August Pastor’s Chat
When you have concerns and burdens for other believers, the fact of God’s faithfulness is a never-ending source of encouragement to entrust them to God. Paul did this in his second letter to the Thessalonians. He states in chapter 3:3, “But the Lord is faithful” and then says to those to whom he is concerned, “[God] will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” The Apostle John gives God the credit for those who have resisted the spirit of antichrist in the world. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Victory is based upon God’s faithfulness and work in believers. O praise Him! He is faithful!
One way of entering into spiritual battle for the protection of others from Satan’s attack is to entrust them to God through prayer. Jesus teaches this by example in Luke 22:31-32, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Will you pray for God’s protection over those whose faith is under attack?
Our Lord suggests a second way of protecting people from Satan’s attacks with His command to Peter to “strengthen thy brethren.” Paul shows in Ephesians 6:10-20 how to strengthen others when he admonishes believers to be “strong in the Lord”. He uses the analogy of Roman armor to give understanding in what it takes to be strong in battle against Satan: 1) a belt of truth, 2) a breastplate of righteousness, 3) shoes of Gospel peace, 4) a shield of faith, 5) a helmet of salvation, and 6) the sword of God’s Spirit— the Word of God. Will you encourage yourself and others in these 6 vital areas: truth, righteousness, gospel peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God? God is faithful!
With prayer, Pastor Mark
Selected Verses on Faithfulness in Spiritual Battle
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”
Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
James 4:5-10, “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
Magnify! 