King Solomon's compelling illustrations of our spiritual need urge us to see the tragedy of living without the help of God, and without ever knowing the way to the city of pardon and blessing. 

Paul's dependence on the prayers of believers comes first, especially for openness and plainness of speech - and this is what this should mean for today. Here also are the vital components of biblical ministry, and the stirring concept of an ambassador in bonds.

The unshakeable certainty and assurance of an apostle who can say, 'We know that we are of God.'  How? Here is the solid basis of truth of the Christian message and the quality of evidence that runs through the lives of Christian believers.

Explaining the words Paul uses in his great 'armour of God' exhortations to pray, words such as 'always - supplications - watching thereunto - perseverance' and particularly 'in the Spirit'. Here is what he does not mean, and what he does mean by this most rewardable term.

The Bible speaks of the deceitfulness of sin, which acts like a person within us. People do not realise how manipulative and controlling sin is. Here is the secret work of sin in every life, and how only the Lord can deal with it.

In the soldier image the sword of the Spirit represents the Gospel work of the church. Here is the penetrating, searching, persuasive power of the Gospel as proclaimed by the apostles. A church or believer not proclaiming salvation is a soldier without the sword.