Fascinating! The first item Paul tells us to be equipped with when going into the fight is not a weapon or a piece of protecting armor. The first item he says we need is a belt: A belt of Truth. Without it, you will never make it to the battle to use a sword and shield. Truth is like that.
Satan is the Father of all lies (John 8:44) but Jesus is called "the way the TRUTH and the light."
"You are not good enough." "That isn't really a sin." "No one will notice." "You could never do that like he can." "You can sin a little bit...you're not really hurting anyone." "THIS will make you feel better." "you have more important things to do, you can pray later." "They don't want to hear what you have to say."
It is common to feel like you are alone in the world; it is common to feel like no one understands; it is common to feel like no one cares, it is common to feel like what you do doesn't make a difference.
These are common feelings.
These are powerful lies.
When we believe these things, we never even get to the battle because we never get beyond the things we are struggling with in our own lives. Satan wins. His goal is not to kill you or make you into the next Hitler, he is content with keeping you from what God wants for you.
Scripture teaches that you are not alone (Isaiah 41:10) it teaches that God has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), it teaches that God loves you (John 3:16) and that he has given you real power to fight off the darkness (Luke 10:19).
Jesus Christ is Truth and his word is Truth. Scripture provides the truth against the lies that make us feel weak, that make us feel guilty, that make us feel unclean. Put on a belt of Truth, build Scripture into your life.
Some Questions to Ask (and Answer):
- What were some of the lies you guys talked about that you remember?
- What lies does Satan try to tell you?
- Which verses were your favorites? (I will give them a handout of verses against some of those lies)
- How do you think that verse (those verses) would be helpful?
- What are some ways you can surround yourself with Truth?
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