 
Illustration. Midianites Put To Flight. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal." 2 Cor. 10:4. 1. What power was to make war upon the remnant church prior to the second advent? “And the dragon [Satan] was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 12:17. 2. What reward is promised to the overcomer? “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Rev. 2:7. See also Rev. 2:11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things.” Rev. 21:7. 3. Through whom are we able to conquer? “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” Rom. 8:37. 4. Who was the invisible leader of the armies of Israel? “Behold, there stood a man over against him with His sword drawn in His hand: and Joshua went unto Him, and said unto Him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And He said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come.” Joshua 5:13, 14. See also 1 Cor. 10:1-4. 5. What is the character of the Christian's weapons of warfare? [pg 544]“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” 2 Cor. 10:4. 6. What are these weapons able to conquer? “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.” Verse 5. 7. What are we to put on? “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph. 6:11. 8. With what kind of forces do we have to contend? “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Verse 12. Note.—The margin says, “wicked spirits” in “heavenly” places. 9. What are the first essentials of the needed armor? “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” Verse 14. 10. What is the truth with which one's loins should be girded? “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” “I am the way, the truth.” John 17:17; 14:6. 11. What is meant by having the loins girded? “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind.” 1 Peter 1:13. 12. What is the righteousness of which the breastplate is composed? “My tongue shall speak of Thy word: for all Thy commandments are righteousness.” Ps. 119:172. “And this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.” Jer. 23:6. See Rom. 13:14; 1 Thess. 5:8. 13. With what are the feet to be shod? “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Eph. 6:15. See also Eph. 2:14; James 3:18. 14. What piece of armor is next mentioned as necessary? “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Eph. 6:16. See 1 John 5:4; Heb. 11:6. [pg 545]15. What armor is to be put on as a protection to the head? “And take the helmet of salvation.” Eph. 6:17. Note.—In 1 Thess. 5:8 the helmet is called “the hope of salvation.” The helmet was worn to protect the head. So the hope of salvation will preserve the courage, and thus aid in protecting the spiritual life of the Christian pilgrim when beset by the enemy of righteousness. 16. With what sword is the Christian soldier to be armed? “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Eph. 6:17. Note.—By this Christ defeated the enemy. See Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13. But no one can use this sword who does not know it. Hence, the importance of studying and knowing the Bible. 17. In what words are the courage, faithfulness, and loyalty of the remnant church expressed? “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Rev. 12:11. 18. Will Christ's loyal soldiers be victorious under Him? “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” Rev. 15:2. Soldiers of Christ, arise, And put your armor on; Fight, for the battle will be ours; We fight to win a crown. We fight not against flesh, We wrestle not with blood; But principalities and powers, And for the truth of God. With wicked spirits, too, That in high places stand, Perverting oft the Word of God, And say 'tis by command. Put all the armor on, Like valiant soldiers stand; Let all your loins be girt with truth, Waiting our Lord's command. While Jesus is our friend, And His rich grace supplies, We'll march like valiant soldiers on: We're sure to win the prize. The battle's almost o'er; The race is nearly run; Then with our glorious, conquering King We'll sit down on His throne. Charles Wesley.
Illustration. Paul At Ephesus. "Many ... which used curious arts brought their books, ... and burned them." Acts 19:19. |
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