THE ARMOR OF GOD: The Belt of Truth

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Acts 5:17–42 NIV84

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.” At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this. Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men! The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV84

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

2 Corinthians 6:7 NIV84

in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;

2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV84

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Romans 13:12 NIV84

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

IMPERATIVES:

#1 Determine Your Goal;

#2 Pick A Point (It’s important to have a one point message. That way you only have one thing to remember.);

#3 Create A Map (Me-We-God-You-We);

#4 Internalize The Message (Tell a story that takes them on a journey) (Whether it’s a journey to your childhood home or a journey to a life-changing truth, it’s a story that will take you there.) (People make it difficult when they try to communicate points instead of telling a story.) (When you stand up and speak without notes and without having to read your sermon, you’re saying, “This is so important that it’s a part of me — and I think you should make it a part of you, too!”);

#5 Engage The Audience;

#6 Find Your Voice;

#7 Find Some TractionPrayer, Checklist Questions: What do they need to know?Why do they need to know it?What do they need to do?Why do they need to do it?

MAP:

ME - Explain who you are and what you’re all about. Pastor in his church uses as introduction of idea or topic.

WE - It takes me from what I’m thinking or feeling to what WE are thinking and feeling. I have to find an emotional common ground with them around the topic or idea of the message. My goal is to raise a felt need with as many people in the audience as I can

GOD - where I take this emotional common ground I’ve established and introduce biblical truth into the discussion. Now I’m providing a solution to the need I just raised. Remember, we are not teaching the Bible to people; we’re teaching people the Bible. First, we connect with the people; then we move to the Bible.

YOU - Once I’ve introduced God’s view on the subject as the answer to the need, it makes it easy for me to then ask, ‘What are you going to do about it? This becomes the application segment, and if I’ve followed my map well, instead of having to stir up interest in making the application, the application comes as a relief or it’s always the answer to a question they’re already asking. Communicate the challenge at a personal level because life-change is going to come when people apply the truth to their lives. You just go back, and everywhere you raised a need, now you make an application and make sure you don’t raise a felt need that you aren’t going to cover from God’s Word and answer with an application. The worst thing a communicator can do is overpromise and under-deliver. You’re building trust with your listeners. Not just trust in the information, but trust in the relationship.

WE - the place to cast a common vision. A vision of what our lives, our church, and even our world would look like if only we would apply the truth of God’s Word. It’s the inspirational part of the message. My goal at this point is to inspire people to make a change. Sometimes being faced with God’s Word can leave the listener feeling defeated, if all they think about is how far they have to go. But, if I can give them a picture of what life will be like once they apply the truth, then they have a little hope.

GOAL: The Armor of God . . .

POINT: The Belt of Truth . . .

INTRODUCTION

Good Evening/Morning Everyone! It is so good to be the church, whether we are online or back in the building . . . but there is something special about being together . . . face-to-face . . . Fellowship is excellent however we can get it . . . but again . . . there is something different and special about being together face-to-face! As we are transitioning back into the building I want to thank you for your patience and flexibility as we do everything we can to keep people safe and healthy and are able to respect each other in our different thoughts about what should and shouldn’t be done! I love and appreciate each of you whether you are able to be present in the building or not. God is still on the throne no matter what.

Concerning our present days . . . we are going to be speaking about THE ARMOR OF GOD for the next 6 weeks. Our present day circumstances reveal that there is much going on both in the physical and the spiritual world. We know from what the Word of God tells us that as Christians (as the body of Christ) that the battles that we fight against are not so much physical battles but they are spiritual battles. There is an onslaught of things happening right now in our world . . . so much that it is hard to even stay on top of it all . . . to stay informed of it all! That’s some what alarming because we live in such a media driven, technology driven society . . . and that we can get things so easy . . . but the amount of information and the enormous amount of things that are happening behind the scenes is mind-blowing! This is not only happening outside the Body of Christ but also inside “the body of Christ.” God does not want us to be deceived! So, concerning THE ARMOR OF GOD and our next 6 weeks. I’m going to dive and thrust into this head on because we need to be equipped, and for some of us, reminded of what and how THE ARMOR OF GOD is to be yielded in the battle we are in. Today, I will speak about THE BELT OF TRUTH!

(ME)/(WE)

You might ask how that effects us, and I will address specifically our topic for today - THE BELT OF TRUTH! For me, it is important because in the day we live in it is not only vital that I know truth for my life . . . and live by it . . . by making decisions based upon the truth, not only for me, but for my family, and for you, the body of Christ! I have a divine responsibility on all levels . . . and men, as you lead your families, and those of you that are women, or anyone who is single . . . we all have responsibilities personally, and to those that are closest to us . . . to live and lead in truth!

