Hebraic Musing - What do We Need to Do to Have “Spiritual Victory”?
Remember the popular
children’s song - “I'm in the Lord's army”?
What happens to a soldier who decides to do “his own thing” rather than
obeying his Commanding Officer? Both the
individual and the success of the mission are at risk! And never forget that we are at war; why else would we be told to “Put on
the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's
schemes.” Eph.6:11 NIV
How important is
Spiritual Victory in this war? As
soldiers in God’s army, realize that the battle is getting intense. Spiritual forces of evil are determined to
persecute, scatter and immobilize us. Apostle
Peter knew this would happen; in chapt.5 verses 6,7,8&9 in his first
epistle he gave us four critical Keys to Spiritual Victory.
Key #1 Humble
thyself – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 NIV Our nature and the world around us wants us
to focus on issues that elevate ourselves – e.g. LGBTQ, role of woman, sanctity
of life, branding/canceling, rights, free-sex, wealth, etc. The Biblical view is ignored! Jesus warned us – “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles
himself will be exalted.” Matt.23:12 It is
easy to be proud of what we’ve accomplished, but who deserves the credit?
Key #2 Cast
all your care on Him – “Cast all your anxiety on him because
he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 The
OT told us to “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will
never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22
Jesus advised us. “Therefore do not
worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has
enough trouble of its own.” Matt.6:34 Jesus
wants us to be dependent on Him rather than ourselves!
Key #3 Be
Alert – “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil
prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1
Peter 5:8 Are we fully aware of why
things are happening? Are we ready to
defend our faith? Ready to forgive? Are we paying attention to that roaring
lion seeking to devour us? “For our struggle is not against flesh and
blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against
the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of
evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph.6:12
Key #4 Stand
Firm – “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you
know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of
sufferings. 1 Peter 5:9 Jesus had
already warned us. “As it was in the days of
Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the
flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, .... ...
That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ... ... Therefore keep watch, because you do
not know on what day your Lord will come.
... ... So you also must be ready, because the Son of
Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Matt.24:37-44
Jesus wants us to guard what we hear and believe. “Be on your guard
against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing
concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what
you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the
roofs. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body
and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear
him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell.
Yes, I tell you, fear him.”
Luke 12:1-5
Then in verse 10 Peter
tells us of our reward for obedience to these four keys. “And the God of all grace, who called you
to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will
himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” Why is this important? Even in the recent weeks, it is becoming
clear that a “One World Government” is being set up; it is no longer a
conspiracy theory! Major world powers
are uniting in their hatred of and plans to destroy Israel. Meanwhile our world and the Church is caught
up in “Normalcy Bias” (a cognitive bias which leads people to disbelieve or
minimize threat warnings.)
Points to Ponder
Are
you engaged in a Spiritual Battle? Why
is Satan drawing you into battle?
What’s
happening to churches who are not preaching a Spiritual Warfare message?
Are
you tired of seeing people/friends leave the Church because they’ve lost the
battle?
Some
say things are falling apart; but maybe things are falling into place!
Yosef
a.k.a.
Joe Brusherd August
2, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage” Weekly “Hebraic Musings” InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com
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