Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God Part III | The Belt of Truth ...
Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God Part III | The Belt of Truth | Ephesians 6:14 Resources: • • •
Past sermons on Spiritual Warfare, Satan and Demons now available on our website Email your questions to: [email protected] or [email protected] Featured Book: 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare
Read Ephesians 6:10-18 Last Week • • •
What is the armor? How do we put the armor on? What does the armor do?
3 important things that we must remember about the Armor of God • • •
1. Each piece of armor is meant to be understood as metaphor, not magic 2. Each piece of armor presents us with something to believe and something to obey 3. Each piece of armor is representative of Christ and His work for the believer
For example, Jesus said He was The Truth and that knowing the truth about Him would set us free Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) and we battle/resist/stand firm against him with Truth Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth (belt)… (6:14) Before a Roman soldier put on his full armor, he put a belt around his waist • • • • •
This held his garments together and served as a place on which to hang his armor Supported sword and dagger Cover parts of the abdomen as might be unprotected by the breastplate Bronze plates hung from the belt to connect the groin area A strong belt that was designed to strengthen the body
The soldier’s belt gave Him ease and freedom of movement •
So truth gives freedom with self, others, and God.1
The Belt of Truth is the first piece of armor listed—that is important • It was worn at all times by the soldier, even without other armor • The truth is always where we start whenever we are being attacked by the enemy • When we feel discouraged or defeated, uncertain, confused, downcast, depressed or indifferent • John 17:15-17 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
Appropriating the Belt of Truth can be understood as (1) accepting the truth of the Bible and (2) choosing to follow it with integrity Each piece of armor presents us with something to believe and something to obey
1
Harold W. Hoehner, "Ephesians", The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985). Eph 6:14b.
The Belt of Truth is appropriated by believing the truth of God’s Word
2
Lies we often entertain and the truth that defeats them: • •
Lie: God will never forgive me this time Truth: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
• •
Lie: I am not that bad compared to other people Truth: There is none righteous, not even one… all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:10 & 23)
• •
Lie: God is mad at me Truth: Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
• •
Lie: I have been pretty good and have surely earned something before God Truth: We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)
• •
Lie: You will never amount to anything Truth: You are God’s masterpiece created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared before hand that you should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
• •
Lie: You are right to be angry and should continue to be Truth: Be angry and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. (Ephesians 4:26-27) The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:20)
• •
Lie: Nobody understands your pain Truth: Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. (1 Peter 5:9b)
• •
Lie: God has abandoned me Truth: He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, not will I ever forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)
Satan also lies about doctrine and the identity of Jesus… Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:13-14, NLT)
What lies are you susceptible to believing? •
• •
1. Discover them (must be in the Word and in community) o Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit o Jesus promised: When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. (John 16:13) 2. Identify them as lies, reject them outright and repent of believing lies 3. Stand firm in and on the countering truth from God’s word (fill your heart and mind with truth) o If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (Jesus in John 8:31-32, NASB) o Ask for help from other Christians (speaking and praying truth over you) o When truth is spoken it is like pulling the plug out of the power source and the enemy no longer has power in those lies. –Eddie Smith o Truth is an offensive weapon (2 Cor 10)
Each piece of armor presents us with something to believe and something to obey ©2014 Britt Merrick January 26, 2014
3
The Belt of Truth is appropriated by obeying the truth of God’s Word The belt of truth refers not only to the facts of the gospel but also to subjective truth—the believer’s integrity and honesty • •
To belt of truth means to be strengthened by God’s truth in the gospel and to resolve to live truth2 Paul is saying that the church’s basic equipment in the spiritual battle is integrity and honesty, and they are effective because these qualities bear the stamp of Jesus and the new creation He brings3
To tell lies and practice deception is to partner with Satan • • • • •
This is powerful: We usually lie because of pride (the sin of Lucifer) This gives the devil an opportunity in our lives that can turn into a foothold Therefore, we are urged to live in the light (Ephesians 5:8-10) Remember James 4:7 To resist the devil is to tell and practice the truth
I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. (Titus 1:1-2, NLT) Telling, living, working and handling relationships with truth and integrity is partnering with God Ephesians 4:14-25 Truth is not only defensive, but also offensive • •
Jesus said Satan is the Father of Lies When we live and walk in truth, it aborts Satan’s offspring (lies)
Jesus is the truth and HE wins! Revelation 19:11-13 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems… and His name is called The Word of God.
The One who is true wins… follow Him and walk in truth—repent of lying and believing lies
2
Kyle Snodgrass, The NIV Application Commentary—Ephesians (Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan,1996), 342. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer and G. J. Wenham, 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994). Eph 6:10–20.
