Theme: “BE STRONG, FEAR NOT”
Text: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.” — Ephesians 6:10-12.
Comment: Christians need to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” so as to escape the attacks of the devil by God’s grace. Apostle Paul wants us to realize that even though human beings are the ones we see persecuting believers and the work of God generally, they are not acting on their own but are being used by the devil and his agents. St. Paul then went on to list weapons in the armoury of a soldier of Christ: the loins girt about with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, to quench the fiery darts of the wicked, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:14-17) We can only be said to have put on the whole armour of God when we cultivate the qualities just outlined. St. Peter stated, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” – 1 Peter 3:10-13.