Ephesians 6:14

“Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness”

“Stand therefore”: “Stand your ground” (TCNT). God often emphasizes the need for Christians to "stand" (Ephesians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Peter 1:27; Romans 5:2; 1 Peter 5:12). In addition, God has. very low view of those who give up (2 Peter 2:20). This is. refreshing statement in. day and age when many modern religious bodies are affirming that the Bible has been corrupted, or that it is "thought" inspired, the commands of the Bible applied to the people of that culture, no absolute truth exists, or ethics are situational. How can anyone "stand" in those views? How can you take. stand on ground that is always shifting? Seeing that the Christian is commanded to "stand", such infers that truth is absolute, the Bible is infallible, and that such truth is truth for all time, all cultures and all nations (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15). “Paul was very familiar with Roman soldiers. He met many in his travels, and as he dictated Ephesians he was chained to one by the wrist (Ephesians 6:20)” (Stott p. 276). “A Roman centurion, according to Polybius, had to be the kind of man who could be relied upon to stand fast and not give way, even when hard-pressed. Likewise, it is the aim of the Christian soldiers to do their part to hold the battle line” (Boles p. 337). “Suetonius, the Roman historian, relates that Julius Caesar; in doubtful dangerous confrontations, would have all the horses sent away, making sure that his was the first to go. This would assure that all means of flight would be eliminated and each soldier would be forced to stand forth and fight” (Spiritual Sword Lectureship p. 237).

“Having girded your lions”: “With your waist encircled” (Wms). “Usually made of leather, the soldier's belt belonged rather to his underwear than his armor. Yet it was essential. It gathered his tunic together and also held his sword. It ensured that he was unimpeded when marching. To ‘tighten one's belt' can mean to prepare oneself for action which the ancients would have called ‘girding up their loins'” (Stott p. 277). Compare with 1 Peter 1:13 which says “gird your minds for action”. “The soldier's ‘belt' was. leather apron worn beneath the other armor like breeches. Fastening this tough garment tight around the waist both protected vital inner organs and made rapid movement easier” (Boles p. 338). “It was used to hold other pieces of armor in place” (Erdman p. 136). “With truth”: Basically two views exist concerning "truth" here. It may refer to the objective truth of the gospel (John 17:17), or "truthfulness", that is, sincerity and integrity of character. “The guileless honor and integrity of the Christian” (Boles p. 338). In the end, one is dependent upon the other. Integrity is formed by bringing your life into conformity with the word of God (1 Peter 1:14).

This is “truthfulness, sincerity--downright frankness and honestly with ourselves, with one another, and with God. In our dealing with God, there must be no disguise and no deceit if we are to win in the spiritual conflict in which all are engaged. Any conscious insincerity or attempt to excuse. known fault produces moral weakness and invites defeat” (Erdman pp. 136-137). Caldwell makes. good point when he says “Truth is effective only when it is sincerely received. Character is not developed by hypocrisy, guilt, deceit, or subtlety. It is developed by candor, openness, and faithfulness” (p. 312).

Since the Devil operates in "darkness", it is essential that the Christian operate in the "light". Thus, “walking in the Light” (1 John 1:5) demands that we be completely honest about what God requires of us, how we are treating others, and what we are believing as "gospel". The Devil stands ready to exploit any falsehood that we are refusing to give up (2 Timothy 4:4; 2 Timothy 2:18; 2 Timothy 3:8; Romans 1:18). “To be deceitful, to lapse into hypocrisy, to resort to intrigue and scheming, this is to play the devil's game, and we shall not be able to beat him at his own game. What he abominates is transparent truth” (Stott pp. 277-278). “The mind that will practice no deceits and attempt no disguises in our intercourse with God, is indeed vital to Christian safety” (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 386). “Others may guess and grope; the Christian moves freely and quickly because he knows the truth” (Barclay p. 183). Believing the truth has liberated the Christian from superstition and ignorance (John 8:32; 1 Peter 1:18).

“And having put on”: Human cooperation is required. “Breastplate”: “The next piece donned by the Roman soldier was his metal breastplate. Both strong and light (17 kg), it was said that an arrow shot from 20 paces left only. light scratch on it. This piece of frontal armor was vital for protection of the chest, lungs, and heart” (Boles p. 338). “The breastplate, made of hard leather, bronze, or iron, and. corresponding plate covering the back. They were connected by leathern straps or metal bands passing over the shoulders and fastened in front, and by hinges on the right side” (Vincent p. 408). “Righteousness”: “Moral rectitude (Romans 6:13)” (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 386).

Against the slanderous attacks of the Devil (Job 2:9), the faithful Christian knows that he or she stands innocent in the sight of God (Romans 8:1). In addition, the faithful Christian realizes that God does not demand flawless living. Forgiveness is always available for the Christian who slips and is willing to honestly admit such in repentance and prayer (1 John 1:8). Therefore, the Christian has powerful incentive to never give up. The Devil always tries to convince us that living the Christian life is "hopeless". "Righteousness" here also probably includes ‘uprightness, or moral integrity.. man who is conscious of being in the wrong is usually. coward” (Erdman p. 137). David is. good example of the above. David's own moral failures prevented him at times from being decisive when it came to the sins of others (2 Samuel 2:21). The Devil tries to convince us that we should not try to help another person out of their sins, especially another Christian, for we "aren't perfect ourselves". “Commitment to the good life of doing right serves to protect the heart from danger (Romans 6:13; Romans 14:17; Romans 8:1; 1 John 3:7; 1 John 2:29; 2 Corinthians 6:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:8.)” (Caldwell p. 313).