The Armor of God
the Belt of Truth
Ephesians 6:14
What is Truth? Where do you go when you are looking for information? Nowadays it seems like most people surf the internet to find the information they need. After all, in just a few short seconds you can find out just about anything, and of course, if it’s on the internet, it must be true, right?
Ephesians 6:14 tells us that the first piece of armor is the belt of truth. In Biblical times a belt was the first thing a soldier would put on over his uniform tunic, He always had his belt with him. A tunic was a long loose-fitting shirt that went down to his knees. The belt would hold his tunic up out of the way so he could do his job without tripping or falling. The belt also provided a safe and secure place for him to attach tools and weapons. Without a belt, a soldier would be in danger and unable to effectively face the enemy. He could not protect himself or others without his belt.
TRUTH?
Belts are still vitally important today and the Truth is too. Just as the soldiers of old would put on their belt first and then their weapons, so must a Christian today put on God’s Belt of Truth first. As Christians, knowing and living the Truth is the core of our life … nothing else can replace the Truth. Everything else attaches to that Truth … all weapons and tools. Knowing the Truth and living by it is an essential piece of the Armor of God.
Where do we find Truth? The internet, at school, from friends? Real TRUTH is found in God’s word and in God’s Son, Jesus. Check out these verses below.
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In 1 Timothy 2:4 God says that He desires that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth of one God and one Savior. In John 14:6 Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one comes to the Father except by Him.
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In John 17:17 God says that His Word is truth. He also says that His Word can cleanse you and me and keep us from doing wrong (Psalm 119:9). His Truth can make you free to live the best life God has for you (John 8:32 and John 10:10).
How do we know the truth? You and I can know the real Truth by reading and studying God’s Word. 2 Timothy 2:15 says that when you study God’s Word you will have God’s approval and you won’t be ashamed because you know what He wants you to do. It also says that it will take work, but it is worth it to know the real Truth.
Make a commitment to read the Bible every day. A good place to start is in the book of John in the New Testament. Don’t quit if you miss reading one day, just keep going. Pray and ask God to teach you from His Word … and He will. These questions can help you get more out of your study:
1. Is there an example for me to follow or a sin to avoid?
2. Is there a command for me to obey?
3. Is there a promise God is making to me?
4. What do I learn about God in this passage?
5. Is there a thought to take with me today?
While it is important to see that Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we must also see that God says that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) and that lying is an abomination to God (Proverbs 12:22). An abomination is something that is wicked, disgusting and morally wrong. In fact, in Proverbs 6:17-19 God lists 7 things that He hates and lying is listed twice because He hates it that much!
Every one of us has lied. No one taught us how to lie … they didn’t need to. Because of that sinful nature you and I inherited from Adam and Eve, we just naturally know how to lie and do other bad things. So, at one time or another, you have probably lied to avoid getting in trouble, to deceive someone, or to make someone think you are better than you really are.
Lies are also all around us. Satan plants lies in the media (like the internet. TV, movies, music, etc.) to spread his lies and draw people away from God. That’s why our foundational piece of armor is the Belt of Truth.
Everything that God says is Truth! You can completely trust His Word, but you have to spend time reading and studying the Bible in order to know the Truth. Bankers can spot a counterfeit bill because they have handled real money for so long. In the same way, when you daily read and study God’s Word (handling the truth), you will be able to spot the lies when you see and hear them. Don’t be tricked … know the Truth! Reading and obeying God’s Word is essential. Don’t see it as a chore; see it as an opportunity to grow to be a stronger and better soldier for Jesus. Put on the Belt of Truth!
