VICTORY IN JESUS

The old Gospel song declares our “Victory in Jesus.”  Paul promised, “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us,” (Rom. 8:37). Now, Peter proclaims the triumph of our faith in Christ and the means by which we secure it in 1 Pet. 5:8-11. 

First, consider THE REALITY OF OUR FOE,  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8). The Devil is not a fairy tale. Satan is real, and we best face this fact so as to be ready to fight.

This calls for seriousness. “Be sober,” Peter says. It is not a game. This world is a battleground, not a playground. We have an adversary on the prowl who is ready to pounce, and we must take this seriously. 

There must then be watchfulness. “Be vigilant,” is the command.  In the jungle of this world, Satan is a lion stalking his prey. Suddenly, he roars that he may paralyze us with fear. He will devour us, if we are not alert to the danger.

Second, observe THE RESISTANCE OF OUR FAITH.  “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world,” (1 Pet. 5:9). Faith is the antidote to fear. These are mutually exclusive.

This summons us to steadfastness. “Resist him, steadfast in the faith.”  Rather than turn our back and run, we take a stand and resist. When Paul described our spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-20, he stressed that we are to stand our ground—the ground already secured for us by the victory of Jesus in His crucifixion and resurrection. One notes there is no armor for the back!  We are to face the foe. You cannot outrun the roaring lion, but you can outgun him! Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, (cf. 1 Jn. 5:4). 

Yet, there is also the fact of suffering as Peter stated, “knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” We can win, but that doesn’t mean there will be no wounds. We long for final victory, ultimate conquest, but that is secured when Christ returns. In this hostile world, suffering is a realty for the soldiers of the cross. But what the devil means for evil, God means for good—the fiery trials that refine our faith, as we find in the next section.

Third, note THE RELIANCE ON OUR FATHER, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Pet. ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭11‬‬). While we are no match for Satan, he is no match for our Father. It is in reliance on the Lord that victory is assured.

We have the promise of grace, as He is, “the God of all grace.”  There is grace for every need. God’s resources come to those in reliance. Martin Luther put it this way in his hymn:

1 A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper he, amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

does seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

2 Did we in our own strength confide,
 our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God's own choosing.

You ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth his name,

from age to age the same;

and he must win the battle.

3 And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God has willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The prince of darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo! his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

4 That Word above all earthly powers

no thanks to them abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours

through him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill:

God's truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever!

This grace leads to glory.  “[God] called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”  It is all about the glory of God and one day we shall enter that glory—to abide in it. Paul echoed this when he wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,” (Rom.‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬‬). These sufferings will purify us as gold and temper us as steel in the fire.

“To Him be the glory and the dominion direct and ever. Amen.”

THE WAR WITHIN

Paul spoke in Romans 7 of the battlefield inside the believer—wanting to do right and doing wrong.  There is no text more illustrative than in the confession and condemnation of Peter in Matthew 16. Within a few verses, Peter goes from speaking on behalf of heaven to speaking on behalf of hell. He went rapidly from hero to zero—from the pinnacle of commendation to the pit of condemnation.  In the former case, Simon was Spirit inspired and in the latter, satanically inspired. He went from being a solid stone to a stumbling block. 

It does not take long. Each day and then throughout the day, we have to humbly cry out for grace. With deep contrition, we must confess that we are capable in our worst moments of descending into depths that are a bottomless abyss. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jer.17:9). Even at our best moments, we ought acknowledge what Jesus taught, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” (Lk.17:10). 

The best of men are capable of doing the worst of things. We find Noah in the ark, securing deliverance for the world’s inhabitants and then in his tent, drunk and naked to his shame. There is Moses through his faith leading Israel out of Egypt, but then due to his failure incapable of leading them into Canaan. David can bring down a giant with a slingshot, but is brought down by his lust for a woman.

Need I go on?  In desperation, we must cry out with the Apostle, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom.7:24). But, then he looks up and says,  “I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom.7:25). The desperation of Romans 7 is followed by the deliverance of Romans 8. That chapter begins with no condemnation and ends with no separation. In between there is much about the groans we experience here, but the glory that awaits hereafter. In the meantime, God is shaping us as human clay through the pressure of problems and firing us in the kiln of adversity in His pottery shop.  There is this:

 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Rom.8:28-30).

I love the lyrics of this song, written by Ada R. Habershon and performed by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Selah, entitled, “He Will Hold Me Fast.”

When I fear my faith will fail

Christ will hold me fast

When the tempter would prevail

He will hold me fast

I could never keep my hold

Through life's fearful path

For my love is often cold

He must hold me fast

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

Those He saves are His delight

Christ will hold me fast

Precious in His holy sight

He will hold me fast

He'll not let my soul be lost

His promises shall last

Bought by Him at such a cost

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

For my life He bled and died

Christ will hold me fast

Justice has been satisfied

He will hold me fast

Raised with Him to endless life

He will hold me fast

'Til our faith is turned to sight

When He comes at last!

