STRENGTH UNTO THE BATTLE For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle (PSA 18:39)

Transcription

1 STRENGTH UNTO THE BATTLE For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle (PSA 18:39) I. There is a conspiracy against Christianity. A. Conspire - To combine privily for an evil or unlawful purpose; to agree together to do something criminal, illegal, or reprehensible, (esp. to commit treason or murder, excite sedition etc.); to plot. B. GEN 3:15 announces the battle of the ages between Satan and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1. Satan aspires to be God (ISA 14:12-14). 2. Jesus Christ is God. 3. Jesus Christ will deal Satan the fatal blow and will prevail. C. Satan and his followers plot against Christ and His followers (PSA 37: 12-14) 1. There was a conspiracy against Joseph; the one God chose to reign over his brethren (GEN 37:8, 18). 2. There was a conspiracy against King David from whom Jesus Christ would descend according to the flesh (2SA 15:12). 3. There was a conspiracy against Jeremiah (JER 11:9-10, 18-21). 4. There was a conspiracy against God s religion (EZE 22:25-31). a) This conspiracy involves ministers of religion, political leaders, and the people. b) This conspiracy begins with the prophets, the teachers of religion. c) First the souls are devoured, then the treasures. d) In this conspiracy the distinctions between truth and error, right and wrong are blurred. e) The false teaching leads to oppression. f) A conspiracy carries within it the seeds of its own destruction. 5. There was a conspiracy against Paul (ACT 23:12-15). 6. Christ was crucified as a result of a conspiracy (MAT 26:3-5, 14-16; ACT 4:23-29). a) Satan was the mastermind behind this plot (JOH 8:40, 44; LUK 22:3). b) This conspiracy to destroy Jesus backfired on the conspirators in that by means of the crucifixion, Jesus Christ accomplished God s plan of salvation (HEB 2:14). c) This is an example of God taking the wise in their own craftiness

2 II. (JOB 5:12-16). d) The Lord s plan always prevails (PRO 19:21; ISA 46:9-10). D. Satan opposes the church which bears witness to Christ s victory over him (1TI 3:15; 1TH 1:8; REV 12:10-17 with LUK 8:19-21). 1. Satan cannot be God if there is a rival. 2. The world, which is under the sway of Satan, also opposes the church (2C0 4:4; JOH 14:30; 15:18-20). 3. Satan pursues three methods of attack against the church: a) Persecution (REV 2:10). b) Imitation (2C0 11:13-15). c) Infiltration (ACT 20:29-31). E. Satan uses human governments to attack the righteous (EST 3:8-14; DAN 6:4-9; PSA 94:20-21). F. Satan plots a one-world government in defiance of Christianity (REV 13). 1. Satan implements this plan through deception (REV 12:9; 20:7-9). 2. Since all government, victory, worship, and wealth are ascribed to God in His kingdom (1CH 29:11-12), Satan seeks to build an imitation kingdom which incorporates all political power, military power, religion, and economic activity. 3. This plot was at work in Paul s day and will be overthrown at Christ s appearing (2TH 2:3-10). 4. In the past Satan has united nations in opposition to God s people (JOS 9:1-2; NEH 4:7-8; PSA 83:1-8). There are two types of people that Satan uses to further his plot: the deceiver and the deceived (JOB 12:16). A. Deceive - To ensnare; to take unawares by craft or guile; to overcome, overreach, or get the better of by trickery; to beguile or betray into mischief or sin; to mislead. B. There are those who are knowingly deceiving others (EPH 4:14). C. However, there are those who are deceived and do not know that they are part of Satan s conspiracy (2SA 15:11; JOH 16:2). D. To the extent that one promotes a lie, one is participating in Satan s conspiracy. E. 1JO 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 1. It is by means of knowing the truth that we can discern a lie. 2. A lie is a lie no matter how much the one who tells it may believe it is the Strength unto the Battle - Page 2

