13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
~ Matthew 7:13-23 (KJV)
At the beginning of these verses it refers to the Narrow Gate and the Broad Gate. Entering through the Narrow Gate is going to be difficult. It is going to be hard to find and most will overlook it. Only a few will find it. Think about what that means. Think of all the people who are alive today, and all of the people who have ever lived. Only a very small number of all of these people will find this Narrow Gate. The one that leads to destruction is the one that most people are on. It is the one most people are content with, and the one that they will remain on. Only a few will leave behind the Broad Gate in favor of the Narrow Gate. Only a few will be saved . . . Only a few will escape condemnation. Not only is the gate narrow, but once you go through it, it is going to be difficult. It is not going to be easy. You will hear some people say that Jesus will change everything in your life. Which is true, but they say He will make it all easier, better, happier, and your whole life will fall into place . . . that everything will be so good. But that is not true in the way they are saying it. Yes things will change, and yes you will change. Jesus will change things in your life entirely, but it is not going to be easy. It is not supposed to be easy. If it is easy, then something is wrong. If you are finding yourself just floating through life, having it all so laid back, then something is wrong. Either you are not moving forward on this path, or you are not on it at all.
So how do you go about checking yourself? It is always good to check yourself. It is always good to know exactly where it is you are standing spiritually. What fruit are you bearing? If you are on the right path, the Spirit is going to be moving in you. It will be alive and moving through you. There will not be any guess work. You and those around you will know that the Spirit is alive in you. It can be seen in your life, your deeds, and your words. You will follow God's word. Not because you feel you have to, but because you want to. You will be seeking to please God. You will want what He wants of you. The Spirit will be moving you there, guiding you, and you will be producing good fruit. But if you are looking like the world, that is when you need to watch out. If you want the things of this world, if you are being envious, prideful, lustful, angry, hateful, feeling apathy, vengeful, and so on; then you are producing bad fruit. I am not saying that any of us will be without sin, because even when we are saved we are still sinful beings while in the flesh.
What is it you see when you look at your life? What is it that' i driving you? Do you want to be saved, but then live worldly? Do you repent daily? Do you strive to change? Strive to grow? Are you aiming for holiness, because God is holy? When you examine your life, what do you see? Not everyone who professes Jesus to be Lord will enter into Heaven. Even Satan knows that Jesus is Lord. He acknowledges this, but you and I both know that he is not going to Heaven. So what makes us so certain that just because we say we believe Jesus is Lord . . . how do we know that simply acknowledging this is enough to get us to Heaven?
There are a lot of people out there who claim to be Christians. Many who profess themselves to be saved, but they are going to be turned away. They will say, "Lord, didn't I do this for you, and didn't I do that?" They're going to live their lives assuming they are okay, but on Judgement Day when they are standing before the Lord, He will say to them, "Depart from Me, I never knew you". This is why it is so important for us to examine ourselves, so we can make sure.
You might say, "Sure I'm saved. I got saved when I was younger." But did you really? Are you sure? Jesus tells us that only those who do the Father's Will will enter into Heaven. Does this mean that salvation is by works? Of course not. The Bible tells us that salvation is by grace, but when you are truly saved, the works will follow. When you are truly saved, you will be made new. The Bible does not say that you can get saved and then live like you have always lived prior to that, but it says that you are to turn from your old ways and to seek God. Seek the will of the Father, and become a new creation.
Examine yourself carefully. Not just once and then you are done, but make sure that you examine yourself regularly. Repent daily and make sure which path you are on. Keep an eye on what fruit you are bearing. You do not want to just assume that you are okay, that you are good to go. Then realize when you are standing before the Savior on Judgement Day that you made a mistake and was not okay after all. At that point, you will not be able to change your path, your actions or anything. It will be a done deal. You want to take NOW, the time you have now and whatever time you have left, to make sure you get it right. Now is the time, then it will be too late.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Don't Let the Enemy Get You Down
I want to give a word of encouragement to my fellow Christians out there. I have noticed that there are a lot of us who are going through periods of discouragement, distractions, and other such things right now. I want to remind you that everyday we are dealing with more than what we see here at face value. There is literally a spiritual world all around us, and in this spiritual realm we have an adversary and his minions. They do not want us to succeed. The more we are out there doing God's work, the more we can expect to have obstacles thrown onto our paths.