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast

For my Saviour loves me so

He will hold me fast

https://youtu.be/3OOphIgGkjM

DEFEATING THE DRAGON

 

There is much that might be said concerning the long war between God and Satan, that this brief devotional on Revelation 12 cannot exhaust. We will be able to only touch the hem of the garment, but pray that the virtue of Christ will flow into the reader.

Satan is real. He is not some bogeyman of myth meant to frighten little children.  His fight against God though fierce is futile. God is omnipotent and the Dragon is not. In fact, when Satan attacks the gates of Heaven, God does not need to lift a finger.  It is Michael who leads a band of holy angels to repel this hellish horde. The outcome has never been in doubt. 

Though he has no might to resist God, he has been granted permission to deceive and destroy.  His movements are only within the parameters a sovereign God permits. As we learn in the book of Job, the Devil and his demonic hosts must still report to God (Job 1-2).  There will come a time, however, that his access to heaven is halted and he who has been cast down, will be cast out, awaiting only a few years until he is ultimately cast into the lake of fire.

But, the devil is not in hell today. He is raging against the saints.  He is “the accuser of [the] brethren,” (Rev.12:10). He wants to present a list of crimes for which the people of God are guilty—that God might condemn us and consign us to hell with Satan. Yet, we have an Advocate who has ascended (Rev.12:5) who “is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them,” (Heb.7:25).

So, if the Serpent cannot bring us eternal punishment, he will cause earthly pain. Not only is his hatred directed toward the church, but to Israel—God’s chosen people who birthed Christ (Rev.12:1-6). Old Testament history shows repeated attempts by the Devil to obliterate Israel in an effort to prevent Messiah from being born.  Failing in that, the New Testament story shows  Satan seeking to slay the Savior, which only accomplished His mission as the Lamb, leading to Him overcoming death as the Lion, and ascending to glory as the Lord!  What is left for the Dragon to do, but to seek the genocide of the Jews and the slaughter of the saints?  The story of the last two thousand years shows this.

So much more might be said concerning this long war against God. But, I want to move beyond the panorama of spiritual conflict through the ages and the prophetic aspect of the end of the age, to the present application of this to the church age.

There are three essentials to overcome the Devil.  He is overcome by our communion with our Substitute, our communication of the Scriptures, and our commitment to the Savior.

Our communion with our Substitute is indicated by this, “they overcame [the Devil] by the blood of the Lamb.”  The accuser has no answer to this. The powerful blood of Jesus has blotted out our sins. When Satan wants to point out our sins, we point to the blood and say, “What sins are you talking about?”  Jesus became our Substitute on the cross—paying the debt in full that we could never pay and giving us His perfect righteousness that we could never procure. Regularly, we should have communion, so those elements of the bread and the cup remind us of this truth (1 Cor.11:24).

Our communication of the Scriptures is stressed in this, “they overcame him…by the word of their testimony.”  God has given us the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph.6:17). As we practice that truth in obedience and proclaim it in witness, we go on the offense against the Dragon. The Word in our heart and confession of our lips is the testimony of our faith that puts the Devil to flight. It is how the perfect Man, Jesus overcame and how we must (Matt.4:1-11). 

Our commitment to the Savior is underscored by, “they overcame him…[because] they did not love their lives to the death.”  What is Satan’s worst threat?  He can tell us, “I am going to kill you!”  He cannot so long as God has a purpose for us in this world. The moment of our death is by God’s appointment and not the Devil’s decision. Should God in His providence decide that suffering and martyrdom is to be the means of our testing in this world and exit from this life, all Satan can accomplish is to send us on our journey to the glory that awaits!  So, why should we fear?

“How does this future war apply to the church today? The same serpent who accuses the saints in heaven also deceives the nations on earth (Rev. 12:9); and one of his strategies is to lie about the church. He deceives the nations into thinking that the people of God are dangerous, deluded, even destructive. It is through Satan’s deception that the leaders of the nations band together against Christ and His people (Ps. 2; Acts 4:23–30). God’s people in every age must expect the world’s opposition, but the church can always defeat the enemy by being faithful to Jesus Christ" (The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol.2.Warren Wiersbe, p.603).

In America, the church had a period of favor as our religious liberty was enshrined in our Constitution. The citizenry saw the church as a positive force to be embraced. That favor became apathy as a changing culture decided to ignore us and though unbelieving, tolerated the church. The nation saw the church as a neutral force to be endured. Now, the forces of secularism are speaking of animosity toward the church. The voices are louder and more direct.  They speak publicly from the highest platforms of civil authority and you can hear the Dragon’s fire in their voices.  The majority are starting to see the church as a negative force to be eradicated. 

