Stand and Withstand! (Part One: Belt of Truth and Breastplate of Righteousness)

Scripture:  Ephesians 6:10-18 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

The Whole Armor of God that we as Christians are called to “put on” consists of:  the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. The Armor of God reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle/warfare, and it describes the protection that is available to us to stand against (by the power of the Holy Spirit) the schemes/wiles of the devil (our enemy) – and rulers of the darkness of this age.

I remember one of the first times I heard about putting on the whole armor of God was 25 years ago.  I went to Dr. Charles Stanley’s church with some family members.  We were so excited!   Every time I read God’s Word, it is an encounter with God, and He is teaching me more and more about putting on the whole armor of God as I grow in the things of the Lord.
The first piece of armor that we are to put on daily (by faith and prayer) is the belt of truth.  Ephesians 6:14 says “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”  The armor starts with the belt of truth, because the belt holds the sword and connects other parts of the armor.  If you don’t begin with truth, you’ll be defeated.  Jesus said God’s Word is true (John 17:17).  On the other hand, the evil one is the father of lies (John 8:44).  It is extremely helpful to memorize scripture based on the lies we are struggling with --  and then to pray them back to God. We have to know the truth about God and His Word, and the truth about our identity, self worth, and sexuality.  Only Jesus is the truth, and He sets us free.  If someone is not assured of his identity or sexuality, the enemy will continually confuse, tempt, frustrate him.  Psalms 86:11 says “Teach me your ways, O Lord that I may  live according to your truths.”

Secondly, by faith/prayer we are to daily put on the breastplate of righteousness.  (Ephesians 6:14b)  The Roman soldiers were always equipped with a breastplate.  This piece of armor protected their vital organs.  The breastplate was for the unexpected attacks of the enemy.  God is righteous.  II Corinthians 5:21 says “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  Our works are as filthy rags as it says in Isaiah 64:6.  Us receiving Christ’s righteousness is so undeserved.  The enemy tempts us with all kinds of wickedness, but righteousness (through Jesus Christ) – as we yield to the Holy Spirit, protects us.  Obedience to God is protection for us from being wounded by sin.  For us to put on the breastplate of righteousness, it is imperative that we daily read God’s Word and pray that we obey God’s Word.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father.  Help me to put on the belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness.  Help me not to ever forget that I am in a spiritual warfare/battle.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)