Ephesians 6:11-13 (KJV) tells us...
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
If you are following the path that God wants you to be on, then you can be certain the devil will be trying to derail you at every turn you make. Maybe for example, you have people coming into your life trying to tempt you back into old habits. Maybe you have a spirit of division causing trouble between you and your loved ones. Sometimes it can even be something as simple as the phone ringing, or a visitor coming, just as you are getting ready to sit down to read your Bible or pray.
The devil is sneaky, and he is conniving. It is his goal to get us down and to keep us down. He does not want us spreading the word of God. He does not want us praying and praising the Lord. He does not want us to follow the will of God for our lives. He wants nothing more than to bring us down. He wants to make us fall. He wants to keep us preoccupied with things of this world, little things that do not even matter. He wants us to forget what we need to be focused on. He wants us to fall from our faith. He wants us to be too discouraged, embarrassed, or complacent to share our faith with those around us. He does not want us telling people about Jesus, and the mercy and grace that He offers us. Most of all, he wants to bring as many people down with him as he can possibly manage.
In 1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) it says...
8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Do not let yourselves become distracted. Do not let yourselves become discouraged. When you are experiencing these troubles, or any kind of trouble, seek God all the more. You know you are on the right track when you have obstacles coming into your life like that. We were told this in advance, that it is not supposed to be easy. If things are easy, and you are going through life smooth sailing without a problem in the world, and you consider yourself a Christian, you may want to stop and consider your life. Consider what you are doing, because something is wrong. If it is easy then we are not being seen as a threat to the enemy (Satan), and if we are not being seen as a threat, then we are certainly not doing something right.
Do not let your circumstances get you down. Any time that you have obstacles or any difficulties in life, use these occasions to lean even more on the Lord, not away from Him. He will see you through. This is something He has promised. Remember, greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.
Ephesians 6:11-13 (KJV) tells us...
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
If you are following the path that God wants you to be on, then you can be certain the devil will be trying to derail you at every turn you make. Maybe for example, you have people coming into your life trying to tempt you back into old habits. Maybe you have a spirit of division causing trouble between you and your loved ones. Sometimes it can even be something as simple as the phone ringing, or a visitor coming, just as you are getting ready to sit down to read your Bible or pray.
The devil is sneaky, and he is conniving. It is his goal to get us down and to keep us down. He does not want us spreading the word of God. He does not want us praying and praising the Lord. He does not want us to follow the will of God for our lives. He wants nothing more than to bring us down. He wants to make us fall. He wants to keep us preoccupied with things of this world, little things that do not even matter. He wants us to forget what we need to be focused on. He wants us to fall from our faith. He wants us to be too discouraged, embarrassed, or complacent to share our faith with those around us. He does not want us telling people about Jesus, and the mercy and grace that He offers us. Most of all, he wants to bring as many people down with him as he can possibly manage.
In 1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) it says...
8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Do not let yourselves become distracted. Do not let yourselves become discouraged. When you are experiencing these troubles, or any kind of trouble, seek God all the more. You know you are on the right track when you have obstacles coming into your life like that. We were told this in advance, that it is not supposed to be easy. If things are easy, and you are going through life smooth sailing without a problem in the world, and you consider yourself a Christian, you may want to stop and consider your life. Consider what you are doing, because something is wrong. If it is easy then we are not being seen as a threat to the enemy (Satan), and if we are not being seen as a threat, then we are certainly not doing something right.
