The Armor of GodSample

Day 1: The Belt of Truth

While locked away in a Roman prison, awaiting trial, Paul likely observed the armor that was worn by the Roman soldiers who were guarding him, and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he used that First-century battle dress as a metaphor for God’s spiritual armor that is made available to every born-again Christian.

We are in a battle, but the battle is not against other people. We are not fighting against a spouse, a child, a friend, or an employer. Ephesians 6:12 NKJV clearly states, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” The devil has waged a supernatural war against every child of God, but God has provided the armor for us to overcome every attack: “...take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13 NKJV). God’s armor is available to us, friend, but we must take it up.

The belt of truth is the first piece of armor mentioned by Paul because it is foundational to the rest. It was on the belt that the Roman soldier hung his other weapons, including his dagger, sword, and protective apron. Similarly it is on our spiritual belt, truth — the written Word of God — that we secure our other spiritual weapons.

In Ephesians 6:14 NKJV, Paul specifically said, “...having girded your waist with truth….” The waist area is often referred to as our “core,” and it’s important to exercise and strengthen it, as a strong core will benefit the entire body. That’s what the truth of the Bible does for us! The Word of God is the most important weapon in our arsenal, upon which all the others depend.

If you are a born-again believer, your body is the house in which the Holy Spirit dwells. Regardless of the size of your natural body, you are filled with the presence of God! We do not belong to ourselves — we belong to God, and this truth must become more than just head knowledge. When we simply “know” (head knowledge) that the Holy Spirit lives inside us, we will continue to allow ourselves to be controlled by our emotions, bodies, or negative thoughts that are contrary to the Word. But when we apply what we are learning from God’s Word to our daily lives, it becomes heart knowledge, and it changes our attitudes and way we act.

When the belt of truth is wrapped around our waist — when we abide in the Word of God — even if the enemy hurls lies against us, we can say, “No. I may not be perfect in my emotions, mind, or body, but God lives in my spirit, and my spirit is perfect because that is where He dwells.” The One who dwells inside us is greater than anything in this world!

For Your Consideration:

• The Word of God is an important weapon in your arsenal. Since it is pertinent to your life in combatting what the enemy hurls your way, the truth within it must be rooted deep within you. Are you spending time reading God’s Word every day? If not, determine to dedicate daily time to it.
• When the enemy whispers lies, you must replace those lies with truth. What is a false thought that the devil keeps throwing at you and what truth from God’s Word can you replace it with? Find a scripture that pertains to your struggle.