Read Ellen G. White, “Importance of Seeking True Knowledge,” pp. 312-314, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8;“The Color Line,” pp. 219, 220, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9; “O God! Help Me to Higher Levels,” p. 105, in My Life Today; “Called to Reach a Higher Standard,” pp. 311-315, in The Acts of the Apostles. “In every soul two powers are … Continue reading –>
Ephesians 6:18 begins with the phrase “praying always,” which suggests that praying is connected with the previous verses. The idea is that the putting on, taking up, and receiving of heaven’s armor all necessitate reliance on God. Hence, “prayer is not another weapon; rather, it is the spirit, the manner, in which the whole armor is … Continue reading –>
The helmet of salvation in Ephesians 6:17 is most likely taken from Isaiah 59:17, although Paul applies it differently. In Isaiah 59, it is God who wears the helmet of salvation; here, in Ephesians, the Christian is called upon to receive it. Whereas the previous items may have been laid out for the soldier to be picked up, the helmet is … Continue reading –>
The Roman soldier armed himself to ensure that his steps would not be impeded on rough terrain. To facilitate movement over all kinds of roads, Roman soldiers often wore shoes studded with sharp nails. Such shoes ensured a good grip, and Paul likens the shoes to the “readiness,” or “preparation,” of the gospel of peace (Eph. … Continue reading –>
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Eph. 6:14, NKJV). Though it’s a little difficult to know the exact nature of the girdle, it seems that in Ephesians 6:14 Paul may have been referring to a leather apron that offered some protection to the lower abdomen but also made freedom … Continue reading –>
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul describes the Christian life as a struggle, saying, “we . . . wrestle.” Notice, he uses the plural. The passage reads, literally, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood” (NKJV). Every Christian is brought into the picture. In verse 13 he urges his readers to put on the whole armor of God. It is … Continue reading –>
Read Ellen G. White, “‘Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled,’” pp. 662-680, in The Desire of Ages; “Appropriating the Righteousness of Christ,” p. 93, in Faith and Works; “Science and Revelation,” p. 310, in Selected Messages, book 3. “Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and by the apostle He says to us, ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. … Continue reading –>
The examples of victories over demonic forces that we looked at in yesterday’s lesson happened in the days of our Lord on the earth. But the victories were by no means restricted to that period. In the book of Acts we find the continuing victories of Jesus’ followers over demonic forces. Of course, this shouldn’t … Continue reading –>
So far we have been shown by the Bible the hope and promises of victory that the Christian may have. Actually beyond these, we have real examples of Christian victories over evil forces recorded in the Bible. We begin with the example of the ministry of the early disciples whom Jesus sent out. Read Matthew 10:1-8; Mark … Continue reading –>
Read James 4:7. What clear promise is given to the one who stands against the devil? How does one stand against a force so much more powerful than we are, in and of ourselves? See also Deut. 4:4. The Christian is not a helpless victim, at the mercy of the devil (can you see here, too, why it’s … Continue reading –>
Not only is the stage set for the possibility of the Christian’s victory over evil forces, the Bible explicitly gives us the hope of victory over them. Study Romans 8:26-39. What point is Paul trying to make here? What reasons does Paul give for the Christian to look confidently to the future? Look at all the … Continue reading –>
The Christian would have no hope of victory over the forces of evil unless the stage was set for it. In last week’s study it became clear that Christ, through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave, gained victory over all sorts of evil and anti-godly “powers.” In a very real … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Eph. 1:18-22, Rom. 8:26-39, James 4:7, 1 Pet. 5:6-10,Luke 10:1-20, Acts 5:12-16. Memory Text: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37, NKJV). Key Thought: In Christ, we have victory over all forces that would oppress us. In some parts of the world, religion is basically a source of … Continue reading –>
Read Ellen G. White, The Book of Books, p. 136, in Fundamentals of Christian Education; Spiritualism, pp. 394, 395, in The Story of Redemption; Agency of Evil Spirits, pp. 511-517, in The Great Controversy. “A battle unseen by human eyes is being waged. The army of the Lord is on the ground, seeking to save souls. Satan and his host are … Continue reading –>
Christ came into the world for the purpose of destroying the works of the devil (Heb. 2:14). This, He has done at the cross. But if Christ has been victorious over the devil and principalities and powers, why are we still wrestling with principalities and powers? Why is the devil still able to roam about like … Continue reading –>