We Wrestle Not Against Flesh and Blood
Posted 02-23-2015 at 06:16 PM by NT Fellowship
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For 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. Wherefore 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. Ephesians 6:10-13
If you love the Lord Jesus Christ and His inerrant Word, you are a soldier on the front lines of spiritual battle!
Look at any newspaper or news website...or, maybe you shouldn't. Filled with obscene ads, articles that titillate the lusts of the flesh, scandal, corruption...Makes a Christian want a shower after simply trying to find out "what's going on in the world."
Listen to modern music. Musical quality itself seems at an all time low, but the lyrics are even more to the point. Whether it is country, rock (or any of its myriad styles of rock), popular, jazz, etc. the lyrics are filled with continual references to one night stands, the pleasures of sin (only for a season!--see Hebrews 11:25)... decadence abounds.
This is true of far too many message boards and chat forums. People seem eager to corrupt the minds of their readers, slash and burn Bible believers, rip up others who do not agree with them, and hail their favorite sin(s).
Games (video and even board games) are full of lust, violence, and vice.
It's almost impossible to go to the public library and find a decent reading selection. Wholesome books have largely been discarded, and books which glorify the occult and false religions, as well as the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life fill the shelves.
Far too few church groups are serious about the study of Scripture, and applying it to their lives. Sunday meets resemble the Super Bowl, rather than the gathering of saints.
Why is this? The apostasy is enormous. The pressure is on to conform to the world and its ways, or be denounced as cultic/bizarre/stupid /etc.
Believer in Christ--we are in a battle! But this battle won't be won by political activity, screaming at Satan, or holding up "God Hates ***" signs at someone's funeral.
Spiritual warfare is waged spiritually. Our weapons are not carnal--they are spiritual. Prayer, the faithfully preached Word, works of kindness and mercy, forgiveness, purity of life and speech...all of these loudly shine the light of Christ into the darkness of sin.
Study the passage above. Our protection from Satan and his minions is in them. "Putting on" Christ as Lord of your mind, over your heart's meditations, around the activities of your life, etc. and shielding yourself from fear, unbelief, etc. with trust in His Word are the "essentials" of warfare. Then, with the precious Word of God, which is quick (alive) and powerful, we cut down the lies of the devil. They dispel the error of false teaching, make clear the truths of pure science, help us raise our children to be confident in the Lord, and give us strength when we are discouraged.
Child of God, find comfort in the Captain of your faith! Put on your armor, and be strong in the Lord and the power of His might!
If you love the Lord Jesus Christ and His inerrant Word, you are a soldier on the front lines of spiritual battle!
Look at any newspaper or news website...or, maybe you shouldn't. Filled with obscene ads, articles that titillate the lusts of the flesh, scandal, corruption...Makes a Christian want a shower after simply trying to find out "what's going on in the world."
Listen to modern music. Musical quality itself seems at an all time low, but the lyrics are even more to the point. Whether it is country, rock (or any of its myriad styles of rock), popular, jazz, etc. the lyrics are filled with continual references to one night stands, the pleasures of sin (only for a season!--see Hebrews 11:25)... decadence abounds.
This is true of far too many message boards and chat forums. People seem eager to corrupt the minds of their readers, slash and burn Bible believers, rip up others who do not agree with them, and hail their favorite sin(s).
Games (video and even board games) are full of lust, violence, and vice.
It's almost impossible to go to the public library and find a decent reading selection. Wholesome books have largely been discarded, and books which glorify the occult and false religions, as well as the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life fill the shelves.
Far too few church groups are serious about the study of Scripture, and applying it to their lives. Sunday meets resemble the Super Bowl, rather than the gathering of saints.
Why is this? The apostasy is enormous. The pressure is on to conform to the world and its ways, or be denounced as cultic/bizarre/stupid /etc.
Believer in Christ--we are in a battle! But this battle won't be won by political activity, screaming at Satan, or holding up "God Hates ***" signs at someone's funeral.
Spiritual warfare is waged spiritually. Our weapons are not carnal--they are spiritual. Prayer, the faithfully preached Word, works of kindness and mercy, forgiveness, purity of life and speech...all of these loudly shine the light of Christ into the darkness of sin.
Study the passage above. Our protection from Satan and his minions is in them. "Putting on" Christ as Lord of your mind, over your heart's meditations, around the activities of your life, etc. and shielding yourself from fear, unbelief, etc. with trust in His Word are the "essentials" of warfare. Then, with the precious Word of God, which is quick (alive) and powerful, we cut down the lies of the devil. They dispel the error of false teaching, make clear the truths of pure science, help us raise our children to be confident in the Lord, and give us strength when we are discouraged.
Child of God, find comfort in the Captain of your faith! Put on your armor, and be strong in the Lord and the power of His might!