3 III. IV. truth. We must judge all teachers, teachings, and movements by the truth of the word of God (ISA 8:20). A. It is not mandatory that everyone who promotes Satan s program be a member of some secret conspiratorial organization. B. We need only judge one s words and actions by the Scriptures to determine whether they are part of the conspiracy or not. C. Beware of becoming so focused on conspiracies that you start slinging false accusations. 1. The New Testament word devil translates the Greek word diabolos which means a false accuser, slanderer. 2. In opposing Satan s conspiracy, we must take care NOT to adopt his methods. 3. 1TH 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. D. Remember that truth is truth no matter who says it. 1. Do not discredit any truth just because someone promoting the conspiracy may say it. 2. 1TH 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Beware of speculating about what the conspirators are going to do. A. The ways of the deceiver are moveable, that thou canst not know them (PRO 5:6). B. God is sovereign over all and He can foil their plans (JOB 5:13; DAN 2:21). V. Christians must be on guard against their own depraved flesh, as this is a willing accomplice to the devil (ROM 7:18). VI. A. The flesh works in concert with the world and the devil and opposes our inward man (EPH 2:1-3; ROM 7:22-23; 1PE 2:11). B. When Christians walk in the flesh, they end up destroying one another, which accomplishes Satan s objective (GAL 5:13-21). C. We must not become so focused on the enemies without, that we lose sight of the enemy within. DAN 3 provides an excellent example of Satan s plot against believers. A. The Babylonian empire of Nebuchadnezzar was a world government that stood in antithesis to the kingdom of God (DAN 2:31-38, 44-45). B. Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and commanded that all people of all nations and languages fall down and worship it. Strength unto the Battle - Page 3

4 C. Failure to fall down and worship the image would result in death in a burning fiery furnace. D. The command for all people to fall down and worship at the sound of the music would bring about worship in unison giving an appearance of universal communion. E. This was a religion to impress the carnal senses. 1. The size and substance of the image made it very impressive. 2. The orchestra would give the worship an aesthetic appeal. 3. The presence of all political, military, judicial, and economic leaders of the provinces at the dedication would lend great support to the project. 4. The fact that everybody was doing it would be enough to persuade followers of the crowd to go along. 5. The fear of death in a burning fiery furnace would provide tremendous incentive to cooperate. F. This was an attempt at a one-world religion enforced by a one-world government. G. This is a forerunner of the one-world religion of the beast government described in REV 13. H. This is an example of Satan using the legal system to attack the righteous (PSA 94:20-21). I. The Hebrews could not obey this law of man without transgressing the law of God (EXO 20:4-6). J. Because of their religion, the Hebrews were divisive! K. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were otherwise faithful and useful servants of the king (DAN 1:17-20; 2:49). L. The three Hebrews were not careful to answer the king in this matter (vs ). 1. They believed in a transcendent, almighty God and thus recognized that the king was not the ultimate authority. a) All human governments are limited in authority. b) When God s law and man s law conflict, God s law must be obeyed (ACT 5:29). 2. Their commitment to God and His law was so strong, that the matter did not require any deliberation. 3. Although Nebuchadnezzar had favoured them and advanced them in his kingdom, their first loyalty was to God. 4. They believed their God was able to deliver them from the burning fiery furnace. Strength unto the Battle - Page 4

5 5. They were assured that God would deliver them from the hand of the king, even if they died (PSA 37:39-40). a) Even though they die, God s children will be saved (LUK 21:16-18; JOH 11:25-26; 2T1 4:18). b) These Hebrews had their sights on the end (PSA 37:37-38). 6. But whether God delivered them or not, they would not serve the king s gods. M. The degree of the king s rage can be seen in his commanding that the furnace be heated one seven times hotter (v.19). 1. This would not make the death of the Hebrews any more certain or painful. 2. But it would make their deliverance all the more illustrious. N. The flame of the furnace slew the mighty men who cast the Hebrews into it (v. 22). 1. The gods of these mighty men were not able to deliver them from the fire at the mouth of the furnace. 2. The God of the Hebrews delivered them from the fire IN THE MIDST of the furnace. O. Faithful to His promise, the Lord was with these three Hebrews in the fire (v. 25; ISA 43:2). P. God requires faithfulness even unto death (REV 2:10). 1. The threat of death is no excuse for renouncing the faith. 2. True Disciples of Christ must lose their lives for Christ s sake (MAR 8:34-38). 3. Death is not a thing to be feared by the believer (HEB 2:15; PSA 23:4). 4. Those who overcome the devil love not their lives unto the death (REV 12:11). 5. If given a choice between the two, would you lose your life rather than forsake your God? 6. If the opposition we endure now wearies us, how would we fare in the face a burning, fiery furnace (JER 12:5)? Q. These Hebrews changed the king s word. 1. Heretofore, the king denied God s ability to deliver the Hebrews out of his hands (v. 15). 2. Now the king blessed God acknowledging that no other God could deliver after this sort (vs ). Strength unto the Battle - Page 5

