The Belt of Truth

Ephesians 6:10-15 | Sermon Resources | 22 January 2023

Summary

In the sermon this Sunday Pastor Billy examines “the belt of truth”– the first piece of the “whole armor of God.”  We will pay particular attention to how the belt of truth forms a solid foundation and bring clarity into lives.

Discussion Questions

  1. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. 
  2. Discuss the phrase: “whole armor of God.” What does Paul mean by this? 
  3. What is the danger of thinking of the whole armor of God as only defensive?
  4. What is the danger of thinking of the whole armor of God as only offensive?
  5. What is our role and what is Christ’s role in the spiritual warfare described in this passage?
  6. In what way is the belt of truth the foundation of the whole armor of God?
  7. How can you more firmly fasten the belt of truth around yourself?
  8. How can we be careful to use the truth as a belt rather than a whip?
  9. In what way does the belt of truth bring clarity in the midst of our spiritual struggles?
  10. Paul refers to the work of the devil as a “scheme” (verse 11).  What does this tell us about the nature of the spiritual warfare?
  11. In the sermon Pastor Billy used the analogy of the devil standing between us and the light of God’s truth, attempting to cast a shadow onto us.  How does this analogy help us to make sense of the schemes of the devil?
  12. What does it look like to stand in the light of God’s truth in the midst of our spiritual battles?
  13. What is one thing you will do as a result of studying this passage?  

Quotes

“It is manifestly clear that the whole armor of Christ is the Savior himself…it is the same thing to say ‘put on the whole armor of God’  and ‘put on the Lord Jesus Christ.’” (Jerome, Epistle to the Ephesians 3.6.11)

“Satan [does] more hurt in sheep’s skin than by roaring like a lion.” (Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices, p.27)

“In Martin Luther’s day, sola Scriptura had to do with the Bible being the sole ultimate authority for Christians over against challenges to it from the traditions of the medieval church, church councils, and the pope. The Reformers wanted Scripture to stand alone as the church’s true authority. Today, at least in the evangelical church, that is not our chief problem; we assert biblical authority. Rather, our problem is in deciding whether the Bible is sufficient for the church’s life and work. We confess its authority, but we dis-count its ability to do what is necessary to draw unbelievers to Christ, enable us to grow in godliness, provide direction for our lives, and transform and revitalize society.” (James Montgomery Boice, Whatever Happened the Gospel of Grace?, p.66)

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