Onward Christian Soldier: Brothers in Arms

October 24, 2026

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Rom. 15:1).

Peradventure, you have come to know victory over a particular challenge; it could be a sin that you once struggled with, a weight that easily beset you, or a request that appeared so distant. In such moments, you were wise to follow the regimental principles of the faith, waging war against such a challenge with the whole armor of God. Each passing tour of duty brought you closer to conquest, and eventually you conquered the foe, crushing his head under your feet. Now, by God’s mercy, you have entered your desired haven, and you bask in the milk and honey flowing through the land.

To maintain victory and territorial command of our estate, Scripture admonishes us to maintain the disciplines that brought us conquest. In fact, we are even challenged to double down on such disciplines. As Gurnall (2021) would put it: to faith, add faith; to prayer, prayer; to fasting, more fasting; to humility, humility. As a faithful soldier, the armor is not to be put off for respite; we ought to wear it as a man wears his clothes so that his nakedness is not exposed, bringing him shame.

But in this piece, victorious Christian, I urge you to also consider others, whether in active combat or not, who are yet to enter and take possession of their peaceful estate. Your service to the Lord and to them is to join them in their battle against the flesh, sin, and the wiles of the devil.

Prevailing alongside them is not only a testimony to them, but it further validates the sharpness of the weapons in your armory. For by the mouth of two witnesses, a matter is established.

Some Reasons

1. God, who stands undefeated, has not, cannot, and will never lose a battle; He does not cease from His work. Christ, speaking of the Father’s work, said: “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” (John 5:17). The Father may have rested from His work of creation, but He has not rested from His work of providence. He is continually working in our hearts to sustain that which He has done through Christ. The Son—Jesus Christ—having rested from His work of salvation, sits at the right hand of the Father in glory, but He still works as an intercessor, ever pleading the case of His beloved bride—the Church—before the Father. We live in the days of the active ministry of the Holy Spirit; among other noble tasks, He works as Helper, Comforter, Intercessor, Counselor, and Guide. Yet, before He was sent to the earth at Pentecost, we see Him working in creation and in the journeys of the patriarchs.

2. God invites us to be co-laborers with Him (1 Cor. 3:9). Not that He is limited without us, but He affords us the privilege of working in His noble cause (Heb. 5:4). He seeks a man—like faithful Abraham—who will stand in the gap for those whose corruption has made their defenses vulnerable (Ezek. 22:30). The prophet Isaiah charges us: Give Him no rest until He establishes your brethren in victory (Isa. 62:7). O saint of God, what a great honor it is to work alongside God. It is the highest service we can render to humanity.

We must admit that it is difficult to keep up with the exercise when we cannot foresee any tests or trials ahead. The pupil is more studious because he is aware of the exams he must sit for; the servant is more diligent because he is sure his master will return soon; the soldier is ever alert because he senses the plotting of his enemy. But the enemy whom we and our brethren must confront will not always come as a roaring lion; he is also a cunning serpent who endeavors to slip in unnoticed. Perhaps he may also depart and seek to return at a more advantageous time for himself; hence, it would be detrimental to let our guard down.

Some Applications

1. Like Christ, be compassionate toward the sufferings and travails of your brethren. Here, bearing the burden for their deliverance keeps you on your toes. The Christian parlance, “I will pray for you,” has become trite. Woe to me if I give such an assurance but then renege on it. No, I will march hand in hand with my brother. Like the Gadites and the Reubenites, who, although they had received their inheritance, were commanded to march before their brethren until their brethren also possessed their lot. I will not lie idle, leaving my brother to fight alone. A shoulder to lean on, a word of comfort, fervent prayer, and provisions along his course—these I should give.

2. Be proactive. I will not act the fool, saying to myself, “Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry.” But I will work as my Father works, I will pray as Christ prays, and I will minister as the Spirit does.

Thus, onward together.¹ In this heavenly race, I will run alongside my brother until we get to the finish line.

Reference

Gurnall, W. (2021). The Christian in Complete Armour. Banner of Truth. (Original work published 1655)