Articles
Spiritual Soldiers on a Mission for God
After baptism, children of God become spiritual soldiers in His fight against the devil. Ephesians 6:10-12 reads, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 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.” Every soldier has a mission they are given to accomplish and God’s children are tasked to love Him above anything else, show compassion to all, and spread His kingdom through righteous actions (Mark 12:28-34, Matthew 28:18-20). Being rich in grace and mercy, God makes sure that we can accomplish our mission fully equipped and supported.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” Daily reading and studying of God’s truth helps His children understand Him and His will for them. Ephesians 6 describes the word of God as a belt and a sword. This is because it is a critical resource in holding up our faith as well as obedience in Christ and can righteously overcome challenges when wielded appropriately. As His children, God also helps us in our righteous endeavors personally. Jesus says in John 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” When God’s children are baptized, He sends His Holy Spirit to dwell inside them. He also watches over those who love Him and is available through prayer all day.
In addition to Himself and His Spirit, God also supports us through the loving people He has put into our lives. He created a worldwide church of fellow believers with the purpose to build one another up in faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 reads, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Brethren in God’s church come together weekly to partake of the Lord’s Supper and encourage mutual growth in their spiritual worship to Christ. Romans 12:1 tells us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” As members of His church, we are to be living embodiments of His statutes and love, i.e., Christ!
Christ’s eternal nemesis, the devil is nothing but persistent. Satan will use distractions, temptations, and our own logic to try to sway us from God and cause us to sin. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Being human n+one of us are perfect. There will be moments in our lives when we will need to seek repentance. Revelation 2:5 reads, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”
To conquer the devil’s snare, let us all as Christ’s soldiers continually wear the whole armor of God. Allowing Him to perpetually renew our minds toward righteousness and His glorification. 1 Timothy 6:11-14 says, “But as for you, O man of God…Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
