"We must not,
then, spread our sails of profession in a calm but fold them up as soon as the
wind starts to rise.
A person becomes
unconquerable when he is empowered with a holy boldness from heaven to draw
forth the sword of the Spirit and embrace the naked truth by freely professing
it in the face of death. This is to have our "loins girt about with
truth."
Maintain a
steadfast profession of truth. The apostle pressed this instruction upon all
Christians when he said: "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith
without wavering Hebrews 10:32. Paul spoke against those who avoided assembling
together with saints for fear of persecution, for he believed men who staggered
spiritually like this stood next door to apostasy. We must not, then, spread
our sails of profession in a calm but fold them up as soon as the wind starts
to rise.
Pergamos was
commended for her bold profession: "I know thy works, and where thou
dwells, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holds fast my name, and hast not
denied my faith, even in those days where-in Antipas was my faithful martyr,
who was slain among you" Revelation 2:13. It was a time when the deceiver
sat in the judge's seat and Christians often drew a sentence of death. Blood
was spilled right before their eyes but it did not make them deny the truth of
Christ's blood given for them.
Paul delivered a
strict charge to Timothy concerning a steadfast profession of truth: "But
You, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" 1 Timothy 6:11. While people
all around you aim at the world, run after spiritual riches with a chase as hot
as theirs.
But what if this
business of seeking righteousness cannot be transacted peaceably? Should we
close up shop, put our profession on the shelf and postpone holiness until
favorable times have come again? Paul's solution is to "fight the good
fight of faith" (v. 12). Do not abandon your profession of truth but put
your life on the line to keep it.
Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete
Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell.
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