Ephesians 6:10-12 (NKJV) "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."
If you haven't noticed, before you can put on the whole armor of God, you must be strong enough to carry the weight of the armor.
If you've ever served in the military, physical fitness is a major requirement. To handle the rigors of military life, physical fitness is a necessary component.
It makes no sense to force a person on day one to put on a 45 to 75 pound sack of gear and expect them perform in combat as if they were ready on day one.
The way that most organizations train is to slowly bring you up to speed so that it won't be a shock. Not to mention all of the other components that makes a well trained individual a lethal part of the military.
After a few weeks of training, it's expected that when they graduate and get orders to their next duty assignment, that they're basically trained soldiers, airman, sailors, and Marines.
It's the same with the members of the Body of Christ.
The very basics of Christianity is prayer, Bible Study, obedience to Scripture, and learning about the Savior. Of course there's different components and areas in the Body of Christ. There's different reasonable training material and methods of training.
However, when it comes to the very basics, it all boils down to prayer, Bible Study, obedience to Scripture, and learning about the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
To be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might requires a willingness to set aside the things of the world, giving yourself to the Lord, and a refusal to go back into the world to enjoy the pleasures of sin.
Basic Training is so tough in one area. It's the complete transformation and transitioning from civillian to military.
A separation from familiar suroundings. It's difficult, but you can't be in the military from home.
Under the watchful eyes of your drill instructors, drill sergeants, company commanders, and military training instructors, they watch your every move. They see the strong ones, and the weak. They know who's standing out, and they know the ones that need more "attention."
At the end of Basic Training, many recruits that thought they wouldn't make it, rise to the occassion. It takes team work and it's expected by all branch instructors that the strong ones help the weak to become strong.
You don't ever quit or give up on yourself because others are dependng upon you.
Why is this necessary?
The person sitting next to you may be the one that will save your life. Or when necessary, they will give their life that you may live. And guess what? This same measure of devotion is expected from you. That because you're strong, you willingly give up your life so that they may live.
You won't run in fear but you'll stay there until the last measure is expended.
Those that first come into the things of the Lord are excited. Just like many young recruits that enter into military life. But the excitement leaves that moment you get off the bus. Reality sets in.
So it is in Christ. That inner fortitude never to run from Christ. To never turn your back on the Lord.
Your pastor, elder, or mature believers in Christ are willing to help you mature in the things of the Lord.
You learn perseverance, patience, and a willingness to obey the Scriptures.
So every moment you come to a solid house of worship or to a person's home for group Bible Study it's a chance to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
It doesn't mean that the instructor abuses you or mistreats you. It's a moment to understand what it takes to be a strong child of God.
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