Our Constant Antagonist

In preparation for our first of the season meetings on Sunday night, the GCC Scripture memory program will embark on a season of learning more of spiritual warfare in our life. We have a constant adversary about us, one who is always against us and never for us. We have much to learn to combat any enemy in life to be kept from being overcome by it, and we have the Omnipotent One that we will be kept by (1Peter 1:5); it is not let go and let God, but trust God and get going. We must be prepared for this constant fight and know that our strategy and armor should be of divine institution, from One who knows this enemy better than any other. Our spiritual well-being depends on it, for we wish not to make shipwreck of our faith (1 Tim.1:19).

Galatians 5:17, "The flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please."  We must follow the instructions of our Lord, though the army be on earth, yet the council of war sits in heaven. Jesus knows this encounter with the great deceiver oh too well, as in Luke 4; Jesus does not give into temptation and the devil eventually retreats, BUT he left Him until an opportune time (Luke 4:13). Now if this bold roaring lion but did watch and observe Christ from time to time, does it not behoove us to be vigilant and watch about us lest he attack us at one time or another while napping? What he has missed before by your watchfulness, he may now gain by your negligence (1Peter 5:8).

English Puritan William Gurnall says, "Two acts of faith, first, we must have a settled, firm persuasion that the Lord is almighty in power. This is a foundational truth. Second, we must not only believe that God is almighty, but also that this almighty power of God is engaged for our defense. God expects us to meet every trial, every temptation, leaning on His arm." (2Cor.3:5).  Abraham, Issac, and Jacob's faith was tested, and yet that faith stayed firm, though they did not receive what was promised (Heb.11:39). They never doubted because God Almighty had promised (Exo.6:3).

Gurnall goes on to say, "Do not look on temptation with a wandering eye if you do not wish to be taken by it, nor allow your mind to dwell on that which you do not want lodged in your heart." Stake your utter dependence upon God, (John 15:5) apart from Him we can do nothing. Think of this, when a soul believes, then God's eternal purpose and counsel concerning him, whom He chose in Christ before the foundation of the world, is brought to term. Can you imagine the love God has for a child He has carried so long in the womb of His eternal purpose? Come out and join us at GCC Sunday night Sept.20, 6:30pm, to help you be better equipped at excelling still more in your walk with Him!

The whole story of victory over spiritual antagonism is clearly put in these words: "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7).

Elder Randy Slak