At my first glance of John 11 I ended at verse 44, "The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth Jesus said to them, 'Unbind him, and let him go.'" That's where the journey to new life ends and where the journey of new life begins. It's an obvious ending point if new life is the destination we're striving towards. But that isn't where the chapter ends. In the remaining thirteen verses we see one more crucial element about the journeys we undertake with God.
In the final verses of John 11 we see that more than just Lazarus receives new life from Jesus in this moment. Verse 45 says, "Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him." The journey to new life is essential not simply because those who take it receive the life that God created them for, but more so because we are not the only ones effected by the outcome. Lazarus receives new life, and many of the Jews there believe in Jesus because of the new life that Lazarus received.
People are changed by new life. People can see new life, and it effects them. We must undertake this journey not simply for ourselves, but for the countless people we come in contact with throughout the journey of new life. People are come to faith because of the new life they see in others. New life from Jesus in us, draws others to Christ. But not everyone is thrilled by new life. Verse 46 says, "But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done."
Some of the higher-ups gather and discuss what to do. It's interesting how they don't deny a miracle. They don't deny that Lazarus was dead and that Jesus gave him new life. But they realize that this new life will force them to change, and they aren't on board with that. And so verse 53 tells us, "So from that day on they planned together to kill Him." When new life is being given and the currant order of things is being shaken up, crucifixions start being planned. Jesus was doing something great, but rather than embrace it and receive life as it was supposed to be, the Jewish leaders decided to cling to the life they had. Not only did the miss out on new life, but they also killed God. Jesus gave new life' and it cost Him His life because people were stubborn and refused to accept it. But He courageously continued to give new life because He knew that nothing was greater than the work God had given Him to do, and He was willing to pay any price.
Before He returned to Heaven, He gave all who would follow Him a commission to continue the work of helping people find new life. Matthew 28.19-20, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." This is a dangerous mission to undertake. Jesus warns us in John 16 that there will be trouble in this world. And Paul warns us in Ephesians 6 that this struggle is not against flesh and blood, but an evil force. Undertaking the journey of new life puts us on the side of Jesus against Satan. There is a cost to following Jesus, new life is not cheap, but it is worth the price that must be paid.
If we aren’t prepared for the hardships on the journey of new life, and the journeys that follow it, we aren’t going to make it. This journey is not to be taken lightly because there are great costs to be paid. If you’re on the journey be ready for the attack. The forces of evil will stop at nothing as they attempt to take you out, as long as you are a threat. If you’re not under attack right now, and if it’s been a while since an attack, you might want to examine your life and see if there is anything that makes you a threat to Satan. Is anything about your life helping bring new life to others? If not, why?
But if you are a threat, if you are under attack, God have given us equipment to be prepared for them. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit,” (Ephesians 6.10-18a).
The journey to new life comes with its hardships, but God gives us the equipment to be prepared for the journey. There will be hardships on the journey. There will be attacks, but the attacks can serve as an encouragement. It means that we are being used by God for His Kingdom. God doesn't want us to be taken out, and so He has equipped us for the journey with His armor. Suit up, and let's get going, there are people that need the new life that only Jesus can give, and we are the ones commissioned to bring the message to them. Stand firm, don't be discouraged.
To God alone be the Glory!
Peace be with you
Showing posts with label Armor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Armor. Show all posts
Monday, June 4, 2012
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Weapon 4: Division
Division, "the act or process of dividing; state of being divided."
Satan uses his final weapon in Genesis 3.1, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Indeed, has God said, "You shall not eat from any tree of the garden"?'" Did you notice how he divides them? It says he said to the woman. Verse 6 tells us that Adam was there with her, but Satan doesn't address him, just her. He doesn't invite Adam to share what God said. He divides them and Eve is forced to assume a role she was never meant to have.
When this happens, nothing good can occur. Eve takes the fruit and eats it, and then gives some to Adam who also eats. And when they do, sin enters the world. They cover themselves with fig leaves as verse 7 says, and then in verse 8 they hide from God. They are not only divided in the battle, but as a result of the loss they are cut off from God. They are divided from their source of life and as a result all of creation is cursed as well.
Jesus too is tempted with division. Satan tries to get Him to work for His own glory instead of Gods. In verse 3 he tries to get Jesus to selfishly use His power for His own benefit, and not rely upon God to sustain Him He tries to get Him to be separated from His true source of life.
Again in verse 6 Satan invites Jesus to take matters into His own hands. To test and see if the scriptures are true and put God to the test. Jesus again would be doing things His way, not God's. And in verse 9 Satan offers Jesus a way to fulfill His mission in a way that removes the cross. He simply needs to turn His back on God and worship him for a moment, and it can all go away.
Each time Jesus refuses, Jesus stays connected to His Father, His source of life. He brings the promises that scripture tells us of God. He remains faithful and trusts that God's plan is best, and that God will not abandon Him.
Division is the result of the other three. If we buy into the lies of Satan's first three weapons, division is a natural result. We are deceived that God and others don't care, or that we're the problem, and so we take off by ourselves. We are discouraged and embarrassed by results and so we avoid people who could help us. We have doubts that we can succeed, or that God will be faithful, and we run and look for the easy way. And in all of these situations we end up alone.
Division is a death sentence. Jesus said, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand." (Mark 3.24) Where there is division nothing can get accomplished. Where people refuse to work together there can be no progress. Jesus beat division and stayed faithful and connected to His Father. We have the tools to do the same.
We surround ourselves with the belt of truth, and we refuse to buy into the lies of Satan. We cover ourselves we the breastplate of righteousness, and firmly stand in our relationship with God. We have sure footing because of the shoes of peace, and we stand our ground assured that God is with us. We take up the shield of faith and we stand in rank with others and fight together to win the battle. We put on the helmet of salvation and embrace the promise that we now belong to God and that nothing can separate us from Him. And we draw on the power of the sword of the spirit, and cut through the lies and barriers of the enemy.
We must stay connected to God and we must have fellowship with others. I think of the line from Gladiator as Maximus and the others prepare for their first battle in the Colosseum. He says to them, "Whatever comes out of these gates, we've got a better chance of survival if we work together. Do you understand? If we stay together we survive." If we stay together we survive.
Don't allow Satan to separate you from others and from God. Stand firm, pour into the truth of Scripture and spend time in prayer, communicating with God. Stay together, and we not only survive, but through the power of Christ, we kick tail.
Peace be with you
Satan uses his final weapon in Genesis 3.1, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Indeed, has God said, "You shall not eat from any tree of the garden"?'" Did you notice how he divides them? It says he said to the woman. Verse 6 tells us that Adam was there with her, but Satan doesn't address him, just her. He doesn't invite Adam to share what God said. He divides them and Eve is forced to assume a role she was never meant to have.
When this happens, nothing good can occur. Eve takes the fruit and eats it, and then gives some to Adam who also eats. And when they do, sin enters the world. They cover themselves with fig leaves as verse 7 says, and then in verse 8 they hide from God. They are not only divided in the battle, but as a result of the loss they are cut off from God. They are divided from their source of life and as a result all of creation is cursed as well.
Jesus too is tempted with division. Satan tries to get Him to work for His own glory instead of Gods. In verse 3 he tries to get Jesus to selfishly use His power for His own benefit, and not rely upon God to sustain Him He tries to get Him to be separated from His true source of life.
