When the apostle Paul tells us how to stand firm against these evil spiritual forces, he lists six pieces of spiritual armor to put on: the belt of truth; the breastplate of righteousness; the sandals of the preparation of the gospel of peace; the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation; and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:14-17).  In our study today we will examine the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, which stand firmly opposed to the philosophical and moral relativism of our day. Paul is saying, to stand firm against the enemy, gird yourself with the belt of truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness. We will follow the outline below:

1. Stand (v.14a)
2. Stand Fast with the Belt of Truth (v.14b)
3. Stand Fast with the Breastplate of Righteousness (v.14c)

The first two parts of God's armor are noted in this verse. Paul describes these parts of a Roman soldier's clothing in the order they would have been put on. For the Christian, truth is to be securely connected to us, for our success. Truth, as Paul defined it, included the accurate information regarding God and the good news of Jesus (Ephesians 1:13; 4:15, 21, 25). 

Second is the "breastplate of righteousness." Righteousness, or doing what is right, is essential to protecting the life of the believer through spiritual battle. Truth comes first, then action follows. Our belief always effects our behaviour. Verse 14 teaches us how important it is to fasten on the belt of God’s absolute, unchanging truth and to put on the breastplate of imputed and practical righteousness.

Getting Started                          

1. Did you have any difficulty putting on a specific piece of clothing as a child? Or did you have a favourite outfit that you would wear regularly? Share your experience.   

• Read Ephesians 6:10-20

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

Digging Deeper

3. Read Ephesians 1:13, 4:15, 21 and 25. In these verses how does Paul define truth? 

4. The Roman soldier's breastplate was a primary means of identification. How important (in relation to the Great Commission) is it for the world to identify a Christian? 

5. How should we interact with a person who believes that all “truth” is relative? Where do you start? 

The Heart of the Matter

6. Since Christians will never be perfect in this life, in what sense can we “put on the breastplate” of practical righteousness? Can’t Satan always bring an accusation against our imperfect behaviour? 

7. In this context of spiritual warfare, it is important to note that demons have false doctrines that they promote (1 Tim. 4:1). Satan and the demons deceive unbelievers in many ways, but especially with regard to the gospel (2 Thess. 2:9-12). What are some ways that the devil will attack the gospel? 

8. Without truth, our righteousness will be based upon our own attempts to impress God. Can you relate to this? Have you been tempted with this lie before? Share your experience.