This episode addresses the belt of truth by contrasting it with the belt of the autonomous self, the outlook of all who reject Christ. The belt of the old self is actually a lie and corresponds with the great exchange of Rom 1:25, where unbelievers "exchange the truth of God for a lie." This episode, following the pattern of Eph. 6:10-17, contrasts the armor of God with the armor of man. Every faculty in unregenerate man is devoted to protecting the autonomous self which is principally defined by devotion to the "lusts of deceit." Some of the armor pieces of the autonomous self are the breastplate of self-confidence, the shield of independence, the shoes of hostility, and the sword of the soul, the word of the self. The episode provides a stark contrast of how believers and unbelievers engage the world. Believers are called to honestly evaluate their lingering sympathies with "the lie," while unbelievers are called to reassess their commitment to the lie.
Is the Truth on Your Side?
This episode continues addressing putting on the belt of truth in the context of spiritual warfare. While Christians are saved from the wrath of God and placed into the Body of Christ upon conversion, they are not fully on God's side until every part of them that is sympathetic to the lie or lusts of deceit is removed. Consequently, God in a general sense is on the Christian's "side," but often acts as if He's not. His higher purpose in the lives of believers is their sanctification, and with respect to truth, "He desires truth in the inward parts." (Ps 51:6) He consequently deals with Christians in ways that sometimes suggest He is not on "their side." The issue of "sides" is addressed from the critical theocentric perspective of Joshua 5:13-15. The episode closes with the Scriptural evidence that sons of God don't partake of nonsensical "sides" theology, they consistently treat "enemies" and friends alike, based on the indiscriminate love of God that's been poured out in their hearts.