Bi-Monthly Bread

The new birth brings with it a number of challenges; some from the outside, and others include the process of change that takes place in the heart of every believer. No matter how intense it may be, it is worth every ounce of effort we exert to continue walking with God. Paul, in writing to Timothy, had this to say about living for God.

2 Timothy 3:12 says; “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

The pains of persecution are very discomforting to the flesh, as Paul describes in his writings. He was stoned, whipped, imprisoned, betrayed and lied about. And these are only a few of the things he experienced. Jesus referred to how people hated Him, and they would also hate those who followed Him. Being rejected and disliked by the world is only natural for those who have chosen to live this life for Jesus. There are some things that need to be considered when dealing with persecution. First of all, don’t be confused about where the persecution is coming from. Jesus said in
John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Some people misinterpret their troubles as being from God and do not understand He’s not our problem, or the one causing them. If we don’t understand this simple truth, we could open ourselves to offense. Either being offended with God because we think God’s causing the problem, or He just doesn’t care enough to stop it. Regardless of what happens, offense toward God must be avoided. Offense carries the elements that destroy an important necessity for relationship, which is trust. When offense is allowed to grow in the heart, the heart will eventually grow cold and distrusting. Jesus made this clear to His disciples in the parable of the sower.
Mark 4:16-17 says; “And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.”

The word offended means 'to cause to stumble, to distrust the one whom you ought to trust and obey'. In this condition, it would be impossible for someone to walk with God. In fact, that’s exactly what happened during Jesus' ministry when He spoke about being the living bread which came down from heaven in John 6:51. They became offended with Jesus and departed from Him. John 6:66 says; “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

We must never take persecution personally and allow our hearts to become overwhelmed with its intended effects. If you are being persecuted, know that your light is shining in a dark world. You are considered a threat to the fragile structure of Satan’s domain, and he’s looking for a way to shut you down. Stay strong and committed to the Lordship of Jesus by guarding your heart from offense toward God, and you will come out victorious. Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:11, “Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.”

What God did for Paul He’ll do for us as well.

In II Timothy 2:3-5 we read, “Thou therefore, endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a good soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet he is not crowned except he strive lawfully.”

As a Christian, we are in a spiritual battle. Daily, the powers of darkness are trying to dim the light of God’s Word, bringing doubt, unbelief, discouragement, and, many times, a life of defeat. This is not the will of God. God’s will is for His children to be strong, full of faith, overcomers, and most of all, living in victory as a good soldier. How do we obtain this goal? I believe there are three necessary steps.

#1 A Good Soldier Knows His Enemy.

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

The enemy is always trying to shift our focus, wanting us to become entangled with the affairs of this life. When we do this, we begin to wrestle with things that are out of our control. We begin to worry, take on cares, get in fear, which causes God’s Word to be chocked out of our lives. We start focusing on the outward change and not on the inward change. If satan can keep us in the physical realm to do battle, he will beat us every time. Outward change brings temporary relief, and inward change brings permanent change. Recognize your enemy and use the Word of God to do spiritual battle and obtain victory.

#2 A Good Soldier Is Dressed For Battle.

Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

One or two pieces of God’s armor is not good enough, we must put on the whole armor of God. We must arm ourselves with Bible knowledge. The whole armor of God consists of the truth, the Gospel, and the Word of God. When our mind is renewed to the Word of God, it becomes good news; and the truth of God’s Word makes us free, because we now have knowledge to combat the lies and deceptions. Knowledge of God’s Word also strengthens our faith, establishes us in our salvation, and establishes us in righteousness. The devil becomes no match for us, because we are dressed for battle. We are walking in God’s power, not our own.

#3 A Good Soldier Knows How To Use His Weapons.

I Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God; and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Our weapons are a ‘renewed mind’ and a mouth that releases the authority of God’s Word. As we begin to examine every thought with a renewed mind, we won’t be ignorant of satan’s devices and strategies. We will then begin to speak the truth of God’s Word, casting down the lies and continuing to walk in obedience to God’s Word, and living a life of victory.

As I close, strive to be a good soldier. Be aware of the enemy, dress for battle daily, and use your weapons. Remember, victory is attained by following the rules, and God’s Word is the rulebook. Many Christians are defeated because they don’t have knowledge of the rules. As Christians, we can live in victory daily, if we will gain knowledge of God’s Word, apply the knowledge of God’s Word, and be obedient to God’s Word.

Be encouraged! You are in God’s Army! Be a good solider!