Again in verse 6 Satan invites Jesus to take matters into His own hands. To test and see if the scriptures are true and put God to the test. Jesus again would be doing things His way, not God's. And in verse 9 Satan offers Jesus a way to fulfill His mission in a way that removes the cross. He simply needs to turn His back on God and worship him for a moment, and it can all go away.
Each time Jesus refuses, Jesus stays connected to His Father, His source of life. He brings the promises that scripture tells us of God. He remains faithful and trusts that God's plan is best, and that God will not abandon Him.
Division is the result of the other three. If we buy into the lies of Satan's first three weapons, division is a natural result. We are deceived that God and others don't care, or that we're the problem, and so we take off by ourselves. We are discouraged and embarrassed by results and so we avoid people who could help us. We have doubts that we can succeed, or that God will be faithful, and we run and look for the easy way. And in all of these situations we end up alone.
Division is a death sentence. Jesus said, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand." (Mark 3.24) Where there is division nothing can get accomplished. Where people refuse to work together there can be no progress. Jesus beat division and stayed faithful and connected to His Father. We have the tools to do the same.
We surround ourselves with the belt of truth, and we refuse to buy into the lies of Satan. We cover ourselves we the breastplate of righteousness, and firmly stand in our relationship with God. We have sure footing because of the shoes of peace, and we stand our ground assured that God is with us. We take up the shield of faith and we stand in rank with others and fight together to win the battle. We put on the helmet of salvation and embrace the promise that we now belong to God and that nothing can separate us from Him. And we draw on the power of the sword of the spirit, and cut through the lies and barriers of the enemy.
We must stay connected to God and we must have fellowship with others. I think of the line from Gladiator as Maximus and the others prepare for their first battle in the Colosseum. He says to them, "Whatever comes out of these gates, we've got a better chance of survival if we work together. Do you understand? If we stay together we survive." If we stay together we survive.
Don't allow Satan to separate you from others and from God. Stand firm, pour into the truth of Scripture and spend time in prayer, communicating with God. Stay together, and we not only survive, but through the power of Christ, we kick tail.
Peace be with you
Friday, December 9, 2011
Weapon 3: Doubt
Doubt, "To be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe. To distrust."
Satan's third weapon is doubt. We see this again in Genesis 3.1, "Did God really say,..." Right at the beginning we see God's word brought into question. If Adam and Eve cannot trust what God has said, how can they trust God. Doubt is a powerful weapon becasue it begins so subtlety.
As soon as Satan can get us to begin to question the truth of God, and what God has really said, our trust in God is shaken. At this point, Eve misquotes God, adding things into God's instructions and boundaries. And at this point Satan is free to twist what God said further, and spin lies causing them to stumble.
It is ok to ask God questions; it's ok to wonder. But there has to be trust that no matter what God is right. God has our best interest at heart, and that no matter what happens it will result in the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom.
Doubt is an attack not only on belief, our faith, but on our identity as well. We see this with Jesus in Matthew 4. "The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God...'" At the very beginning of the temptation, Satan begins by challenging who Jesus is. In Matthew 3, Jesus baptism, verse 17 says, "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"
Right before His temptation begins, Jesus is given an identity by His Father. Satan challenges that. It's an invitation for Jesus to prove to Himself that He is who the Father says. It's an invitation to use His power for selfish gain, to satisfy a need He has.
Doubt causes us to need to prove ourselves. It causes us to take matters into our own hands and do things in a way that God hasn't prescribed for us to do. But when our trust that God is able, or that He has our best interest at heart, what other option are we left with?
Adam and Eve saw that the fruit of the tree was useful for gaining knowledge they eat. They question God, and doubt that He knows what's best. They take matters into their own hands, and fall into sin; they curse all of creation with their doubt. Jesus responds to Satan's attack by falling back into the arms of His father. Matthew 4.4, "Jesus answered, 'It is written: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."'"
The armor of God is given to us to overcome doubt. Truth surrounds us and reminds us that God has our best interest at heart. Righteousness is the relationship we have with God. Peace is assurance in the path we walk with God. Faith guards us from the lies Satan throws at us, twisting what God has said. Salvation reminds us that God has forgiven us, that we belong to Him, that we are His children. The Spirit is with us daily to remind us, we are to pour ourselves into the Word and find the truth of God there.
Doubt is a powerful weapon, but Jesus has overcome it. In His victory He shows us how to block and counterattack. Don't be overcome with doubt, but live off of the words of the Father.
Peace be with you
Satan's third weapon is doubt. We see this again in Genesis 3.1, "Did God really say,..." Right at the beginning we see God's word brought into question. If Adam and Eve cannot trust what God has said, how can they trust God. Doubt is a powerful weapon becasue it begins so subtlety.
As soon as Satan can get us to begin to question the truth of God, and what God has really said, our trust in God is shaken. At this point, Eve misquotes God, adding things into God's instructions and boundaries. And at this point Satan is free to twist what God said further, and spin lies causing them to stumble.
It is ok to ask God questions; it's ok to wonder. But there has to be trust that no matter what God is right. God has our best interest at heart, and that no matter what happens it will result in the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom.
Doubt is an attack not only on belief, our faith, but on our identity as well. We see this with Jesus in Matthew 4. "The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God...'" At the very beginning of the temptation, Satan begins by challenging who Jesus is. In Matthew 3, Jesus baptism, verse 17 says, "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"
Right before His temptation begins, Jesus is given an identity by His Father. Satan challenges that. It's an invitation for Jesus to prove to Himself that He is who the Father says. It's an invitation to use His power for selfish gain, to satisfy a need He has.
Doubt causes us to need to prove ourselves. It causes us to take matters into our own hands and do things in a way that God hasn't prescribed for us to do. But when our trust that God is able, or that He has our best interest at heart, what other option are we left with?
Adam and Eve saw that the fruit of the tree was useful for gaining knowledge they eat. They question God, and doubt that He knows what's best. They take matters into their own hands, and fall into sin; they curse all of creation with their doubt. Jesus responds to Satan's attack by falling back into the arms of His father. Matthew 4.4, "Jesus answered, 'It is written: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."'"
The armor of God is given to us to overcome doubt. Truth surrounds us and reminds us that God has our best interest at heart. Righteousness is the relationship we have with God. Peace is assurance in the path we walk with God. Faith guards us from the lies Satan throws at us, twisting what God has said. Salvation reminds us that God has forgiven us, that we belong to Him, that we are His children. The Spirit is with us daily to remind us, we are to pour ourselves into the Word and find the truth of God there.
Doubt is a powerful weapon, but Jesus has overcome it. In His victory He shows us how to block and counterattack. Don't be overcome with doubt, but live off of the words of the Father.
Peace be with you
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Weapon 2: Discouragement
Discourage, "To deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit. To dissuade (usually followed by from ). To obstruct by opposition or difficulty; hinder. To express or make clear disapproval of;"
Satan uses his second weapon in Genesis 3 also. Discouragement is the act of removing confidence or hope from someone. Satan discourages Eve's trust in God. He begins by misquoting God, and then brings out a lie making God seem like the bad guy. Genesis 3.4-5, "The serpent said to the woman, 'You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'"
Satan discourages them from following God by shaking their trust in God. In verse one he says, "Did God really say...?" Eve misquotes what God said by adding limitations to what He gave. It opens the door for Satan to work. He makes his offer seem better than God's and Eve falls into sin.
