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This is partial summary outline for the first part of Volume Two. (A similar summary outline for Volume One and the remainder of the book is forthcoming.)
The Christian in Complete Armor by William Gurnall Volume 1: Orientation for
Volumes 2 and 3: The Several Pieces for the Full Armor of God Volume 2: The Several Pieces for the Full Armor of God (The Girdle, Breastplate and Shoe) A. The Christian’s Spiritual Girdle: Truth (the necessity of having both parts of the girdle for spiritual maturity, direction, sustaining protection, and propulsive strength) 1. Truth of Mind (true doctrine) The meaning, necessity, and components of loving Christ through embracing and defending true doctrine (sound teaching): understanding (discerning), professing (confessing, holding onto), and actively loving it · The meaning and necessity o Biblical truth must always be embraced and applied personally (personally receiving gospel truth by grace alone through faith alone in the living person of Christ alone) o It’s priority for progressing forward to a godly conscience, will, and affections (Truth is the engine, conscientious behavior is the freight, feelings are the caboose.) o The imposters of false doctrine are seductive, subtle and extremely dangerous. (You are dead meat without discerning and understanding true doctrine.) · Component #1 Understanding (discerning) true doctrine (biblical teaching) o The Spirit-guided study and understanding of Scripture is the only solid foundation for a strong spiritual building. o Biblical doctrine precedes exhortation (planting before watering, indicative before imperative) o The role of godly human wisdom and leadership. o Beware curiosity about novel teachings. o Beware pride (walk closely with Christ). o Beware apostasy due to confusion and uncertainty. o Read, memorize, and sing Scripture meditatively, devotionally, with the aim of a comforting personal communion with Christ. · Component #2: Professing (confessing, holding onto) true doctrine (biblical teaching) o boldness in the face of persecution (violent attacks by truth’s enemies) o in hot pursuit after the entrusted treasure of truth (with the risk of imprisonment or death) o the unconventional, seemingly foolish Scriptural method of attacking error and bearing witness to truth: humility, faith, patience, and love of truth · Component #3 Loving Christ through true doctrine (the motive for understanding and professing sound doctrine) o loving truth is uncomplaining, enduring, venturous, selfless and sacrificial for the sake of its chosen, its beloved o (more to come) 2. Truth of Will (a true heart vs. hypocrisy) |
