The apostle Paul doesn’t say, ‘Have faith in faith’. He says, ‘Fight the good fight of faith’. He’s referring to the kind of faith that counters the fiery arrows of the evil one. It protects you, defends you against fierce hostility.
The Armour of God
Shoes for your feet
There’s something strong about this footwork, this confidence, this assurance, this ability to move into a situation, bang your foot down and declare, ‘This is who we are.’
The breastplate of righteousness
The breastplate covers your heart. It shields you from enemy attack, especially in the realm of emotions.
The belt of truth
Some sentimentally claim that the truth is so wonderful that it defies definition. Others say that Paul is referring to the belt of truthfulness or integrity. I’m convinced that Paul is referring to objective gospel truth.
God’s Armour for His soldiers
God provides armour for his soldiers, not for the unsaved. It doesn’t work for them. The gospel is the power of God for our salvation, but it’s foolishness to those who don’t know Jesus.
Don’t forget to defend
It is not impossible for us to be so gung-ho in pressing forward that we forget that we ourselves will come under attack from time to time.
March in faith
We must be strong and be strengthened, but there’s a trust element too. We must be strengthened by faith.
Union and communion with the King
Day after day we experience fear, battle, hurts, sickness, wounds, unkindness and perplexity. We didn’t expect what’s happened to us. How do we get through? ‘Well, pull yourself together!’ No! Our strength comes from Jesus.
Strength perfected in weakness
Strength is perfected in weakness. What does that mean? ‘Hey, soldiers be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Come on pull yourself up.’ No. Paul is the one writing, the chief soldier.