Brace yourselves, saints of God as you meditate on these truths in Revelation 12!

(Thanks to the late Dr. Henry Morris, for the phrase, “the long war against God,” taken from his book by that title).

FACING LIONS WITHOUT FEAR

 

Satan is pictured as a roaring lion seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). We may be sure that his offspring—lions and lionesses, often in the church—will lurk, ready to pounce. Paul spoke of such here, and God’s servants will face them. You may hear their roar, smell the stench of their breath, and even feel the pain of their fangs clamping down on you and claws leaving you bleeding. Yet, Paul tells us that we can face these lions without fear.

We can STAND for the Lord stands with us. Get your eyes off the lion and look to the Lord.  Ravenous beasts are no match for Jesus Christ!  He is the Creator and Conqueror and since He is with us, we don’t have to flee in fear. He will never leave us nor forsake us.  Nehemiah was threatened and answered, “Should such a man as I flee?”  Stand your ground.

We are STRONG for our strength is from the Omnipotent. The power of the Spirit indwells us.  While in myself, I am weak—in His strength I am more than sufficient to overcome my adversaries.  They whimper and slink into the shadows when the Lion of Judah, King of the jungle of this world roars!

We are SECURE since none can truly harm us.  What is the worst an enemy might do—kill us?  But, our times are in God’s hands. He numbers our days and when He is through with us, by whatever means He sovereignty selects, He will take us home. Paul was spared from the lion before, but soon would lose his head!  Yet, He was secure in knowing that would only deliver him to glory and the greatest gain of all!  As Luther sang, “the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever!”

You can face the lion without fear!

COMMITMENT TO THE END

The Apostle’s commitment will be to the end, sealed in his own blood.  Here is his swan song—Paul’s last will and testament.

There are reflections on the past (v.7). 3 times, he reflects, “I have.”  Paul speaks as the soldier when he says, “I have fought the good fight.”  The old Gospel general has taken many a wound in his war with the world, the flesh, and the devil.  He has faithfully worn the whole armor of God and wielded the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. Now, he will lay his armor aside and head for home.  The battle is over and victory has been won!  Paul speaks as a sportsman when he claims, “I have finished the race.”  It has been a marathon—a grueling race of endurance with many hurdles to clear, but now the finish line is in sight and he is sprinting to the tape.  The race is over and victory has been won!  Paul speaks as a steward when he asserts, “I have kept the faith.”  In his time, a steward was a household slave entrusted with his master’s possessions.  He was to manage them and invest them wisely, caring for the household. Paul had been entrusted with the faith—the body of Christian truth (ref. 2 Tim.1:11-14). The work is over and the reward has been won!  God help us to have this testimony in the end.  

Also, we hear a readiness in the present (v.6). Paul’s mind runs to his Jewish roots for an illustration—the pouring out of a drink offering on the altar as an act of worship.  His entire ministry had been a pouring out of his life for Jesus, the church, and lost humanity. The time for his departure from this world is close and he is not dreading it, but delighted in it!  Departure is a nautical term for boarding the ship, raising the anchor, and setting sail. Paul was boarding the Old Ship of Zion for a voyage to golden shores!

Thus, there was rejoicing in the prospects (v.😎. If we bear the cross, we will gain the crown!  Notice the reward is reserved for “that day”—the appearing of Jesus the second time. You don’t get the reward when you die, or you will get short-changed. Our influence lives on!  Only when time is no more will the final results be in and full reward be given. Not just for Paul, not just for preachers,  but “to all those who have loved his appearing.”  Do you love His appearing?  Are you looking up? Looking for Jesus? Living with expectancy and urgency?  Those who are most heavenly minded do the most earthly good.  Look up!  Live for eternity!

THE FOES WE MUST FACE

In 2 Timothy 3:1-9,  the Apostle Paul warns that hard times are coming. I believe that for us they are right around the corner. I pray I am wrong, but I am persuaded that I am right. 

We face a foe that is mostly overt and one that is more covert. One foe we face is the more obvious: the hostility of the world. Watch the news on TV.  Go out into public. What Paul describes in verses 1-5, might as well be America in the 21st century. 

Rather than loving people and using money, we will love money and use people as lovers of self and lovers of money. Arrogance will be apparent as we are boastful, proud, demeaning—which marks the attitude of our elite that seek to dominate us today. There is disrespect of authority, beginning in the home, “disobedient to parents,” and such defiance at home breeds disregard of heaven, “ungrateful, unholy...”—rejecting our earthly fathers, translating into rejection of the Eternal Father. There follows despising His rule and throwing off moral restraint (v.3-5). Religion will be present, but an empty shell—mere ritual with deadening effect. 

