I don't know about you, but I find it very interesting to learn the meanings behind the illustrations found in the Bible. There are so many things that were common to everyday life for the people in those times that are foreign to us today. Learning about what the authors assumed was common knowledge among their readers opens up the Scriptures to us in a whole new way.
In my previous post, we looked at the Armor of God in Ephesians chapter six. I have so many interesting notes on this subject; I feel I just had to share them with you! Much of this information comes from one of my all-time favorite books, "Sparkling Gems from the Greek" by Rick Renner.
Israel was under Roman rule at the time, so the mention of armor would bring to mind the Roman soldiers found patrolling the streets. The belt of a Roman soldier's uniform was made of leather, which was pliable yet protected against blows to the mid-section. Only the most ruthless enemy attempts to strike us there, but as Christians, that's the type of enemy we have.
"...there is no truth in him [the devil]. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." ~ John 8:44
We need the belt of Truth to guard against satan's lies. He may say things that are true, but he never speaks the truth. For example, it is true that I am weak, but the truth is my weakness is irrelevant because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13) Can you think of an illustration from your own life?
We need to spend time in God's Word and pray for God's guidance so that we can distinguish satan's lies from God's truth. Putting on the belt of truth means consciously looking for his lies in the thoughts that come into our heads, through what we hear from others and what we read and see.
We must also be careful to speak the truth. Satan loves it when we lie or neglect to tell the whole truth because it gives him an opportunity to defeat us.
The belt was an important piece of armor because it held the other parts of the armor in place. A sword hung from one side of the belt and a shield hung from the other while a pouch containing arrows rested on a small ledge at the back. The breastplate was held in place by attaching to the front of it. Without the belt, the armor would fall apart piece by piece, but with it securely fastened the soldier was assured that the rest of his armor would stay in place, allowing him to move quickly and fight furiously.
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist," ~ Ephesians 6:14
As long as belt of truth – Word of God – is central in your life, the rest of your armor will be effective, but if you begin to ignore God’s Word and cease to apply it, you'll start to lose your sense of righteousness, peace, and so on. Satan will sieze the opportunity to attack your mind more and more, trying to fill it with his lies. Time reading and applying God's Word protects our minds from satan's attacks.
Lord I thank you for equipping me with everything I need to protect my mind from evil. Give me discernment to know what I should be seeing and hearing and what I should be staying away from. May I become firmly rooted in your word so I will not be swayed by the lies from the enemy.
TweetLord I thank you for equipping me with everything I need to protect my mind from evil. Give me discernment to know what I should be seeing and hearing and what I should be staying away from. May I become firmly rooted in your word so I will not be swayed by the lies from the enemy.
Lisa
Other posts in this series:
Armor of God (overview)
Are You Buckled Up - The Belt of Truth (YOU ARE HERE!)
Guard Your Heart - The Breastplate of Righteousness
Killer Shoes - Feet Fitted with Readiness
Impenetrable - The Shield of Faith
Guard Your Mind - The Helmet of Salvation
Time to Play Offense - The Sword of the Spirit
Linking up with: Wordfilled Wednesday
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Dear Lisa,
I love this post! Ephesians is one of my favorite books (but I guess they all are, after all!) I appreciate that I found you through Michelle's place! Looking forward to staying connected- following you, now. I am sharing your post on my Facebook page because I loved it! ;) Happy Tuesday!
Hi Lisa,
I was wondering where you found the picture of the Roman soldier upon the bible? I was thinking of using it but wanted to make sure it wasn't copyrighted.
Thanks.