The belt of truth is mentioned in Scripture as part of our spiritual armor. It may seem a small insignificant item, and easily overlooked as we quickly read on to the bigger defensive items. Or our focus may even be more on the offensive weapons! But it comes first on the list of spiritual armor and is there for a reason – so what is the belt of truth and why do we need it?
What Does the Bible Say About the Belt of Truth?
Scripture makes it clear that as Christians we are in a spiritual battle. But our real enemy is not other people, but spiritual forces of evil that are at work in this world to destroy our faith. Whether we are aware of it or not, the spiritual battle exists and God has provided all that we need to stand when we are assaulted.
We are encouraged to put on the full armor of God so that we can withstand the devil’s schemes. This spiritual battle is not won by force, or physical strength – this is about our character, formed by our identity in Christ Jesus.
Belt of Truth Verse
The list of our spiritual armor is found in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. In the final section of the letter, after instructions for Christian living, he shares words of encouragement. In times of adversity, we can be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power for God has provided all that we need to stand firm in our faith.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Ephesians 6:14-18 NIV
The apostle Paul was a scholar of Hebrew literature, and he knew large sections of Old Testament Scripture. His writing, inspired by the Holy Spirit also reflected the truth of God’s word revealed in the law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.
In Isaiah there is a passage of Scripture that describes ‘The Branch from Jesse’ which is Messiah, the Lord Jesus. Paul may have had this in mind when he wrote about the belt of truth and placed it first on our list of spiritual armor.
“Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.”
Isaiah 11:5
Related Post: Spiritual Armor – Do We Need All 7 Pieces?
Importance of Truth in the Bible
Truth is a characteristic of God, and is foundational to our faith in a world that no longer accepts absolute truth. God’s Word is consistently true and reliable – He alone does not change.
Jesus is the complete representation of truth as He is the fulfilment of God’s Word – all of God’s promises to us are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. By His death He has reconciled us to God and given the gift of eternal life to all who choose to believe in Him.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth who teaches us, and reminds us, of all things in our relationship with God. When we receive the revelation of the truth of the love of God, in Christ Jesus, this changes our lives forever – the truth sets us free!
Belt of Truth Bible Study
As we reflect that truth is a fundamental characteristic of God, we begin to see the significance of the belt of truth. This small item is an essential part of our spiritual armor….
In Biblical Middle Eastern culture, the men wore flowing, floor-length, garments, as many still do in the region today. When they were preparing for any vigorous physical activity they would gather up their loose flowing robes with a belt. This enabled them to proceed unhindered, without the risk of tripping up.
Prepared and Ready
When God was about to strike the Egyptians with a plague on the firstborn, He gave Moses and Aaron specific instructions for the Israelites to follow – this would be the first ‘Passover’ meal.
“This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’S Passover.”
Exodus 12:11
This was the time for the Israelites to reclaim their heritage and to move into the promises of God. They needed to be prepared and ready for the journey ahead. Spiritually for us to move into God’s promises we need to wrap ourselves in the truth of His word and move forward unhindered by doubts and fears.
Moving in Power
When Elijah was on Mount Carmel, after his victory over the prophets of Baal, he prayed for the drought over the land to be broken. When he finally saw the sign of a cloud in the distance, he advised king Ahab to get into his chariot and go back down the mountain while he could. Then as the rain started to fall Elijah also left.
“The power of the LORD came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.”
1 Kings 18:46
Elijah’s calling was to demonstrate the supernatural power and authority of God, not only over the natural elements of fire and rain but, over his own life too! As we wrap ourselves in the truth of God’s word, His power and authority begins to transform our life, far beyond what we can imagine.
Essential and Significant
John the Baptist, chose to live in the wilderness. This is a place, and experience, where we learn to rely and depend on God and the truth of His word.
“John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist.”
Matthew 3:4
If life is stripped back to the essentials then everything that remains is significant. When we go through a wilderness experience, more than at any other time, we depend on God’s word and cling to the truth of His promises.
Holding Everything Together
By the time of the early church, much of the known world was occupied by Roman soldiers, formidable opponents who were well equipped for battle. The Roman soldier’s battle wear included a belt, to hold his sword and to keep his breastplate fixed in place. The illustration of putting on armor to be ready for battle was visible for everyone to see on a daily basis.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
The word of God is our sword, it is our defence against the lies and deceit of the enemy. And the breastplate of righteousness, credited to us by Christ Jesus, protects our heart and our relationship with God. But the belt of truth holds it all in place….
Spiritual Meaning of Belt of Truth
The analogy of putting on spiritual armor is a visual aid to explain a spiritual concept. When we put on the spiritual belt of truth we understand that it is essential.
Truth is foundational to our faith and protects us from stumbling by being deceived. Satan wants to snatch and steal our destiny in Christ and he is the master of lies and deceit. The truth of the Lord Jesus is the foundation of our faith and holds our whole life together.
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
It is the truth of the Lord Jesus, and all that He has done for us, that releases us from fear, doubt, and condemnation. We have been brought out of darkness into the revelation of His love, joy, and peace – into a place of freedom.
When our lives are founded on the truth of the love of God, and we hold to Jesus’ teaching the word of God is effective. Firstly, in our own lives and secondly in our witness to others. Our life is our message, and we are witnesses to other believers, as well as to non-believers.
‘My life is my message’ – an everyday prayer
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“A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciple, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
How Do You Wear the Belt of Truth Everyday?
The way to wear the belt of truth every day is to wrap ourselves in the Lord Jesus, where He is central and at the core of our life. To follow after Jesus, holding to His teaching and loving one another, is to walk in the truth.
The belt of truth is is our spiritual defence and our witness. When we hold short accounts, by examining ourselves and confessing our sins to God, we prevent the enemy from getting a foothold in our lives. Then, there is nothing to trip us up, we can walk boldly, and freely, unhindered into the future that God has in store for us. We can stand against assault – we can stand out in the wide open space of God’s grace, a place full of possibilities!
