Truth Magazine

By Donnie V. Rader

When one becomes a member of the church, he is then a part of the Lord’s army. He is a soldier; a Christian soldier. No, not a soldier in a carnal battle, but one who can “stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11). It is a spiritual warfare. The apostle continues, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (v. 12). The same writer wrote in another book, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Cor. 10:4). Though not a carnal battle that would receive attention on the evening news, our battle is just as real as any other.

This fight is not just for preachers to wage from the pulpit and on the printed page. This battle is for elders too. But, again, it is not just for the leaders in the church of our Lord. This is a war to be fought by every child of God. Our text will bear this out. Thus, we as soldiers must put our armor on and prepare to do battle for we can be sure that Satan will do all that he can to destroy the Christian and the church.

Ephesians 6:10-20 reveals that those “in Christ” are armed to stand against the forces of Satan. To be effective we must focus our attention upon our adversary, our armor, and our aim.

Our Adversary

Our adversary is the devil. Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). The church and Satan are on a collision course. One writer has said that the church has an enemy that is hell-bent on its destruction. However, we sometimes forget that there is a fight, that Satan is real and that he is seeking our destruction.

Our enemy is not the Lord. If we are not careful we can find ourselves contending with the Lord himself. There may be times that we want to argue with him over his requirements and commands. We may resist his guidance and correction thinking every restriction is too much or is some kind of punishment. We can easily forget that his commands (however pleasant, difficult, or restrictive) are for our good (Deut. 6:24).

Our foe is not ourselves. Here again, we forget our real enemy and thus turn and fight with our own brethren. Sometimes it is nothing more than a personality clash or contention for the sake of just getting our way. I wonder if some brethren start a quarrel over some insignificant matter just to have a fight since no one else will fight with them. When such is the case we have obviously lost sight of our adversary. When unnecessary strife broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, Abram said, “Let there be no strife . . . for we be brethren” (Gen. 13:8). Brethren shouldn’t be enemies. Yet, when they are, they will destroy one another (Gal. 5:15).

We have a common adversary. The Lord’s enemy, the church’s enemy, mine and yours are all the same. So, let’s not fight in different directions. The Devil is wise enough to know that if we have some weakness, cowards, or gaps in the front line, he is winning the battle. Let us fight together. Let us present a fortified and united front and make our attack.

We must fight against any and all of his wiles. Satan uses many schemes and cunning devices. He will use anybody and anything he can to accomplish his purpose. He may use some of our own brethren or friends. If so, we must fight against them as they are being used of Satan. If what they practice or teach didn’t originate with God, then it is of the Devil and we must oppose it. We can’t sacrifice truth because they are brethren or friends. Paul rebuked Peter as he had been influenced of Satan (Gal. 2:11-14). The prophets of old were found contending with the people of God. In the New Testament men of God fought every threat to the children of God. For Paul “it had been . . . a fight between Satan-inspired Jewish and pagan vice and violence; against Judaism among the Galatians and others; against fanaticism among the Thessalonians; against contention, fornication, and litigation among the Corin­thians; against incipient Gnosticism among the Ephesians and far more among the Colossians; against fightings without and fears within; and last but not least, against the law of sin and death operating within his own heart” (William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary, Exposition of Ephesians 274).

Our Armor

In our text Paul alludes to the armor of the ancient soldier which was necessary to defend himself and make his attack. More than once Paul says we must put on the “whole armour” (panoply) of God. We are not prepared until we are completely armed. Should we be lacking just one piece of the armor the Devil is sure to win at least over that soldier.

Paul’s picture in Ephesians 6:10-20 of the Christian’s life is not that of mere enjoyment or ease. It is one of work and hard conflict. Let’s consider the pieces of the armor.

1. “Stand therefore, having your lions girt about with truth” (v. 14). The soldier wore a girdle (sash or belt) that served to tie up his garment or long flowing robe so he could travel and run. It was also used to carry his sword, money, pipe, and writing instrument. Thus in parallel, the truth holds all things in place and preserves the soldier.

