The Whole Armor of God--Belt of Truth
1/9/2018

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11)

 

Phillips translation renders this verse as follows: "Put on God's complete armor so that you can successfully resist all the devil's methods of attack."   The word "schemes" refers to the methods and trickery of the devil. We must remember that he is called "the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world" (Revelation 12:9).  He is constantly trying to deceive us. He tries to trick us because his goal is to discourage, dishearten and finally to defeat us, but we are to stand and hold our ground.  We have been given full armor from God and we are to put it on in the same way that a soldier gets dressed for battle.  No soldier puts on his armor after the battle and after everything has been thrown at him. When we are dressed in the full armor of God, then and only then, we are prepared to conquer Satan in the strength of the Lord.  (Ephesians 6:14-17)

 

The belt of truth, ties all of God's armor together. Paul said, "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth."  Soldiers in Paul's day wore belts to secure their clothing and hold weapons. For the Roman soldier, the girdle or belt was a leather apron-like piece that extended down to the thighs, protecting the lower part of the body.  The soldier tucked his robe or tunic into it so that he could move quickly and without encumbrance in the battle.  Paul's point is that we cannot be ready to fight the enemy if we are not strong and ready with God's truth.  Truth is one of the most powerful weapons we possess in the spiritual arsenal God has given to us.  Since Satan is said to be the 'father of lies' (John 8:44), deception is high on the list of things God considers to be an abomination.

 

Throughout the Scriptures "the truth of God" is emphasized.  Paul told the elders from Ephesus, "And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified" (Acts 20:32).   Paul's further emphasis on the truth is seen when he declared, "....for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth" (Ephesians 5:9).

 

If we cannot understand the truth, as some argue, then how can we gird our loins with it?  Jesus said, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32).  "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth".  (John 17:17), which centers in Jesus who is the embodiment of truth. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  (John 14:6).

 

It is this truth we need to combat the false teaching of Satan.  John said, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (I John 4:1). 

 

You can put anything you hear to the test by knowing and understanding THE TRUTH.


Our Christian walk does not depend on what we feel, or think.  It depends on us believing and walking in the truth of God.

 

 

TRUST AND OBEY

 

When we walk with the Lord

In the light of His word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will,

He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

 

Refrain:

 

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

 

 

Not a burden we bear,

Not a sorrow we share,

But our toil He doth richly repay;

Not a grief or a loss,

Not a frown or a cross,

But is blest if we trust and obey.

 

 

 

Hymn Writer ~ John H. Sammis, 1846-1919

Hymn Music ~ Daniel B. Towner, 1850-1919

 

 

"Daily Devotions by Guy Roberson"

Walnut Street Church of Christ

 

 







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