“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” (Ephesians 6:14)

While we have victory through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, both Peter and Paul will remind us that we still have an enemy who desires to hinder and stop our service as we follow Jesus. Peter wrote, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Paul stated, “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.” (Ephesians 6:12) In response to our enemy’s deception, we are to stand firm. Peter said, “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:9) Paul added, “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. . .. Stand firm then.” (Ephesians 10-11, 14) Peter reminded us that it is God who will “make you strong, firm and steadfast.“ (1 Peter 5:10) Paul would tell us of the weapons we have to use. “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)

Let us take a moment and look at Paul’s first item on the list of weapons. The first item on the list is technically not a weapon but is required to keep the weapons ready to use. It is called a belt (NIV) or a girdle (NEB). This can also be translated as “having girded your loins.” (Ephesians 6:14 NASB) This item allowed the soldier to be agile, equipped, and ready for the battle. This item for the Christian in a spiritual battle is truth.

From the days in the garden until now, the deceiver has been active in leading people into all his lies. In a discussion with the Jews of Jesus day, He said, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

In the opening of John’s Gospel, Jesus brings to us truth, “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17) Jesus would send us the Holy Spirt to lead us into all truth. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13) And He has given us His Scriptures, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

We must be prepared for the battle. We must grow in our knowledge of the Scriptures. We must learn to listen to the Holy Spirit as He teaches us the truth, and we are to follow Jesus as He leads us into truth. Then as we face our true enemy, we will be able to stand firm, with the belt of truth holding all our weapons at the ready.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block