The Christian in Complete Armour - A Brief Summary

"The Christian in Complete Armour" is a classic work of Christian literature written by William Gurnall, a 17th-century Puritan minister. This massive work of devotional literature, which runs to over 1,000 pages, is a meditation on the nature of spiritual warfare and the Christian's role in it. The book draws on a wide range of biblical texts to explore the nature of the Christian's spiritual armor and the various spiritual weapons at his or her disposal. In this summary, I will provide an overview of the main themes and ideas of the book.

The central theme of "The Christian in Complete Armour" is the concept of spiritual warfare. Gurnall draws heavily on the biblical imagery of the armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-20, which he sees as a metaphor for the various spiritual graces that the Christian must possess in order to withstand the attacks of the devil. The book is divided into three volumes, each of which explores different aspects of spiritual warfare.

Volume 1 is titled "The Doctrine of the Holy War." In this section, Gurnall lays out the biblical foundation for the concept of spiritual warfare. He argues that the Christian life is a battle against the forces of darkness, and that the devil and his minions are constantly seeking to undermine the faith of believers. He notes that spiritual warfare is not a physical battle, but rather a struggle against the powers of sin and temptation. Gurnall emphasizes that the Christian's strength in this battle comes from the power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to resist the devil's attacks.

Volume 2 is titled "A Discourse of the Armour Mentioned in Scripture." In this section, Gurnall provides an extensive analysis of the various pieces of spiritual armor mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-20. He explores the meaning and significance of each piece, and how it can be applied to the Christian life. Gurnall emphasizes that the armor of God is not a set of physical objects, but rather a set of spiritual graces that are bestowed on the Christian through faith. He argues that the armor is not something that can be put on or taken off at will, but rather a permanent part of the Christian's identity.

Volume 3 is titled "The Application of the Doctrine of Spiritual Armour." In this section, Gurnall provides practical advice on how to apply the principles of spiritual warfare to everyday life. He emphasizes that the Christian life is not a passive one, but rather an active battle against the forces of evil. He provides guidance on how to pray effectively, how to resist temptation, and how to grow in faith and holiness.

One of the key ideas that runs throughout "The Christian in Complete Armour" is the importance of faith in spiritual warfare. Gurnall argues that faith is the foundation of the Christian's spiritual armor, and that without faith, the other pieces of armor are useless. He notes that faith is not merely an intellectual assent to certain doctrinal propositions, but rather a living trust in God that transforms the heart and mind.

Another important theme in the book is the role of prayer in spiritual warfare. Gurnall emphasizes that prayer is not a passive activity, but rather an active weapon in the Christian's arsenal. He notes that prayer is the means by which the Christian can access the power of God, and that it is essential for overcoming the devil's attacks.

Gurnall also emphasizes the importance of perseverance in spiritual warfare. He notes that the Christian life is not an easy one, and that the devil will often seek to discourage and undermine the faith of believers. He argues that it is essential for the Christian to persevere in the face of these challenges, and to trust in God's strength and faithfulness.

Finally, Gurnall emphasizes the importance of holiness in spiritual warfare. He argues that the Christian's spiritual armor is not just for defense, but also for offense. The Christian is called to actively resist the devil and his schemes, and to pursue holiness in every aspect of life. Gurnall notes that holiness is not just a matter of avoiding sinful actions, but also of cultivating a heart that is fully devoted to God.

Throughout the book, Gurnall draws on a wide range of biblical texts to support his arguments. He also draws on the writings of other Christian authors, particularly the Puritans, to provide additional insight and guidance. His style of writing is often dense and verbose, reflecting the intellectual and theological depth of his arguments. However, his language is also filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, making the book both intellectually stimulating and emotionally compelling.

"The Christian in Complete Armour" has been widely read and admired by Christians of all denominations for centuries. Its emphasis on the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of faith, prayer, perseverance, and holiness in the Christian life has resonated with believers throughout the ages. While some may find the book's length and density intimidating, those who persevere in reading it will find themselves equipped with a deeper understanding of the nature of spiritual warfare and a greater appreciation for the power of God's grace in the Christian life.

In addition to its theological and devotional insights, "The Christian in Complete Armour" also offers practical advice on how to live a holy and effective Christian life. Gurnall emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible and meditating on its teachings, as well as cultivating a habit of prayer and worship. He also provides guidance on how to resist temptation and overcome sin, stressing the importance of self-examination and confession of sin.

One of the key strengths of the book is its comprehensive treatment of spiritual warfare. Gurnall covers a wide range of topics related to spiritual warfare, including the nature of the devil and his schemes, the importance of spiritual discernment, and the various ways in which the devil seeks to undermine the faith of believers. He also provides detailed analysis of the various pieces of spiritual armor, exploring their biblical origins and practical applications.

Despite its age and dense style, "The Christian in Complete Armour" remains a valuable resource for Christians today. Its insights into spiritual warfare and the nature of faith and holiness are as relevant now as they were in the 17th century. While some may find its style and language challenging, those who persevere in reading it will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of the Christian life and a greater appreciation for the power of God's grace.

In conclusion, "The Christian in Complete Armour" is a classic work of Christian literature that offers deep insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and the Christian's role in it. Drawing on a wide range of biblical texts and theological traditions, Gurnall provides a comprehensive treatment of the various aspects of spiritual warfare, emphasizing the importance of faith, prayer, perseverance, and holiness in the Christian life. While its length and density may be intimidating to some, those who persevere in reading it will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of the Christian life and a greater appreciation for the power of God's grace.