2. “. . . and having on the breastplate of righteousness” (v. 14). The breastplate was a coat made of metal rings, plates or scales that covered the soldier, front and back from neck to the thighs. Obviously, it was a protective piece of armor. Our breastplate is “righteousness” or right living. When we are moral, holy, devout, and pure, we have on our breastplate. “Words are no defence (sic) against accusations, but a good life is” (William Barclay, The Letters to the Galatians And Ephesians 217).

3. “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (v. 15). To be ready for battle the soldier must have his sandals on and greaves strapped below the knee to protect his legs from danger. A soldier whose feet were not shod was not ready at any time for battle. This I take to refer to our readiness to carry the gospel to others. Paul himself was ready to preach the gospel (Rom. 1:15). In Romans 10:14-15 attention was focused upon the feet of those that preach the gospel indicating that they are  messengers who are eager and ready to take the gospel message to others. With his feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, the soldier is borne safely through the obstacles in his way.

4. “Above all, taking the shield of faith . . .” (v. 16). The shield was a must for the ancient soldier. He would strap a shield (about two and one-half feet wide by four feet long) to his left arm to protect himself from the spears and darts that were hurled at him. Some of the darts were dipped in tar and set on fire and then thrown at the enemy. Without the shield the soldier was sure to suffer. Our faith serves as our shield to protect us from the “fiery darts of the wicked” (v. 16). When we lose our faith or it becomes weak, we are like the soldier who becomes a coward and throws down his shield and runs back (Heb. 10:35).

5. “And take the helmet of salvation . . .” (v. 17). The helmet was a defensive part of the armor worn to protect the head of the soldier. The hope of eternal salvation protects and preserves us through all the battles of life. Were it not for that assurance we would have no reason to endure the hardships of the soldier (2 Tim. 2:3).

6. “. . . and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17). The soldier carried a short sword much like a dagger. It was an offensive part of his armor. He used it to make his attack on his enemy. The word of God is our sword. The Bible is not compared to a soft feather that is to be used to tickle the ears of men. It is a sword! Its purpose is to prick the hearts of men. It must be used to destroy error and slice sin to pieces. We must bring the sword out of its sheath and put it to use cutting away at the efforts of Satan. “To be strong is our duty, to be weak is our sin” (Pulpit Commentary Vol. 20, 258).

7. “Praying always with all prayers and supplication . . .” (v. 18). Many commentators and other writers only list six parts of the armor from our text. However, prayer is very much a part of the armor of those in Christ. While Paul does not continue his use of the metaphors in verse 18, it is still a very important part of the armor. Without prayer we have not put on the panoply of God. Prayer strengthens our faith and calls for the help of God. We have access to the greatest power of all through prayer.

The bottom line of the armor of God is faithful adherence to the plan of God. Those who are diligent in their efforts to serve the Lord are armed in Christ to stand.

Our Aim

1. To abide (“to stand”). Our text says that we are to put on the whole armor of God in order “to stand against the wiles of the devil” (v. 11). Two verses later the writer says, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (v. 13). To stand means to hold your ground. In battle the army tries to hold its ground and not lose any territory. In our war with Satan we must not allow him to make any advances. So, we stand our ground. But, we can’t stand and compromise at all. We cannot compromise on morals, sin, innovations or the doctrines and sounds of men. We can’t be indifferent toward the Lord’s work and still hold our ground. The apathetic army always loses ground.