6 VII. 3. The king now issued a decree that forbad anyone to speak against the God of the Hebrews. 4. People willing to die for their convictions are powerful people who effect change. 5. Their example has inspired men throughout history to resist governments, which abuse their power, and has thus altered the course of history. In view of the battle against Christianity, Paul prayed for the strengthening of the saints (EPH 3:13-21). A. The Christian life demands watchfulness, consistent faith, courage, and strength (1CO 16:13). Therefore, Paul prayed. B. Paul desired that the Ephesian saints not faint at his tribulations for them, which was their glory. 1. Had Paul s ministry not been so effective among them, he would not likely have been suffering for them. 2. Faint - To lose heart or courage, be afraid, become depressed, give way (JOS 2:9-11). 3. Those who faint give up (GAL 6:9). C. Paul prayed for the strength of the Spirit in the inner man. 1. The inner man is the new man created in righteousness and true holiness (EPH 4:24). 2. The outward man, the corrupt and sinful flesh, battles against the inner man (ROM 7:18, 22-23). 3. Recall that the flesh works in concert with the devil in his plot against Christianity. 4. It is only through the aid of the Holy Spirit that the inner man can overcome the outward man (ROM 8:13). 5. Since the Holy Spirit is God, this tells us that it takes nothing short of the strength of Almighty God to withstand Satan s attacks (EPH 6:10-12). D. God grants the strength of the Holy Spirit according to the riches of His glory. 1. God has a wealth of strength to supply. 2. We need plenty of strength in order not to faint (PRO 24:10). 3. At the throne of grace there is mercy to be obtained and grace to help in time of need and plenty of it (HEB 4:16). E. Paul is praying that they be strengthened that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith. 1. The battle is a fight of faith (1TI 6:12). Strength unto the Battle - Page 6

7 2. The three Hebrews withstood Nebuchadnezzar because they were strong in faith (DAN 3:28). 3. We resist Satan by being stedfast in the faith (1PE 5:8-9). 4. We will have fought a good fight if at the end of our life we have kept the faith (2T1 4:7). F. It is by faith that Christ dwells in our hearts. 1. There is an indwelling of Christ in regeneration that all of the elect experience (ROM 8:9-11). 2. There is an indwelling of Christ in fellowship that only the true believer experiences (JOH 15:1-11). a) Dwell - To abide or continue for a time, in a place, state, or condition. b) Abide - To wait, stay, remain. c) When we abide in Christ and He abides in us, we bear much fruit, we pray effectually, we glorify God, we are Christ s disciples, and we have fulness of joy. 3. According to 1JO 2:24 we will be abiding in Christ if we are abiding in that which we have heard from the beginning. a) The words abide, remain, and continue all translate the same Greek word meno which means to remain, abide, stay, dwell. b) We must continue in Christ s doctrine if we are to continue in Him (GAL 1:6; HEB 3:14). c) This continuing in Christ contrasts with fainting or giving way. 4. As we continue believing Christ s doctrine, He abides or dwells in us. 5. It takes divine strength for us to continue in the faith. G. The person who has Christ dwelling in his heart by faith is rooted and grounded in love (JOH 15:9-10). 1. Rooted - Filled or covered with roots; firmly fixed or established, deeply implanted, in something. 2. Grounded - Deeply or strongly founded; firmly fixed or established; resting upon a good basis. 3. Our love for God, for truth, and for the brethren is firmly fixed; it is consistent. 4. This contrasts with fickle devotion (HOS 6:1-4). H. This indwelling of Christ leads to the ability to comprehend. 1. The dimensions of God can only be known by divine revelation (JOB Strength unto the Battle - Page 7

