Gospel Truth Project

Introduction

Before you come here looking for ways to show this is incorrect due to the term “Masculine” being used, let me explain the overall post. Using masculine in the defining term is having qualities such as strength or confidence which are considered typical of men but in this instance does apply to men and woman alike. This post is to help encourage other followers of Christ to not be ashamed of their faith and to read up to build a strong defense of why you believe what you believe.

To start this off, since I am a millennial, I was scrolling on TikTok and found a Christian in Europe who was going to other religious events in public spaces where they had tables saying ask us questions and he was talking with them. The problem he kept coming up with was other religions have flaws and faults within them that create controversies that debunk them as truth. Truth cannot contradict itself. Even when they would bring in context, he was still right and others around him started asking him about Christianity. The only people unhappy in those videos were the people he was showing truth to and that they were wrong. He would stand up and tell people around him to read what they teach and to see that they don’t stand on a solid foundation.

This had me thinking many different scenarios were I personally could of asked more questions, or spent that extra minute with a Jehovah’s Witness or that Mormon to hopefully shed light and truth on them. All his videos were this very thing over and over again. He talked to groups who were Muslims, Hindus, Jehovah’s Witness, Scientologist, Jewish background, and more.

This post is to discuss that idea, to be fearless regarding your faith, put on the full armor of God, what that looks like, and to stand firm in a foundation built upon truth.

Stand Strong

Lets talk about the biblical aspect of standing strong in your faith and your relationship with God. For Starters, Lets look at 1 Corinthians 16:13 which says, “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” (Context of this is 1 Corinthians 16:12–18). In wrapping up this letter, Paul has been addressing the details of some business matters, as well as the travel plans of himself and others. He turns to sending greetings in a moment, but first he inserts a series of five quick commands. Paul’s habit of doing this at the end of letters reminds one of a parent restating quickly all the things their child needs to remember before rushing out the door.

Paul tells them to be watchful or to stay on their guard, along with the command to stand firm in the faith. He may be emphasizing his teaching in the previous chapter about their faith in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and the resurrection of all who follow Him. Some had watered down their belief in the resurrection. Paul reminded them the resurrection was essential to the gospel in which they stood (1 Corinthians 15:1). He urged them to be steadfast and immovable (1 Corinthians 15:58). They must be on the lookout for any kind of false teaching.

Paul also tells them to act like men, or to “be men of courage,” and to be strong. He has made clear that their faith in Christ will face opposition from the culture around them. They must be resolved to remain in their faith with strength and courage.

Another good verse to bring up is 1 Peter 5:9 which says, “Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.” (context is 1 Peter 5:1–11) In the previous verse, Peter urged his Christian readers to be sober-minded and alert because our enemy is after us. That enemy is the devil—Satan—and his agenda is to “devour” Christians. His intent is to cause real and lasting harm to us and, especially, to weaken our trust in the Father. Here, Peter tells us how to respond to the reality of the devil.

First, we can and should resist Satan. When the battle comes, fight back. This language is striking because Peter has repeatedly told believers to submit to those in authority. This even includes kings and governors who were part of the system of persecution so many Christians would face. He has written that slaves should submit to masters and wives to husbands—not based on that person’s worthiness but out of submission to God. But when it comes to the devil, Peter’s command is to do the exact opposite of “submission.” We must say no. We must fight.

How? By standing firm in our faith. From the snake’s first conversation with Eve, to Satan’s temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, the devil has always sought to undermine our trust in the God of heaven. His goal is to weaken our dependence on the Father who loves us and is strong to meet our needs.

Satan may make use of persecution to accomplish this. Peter writes that many in the world at the time were facing the same kind of suffering. Many continue to do so. The devil may attack our faith in other ways, as well, but the strategy for fighting back stays the same: Trust God more; increase our reliance on Him. Say “no” to the devil and “yes” to the Father.

Armor of God

Lets talk about the armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:13-15 which says, “For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.” (context is Ephesians 6:10–20). Lets break this down verse by verse.

Verse 13

Because of the wide scope and power of spiritual evil faced by believers (Ephesians 6:12), Paul reminds Christians that all of these tools are critically important. God’s armor is a package, not a cafeteria of items from which we can select. We must have salvation and God’s Word. We need prayer and righteousness, not one or the other. All of these areas must work together to operate effectively.

