Last month, Pastor David preached a sermon series on the armor of God. Throughout this series, we were challenged not to neglect the protection that God gives as we face spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul writes,
Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your waist girded with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 having your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace, 16 and above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
The above verses were penned while Paul was in prison. It is believed that he was looking at a Roman soldier while he was writing about the armor of God. One cannot help but wonder if perhaps he asked the soldier to explain the natural value of each piece of armor as he made spiritual comparisons. What is clear, however, is that Paul wished to emphasize the divine origin of spiritual armor. His admonition in verse 10 to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” is significant. The word that is translated “power” by the MEV is the Greek word dunamis. It is the same word used by Jesus to describe what is received by the disciples on the day of Pentecost, “You shall receive power (dunamis) when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). The apostle is thus instructing the disciples to stand strong through the power of the Spirit that has been deposited in them by Christ Himself. On Sunday, September 10, Pastor David taught about a key piece of armor: the belt of truth.
In moments of spiritual warfare, the belt of truth becomes a vital piece of our armor, securing our foundation and providing resilience against the attacks of the enemy. Pastor David highlighted the multifaceted role of the belt of truth, particularly in helping us navigate three critical areas.
Accepting the Truth of the Word
Our culture often challenges the very concept of truth, promoting subjective perspectives with phrases like "my truth." In this era, the importance of the belt of truth cannot be overstated. Pastor David drew attention to Luke 17:25, where Jesus foresaw His rejection by the generation of His time. Similarly, we face the temptation to reject the truth of God's Word and His nature. The belt of truth, as mentioned in Ephesians 1:12-13, serves as supernatural armor, granting us strength to stand firm. The Word of Truth, the gospel of salvation, not only guides us but also reveals that we are heirs to the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. It is through this truth that we access the promises God has prepared for us.
Facing the Truth About Ourselves
Pastor David's teachings brought us to the profound encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well, as documented in the Gospel of John. Amidst her surface-level questions, Jesus delved into the depths of her life, prompting her to confront her sin and brokenness. The belt of truth compels us to acknowledge our own shortcomings and seek the life-giving water that Christ offers. It enables us to face the uncomfortable truths about ourselves, fostering a humility that invites the transformative power of God.
Knowing the Truth When the Enemy Comes Against Us
In the battlefield of spiritual warfare, the enemy often attempts to distort reality and sow seeds of doubt. The belt of truth becomes our safeguard, allowing us to discern and hold fast to the truth when confronted by the adversary. Just as a soldier's belt secures various pieces of armor, the belt of truth fortifies our spiritual stance, ensuring that we are not swayed by deceptive tactics. As we stand firm, girded with truth, we become resilient against the schemes of the evil one.
In conclusion, the belt of truth, as part of the whole armor of God, plays a pivotal role in our spiritual defense. It empowers us to accept the truth of God's Word, confront the truth about ourselves, and discern the truth when faced with spiritual opposition. As Pastor David emphasized, in a world where absolute truth is often devalued, embracing and living by the truth of God becomes an anchor that steadies us in the midst of the storm.