For the Lord will not cast off forever. Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. – Lamentations 3:31-33

Scripture Reading: Lamentations 1:1-12

Introduction

When King Zedekiah rebelled against the Babylonians, to whom Judah was subject, Nebuchadnezzar came against Jerusalem. While the Babylonians sieged the city, the people inside began starving and dying. When the city finally fell, Judah’s king escaped from the city with his soldiers, abandoning the population to their enemies. The Babylonian official in charge of the

I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected. – Habakkuk 2:1

Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-17

Introduction

The book of Habakkuk, however short, is nevertheless beautifully descriptive of the prophet’s journey from doubt and anxiety to faith and worship. Habakkuk begins with a desperate agonized cry for the dire circumstances in Jerusalem, questioning God’s mercy and wondering if He remembers His people.

After God answers his first cry, Habakkuk begins to question God’s methods of answering his prayer. The

He has set me in dark places Like the dead of long ago. He has hedged me in so that I cannot get out; He has made my chain heavy. Even when I cry and shout, He shuts out my prayer. – Lamentations 3:6-8

Scripture Reading: Hosea 3:1-5

Introduction

The only thing worse than desperate circumstances to believers is to feel that God no longer hears our prayers. We know the power and ability of God to bless us and keep us through fire and flood, through sickness and despair, but what happens when the Master of all Ages stops

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18

Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-13

Introduction

It would do a soldier little good to be completely outfitted for battle and then fall asleep when he is fighting or on guard duty. It is our prayer life that keeps us alert and ready to use the other parts of our armor when necessary. Prayer is indispensable to the Christian.

Prayer crowns all lawful efforts with success, and gives a victory when nothing else would.

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” – Romans 15:4

Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

Introduction

This lesson may seem to overlap a little with the one on the “Loins Girt About with Truth.” However, there is a major difference. The former dealt with the knowledge of truth, this one will deal with putting it to use.

You will notice in this lesson that the Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. this is not dealing with the various aspects of

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” – John 1:12

Scripture Reading: John 3:1-12

Introduction

There are many Christians who are often perplexed because they feel they will not know whether they are saved until Jesus returns. Yet, a scrutiny of the teachings of Jesus and of the apostles indicate the opposite. The greatest comfort a Christian can have is “knowing” he is saved. The Bible gives this assurance, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). “Believe on

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:32-40

Introduction

“Above all” in the context of Ephesians 6:16, is

not above all in point of importance of value, but “over-all,” as a soldier holds his shield to defend himself. It constitutes a protection over every part of his body, as it can be turned in every direction. The idea is, that as the shield covered or protected the other

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1

Scripture Reading: Romans 10:6-17

Introduction

As a good shoe is important to many things, as in sports, farming, logging, hiking etc., so it was to the ancient warrior. “The protection of the feet and ankles consisted of two parts: 1) the sandals, or shoes, which often were fitted with nails or armed with spikes to make them hold firm in the ground; or 2) with greaves that were fitted to the legs…” (Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament, Kregel Publications,

“Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” – 2 Corinthians 9:10

Scripture Reading: Romans 6:11-23

Introduction

The breastplate was an important part of a soldier’s armor that covered his vital organs, especially the heart and lungs. The breastplate had two parts, the front and the back, and they went from his neck to his thighs. Most were made of plates or rings of metal, either like the scales of a fish or looped together to allow flexibility of

“Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” – Psalm 51:6

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Introduction

The next seven lessons deal with the Christian’s armor, used in daily battle. Paul is emphasizing that our major battles are not against people but against forces that are unseen. He then outlines what is necessary for a Christian to stand against anything Satan can throw at us.

The word rendered ‘wiles’ means, properly, that which is traced out appropriately here rendered wiles meaning cunning devices, arts, attempts to delude and