Discouragement also hits us through difficult circumstances. We look at a task and begin to lose hope in the abilities we have to accomplish it. We can begin to doubt that God will come through for us. We can begin to wonder if God made a mistake in choosing us for the job. Jesus faced this weapon in the desert as well.
Matthew 4.8-9, "Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, 'All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.'" Jesus had come to save the world through His death on the cross. Satan here offers Christ the opportunity to save the world without the cross. If Jesus is given the world He can do what He pleases with it. He can save it without dieing for it. All He has to do is compromise just for a second.
I can imagine as Jesus is on the mountain top and Satan is making his offer, he adds a few other things, possibly along the lines of what Satan says to Jesus in the Garden in The Passion of the Christ. "Do you really believe that one man can bear the full burden of sin? ... No man can carry this burden I tell you. It is far too heavy. Saving their souls is too costly. No one. Ever. No. Never." Satan uses his weapon of discouragement well. He offers Jesus the chance to do what God sent Him to do, but in an easier way; a way that wouldn't involve pain or death, just a small bow, one single act of worship.
It's a tempting offer, an offer that seems hopeful, better and easier. But Jesus knew that He could not save the world by compromising and coming to our level. Instead He must stand firm, knees locked, and be encouraged that God's plan is the best. He defeats Satan's second weapon with the truth of Scripture and hope and trust in God. "Then Jesus said to him, 'Go, Satan! For it is written, "YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY."'"
Jesus overcame discouragement, where Adam and Eve gave in. Jesus knew that God's plan was the best plan, that God's plan was the only way. He wasn't discouraged by the difficulty, but encouraged by the love and presence of the Father.
We too must overcome discouragement, but we don't have to do it alone. God has given us truth, that shows us His plan is best. We have righteousness, the relationship with Him that guards our lives. Peace, which gives us sure footing on difficult ground. Faith, trust in God and what He says. Salvation, to guard our thoughts and help us hear what God is saying to us. And the Spirit, the sword, the word of God. It is a love letter to us, written from God's heart to ours to encourage us through the struggles of life.
With the weapons and armor of God, we can deflect and defeat Satan's second weapon of discouragement.
Peace be with you.
Satan uses his second weapon in Genesis 3 also. Discouragement is the act of removing confidence or hope from someone. Satan discourages Eve's trust in God. He begins by misquoting God, and then brings out a lie making God seem like the bad guy. Genesis 3.4-5, "The serpent said to the woman, 'You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'"
Satan discourages them from following God by shaking their trust in God. In verse one he says, "Did God really say...?" Eve misquotes what God said by adding limitations to what He gave. It opens the door for Satan to work. He makes his offer seem better than God's and Eve falls into sin.
Discouragement also hits us through difficult circumstances. We look at a task and begin to lose hope in the abilities we have to accomplish it. We can begin to doubt that God will come through for us. We can begin to wonder if God made a mistake in choosing us for the job. Jesus faced this weapon in the desert as well.
Matthew 4.8-9, "Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, 'All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.'" Jesus had come to save the world through His death on the cross. Satan here offers Christ the opportunity to save the world without the cross. If Jesus is given the world He can do what He pleases with it. He can save it without dieing for it. All He has to do is compromise just for a second.
I can imagine as Jesus is on the mountain top and Satan is making his offer, he adds a few other things, possibly along the lines of what Satan says to Jesus in the Garden in The Passion of the Christ. "Do you really believe that one man can bear the full burden of sin? ... No man can carry this burden I tell you. It is far too heavy. Saving their souls is too costly. No one. Ever. No. Never." Satan uses his weapon of discouragement well. He offers Jesus the chance to do what God sent Him to do, but in an easier way; a way that wouldn't involve pain or death, just a small bow, one single act of worship.
It's a tempting offer, an offer that seems hopeful, better and easier. But Jesus knew that He could not save the world by compromising and coming to our level. Instead He must stand firm, knees locked, and be encouraged that God's plan is the best. He defeats Satan's second weapon with the truth of Scripture and hope and trust in God. "Then Jesus said to him, 'Go, Satan! For it is written, "YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY."'"
Jesus overcame discouragement, where Adam and Eve gave in. Jesus knew that God's plan was the best plan, that God's plan was the only way. He wasn't discouraged by the difficulty, but encouraged by the love and presence of the Father.
We too must overcome discouragement, but we don't have to do it alone. God has given us truth, that shows us His plan is best. We have righteousness, the relationship with Him that guards our lives. Peace, which gives us sure footing on difficult ground. Faith, trust in God and what He says. Salvation, to guard our thoughts and help us hear what God is saying to us. And the Spirit, the sword, the word of God. It is a love letter to us, written from God's heart to ours to encourage us through the struggles of life.
With the weapons and armor of God, we can deflect and defeat Satan's second weapon of discouragement.
Peace be with you.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Weapon 1: Deception
Deceive, "to mislead by a false appearance or statement; delude". Delude means, "to mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive". Deception is the first weapon we see Satan use. In Genesis 3 he enters the scene of a perfect creation, in the disguise of a serpent. He begins talking to a woman and the first recorded line of Satan is "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?"
Right away he begins to lead the creation away from God by presenting a question that begins to convince Adam and Eve that God is keeping something from them, that He is holding them back. Eve responds to his question "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" Eve has now misquoted God. Satan has done his work.
God had given them freedom to eat from any tree in the Garden (Genesis 2.16). God had never told them not to touch the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, simply not to eat of it (Genesis 2.17). Eve said they would die, but God had said that they would surely die (Genesis 2.17). In these statements Eve has taken away from God's generosity, making it seem like their right to eat the fruit of the garden, not as a privilege from God. She adds restrictions to what God has instructed, making God seem restrictive. She has taken away from the severity and surety of God's word; He means what He says, and His authority is absolute. Deception leads us away from the truth of God. It leads us away from the good that God has for us, because we become convinced that it is not the best. That is deception.
Satan works through deception gradually, giving partial truths. We see this same tactic with Jesus temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 4.6 Satan quotes Scripture to Jesus, trying to get Him to throw Himself off of the Temple, proving Himself to be the Messiah of Israel. It sounds great, Jesus jumps, angles catch Him, the priests realize that He is the Messiah, they make Him King and He never has to go near the cross. But Jesus knows that a ministry based on miracles and wonders is doomed to fail. People's faith only lasts as long as the miracles do, and when it gets hard they are gone. We see throughout Jesus' ministry that He refuses to give Himself to people who only want Him for His miraculous power (John 2, 6). And Jesus responds to Satan's weapon of deception in the same way we are to. Jesus counter attacks with the Truth of Scripture.
God has given us the Belt of Truth to surround ourselves with. It is truth that keeps us from being mislead, and truth that keeps us focused on the true words of God. We battle deception with truth. We have the Breastplate of Righteousness to cover our hearts. Righteousness is protection from the relationship with God. It covers our bodies, front and back, and guards the relationship with have with God so we aren't lead astray. We have the Sandals of Peace. They give us sure footing as we follow God's plan for our life. We have the Shield of Faith, to protect us from all of Satan's deceptive lies. God has given us the Helmet of Salvation to cover our head. Salvation guards our minds and gives us assurance that we belong to God. We are protected from deception by the knowledge of salvation. Finally, we have the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. This is the same weapon Jesus used, and that Eve failed to use. No lie, no deception, can stand against the truth and authority of the Word of God.
