Soldiers of Christ, Arise

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Soldiers of Christ, Arise

A Sermon based on the hymn by Charles Wesley

Introduction

“Soldiers of Christ, Arise” is a bold hymn by Charles Wesley that summons all Christians to spiritual battle. Written in the 18th century, its scriptural foundation is Ephesians 6:10–18, where Paul urges believers to put on the whole armor of God. This hymn is not a call to physical warfare, but to spiritual readiness, courage, and endurance in the face of evil.

As followers of Christ, we are engaged in a daily struggle—not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and the darkness of this age. Our victory is not through our strength, but through God’s power. This hymn encourages us to take our place in God's army, to put on the divine armor, and to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

Each stanza builds on the next, forming a spiritual progression: rise up, arm yourself, pray constantly, and persevere in the Lord. Wesley’s words press urgency into our hearts—there is no time for complacency. Souls are at stake, and the battle is real. Let us now explore this hymn verse by verse and apply its truths to our walk with Christ.

Stanza 1

“Soldiers of Christ, arise, and put your armor on,
Strong in the strength which God supplies thru His eternal Son;
Strong in the Lord of Hosts, and in His mighty power,
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts is more than conqueror.”

This first stanza draws directly from Ephesians 6:10—“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” We are not called to fight in our own strength, but in the strength God supplies through Christ. Romans 8:37 declares that in Christ, “we are more than conquerors.” The armor we put on is spiritual: truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the gospel, and the Word of God. Without this armor, we are vulnerable; with it, we stand firm.

Stanza 2

“Stand then in His great might, with all His strength endued,
But take, to arm you for the fight, the panoply of God;
That having all things done, and all your conflicts past,
Ye may o’ercome through Christ alone and stand entire at last.”

This stanza emphasizes endurance. The “panoply” of God refers to the full armor mentioned in Ephesians 6:11. Christians must take up every piece if they are to withstand the attacks of the devil. James 1:12 promises a crown of life to those who endure. The end goal is to stand “entire”—complete, victorious, and approved before Christ on the last day (Colossians 1:22).

Stanza 3

“Leave no unguarded place, no weakness of the soul,
Take every virtue, every grace, and fortify the whole;
Indissolubly joined, to battle all proceed,
But arm yourselves with all the mind that was in Christ, your Head.”

Here, the hymn calls for complete spiritual readiness. Just as Nehemiah’s builders held a sword in one hand and built with the other (Nehemiah 4:17), we must guard every part of our spiritual lives. Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Our strength comes from aligning our mind and will with His.

Soldiers of Christ, Arise Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Author: Charles Wesley

• Theme: Spiritual warfare and divine strength

• Key Text: Ephesians 6:10–18 – The whole armor of God

Stanza 1 – Strength in Christ Alone

• Ephesians 6:10 – Be strong in the Lord

• Romans 8:37 – More than conquerors

• 2 Timothy 2:3 – Endure hardship as a good soldier

Stanza 2 – Endurance and Victory

• Ephesians 6:11 – The full armor

• James 1:12 – The crown of life

• Colossians 1:22 – Stand holy and blameless

Stanza 3 – Complete Readiness

• Nehemiah 4:17 – Work and guard

• Philippians 2:5 – Mind of Christ

• 1 Corinthians 16:13 – Be on guard, stand firm

Call to Action

Are you standing firm in the Lord, or are you vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks? If you’ve not yet obeyed the gospel—by faith, repentance, confession, and baptism—you are unarmed and exposed. Join the Lord’s army. Put on His armor. Fight the good fight. Finish the course. Keep the faith.

Scripture Reference List

Ephesians 6:10–18 – The armor of God for spiritual warfare
Romans 8:37 – More than conquerors through Christ
2 Timothy 2:3 – A good soldier of Jesus Christ
James 1:12 – Blessed is the one who endures
Colossians 1:22 – Presented holy and blameless
Philippians 2:5 – Have the mind of Christ
Nehemiah 4:17 – Build and guard
1 Corinthians 16:13 – Be watchful, stand firm in the faith

Song History

“Soldiers of Christ, Arise” was written by Charles Wesley, one of the most prolific hymn writers in Christian history. First published in 1749, the hymn became a rallying cry for spiritual strength and holiness. Its scriptural grounding and poetic force made it a favorite among early Methodists and continues to be sung by churches of Christ today. Though Wesley was not a member of the churches of Christ, this hymn’s biblical truth and emphasis on godly living have made it a lasting anthem of spiritual courage.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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