The world has been trying to change our minds about things for some time now. It has been trying to say that there is no black and white, no right or wrong! It tries to take things from a black and white understanding to more of a shades of grey understanding. The world has been saying, if you will allow me for a moment to say, Satan’s role in the garden when he said to Eve . . . “Did God really say . . . ?” Challenging God’s Word. Challenging the moral standards that are laid out in God’s Word. Challenging the TRUTH of God’s Word and trying to bring the same question or doubt that Satan brought to Eve that led to the fall of mankind.

I want to say this in all seriousness . . . this is not a game that we are playing on our Playstations and XBoxes or whatever platform you have chosen . . . and we don’t have extra lives to spare . . . we have but one life to live right now . . . and what we do with that is of utmost importance! We can’t just shut the machine off or hit the reset button and start over with the things that are being presented today in our world on many levels! IT IS IMPORTANT that you understand that we are to be aware or alert to these things . . . not to operate out of fear . . . but out of a full awareness as best we can with the help of God’s Word and Spirit! Let’s dive in . . .

MESSAGE (GOD)

What Is The Armor of God: The Belt of Truth?

Ephesians 6:10-18

Ephesians 6:10–18 NIV84

Another foundational verse for understanding concerning this topic is 2 Corinthian 10:4-5 which I want to read for understanding foundational purposes . . .

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 NIV84

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Slides/Pictures of the Belt of Truth

The Belt of Truth is symbolized in scripture with the armor that a Roman soldier would wear. The picture on the screen, shows what one would look like. It was a leather belt that was tied around a wool tunic. It had connected bronze plates hung from it to protect the soldier’s groin area.

The belt/girdle itself was called a Cingulum (Sing-u-lum) which supported the sword, dagger, and bronze apron. This cingulum was worn at all times, even without other armor pieces. Rather than being a mere belt, when it was the sole garment it was a short wrapped skirt. Often a garment like this (the tunic) would be worn ungirded at home, and therefore the act of fastening the belt and even at times tucking up the garment indicated preparation for some activity or journey. Swords were carried inside a belt or in a sheath suspended from a belt on the side opposite the dominant hand. According to the Dictionary of Bible Themes the belt was a sign of rough living.

And in the passage Ephesians 6:14a it speaks of it “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist . . .”

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised A. Undergarments

It was the “waistcloth” worn by Assyrian warriors (Isa. 5:27) and the “belt” worn by Chaldeans (Ezk. 23:15); metaphorically it was the “girdle” of righteousness and faithfulness (Isa. 11:5).

A. Undergarments Volume 2, Page 403

Rather than being a mere belt, when it was the sole garment it was a short wrapped skirt, as in Egyptian and Assyrian scenes (ANEP, nos 1, 2, 8 etc.).

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised Loins

Often a garment would be worn ungirded at home, and thus the act of fastening the belt and even at times tucking up the garment indicated preparation for some activity or journey.

Eerdmans Bible Dictionary SWORD

Swords were carried inside a belt or in a sheath suspended from a belt on the side opposite the dominant hand (Exod 32:27; Judg. 3:21 [cf. v. 15]; 1 Sam. 17:51; 2 Sam. 20:8; 1 Chr. 21:27; Cant. 3:8).

The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 1, A–C Belt

Belt Page 549

belt. This term is used in modern English versions where the KJV uses “girdle” as a translation of various words in Hebrew (e.g., ḥăgôr H2512) and one in Greek (zōnē G2438). Although the term “belt” was common at the time the KJV was produced, the translators may have preferred “girdle” because the article in question was in most cases a strip of cloth or leather intended to confine clothes rather than support them. In some passages “belt” is clearly superior (e.g., 2 Sam. 18:11, where the support for Joab’s sword is meant). Moreover, the common modern use of “girdle” to refer specifically to a woman’s undergarment makes this term less preferable.

Dictionary of Bible Themes 5131 belt

5131

belt

An item of clothing, worn round the waist, used for gathering clothes and holding weapons or money.

The belt as an item of clothing

1Ki 18:46 See also 2Sa 20:8; 1Ki 2:5; 2Ki 4:29; 9:1; Ps 109:19; Isa 5:27; Jer 13:1-11; Da 10:5; Mt 10:9 pp Mk 6:8; Ac 21:11

Part of the battledress of a warrior

1Sa 18:4 See also 2Sa 18:11; Eze 23:15

A leather belt was a sign of rough living

2Ki 1:8 See also Mt 3:4 pp Mk 1:6

The belt symbolises truth and righteousness

Isa 11:5; Eph 6:14

What Does It All Mean?

