Ac 21:24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also “(stoicheoo)”, and keepest the law.
Ro 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also “(stoicheoo)”in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Ga 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us “(stoicheoo)”in the Spirit.
Ga 6:16 And as many as “(stoicheoo)”according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Php 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us “(stoicheoo)”by the same rule (canon), let us mind ( focus) the same thing.
“(Stoicheoo)”, is to proceed in a row as the march of a soldier, to go in order, and walk orderly.
To walk in the steps of a soldier.
To be in line with something.
To conform to a standard or a set of canons.
To function or advance in military rank.
The fighting power of the hoplite phalanx depended on the individual soldier “being [firmly] in line “(Stoichoos)” (cf. Xenophon Cyr. vi.3.34; Lycurgus Leocrates 77)
Ga 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us “(stoicheoo)”in the Spirit.
Paul articulates that Christians who claim to live in the Spirit, must walk in the military ranks of the voice of the Spirit.
Walking by that voice is a step by step obedience to God’s will.
Ro 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also “(stoicheoo)”in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
In Romans, Paul says that true faith models itself around the ordered military steps of Abraham’s faith as he obeyed the Lord.
What composed Abraham’s faith? He left his father and people, his comfort and country, to obey God and sojourn into what would be Israel. He lived in tents and would have slayed the one son through whom all would come.
God does not always call us to what Abraham did, but does to the same attitude of heart.
God directed my family to forsake homes and property three times around. Forsaking is not in what one does but in the willingness of heart. Are we willing to forsake all for the sake of God? Can we walk in Abraham’s military steps of faith?
If we would be used for revival it comes in a military walk. The Spirit’s breakthrough evolves in a continual stepping out to the deep, out of the mental box, to be a fool for Christ.
Revival work is done by those who have lost all earthly reputation and thirst to be politically correct.
Spiritual warfare in westernized nations is not in physical lack, but in the passivity and complacently which the absence of physical lack brings.
The devils’ bombardment through entertainment, electronic gadgetry, and idols of comfort, are diametrically opposed to the military walk of faith.
In many ways the church of Africa suffers from less spiritual warfare than that of western nations.
We feel sorry for Africa’s condition, while African Christians feel sorry for us. With disbelief they look at what the American church has allowed the enemy to encroach upon the nation.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
It’s not too late for Western Christians to arise. Resource wise, the American church has more than enough to extraordinarily impact the globe.
The walk of breakthrough is one of a soldier, thus Paul penned these words. In 2012, let the Western church arise as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2Ti 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2Ti 2:4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
Jose and Mary Alvarez 