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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
are emissaries of Satan. Satan also, and his host of evil angels, will
be arrayed against them. God has made provision for the men whom
He has called to do His work, that they may come off conquerors
in every contest. Those who follow His directions will never meet
with defeat.
The Lord, speaking through Paul,
Ephesians 6:10-18
, tells us
how to fortify ourselves against Satan and his emissaries: “Finally,
my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be
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able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation
of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith
ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take
the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication
for all saints.”
We are engaged in an exalted, sacred work. Those who profess
to be called to teach the truth to those who sit in darkness should
not be bodies of unbelief and darkness themselves. They should live
near to God, where they can be all light in the Lord. The reason
why they are not so is that they are not obeying the word of God
themselves; therefore doubts and discouragements are expressed,
when only words of faith and holy cheer should be heard.
It is religion that ministers need; a daily conversion to God, an
undivided, unselfish interest in His cause and work. There should be
self-abasement, and a putting away of all jealousy, evil surmising,
envy, hatred, malice, and unbelief. An entire transformation is
needed. Some have lost sight of our pattern, the suffering Man of
Calvary. In His service we need not expect ease, honor, and greatness
in this life; for He, the Majesty of heaven, did not receive it. “He is
despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with
grief.” “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for