Beginning with the duty of conversation, admonition and encouragement between believers the apostle moves to the blessing of singing psalms plus hymns and spiritual songs (here defined), the elements of true worship (public and personal) and the importance of melody of the heart.

First, the use of psalms and hymns for personal spiritual help; secondly, the biblical authority and necessity for hymns of human composition; thirdly, the nature of melody in the heart, and fourthly, the qualities needed for valid, edifying, God-glorifying hymns.

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.

Loss of spiritual feeling, love, joy and fervour are more serious and ominous than we may think. Attendance soon suffers and a backward drift gathers pace. Why did it happen? The spiritual warfare must come back into view, with all its measures and helps.

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.

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.

Why is faith described as a shield? What are the fiery darts? Here is the centrality of faith in the Christian life, how it is tested in our earthly journey, how the shield is taken up, and the gracious accomplishments of faith.

The helmet is the hope or anticipation of final salvation, when Heaven's glory dawns on the soul and we see Christ - the greatest possible incentive to serving Him. Here is the Lord's emphasis on eternal life, and the believer's experience of death.