Bible Readings for the Home Circle Part 154

2. What reward is promised to the overcomer?

"To him that overcometh will I give _to eat of the tree of life_, which is in the midst of the paradise of G.o.d." Rev. 2:7. See also Rev. 2:11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21. "He that overcometh shall inherit _all things_." Rev.

21:7.

3. Through whom are we able to conquer?

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors _through Him that loved us_." Rom. 8:37.

4. Who was the invisible leader of the armies of Israel?

"Behold, there stood a man over against him with His sword drawn in His hand: and Joshua went unto Him, and said unto Him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And He said, Nay; but as _captain of the host of the Lord_ am I now come." Joshua 5:13, 14. See also 1 Cor. 10:1-4.

5. What is the character of the Christian's weapons of warfare?

"For the weapons of our warfare are _not carnal, but mighty through G.o.d to the pulling down of strongholds_." 2 Cor. 10:4.

6. What are these weapons able to conquer?

"Casting down _imaginations_, and _every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of G.o.d_, and bringing into captivity _every thought_ to the obedience of Christ." Verse 5.

7. What are we to put on?

"_Put on the whole armor of G.o.d_, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Eph. 6:11.

8. With what kind of forces do we have to contend?

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against _princ.i.p.alities_, against _powers_, against _the rulers of the darkness of this world_, against _spiritual wickedness in high places_." Verse 12.

NOTE.-The margin says, "wicked spirits" in "heavenly" places.

9. What are the first essentials of the needed armor?

"Stand therefore, having your _loins girt about with truth_, and having on _the breastplate of righteousness_." Verse 14.

10. What is the truth with which one's loins should be girded?

"Sanctify them through Thy truth: _Thy word is truth_." "I am the way, the truth." John 17:17; 14:6.

11. What is meant by having the loins girded?

"Wherefore gird up _the loins of your mind_." 1 Peter 1:13.

12. What is the righteousness of which the breastplate is composed?

"My tongue shall speak of Thy word: for _all Thy commandments are righteousness_." Ps. 119:172. "And this is His name whereby He shall be called, _The Lord Our Righteousness_." Jer. 23:6. See Rom. 13:14; 1 Thess.

5:8.

13. With what are the feet to be shod?

"And your feet shod with _the preparation of the gospel of peace_." Eph.

6:15. See also Eph. 2:14; James 3:18.

14. What piece of armor is next mentioned as necessary?

"Above all, taking _the s.h.i.+eld of faith_, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Eph. 6:16. See 1 John 5:4; Heb.

11:6.

15. What armor is to be put on as a protection to the head?

"And take _the helmet of salvation_." Eph. 6:17.

NOTE.-In 1 Thess. 5:8 the helmet is called "the _hope_ of salvation." The helmet was worn to protect the head. So the hope of salvation will preserve the courage, and thus aid in protecting the spiritual life of the Christian pilgrim when beset by the enemy of righteousness.

16. With what sword is the Christian soldier to be armed?

"_The sword of the Spirit_, which is _the word of G.o.d_." Eph. 6:17.

NOTE.-By this Christ defeated the enemy. See Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13. But no one can _use this sword_ who does not _know_ it.

Hence, the importance of studying and knowing the Bible.

17. In what words are the courage, faithfulness, and loyalty of the remnant church expressed?

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and _they loved not their lives unto the death_." Rev. 12:11.

18. Will Christ's loyal soldiers be victorious under Him?

"And I saw as it were a sea of gla.s.s mingled with fire: and them that had _gotten the victory_ over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of gla.s.s, having the harps of G.o.d." Rev. 15:2.

Soldiers of Christ, arise, And put your armor on; Fight, for the battle will be ours; We fight to win a crown.

We fight not against flesh, We wrestle not with blood; But princ.i.p.alities and powers, And for the truth of G.o.d.

With wicked spirits, too, That in high places stand, Perverting oft the Word of G.o.d, And say 'tis by command.

Put all the armor on, Like valiant soldiers stand; Let all your loins be girt with truth, Waiting our Lord's command.

While Jesus is our friend, And His rich grace supplies, We'll march like valiant soldiers on: We're sure to win the prize.

The battle's almost o'er; The race is nearly run; Then with our glorious, conquering King We'll sit down on His throne.