The truth will set you free.

We’ve all heard the statement that the truth will set us free. Have you ever wondered why the Bible makes this statement?

I think it’s because God wants us to live happy lives.  He doesn’t want us to worry that if we broke a commandment He won’t forgive us.  He doesn’t want us to fear His wrath.

Jesus died on a bloody cross to make us beloved children of God.

He doesn’t want us chained to legalism, perfectionism, addictions, or other sins.

I’m very guilty of stifling my own freedom.

I spend time worrying that I might have messed up rather than living a joy-filled life.

The devil likes to lie to us and keep us wrapped up in chains. That’s why it’s important that we fight for our freedom.  But we can’t fight in the flesh. This is spiritual warfare.

For the next few weeks, I’m going to explore Ephesians 6:10-18 and I hope you’ll join me.

In this chapter, Paul discusses spiritual warfare.

In verse 6:14 Paul mentions the first piece of armor.

The belt of truth.

Paul is using the Roman armor as a pattern for our armor.  Roman soldiers wore a belt around their waists that was a central part of the armor and very important for the soldier’s success and life.

Truth is so important that Paul says we must wear it like a belt.

In the Bible days, the Jewish people worried about keeping God’s laws.  Not just the 10 Commandments but all the hundreds of little laws the Pharisees had added.

Trying to keep hundreds of rules would be exhausting!

God sent Jesus to earth to live the perfect life then take our place and our punishment.  Jesus rose on the third day and brought us victory.

We no longer need to struggle to keep those hundreds of laws.  Hallelujah!

I have to admit that I can be like the Pharisees at times.  I am a perfectionist with a great capacity to take a guilt trip.

Of course, the devil encourages this introspection and agrees with me that I am not good enough. He reminds me of every mistake and failure. He wants me to believe that God is disappointed in me. I imagine the devil does the same thing to you.

That’s when we have to reach for the belt of truth.

Only the truth found in God’s word will block the devil’s lies.

When the devil starts shouting lies, I shout back the truth!!!

I am a child of God.  John 1:12

I am justified.  Romans 5:1

I belong to God. I’ve been bought with a price.  I Corinthians 6:20

I am complete in Christ.  Colossians 2:10

All things will work together for good.  Romans 8:28

I cannot be separated from the love of God.  Romans 8:35-39

I am a citizen of Heaven.  Philippians 3:20

The evil one cannot touch me because I belong to God.  I John 5:18

These are just a few of the positive truths found in God’s Word.

These truths drown the devil’s lies.

That’s why the belt of truth is so important.

Next time we’ll talk about the breastplate of righteousness.

Do you have a particular scripture truth you use against the devil’s lies?

Please comment below.