Deception is a powerful weapon, and it is only the first one in Satan's arsenal. But God has armed us for battle, and has given us the tools to block, and counter attack this weapon.
Peace be with you
Right away he begins to lead the creation away from God by presenting a question that begins to convince Adam and Eve that God is keeping something from them, that He is holding them back. Eve responds to his question "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" Eve has now misquoted God. Satan has done his work.
God had given them freedom to eat from any tree in the Garden (Genesis 2.16). God had never told them not to touch the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, simply not to eat of it (Genesis 2.17). Eve said they would die, but God had said that they would surely die (Genesis 2.17). In these statements Eve has taken away from God's generosity, making it seem like their right to eat the fruit of the garden, not as a privilege from God. She adds restrictions to what God has instructed, making God seem restrictive. She has taken away from the severity and surety of God's word; He means what He says, and His authority is absolute. Deception leads us away from the truth of God. It leads us away from the good that God has for us, because we become convinced that it is not the best. That is deception.
Satan works through deception gradually, giving partial truths. We see this same tactic with Jesus temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 4.6 Satan quotes Scripture to Jesus, trying to get Him to throw Himself off of the Temple, proving Himself to be the Messiah of Israel. It sounds great, Jesus jumps, angles catch Him, the priests realize that He is the Messiah, they make Him King and He never has to go near the cross. But Jesus knows that a ministry based on miracles and wonders is doomed to fail. People's faith only lasts as long as the miracles do, and when it gets hard they are gone. We see throughout Jesus' ministry that He refuses to give Himself to people who only want Him for His miraculous power (John 2, 6). And Jesus responds to Satan's weapon of deception in the same way we are to. Jesus counter attacks with the Truth of Scripture.
God has given us the Belt of Truth to surround ourselves with. It is truth that keeps us from being mislead, and truth that keeps us focused on the true words of God. We battle deception with truth. We have the Breastplate of Righteousness to cover our hearts. Righteousness is protection from the relationship with God. It covers our bodies, front and back, and guards the relationship with have with God so we aren't lead astray. We have the Sandals of Peace. They give us sure footing as we follow God's plan for our life. We have the Shield of Faith, to protect us from all of Satan's deceptive lies. God has given us the Helmet of Salvation to cover our head. Salvation guards our minds and gives us assurance that we belong to God. We are protected from deception by the knowledge of salvation. Finally, we have the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. This is the same weapon Jesus used, and that Eve failed to use. No lie, no deception, can stand against the truth and authority of the Word of God.
Deception is a powerful weapon, and it is only the first one in Satan's arsenal. But God has armed us for battle, and has given us the tools to block, and counter attack this weapon.
Peace be with you
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Full Armor of God
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6.10-12.
My favorite book is Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. I just finished it for the third time. In it he talks about the heart of a man. He looks at how God created us and the longings of our heart. Inside the heart of every man there are two questions and three desires.
The questions: "Am I dangerous?" "Do I have what it takes?"
The desires: A battle fight, a beauty to rescue, an adventure to live
The armor of God is crucial for a man to put on. It is only with His armor that our desires are able to be fulfilled, the longings satisfied. Only with the armor of God on me am I ready for battle. Only when I am dressed in my God given armor am I able to storm the castle, slay the dragon, and rescue the princess. Only when I am covered with God's armor am I ready to set out on this adventure of life.
It is only when I am covered with the equipment that God gives me that I am able to not only endure the hardships of life, but victoriously conquer them through His strength and power. I can't have just part of the armor, I need each piece or part of me is left vulnerable. All of the armor is connected, each piece works with the others for the purpose of winning the battle. It is armor that is just for us, fitted to us, so that we can move with ease. It is armor that is ours to train with, to learn how it works and how to use it. It is armor that we must always have on so that we are ready for any attack at any time.
God wants us to be ready. He doesn't want us to be caught off guard, and so He has equipped us for combat. You are dangerous, and you have what it takes. Receive the armor that He offers you. Wear it, train with it, learn how to use it. And then join the battle. Suit up, it's time to march.
Peace be with you
My favorite book is Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. I just finished it for the third time. In it he talks about the heart of a man. He looks at how God created us and the longings of our heart. Inside the heart of every man there are two questions and three desires.
The questions: "Am I dangerous?" "Do I have what it takes?"
The desires: A battle fight, a beauty to rescue, an adventure to live
The armor of God is crucial for a man to put on. It is only with His armor that our desires are able to be fulfilled, the longings satisfied. Only with the armor of God on me am I ready for battle. Only when I am dressed in my God given armor am I able to storm the castle, slay the dragon, and rescue the princess. Only when I am covered with God's armor am I ready to set out on this adventure of life.
It is only when I am covered with the equipment that God gives me that I am able to not only endure the hardships of life, but victoriously conquer them through His strength and power. I can't have just part of the armor, I need each piece or part of me is left vulnerable. All of the armor is connected, each piece works with the others for the purpose of winning the battle. It is armor that is just for us, fitted to us, so that we can move with ease. It is armor that is ours to train with, to learn how it works and how to use it. It is armor that we must always have on so that we are ready for any attack at any time.
God wants us to be ready. He doesn't want us to be caught off guard, and so He has equipped us for combat. You are dangerous, and you have what it takes. Receive the armor that He offers you. Wear it, train with it, learn how to use it. And then join the battle. Suit up, it's time to march.
Peace be with you
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Dressed and Ready for Battle
We're suited up, covered and armed with the full Armor of God. We are surrounded by truth, protected by righteousness and salvation, ready to move with peace, and armed with faith and the Word. Here is a warrior who is ready to "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." as Paul said in 2 Timothy 2.3. We are ready to march out and meet the enemy, confident that our armor and weapons are ready to go to work.
But there is one final element that we must add before we charge the front lines of the enemy. Ephesians 6.18, "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints," Prayer, our communication with our General. It is no good marching into battle if we have no communication from the one giving the lifesaving orders.
Paul tells us that prayer must be constant, not simply in our moment of greatest need. I think of the story of Elijah on Mt. Horeb. God tells him to go stand on the mountain because He is passing by. There is a wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but the Lord was not in any of those incredible, powerful forces. Instead there is a gentle blowing, a still small voice, a quite whisper that God is in. In the midst of chaos and noise if you haven't heard the voice of God, if you don't know the voice of God, you won't be able to pick it out. But if we are like Elijah, spending constant time alone with God, where we know Him intimately, where we know His voice distinctly from all others, then even in the thickest battle we'll be able to hear His guidance and instruction.
Secondly, our prayer must be intense and focused. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5.8 that we must be self-controlled and alert because our enemy the devil is prowling like a lion, looking to devour us. Our prayers must be intentional, our prayer time must be something we covet and guard. We must be selfish about it, and let nothing distract us from it. Our prayers must be heart felt, not simple half-hearted, repetitive prayers we've been saying since we were five. Our prayers need to be communicating the deepest hurts and needs on our hearts to God. We must be focused on who we're talking with so that we can hear what He says in return.