Ephesians 6:10–13 NIV84

Let’s put it all together . . .

So, everything that is mentioned in verses 10-13 . . be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power, put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes, our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Because of this . . . put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes (and we are in its midst) you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand . . . based on all of that . . . stand firm! Stand, don’t sit, don’t recline, don’t fall, don’t move! . . . but STOP and STAND Firm!

Ephesians 6:14 NIV84

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Stand Firm . . .

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 30.87 ἵστημι

30.87 ἵστημιe: to propose or put forward a particular selection—‘to select, to choose.’ ἔστησαν δύο, Ἰωσὴφ … καὶ Μαθθίαν ‘so they selected two men: Joseph … and Matthias’ Ac 1:23. For another interpretation of ἵστημι in Ac 1:23, see 33.343.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 85.40 ἵστημι

85.40 ἵστημιa: to cause to be in a place, with or without the accompanying feature of standing position—‘to put, to place, to set, to make stand, to be there.’ ἀγαγόντες δὲ αὐτοὺς ἔστησαν ἐν τῷ συνεδρίῳ ‘they brought them in and made them stand before the council’ Ac 5:27; ἔστησάν τε μάρτυρας ψευδεῖς λέγοντας ‘false witnesses were there who said …’ Ac 6:13; προσκαλεσάμενος παιδίον ἔστησεν αὐτὸ ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν ‘calling a child, he placed him in the midst of them’ Mt 18:2. As may be seen from the preceding three contexts, ἵστημιa may very well imply a standing position, but what is in focus is not the stance but the location.

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume στήκω

1. In its use for “to stand” this verb forms the opposite of sitting, reclining, or falling, also of moving.

2. The present hístēmi means “to stop,” “to set up,” “to appoint or institute,” “to stir up or lift up,” and “to place on a scale,” “to weigh.”

3. The middle means “to stand still,” “to remain standing,” “to come before,” “to stand up,” “to arise,” and “to begin.”

4. The perfect and pluperfect forms mean “to stand” and “to be.”

5. The late future and aorist passive share the general meaning.

Then . . .

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 89.50 οὖν; μενοῦν

89.50 οὖνa; μενοῦνb: markers of result, often implying the conclusion of a process of reasoning—‘so, therefore, consequently, accordingly, then, so then.’

οὖνa: πᾶς οὖν ὅστις ἀκούει μου τοὺς λόγους τούτους ‘therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine’ Mt 7:24; συνήγαγον οὖν, καὶ ἐγέμισαν δώδεκα κοφίνους κλασμάτων ‘therefore they gathered and filled twelve baskets with pieces’ Jn 6:13.μενοῦνb: μενοῦν μακάριοι οἱ ἀκούοντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ φυλάσσοντες ‘therefore, truly blessed are (or ‘happy are …’) those who hear the word of God and obey it’ Lk 11:28. For other interpretations of μενοῦν in Lk 11:28, see 89.128 and 91.8.

Ephesians 6:14 NIV84

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Your . . .

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 92.7 ὑμεῖς, ὑμῶν, ὑμῖν, ὑμᾶς

92.7 ὑμεῖς, ὑμῶν, ὑμῖν, ὑμᾶς: a reference to the receptors of a message, whether oral or written (with an added feature of emphasis in the form ὑμεῖς)—‘you, your.’ ἡμεῖς μωροὶ … ὑμεῖς δὲ φρόνιμοι ‘we are foolish … but you are wise’ 1 Cor 4:10; ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ‘your faith’ Ro 1:8.

With The Belt of Truth . . .

Truth . . .

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 72.2 ἀλήθεια, ας

72.2 ἀλήθεια, ας f: the content of that which is true and thus in accordance with what actually happened—‘truth.’ εἶπεν αὐτῷ πᾶσαν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ‘she told him the whole truth’ Mk 5:33. In Jn 8:32 ἀλήθεια is used to refer to the revelation of God that Jesus brings or, perhaps, to Jesus himself for what he actually is as the revelation of God.