This leads from the hostility of the world, which is overt to that which is covert—the subtlety of the wayward—and that will be our topic for tomorrow, God willing.

SWORD AND TROWEL

“The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.” (Nehemiah‬ ‭4:17‬‬b)

The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls required the laborers to work with a trowel in one hand and to wield a sword in the other. It is an apt description of those God has always used in the building of His church. The sword is required because there are spiritual forces arrayed against us, led by the archenemy of our souls, Satan. The trowel is required for it is not enough to fight our foe, but we must toil in our task, as well.

This was the thought behind Spurgeon’s monthly magazine called, “The Sword and the Trowel.”  He began its publication in 1865. The subtitle read, “A Record of Combat With Sin, and Labour For the Lord.”  The first issue made clear these twin purposes of battling and building. Spurgeon wrote, “We speak in love, but not in soft words and trimming sentences. We shall not court controversy, but we shall not shun it when the cause of God demands it. ...  We would sound the trumpet, and lead our comrades to the fight. We would ply the trowel with untiring hand for the building up of Jerusalem’s dilapidated walls, and wield the sword with vigor and valour for the truth.”  This, Spurgeon faithfully did, till his ministry concluded at his death.

This is our task still. Not all appreciated Spurgeon’s commitment to the truth—and make no mistake if you take a stand for Biblical doctrine and devotion in these days, you will be attacked as a hater, when it is love for the Lord and love, indeed, for those who reject the truth which motivates us, though it is not perceived as such. Yet, we dare not be ever looking for a fight, but must exert positive service in our Master’s cause. We must employ the trowel!

Pray for those who mount the pulpit today to carry sword and trowel. Ask God to help you as you enter the church house for marching orders and construction assignments—to go forth from that assembly into the world and make a difference for the cause of Christ.

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 20

The Blindness of Unbelievers

“In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:4-6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The way we live as Christians looks like foolishness to the unbeliever. They are prevented from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, and consequently, the things of Christ appear strange and foreign. They are prevented from seeing and being in an intimate relationship with God Himself. As we share the gospel with our one, we do not share in such a way as to make ourselves look great. We proclaim Christ as servant messengers who are praying God would use us to shine light into the darkness of the lives of unbelievers. May this light give knowledge to those we share the good news with each day.

Pray God would give “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory” to your one. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

YAHWEH OF HOSTS

“Then Elijah said, ‘As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today.’” (1 Kings 18:15)

Yahweh Sabaoth, translated, “LORD of hosts,” is one of the most frequent names of God that we find in the Old Testament, being used about two hundred and fifty times.  It means that He is the Lord God of spiritual armies—Yahweh who rules over the angelic hosts.  These supernatural beings of incredible might and splendor are creations of the Lord.  Their allegiance is to Him and they move at His command.

In a number of ways, the angels are different than humans, yet in one way they are the same—they were created with free will, and with the capacity to obey God came the possibility to disobey.  As hard as it is to imagine, one-third of these heavenly beings follow Satan in his rebellion against God. The twelfth chapter of Revelation gives an overview of this cosmic clash as it  describes war in heaven.

 The outcome of the war is never in doubt.  Satan has no hope of vanquishing God. Yahweh sends forth His holy hosts of angel warriors, and the Devil is cast out. Satan still makes trouble for the church today, and will stir up one final war against Christ on earth, but at last he and his demonic army will be cast into the Lake of Fire.

In the text today, we find Elijah, the man of God standing alone against the power of the malevolent monarchs, King Ahab and his consort, the wicked Jezebel. Yet, he is fearless, for he knows he is not alone. His trust is in the LORD of Hosts.

Today, we also have angels watching over us. All about, unseen, are these mighty ones, ready to minister to the saints. Yet, we do not worship them and trust in them, but in their Maker and Commander, Yahweh Sabaoth, the LORD of Hosts!

YAHWEH OUR BANNER

“And Moses built an altar and called its name, The- LORD -Is-My-Banner;” (Exodus‬ ‭17:15‬‬)

This world is not a ball field for sport; it is a battlefield of strife. Israel had seen God work miraculously to deliver them from slavery. It was a time of worship. And right on the heels of that was a time of warfare.  God had miraculously freed them (Ex.14-15) and fed them (Ex.16). Now, would He fight for them?

The Amalekites attacked Israel, but God gave them victory (Ex.17).  Although Joshua had to take action with troops in the Valley of Rephidim, the war was won higher up. Moses interceded in prayer on the mountain above the fray. So, Moses, in recording this combat report, gives the credit to Yahweh Nissi—Yahweh our Banner.

