Arkansas State press., 1946-11-29

The war is never over for the
Christian. He is called to a con-
slant strife against the world, the
llesh and the devil, which knows no
armistice or peace conference Sc
long as he lives or the Lord tarries'
Paul. who had now set out on his
third missionary journey. was TINS
time permitted Of the Holy Spirit TO
witness and minister In Asia
For three months he spoke IN the
synagogue, as was his custom. ou'
when his ministry resulted In many
converts others hardened them
selves in opposition. So he withdrew
"a bit Of strategy in this spiritual
warfare) to neutral ground in the
'.school Of one %Tyrannus." where he
could teach and reason with them
daily.
Paul knew by experience that this
could not 60 IN. for he had learned
a. we should learn TO
1. Expect Opposition It VIII
Gene tActs l9;23-30).
TIE comfortable and c%ontented
Christians Of our day who just want
10 be let alone 10 carry on their
worship are certainly not related to
the real Christians Of Paul's type.
The enemy Of our souls Is often
content to let US 60 on in compare
tive peace as long as we do not
bother him unduly. but once we put
up the banner Of a holy life and
service in Gods army. he begins a
terrific co~unterattack. Paul had felt
II already in the hardening Of lis
teners' hearts ". 81.
l. Selfish Opposition tvv. 23-2D.
One way to bring a violent reaction
against spiritual truth Is to let II
interfere with business. Demetrius
and his fellow silversmiths. pro-
fessed to be concerned about tho
threatened destruction Of the heath
en- worship Of Diana.
Many Of the enemies Of the COS.
pel In our time are fighting against
Gods Word because they are in
q business which is condemned BY
II.
4. Senseless Tumult tvv, $500
Knowing that their opposition war
without true foundation. they in
spired and agitated a wild demon
stration.
Shouting a slogan which had no
real meaning. they lent their voices
to the tumultuous agitation agains
God. Finally. one sensible man
fearing the punishment Of city OF
fcials, uuieted them tActs l9:35-4D
The Ephesians were just like
many in our day who fear man
more than God. But. may we ask
II you fear the judgment Of men. hos
think you to escape the judgment
Of God? After all. it is God ant
His Word you oppose, unconverte'
friend. Do you think He will hold
you g%uiltless7
Paul was not afraid " 30). for
he had also learned that the servan,
Of the Lord car
II. Count on God-He viii Deliver
tEph. 8:l3-l8),
Writing to the church In this very
city where the Lord opered "a great
door and enectuar' for Paul Il Cor
1870, he admonishes them and "
10 make full use Of the provision
which God has made for victorious
warfare.
There is a complete srmor, and a
mighty weapon. the sword OF the
Spirit, but none will do us the slight
est good unless we put II on and 90
into battle. II we think we can do
without the bress,plate Of righteous
ness land some Christians and
church workers seem to think they
can). or neglect 70 carry and use
the shield Of faith. WI a only ex
pect defeat. We fight grea, spiritu'
ai enemies tsee w. II, ~ OF this
chapter) and we need the best In
both offensive and defensive equip
ment.
The girdle Of truth binds up the
warrior and eliminates the hin
ORANGES TO rapid movement. The
breastplate Is righteousness, not his
own but Christ's, but 1t mus, be
appropriated and used.
The soldier must be well shod 70,
the long rough journeys and TO give
him q good foothold IN the day Of
battle. Peace In the heart provides
such a Arm vantage point in tie nsh,
for God.
Faith Is the quickly moved shield,
catching all the fiery darts. Here
again It Is not my faith or yours
alone, but our faith In God. put
ting him between us and ouf ene
mics.
The sword Of the Spirit, which Is
the Word Of God. is our all.powerful
weapon. Let us not neglect to use 1t
We are so prone to talk about the
Bible, to defend II, to argue for its
truths. Talking about a sword does
not make 1t effective. Let's really
use It.
Prayer is always to be counted on
and II is both a defensive and Of
fensive weapon II keeps us In
touch with the Captain OF the Lords
hosts. We call for help. get orders
and transmit news Of victory