Resources for the Disciplined Life

MEMORY SELECTION: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” —Galatians 5:25

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5:25; 6:1; Ephesians 6:10-18

IN THIS week’s lesson the Apostle Paul urges the consecrated child of God to walk in the Spirit. The admonition is to arrange our daily affairs in such a manner that we will do those things that would be in accord with the call to the new creation.

There is a conflict of interests between the spirit of the world, and the Spirit of the Lord. Our interests as new creatures in Christ are along the lines of Christian growth and knowledge. With maturity we put aside those things that are out of harmony with the study of the truth. Worldly interests appeal to the depraved appetite of the fallen human nature and draw the child of God away from the study of the truth and the conforming of one’s character to the standard of righteousness.

Care should be taken to assist the weaker ones, with a desire to help them grow in the paths of truth and righteousness. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1) All should be done in the spirit of love and helpfulness, avoiding any tendency toward pride.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesian brethren (ch. 6:10) shows that emphasis is placed on the need to be strong in the power of the Lord. We do not fight with carnal weapons, but we must use the defensive armor that God has placed at our disposal. “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.”—vs. 11

The Christian’s warfare is not confined to the things that can be seen with natural eyesight. Satan and his host of fallen demons stand ready to turn the consecrated away from the narrow way which leads to life in Christ. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (vs. 12) Without the promised help from God to protect his people from wicked spirits, we would be unable to cope with them. It is essential that we draw near to our loving Heavenly Father, because the days are evil, and the time for the completion of the church is short.

Paul urges alertness in this matter and says (vs. 13), “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” The armor of our warfare is identified by the apostle, who says (vss. 14-17): “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

It will be necessary to bind the truth about us in full consecration and service to the Heavenly Father, and to keep the standard of righteousness close to our hearts. We are admonished to walk in the ways of peace by putting on the Gospel of peace. We prepare ourselves by putting on the graces of the spirit—meekness, gentleness, long-suffering, and love. The shield of faith represents the victory that will overcome the world, even our faith in the promises of God that have been made available through the precious blood of Jesus. We must carry the shield of faith throughout our Christian warfare to ward off the darts of the oppressor.

The helmet of salvation is also needed by the Christian soldier. This represents the intellectual powers to grasp the deep things of God. Without the helmet, the child of God would be vulnerable to a vital blow to his faith. He must wear it at all times.

The only offensive weapon used by the soldier of Christ is the sword of the Spirit. The sword represents the word of truth—a “thus saith the Lord” as the only authority for the hope that sustains us. We must learn to use it wisely and with skill. Our weapons are not carnal, and the lesson must include a word of caution that all things be done with love.

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