“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” Ephesians 6:13,14
We need to acquire the mind of Christ. Jesus IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life. One way in which we learn to discern the lies of the enemy is to understand the truth in Scripture. Hold a proposition up to the absolute truth communicated in the scriptural standard. If it can’t stand up, then the light of truth has vanquished darkness. So much of our ineffectiveness as warriors in the battle for souls is a result of believing lies from the enemy. Examples include: “I don’t have the gift of evangelism.” “I’ve sinned too much to be valuable to God.” Or “I need to get my act together before I reach out to others.” The belt of truth, the mind of Christ shows us a better way.
Specific steps
How do we acquire the mind of Christ? Here are some specific things we can do:
- Meditate on scripture.
- Memorize scripture.
- Think through the application of scripture.
- Apply scripture to your life.
- Be discipled.
- Disciple others.
Measuring progress
How is progress measured? Every piece of scripture absorbed into one’s life is another buckle or loop in the belt of truth. Scripture is absorbed through a two-step process: awareness (which comes through memorization and study) and application. Thus, a discipler can help participants identify those areas where their life is out of alignment with the truth taught in scripture and apply it (make changes). Count the scriptures applied to track life change.
What truths do the Bible say about me:
I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
I am holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
I am an ambassador for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (I Corinthians 6:19).
It is not I who live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).
Challenge:
- Document every time the enemy tells you a lie, and then apply2 Corinthians 10:5.
- Make out a confession list of your own, and then use it daily.
Prayer:
“ Lord, I put on the belt of truth. I choose to believe the truths I find in your Word.Show me what lies I have believed and shine your truth in my life…”
Scripture Memory:
Psalm 26:3
John 14:6