When soldiers went into battle, they would be led by someone with their arm lifted, holding the banner of the army aloft—a banner symbolizing king and country. Thus, Moses lifts “the rod of God,” as their banner—the same shepherd staff he extended over the Red Sea, as it miraculously opened before Israel, to be their pathway of escape. That was the symbol of Yahweh, the Deliverer.

They were reminded that to fight under His banner is to triumph.  That is still a precious truth for the church in our spiritual warfare. “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Rom.8:37). We march today under the blood-stained banner of the cross for our King Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. Do not fear, “for the battle is the LORD’s,” (1 Sam.17:47).

FIGHTING FAMILIES: The Weapons of our Warfare

Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

What Paul says of Christian warfare in general can be applied to the battle for our family in particular. That Satan and his forces are arrayed against Christian homes and especially preventing the transmission of truth to the next generation is indisputable. Yet, it is a conflict that we can and must win. God has given us weapons and the Apostle describes them here.

These are spiritual weapons. We often think of media, atheists, abortionists, homosexual activists, and so forth as being the enemy, when they are actually those enslaved by the enemy. It is the dark, demonic forces at work behind the material world that we war against.

Our weapons are superior weapons. Satan is stronger than we are, yet he is no match for God!  Not even close!

These weapons can pull down strongholds. Just like the walls around the stronghold of Jericho fell—not by military strategy, but God’s power—so God can free our children’s minds and hearts from satanic strongholds that the world erects.

Our weapons can cast down arguments. Truth is mightier than error.  The lies told to our children can be overcome.

Our weapons can bring down the arrogant deceptions that rail against God, deny His existence, and seek to undermine our children’s faith.  The smug secularist is not as smart as the simple saint who knows the Word of God.

Ultimately, we can capture the thoughts of our children, and lead them into obedience to Christ.  Call it, “brainwashing,” if you will—the reality is that one side or the other is going to win the battle for young minds.

Not only positive instruction, but corrective discipline is needed. Young people must be taught the benefits of obedience to God, but also the pain of disobedience. How we direct them and discipline them is of critical importance.

Take up those weapons.  This is war!  It is winnable. The souls of the next generation are at stake.

FIGHTING FAMILIES: The Field of Battle

Read Ephesians 6:10-18.

The war we are in for the souls of our children is real. Just because we do not use bullets and bombs, but Bibles, makes it no less deadly.  In fact, more than physical peril, their eternal destination is at stake.

Do we feel overwhelmed by this assignment?  Good, because we are overmatched. That is why Paul tells us we must stand in God’s power, for ours is insufficient. Yet, with God all things are possible. If Noah could get all his family on the ark in an age worse than ours, then we can get our children to heaven.

Each day we must put our armor on. The Apostle describes that armor. Fathers and mothers, grandparents, and church members must prepare for battle. This is not a game.

The weapon for offense is the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. We must turn to Scripture, devote ourselves to its study, and instruct our children. Keep the sword sharp!

The field of battle, once we are dressed, is in the place of prayer. That is where the real conflict occurs. This is, after all, a spiritual war. Bible teacher, A.W. Pink said, “[The] most important duty, respecting both the temporal and spiritual good of your children, is fervent supplication to God for them. Without this all the rest will be ineffectual. Means are unavailing unless the Lord blesses them. The Throne of Grace is to be earnestly implored that your efforts to bring up your children for God may be crowned with success.”

Now, get on your knees and fight!

FIGHTING FAMILIES: The Battle for the Next Generation

Read Judges 2:7-12.

You need to be a fighting family. I’m not advocating that we fight with each other, but fight for one another. If we do not face the fact that we live in a world that is hostile to faith, then we will lose the war for our children’s souls. This is the battle for the next generation.

It is one that Israel lost. In our text today, we note how Joshua led the people of his day to live for God. “So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.” (v.7‬). They not only knew about God, but they had experienced Him.  Yet, they failed to lead the next generation into that same reality. “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.” (v.10‬)

Joshua’s generation had been fighters—they had warred against the pagan culture. The next generation practiced compromise and surrendered to the heathen environment. “Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served the Baals; and they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the LORD to anger.” (v.11-12‬).

This is the great challenge of our day. Make a commitment to be a fighting family. The eternal destiny of your children is at stake!

SAINTS: SITTING, STRIDING, STANDING

We are not saved because of what we do for God, but because of what God has done for us.  The glory and greatness of God’s grace in salvation is the theme of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, bringing us into a right position with God because of Christ. We are in Christ, having received God’s mercy and love that has imparted new life. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” (2:4-6‬).