2. To attack (“to speak”). In the last verse of our text Paul asked that brethren pray for him that he may “speak   . . . as I ought to speak” (v. 20). We cannot sit idle. We must attack. It is possible that “not only in this or that particular battle but the entire war will be lost unless we exert ourselves” (William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary Exposition of Ephesians 271). As we use our sword to make our attack we must remember to speak as we ought to speak. We must speak: (a) As the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11). First and foremost our message must be true. We must speak “according as it is written” (2 Cor. 4:13). (b) The whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). No part of God’s revelation should be held back. (c) Using great plainness of speech (2 Cor. 3:12). Hints and vague generalities will not do. If something needs to be said, we need to say it plainly. John the Baptist was such a spokesman (Mark 6:14-18). Neither should the gospel be clouded by our feeble efforts to make it sound deeper or more impressive. May our listeners be impressed, not with the messenger, but with the simplicity of the message. (d) Boldly (Eph. 6:20). We must present God’s message without apology or great concern about how it will be received. Amos was just that kind of messenger in the Old Testament (Amos 7:10-17). He refused to bow to the pressures of the people. His intent was to preach God’s message whether or not Amaziah, the king, or anyone else liked it. Paul and the other apostles had the same attitude (1 Thess. 2:2). When we shy away from some area of the gospel because we think it will not be well received we are unfit for the Lord’s army (Gal. 1:10). (e) Fearfully (Jas. 3:1). We should realize the tremendous responsibility we have to handle the word properly and those we teach (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 4:15).

Only those “in Christ” are so armed to stand and speak. “Soldiers of Christ arise and put your armour on . . .”

408 Dow Dr., Shelbyville, Tennessee 37160-2208 donnie@

By Greg Groves

How many times have you wished the world were different? Fellow Christians have expressed that view to me. They want God back in schools and the guns and drugs out of them. They want our leaders to be God-fearing people with morals. They want the world to learn the truth of God’s word and not the doctrines of men. However, when it comes to doing something to bring about these changes, they will inevitably back off.

More and more Christians seem to be more wishbone than backbone. They wish this or that was different but refuse to set about to change it. We need to remember the words of Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” To be ready in season and out of season means that he (and we) are to preach the word whether the conditions are favorable or not.

Many are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or losing a friend if we stand for the truth. I am not saying we should go around condemning people. However, when the opportunity to take a stand for truth presents itself, we should seize it. We are going to offend some if we are standing for what is right but fear of offending should not stop us from doing what is right.

If we want this country to turn around, we have to stop wishing for it and start acting to bring about that turn around. We have to make the decision to stand up for the truth, to preach the word in season and out of season. Make the decision in your life to have more backbone and less wishbone.

201 N. Fulton St., Butler, Missouri 64730

By Stan Adams

In Hebrews 5:12-14 we read of a condition that can afflict a Christian spiritually. The condition is spiritual stunted growth. The writer says, “For when by reason of time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

The writer wants us to know that it is normal for Christians to grow and is indeed expected. No Christian can please God and stay at the same level of growth. But, sadly, we see many in the body of Christ who have been members a long time, but have not become teachers, but have rather regressed into infancy and stopped growing. How sad and pitiful it is to view stunted growth physically. How much more pitiful it is to see elders, deacons, preachers, and other members who cannot discern good and evil. I have always labored under the impression that the qualifications of elders and deacons demand a level of understanding and maturity in the gospel that is above the average. Why is it then that elders and deacons are sometimes the weakest sort when it comes to spiritual knowledge and discernment? It is sad but true that many who should be leading Israel have need of going back and establishing the first principles of Truth in their minds. Take a glance at some of the things that are going on, brethren.

    1. Preachers teaching that there is no Hadean realm (see Luke 16). 
    2. Elders allowing a Christian lady to teach men in a class (see 1 Tim. 2:12)
    3. Deacons condoning worldly behaviors like social drinking, dancing, and immodesty (see Gal. 5:19; 1 Pet. 4:3 and 1 Tim. 2:9). 

Brethren, these things ought not to be!  Many times the only leadership ability some seem to have is their desire for it. Paul told Timothy of this sort in 1 Timothy 1:7: “Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” Preachers are to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:1, 2), study (2 Tim. 2:15), and commit the things learned to faithful men (2 Tim. 2:2).

