So, How do you Stand Against the Devil:
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-- (Ephesians 6:13-18, NKJ)
One: Wear the Belt of Truth:
Remember…Paul is looking at the armor of a Roman Soldier when he says, “gird your loins" or waist with Truth. He is referring to protecting the pelvic area of the body (which was very vulnerable – not much protection). To gird your loins in the Roman Era (for civilians) meant to draw up and tie your lower garment between your legs or to tuck it in your belt in order to increase mobility and agility. This prevented the lower part of the tunic from becoming entangled with your feet, which could cause you to stumble and fall when moving quickly.
Here's an illustration: Have you ever been around someone who tells lies? They can’t remember what they’ve said or who they said it to. They stumble over their words, change their stories. This is the idea - "don’t trip over yourself or you are already defeated."
This is all about authenticity, openness, sincerity, truthfulness. It goes beyond just an outward truth and openness with others.
The Belt of Truth is a willingness to look inward and face the truth of who you are and what you believe! Be real with God. Be real with others. Be real with yourself!
If you want to gain some serious ground on the enemy, the deceiver and Father of all lies, then look at yourself and others with clarity; with accuracy; with truth; without excuse! Put on the Belt of Truth and wear it every day!
Two: Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness
The metaphor here is a breastplate. It was worn from just below the neck down to the thighs. It was called the heart protector for obvious reasons. This breastplate of righteousness (that guards and protects our heart) is the practical application of the truth to our lives –
A great verse for us to memorize is:
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23, NKJ)
Whatever you let in will affect you. It will produce something positive, negative, godly, ungodly, faith, faithfulness, fear, anxiety, worry, depending on what you let in. Seeds of doubt produce doubt. Seeds of truth produce truth.
The word “Righteousness” here means = Uprightness, right living, integrity in lifestyle and character. It’s about our identity and it’s about aligning or conforming our will with God’s will. In other words, it’s the Lordship of Christ over our lives! Truth is about what you believe. Righteousness is about how you behave – how you live!
The Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness are essential pieces of armor. It is summed up in this: God gives you truth through his Word, through His Spirit, through community, through worship and through prayer. When you realize the truth, believe it. Apply it. Live it!