Do not let your circumstances get you down. Any time that you have obstacles or any difficulties in life, use these occasions to lean even more on the Lord, not away from Him. He will see you through. This is something He has promised. Remember, greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.
Beacon
There is a concern that I used to have, and I think that it's perhaps one that's been shared by a lot of others, as well. That is looking out around us, at the people and things in the community around us, and things happening in the world. We see so much that is wrong, that need to be changed. We see so many people that need to be reached for Christ. Sometimes you cannot help but wonder . . . Like the Bible tells us to go out and spread God's word . . . The thought that I believe comes to a lot of people is, How can I, just being one person, do any good whatsoever in this world?
You know how the Bible tells us we need to let our light shine so that others can see. Well, take a candle for example. You can see the light from the candle as it burns, even when lights are on around it. But the candle's light does not draw the same attention when there is so much other light around it. However as the light around it starts to diminish (as the room gets dark), the same candle that is burning just as bright as it ever was, seems even brighter. Suddenly the candle's light shines out further than it did before. When all the other lights around it go out, it is the only light that is seen. Suddenly it becomes a beacon . . . When all those around who have no other light to see by, see that light which is still shining, it is the only light that can guide them to where they need to go.
This light that shines in us, Christ, the Holy Spirit shining through us, is the same way. When we are in a situation where we are surrounded by light all around us, when everything seems to be in good condition, you can still see that light. Though the impact is not quite the same. It does not quite have the same far-reaching aspects as it does when the world all around you suddenly starts to get darker. As the world around you starts getting darker, that light within you, Christ that is shining through you, suddenly seems to get brighter. People can see it better. They see a difference. And the darker this world gets, the more people around you will need that light. They will be able to see the light that is in you, seeing a difference, and you can be a beacon, a lighthouse, to show them where they need to be.
Even just one person who is following Christ and His example can make a difference, and be a beacon. So just imagine if all the Christians out there, every one of us, would make an effort for people to see that light within us. Just how many people would want to follow this light right back to its source?
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
~ Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV)
You know how the Bible tells us we need to let our light shine so that others can see. Well, take a candle for example. You can see the light from the candle as it burns, even when lights are on around it. But the candle's light does not draw the same attention when there is so much other light around it. However as the light around it starts to diminish (as the room gets dark), the same candle that is burning just as bright as it ever was, seems even brighter. Suddenly the candle's light shines out further than it did before. When all the other lights around it go out, it is the only light that is seen. Suddenly it becomes a beacon . . . When all those around who have no other light to see by, see that light which is still shining, it is the only light that can guide them to where they need to go.
This light that shines in us, Christ, the Holy Spirit shining through us, is the same way. When we are in a situation where we are surrounded by light all around us, when everything seems to be in good condition, you can still see that light. Though the impact is not quite the same. It does not quite have the same far-reaching aspects as it does when the world all around you suddenly starts to get darker. As the world around you starts getting darker, that light within you, Christ that is shining through you, suddenly seems to get brighter. People can see it better. They see a difference. And the darker this world gets, the more people around you will need that light. They will be able to see the light that is in you, seeing a difference, and you can be a beacon, a lighthouse, to show them where they need to be.
Even just one person who is following Christ and His example can make a difference, and be a beacon. So just imagine if all the Christians out there, every one of us, would make an effort for people to see that light within us. Just how many people would want to follow this light right back to its source?
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
~ Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV)
Are You Comfortable?
The Lord put it on my spirit saying that one of the ways we can really grow spiritually is when we move outside of our comfort zone. When I look at my own life for examples, so many of the times that I've had spiritual breakthroughs was when I was willing to do something that was uncomfortable, something I would rather not do. I have found myself again having to learn to move outside of my comfort zone recently, to really be willing to put myself out there. It has been a little scary, truth be told, but each time it gets easier. It is being willing to take that first step that is the hardest part.