THE MEANING OF COMMITMENT

Revelation 12:11; John 12:24

Commitment is to be totally sold out to something or someone. It is had been casually handled by some people who called themselves Christians. They do not understand the great benefits included in the package of Christian commitment.

If we are committed to a cause, we will sacrifice very dearly for such cause. In fact commitment can be so hot to the point of leading to death. Such can be so committed that they love not their life unto death.

Those who are committed will always have something committed to them. If we are not committed, we shall not have something to be committed to us.

Committed people are commissioned people. Such people will always attract easy attention for they are red hot and burns like fire that attracts men’s attention. They are focused and always make a mark indelible in life. They are organized and time conscious in all that they do in life.

God and men are very happy to find such people and God will commit very precious gifts to their hands. They are indebted to God and men and are afraid of disappointing any of them.

Examples of such rare gems are in the bible like;

1. Daniel-a man who purposed in his heart that he will not defile himself with the king’s meat or the wine which he drank.
2. David-a man who said that he desires only one thing from the Lord and that is what he would always seek after.
3. Joseph-a man that is committed and dedicated to pleasing God always even when it was costing him his freedom and was sent to prison.
4. Abraham-a man that was so committed to God that he was ready to sacrifice his son of promise to God.
5. Job-a man so committed to God that after losing all he had in one day, he just began to praise God and worshiped.
6. Paul-a man who is totally sold out to The Lord that he suffered the loss of all things to win/gain Christ.
7. JESUS-our Lord and precious Savior who is the faultless example of faithfulness and commitment in its entirety. He totally gave up His life to the cause of saving the lost world.  

  All the above examples and such like them in the bible and contemporary time are all very successful because of their commitment to the Godly cause.

PREVAILING PRAYER

Genesis 32:24-28

The patriarch Jacob was heavily burdened in the heart and troubled for about 20 years for the threat from his brother Esau. He had cunningly gotten the birthright and was not enjoying the blessing as he aught. 

He might have thought that length of days will calm down Esau but that was not to be. As a master strategist he had perfectly arranged his household to meet his brother who comes to meet him with 400 furious men of war to revenge the swindle of 20 years ago.

Deep down in the mind of Jacob was no peace although he had done a good arrangement to meet his sworn enemy. He understood from walking with God that things are not okay until there is a witness in the spirit that God had things under control already.

For this cause he separated himself from everyone else to pray to the Almighty God at Jabok. He finally decided to do what he ought to have done for years but delayed to this point.

ALONE WITH GOD

It was an all-night wrestling alone with God. Until a man stop trusting in his assets, he shall still lack peace of mind. Until an individual has only God as his hope on earth, such an one cannot prevail in the place of prayer yet. A single minded man is awesome in the place of prayer and such will surely prevail in prayer.

Jacob was left alone with God, removing his trust completely from wives, money, children, cattle, servants and other assets of his including his human skill and wisdom.

When a man who trusted God alone prays it is prayer that cannot be denied.

APPEALING TO GOD

The agony of Jacob at Jabok is understandable since he has no alternative but God alone as his help.  Truly his help solely comes from the LORD which makes the heaven and the earth.

It was the greatest war ever fought by Jacob until this point in his life. He wrestled with God and ruses to stop the fight until he receives the approval of God and the confirmation from Him as a green light that all is now well.

Father Jacob had it rough and tough that night, it was a night to be much remembered. His thigh hollow was dislocated by the Angel but Jacob was not the kind that can be stopped by this. Only one thing can stop this fight and that is the blessing. He had not yet receive the blessing from God’s mouth although he had received it from his earthly father. His hearth had lacked the true witness of the Spirit for 20 years and it is now time this lack of peace must stop.

Oh what groaning and holy travailing which the mouth cannot utter. It was more than the pangs of a woman in child labor and this is as a result of absolute trust of faith in the Lord God alone.

 APPROVED BY GOD

As the day breaks, the heavenly being begin to feel uneasy with the way things are going on and began to ask for a release from the wrestle. He sad let me go for the day breaks, but Father Jacob said ‘I will not let thee go unless thou bless me’

Even after the hollow of his thigh was touched and disjointed, he will not let him go until he got the blessing from God.

The asked for his name and announced to him his new name-Israel. All thing were made new from thenceforth in the life of Jacob for he now live the life of the certain and not as one that beat the air.

His walk is now sure and his life’s direction is now clear. He went on to meet his sworn enemy with unearthly confidence and was not disappointed neither was he put to shame.

CONCLUSION

When there is any issue at hand in your life, never take a step further until you have the approval of God on the matter. Tarry in the place of prayer until you receive the approval from on high. Until you receive the witness of the Spirit of God in you heart, do not make thy war.

Pray until there is a deep-seated peace of divine approval within thy bosom and then and only then shall thou embark on the journey before thee and shall not be ashamed for thou shall surely succeed under the full control of God. From this point of God’s approval, you are no more in charge but God is in full control of every detail of this matter.

Now you can labor on and toil with holy inner rest that all shall be well. If thou obey all the above Godly counsel, thou shall never fail, thou shall never fall and thou shall never falter. AMEN