As 2018 begins, the question comes once again; how to look ahead at the coming year, and what do I feel is going to be the important things to pay attention to.
In the days we live in today great battles wage against our minds. A soldier of the Lord in today's battle needs to acquaint himself/herself with the tactics waged against us; but more importantly to saturate themselves in the scriptures to build up their spirits, and equip themselves to be able to discern truth from error. The two commentaries below that expound on Eph. 6:17 are excellent studies on this subject.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Take the helmet of salvation. The Roman soldier wore on his head a metallic cap to protect it from blows, called a helmet. Isa 59:17 says: "He put a helmet of salvation on his head." See also 1Th 5:8. Salvation, the consciousness that we have a Savior "able to save unto the uttermost," gives the Christian soldier courage for the conflict.
And the sword of the Spirit. The armor before described is to protect; the sword to assail. It is the Christian soldier who is to wield the sword of the Spirit. That is, the Spirit conquers through him. The word is the word of God. Thus Peter conquered on Pentecost, and Paul in his labors. Thus always and everywhere. The Christian soldier filled with the Spirit must "preach the word." See Heb 4:12. (PNT comm)
In the days we live in today great battles wage against our minds. A soldier of the Lord in today's battle needs to acquaint himself/herself with the tactics waged against us; but more importantly to saturate themselves in the scriptures to build up their spirits, and equip themselves to be able to discern truth from error. The two commentaries below that expound on Eph. 6:17 are excellent studies on this subject.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Take the helmet of salvation. The Roman soldier wore on his head a metallic cap to protect it from blows, called a helmet. Isa 59:17 says: "He put a helmet of salvation on his head." See also 1Th 5:8. Salvation, the consciousness that we have a Savior "able to save unto the uttermost," gives the Christian soldier courage for the conflict.
And the sword of the Spirit. The armor before described is to protect; the sword to assail. It is the Christian soldier who is to wield the sword of the Spirit. That is, the Spirit conquers through him. The word is the word of God. Thus Peter conquered on Pentecost, and Paul in his labors. Thus always and everywhere. The Christian soldier filled with the Spirit must "preach the word." See Heb 4:12. (PNT comm)
“FINALLY, BE STRONG IN THE LORD”
Many would be strong, but fail because they forget that they can be effectively so only “in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” Paul had a very vivid conception of the powerful forces that are arrayed against the Church. He is not dealing here especially with our personal temptations, but with those hosts of wicked spirits that lie behind the evil of the world. It is probable that the vast systems which oppose the gospel-the philosophies, temples, and priests of false religions; the trade in strong drink, impurity, and like evils; and such iniquitous institutions as the system of indentured slavery-are directly promoted and furthered by the agency of evil spirits in arms against God.
We must be pure and holy, if we are to prevail against evil; and especially must we give ourselves to prayer. To prevail in this warfare we must diligently employ the weapon of all prayer. Tychicus carried this letter. He was faithful to the end, Act 20:4; 2Ti 4:12. The Epistle closes, as it began, with uncorrupted, that is, pure and eternal, love. Alford says, “This is the only truth worthy to be the crown and climax of this glorious Epistle.”(F.B. Meyer comm)
Why is it so important to know the authority of the word of God and it's importance in the hand of a believer full of faith? Because God himself has placed His word above His name.
Psa 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
David, and all other Old Testament saints found the truth that God binds Himself to His own word; as they interceded for situations and nations, they used the word of God to dialogue with God, and "reason" with Him. You cannot do this effectively if you don't know what the scriptures teach, and don't believe them yourself.
In the account of Jesus in the wilderness, we see him wielding the sword of the Lord with great skill, which gained the victory for him over the temptations Satan came against him with. Let's take a look at it.
Many would be strong, but fail because they forget that they can be effectively so only “in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” Paul had a very vivid conception of the powerful forces that are arrayed against the Church. He is not dealing here especially with our personal temptations, but with those hosts of wicked spirits that lie behind the evil of the world. It is probable that the vast systems which oppose the gospel-the philosophies, temples, and priests of false religions; the trade in strong drink, impurity, and like evils; and such iniquitous institutions as the system of indentured slavery-are directly promoted and furthered by the agency of evil spirits in arms against God.
