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Ephesians 6:13-14(a)

“The Belt of Truth”

This is fashion?•Ever seen this?•I’m no fashion Police, but this is ridiculous•Spiritual Warfare?•Would this be ok in the Army?•One piece of equipment that has not changed in all of military history; Belt

To the Armor…•Obviously, one can’t move decisively in battle if his pants are falling down•Notice that on his description of the implements of war, Paul doesn’t start with the high profile stuff•Instead, he starts his list with “the belt of truth”

“13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH”

Ephesians 6:13-14(a), NASB

“13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH”

Ephesians 6:13-14(a), NASB

“13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH”

Ephesians 6:13-14(a), NASB

A. Able to resist…•From vs 10-18 the word ‘resist’ or ‘stand’, pops up repeatedly•Greek word is ‘his-tem-i’, military•More than ‘standing’ around– it means to “stand, be kept intact (of family, a kingdom), continue safe and sound, stand unharmed” by doing guard duty

A. Able to resist…•Guard Duty is not sightseeing•It is vigilantly watching for any surprise attack against you and your fellow soldiers•You don’t “armor-up” and expect nothing to happen so you can just chill•Lots of Christians have the wrong idea

A. Able to resist…•Oft times its due to misunder-standing Matthew 16:18

“18 I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”

Matthew 16:18, NASB

A. Able to resist…•Oft times its due to misunder- standing Matthew 16:18•The mistake is in thinking that the church is on the attack against Hell•Context of “gates of Hades”• In the ancient world, the city council, judges, and city leadership gathered together at the city gates, where city life was judges, organized, strategized • It means no Satanic strategy will beat us

A. Able to resist/stand…•Jesus’ example•He never went looking for demons to conquer•Defeated them as they popped up while doing His Father’s Will…•God gives us a glorious standing to “maintain” by faith and spiritual battle

Glorious histemi…• We stand in grace. – Romans 5:2• We stand in the Gospel. – 1 Corinthians 15:1• We stand in courage and strength. – 1 Corinthians 16:13• We stand in faith. – 2 Corinthians 1:24• We stand in Christian liberty. – Galatians 5:1• We stand in Christian unity. – Philippians 1:27• We stand in the Lord. – Philippians 4:1• We should stand perfect and complete in the will of God. – Colossians 4:12

“14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH”

Ephesians 6:14(a), NASB

“14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…”

Ephesians 6:13-14(a), NIV

B. Gird your waist with truth…•What does Paul mean here?•Remember– no modern pants•The toga would be pulled up shorter and secured for freedom of movement•Belt not dramatic, but essential to the other armor pieces’ security•Other tools attached…

3 things we must understand…1. What is truth?

“37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 38 Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?”

John 18:37-38(a), NASB

3 things we must understand…1. What is truth?•Pilate wasn’t a dummy, but ignoring the Truth is stupid…•Just like the world today, no one wants truth if it interferes with their lifestyle•Barna says that only 34% and 46% of adults believe in absolute moral truth

3 things we must understand…1. What is truth?2. Being ready for Christ’s return

“13 Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.”

Matthew 25:13, NASB

3 things we must understand…1. What is truth?2. Being ready for Christ’s return•Rapture– no warning, then judgement•Some think other things must happen before the ‘harpazo’, I do not– Truth

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, NIV

3 things we must understand…1. What is truth?2. Being ready for Christ’s return•Rapture– no warning, then judgement•Some think other things must happen before the ‘harpazo’, I do not– Truth•If you are not born again, you will experience the Tribulation

3 things we must understand…1. What is truth?2. Being ready for Christ’s return3. Live by the Truth every day•In other words, live truthfully before God•Truthful with yourself, others, but always God•Jesus’ worst words were for the hypocrites

Take Home!1. Always be on guard against constant

Satanic deceptions and temptations2. Hypocrisy in the church is far worse

than profanity on the street3. It is absolutely essential for us to be

honest with God: He sees through ALL4. Are you ready? Be watchful and

vigilant!