Paul often groups interconnected spiritual ideas together to emphasize their importance. An example is his reference to the “fruit” of the Spirit, which mentions nine total attributes (Galatians 5:22–23). This is a literary technique, meant to imply that all listed areas are essential for the believer. This avoids the misinterpretation of picking and choosing which instructions a person wishes to pursue, while neglecting others.

Those who put on the full armor of God are promised certain benefits. The “evil day” can refer to any moment of spiritual attack. It does not refer to a future “last days” scenario. Believers are to constantly be on guard, living prepared with God’s armor. Also, believers who wear God’s armor can “stand firm,” a phrase used in connection with success with God in the Old Testament (Exodus 14:13; 2 Chronicles 20:17; Psalm 89:28; Isaiah 46:8; Daniel 11:32).

As with verse 11, the phrases used in this verse strongly imply defense over offense. This is not to say that Christians are never called on to actively engage falsehoods (2 Corinthians 10:5). Rather, it is a reminder that in our spiritual battle, God will win the victory. We are not called on to charge against Satan, but to endure his attacks until Christ wins the ultimate triumph.

Verse 14

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.

First, Paul mentions the “belt of truth.” In that time, a belt was tied around the waist rather than buckled. It was therefore “fastened” as Paul notes. These were not thin, pretty strips of cloth, either. A soldier’s belt was thick and sturdy, somewhat like what modern people would call a “weightlifter’s belt.” The rest of a soldier’s armor connected to this belt. 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). From a logical standpoint, this is also a sensible statement. Truth “binds together” everything else we believe. Without unifying truth, we just have disjointed, disconnected pieces.

Second is the “breastplate of righteousness.” This belt would hold the breastplate in place, as well as the scabbard to hold the sword (Ephesians 6:17). A Roman’s breastplate would typically be made from bronze or chain mail and would cover the vital body parts (heart, lungs, stomach). Righteousness, or doing what is right, is essential to protecting the life of the believer through spiritual battle. Also, the breastplate is a primary means of identification: this is one of the clearer ways for soldiers to recognize each other in battle. Likewise, a Christian’s behavior is meant to identify them to the world, and other believers, as a follower of Christ.

Verse 15

Roman soldiers typically wore sandals which allowed them to move quickly during battle, and provided protection to their feet. Here Paul imagines the shoes as “the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” Shoes made a soldier “ready” to run into battle. The gospel of peace likewise makes a believer ready for spiritual battle. Anyone who has walked around outside with no shoes knows that some areas are virtually off-limits when you’re barefoot. Shoes give you the ability to go almost anywhere. Shoes also provide traction. The gospel anchors our faith in certain basic, universal truths. Without that, we’d find our foundation slipping.

One of the modern world’s most common problems is stress. Yet the peace given through the gospel is the answer to most of our daily anxiety. We can cast our cares on God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Further, connecting the concept of “shoes” with the gospel of peace may also suggest the idea of believers taking the gospel into daily battles, sharing it wherever they go (Matthew 28:18–20). Believers are given the gospel of peace in order to be ready for battle and to help others facing spiritual attack.

Those who study martial arts know that setting one’s feet is the beginning of all combat. They affect balance, grip, power, and movement. In the same way, the foundation of our day-to-day Christianity is the gospel.

Stand Firm

lets back up to confidence and strength regarding the faith. What does the bible say? Where do I start? Lets reference 2 Timothy 2:15 which says, “Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” (context 2 Timothy 2:14–26).

After commenting about false teachers in the previous verse, Paul urges Timothy to view himself as a worker seeking to please God. Any worker or servant should desire to satisfy the expectations of his or her boss. Timothy was to view his work for God in the same way. He was not serving to please other people, but to please the Lord. Paul knew well the many ways the world can distract a Christian’s focus. These worldly forces would seek to draw Timothy’s attention to making people happy, rather than viewing the Lord as the one to please.