We must be pure and holy, if we are to prevail against evil; and especially must we give ourselves to prayer. To prevail in this warfare we must diligently employ the weapon of all prayer. Tychicus carried this letter. He was faithful to the end, Act 20:4; 2Ti 4:12. The Epistle closes, as it began, with uncorrupted, that is, pure and eternal, love. Alford says, “This is the only truth worthy to be the crown and climax of this glorious Epistle.”(F.B. Meyer comm)
Why is it so important to know the authority of the word of God and it's importance in the hand of a believer full of faith? Because God himself has placed His word above His name.
Psa 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
David, and all other Old Testament saints found the truth that God binds Himself to His own word; as they interceded for situations and nations, they used the word of God to dialogue with God, and "reason" with Him. You cannot do this effectively if you don't know what the scriptures teach, and don't believe them yourself.
In the account of Jesus in the wilderness, we see him wielding the sword of the Lord with great skill, which gained the victory for him over the temptations Satan came against him with. Let's take a look at it.
The Temptation of Jesus
Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Mat 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Mat 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Mat 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Mat 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Mat 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Mat 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Some interesting points to bring out here:
1. It was not the devil, but the Holy Spirit Himself that drove Jesus into the wilderness, as some would mistake.
2. This took place immediately after John the Baptist baptized Jesus, as soon as the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. It's an illustrative example of what we as believer's can expect, when we are born again, and then receive the Holy Spirit in power. The devil hates you and I as much as he does Christ; we will receive the same persecutions, and the same temptations. It can be expected for trials and temptations to increase. This is where listening to prosperity preachers and teachers have led many astray.
As I look back over the years, I thank God now, that when I first got saved, I was led to sit under some very good bible teachers, who taught the whole council of God. One of them, who is now gone to be with the Lord once said in an evening session, "When you go through great trials, and believe me you will, you'll be faced in making the decision "Is what I'm living for, worth dieing for", I've never forgotten this, and it has been brought to the forefront in my life more than once.
3. Jesus was at his weakest during this time of temptation, from hunger and thirst; which magnified the severity of his suffering through this. It causes one to consider the evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit which kept him in this hour of great distress both in body and spirit.
4. When Satan came to Jesus with each temptation, he did not dispute Satan's right to his claims. Why, because he knew Satan is the god of this world, right now, it is in his hands to do as he wishes, disputing on that basis would be useless.
Joh 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5. To counter the temptations hurled at him, Jesus used Old Testament scripture, written under the law, because he had not gone to the cross yet. He needed to use the established Law of God. The authority in them was what Satan had to adhere to; whether he liked it or not. Jesus knew scripture, and how to use it to bring Satan's temptations to nothing. All heaven and earth bows to the authority of the word of God, when used appropriately, which Jesus reveals here. With every temptation Satan hurled at him, Jesus only used scripture to fight this mighty battle. This is a very important point to us. If the word of God has that much power, that much authority, and can bring victory for Jesus in this critical batte, must we not open our eyes, and allow this to teach us how to use the word of God in our daily life?
Today, after the cross and resurrection, we have the entire sphere of scripture, the Old and New Testaments as our weaponry. As it tells us in these verses:
2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2Pe 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
6. Satan reveals his ultimate desire when he tempts Jesus one last time, to get Jesus to fall down and worship him, and destroy the mission he came into the world for. His hatred for God Almighty is now compelling him to get His own Son to rebel against Him; just as Satan had done in heaven long ago.
Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
1. It was not the devil, but the Holy Spirit Himself that drove Jesus into the wilderness, as some would mistake.
2. This took place immediately after John the Baptist baptized Jesus, as soon as the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. It's an illustrative example of what we as believer's can expect, when we are born again, and then receive the Holy Spirit in power. The devil hates you and I as much as he does Christ; we will receive the same persecutions, and the same temptations. It can be expected for trials and temptations to increase. This is where listening to prosperity preachers and teachers have led many astray.
