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In the New Testament book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul outlines the Christ-follower’s keys to winning in life.
“And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong.
So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the devil throws your way.
This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.
Truth, righteousness,
peace,
faith,
and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.
In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 The Message
Key #1
Realize whose you are.
God is strong, and he wants you strong.
According to the Old Testament Psalmist David, humanity is fearfully and wonderfully made.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalms 139:14 New International Version
According to the book of Beginnings, Genesis, humanity is made in the image and likeness of the creator God.
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[fn] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
Genesis 1:26 New International Version
The God who made you is strong.
According to Moses in the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, God will not fail.
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:16 New King James Version
When God seems silent, it can be easier for the adversary (the devil) to fill the silence with lies and (false) accusations.
This is why a close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is vital.
It is also why knowing the Word of God, and communing with like-minded believers is essential.
The Apostle Paul’s Ephesian message is about spiritual warfare. Eugene Peterson (the author of The Message) does not use warfare language (outside of weapons and fighting to the finish) as other translations do, but the Apostle Paul’s message is clear—you are at war, and a Christ-follower has a spiritual key to always winning.
Therefore, you are to be strong.
The Old Testament book of Joshua tells Joshua (and the Christ-follower) to be strong because the Lord God is with him.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 New International Version
This is not a journey you have to make alone, nor is it one you are not equipped to take. The triune Godhead had you in mind from the beginning and set things in motion to assure you will always win in this life.
The challenge comes when we think or act otherwise.
We cannot let what we see make us doubt who HE said.
We cannot allow what we hear to capture our hearts and cause us to doubt what HE said.
We cannot allow the tactics of the enemy (the devil) to overwhelm whose we are.
The Lord gave me a saying that applies to this.
You cannot go UNDER for going OVER.
You cannot LOSE for WINNING.
You cannot be DEFEATED for being VICTORIOUS.
This is who you are because of whose you are.
I will discuss Key #2, Take everything the Master has set out for you, next week.
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