True freedom means liberty from all forms of fame and power. Antagonistic to our wellbeing,  freedom from sin and its consequences, and all other hindrances to spiritual life and happiness. Here is why it can only come through meeting with Jesus Christ.

The third component of the Christian armour, the footwear, portrays us on the march for Gospel witness. It is readiness for Gospel work. Here are seven essential parts of readiness, and the means provided by God for these to remain present in the heart.

The best known of all Christ's parables traces the journey of a lost soul into a far country away from God, before circumstances conspire to awaken and bring the wanderer to seek reconciliation, pardon, purpose, happiness and eternal life. Here is the lovingkindness of the Lord.

The apostle shows how righteousness acts to be protective of the heart or affections in a saved person - a large target of the devil. Here is how self-denial, love for Christ and obedience to the commandments garrison the heart from pollution and shame.

When a likeable rich young ruler asked Christ what he should do to gain eternal life, the Lord's questioning uncovered massive obstacles that blocked his progress. Here they are - and they are common to us all. But Christ can remove them and bring us to Himself.

The foundational piece of the Christian's armour is firstly objective truth - the unchanging doctrines of the faith. (The sword, later, is Scripture used 'offensively' to make Christ known). Secondly, the belt is also subjective truth, truthfulness and sincerity for which here are helpful rules.

In a parable of servants waiting for their Lord, Christ portrays the human race, enslaved by endless alternatives to God, and spurning the liberty of His kingdom. Here are the futile masters we serve and the contrasting lovingkindness of the Lord in conversion to Him.

The introductory passage to the magnificent description of the Christian 'armour' - all that is needed in the spiritual warfare to defend against the wiles of the devil and to preserve and enhance instrumentality for the Lord. Each item is a wonder of grace and effectiveness.