Christian Soldiers

Aim: To be Jesus Christ's conquering church soldiers.

Doctrine: Christian soldiers go on the offensive with their hearts, out of which the Holy Spirit elicits prayer, through which the Holy Spirit inspires proclamation.

Exegesis: Christian soldiers' ministry in and through the church: our protected minds are to wisely wield the words we hear (v. 17); our liberated prayers are to strengthen all other believers (v. 18); our miraculous stand pierces the world's darkness (vv. 19-20).

Further application: How Christian soldiers achieve victory in life's battles: by being thoroughly equipped (in Christ), and by keeping ranks with other churchmen.

Key verse: v. 17 ''And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...''