When we are too comfortable, it is easy to get lazy. It is easy to lose sight of the goal in being obedient to Christ. Even worse, it is easier to find ourselves falling into a state of lukewarmness. Look at many of the comfortable churches, and then look at the church and nations where persecution exists and is common place, and consider the two examples. What do you see?
Jesus said,
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. ~ Matthew 16:24 (KJV)
What I wonder is, why is it common assumption that this does not apply to us? Why is it believed that we do not need to do anything else once we are saved? I once heard it said that when it comes to our relationship with God, we are either moving forward in it or we are moving back. There is no standing still. If we expect to move forward, we need to be willing to do our part as well. It's not all on God. He wants us to do our part. We have to move whichever way He wants us to move. We need to be willing to take up our crosses and follow Christ.
Do you really want to know how far ahead you can move? Do you want to see God really moving in your life? Do you want God to use you? Then when there is something He wants you to do, no matter what it is, even if it is something you really don't want to do . . . do it anyway. It's hard, but like I said before, the hardest part is simply being willing. Once we have taken that first step, it gets easier. When you are willing, when you do step out there and do whatever it is He is moving you to do, you will find yourself advancing spiritually. You will find Him moving in your life.
When we are too comfortable, it is easy to get lazy. It is easy to lose sight of the goal in being obedient to Christ. Even worse, it is easier to find ourselves falling into a state of lukewarmness. Look at many of the comfortable churches, and then look at the church and nations where persecution exists and is common place, and consider the two examples. What do you see?
Jesus said,
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. ~ Matthew 16:24 (KJV)
What I wonder is, why is it common assumption that this does not apply to us? Why is it believed that we do not need to do anything else once we are saved? I once heard it said that when it comes to our relationship with God, we are either moving forward in it or we are moving back. There is no standing still. If we expect to move forward, we need to be willing to do our part as well. It's not all on God. He wants us to do our part. We have to move whichever way He wants us to move. We need to be willing to take up our crosses and follow Christ.
Do you really want to know how far ahead you can move? Do you want to see God really moving in your life? Do you want God to use you? Then when there is something He wants you to do, no matter what it is, even if it is something you really don't want to do . . . do it anyway. It's hard, but like I said before, the hardest part is simply being willing. Once we have taken that first step, it gets easier. When you are willing, when you do step out there and do whatever it is He is moving you to do, you will find yourself advancing spiritually. You will find Him moving in your life.
Are You Looking at the Storm?
In Matthew 14:23-33, we read:
23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Many of you may be facing storms in your life right now. Maybe you've found yourself unemployed, and having a hard time finding work. Maybe you're having trouble paying your bills, or simply having a hard time keeping up with them at all. Maybe there is some kind of drama in your family right now, or maybe you are feeling that your job is making more demands than what you are able to give. In some ways, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the situations that you face. Even looking outside of personal experiences, you may be thinking that the future looks harsh. Prices being raised, a struggling economy, increasing tensions among nations, and simply bazarre news stories. These things can be enough to create fear in people, wondering what's next.
In all of these concerns, and all of these struggles, it's important to keep our eyes on Jesus. If you have a storm that is brewing in your life, or even if it is raging, keep your eyes on Jesus. Just as Peter when he was standing on the water, Jesus is able to keep us afloat. The greater the storms we face, the more cautious we need to be of where our focus is at. These things we have to deal with, they demand our focus and they insist on our attention. It can be really hard not to find ourselves dwelling on these things. Then like Peter, we find ourselves sinking and struggling, fearful. But even then Jesus will be there, reaching out His hand to us, saying, 'You of little faith. Why did you doubt?'
You see, no matter what we are facing, no matter what our obstacles are, no matter how high the odds are stacked against us - Jesus is there. He is with us, and He will keep us afloat. We just need to be sure that we are keeping our eyes on Him rather than the storm.
Don't let the storm capture your focus. Keep your eyes on Jesus!
