Last week, we discussed how the church needs to be armed against our enemy, using the analogy of a soldier in the military.
Equipped like a Soldier
When a soldier enlists, he receives a new wardrobe: fatigues, army boots, weapons, all the equipment necessary for battle. (And a dress uniform for celebrations!)
In the opening example about my stint as a daydreaming softball catcher; besides my inattention, a lack of equipment also contributed to my broken hand. I was not wearing a glove!
A Christian soldier also has battle equipment, new shoes and clothing:
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Ephesians 6:13-18
All the equipment is defensive except praying and using the word of God. We must study to know the word of God.
We must be sure that nothing hinders our prayers
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7
God cares how you treat your spouse – it could hinder your prayers! (Ladies, this includes you!)
Unforgiveness can hinder you
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses” Mark 11:25-26
Praying is a Christian soldier’s way to wage warfare
We are to be interceding for one another. We are to be in constant communication with the Holy Spirit so that when He wants us to move, we move, when He wants us to speak, we speak, when He wants us to be silent, we are quiet.
Remember, our weapons are not Uzis and derringers, bombs and swords. Our weapons are the word of God and prayer.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” 2 Cor. 10:3-5
It’s hard work to bring every thought into captivity. An apathetic person can’t do it; a daydreamer sure can’t do it!
Soldiers are alert and vigilant and must take turns being a watchman.
It would be really embarrassing to be caught asleep on your watch. You might be thrown in a brig (or worse) if you were caught.
Christian soldiers should always be alert, too.
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:7-9
A soldier could be ambushed at any time. A soldier may not know when his leading officer will tell him to attack the enemy.
We don’t know when a battle is coming
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38
We don’t know when the Day of the Lord will come
“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” Matt. 24:42
“But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36
“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober” 1 Thess. 5:6
We are called to be watching!
Next time, we’ll discuss obedience, endurance and reward.
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
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