concentration. If we are to engage in the struggle for God's best we must also be prepared for spiritual conflicts. There are definite forces of this world which seek to hinder us at every turn. The attacks of the devil are directed against Jesus Christ. The evil one does not care much about a believer who is far away from his Lord. If you want an easy time as a Christian, all you have to do is get further away from the Saviour. The devil will not bother you because you are not effective for Christ anyway. To walk with the Lord means that Sa tan's arrows will be flying in your direction. The battle will be hard, but God will give you the neces sary strength through His Holy Spirit. All too often Christian peo ple arm themselves with the wea pons of the world rather than with the armor of God (Ephesians 6). First of all we are to stand with our loins girded about with truth. This means we must be armed with truth about Christ and the great principles of God's own precious Word. We are also to have on the breastplate of righteousness which is to be characterized by living a holy life. We must not allow our conduct to damage our testimony. We are to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Have we really mastered the heart of the message of redemp tion and grace so that we can share it effectively with others (I Peter 3:15). We are to take the shield of faith in the midst of Cod's current dealings with us no matter what they may be. If events have seemed to turn against you perhaps these testings are for your good as you wield effectively this implement of defense. Is it not wonderful to real
ize that the very center of our being is protected by Cod's salvation? Finally there is the Sword of the Spirit. No finer weapon could be given. It is interesting to note that a special Greek term is used for the “word" (Ephesians 6:17). It is not just the entire expanse of Scripture but is more restrictive to mean a single saying or truth. Paul is telling us that we are to be armed with specific teachings of the Bible drawing on them in every circum stance and spiritual engagement. What a tremendous armor for de fense as well as offense the Lord has provided.
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