Elders are to be “apt to teach (1 Tim. 3:2) and not a novice (1 Tim. 3:6). They are to be able with sound words to “exhort and convince the gainsayer” (Tit. 1:9). Deacons are to “hold the mystery of faith in a pure conscience” (1 Tim. 3:9) and be blameless and proved (1 Tim. 3:10). Elders and deacons are to be men who “watch” for dangers and ward them off before they become issues in the flock. What reason is there for a sentinel or watchman who stands on the wall and watches the enemy come right to the front gate before he sounds an alarm? Dangers must be watched for and brethren armed before errors become an issue among the flock they rule over. This is all part of ruling well. All of these qualifications indicate that those who would serve the Lord in the role of elders and deacons need to have a level of spiritual knowledge and maturity beyond the new convert and average member. Sadly, this is not the case everywhere.

One of the reasons for the downfall of God’s beloved Israel was the fact that the leadership (priests, prophets, kings), did not take seriously the grave responsibility God had entrusted to them. Malachi 1:10-14; 2:17 and 3:8, 13 tell of this sad time in Israel. From the time the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea and awaited Moses on the mount, there has been a challenge to God’s leaders to stand firm. Aaron did not. He bowed to the wishes of the masses, which is the path of least resistance, but certainly sinful in his case. Bowing to the masses by God’s leaders is still going on. Too often we hear of brethren placing more emphasis on “growing the church” than on sound, faithful teaching and preaching. Churches are not strong because of how many attend. They are not strong because of the number of committees and groups they have organized into. They are not strong because of how much the contribution is, or how many baptisms and restorations they have had. Churches are strong only when they abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). When every Christian realizes that  growth is expected by God and that lazy, apathetic, dormant Christianity will not please, then growth in a local congregation can commence effectively. 

Brethren, we need to know the Word. We are told to study it (2 Tim. 2:15) and that it is able to “furnish us completely unto every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). The gospel is the “power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16). Ignorance will destroy the Lord’s work (Hos. 4:6). Let’s resolve to study, learn, and root ourselves, so that we are not like those of Hebrews 5 who have no firmness in Christ. Root and ground yourself in the basics of God’s word, so you can graduate to the strong meat of the gospel. Do not be a spiritual baby. Grow up in knowledge, especially if you intend to preach or lead. 

5020 Forest Creek Dr., Pace, Florida 32571 stanadams@pcola.gulf.net

By Johnie Edwards

Too many want to be like the sectarian churches around them. They are afraid they will offend some by preaching the truth. Without compromise, we must “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2). There are some things which are nothing more than “smacks of sectarianism”:

1. Offering Thanks For the Contribution: There is an example of offering thanks for the Lord’s supper when Jesus “blessed” the bread and “gave thanks” for the cup (Matt. 26:26-27). But I do not recall anything said about giving thanks when the command was given for “laying by in store” (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Do you? The only example of one praying along this line was that of the Pharisee who prayed, “I thank thee that I give tithes of all that I possess” (Luke 18:12). We can give thanks for all things, but this practice came from the sectarians who begged for money at every service and introduced prayer to get more and more from the people. Such binding prayers are but smacks of sectarianism.

2. Silent Public Prayers: The practice of “silent prayers” was first witnessed with denominational revivals. Jesus said that prayers that were being prayed to be seen were to be done “in a closet” (Matt. 6:5). Prayer is to be “with the spirit and understanding” (1 Cor. 14:15). The Bible knows nothing about public silent praying.

3. Hand-Clapping During Worship: Human churches practice hand ­clapping when the preacher says something they like or the music is good. Whenever such is done among our brethren, they have borrowed it from the denominations. There is no authority in the Bible for such being done. Did anyone lead a cheer when Peter’s sermon was being preached on Pentecost? I do read concerning the sermon, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). No hand-clapping!

We must quit trying to be like the denominations around us and just let the church be the church as planned and purposed by God (Eph. 3:10-11).

4121 Woodyard Rd., Bloomington, Indiana 47404