The Armor of God - Day 4 (The Belt of Truth - Session 3 - Part 2A-1)

[Rev. Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks, PsyD]

(Photo reference: http://www.scripturetruth.com/images/Armor%20of%20God.jpg)

Outline

I. Introduction – Sessions 1 & 2 - Parts 1A-1 to 1B

II. The Whole Armor of God

• A. Belt of Truth – Session 3 - Parts 2A-1 to 2A-3
• B. The Breastplate of Righteousness – Session 4 – Part 2B
• C. The Gospel of Peace – Session 5 – Part 2C
• D. The Shield of Faith – Session 6 – Part 2D
• E. The Helmet of Salvation – Session 7 – Parts 2E-1 to 2E-3
• F. The Sword of the Spirit – Session 8 – Part 2F

III.  The Whole Armor of God Study Guide

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II. The Whole Armor of God Sessions 3-8 – Parts 2A-1 to 2F

A. The Belt of Truth – Session 3 – Parts 2A-1 to 2A-3:

Session 3 – Part 2A-1 – In Ephesians 6:14, Paul names the Belt of Truth as a primary piece of the Armor of God. Why begin with the Belt? Why not the sword or the shield? Satan’s first tactic is to cast doubt on God's Word. That is why our defense begins by having girded our loins with truth. Truth must dominate our lives. In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul explains the relationship and position of a person saved by Grace. As believers, each of us becomes a member of the body of Christ. God gives us resurrection power, and seats us with Him in the heavenly places above all earthly rulers, power and authority.  Our position is set forever in heaven.  Though we gain this position in Christ, we still must live out our faith in our daily lives.

In the first three chapters, Paul makes six doctrinal statements that spell out our position in Christ:

1. God has selected us. God chose us. Ephesians 1:4 says, "According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." When Satan whispers or screams in your mind that you have been cut off from God, remind him that God chose you. God has chosen every man, woman and child that He created in His image.

2. God not only selected us, He saved us. Ephesians 1:7 says, "In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." God spent His Son's blood to redeem us, giving us forgiveness of sins. Satan holds no power of death over us. James 4:7instructs us to resist the devil and says he will flee. Because He saved you, Jesus gave you His power to use against Satan. But you must use it.

3. We are sealed. Ephesians 1:13 says, "In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." Satan wants to demoralize us, taking away our hope. He wants us to doubt the security of our relationship to God. God gave you His Holy Spirit to seal your faith and guarantee your redemption.

4. Positionally, we are seated at the right hand of God. Ephesians 2:6 says, "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." As you survey the battlefield, what better place to sit than immediately next to the Supreme Commander of the Earth. This is your position.

5. We are secure. We will be seated with Christ for all eternity. Why? Ephesians 2:19 says, "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Ephesians 3:6 says, "that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel." You are a citizen, heir, and of the same body as Christ.

6. Our position is one of strength. Ephesians 3:16 says, "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man." You need to be strong in the Lord and stand firm on the authority of these truths. You never have to run away, or be defeated! You put on the full armor of God to be able to resist the enemy, and taste God's victory. If you don't resist, Satan loves it.

Roman soldiers wore at least one of three different kinds of belts or girdles. One was like a leather apron worn to protect the lower abdomen; the second carried the sword; the third was a special belt, or sash, that designated the rank of an officer or high-ranking official.

The belt that carried the sword was absolutely necessary when going into battle. No soldier would purposely go to war without his weapon. Besides holding his sword's scabbard, this belt kept his tunic in place so he would not get tangled in it. And it secured the breastplate, which protected his chest. The belt kept everything else in place. The spiritual belt of truth performs a similar function in our lives. Truth lets us discern right from wrong, or recognize a violated standard.

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May the peace of God guard your hearts and minds ALWAYS!!!

Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks

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