God provides the power to gain strength through training and discipline. Just as bodybuilders train with weights in resistance training, so do we become stronger by resisting the selfish pulls of our bodies. Mental strength comes through exercising our mind with the Word of God; the more we read, absorb, and practice it, the stronger our minds become. We must be of a willing mind to accept God's way of life, making changes in our thinking to gain strength to resist those who would bring us down. Physically, we are to use our strength and capacity to worship God in all we do, going all-out. Mentally, we must be sober-minded and resistant to constant pressures on our thinking that distract us from the mind of Christ. Morally and spiritually, we must resist the evils around us, using the spiritual strength God supplies against society's ways and the wicked powers in high places.

The Christian life is not one of passive waiting for salvation and glorification, but a life of active, even strenuous education, practice, correction, and maturing, all aimed at replicating Christ's life and character in us. God has called us and given us time before glorification because there is much to be done beyond justification. This life is full of the process of sanctification, designed to prepare us for what is coming, which holds great importance. If we are not prepared, we will not hold the positions awaiting us in the Kingdom of God. Those who are Christ's disciples are undergoing a training period in preparation for the roles we will have in the Kingdom of God. This training is not a time of ease but requires diligent effort to prove ourselves worthy of our calling. We must strive through hard work to present ourselves approved of God, to be holy and set apart as children of God, not just legally but in actuality. Our walk must be worthy of God and Jesus Christ, meeting a high standard of qualification through cooperative effort between us and God. This preparation involves learning to judge righteously, basing decisions on God's Word, just as judges must know their law. We must be diligent in studying and applying biblical principles, discerning godly decisions for various situations, often through study, prayer, meditation, and the guidance of God's Spirit. Additionally, godly judges must possess unimpeachable character, striving for holiness and being without blame or corruption, to ensure we are never swayed from the right and godly way in the Kingdom of God.

God has willed that the pressures and challenges of our time be part of our preparation for His Kingdom. This preparation involves a spiritual war against enemies far greater in number, intelligence, subtlety, cunning, and power than any physical foe. We are to think of ourselves as soldiers actively involved in this conflict, standing our ground against an entrenched enemy who seeks to defend what they believe is theirs. Our warfare requires us to face privation, hardship, pain, sorrow, hunger, thirst, fear, and insecurity, as well as moments of victory and defeat, demanding obedience, discipline, courage, and sacrifice. In this battle, perseverance is essential, as Jesus Christ admonishes us to actively persist through difficulties rather than passively endure them. We are to take up the whole armor of God, girding ourselves with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation, while praying always with persistence to the One who can help us use these tools effectively. Our struggle is not merely against human foes but against supernatural forces, requiring us to hold our position and resist with determination. God is working to equip us with the necessary qualities to fight successfully, such as single-mindedness, which Paul emphasizes as crucial for a soldier to please the government that inducted them into service. We must avoid entanglement in civilian pursuits or distractions that hinder our focus on pleasing the government of God. Preparation is key to victory, and we are being trained by God in the midst of battle, with Him gently guiding us and testing our responses under pressure, always ready to support us when needed. Faith and trust in God and His gospel are the motivating powers that keep us on course, surpassing any amount of training alone. No military training can replace the indomitable will to resist, which rests on character traits and faith in God's good news. Suffering results from the sacrifices necessary to do things right and overcome the enemy, but we are assured that God is not out to destroy us; rather, He seeks to destroy the works of the adversary within us. Following the lead of Christ, who has already broken through the enemy's lines, we must press forward with mental toughness and unwavering commitment to His way.

In facing the challenges on the horizon, training is essential to stand firm. To toughen spiritual bodies, God must be put first through consistent, fervent prayer, fasting, and meditation. Rising early to prioritize prayer and study is crucial, even if it requires adjusting daily routines, as the world will pull at you. Walking circumspectly, like navigating a minefield, means being vigilant about where feet and minds are placed, redeeming the time with blameless, prudent conduct to seize every opportunity. Learning to use spiritual weapons comes through action. Putting on the whole armor of God involves active steps to stand against trials, not just to endure but to be victorious, as God ensures triumph. Examining oneself during trials to live righteously, continuing down the path with a solid foundation, and maintaining active faith are vital. This faith quenches fear and the darts of satan, protecting the mind with the knowledge that God has called us to succeed and deliver us. The Word of God, the only offensive weapon, must be learned through attending Bible studies, personal study, and services, putting real effort into understanding it. Training prepares for the frightening experiences and tremendous stress ahead. By doing all homework and training, one can face what is coming with expectation rather than terror, reacting wisely to various situations as basic training teaches. Jesus Christ wore the same armor He instructs us to wear, standing in the same way, offering confidence to those who have prepared. Guard duty is a critical responsibility, watching over family and mind to prevent slipping into the world's escapes. Staying awake, guarding what enters the mind, and communicating with others to remain vigilant are essential. God rewards this watchfulness, protecting against fear and uncertainty by drawing close to Him. God is confident in bringing us through, expecting us to prepare our hearts by removing unseemly habits and conforming to His standards, ensuring victory over trials. Strength comes from effort, much like physical training. Drawing close to God through study and prayer builds spiritual vigor, increasing strength and faith. The more effort exerted, the closer one draws to God, becoming stronger and less fearful of what is coming. God desires us to be spent, used, and worn in service, growing stronger and helping others through dedicated training. The opportunity to slack off or drift into old habits exists, but the call is to take the instruction received and change life in preparation for what is sure to come. Planning to put forth the needed effort and taking the training ensures readiness not only for immediate challenges but, more importantly, for the Kingdom of God.