23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Many of you may be facing storms in your life right now. Maybe you've found yourself unemployed, and having a hard time finding work. Maybe you're having trouble paying your bills, or simply having a hard time keeping up with them at all. Maybe there is some kind of drama in your family right now, or maybe you are feeling that your job is making more demands than what you are able to give. In some ways, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the situations that you face. Even looking outside of personal experiences, you may be thinking that the future looks harsh. Prices being raised, a struggling economy, increasing tensions among nations, and simply bazarre news stories. These things can be enough to create fear in people, wondering what's next.
In all of these concerns, and all of these struggles, it's important to keep our eyes on Jesus. If you have a storm that is brewing in your life, or even if it is raging, keep your eyes on Jesus. Just as Peter when he was standing on the water, Jesus is able to keep us afloat. The greater the storms we face, the more cautious we need to be of where our focus is at. These things we have to deal with, they demand our focus and they insist on our attention. It can be really hard not to find ourselves dwelling on these things. Then like Peter, we find ourselves sinking and struggling, fearful. But even then Jesus will be there, reaching out His hand to us, saying, 'You of little faith. Why did you doubt?'
You see, no matter what we are facing, no matter what our obstacles are, no matter how high the odds are stacked against us - Jesus is there. He is with us, and He will keep us afloat. We just need to be sure that we are keeping our eyes on Him rather than the storm.
Don't let the storm capture your focus. Keep your eyes on Jesus!
Armor of God
I've been wanting to do a message regarding the armor of God for a while now. But for one reason or another, wasn't able to quite get it put together. I have a renewed sense of importance that we need to examine just what it means to be clothed in the full armor of God. I've been observing things that have been going on in the world, and things that are happening with Christians right now, and there's a lot of spiritual influence going on that we need to be careful of. I believe that there is a lot going on in the spiritual realm. I believe our adversary seeks to knock us from our paths, and the closer you're following God's will for your life, the more focus that "bull's eye" will be on you. So I believe it's important to understand the armor of God, and how it is that we can apply it to our lives.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)
So, looking at these verses, how is it we can do this? How can we apply this to our lives? Well, this is at least the way I've come to understand it.
The first part, Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...
I believe it's important that we live in truth, and speak in truth. If we find deceit to be a regular player in our lives, then we will not be able to wear the belt of truth. Likewise, the occassional lie here and there, even "white lies", make it increasingly difficult to properly wield the belt of truth. Like the Roman soldiers in the past whose belts' sole purpose was to support the rest of the armor and their weapon, this, too, will support the rest of the armor of God. Jesus is truth, and therefore the support and foundation for the rest of the armor.
The next part, with the breastplate of righteousness in place...
In battle, the breastplate serves one purpose, and that is to protect the vital organs. We need to understand that our own righteousness will not protect us. Only through God do we receive protection. However, we should make every effort to follow God's commandments. While we're not perfect, we cannot use this fact and the gift of grace as an excuse to go out doing whatever it is we want to do. We need to seek to live righteous lives through Christ. God grants protection for those who follow His commands. This protection, I believe, is mostly observed in the spiritual, though it can translate into the physical as well. This doesn't mean that we won't be without hard times, it's the hard times that allow us to grow and rely more heavily on God. It does help us in dealing with these hard times, though. Those who live in active sin open a doorway to spiritual influence. Oppression, and in most extreme cases even possession. If we apply the breastplate of righteousness by living under His will and repenting of any sin in our lives, then the foothold the enemy can gain against us will crumble. The door we didn't even realize was opened, would be slammed shut.
It goes on to say, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace...
I believe that this means we need to be prepared with the good news of Jesus Christ, and to be ready to share this with others. It is through Jesus that we can be brought into peace with God. Show peace in your actions and the way you encounter others, and allow this to be your firm foothold.
Then it says, In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one...
