Stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth. – Ephesian 6:14
In the first century, the Roman soldier’s belt was often a status symbol. Functionally, it held his dagger and sword, and an “apron” of descending straps protected his thighs and groin. Pendants revealing rank and reward were often fastened to the bottom of the apron straps, and hammered or cast metal plates could adorn the wide belt itself. After his garments, the belt was the first part of his armor that the soldier would put on.
As the Apostle Paul lists the armor of the Christian in Ephesians 6, the belt of truth is the first thing you must put on, fastening it about you. It is the truth of the Gospel that will be both your offense and defense in your spiritual battle. God is a God of truth, and truth is central in the life of a Christian. The Bible is true, it is an accurate account of real people and real situations. God’s promises are true, and so is His righteousness and faithfulness. Jesus truly is the promised Messiah. His death, resurrection, and ascension really happened and, through it, He made provision for your redemption.
Are you really, deep down embracing these truths? Are you obedient to what He has asked of you? Are you ready to stand firm and defend His truth? Without your belt of truth, how are you going to withstand the attacks of the devil? One commentary writer says, “We must faithfully hold the truth of God’s word, but it is also necessary for the truth to hold us. We must apply it to our daily lives and test everything by comparing it to the plumbline of God’s Word of truth.”
Theologian Warren Wiersbe says, “Unless we are motivated and directed by truth, we will be defeated by the enemy. If we permit any deception to enter our lives, we have weakened our position and cannot fight the battle victoriously. The girdle of truth is not an offensive weapon; it is for protection.” As you buckle up your belt of truth today, pray for members of Congress who are often challenged by deception to know the truth of God, of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to stand firm upon His Word.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength 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 we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
