Combat Readiness
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Fencing is a combat sport in which winning points are made through the weapon’s contact with an opponent. Fencing was one of the first sports to be played in the Olympics. It is based on the traditional skills of sword fighting.
Fencers wear uniforms that cover them from head to toe; reinforced in certain places to prevent puncture. The uniform has been refined over the years, sometimes based on accidents that occur. The Federal International Escrime (FIE) oversees the regulations for fencers competing in international competitions, and has very strict specifications on the amount of pressure the jacket, the plastron, the mask mesh, the mask bib, and the breeches must withstand.
The primary requirement of the FIE is that all fencers are equipped with approved protective clothing before they can compete.
Fencing is the closest modern analogy to what was illustrated in Ephesians 6:10-20; and just like fencing, believers are also required to put on the whole armour of God; to effectively engage in the spiritual combat we were called to when we got saved.
READ Ephesians 6:10-20
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.“
(Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV)
This epistle is traditionally believed to have been written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome.
The opening statement, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” was a powerful synopsis of what would follow.
We are told the equipment for this battle is not from us; but rather from the Lord. And this is contained in the power intrinsic to His might; the power which makes Him God almighty! Our studious understanding of God, through His word; and our regular communion with Him, through prayer; unleashes this power!
What followed in the text was a justification for the need to be equipped, stating that it is not a physical fight, and could not be fought carnally; and an expatiation on the various aspects of the equipment God makes available to us.
So we have the following:
- Gird your waist with truth,
- Put on the breastplate of righteousness,
- Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace
- Take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
- Take the helmet of salvation
- Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The equipment can be categorized into two groups:
First, are the offensive equipment which are:
- The Gospel of Peace – We step and stamp everywhere with the Gospel of Peace to win souls; in order to deplete the enemy’s camp and weaken his army!
- The Word of God — We use the Word to destroy the enemy’s strategy to oppose God; by casting down arguments and bringing every thought into captivity in obedience of Christ!
The defensive equipment are:
- Truth – which we use to hold everything Godly together, and to set us free from all evil entanglements.
- Righteousness – which protects, and sets our hearts apart for God only.
- Faith – which deflects all attacks of the enemy.
- Our Salvation – which is our assurance and hope of life here, and hereafter.
The text concluded with a request, basically saying we should pray for supply of spiritual logistics for the warfare and also pray for those who are at the front-lines of the war to be bold in the attack!
Don’t we all need these? We need to be combat ready!
God help us, and equip us.
MEMORY VERSE
“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
QUESTIONS
1. How prepared are you for the Christian battle?
2. Do you know that you can do nothing in your own strength; but you can do everything in God’s strength?
PRAYER TIP
Almighty Father, please help us to go; emptied of our own strength, but filled with the power of your might.
Written by:
BENNY MALM
For:
TESTIMONY DEVOTIONAL
CREDITS
| 1. | Best Sports Lounge(BSL) | www.bestsportslounge.com |
| 2. | Wikipedia | wikipedia.org |
URGENT CALL
By nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God. We ultimately face the wrath of God!
But God in His mercy and love gives us a chance to reverse this trend, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer” for guidance if you want to make that decision.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page.
God richly bless you
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website.
We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
The Testimony Devotional website addresses are:
Cynthia Djakwa
Amen