SOUTHSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST

The Righteous Fight, Sunday, 18 February 2001

Feb 17, 2001

Leland R. Ping

As Christians, we must be ever aware that we are engaged in a fight. The fight that the Christian faces is not one where one wins and the other loses and the two never see each other again, or at least, it shouldn't be. The Christian must endure, not giving into the temptations to sin provided by Satan. While we will throughout our lives find ourselves in sin, we must make determination to do better.

Peter instructs us that we face the devil who is like a lion seeking someone to devour (I Peter 5:8). If this is the case, then let us be mindful of those "fiery darts of the wicked one" and put on that armor of God to combat Satan (Ephesians 6:11, 16).

Paul instructs us to prepare ourselves for the fight by making provisions in some key ways. We are to:

?· Put on the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14). A knight of old wore a breastplate of metal. Law enforcement officials today oftentimes were a bulletproof vest of a synthetic kevler material that prohibits a bullet from entering a person's chest. We must have an attitude of righteousness and dedication to God that when others try to harm us will stop any threat.

?· Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). No matter where we go, let us prepare ourselves with the knowledge of the gospel that we can teach others about it and they too might have the "peace that surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).

?· Taking the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16). Just as it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6) it is impossible to protect ourselves as Christians if our faith is not strong and always with us. A soldier of old would never go to battle and lay down his shield and we should never lay down our faith.

?· Take the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17). The human head contains the brain that controls breathing, movement and involuntary actions such as digestion and heartbeat. Thus, if it is injured, the whole body suffers. With salvation as a part of our lives and as that "helmet" on our head, nothing will be able to destroy us. It was Paul who asked, "if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

?· Take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Truth has an amazing power to convict others. And, with Jesus telling us that God's word is truth (John 17:17) and that such truth can set one free (John 8:32) it is necessary for us to become familiar with the truth and thus, God's word. Let us study that word and then keep it in our hearts to share with other and to make ourselves stronger in God's service.