8 VIII. 11:7-9; 1CO 2:9-10; EPH 3:8). 2. These dimensions are comprehended by the saints since it is to them that they are made known (COL 1:25-27). I. This indwelling of Christ leads to a knowledge of His love. 1. Since Christ s love passes knowledge, it takes more than mere human effort to know the love of Christ. 2. One does not know the love of Christ without abiding in His doctrine (JON 17:25-26). 3. Although many religious people speak of Jesus love, they do not really know what it is. J. Indwelling of Christ leads to being filled with the fulness of God. 1. Finite beings could never contain the infinite God (1KI 8:27). 2. This is being filled with such a fulness as God is ready to grant and we are capable of receiving. 3. When full of God, self is out of the way (EXO 40:34-35; 1KI 8:10-11; MAT 16:24). 4. Observe how being filled with God accords with doctrinal knowledge (cp. EPH 5:18-20 with COL 3:16-17). K. The power that is at work in a child of God abundantly exceeds anything he can ask or think. L. This prayer of Paul describes a full, spiritual life, which results from faith. Paul then teaches them how God has designed that they should live together in the church (EPH 4:1-16). A. Satan conspires to destroy the very form of Christianity that this passage sets forth. B. Paul beseeches (begs) them to walk worthy of the vocation (calling) wherewith they are called. 1. God s children are called to eternal life (1TI 6:12), to God s kingdom and glory (1TH 2:12), to holiness (1TH 4:7), to the marvelous light (1PE 2:9), and to virtue (2PE 1:3). 2. Our walk or manner of life should be reflect that we have been called to higher things than this dead, dark, self-serving, and sinful world. C. A worthy walk is characterized by: 1. Lowliness - Meekness, humility (PRO 16:19; PHI 2:3). 2. Meekness - Gentleness of spirit; humility. a) Meekness is the opposite of haughtiness (MAT 21:5 with ZEC 9:9; Strength unto the Battle - Page 8

9 GAL 6:1). b) Meekness is characterized by gentleness (TIT 3:2). c) Meekness is characterized by submissiveness to authority (1PE 3:4-5). 3. Longsuffering - Patient endurance of provocation or trial. 4. Forbearing - Bearing with, having patience with, putting up with, tolerating. a) There will be offensive things in one another that we have to bear with and forgive (COL 3:13). b) This forbearing is an act of love. D. The character of a worthy walk runs counter to pride and self-assertiveness. E. They who walk worthy of their vocation will be endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 1. endeavour - To exert oneself, use effort. 2. It takes exertion to enter the church and to stay in the church (MAT 11:12; LUK 16:16). 3. In the preceding chapter Paul had prayed for God to give them the strength needed for this effort. 4. Church members should endeavour to live as one because they are one (1CO 10:17; 12:12-13). 5. The members of the church have the things listed in EPH 4:4-6 in common: these things unite them. a) If one of these things is missing, there is no church. b) Each local church that is Scripturally founded is the body of Christ, there being but one in kind (1CO 12:27). c) Every thing else that calls itself church is merely pretending to be. d) Every child of the one God and Father that is called to eternal glory, which is the one hope, and that has exercised the one faith in the one Lord Jesus Christ and is baptized with the one baptism is united by the one Spirit to the one body of Christ (ACT 2:38, 41, 47; 1CO 12:13). e) Since these things make the church, is it any wonder that Satan assaults these things? 6. This unity is kept in the bond of peace since peace is an ingredient of unity (EPH 2:15; ACT 7:26; COL 3:15). 7. Practical unity means that we speak the same thing, that there be no Strength unto the Battle - Page 9

