The Belt of Truth
—The Armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-17)
As Christians we are at war —not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of wickedness and darkness. To win this war, to fight the good fight, we must be adequately equipped. Part of that equipment is "The Belt of Truth" (Ephesians 6:10-17).
Ephesians 6, Verses 10-17
¶“10Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty strength. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against rulers, against powers, against the world forces of this present darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:10-12).
¶“13Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day —to stand firm having done all. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15As shoes for your feet, prepare yourselves with the gospel of peace. 16That's not all: take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:13-17).
1 Believe the truth, don't turn away your ears
A belt is used to "gird the loins", to hold in place the clothing around one’s waist. This is a metaphor for how we keep our faith in place to clothe our minds (1Peter 1:13). We secure our belief and hope with truth —especially the truth about Jesus (1Corinthians 15:3-5 Colossians 1:15-20).
The Bible warns that many people will "turn away their ears from the truth and be turned aside to fables" (2Timothy 4:4). They will "believe the lie" (2Thessalonians 2:9-12).
In almost every generation, there is spun some grand web of deceit; some evil narrative by which Satan perpetrates a world-wide hoax, a "strong delusion".
God allows the Antichrists to march, but does not give the victory to them. Rather victory is given to the soldiers of the cross who wear the belt of truth and the other armour of God.
The crowd will be caught up in the falsehood, but those who are discerning will seek and see the truth. "Choose you this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15)
2 Endure sound doctrine, stay in the faith
Again the Bible warns that many people "will not endure sound doctrine" (2timothy 4:3). This word "endure" suggests tribulation. Speaking the truth, and fighting for it, makes you a target for trouble and trials.
Speaking the truth therefore requires endurance. You need a strong and durable belt, not a piece of string.
When people "preach the word" (2Timothy 4:1-2), the worldly crowd finds the gospel offensive and foolish because it is contrary to their wisdom. So they attack the gospel and those who preach it.
However, "Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (1Corinthians 1:20 NKJV).
"But you, beloved, building yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 1:20-21 NKJV).
3 Love the truth, expose the lies
Now what causes one to believe the truth and endure it? Paul speaks of "unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved" (2Thessalonians 2:10).
If people love the truth then they will seek it and see it. They will also oppose and expose the lies and deception, the opposite of the truth.
When Paul speaks of those who "did not receive the love of the truth", he does not mean that it was witheld from them. Rather, it was offered, but they would not accept it.
Isaiah says of them, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight" (Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV).
4 Test all things, hold fast the good
When you "gird up your loins" and buckle on your belt for battle, you don't expect that belt to break or come undone. You expect it to hold fast.
Scripture says, "Test all things. Hold fast what is good" (1Thessalonians 5:21).
If you own an expensive and well crafted belt, you will regularly check belt and buckle to see if there is any corrosion, mould, dirt or damage. Likewise the belt of truth must not be contaminated by any falsehood.
Test by the scriptures anything that people claim is truth. If it passes the test, keep it held fast by your belt of truth.
Believe the truth,
don't turn away your ears
Endure sound doctrine,
stay in the faith
Love the truth,
expose the lies
Test all things,
hold fast the good
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