All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16
Monday, October 21, 2013
The Good Fight - 2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - 2 Timothy 4:7
I have often heard the phrase, “To beat the Devil.” The fact is we cannot beat the Devil. Allow me to explain. The Devil is a spiritual entity so powerful that he entered paradise and tempted Adam and Eve. We know the rest of the story. An entity like that we don’t beat. It’s not even our job to beat the Devil. Our job is to outlast him. That is what is meant by ‘the perseverance of the saints.’“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” James 5:11.
“But,” they say, “how can we continue to fall and claim we are Christians?” The glory comes to us by way of our response to ‘the knock-down.’ The mandatory “3 Knock-down rule” has been waived for us by the grace of God. As long as we continue to get back up the fight goes on. There may be shame in being knocked down but there is no condemnation. We get back up and resolve not to get hit with that shot again.
There is no glory in suffering. The glory comes to us by the way we respond to the suffering. Remember, there are none who do not fall from time to time. Some fall more; some fall less, but our progress relies on our “getting up!” Stamina, courage and heart (perseverance) are not evident in the knockdown; they are evident in getting back up.
Satan is a formidable adversary. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8. But for all his bellowing he is also subtle. His blows are sometimes soft. Sin is most often sweet to the tongue like a fine almond liqueur . . . and just as deadly as cyanide, a deadly poison known for it’s almond-like smell. We may even for a season believe we can roll with the punches. Do not deceive yourselves or you shall surely find yourself battered, bleeding, and on your knees.
We can outlast the Adversary if we but remember - “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:10-13.
The “Armor of God” is our greatest weapon in the fight. It will surely protect us from spiritual annihilation at the hands of Satan. Wear it daily, May God always protect you from the wiles of the Devil.
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