By: Gen. Jim – POW – 12/2/19
“Be sober (i.e. self-controlled), be vigilant (watchful); because your (our) adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (destroy).” – 1 Pet. 5:8
How many believers heed this? Not many by today’s standard. It is hotly debated among the liberal churches today, “Is there a personal devil?” Even “if” there really isn’t one, there is enough EVIL to go around!
The apostle Paul tells his son in 2 Timothy 2:22, “FLEE (or RUN!) also youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” In 1 Timothy, Paul writes: “But you, O man of God, FLEE (RUN!) these things (the love and lust of $$, v.10) and pursue righteousness, goodness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” – 1 Tim. 6:11. He goes on to tell Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on (hang onto!) eternal life…” – v.12. Timothy already had eternal life, so salvation is not the topic: holding onto it is the warning. Paul wrote this to “Timothy, a true son in the (Christian) faith” – 1:2
Too many today believe in eternal salvation, i.e. they can’t even lose it. Better reread the New Testament again – CLOSELY.
While not one single born-again believer is immune to temptations, we’re not immune to backsliding and losing out with Christ. When we are tempted or persecuted, which many times can’t be avoided, what we can do is FLEE or RUN LIKE HELL away from hell! We RUN AWAY yet stay, i.e. stand fast in the faith: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” – 1 Cor. 16:13
“Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you (we) may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, TO STAND” – Eph. 6:13. Verse 14 starts out with, “STAND therefore…” Does running and standing make sense? Yes, if we’re speaking in spiritual terms. We usually equate running with cowardice. Maybe this is true in some situations, but not in the one I’m trying to get across. We could call this “Faith Stand.”
The problem we have today in “Churchianity” is that it has become fashionable to run into sin rather than away from it. And look at the results: ONE HELL of a MESS!!! The modern church, especially here in the West, is more prone to eat and repeat and retreat. Gorge yourselves on the things of the world so as make yourselves sluggish, unfit to fight. It’s time to REFIRE not RETIRE!