Parallel between Roman Soldiers and Believers Armor.
Both the roman soldiers and the Christians (believers) were armed with both offensive and defensive weapons. Let me make a comparison, piece by piece and show you some practical ways to use each of them.

Remember the weapons of a soldier are physical and the believer's weapons are spiritual weaponry.

1. Belt of Truth.
Roman Soldier
A soldier is only ready for battle when he is girded with his belt. The belt was made of metal and thick heavy leather and was the carrying place for the sword. It is also a protective piece that hung down in front. His belt held all the other pieces of his armor together. To be fitted with his belt meant that he was ready to face action.

The Believer
It is the most important piece of weaponry that we possess. As believers we cannot function without the Word of God in our spiritual life. Truth is the belt that holds the believers armor together as well. Truth can be found in God's Word and in person of Jesus Christ. We must know this truth in order to protect ourselves against our flesh, the world, and the father of lies. Truth ground us and reminds us of our identity in Jesus Christ. This is the only visible weapon of the believers. All the others weaponry are invisible.

2. Breastplate of Righteousness.
Roman soldier
He was always equipped with a breastplate. This piece of armor, protect his vital organs in the heat of the battle - when he was not quick enough to take up his shield. The breastplate was for the quick and unexpected advances of the enemy.

Believers
As believers we have no righteousness apart from that which has been given us by Christ. Our breastplate is His righteousness. His righteousness will never fail. Though we have no righteousness of our own, we must still, by His power, chose to do right. Living a right life, rooted in God's Word is powerful in protecting our heart, killing our flesh, and defeating the enemy.

3. Sandals with the Gospel of peace.
Roman soldier
Roman soldiers feet were fitted with sandals called "caligae". These sandals were made to help protect soldier's feet during their long marches into battle. They had extremely thick soles and wrapped perfectly around their ankles in a way that protected against blistering, "caligae" also had spikes on the bottom to help them stand firm as they traveled. This helped them have a firm foundation.

Believers
Believers also have a firm foundation in the gospel. As believers we have peace in knowing we are secure in what Jesus has done for us.

4. Shield of Faith.
Roman soldier
The soldiers shield was a complex piece of armor. The shield also called a "scutum" and was a soldier's primary defensive weapon. It was made of impenetrable wood, leather, canvas and metal and could be doused in water to extinguish the fiery arrows of the enemy. When soldiers group together they link their shields together it become a very strong protection base.

Believers
Faith is the shield of the believer. Trusting in God's power and protection is imperative in remaining steadfast. When the battle rages, we must remember that God works all things for good. He is always true to His promises. Believers should bond together with other believers in the fight of faith. The best way is through the closeness of a small group. This is how the church began in the first century.

5. Helmet of salvation.
Roman Soldier
The soldiers head is one of his most vulnerable areas. Without his helmet, one blow to the head would prove fatal. His helmet covered his entire head facial area and between the eyes. His armor would prove useless if he was not equipped with his helmet.

Believers
The believer's helmet of salvation is the most crucial piece of armor for the Christian. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit that enters the believer at the moment of salvation all other armor is useless.

Salvation empowers believers to fight. It protects us in our weaknesses. Without salvation there is no victory.

6. Sword of the spirit.
Roman Soldier
All other pieces of the soldier's arsenal are defensive weapons but not his sword. The sword, a "gladius", was a deadly weapon. In the hands of a skilled warrior, he could piece through even the strongest armor.

Believers
Our Sword is the Word of God, both the written and the incarnate Word. Every other piece of armor protects us against attacks. With God's Word, we are truly able to fight and defeat all enemies. Christ used scripture to defeat Satan when He was tempted in the desert. We must do the same.

7. Communication.
Roman Soldier - Communication is a key in the battlefield. Commanders need to send instructions to their solders. Commanders of different units need to communicate with each other to coordinate their attacks and to help each other out as needed. To achieve these goals, the Roman military used a variety of methods for sending messages.

Believers - Prayer is a secret weapon. Prayer is a Christian's form of communication. It is how we receive messages from God and send our messages to Him. In prayer we show our reliance upon God to act and move. Our entire armor is rooted in His strength. Without His presence we are powerless in the fight.

We must fight on our "knees". The one who had won the war is with us in the battle. We will see a victory when we fight in His power.