Timothy’s challenge is not only to be approved, but to be a worker “who has no need to be ashamed.” Paul had already spoken of not being ashamed on three occasions in the previous chapter (2 Timothy 1:8, 12, 16). During times of suffering, Paul felt the need to emphasize boldness in faith to those tempted to avoid hardship and persecution. His boldness also involved “rightly handling the word of truth.” In contrast with the false teachers who argued over words, Timothy had learned the Scriptures from his youth and was to handle it accurately.

The distinction presented here is important. In the prior verse, Paul condemned pointless bickering. Here, he commends deeper study. Putting these two ideas together gives us an accurate picture of what Christian discernment is meant to look like. There are some issues which involve the “soundness” of the gospel message, and others which do not. We need to study diligently, not only to defend the faith, but to know the difference between something worth battling over, and something which is just a distracting argument.

I will transition to Acts 17:11 which says, “The people here were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, since they received the word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (context is Acts 17:10–15).This presents one of many examples in Scripture which endorse informed, reasonable faith (1 John 4:1; 2 Corinthians 13:5). The group applauded here is using cautious skepticism. They hear a claim and make a sincere effort to see whether it is true. They look to Scripture, not blind faith, not hard cynicism, to look for the best response.

Paul and Silas, having escaped persecution in Thessalonica (Acts 17:10), are in the synagogue in Berea. Out of Paul’s three missionary voyages, Luke only records two of his sermons. One is to the Stoics and Epicureans in Athens (Acts 17:22–31). Considering Paul uses quotes from Greek philosophers to draw out their mutual belief in a creator, it’s reasonable to think this is a unique situation and a unique message.

Paul’s message in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch is probably more representative. He talks about how God led the Israelites out of captivity to the Promised Land. He introduces David and the Davidic Covenant wherein God promises David will have an heir on his throne forever. He explains how David’s prophecy that God’s Holy One will not see corruption can’t apply to David since his body is still in the tomb. It must apply to the heir of David who dies and rises again: Jesus (Acts 13:16–41). In short, Jesus of Nazareth fulfills the prophecies of the Jewish Messiah.

In most cities Paul visits, some Jews and many God-fearing Gentiles believe him while other Jews grow jealous and find some way to drive him out of town. The Bereans’ response to study for themselves is unique and admirable (1 John 4:1). Their study and acceptance allow Jesus’ story to reach further into the synagogue’s leadership, providing Paul and Silas more freedom to teach. Unfortunately, however, the more predictable Jews from their last stop—Thessalonica—follow them. It is not the Berean Jews who force Paul to flee, but the Thessalonians (Acts 17:12–14).

Word of Truth

Why is the bible known as the word of truth? We have many articles and reasons to stand firm on the bibles authenticity (Check out this blog, or this blog post, we will also be doing our own post with inside references and outside references). This brings me to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (context is 2 Timothy 3:10–17).

After noting the importance of the “sacred writings” for wisdom for salvation in the previous verse, Paul makes one of the most important and frequently-quoted statements in the entire Bible: “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” The “All Scripture” in this case most specifically referred to the Old Testament, since the full New Testament did not yet exist. At the time Paul wrote these words, books such as the Gospel of John and Revelation had not yet been written. However, this principle would still apply to all Scripture given by God, including the 27 books of the New Testament. New Testament writers recognized Scripture even as it was written (2 Peter 3:15–16).

The description here of God’s word is the Greek theopneustos. This is very literally translated as “God-breathed.” Human authors put the words to paper, through their own personal perspectives and styles. But the ultimate source of this information is not human, but divine. The Greek language makes this particular description even more layered. The Greek root word pneo is used for wind, breath, a spirit, or “the” Spirit. This is a wordplay Jesus uses when speaking to Nicodemus (John 3:8). In a symbolic sense, in Greek, the word Paul uses is a model of the Bible itself: an extension of God’s will, formed out of His spirit, in written form.

As such, this written Scripture is perfect (Psalm 19; 119). Because all Scripture is perfect, it is “profitable” for many areas of life. Paul lists four areas in this verse. First, Scripture is profitable for teaching. It is to be used to instruct people to know God better. Second, Scripture is profitable for reproof or rebuke, the idea of exposing or pointing out sin. Third, Scripture is useful for correction. Scripture both points out sin and offers a solution to it. Fourth, Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness. Though similar to teaching, training is more focused on practical application. From Scripture we learn what is true, what is wrong, how to correct wrong, and how to apply truth.