Lions go for the animal that is off by itself, straggling behind, not paying attention. We must be focused in our lives, intentionally focused on God ready for battle at all times. But we must also make sure we don't get alone. I've talked about Spartans a lot recently, and a single Spartan is a force to be reckoned with. A single Spartan can do more than hold his own in a fight. But a single Spartan is nothing compared to that Spartan standing beside his brothers in the phalanx.
Third, we must pray for and with others. We must pray for those who are fighting beside us. We must pray for those who are fighting on another battlefield. No matter how strong we are, we cannot fight this war, we cannot win this battle on our own. We must have each other’s backs at all times. We must pray for others as they fight this battle with us.
Prayer is part of our preparation for battle; it's how we suit up. Prayer is part of what sustains us in battle; it's our communication with the General for instruction and encouragement. Let us pray, and let us firmly stand our ground, dressed in the full Armor of God, ready for battle.
Peace be with you
But there is one final element that we must add before we charge the front lines of the enemy. Ephesians 6.18, "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints," Prayer, our communication with our General. It is no good marching into battle if we have no communication from the one giving the lifesaving orders.
Paul tells us that prayer must be constant, not simply in our moment of greatest need. I think of the story of Elijah on Mt. Horeb. God tells him to go stand on the mountain because He is passing by. There is a wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but the Lord was not in any of those incredible, powerful forces. Instead there is a gentle blowing, a still small voice, a quite whisper that God is in. In the midst of chaos and noise if you haven't heard the voice of God, if you don't know the voice of God, you won't be able to pick it out. But if we are like Elijah, spending constant time alone with God, where we know Him intimately, where we know His voice distinctly from all others, then even in the thickest battle we'll be able to hear His guidance and instruction.
Secondly, our prayer must be intense and focused. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5.8 that we must be self-controlled and alert because our enemy the devil is prowling like a lion, looking to devour us. Our prayers must be intentional, our prayer time must be something we covet and guard. We must be selfish about it, and let nothing distract us from it. Our prayers must be heart felt, not simple half-hearted, repetitive prayers we've been saying since we were five. Our prayers need to be communicating the deepest hurts and needs on our hearts to God. We must be focused on who we're talking with so that we can hear what He says in return.
Lions go for the animal that is off by itself, straggling behind, not paying attention. We must be focused in our lives, intentionally focused on God ready for battle at all times. But we must also make sure we don't get alone. I've talked about Spartans a lot recently, and a single Spartan is a force to be reckoned with. A single Spartan can do more than hold his own in a fight. But a single Spartan is nothing compared to that Spartan standing beside his brothers in the phalanx.
Third, we must pray for and with others. We must pray for those who are fighting beside us. We must pray for those who are fighting on another battlefield. No matter how strong we are, we cannot fight this war, we cannot win this battle on our own. We must have each other’s backs at all times. We must pray for others as they fight this battle with us.
Prayer is part of our preparation for battle; it's how we suit up. Prayer is part of what sustains us in battle; it's our communication with the General for instruction and encouragement. Let us pray, and let us firmly stand our ground, dressed in the full Armor of God, ready for battle.
Peace be with you
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Piece 6: Sword
Ephesians 6.17b, "and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." The sword Paul is talking about is the Roman gladius. It's the sword carried by Maximus in Gladiator, and in this one case I choose the Roman weapon over the Spartan xiphos. The gladius was slightly longer, and very effective in combat. When combined with a shield, it's a great weapon.
The sword is a weapon both for offense and defense. It blocks and deflects incoming attacks, but it also enables the wielder to strike back. The sword is a crucial piece of the armor. It must be cared for, it must be sharpened and polished so it is kept ready for the fight.
The Bible refers to the Word of God as a sword. In Hebrews 4.12 it says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." The gladius had an edge on each side of the blade, it was sharp, it penetrated whoever got in the way of the blade. It was an effective tool for battle.
We are in a spiritual battle with Satan. And God has not simply given us defensive protection, but He has equipped us to be able to go on the offensive. He's given us a sword to use in combat. The Bible is our weapon.
Jesus showed us how to use it in combat against Satan in Matthew 4. Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tested, and after forty days of fasting Satan brings the assault. He attacks Jesus identity, and tries to get Jesus to stumble. But look at each of Jesus' responses, "Jesus answered, 'It is written:'... Jesus answered him, 'It is also written:'... Jesus said to him, 'Away from me, Satan! For it is written:'..." (Matthew 4.4a, 7a, 10a). With each attack Jesus wields Scripture. He blocks each attack and then attacks back and puts Satan to flight.
We cannot win a battle without a sword. We cannot win a Spiritual battle that is waged against God, and those who serve Him, without God's sword. Scripture memorization is a Spiritual discipline that seems to have fallen by the wayside in past years. One pastor friend suggested that the reason for this is possibly the number of translations that are in print today. There are so many ways to word each verse that there is no standard translation of memorization. But we must discipline ourselves to memorize scripture.
Here are some suggestions that I have. Find a translation that you like and understand. Note that The Message is not a translation, but a paraphrase. It's great for reading but for memorization use a translation that breaks up the verses. There are many so find one you that you understand. I use the NASB because it's the most literal translation of the text.
Second, take a few verses at a time. Don't set out to memorize an entire book the first week, you'll get overwhelmed and probably give up. But a few verses at a time, and over time you will have the entire book memorized. My suggestion is as you read make notes of the main verses of the chapter. Read and re-read it until you see the theme and can identify the main verse in that section, and memorize that. As you do this, you'll be able to identify the different themes of the different chapters of the Bible.
Third, find a good way to review. One way I've found that helps is writing each verse on a 3x5 index card. Put the reference in the top left and bottom right corners and in the lines of the card break up the verse by punctuation. Put one phase per line, and memorize the verse phrase by phrase.
Here's an example.
In church we're working through John, and each week I pick out the main verse from the text I'm preaching on. This week it was John 4.50
John 4.50
Jesus said to him,
"Go; your son lives."
The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off.
John 4.50
The nice thing with index cards is that they are easy to stack and are easy to review with. We need to memorize as many verses as possible. If you remember from Gladiator, Maximus doesn't just have one sword when he goes into battle. The first sword, the one he carries on his belt, gets stuck in a tree after he attacks an opponent. You think, "Dang, what now?" And then he pulls out a second sword that is strapped to his horse and continues the battle. The more vereses we have memorized the more swords we have available for the battle. Jesus had many swords at his disposal, not simply John 3.16 and Genesis 1.1, those wouldn't have done much in His wilderness battle. The more swords we have available, the better equipped we are for combat.
Secondly, we have to keep our swords ready for battle. They need to stay polished and sharp. A dull blade isn't much use in battle. We need to review the verses we have memorized. After a while you'll notice that you spend more time reviewing than memorizing new verses, this is a good thing. It means we've learned the Word of God, that it's "Hidden in our hearts" as the Psalmist says.
I'll admit, this is an area I'm working on, Scripture memorization is something I've slacked at recently. But the steps I've just shared with you are my plan to memorize verses. We cannot march into battle with no sword, God has given us the most powerful weapon ever, lets train with it, learn how to use it, and then take the fight to the enemy.