As I look back over the years, I thank God now, that when I first got saved, I was led to sit under some very good bible teachers, who taught the whole council of God. One of them, who is now gone to be with the Lord once said in an evening session, "When you go through great trials, and believe me you will, you'll be faced in making the decision "Is what I'm living for, worth dieing for", I've never forgotten this, and it has been brought to the forefront in my life more than once.
3. Jesus was at his weakest during this time of temptation, from hunger and thirst; which magnified the severity of his suffering through this. It causes one to consider the evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit which kept him in this hour of great distress both in body and spirit.
4. When Satan came to Jesus with each temptation, he did not dispute Satan's right to his claims. Why, because he knew Satan is the god of this world, right now, it is in his hands to do as he wishes, disputing on that basis would be useless.
Joh 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5. To counter the temptations hurled at him, Jesus used Old Testament scripture, written under the law, because he had not gone to the cross yet. He needed to use the established Law of God. The authority in them was what Satan had to adhere to; whether he liked it or not. Jesus knew scripture, and how to use it to bring Satan's temptations to nothing. All heaven and earth bows to the authority of the word of God, when used appropriately, which Jesus reveals here. With every temptation Satan hurled at him, Jesus only used scripture to fight this mighty battle. This is a very important point to us. If the word of God has that much power, that much authority, and can bring victory for Jesus in this critical batte, must we not open our eyes, and allow this to teach us how to use the word of God in our daily life?
Today, after the cross and resurrection, we have the entire sphere of scripture, the Old and New Testaments as our weaponry. As it tells us in these verses:
2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2Pe 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
6. Satan reveals his ultimate desire when he tempts Jesus one last time, to get Jesus to fall down and worship him, and destroy the mission he came into the world for. His hatred for God Almighty is now compelling him to get His own Son to rebel against Him; just as Satan had done in heaven long ago.
Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Luk 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
7. He also wanted not only to steal the place Jesus held as the Son of God, but to destroy the mission of ransoming you and I. He knew if he could get Jesus to bow down and worship him, this act of rebellion would ruin any chance of our salvation and redemption. Jesus described him well when he said this of him:
Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
8. Jesus' last reply to Satan finished this battle;
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Mat 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
As the angels stood by waiting as this battle raged, I'm sure they could hardly contain themselves while they watched this scene unfold. I can imagine how they could be greatly tempted to come to the Lord's aide, and assist him in this, but knowing he must win this by the power of the Holy Spirit. As soon as the devil left him, they were right there; ministering to Him.
This mighty battle was won in order for Jesus to complete his mission to go to the cross and die for you and I, but also as an example for you and I on how to fight our battles down here. He won over the temptations thrown at Him, with the power of the Holy Spirit, and the word of God.
As 2018 begins, this is going to be my goal; saturating myself once again in the word of God, and becoming a soldier of skill, knowing the authority it wields, and how to use it.
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
In these critical times, this is going to be the most important part of following Christ, because I truly believe we are living in the days described below:
2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Having on the whole armor of God; and knowing how to use it, is going to make the difference for the believer in the coming days.
Lorna Couillard
7. He also wanted not only to steal the place Jesus held as the Son of God, but to destroy the mission of ransoming you and I. He knew if he could get Jesus to bow down and worship him, this act of rebellion would ruin any chance of our salvation and redemption. Jesus described him well when he said this of him:
Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
8. Jesus' last reply to Satan finished this battle;
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Mat 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
As the angels stood by waiting as this battle raged, I'm sure they could hardly contain themselves while they watched this scene unfold. I can imagine how they could be greatly tempted to come to the Lord's aide, and assist him in this, but knowing he must win this by the power of the Holy Spirit. As soon as the devil left him, they were right there; ministering to Him.
This mighty battle was won in order for Jesus to complete his mission to go to the cross and die for you and I, but also as an example for you and I on how to fight our battles down here. He won over the temptations thrown at Him, with the power of the Holy Spirit, and the word of God.
As 2018 begins, this is going to be my goal; saturating myself once again in the word of God, and becoming a soldier of skill, knowing the authority it wields, and how to use it.
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
In these critical times, this is going to be the most important part of following Christ, because I truly believe we are living in the days described below:
2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Having on the whole armor of God; and knowing how to use it, is going to make the difference for the believer in the coming days.
Lorna Couillard
