THE ARMOUR OF GOD – THE BELT OF TRUTH - 1Ephesians 6:13–14

THE ARMOUR OF GOD – THE BELT OF TRUTH - 1 Ephesians 6:13–14 13 Therefore, put on God’s complete armour, so that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [that the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity, moral rectitude, and right standing with God. MESSAGE In the next few weeks, we will be considering the whole armour of God, designed to help believers resist and stand their ground on the evil day. The expression “evil day” here connotes seasons and periods of danger and crisis in life. It comes in different ways and forms. The good news is that God has made provision for believers through what is called the whole armour of God, to help us resist and stand firm when the evil day comes. The intent of this message is never to create fear or anxiety in our hearts, but rather to reveal to us God’s unfailing provision for our safety and victory in Him, regardless of the evil day. You see, in life, there are three sets of people in relation to the evil day. First, there are those who have experienced it. Second, there are those who are experiencing it at the moment. Third, there are those who are yet to experience it but will eventually do so. The experience of evil, danger, or crisis in life is a function of when, not if. Therefore, the truth is that everyone will experience it at one point or another in life. The question is: Do you have what it takes to resist and stand your ground on the evil day? Today, we will be looking at the Belt of Truth, which is the first armour mentioned among the armour of God, designed by God to help us as believers resist and stand firm on the evil day. Naturally, the belt holds our clothing firmly around the waist. It aids seamless movement, especially when walking or running, and prevents the clothing from sagging, dragging, or eventually causing us to fall. In the same way, truth represents our spiritual belt, and without it, sagging, dragging, and eventually falling in this Kingdom race becomes inevitable. The most potent agent of deliverance from any form of evil or bondage is the truth. Hence, John 8:32 says: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”Nothing sets a man free from the bondage of evil like the truth. For example, it is the knowledge of the truth of God’s Word that makes us understand that Satan’s roaring as a lion is an impersonation. Only Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Therefore, we do not need to be afraid. Also, when Satan launches his weapons of destruction against us, we are not perturbed because we know the truth that no weapon fashioned against us shall prosper. These are just a few among the many truths captured in God’s Word to help us resist and stand our ground on the evil day. One of the weapons the devil uses most often to penetrate his victims and carry out his evil acts is lies. Therefore, the armour of God called the Belt of Truth is designed to expose, dispel, and neutralise every lie of the devil. This is why Satan cannot stand where the truth is. However, to effectively engage the Belt of Truth to help us resist and stand firm on the evil day, the truth must be known, believed, and become our speech. You cannot be a liar or remain ignorant of the truth of God’s Word and expect to resist the devil on the evil day. The knowledge of the truth consolidates our trust in God and, as a result, makes it very difficult for us to be tossed to and fro by any storms or crises of life including even false doctrines and teachings. Beloved, do you desire to resist and stand your ground on the evil day? Then passionately seek to be properly equipped with the truth of God’s Word. Know it, believe it, speak it, and live by it. I can assure you that no matter the danger, crisis, or storm of life, you will come out victorious without falling. I pray that this WORD OF TRUTH will sanctify and transform you, conforming you more and more into the image of Christ, from glory to greater glory in every area of your life, in Jesus' mighty Name. Amen. WORD OF TRUTH ADEMOLA OLADIPO