The Belt of Truth, chapter 1

The brazen alarm signals yet another morning, and I’d rather it not interrupt like it does. Ugh. But an appealing aroma wafts over the airwaves, so I might as well find its caffeinated source. Mmm. The furnace shudders like it too is throwing off covers, gearing up to push back against the resistance around it. Brr. 

Barely noticeable to my senses still shrouded in sleep, comes another subtle sound I’ve tried to imagine away. As it grows louder, it’s clearly that familiar battlecry, and I want to pull up the blankets or turn up distraction against it. That’s just what the enemy hopes for, aimed to destroy the disarmed before daybreak.

I rise to the occasion in a bathrobe, lucky to find both slippers. But that won’t be enough.

The invisible attack is merciless. It goes for the gut with its lies, cuts through the heart in accusations, sends a blow to the head with confusion, and renders me useless at the knees. If only I had armor ready at sunrise, I’d wake up to the truth, and I wouldn’t be hit with reality.

Unfortunately, truth and reality have been divided in two, leaving me vulnerable. Reality is, I just need sleep, coffee, warmth. Truth is, I’m at war. 

Like folding back the closet doors to a suit of armor, Ephesians 6 reveals our hefty wardrobe. For the next few Monday mornings, we’re pulling each piece from the previous chapters of Ephesians and trying them on.  We’ll ask questions about the armor such as, What truth from chapters 1-5 holds us together like a belt and frees us to live without hindrance? What do previous chapters say about salvation that informs our minds, protecting us like a helmet? And so on. Piece by piece, we’ll sort through Ephesians to better understand how to arm ourselves.

Below, is a look at how Ephesians 1 contains the first piece of armor, the belt of truth. May one of these truths bind your heart to reality and free you from the lies meant to unravel you.

Lie: God is holding out on me. 

Truth: God hasn’t held back a single blessing in Christ. 1:3 

Lie: God is impatient for me to get myself together. 

Truth: I was picked by the Father before I did anything for Him. 1:4

Lie: God shouldn't have embraced such a flawed person like me. 

Truth: God chose me to be evidence of His astonishing grace and to praise Him for it. 1:6

Lie: I’ve gotta pay God back for all I’ve done against Him.

Truth: My forgiveness through Jesus’ blood is a lavish gift from God. 1:7

Lie: There’s no future for me.

Truth: I’ve been promised an inheritance. 1:11-14

Lie: I can’t really be sure about what God promises.

Truth: I possess the Holy Spirit who guarantees I’ll receive what’s promised to me. 1:11-14

Lie: I’m too far behind.

Truth: The Spirit gives understanding. 1:15-19

Lie: I’m powerless.

Truth: Inside of me is the resurrection power that raised Christ. 1:19-21

Lie: Authority is falling apart.

Truth: Christ rules over all. 1:21-23

“...if you abide in my word, 

you are truly my disciples, 

and you will know the truth, 

and the truth will set you free.” 

-Jesus 

John 8:31,32