Ephesians 6:13–15 (ESV) – 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 firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

We have introduced this passage over the past couple of days. As Paul mentions the armor of God, he begins to itemize different pieces of a soldier’s dress. There seems to be a logical progression to the list. Paul begins with the belt of truth because the belt would have been the first item that a soldier would have put on. It was used to hold all other clothing out of the way so the soldier would have freedom of movement. A soldier is not very effective if continually tripping over his own clothing.

The belt that Paul describes is a belt of “truth”. The Christian life must be built on the foundation of truth, which is most simply represented in the message of the gospel. Jesus lived. He died. He rose again. Those who repent of their sins and trust in him are given eternal life. If we want to stand in this world against the spiritual battles we will face, we must begin with the truth of Jesus Christ.

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