 Because of this position in Christ, we can now follow the pattern of Christ.  Not only are we in Christ, but Christ is in us, to live His life through us.  Based on our position, grace provides the motive and might to live as Christ. “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,” (4:1‬). Note the word, “therefore,” which ties the application of the life of Christ in 4:1-6:9 with the apprehension of the life of Christ in 1:1-3:21. So much of 4:1ff is about the relationships we have with others, that is rooted in our relationship with Christ.

Having that position, and modeling that pattern, brings us into conflict with Satan, and requires God’s power and protection. We are walking against the world’s direction and so have a head-on collision with the Devil. So, the Apostle closes by speaking of our perseverance in Christ.  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (6:11‬). We stand against a supernatural foe with a supernatural force—the almighty power of Christ.  We dress in His armor—each piece put on with prayer.

In summary, we have the believer sitting, striding, and standing. That is an overview of the Ephesian epistle. Perhaps this next week, you would want to take one chapter a day, read it, meditate on it, pray over it, and seek one practical application of that chapter.  What a difference that would make in every dimension of your life: in the flock of your church (4:1-5:21); with the family in your home (5:22-6:4); in the field of the world (6:5-24).

DEFEATING THE DEVIL

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.  (Revelation 12:11)

In the twelfth chapter of Revelation, we find war in heaven.  This passage has a prophetic interpretation.  The swirl of events seen here involve the consummation of the age.  However, there is also a perpetual implication.  Throughout the history of the planet, there has been a conflict between light and darkness, between God and the Devil.  Yet, our focus is upon the practical illustration.  Daily we do battle with the enemy of our souls.  Contained in this text are spiritual truths that will enable us to defeat the Devil. 

We can overcome Satan by THE CRUCIFIXION OF THE LAMB. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb….”  In Eden, God pronounced the curse upon sin.  Still, I remind you, that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.  So on the heels of the curse, God decreed the cure for sin.  Genesis 3:15 presents the first prophecy of Messiah.  It reads, “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”  At Calvary the old Serpent plunged his venomous fangs into the heel of the Seed of woman, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus was bruised for our transgressions, but in so doing, crushed the Serpent’s head.  Christ’s victory is our victory.  We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.   Plead the blood.  The blood of Christ has purchased us and preserves us. 

We defeat the devil by THE CONFESSION OF THE LIPS.  It says, “they overcame him . . . by the word of their testimony….”  This Word referred to is the Word of God. Paul calls it, “The Sword of the Spirit” in Ephesians 6.  Jesus put the Devil to flight in the wilderness by the word of His testimony, as He uttered this response to each temptation, “It is written….”  We store the Word in our life and then speak the Word with our lips.  Words can be weapons of destruction when tongues are controlled by Satan. But words can also unleash the power and blessing of God when the mouth is mastered by Christ.  Remember how Jericho fell with a shout!  So will the strongholds of Satan crumble before the power of a positive confession rooted in the Word of God. 

We can defeat the Devil by THE COMMITMENT OF THE LIFE, for “they did not love their lives to the death.”  That’s total commitment.  What power there is in a life yielded unto God!  The stoutest demon trembles at the sight of a saint whose gaze is fixed on heaven, with the world behind his back, whose mind is consumed with Christ, whose ears are sensitive to the Spirit’s still, small voice, and whose feet are set on the highway of holiness.  How can the Devil threaten such a person?  He can say, “I’ll take your possessions!” But having surrendered it all to God, we have nothing to lose.  Satan can rave, “I’ll destroy your family!”  If like Hannah with Samuel, we’ve given them to God, we’re persuaded that He is able to keep that which we’ve committed unto Him against that day.  Satan can say, “I’ll take your health!” However, we realize our body is a lump of clay in the hand of the Divine Potter to shape as He sees fit. Therefore, we do not fear.  This is victory!

BECOMING A MAN OF GOD

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.  ‎Fight the good fight of faith….  (1 Timothy 6:11-12a)

One day the church doors are going to open and your casket will be rolled down the aisle.  Family will stand there grieving and friends will file by to pay their last respects.  What will they say about you?  When people gaze upon my still form, the one thing I want most for them to say is, “He was a man of God.”  I can think of no greater title.  No better legacy could be left to our children, men, than that.  Whatever else we leave behind, if those who know us best can say, “He was a man of God,” then we have lived a life worth living.  Paul tells us how in 1 Timothy 6.

The man of God knows what to FLEE (v.11a).  The expression “these things” are those discussed in verses 1-10.  There are some things that we must steer clear of or they will ruin our testimony.  What must we flee?

We flee a lazy aptitude (v.1-2).  The man of God is a man of industry and integrity on his job.  He gives a day’s work for a day’s wage.  Men of God are certainly faithful to worship at the church on Sunday, but they are likewise faithful to work at the job on Monday.  Scripture exhorts that whatever we do to do all to the glory of God!