10 divisions among us, that we be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (1CO 1:10). 8. Unity becomes the gospel of Christ (PHI 1:27). a) We should not strive TOGETHER FOR the faith of the gospel rather than AGAINST one another. b) God s enemies are united against the truth (ACT 7:57; 18:12; PSA 83:2-5). c) How much more should we be united FOR the truth. 9. The humble character of the worthy walk that Paul enjoined will promote unity whereas pride brings division (PHI 2:2-3; PRO 13:10). F. After His descent into the grave, Christ ascended into heaven and gave gifts unto men in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. G. Everyone in the body of Christ is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ given to him (ROM 12:4-6). 1. These gifts differ so that, although the body is one, each member does not have the same office. 2. The church thus unified and diversified at the same time. H. These gifts listed in ROM 12:4-8; 1CO 12:8-10, 28; and EPH 4:11 may be categorized as: 1. Revelatory gifts. a) These gifts involved the revelation of God s truth and were needed by the early church until it possessed the complete New Testament scriptures. b) These gifts include the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, prophecy, discerning of spirits, and apostles. 2. Sign gifts. a) These gifts were given to confirm the apostolic message and to convict unbelieving Jews (PSA 74:9; MAR 16:20; 2C0 12:12; 1CO 1:22: 14:21-22). b) Once the New Testament scriptures were complete and God had destroyed the Jewish nation, these confirmatory gifts were no longer needed. c) These gifts include faith, healings, miracles, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. 3. Ordinary gifts. a) The ordinary gifts do not require a direct revelation of truth to the possessor nor are they signs. Strength unto the Battle - Page 10

11 b) These gifts are still in effect. c) The possessors of these gifts obviously have ability and opportunity in these areas. d) These gifts include: (1) Teachers. This includes the office of pastor, bishop, or elder. However, persons can teach without holding that office (HEB 5:12-14). (2) The gift of government or ruling. This is committed to the elders of the church (1TI 5:17-18; HEB 13:7, 17). A man may be an elder and yet not have the rule of a congregation. (3) Exhortation. This is the ability to earnestly admonish or to urge by stimulating words to conduct regarded as laudable (1TI 4:13; HEB 3:13). (4) Evangelists. These are gospel preachers who baptize people and start churches (ACT 21:8 with 8:5-40). Pastors are to do the work of an evangelist (2T1 4:5). (5) The gift of helps. This is the ability to assist the ministry of the word or to help others (ROM 16:1-3, 9; 1CO 16:16). (6) Ministry. This includes deacons (ACT 6:1-6), preachers (1CO 4:1), and church members who minister to other saints and to preachers (HEB 6:10; 2T1 1:16-18). (7) Giving. This is the ability to give (2C0 8:12-14). (8) Shewing of mercy. This gift is illustrated in the good Samaritan (LUK 10:33-37). e) One s gift is discovered by simply doing what one is able to do as one has the opportunity (1PE 4:11; GAL 6:10). I. Paul particularly lists the gifts for the offices of teaching and shows that these gifts are for: 1. The perfecting of the saints. a) This refers to progressive perfection of the saints in their practice (HEB 13:20-21). b) The process involves cleansing ourselves from ALL filthiness of the flesh (the body) and spirit (the mind and demonic influence) (2C0 7:1). 2. The work of the ministry, which is ministering the gospel of God (ROM 15:15-16). 3. The edifying of the body of Christ. Strength unto the Battle - Page 11

12 a) Edify - To build up, establish, organize. b) A disorganized heap of stones is NOT a building. c) Edified believers are fitly framed together in the building of God and fitly joined together in the body of Christ (EPH 2:21; 4:16). J. Teachers of the word are to perfect and edify saints until: 1. They come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. a) Note that this unity is qualified! b) This is not unity solely for the sake of unity. c) Unity without faith and the knowledge of Christ is no more than the unity one sees in Satan s cause. 2. They come to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. a) This is the process of maturity, which is fullness, or perfection of development or growth. b) Believers are to become progressively more like Christ. 3. They are established in doctrine so as to be no more swept away by the false doctrines of deceivers. a) As noted before, Satan s plot is implemented by means of deception. b) Sound Bible teachers are designed to save God s children from being Satan s accomplices (ACT 26:18; 2T1 2:24-26). c) Is it any wonder then that Satan particularly targets preachers? 4. They grow up into Christ in all things speaking the truth in love. a) Mature Christians are able to speak the truth they learn (HEB 5:12-14; PRO 22:17-21). b) As Christians use the truth they learn, they grow. c) Christians are to become like Christ their Head in all things (2C0 4:10-11). d) Growth stands in contrast to being children carried about with every wind of doctrine. (1) Children are more easily led astray. (2) Peter contrasts growth with being led away with the error of the wicked (2PE 3:17-18). (3) He who grows is he who overcomes the wicked one (1JO 2:12-14). Strength unto the Battle - Page 12