Paul concludes this chapter and section on Scripture stating that it can make the “man of God” “complete” and “equipped for every good work.” The description “man of God” was used in the Old Testament of Moses (Deuteronomy 33:1), Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6), and other prophets (1 Kings 12:22). The term is not as common in the New Testament. There, only Timothy is referred to as a man of God. In addition to this verse, Paul uses the phrase regarding Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11.

The man of God is helped by Scripture in two areas. First, he “may be complete,” a term referring to maturity. Timothy’s study and application of Scripture would make him a mature Christian man who could successfully lead other believers. Second, he would be “equipped for every good work.” Regardless of the need, Timothy would have the worldview he needed to properly live out his faith. It is accurate biblical understanding that better enhances biblical application to life’s issues.

Trials

Because we stand firm, and follow all the above steps and stay true to the truth, we are not just told we “may” experience trials and hardships but that we will experience trials and hardships. Jesus himself said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (context is John 16:25–33).

Christ’s words, recorded here, are among the most cherished in the gospel of John. This statement combines teaching, remembrance, warning, and encouragement. Becoming a Christian does not guarantee an easy life. In fact, Jesus has made it clear that following Him can lead to persecution (John 16:1–4). The joy held by born-again believers comes from knowing that Christ has already obtained ultimate victory, and nothing in this world can undo that (Romans 8:38–39). That Christ made it clear, in advance, that hard times will come (John 15:20–21) should reassure believers: these situations do not take God by surprise.

Several times during the Last Supper, Jesus has pointed out that He is deliberately giving advance warning (John 13:19; 14:25; 16:4). His explicit purpose for this is encouragement; rather than reacting in fear or confusion, Christians should be aware that those experiences are part of God’s greater plan. The book of Hebrews, especially chapter 11, celebrates heroes of the faith who chose to “hold fast” and trust in God. That trust, Scripture shows, was well-placed, even if fulfillment of God’s promises didn’t come until after those believers had passed into eternity.

The “peace” Jesus speaks of is not worldly comfort, or even happiness. This is the confident “rest” (Matthew 11:28–30) believers experience when they set aside anxiety (Matthew 6:25–34), and trust God to work out His will.

I will end this section with this verse from 2 Timothy 3:12 which says, “In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (context is 2 Timothy 3:10–17). Based upon Paul’s own experiences (2 Timothy 3:11), Paul could confidently point out that faithfulness to Christ leads to persecution from the ungodly world. This stands in stark contrast with the “prosperity gospel” of our time, which teaches that faithfulness to God leads to material blessings in this life. Paul taught that godly living included persecution. His own life served as a living testimony to this teaching. Even at the time of this letter, Paul was in prison, awaiting pending death for his faith.

The other apostles and many in the early church also experienced persecution for living a godly life in Christ Jesus. Traditionally, all of the apostles were martyred for their faith except for John, who was instead exiled to the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation. Hebrews 11 speaks of the suffering many of God’s people have endured, concluding, “And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect (Hebrews 11:39–40). The awards for God’s people are eternal rather than mere earthly blessings, though God may choose to provide material blessings, as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, standing firm in your faith and being prepared to defend it is not just a passive suggestion; it’s an active call to action found throughout Scripture. Whether it’s equipping yourself with the full armor of God, diligently studying the Word, or facing trials and persecution, the Bible emphasizes the importance of resilience, courage, and truth. As believers, we are encouraged to be vigilant, to stand strong, and to boldly proclaim the truth, even in the face of opposition. The journey of faith is not without its challenges, but with God’s Word as our foundation, we are equipped to overcome and remain steadfast. Let us commit to knowing the Scriptures deeply, living out our faith boldly, and standing firm in the truth that has been revealed to us through Christ.

With all of these, we are to be bringers of peace and live a life similar to Christ. Check out our post about Our Christian Walk. Our goal is not to condemn everyone that sins, we are to love others, walk in peace, stand firm in what we believe with a foundation founded in the bible. Remember brothers and sisters, this is not a call to go on the offense, its a call to be ready to have a defense of why we believe what we believe. Stand strong, spread the gospel, and stay true to Jesus without shame.

Peace be upon you.