With Belt Buckled Around Waist . . . (having encircled)

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 77.5 περιζώννυμαι τὴν ὀσφύν

77.5 περιζώννυμαι τὴν ὀσφύν: (an idiom, literally ‘to gird up the loins’) to cause oneself to be in a state of readiness—‘to get ready, to prepare oneself.’ στῆτε οὖν περιζωσάμενοι τὴν ὀσφὺν ὑμῶν ἐν ἀληθείᾳ ‘stand ready with truth’ Eph 6:14. In the context of Eph 6:14, however, it may be useful to preserve the extended figure of readiness for warfare beginning with Eph 6:13 and extending through verse 17.

Kairos: A Beginning Greek Grammar 3.2 Greek Verbs

2. Greek, however, has a third voice called the middle voice. The middle voice emphasizes the subject’s own involvement in the action of the verb and/or in the resultant benefits arising from the action of the verb.

The original language is important here because it always puts whats most important first and it literally says . . . “Stand then, having encircled the hip of you in truth . . .” How this word is used here is also important because it is emphasizing the subjects own involvement in the action of the verb.

So, literally, we are to cause ourselves to be in a state of readiness, to be prepared, for battle with the truth! We are to put on (the belt) that hems in everything about us so that we are prepared for whatever is thrown at us . . . prepared to answer with the truth!

What Truth? The content of what is surely, really true! Where do we get that? CNN, Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS . . . NO! God forbid! There is always question of what we are being told! NOT that anything and everything is wrong or not true! But, we need a solid source . . . and that source is the WORD OF GOD! What we hear from everything is else is measured/compared to the Word of God!

Some things we are told . . . we know right away whether it is truth or not . . . but based on what! What are we basing our judgement or discernment on? Maybe it is an eye witness . . . you were there and saw the whole thing. Maybe it was second hand . . . but the source was very reliable, or not! Maybe it was (God Forbid) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or one of the many other platforms out there. What are we basing our decision on?

We don’t have time to go into detail here, but the evidence of God’s Word at it’s critical and most relevant points being true through eye witness accounts that have been historically documented is phenomenal; enough that I don’t even have to use the Bible to prove them. They have been documented historically through people (historians) that weren’t even Christ followers well enough I can prove points without using the Bible to do it!

(YOU)

Let me ask you . . . What About You? Are you in the figurative sense putting on the ARMOR OF GOD: THE BELT OF TRUTH each day? In a real sense . . . are you in the Word of God enough that you are knowledgeable and walking in wisdom to handle the battles to come? I know that our confidence comes from God, but are we in the Word so that we are giving God’s Spirit tools to work with in our hearts for the battles to come? Specifically at this point . . . THE BELT OF TRUTH! Are you prepared with the TRUTH to do battle with the lies that are coming against you . . . your lifestyle . . . your faith . . . your salvation . . . your eternity?

Are you prepared with the knowledge of the Word of God to defend against the attacks of the enemy when they come . . . and they will come if they have not already! You see, when we STAND for God and His Word . . . the attacks are going to be there because the enemy does not want you to serve God and live the life that He has called you too! At Life of TRUTH! To be a witness! To stand up for the Truth! To defend the defenseless! We are fighting a battle that is spiritual but often reveals itself in the physical; and it is only by the power of God that we can be who and what we need to be!

In Conclusion, and I’m going to pray in a moment . . . I want to paint a picture . . .

CONCLUSION

(WE)

I see a vision of the Body of Christ standing in the midst of battle against the spiritual forces of evil . . . the demons, the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world, the spiritual forces of evil . . . clothed in their battle gear! They are winning because their hands are trained for war and their fingers for battle (Psalm 144:1). So much that the figurative light is pressing out all darkness from people’s lives because of the great amount of wisdom that they walk in because of the Word of God! That the Word of God is sweeping not only over Valley City and Barnes County, but the entire of state of North Dakota and across the entirety of the United States, and across the oceans and the seas until it encompasses the entirety of the world!

I see a people that are literally snatching people as they are falling over a cliff into the abyss, ultimately ending in an eternity in hell because of the power of the Word of God in their lives . . . literally being the very vessels that God is using to deliver salvation to the lives of millions of people. I see the enemy outraged as he stands by helpless against the power of the Word of God . . . wanting so badly to damn people to a life in hell . . . BUT he CANNOT STAND AGAINST THE POWER OF GOD! The literal gates of hell cannot stand against the power of God!

That literally happened in Acts 5:17-42 . . .

Do you see yourself as part of that Army? Do you see yourself standing against the gates of hell in the name of Jesus?

It all starts with one moment every day being in the Word of God. Having a devotional life in the Word of God. Thinking, meditating, having a desire to be in the Word of God, studying, asking questions . . . it all starts right here and right now!