Life can be tough. The struggels that we go through can be tough. We're facing some battles right now. I think it's important to get a clear picture of the world so we aren't caught up in it.
We need to be focused on the spiritual.
Battle - extended contest, struggle, controversy, meeting between opposing forces.
Life is a battle:
- Physically
- Intellectually
- Morally
- Religioiusly
When you think of all the things we battle in life, there is a lot. What do we do about these battles?
As we think of these. Most of the times the real struggle exists in our own minds.
"Our greatest battle are those with our own minds." -- Jameson Frank
The Bible Makes Known the Battle
- Ephesians 6:11-12
Paul goes on to tell us to put on the whole armor of God because we are in a battle. We've been warned. As we prepare for this battle there are things we should consider.
God created everything, in those six days. In Genesis 2:7, God makes man a living soul. In verse 18, God made a helpmate for him. We see God created mankind.
The Battle Between God and Satan
Genesis 3:1, We see Satan showing up from the very beginning. Man is between God and Satan. There is going to be a battle. Who will man follow? God or Satan.
Both God and the Satan try man.
- Genesis 22:1-2
- Job 1 and 2
We see that man is tested, and man is tempted.
Both God and Satan want man's service, and offer rewards.
- Matthew 4:1-10
- Revelation 2:10
Why does Satan come to us when we are weak?
a. The Devil offers his rewards here.
b. God offers His, here and the hereafter.
c. Man can approach and follow either, Jude:1:11.
Both Use Power to Attract
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Often, we feel like we don't know what to do. But, God has warned us and given us what we need to meet the battle.
"If you saw the size of the blessing coming, you would understand the magnitude of the battle you are fighting."
There are some unfit for battle.
If we could understand what Heaven, the reward is really like, we would understand than anything on this earth pales in comparison.
Few concerned about withered souls.
How do we view those who have spiritual battles?
- James 5:19,20
We need to really be concerned about those who are lost. And, especially, about those who have found the truth, but have fallen away. They have been injured in the battle, and have fallen away, and we ought to be concerned for them.
Those who look back are not fit.
- Luke 9:62
- Philippians 3:14
How often do we come to God's service in faithfulness, and then look back? If that's how we are, and we look back they aren't fit for the kingdom.
We ought to look forward toward the mark of the high calling.
The forces of evil are marshalled in three great companies;
- the world,
- the flesh,
- the devil
- 1 John 2:15,16
There are those who give excuses.
- Luke 14:16-24
Do we not make excuses as to why Ido not follow God's word? Don't we live in a wrold where people refuse to take responsibility for their actions?
If you are an excuse maker you aren't all in for the battle.
Fearful and Fainthearted
- Matthew 10:28
We should fear the one who can kill both soul and body in hell. If we don't have that healthy fear of God, we aren't fit for the battle.
Those Trying to Hold onto Two Masters
- Matthew 6:24
- James 4:4
We are to be obedient, and if we aren't being obedient we are not ready for the battle. Do you want to be a faithful Christian? Or, do we want to sit and wait? Sometimes, we need to make changes in order to fight the battle of faith.
Disobedient
- Romans 10:17
- Mark 16:16
- Luke 13:3
- Romans 10:9
- Acts 2:38
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
"The hardest battle you will ever have to fight is between who you are and who you want to be."
"One day or day one, It's your decision."
We each have that decision to make. If you haven't put on the Lord in baptims we ask that you consider doing that. All spriitual blessings are found only in CHrist, in His church.
If there is a battle you are facing, and you need help to get back on track we ask that you make it known so we can help you.
Contact us if we can assist you in any way.