3
©2014 Britt Merrick January 26, 2014
Past sermons on Spiritual Warfare, Satan and Demons now available on our website Email your questions to: [email protected] or [email protected] Featured Book: 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare
Read Ephesians 6:10-18 Last Week • • •
What is the armor? How do we put the armor on? What does the armor do?
3 important things that we must remember about the Armor of God • • •
1. Each piece of armor is meant to be understood as metaphor, not magic 2. Each piece of armor presents us with something to believe and something to obey 3. Each piece of armor is representative of Christ and His work for the believer
For example, Jesus said He was The Truth and that knowing the truth about Him would set us free Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) and we battle/resist/stand firm against him with Truth Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth (belt)… (6:14) Before a Roman soldier put on his full armor, he put a belt around his waist • • • • •
This held his garments together and served as a place on which to hang his armor Supported sword and dagger Cover parts of the abdomen as might be unprotected by the breastplate Bronze plates hung from the belt to connect the groin area A strong belt that was designed to strengthen the body
The soldier’s belt gave Him ease and freedom of movement •
So truth gives freedom with self, others, and God.1
The Belt of Truth is the first piece of armor listed—that is important • It was worn at all times by the soldier, even without other armor • The truth is always where we start whenever we are being attacked by the enemy • When we feel discouraged or defeated, uncertain, confused, downcast, depressed or indifferent • John 17:15-17 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
Appropriating the Belt of Truth can be understood as (1) accepting the truth of the Bible and (2) choosing to follow it with integrity Each piece of armor presents us with something to believe and something to obey
1
Harold W. Hoehner, "Ephesians", The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985). Eph 6:14b.
The Belt of Truth is appropriated by believing the truth of God’s Word
2
Lies we often entertain and the truth that defeats them: • •
Lie: God will never forgive me this time Truth: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
• •
Lie: I am not that bad compared to other people Truth: There is none righteous, not even one… all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:10 & 23)
• •
Lie: God is mad at me Truth: Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
• •
Lie: I have been pretty good and have surely earned something before God Truth: We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)
• •
Lie: You will never amount to anything Truth: You are God’s masterpiece created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared before hand that you should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
• •
Lie: You are right to be angry and should continue to be Truth: Be angry and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. (Ephesians 4:26-27) The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:20)
• •
Lie: Nobody understands your pain Truth: Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. (1 Peter 5:9b)
• •
Lie: God has abandoned me Truth: He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, not will I ever forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)
Satan also lies about doctrine and the identity of Jesus… Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:13-14, NLT)
What lies are you susceptible to believing? •
• •
1. Discover them (must be in the Word and in community) o Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit o Jesus promised: When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. (John 16:13) 2. Identify them as lies, reject them outright and repent of believing lies 3. Stand firm in and on the countering truth from God’s word (fill your heart and mind with truth) o If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (Jesus in John 8:31-32, NASB) o Ask for help from other Christians (speaking and praying truth over you) o When truth is spoken it is like pulling the plug out of the power source and the enemy no longer has power in those lies. –Eddie Smith o Truth is an offensive weapon (2 Cor 10)
Each piece of armor presents us with something to believe and something to obey ©2014 Britt Merrick January 26, 2014
3
The Belt of Truth is appropriated by obeying the truth of God’s Word The belt of truth refers not only to the facts of the gospel but also to subjective truth—the believer’s integrity and honesty • •
To belt of truth means to be strengthened by God’s truth in the gospel and to resolve to live truth2 Paul is saying that the church’s basic equipment in the spiritual battle is integrity and honesty, and they are effective because these qualities bear the stamp of Jesus and the new creation He brings3
To tell lies and practice deception is to partner with Satan • • • • •
This is powerful: We usually lie because of pride (the sin of Lucifer) This gives the devil an opportunity in our lives that can turn into a foothold Therefore, we are urged to live in the light (Ephesians 5:8-10) Remember James 4:7 To resist the devil is to tell and practice the truth
I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. (Titus 1:1-2, NLT) Telling, living, working and handling relationships with truth and integrity is partnering with God Ephesians 4:14-25 Truth is not only defensive, but also offensive • •
Jesus said Satan is the Father of Lies When we live and walk in truth, it aborts Satan’s offspring (lies)
Jesus is the truth and HE wins! Revelation 19:11-13 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems… and His name is called The Word of God.
The One who is true wins… follow Him and walk in truth—repent of lying and believing lies
2
Kyle Snodgrass, The NIV Application Commentary—Ephesians (Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan,1996), 342. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer and G. J. Wenham, 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994). Eph 6:10–20.
3
©2014 Britt Merrick January 26, 2014