13 e) A church that is not growing spiritually is a dead church (REV 3:1-2). K. From Christ the Head through each member of the body of the church contributing his part the body increases unto the edifying or building of itself in love (EPH 2:21). 1. The nourishment that Christ provides to each part of the body is then passed on from each respective part to the other parts thus producing overall increase in the body. 2. There is more to church than simply sitting through the service on Sunday! a) The church is not a building for worship without the interaction of the worshippers with one another. b) It is not a theater in which the worshippers simply watch the pastor perform. c) It is not a country club for just fun and frivolity. 3. Scripture sets forth interaction among believers. 4. As the members minister to one another, their spiritual potential is maximized. 5. PHI 2:4 teaches us to ALSO look on the things of others. a) This assumes that we do indeed look on our own things. b) But we are not to look on our own things exclusively. c) Scripture teaches us HOW to concern ourselves with others so as not to become busybodies in their affairs. (1) Share in the joys and sorrows of others rather than concerning yourself only with your own joys and sorrows (ROM 12:15; 1CO 12:26; 1PE 3:8). (2) Admonish one another, i.e., to put one another in mind of duties; to counsel against wrong practices to exhort one another (ROM 15:14; HEB 3:13). (3) Pray for one another (EPH 6:18; JAM 5:16). (4) Comfort one another, that is, to strengthen; to encourage, to hearten; to support, and assist one another (1TH 5:11; JOB 4:3-4; HEB 12:12-13). (5) Minister to the necessities of the saints (ROM 12:13; JAM 2:15-16). (6) Bear the infirmities of the weak (ROM 15:1-2). d) Thus we bear one another s burdens and yet allow each to bear his own burden (GAL 6:2, 5; EXO 18:21-22). Strength unto the Battle - Page 13

14 (1) Note that Moses bore his burden. (2) However, he did not bear it alone (NUM 11:17). (3) The assistants bore the burden WITH Moses thus making it easier for him to bear his burden. 6. The church is compacted (firmly and closely joined together) by that which EVERY JOINT, every member, supplies. a) NONE are exempt from mutual ministry. b) All the members are needed (1CO 12:15-22). (1) One cannot say that he is not needed because he cannot do what another does. (2) Neither can one say that because of his ability he does not need the others. 7. In order to grow we must be willing to minister to others and to accept ministry from others. a) We must rid ourselves of the self-centeredness and fear of man that will not allow us to bear the pain and inconvenience of helping others. b) We must rid ourselves of the self-sufficiency and pride that will not let us admit that we have problems and need help. 8. It is IN LOVE that the church is built up (JUD 1:20-21). a) This love proves that we are the disciples of Jesus Christ (JOH 13:35). b) By contrast, hate destroys (1JO 3:11-12). c) Without love, service is utterly useless (1CO 13:1-3). L. Today Satan is setting up alternate, extra-church ministries (camps, counseling centers, media ministries, etc.), which are endeavouring to do the very thing that Christ has ordained that the church should do. 1. These ministries address such things as fear, depression, instability, marital and family problems, sinful habits, etc. 2. All these things stem from spiritual problems, which the mutual ministry of the body of Christ is ordained to address. M. This brings us full circle back to Paul s prayer in chapter 3 that we be a strong, growing, God-filled body of believers firmly fixed in love and thus the Disciples of Christ. N. It is thus that we shall be strengthened unto the battle. Strength unto the Battle - Page 14