We are protected by Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, and Salvation. Let's take up our swords, and take the battle to the enemy. Suit up, prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
The sword is a weapon both for offense and defense. It blocks and deflects incoming attacks, but it also enables the wielder to strike back. The sword is a crucial piece of the armor. It must be cared for, it must be sharpened and polished so it is kept ready for the fight.
The Bible refers to the Word of God as a sword. In Hebrews 4.12 it says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." The gladius had an edge on each side of the blade, it was sharp, it penetrated whoever got in the way of the blade. It was an effective tool for battle.
We are in a spiritual battle with Satan. And God has not simply given us defensive protection, but He has equipped us to be able to go on the offensive. He's given us a sword to use in combat. The Bible is our weapon.
Jesus showed us how to use it in combat against Satan in Matthew 4. Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tested, and after forty days of fasting Satan brings the assault. He attacks Jesus identity, and tries to get Jesus to stumble. But look at each of Jesus' responses, "Jesus answered, 'It is written:'... Jesus answered him, 'It is also written:'... Jesus said to him, 'Away from me, Satan! For it is written:'..." (Matthew 4.4a, 7a, 10a). With each attack Jesus wields Scripture. He blocks each attack and then attacks back and puts Satan to flight.
We cannot win a battle without a sword. We cannot win a Spiritual battle that is waged against God, and those who serve Him, without God's sword. Scripture memorization is a Spiritual discipline that seems to have fallen by the wayside in past years. One pastor friend suggested that the reason for this is possibly the number of translations that are in print today. There are so many ways to word each verse that there is no standard translation of memorization. But we must discipline ourselves to memorize scripture.
Here are some suggestions that I have. Find a translation that you like and understand. Note that The Message is not a translation, but a paraphrase. It's great for reading but for memorization use a translation that breaks up the verses. There are many so find one you that you understand. I use the NASB because it's the most literal translation of the text.
Second, take a few verses at a time. Don't set out to memorize an entire book the first week, you'll get overwhelmed and probably give up. But a few verses at a time, and over time you will have the entire book memorized. My suggestion is as you read make notes of the main verses of the chapter. Read and re-read it until you see the theme and can identify the main verse in that section, and memorize that. As you do this, you'll be able to identify the different themes of the different chapters of the Bible.
Third, find a good way to review. One way I've found that helps is writing each verse on a 3x5 index card. Put the reference in the top left and bottom right corners and in the lines of the card break up the verse by punctuation. Put one phase per line, and memorize the verse phrase by phrase.
Here's an example.
In church we're working through John, and each week I pick out the main verse from the text I'm preaching on. This week it was John 4.50
John 4.50
Jesus said to him,
"Go; your son lives."
The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off.
John 4.50
The nice thing with index cards is that they are easy to stack and are easy to review with. We need to memorize as many verses as possible. If you remember from Gladiator, Maximus doesn't just have one sword when he goes into battle. The first sword, the one he carries on his belt, gets stuck in a tree after he attacks an opponent. You think, "Dang, what now?" And then he pulls out a second sword that is strapped to his horse and continues the battle. The more vereses we have memorized the more swords we have available for the battle. Jesus had many swords at his disposal, not simply John 3.16 and Genesis 1.1, those wouldn't have done much in His wilderness battle. The more swords we have available, the better equipped we are for combat.
Secondly, we have to keep our swords ready for battle. They need to stay polished and sharp. A dull blade isn't much use in battle. We need to review the verses we have memorized. After a while you'll notice that you spend more time reviewing than memorizing new verses, this is a good thing. It means we've learned the Word of God, that it's "Hidden in our hearts" as the Psalmist says.
I'll admit, this is an area I'm working on, Scripture memorization is something I've slacked at recently. But the steps I've just shared with you are my plan to memorize verses. We cannot march into battle with no sword, God has given us the most powerful weapon ever, lets train with it, learn how to use it, and then take the fight to the enemy.
We are protected by Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, and Salvation. Let's take up our swords, and take the battle to the enemy. Suit up, prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Piece 5: Helmet
Ephesians 6.17a, "And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION,"
It says "take" that word can also mean "accept". A soldier would accept his helmet from the officer in charge of distributing the armor. We accept salvation from God. It is nothing we do to earn it, but God freely gives it to us. He hands us salvation as we prepare to march into battle.
Salvation is being freed from sin. It is protection from the past, and it is assurance to march forward into the future. The helmet offers protection to the head during combat. Salvation is to guard our minds.
When Christ forgives us, when He sets us free, we receive salvation. John 8.36 says, "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." When Christ sets us free, we are free. We can be assured of our salvation, and our minds are to be guarded by that assurance. The assurance gives us protection so we don't give up the fight. We march forward confident of the salvation we have received from God, knowing that nothing can take it away from us. John 10.28, "and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand."
Salvation is ours in Christ. It gives us strength to overcome the temptations and sin we face in the future. The assurance of salvation gives us the confidence to fight, knowing that we are in the hands of Christ, and nothing can take us from Him. Salvation is our helmet.
Salvation is forgiveness and freedom, it is assurance that comes from faith in Christ and what He has done for us. Faith is strengthened through the peace God gives us through the message of His Gospel. We receive the peace of God when we have enter into a relationship with Him, and we do that by coming to Him through truth. Put on the armor; receive your helmet, and prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
It says "take" that word can also mean "accept". A soldier would accept his helmet from the officer in charge of distributing the armor. We accept salvation from God. It is nothing we do to earn it, but God freely gives it to us. He hands us salvation as we prepare to march into battle.
Salvation is being freed from sin. It is protection from the past, and it is assurance to march forward into the future. The helmet offers protection to the head during combat. Salvation is to guard our minds.
When Christ forgives us, when He sets us free, we receive salvation. John 8.36 says, "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." When Christ sets us free, we are free. We can be assured of our salvation, and our minds are to be guarded by that assurance. The assurance gives us protection so we don't give up the fight. We march forward confident of the salvation we have received from God, knowing that nothing can take it away from us. John 10.28, "and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand."
Salvation is ours in Christ. It gives us strength to overcome the temptations and sin we face in the future. The assurance of salvation gives us the confidence to fight, knowing that we are in the hands of Christ, and nothing can take us from Him. Salvation is our helmet.
Salvation is forgiveness and freedom, it is assurance that comes from faith in Christ and what He has done for us. Faith is strengthened through the peace God gives us through the message of His Gospel. We receive the peace of God when we have enter into a relationship with Him, and we do that by coming to Him through truth. Put on the armor; receive your helmet, and prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Piece 4: Shield
Ephesians 6.16, "in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Paul is writing about a Roman solider dressed for battle. In this case the shield he has in mind is a four foot by two and a half foot rectangular shield. I used to watch Deadliest Warrior, and the Roman Centurion representative said that this shield was the greatest shield ever made. I must disagree, when it comes to shields, I'm a Spartans fan all the way. Though it's not accurate to what Paul has in front of him, it's the one I have in my mind when I envision armor and battle.
The purpose of a shield is to defend from attacks. The text says to take it up so we can extinguish the flaming arrows that Satan hurls at us. Satan will through lies, temptations, and discouragements at us in order to get us to stumble. The shield is crucial because it provides another layer of protection. Arrows could pierce the breastplate of the soldier. An ax or sword could cut off an arm or leg; a mace could crush the skull even with a helmet on it. The shield absorbs these blows, it protects the body, and it's crucial for battle.