We flee a lofty attitude (v.3-5). The man of God cannot be arrogant and egotistical—full of devilish pride.  Such a spirit is marked by ignorance (v.3-4a), intolerance (v.4b), and impurity (v.5).

We flee a lustful appetite (v.5-10).  As stated earlier we have a responsibility to be effective and excellent employees.  Yet, we dare not become workaholics or idolaters.   You can’t worship God and mammon.  Real success is found in verse 6.

The man of God also knows what to FOLLOW (v.11b).  It isn’t enough to be noted as to what you are against, but what you are for.

The man of God pursues “righteousness.”  He is right with God through faith in Christ and right with others through forgiveness.

He pursues “godliness.”  We reflect the character of God.  People see Jesus in us.  

He pursues “faith.”e HH  The man of God is a man of faith.  Faith comes from the Word and is expressed in prayer.  Are you a man of the Word and prayer?

He pursues “love.”  Love is the preeminent virtue.  It is the great commandment—loving God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves.

He pursues “patience.”  There is no magic pill to take to become a man of God.  We must also display patience with others.

He pursues “gentleness.”  We recognize that people are delicate—that they have sensitive feelings.  We don’t run over people.

The man of God knows when to FIGHT (v.12).  God has issued a call to arms.

We need to acknowledge the reality of the conflict.  Some of us don’t realize there is a war.  Satan is on the rampage because he knows his time is short.  Our faith, our freedom, and our family are under assault.  Wake up!  Get up!  Stand up!

We will then attain the reward of the conquest.  There is a victor’s crown.  Scripture promises a reward to the overcomer.

Many years ago I made a commitment to be a man of God.  Today I renew that goal.  Will you join me?  Ladies, will you pray for the men?

FIGHTING ON YOUR KNEES

Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.   But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.  Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”  (Daniel 10:12-14)

I recall when my son Christopher was small, we bought him a pair of boxing gloves.  He wanted to use Daddy for a punching bag!  I would have none of it.  If he were going to hit me, I was going to punch back!  So he could reach me, I got down on my knees.  I won the match, of course!  In spiritual warfare, that is the position we must take, as well, if we are to win.  It explains in part why prayer often feels like a battle—it is!  There are several vital lessons to learn about “fighting on your knees,” in Daniel, chapter ten.

We learn some MOTIVATIONS for our praying (v.1).  Daniel was motivated by both the indifference and impotence of the people of God.  It had been three years since Cyrus had come to power and issued a decree that the Jews were free to return to Jerusalem.  Only a small number had gone.  Most had no heart for the work of God.  We know from a study of Ezra and Nehemiah that those who did go back had many enemies in their effort to rebuild.  That set Daniel to praying!  A similar state plagues the people of God today, and ought to motivate us to cry out to God.

We further discover the MANNER of our praying (v.2-3).  It was a prayer that involved intercession and intensity.  Daniel’s praying was a plea for God’s people and exhibited a passion for God’s glory.  This was no self-centered prayer treating God as Santa Claus to grant a list of Daniel’s Christmas gifts, nor a pious ritual, mindlessly recited.  True praying will be much more than that!  Our manner will be that of Daniel’s.

Then, we note the MANIFESTATION from our praying (v.4-9).  There is only one other in Scripture who fits the Being described here—the Lord Jesus Christ.  His description in Revelation 1 that John saw while in exile on Patmos mirrored what Daniel saw while in exile in Persia.  When our prayers rise up, heaven comes down.  We enter the very throne room of grace and encounter the Son of God as we bow before Him.  Prayer involves worship.

This provides the MIGHT in our praying (v.10-14).  Prayer not only involves worship, but warfare.  After a space of being on his face, another being speaks to Daniel—he sees the Son of God has departed, but now the angel Gabriel is there.  Gabriel left heaven with the answer the moment Daniel started praying, but was delayed by a demonic force.  It was the persistent prayer of the prophet that summoned Michael to aid Gabriel in getting the answer through!  The battle in the invisible dimension was determined by the faithful praying of Daniel in the physical realm.  There is power in prayer!

Then comes the MESSAGE from our praying (v.15-21).  The answer comes.  Assurance of victory is provided.  This is how we win!

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel, saying, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Have you seen all this great multitude?  Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the LORD.’ ”  (I Kings 20:13)

The last time I went trout fishing, I hooked a monster fish, but he got away!  A fish may be hooked and even brought into reach and still escape. There have been times they have even been brought onto the boat or the bank,  flopped back into the water, and were gone.  Likewise, God's people get to the point of victory at times and stop short of success.  They have it in sight but don’t press on.  The momentum is there and they ease up.  We can get right to the brink of blessing and turn back.  A church can arrive at the threshold of revival and not cross over.  1 Kings 20 illustrates this truth. God provided Ahab, king of Israel, with victory, but he didn't reel it in!

