The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the lust of pride. In a world driven by lust it is easy to find evil all around us everyday. While most people give in to temptation, God’s children are commanded to resist, to fight against it. But how can we prepare ourselves for such a battle considering the great force of the enemy? In Proverbs 7 God’s word tells us how…
“My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.” (Proverbs 7:1)
In plain English, obey God’s commands and seek full knowledge of the bible. Immerse yourself in the word of God so that psalms, proverbs and parables flow from your lips as you face challenges brought on by evil.
“Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.” (Proverbs 7:2)
God’s promise stretches far beyond this life just as the rewards from keeping His commands. The gift of eternal life comes to those who seek a relationship with Jesus Christ AND live according to His will. The word of God and it’s tremendous value are to be guarded accordingly just as we protect the pupil of our eyes without which we would be blind to God’s everlasting light.
“Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” (Proverbs 7:3)
As a string around your finger reminding you of something important, be quick to rely on God’s word when tempted by evil. As we all become more familiar with verses of the bible we will learn to speak with love.
“Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman;” (Proverbs 7:4)
Embrace wisdom as Jesus and His disciples did. Seek God’s wisdom found throughout the bible and you will notice patience, compassion and understanding tag along. Your life will forever be changed, your days filled with God’s peaceful light.
“They will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.” (Proverbs 7:5)
No one man can resist temptation without strength or cause. Through faith in Jesus Christ we are born again. Through the word of God we are strengthened and given purpose.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:13-15)
The full armor of God is a combination of faith and word driven wisdom. The day of evil is either the end times or a great battle in a believer’s life when those not adequately equipped will fall to temptation. In any case God’s armor will give you life.
“You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do , but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-10)
Be prepared for the fight against evil because God tells us the battle will come. Arm yourself with the truth and you will prevail. Do not let the world distract you rather, allow the world to inspire you to seek a deeper understanding of the bible as you put on your breastplate forged with the word of God and hemmed by testimonies written by disciples of Jesus Christ.
While your armor will protect you from attacks against you and your faith, a sword will allow you to defeat evil. Faith based swords are built from deeds and relationships which provide opportunity to defeat the enemy. The bigger your sword, the better equipped you will be when the harlot comes for battle. Deeds include actions performed in God’s name such as mission projects, volunteering, mentoring or ministry work. Relationships are essential for one’s spiritual growth and best developed through small groups, life groups and bible study groups.
Ready yourself for forthcoming battles. When it comes to evil and temptation, there is no such thing as being over prepared. Need help to find or put on your armor? Call on us for answers to your questions or prayer that will resonate the the heavens as you continue to walk in Jesus’ footsteps protected by salvation and armed with faith…
Let’s pray.
Father God;
We praise you for your Grace
And for your blessings in our lives,
For your guidance and your patience
And for your ever present love.
Lord we pray that you will continue to look after us
And provide for us all we need in this life,
We pray that you will spread your light onto our friends,
Our families and all those who seek you.
God we ask that you inspire us to seek your word
As we arm and ready ourselves for the battle
That will rage against evil and temptation
As we await your return and the fulfillment of your promise.
Thank you Lord father for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
