Sermon Central
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Spiritual Warfare The Belt Of Truth Series
Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 26, 2014 (message contributor)
Summary: Government says taxation, environmentalists say population, politicians say legislation, taxation and education. All of their strategies are wrong. The gospel and truth of Jesus says the solution to our problems is transformation.
Intro: The government is looking for ways to save entitlement programs and the only place they look is more taxation. The environmentalists are looking for ways to save the planet and the only thing they can come up with is lower population. Politicians are looking to solve our illegal alien problem and most of them only come up with legalization. Isis is trying to change the world and they are using terrorism. All of these are using a wrong strategy. God has revealed in His word that the way to deal with all these and many other problems we face on this planet is transformation.
Do you remember that last week we learned that victory and change comes through fighting the battle the right way? We are engaged in a war with things unseen and we must use the correct strategy. Remember the Devil is a defeated foe, but it is usually when you back someone up in a corner that they are the most dangerous.
Paul has made it clear that we are to prepare for spiritual warfare by putting on the whole armor of God and we must begin with the belt of truth.
The belt on a Roman soldier wasn’t the most attractive piece of armor but it was the most important. It allowed them to tuck their tunic and keep from tripping and falling in combat. The belt was broad and composed of sturdy leather. From it hung an overlapping skirt of leather straps almost like an apron on which were decorative rivets. Also from the belt hung specialized hooks and holders on which to secure the scabbard that contained the dagger ("pugio"), the quiver which held lances, and an apparatus on which to rest the large battle shield. Also, on the belt were clips with which to hold the breastplate in its proper place. Supplies of bread, oil and water were also on the belt. The King James version tells us to gird up our loins with the belt of truth. To gird up means to prepare. Remember the Christian life is a battleground not a playground.
Read Ephesians 6:10-20
Realize that the Holman Christian Standard translates this portion of scripture marvelously well. It says, “Stand therefore, with truth like a belt around your waste” Paul is calling us to put on Christ!
Read Romans 13:11-14, Read Galatians 3:27 Paul is telling us in this passage how to put on Jesus!
The armor is a metaphor for Jesus.
I. Wearing the belt of truth means being wary of the Devil
Not weary or worry but wary. We are to be cautions where it concerns the devil. Pardon the pun he is a tricky devil! Remember according to Paul, 2 Corinthians 11:14. He doesn’t come to us as something that would scare or disgust us. He comes to us as He did to Adam and Eve he offers something beautiful, tempting and attractive.
Again we must remember we do not fight against flesh and blood? What did we learn from this last week class? People are not the problem!! We fight against the lies and schemes and strategies of the Devil.
A) The enemy attacks God’s character
B) The enemy attacks God’s word
Never forget the devil will draw you in with false beauty and fake promises. He will seek to confuse your mind and consume your emotions. You must be careful dealing with the father of lies. He never keeps his promises and He will always lead you to forfeit the faithful promises of God.
The devils tactics attack the most important part of God’s character and our armor. The truth. Do you remember one of the names of the enemy from last week?
John 8:44 Devil father of lies. Be careful the father of lies doesn’t use you for his dirty work!
If you take up the tools of a plumber and work on plumbing you do the work of a plumber.
If you take up the tools of a carpenter and work on wood and carpentry you do the work of a carpenter.
If you take up the tools of an accountant and work with numbers, taxes etc you do the work of an accountant.
If you take up the tools of the devil and work with lies deception and destruction you do the work of the devil.
II. Wearing the belt of truth means walking with Jesus
Jesus said no one comes to the father but by me. Exactly what does that mean? It means
you must come to terms with who God really is and who you really are.
It is clear in the Bible what God says about us.
A) Start your walk with Jesus by agreeing who He is
1) It is what God has said – He has shared who He is through His living and written word
