagger used for precision strikes. This is the same word used in Hebrews 4:12:
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
God’s Word cuts through deception and exposes the enemy’s lies. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He responded with Scripture. This is our model—when we are tempted, we must combat it with the truth of God’s Word.
The key to overcoming addiction is not sheer willpower—it is putting on the full armor of God. Each piece equips us to resist temptation, stand firm in our identity, and walk in victory. Addiction is ultimately a battle for our hearts and minds. The armor of God gives us the strength to break free from destructive habits and live in the fullness of Christ.
As we wrap up this series, we encourage you to:
Immerse yourself in the truth of God’s Word.
Put on the armor of God daily.
Walk in the victory that Christ has already secured for you.
Next week, we’ll start a brand new topic, but in the meantime, if you know someone struggling with addiction, share this episode with them—they need to hear that freedom is possible through Christ!
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