Overcoming Falsehood with Truth

Truth is what fits us for the life of a Christian. Truth holds everything together and makes us ready. At the center of our lives we place “the truth [that] is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21). And everything we do is drawn from that all-encompassing center. ~ Dr. David Jeremiah

WELCOME

You probably don’t give much thought to the wardrobe staple known as the belt. For men, it’s just something to keep their pants up and to match to their dress shoes if they want to look sharp. For women, it’s more of a fashion accessory — an option among many to adorn an outfit. But in ancient times, a belt served a far more crucial role. Soldiers relied on their belts to hold all the other pieces of their armor together.

During the reign of the Roman Empire in the first century ad, most soldiers wore a shirt-like garment, a tunic, that covered their shoulders to their knees. Over this they placed metal armor and swaths of leather to protect their chest, arms, and legs. A band of thick leather bound their waist and provided loops to hold a sword, rope, rations, a money sack, and darts or other weapons. The belt provided a place for soldiers to store anything they might need — which was especially useful when engaging in hand-to-hand combat. The other items the soldiers needed to sustain their daily lives — canteen, food, coins — also remained within easy reach.

While the belt was not considered a piece of Roman armor, it ensured the rest of the soldiers’ personal arsenal was organized and ready for action. A belt served as the foundation for their daily uniform, keeping everything in its place and providing a place for everything. When soldiers marched long distances or charged into a battle, they could “gird their loins,” tucking their tunic into or around their belt to provide mobility for their legs.

Given this, it is little wonder that the apostle Paul’s first instruction for us as Overcomers is to

stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth. — Ephesians 6:14

God’s truth provides the foundation for the rest of our spiritual armor.

If you or any of your group members are just getting to know one another, take a few minutes to introduce yourselves. Then discuss one of the following questions:

• What item serves the same function for you as a Roman soldier’s belt? How does this item keep you organized for whatever you face each day?

— or —

• Why do you think God’s truth is foundational to our lives as Overcomers in Christ? Why do you think Paul begins with this piece of spiritual equipment?

READ

Invite someone to read the passage below as everyone listens. Then pair up with someone sitting near you and answer the questions that follow.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth. — Ephesians 6:10–14

According to this passage, why is putting on the full armor of God essential to your growth as a follower of Christ?

What comes to mind when you think of standing firm in today’s culture? In your own daily life?

Watch Session One: Overcomer

Play the video for Session One. As you watch, use the following outline to record any thoughts, questions, or key points that stand out to you.

NOTES

We are under continual attack from an enemy who want to destroy our faith, our families, and our very lives. We need God’s armor so we can face the reality of this opposition with strength.

Paul does not issue a call for us to fight but to stand. We are not told to fight because Christ has already defeated Satan. Putting on the armor of God equips us to be Overcomers.

Paul begins with the belt of truth because Satan’s major attack against believers is falsehood and deception.

There are three ways people decide on what is “truth”: objective truth, relative truth, and the postmodern position of truth.

The first way we put on the belt of truth is by seeking the truth found in God’s Word.

The second way we put on the belt of truth is by speaking the truth.

The third way we put on the belt of truth is by living the truth.

We need to equip ourselves with the belt of truth every day and in every situation. As we do this, we will become Overcomers in Christ.

DISCUSS

Take a few minutes with your group members to discuss what you just watched and explore these concepts in Scripture. Use the following questions to help guide your discussion.

1. What does it mean to you to “be strong in the Lord”? When have you experienced this in your life? How did it affect the way you were living your life?
2. How would you describe the difference between fighting and standing strong? Why do you think believers are called not to fight but to take a stand against the enemy?
3. How do the three umpires mentioned in the video teaching represent the three ways people today view “truth”? Provide an illustration where you have seen this view of truth displayed.
4. Why are our versions of truth not the same as God’s divine truth? How are our views of truth limited in ways that God’s truth is not?
5. How has studying the Bible equipped you to stand in God’s truth? When have you recently applied biblical truth to a situation you were facing?
6. What does it mean to speak the truth in the context of your life right now? How can others see you living in God’s truth?

RESPOND

Close out today’s session by briefly reviewing the video teaching and any notes you took. Describe what it means to “gird your waist with God’s truth.” In the space below, write down the most significant point you took away from this session.

PRAY

Conclude your time by sharing personal prayer requests, and then pray for these requests as a group. Ask God to work in each heart throughout the week and for the truths found in Session One, “Overcoming Falsehood with Truth,” to become a reality in the life of each member.

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Your Turn

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