We might think the Israeli/Syrian conflict is something new, but it isn't.  The antagonism is thousands of years old (v.1-12).  Our spiritual enemies are just as real.  This world is a dangerous place for the child of God.  War is deadly business.  The Christian is at war according to Ephesians 6--not with flesh and blood, but demonic forces.

Ben-Hadad made his demands and fear gripped Ahab.  Satan seeks to terrorize us as a roaring lion.  He wants us to freeze in fear instead of fighting in faith, that he may devour us.  We dare not give in.  We must stand strong and face the foe.   “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph.6:13)  Ahab had all he needed to win, for God had purposed it to be so (v.13-30).  God has furnished believers today with the armor to wear and arms to wield that are needed to overcome our enemy.

Why does God permit Satan to attack?  We will learn much about God in our battles that we could not understand otherwise.  There are lessons of faith and obedience engraved on our soul through the struggles.   God was going to show who was boss!   Satan is no match for God and God wants everyone to know it!

It was an overwhelming victory.  Scripture teaches that we are "more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Rom.8:37)  Our intent isn’t just to defeat the enemy, but spoil his goods!
Spiritual warfare is a fight to the finish--there can be no truce!  Yet, that is the folly of Ahab the compromiser (v.31-43).  The devil will say, “If I can’t beat them, I’ll join them.”    Failing to overcome us by force, he will try to be our friend.  Do we not understand that, "Friendship with the world is enmity with God"?  (James 4:4)  That is witnessed here.  In v.35-36 we find a man who was disobedient to the Word of the Lord and paid the ultimate price.  The next fellow would not repeat that error.  He didn't want to become the lion's next meal!  Ahab has allowed the "big one" to get away.  This opportunity was lost.  I wonder if in heaven if we will be judged not only for the works we did, but have our reward diminished by failing to achieve the potential we might have reached.

SMASHING SATAN'S STRONGHOLDS

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ….  (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

What do you do about a stubborn sin?  You have prayed about it; you have promised not to do it again; but once more you have succumbed. Your life has become a miserable cycle of temptation, surrender, sorrow, repentance, and recommitment—only to be repeated over and over.  This is no longer only a sin—it has become a stronghold of Satan.

Paul’s use of the word here in 2 Corinthians is rooted in a term for a fortress or castle.  A stronghold is a place where the Devil has a “strong hold” on you.  The enemy is firmly entrenched.  A castle is not constructed overnight.  The foundation is laid when a sin is committed, and then brick after brick the fortifying occurs as the sin is repeated.  For example, here is how a stronghold of pornography would develop: 

You are surfing the internet.  An advertisement catches your attention—perhaps some celebrity has been caught in a scandalous situation—photos included.  You are curious and you click on it.  Images are burned in your mind.  Links take you to other sites, even more sordid—like a moth drawn to the flame.  Then, you get a grip, and close it down.  You confess it and ask God’s forgiveness.  Still the images haunt your mind, and the next time you are online you feel the tug.  Again you surrender—soon you become obsessed—accompanied by the inevitable guilt and shame. 

Don’t think it cannot happen to you.  It may be something else—greed, exaggeration, bitterness, anger, fear, gluttony, drunkenness, pride—the list is large.  Has it happened to you?

The battlefield is in your mind—and that is where the spiritual weapons God has given us must be applied.  There must be submission to the truth, confession of the stronghold, and dependence on God.  We must put on the whole armor of God (see Eph.6:10-20), each piece put on with the prayer of faith.  Take up the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—and go on the offensive.  This is how Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness and put Satan to flight. He knew the Word, trusted it, submitted to it, quoted it, and stood His ground.  He did that as a man to show us how humans can overcome.  We do not argue with the Devil—he can always outtalk us—we rebuke those arguments.  We bring our thoughts into submission to the Word of God.  When our minds are full of Scripture, there is no room for Satan to flood our thoughts with evil.  In fact, our thoughts will either be captive to the enemy or conquered by Christ.

Revelation 12:11 names three powerful weapons for overcoming Satan: the blood of Jesus, the word of our testimony, and a commitment unto death.  The blood of Jesus cleanses and covers us.  It seals us as belonging to God—the purchase price of redemption.  We do not have to be mastered by sin anymore. We belong to Jesus.  We testify to that—confessing God’s promises to counter the enemy.  Our lives are no longer our own.  The cross signifies our death to sin, and the empty tomb promises new life.  The power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us!

Demolish that stronghold in Jesus’ name!