Faith is truly important. With faith, mountains can be moved. The enemy will use any tactic against us he can manage, but having faith that God is greater than anything that comes against us will shield us from their advances. If we hold tight to the shield of faith, then we are protected. Without the shield, we rely only on ourselves, our own abilities. But if you think about it, just like the person standing in the battlefield without a shield, can they rely on their own ability for protection from the rain of arrows that's coming down on them? Likewise, we can't rely on our own defenses against the arrows of the enemy. But with faith in Christ, we are shielded.
Take the helmet of salvation...
Needless to say, without being saved we cannot wear the helmet of salvation. It is an essential part of the armor, and without it there is no survival. We have to give ourselves fully over to Jesus, and allow Him to be our Savior, our Deliverer, because we can neither save nor deliver ourselves.
Then it says, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...
God's Word is powerful, and it can cut down the defenses of the enemy. The written word is the Bible, and the living word is Jesus Christ. The power of both the living word, and the written word are mighty weapons against the adversary. Simply the name of Jesus alone holds much power. His name alone causes demons to flee. We can even see the power that His name holds, or even that the Bible holds, in the physical as well.
Looking at names like Muhammad and Buddha, Krishna, Zeus, or any of the many that you can take your pick from, if you mention these names in front of a group of people you won't create nearly the reaction that you would if you'd speak the name of Jesus Christ instead. All we have to do is mention HIS name or quote a verse from scripture and the world squirms and takes offense. When we wield the sword of the Spirit and allow it to be directed by God, it then becomes a very powerful piece of the armor.
The important thing is to be sure to equip the full armor. If any piece is missing, that leaves us open to attack and we become less effective.
Also notice that there seems to be two aspects of applying each piece. The first and most important is that every piece always comes back to Jesus. Without Jesus, we cannot apply this armor. The second is the condition of our lives. We need to examine ourselves and see how our lives line up with this. We need to examine what areas we need to change in order for the armor to be able to fit. This doesn't mean that you won't slip up, but what's important is that when you do, you just need to be certain that you pray and repent over it. Active sin, as I mentioned before, will open us up to spiritual attack and spiritual strongholds. A stronghold is an area of your life in which the devil knows is a weakness for you. It's an area that they will seek to use against you, and it's particular strong spiritual influence is aimed at disturbing your walk with Christ. Now, if we've opened ourselves up to influence and strongholds through sin, how can we expect the protection that the armor of God will grant us if we have allowed ourselves to be exposed in the first place?
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)
So, looking at these verses, how is it we can do this? How can we apply this to our lives? Well, this is at least the way I've come to understand it.
The first part, Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...
I believe it's important that we live in truth, and speak in truth. If we find deceit to be a regular player in our lives, then we will not be able to wear the belt of truth. Likewise, the occassional lie here and there, even "white lies", make it increasingly difficult to properly wield the belt of truth. Like the Roman soldiers in the past whose belts' sole purpose was to support the rest of the armor and their weapon, this, too, will support the rest of the armor of God. Jesus is truth, and therefore the support and foundation for the rest of the armor.
The next part, with the breastplate of righteousness in place...
In battle, the breastplate serves one purpose, and that is to protect the vital organs. We need to understand that our own righteousness will not protect us. Only through God do we receive protection. However, we should make every effort to follow God's commandments. While we're not perfect, we cannot use this fact and the gift of grace as an excuse to go out doing whatever it is we want to do. We need to seek to live righteous lives through Christ. God grants protection for those who follow His commands. This protection, I believe, is mostly observed in the spiritual, though it can translate into the physical as well. This doesn't mean that we won't be without hard times, it's the hard times that allow us to grow and rely more heavily on God. It does help us in dealing with these hard times, though. Those who live in active sin open a doorway to spiritual influence. Oppression, and in most extreme cases even possession. If we apply the breastplate of righteousness by living under His will and repenting of any sin in our lives, then the foothold the enemy can gain against us will crumble. The door we didn't even realize was opened, would be slammed shut.
It goes on to say, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace...
