Ready for Battle

The Apostle Paul spent a great deal of his career chained to a Roman guard (Colossians 4:18). Can you imagine what it must have been like – for the guard? What had he been told about the apostle? That he was Jewish? Certainly. That he was a revolutionary? Probably. That he was dangerous? In the first century, Jew and revolutionary often went together, but they must have quickly learned there was something different about the apostle.

I have so many questions about this relationship. I don’t see Paul being a trouble-maker. Paul probably was just the opposite. As a Christian, he must have been interested in the welfare of his guardian. It was probably a very easy duty. It might have even been enjoyable! I’m sure Paul asked each guard questions about his welfare and his life. Where had he been stationed? Did he have a family? I think Paul even asked the soldiers about their equipment for the apostle uses the soldier’s equipment to illustrate the Christian life. I like to think about the guard’s smile as he listened to Paul as the apostle dictated his letter to the church in Ephesus:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:11 – 17).

No Streakers in Church (please)

John McKeel

The Apostle Paul tells us to “put on the whole armor of God” in Ephesians 6:13-17. Then he goes on to list what that includes: the pants of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the boots of the gospel of peace, the shield of righteousness, the sword of the Spirit and the helmet of salvation.

A radio preacher once declared he didn’t want any “streakers” running around in his congregation. He explained those are the ones who are only wearing “the helmet of salvation.” He wanted everyone fully clothed in the whole armor of God.

I wonder if we have any streakers — people who have been baptized but never truly developed a relationship with God? To change metaphors, they haven’t put down spiritual roots. It’s a shame how many people have never learned how to pray, meditate, fast or study. Perhaps now they are too embarrassed to ask anyone to teach them.

I can identify with those folks. I vividly remember obeying the gospel but as I came out of the baptistery I wondered, “What do I do next?” The simple answers were “live the Christian life” and “spread the Good News” but no one really showed me how or what that means.

The “Spiritual Disciplines” are all about growing deeper in our relationship with God. They begin with the “inner disciplines” – learning how to pray, fast, meditate and study and then they manifest themselves in the “outward disciplines” – simplicity, service, submission and solitude. Finally, there are also the “corporate disciplines” – the activities of relationship – worship, confession and celebration. But to really grow spiritually you will want to be a part of a small group. In the company of the committed, you’ll learn how. Join a few other Christians to share stories, laugh, cry, pray and learn in an informal setting on Wednesday nights. We share a meal at 6:15 and then study at 7:00. You’ll not only learn how to put on the whole armor of God but you’ll make wonderful new friends who really care about each other.