Our shield is faith. When Satan throws a fiery dart of a lie at us, our faith in who Jesus is and what He taught protects us. When Satan throws another dart of discouragement our faith in Jesus' view of us and His plan for our life covers us from it. When Satan throws the dart of temptation at us, our faith in Jesus keeps us focused on Him and guards our lives from sinning. Faith is crucial, faith protects us.
When people think of a shield they think defense, and in the case of the Roman shield that's what you get. It's big, it's heavy, and it protects the soldiers. But as I said before, I'm a Spartan at heart. The reason is that the Spartan Shield is much more versatile. It's a big shield, a circle that is three feet across. It covers the Spartan from the knee, where his greaves end, to his neck, until his helmet begins. It covers the carrier and the Spartan next to him when standing, and if need be he can crouch behind it and be fully covered from any attack.
But unlike the Roman shield, the Spartan shield is a great weapon as well. It is versatile and can be used to protect and attack an enemy. On Deadliest Warrior they tested the impact of being hit with this shield and it was at the same level as some car accidents, that's power. Faith is not simply a defensive protection; it allows us to go on the offensive. Our faith can be used as a weapon against Satan. We share our faith in Christ, we live out our faith, and lives can be transformed by it.
The shield is crucial. Faith is crucial. Our faith is strengthened through the peace God gives us through the message of His Gospel. We can receive the peace of God once we have entered into a relationship with Him, and we do that by coming to the truth. Put on the armor, take up your shield, and prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
The purpose of a shield is to defend from attacks. The text says to take it up so we can extinguish the flaming arrows that Satan hurls at us. Satan will through lies, temptations, and discouragements at us in order to get us to stumble. The shield is crucial because it provides another layer of protection. Arrows could pierce the breastplate of the soldier. An ax or sword could cut off an arm or leg; a mace could crush the skull even with a helmet on it. The shield absorbs these blows, it protects the body, and it's crucial for battle.
Our shield is faith. When Satan throws a fiery dart of a lie at us, our faith in who Jesus is and what He taught protects us. When Satan throws another dart of discouragement our faith in Jesus' view of us and His plan for our life covers us from it. When Satan throws the dart of temptation at us, our faith in Jesus keeps us focused on Him and guards our lives from sinning. Faith is crucial, faith protects us.
When people think of a shield they think defense, and in the case of the Roman shield that's what you get. It's big, it's heavy, and it protects the soldiers. But as I said before, I'm a Spartan at heart. The reason is that the Spartan Shield is much more versatile. It's a big shield, a circle that is three feet across. It covers the Spartan from the knee, where his greaves end, to his neck, until his helmet begins. It covers the carrier and the Spartan next to him when standing, and if need be he can crouch behind it and be fully covered from any attack.
But unlike the Roman shield, the Spartan shield is a great weapon as well. It is versatile and can be used to protect and attack an enemy. On Deadliest Warrior they tested the impact of being hit with this shield and it was at the same level as some car accidents, that's power. Faith is not simply a defensive protection; it allows us to go on the offensive. Our faith can be used as a weapon against Satan. We share our faith in Christ, we live out our faith, and lives can be transformed by it.
The shield is crucial. Faith is crucial. Our faith is strengthened through the peace God gives us through the message of His Gospel. We can receive the peace of God once we have entered into a relationship with Him, and we do that by coming to the truth. Put on the armor, take up your shield, and prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Piece 3: Sandals
Ephesians 6.15, "and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;" This is another piece that was misrepresented in my plastic Armor of God play set. The picture I had in my mind was a pair of greaves, or metal shin guards, which would protect the legs of the soldier that weren't covered by the shield. But that isn't what Paul is talking about.
Roman soldiers wore sandals that were thickly studded with nails. They functioned like cleats do today, providing grip and traction, allowing the solider to cover distances at greater speed. The nails in the sandals also gave the soldier sure footing during combat.
We are told that the sandals we are to put on come from the preparation of the Gospel of peace. There is peace of mind in knowing that you won't slip during battle; that you won't fall during a march. Sure footing gives a soldier piece of mind, and our sure footing comes from the Gospel.
Time spent in the Bible gives us sure footing. We are constantly reminded of God's promises and His provisions. Through time spent in the Word of God we are prepared for the difficulties of life. We can go over the mountains, through the valleys of life because of the peace given through the words of God.
The shoes also allowed for faster travel, and through the study of the Gospel, we are able to take it to those who haven't heard it. We prepare ourselves by studying the Gospel, by putting on the sandals, and then we go, and take the Gospel to others. Satan will try and keep us from this task. He'll try to discourage us, to make us stumble and fall, but the Gospel shoes are firmly fastened to our feet.
The truth of God leads us to a relationship with Him. That righteousness protects us in battle. Our relationship is deepened through study of the Gospel, and the peace of the Gospel fills our lives and gives us sure footing in combat and speed as we move towards the fight. Strap on the Sandals, and prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
Roman soldiers wore sandals that were thickly studded with nails. They functioned like cleats do today, providing grip and traction, allowing the solider to cover distances at greater speed. The nails in the sandals also gave the soldier sure footing during combat.
We are told that the sandals we are to put on come from the preparation of the Gospel of peace. There is peace of mind in knowing that you won't slip during battle; that you won't fall during a march. Sure footing gives a soldier piece of mind, and our sure footing comes from the Gospel.
Time spent in the Bible gives us sure footing. We are constantly reminded of God's promises and His provisions. Through time spent in the Word of God we are prepared for the difficulties of life. We can go over the mountains, through the valleys of life because of the peace given through the words of God.
The shoes also allowed for faster travel, and through the study of the Gospel, we are able to take it to those who haven't heard it. We prepare ourselves by studying the Gospel, by putting on the sandals, and then we go, and take the Gospel to others. Satan will try and keep us from this task. He'll try to discourage us, to make us stumble and fall, but the Gospel shoes are firmly fastened to our feet.
The truth of God leads us to a relationship with Him. That righteousness protects us in battle. Our relationship is deepened through study of the Gospel, and the peace of the Gospel fills our lives and gives us sure footing in combat and speed as we move towards the fight. Strap on the Sandals, and prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
Monday, October 31, 2011
Piece 2: Breastplate
Ephesians 6.14b "and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS," Righteousness is a right standing relationship with God. It is an essential characteristic of a Christ follower because it is the evidence that we are living for God. Righteousness means that there is nothing separating us from God, nothing is keeping us from going to Him, and nothing is keeping us from hearing Him. Righteousness is essential.
The breastplate is a crucial piece of equipment for a solider. It was made of metal and covered a solider front and back, from neck to thigh. This piece offers protection of most of the vital organs in the body. It allows the solider to attack without fear of injury.
Righteousness gives us protection for battle. A life that is righteous can stand up against any accusation and prove it false. A life lived in a right relationship with God has nothing to hide, and can proudly display all of it's deeds before anyone without fear of something being seen. Satan cannot accuse a solider of God, because that solider is covered in His righteousness.
Even though the breastplate covers the whole torso of the solider, it's main function is to protect the heart. The heart is essential to life, without it blood cannot flow through the body. The heart is also the organ we associate with love and relationships. The breastplate, righteousness, is there to guard our source of life, and to protect our ability to build relationships.