I believe that this means we need to be prepared with the good news of Jesus Christ, and to be ready to share this with others. It is through Jesus that we can be brought into peace with God. Show peace in your actions and the way you encounter others, and allow this to be your firm foothold.
Then it says, In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one...
Faith is truly important. With faith, mountains can be moved. The enemy will use any tactic against us he can manage, but having faith that God is greater than anything that comes against us will shield us from their advances. If we hold tight to the shield of faith, then we are protected. Without the shield, we rely only on ourselves, our own abilities. But if you think about it, just like the person standing in the battlefield without a shield, can they rely on their own ability for protection from the rain of arrows that's coming down on them? Likewise, we can't rely on our own defenses against the arrows of the enemy. But with faith in Christ, we are shielded.
Take the helmet of salvation...
Needless to say, without being saved we cannot wear the helmet of salvation. It is an essential part of the armor, and without it there is no survival. We have to give ourselves fully over to Jesus, and allow Him to be our Savior, our Deliverer, because we can neither save nor deliver ourselves.
Then it says, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...
God's Word is powerful, and it can cut down the defenses of the enemy. The written word is the Bible, and the living word is Jesus Christ. The power of both the living word, and the written word are mighty weapons against the adversary. Simply the name of Jesus alone holds much power. His name alone causes demons to flee. We can even see the power that His name holds, or even that the Bible holds, in the physical as well.
Looking at names like Muhammad and Buddha, Krishna, Zeus, or any of the many that you can take your pick from, if you mention these names in front of a group of people you won't create nearly the reaction that you would if you'd speak the name of Jesus Christ instead. All we have to do is mention HIS name or quote a verse from scripture and the world squirms and takes offense. When we wield the sword of the Spirit and allow it to be directed by God, it then becomes a very powerful piece of the armor.
The important thing is to be sure to equip the full armor. If any piece is missing, that leaves us open to attack and we become less effective.
Also notice that there seems to be two aspects of applying each piece. The first and most important is that every piece always comes back to Jesus. Without Jesus, we cannot apply this armor. The second is the condition of our lives. We need to examine ourselves and see how our lives line up with this. We need to examine what areas we need to change in order for the armor to be able to fit. This doesn't mean that you won't slip up, but what's important is that when you do, you just need to be certain that you pray and repent over it. Active sin, as I mentioned before, will open us up to spiritual attack and spiritual strongholds. A stronghold is an area of your life in which the devil knows is a weakness for you. It's an area that they will seek to use against you, and it's particular strong spiritual influence is aimed at disturbing your walk with Christ. Now, if we've opened ourselves up to influence and strongholds through sin, how can we expect the protection that the armor of God will grant us if we have allowed ourselves to be exposed in the first place?
Saturday, May 14, 2011
A Royal Invitation
People have been enthralled by royalty for ages now. People have wanted to know everything there is to know about the lives of the kings, queens, princes, and princesses. In modern times this also includes celebrities because they function as American royalty.
Prior to the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, so many were watching and waiting for every detail. Many of the ladies have been intrigued by the fashion and learning ways to make it their own. People swoon over and idolize royalty and Stars. Many are willing to spend a lot of money on a ticket in hopes of finding themselves in close proximity to one of their favorites.
Prior to the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, so many were watching and waiting for every detail. Many of the ladies have been intrigued by the fashion and learning ways to make it their own. People swoon over and idolize royalty and Stars. Many are willing to spend a lot of money on a ticket in hopes of finding themselves in close proximity to one of their favorites.
So many are so caught up in a life they will never be a part of. But don’t you know? You have the King of all kings wanting YOUR attention! The Lord of all things longs for your love, for your acceptance, He wants YOU! Why do you wait? He offers eternity! He offers you the Cross! Through the cross forgiveness of sins, ALL sins can be had. What greater gift could you possibly receive? All He asks for in return is repentance and obedience. This in exchange for LIFE!
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