A daily battle
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
No one is exempt! No matter how long you have been a Christian, rich or poor, male or female, adult or child, the devil never gives up on you.
This warning is found in I Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
The apostle encourages us to be watchful and sober (serious) minded because the devil wants to destroy us! Here are some of the areas that is proficient in:
Satan is tempting students in school. He encourages our children to lie, steal, cheat, and to be immoral. Belief in God, creation, or a moral code is ridiculed by both students and teachers, especially in high school and college.
Peer pressure is strong to smoke, vape, dip, chew, drink, commit fornication, etc. Satan knows that if he can steal the hearts of our children when they are young and impressionable then he will likely have them forever.
He is also seeking to destroy the home. The devil has empowered children to become rebellious by convincing their parents not to discipline them strongly and to be their “friend” rather than their parent. Children do not obey nor respect their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Marriage “vows” (promises) mean little or nothing. Adultery is treated lightly. Husbands and wives do not respect one another or their God-given roles. Sadly, many husbands and wives spend all of their time working to buy more “things.” There is little to no “spirituality” in the home. Prayer, Bible reading and worship have been replaced with movies, internet and games.
Satan will also try to destroy the church. Indifference, luke-warmness, inactivity, social aspects are all becoming more important than spiritual activities. He encourages us to “fit it” with the world and not to be different or distinct. The devil doesn’t want us to attend Bible classes or worship consistently or to give every Sunday. Things like “teaching the lost” and “restoring the erring” are for “others.” I am too busy.
Be aware! Put on your Christian armour – Ephesians 6:10-17, “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.”
We are fighting a daily battle with Satan. He doesn’t take coffee breaks, lunch, or vacations! Be alert; be sober (serious) minded.
Please write if you would like to study the Bible in the privacy of your home OR by correspondence course. Rockford Church of Christ; 8997 U.S. Hwy. 231; Rockford, Alabama 35136. You can send an email: Dabass1962@bellsouth.net.
We welcome your Bible questions.