The righteousness of God covers us and clothes us for battle. We come to the righteousness of God through the truth of God. Fasten the belt around your waist, then cover yourself with the breastplate. The truth will not be believed unless it is shared from a righteous life. Righteousness is an essential part of the armor, it allows us to march boldly into battle, unafraid of any attack the enemy may hit us with. Strap on the breastplate and prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
The breastplate is a crucial piece of equipment for a solider. It was made of metal and covered a solider front and back, from neck to thigh. This piece offers protection of most of the vital organs in the body. It allows the solider to attack without fear of injury.
Righteousness gives us protection for battle. A life that is righteous can stand up against any accusation and prove it false. A life lived in a right relationship with God has nothing to hide, and can proudly display all of it's deeds before anyone without fear of something being seen. Satan cannot accuse a solider of God, because that solider is covered in His righteousness.
Even though the breastplate covers the whole torso of the solider, it's main function is to protect the heart. The heart is essential to life, without it blood cannot flow through the body. The heart is also the organ we associate with love and relationships. The breastplate, righteousness, is there to guard our source of life, and to protect our ability to build relationships.
The righteousness of God covers us and clothes us for battle. We come to the righteousness of God through the truth of God. Fasten the belt around your waist, then cover yourself with the breastplate. The truth will not be believed unless it is shared from a righteous life. Righteousness is an essential part of the armor, it allows us to march boldly into battle, unafraid of any attack the enemy may hit us with. Strap on the breastplate and prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Piece 1: Belt
Warriors don't go into battle unprotected, they wear armor. We are engaged in a war against an evil force, and our armor must be spiritual if we are going to withstand his attacks. God has provided us with armor that that we can stand firm against the devil. Each piece is significant.
The first piece of the armor of God is the Belt of Truth. Ephesians 6.14a "Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH,". When we hear the word belt today you probably think of a strait piece of leather that wraps around your waist to hold up your pants. I used to have a plastic play set of the Armor of God when I was little. In it, the belt was a simple thing, very similar to a belt today. But the belt was very inaccurate to what Paul is talking about.
A Roman solider would have a belt, but it wasn't a belt like we think of today. Back then it was heavy leather, and it looked like a skirt. If you've seen the opening seen of the movie Gladiator you've seen this item. The belt was an important piece of the armor. It would wrap around the soldier's tunic and hold it in place giving him freedom to move. Likewise it also would be the place that his sword was hung from. The belt is crucial.
But the belt did more than just free up movement and hold the sword. The belt offered protection. The belt was designed to protect a soldier's reproductive organs. The belt is important.
Our belt is Truth. Truth frees us, and it allows us to move because we are no longer held in the bondage of the lies of sin. Truth is found in the Word of God. John 8.31-32, "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'"
Truth sets us free, but more importantly, truth is how we spiritually reproduce. We can only make new believers by passing on the truth of God, found in the Bible, to them. We must guard the truth, we must stand upon it and live by it.
Satan is the father of lies, John 8.43-44, "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." The only way we can hear from Jesus, the only way we can know what He is saying to us, is to be surrounded by truth. We must wrap the truth around us.
Truth is where preparing for battle against Satan starts. We must know the truth before we can stand against falsehood. Pour yourself into the truth which is found in the Word of God, devote yourself to it, and prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
The first piece of the armor of God is the Belt of Truth. Ephesians 6.14a "Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH,". When we hear the word belt today you probably think of a strait piece of leather that wraps around your waist to hold up your pants. I used to have a plastic play set of the Armor of God when I was little. In it, the belt was a simple thing, very similar to a belt today. But the belt was very inaccurate to what Paul is talking about.
A Roman solider would have a belt, but it wasn't a belt like we think of today. Back then it was heavy leather, and it looked like a skirt. If you've seen the opening seen of the movie Gladiator you've seen this item. The belt was an important piece of the armor. It would wrap around the soldier's tunic and hold it in place giving him freedom to move. Likewise it also would be the place that his sword was hung from. The belt is crucial.
But the belt did more than just free up movement and hold the sword. The belt offered protection. The belt was designed to protect a soldier's reproductive organs. The belt is important.
Our belt is Truth. Truth frees us, and it allows us to move because we are no longer held in the bondage of the lies of sin. Truth is found in the Word of God. John 8.31-32, "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'"
Truth sets us free, but more importantly, truth is how we spiritually reproduce. We can only make new believers by passing on the truth of God, found in the Bible, to them. We must guard the truth, we must stand upon it and live by it.
Satan is the father of lies, John 8.43-44, "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." The only way we can hear from Jesus, the only way we can know what He is saying to us, is to be surrounded by truth. We must wrap the truth around us.
Truth is where preparing for battle against Satan starts. We must know the truth before we can stand against falsehood. Pour yourself into the truth which is found in the Word of God, devote yourself to it, and prepare for battle.
Peace be with you
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Warrior's Armor
The Bible is full of war stories and images of soldiers, weapons, and battles. There is a reason for this, we are engaged in a war that has been going on since the beginning. Satan, in his attempt to over throw God, began a war that is still going on. The Earth is the battle field, and there are no civilians. All of us are on a side whether we know it or not.
It's a war where the winner and loser has already been determined, but that isn't over yet. The tide of the war turned and victory was assured by an old rugged cross and an empty tomb cut out of a rock; the D-Day event of history. The death and resurrection of Jesus sealed the victory of good, but the war is still not over.
Those who have joined the side of Jesus have done so willingly and deliberately, no one can do it by accident. But those who have enlisted in the army of God don't go into battle unprotected. No warrior marches onto the battle field unequipped. Some are better equipped than others based on years of service, commitment to the cause, and resources available, but all are equipped.
With God as our general the same equipment is available to all of His soldiers, but it's usage depends on each troop's commitment and discipline to training.
Ephesians 6.10-13, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
God has given us armor. And it isn't like the armor Saul gives David in 1 Samuel 17, which doesn't fit and is untested. It's armor that is custom made for each of us. Armor that we are given to train with, to learn how it functions, to learn how to use it in combat. It's armor that will protect us and enable us to be victorious.
God has given us armor, let's put it on, let's train with it and keep it ready for combat.
Peace be with you
It's a war where the winner and loser has already been determined, but that isn't over yet. The tide of the war turned and victory was assured by an old rugged cross and an empty tomb cut out of a rock; the D-Day event of history. The death and resurrection of Jesus sealed the victory of good, but the war is still not over.
Those who have joined the side of Jesus have done so willingly and deliberately, no one can do it by accident. But those who have enlisted in the army of God don't go into battle unprotected. No warrior marches onto the battle field unequipped. Some are better equipped than others based on years of service, commitment to the cause, and resources available, but all are equipped.
With God as our general the same equipment is available to all of His soldiers, but it's usage depends on each troop's commitment and discipline to training.
Ephesians 6.10-13, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
God has given us armor. And it isn't like the armor Saul gives David in 1 Samuel 17, which doesn't fit and is untested. It's armor that is custom made for each of us. Armor that we are given to train with, to learn how it functions, to learn how to use it in combat. It's armor that will protect us and enable us to be victorious.
God has given us armor, let's put it on, let's train with it and keep it ready for combat.
Peace be with you
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)