Written by:
Sister Edna Ellison
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter of Ephesians while he was under arrest in Rome. Paul most likely took note of how the Roman soldiers were dressed. The belt was crucial in holding the other pieces of their armor in place. Also, their belts were used to pull their tunics up for more freedom of movement.
In my mind’s eye, I can see Paul sitting there in prison pondering all that Jesus taught him after his conversion on the road to Damascus while he was with him those three years in Arabia. (Galatians 1:17-18) This probably led him to think, “Of what might the armor of God consist?” Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Ephesians 6:13).
The truth of God’s Word had to be the first piece of the full armor of God. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place (Ephesians 6:14).
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to The Father except through me (John 14:6). Jesus is the Word and the Truth. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth (John 17:17). You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37). To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
All of these truths are foolishness to an unbeliever (1 Corinthians 1:18). Salvation begins your relationship with God. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Once you have faith in who Jesus is, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you. John 16:7 says, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” Finally, John 14:26 says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
This is a supernatural occurrence in that only through the Holy Spirit can anyone accept the “Truth” of God’s Word. This Truth is the foundation on which we build our relationship with God.
Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). The first of those lies start in Genesis chapter 3 verse 4, “You will not certainly die, the serpent said to the woman.” “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” This was the first of a half-truth. Adam and Eve did not die a physical death, but died a Spiritual death in that their disobedience separated them from and severed their relationship with God. That sin caused all mankind to be born in sin. Satan can twist the truth of God’s Word. We have to know God’s word to fight off the schemes of Satan. If the belt of truth is twisted, it will not hold the Sword of the Spirit, nor any part of the full armor of God.
The Belt of Truth will guide you in avoiding the dangers that we face. Psalm 119:105 reads, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” In troubling times, the belt of truth frees us from the burden of looking for answers that God has already provided in His Word. When Satan comes with lies, or half- truths that sound convincing, God’s Word, God’s Truth will shine on the lies that they are.
As we wake up each and every day as Christians, be ready to put on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:11-13 tells us to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
In dressing yourself each day, start with “The Belt of Truth”, the Truth of God’s Word!!
Written by Sister Edna Ellison