We demolish arguments. This part of the Christian Warfare comes easily to me, as I grew up in a family fully committed to discussion and argument. It seemed to fit when I named my blog The Battle. I want to battle for truth and righteousness. But the rules for spiritual battle call for us to be kind, and meek and gentle. This goes against human nature. Battle usually involves violence, death, and destruction. But we do not wage war according to the flesh.
2 Cor 10:3 For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, 4 since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. 6 And we are ready to punish any disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against every false idea and the powers of evil. Presently we are confronted with a concept that being kind to evil doers, while disregarding the rule of law, is what God wants. We are judged un-Christian if we speak in support of personal responsibility, and in support of the sanctity of human life.
Apostle Paul warned against irresponsible behavior. He said that those who refused to work should also not eat. This is in direct conflict with Bernie Sanders' "to each according to their need, and from each according to their ability."
Also there is nothing in scripture that suggests we should hand off our personal responsibility, to care for the poor, to the State Government, to forcefully take from the rich and give to the poor, after the elite ruling class takes their cut.
I visited Russia at the end of the USSR, and saw with my own eyes the hopelessness of the people who stood in long lines to collect their allotment of bread. This was a common saying regards the communist system; "We pretend to work, and the government pretends to pay us."
Now our young people are being led down the primrose path of trusting human reasoning for their well being. Yes, Satan told Eve, "you will be wise like God, knowing good and evil."
And the secular humanist atheist movement is teaching that it is up to us humans to work out our future without regard to what the Bible teaches us. They are so conflicted that they do not know the difference between a man and a woman, and they want to give every boy a chance to be a girl.
Apostle Paul warns against such behavior, writing to the believers at Thessaloniki.
Warning against Irresponsible Behavior
2 Thes 3:6 Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister who is idle and does not live according to the tradition received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you should imitate us: We were not idle among you; 8 we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” 11 For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies.12 Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves. 13 But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.
2 Thes 3:6 Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister who is idle and does not live according to the tradition received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you should imitate us: We were not idle among you; 8 we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” 11 For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies.12 Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves. 13 But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.
Yes, we are fighting against the powers of Satan, against his lies that exalt mankind and fight against God's righteousness. We must use the full armor that God provides to stand against this present evil.
We must use truth, what the Bible teaches about personal responsibility, willing to work with our hands to provide for our family and others, respecting the rights of others to have personal property, and not covetous of the wealthy. we must be honest with each other.
We must demonstrate righteousness, loving our neighbor as ourself, and respecting the value of laws given by God and recorded in the Bible. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
We must be prepared to speak to all about Jesus, our only hope of salvation. There is no other path to salvation. Diversity is not our goal, but unity in Jesus is our desire.
We must have faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that He gives eternal life to all who trust in Him. Our faith in Jesus will keep us going.
The helmet of salvation gives us the strength to persist, knowing that our eternal hope is secure. Trusting in God is our protection.
And the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, is our weapon. Not my opinion, not my faction, but what Jesus and the Apostles taught and was recorded in the Bible. On this I will take my stand, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and the only hope of salvation. Pray that I may be bold enough to speak about it as I should.
And praying, praying at all times in the Spirit. And remembering, it is not our will, but His will that we ask for. We know that He hears the prayers of His children.
And praying, praying at all times in the Spirit. And remembering, it is not our will, but His will that we ask for. We know that He hears the prayers of His children.
Christian Warfare
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand,therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand,therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.
Don't worry about anything! How I need that instruction. My natural inclination is alpha male, I want to be in charge. But there is so much that I cannot know about present circumstances, even if I use Google search, that I must content myself with doing those things that are my responsibility, and trusting that God will work things out in His own time.
How does God allow us free will, and yet accomplish His purpose? He is God. We need to do our best to do what He tells us to do. And rejoice that we belong to Him.
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Think about good things, do the right things, and the God of peace will be with you. This is a battle that Jesus will surely win.
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Think about good things, do the right things, and the God of peace will be with you. This is a battle that Jesus will surely win.
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