Arm Yourselves by T. E. Bowen

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 7, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 26.

Arm Yourselves

By T. E. Bowen

"FORASMUCH then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind." That is, be not surprised by trials. Count on them ahead. Be prepared for them.

What would soldiers amount to should they go into battle without their weapons? Have your mind made up beforehand that suffering and temptation and trial await you. For these the Christian is not responsible, but he is responsible for the preparedness to meet them when encountered, that he may triumph in the midst of them.

Jesus did not come into our world expecting an easy time. If He had, He would have failed. He came armed with the mind to endure, and not pity Himself either. He expected to encounter hardship, hatred, scorn, and at the last death.

When all this came upon Him because of His steadfast faith in and obedience to His Father, He was prepared for it. He was ready. This is the secret of His triumph. "Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death [but did not], and was heard in that He feared; though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect [through this suffering], He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him."

T. E. BOWEN.