Archive for the 'Bible Studies for Life' Category
When We Fight
Have you ever wondered what spiritual warfare looks like? Is it armed angels fighting against armed demons in ongoing cosmic clash? Does it look like a $100 million blockbuster? Or is it more subtle?
The Bible makes it clear that spiritual warfare takes place all around us. Daniel wrote in chapter 10:10-21 of angelic struggles between Michael, the prince of Persia, the prince of Greece and an unnamed being. Peter reminds us to “Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1 Peter 5:8, HCSB). In Ephesians 6:12, Paul teaches we do not battle against flesh and blood [humanity]. The true battle is against rulers, authorities, powers in this world’s darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places.
If spiritual warfare is a reality in which we find ourselves, we must know how to win when we fight. How to we stand against a devil who wants to devour us, and demons who want to harass and antagonize us? Are we left to figure it out on our own? To fight it out on our own? Gratefully, the answer is no.
God Has Provided Weapons
- The Holy Spirit, who is stronger than Satan. When we were saved the Holy Spirit came to reside in us. Each and every believer is indwelled by the One sent by Jesus Himself. As we read in 1 John 4:4, “You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (HCSB). Daily we are indwelled by God Himself. Moment by moment the power of the Holy Spirit is available to help us overcome temptation. We never face a demonic force who is strong enough to overcome Him. Our victory over evil is centered in Christ’s victory on the cross. We do not gain victory; we enter into the victory He has already won.
- God’s Word strengthens us against temptation. The psalmist addressed this truth many times in the 119th psalm, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word” (v. 9), “I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You” (v. 11), “Teach me good judgment and discernment, for I rely on Your commands” (v. 66). As we immerse ourselves in God’s word, our thinking is changed and our hearts are strengthened. Our minds take on the mind of Christ, who knew no sin. We are drawn to be like Him and reject the temptations that would turn us aside.
- The family of faith. Bible Studies for Life emphasizes the role of community in spiritual growth. God never called His followers to be “Lone Ranger” Christians, living in a state of solitude. God’s plan has always been that we live in community; that we lean upon each other for strength. Paul wrote to the Galatians about the importance of watching out for each other. In that epistle, chapter 6, verses 1 and 2, we read, “Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
We do not fight alone. We will never fight alone as long as we fully depend on the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and our family of faith.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church
General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Identity Crisis?
One of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. today is identity theft. According to a 2011 report by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, around seven in 100 families in the U.S. were affected by identity theft in 2010.1 The same report defines identity theft as “the unauthorized use or attempted misuse of an existing credit card or other existing account, the misuse of personal information to open a new account or for another fraudulent purpose, or a combination of these types of misuse.”
To personalize it, if a person steals your personal information, then uses that information to pretend to be you in financial transactions, they have stolen your identity. It can cost victims thousands of dollars, and even when the money is recovered, it can take enormous amounts of time to ensure the victim’s credit history is restored. If you have been a victim, you will understand all too well.
Our Identity
Our identity is important because it tells who we are. How we identify ourselves and are identified by others can bring anxiety, fear, hurt, joy, contentment or dozens of other emotions. When people identify themselves negatively (“I’m stupid,” “I can’t do anything right,” “I’m just a sorry drunk”) it can be projected onto God as if He holds the same opinion. What, then, does the Bible say about identity?
For those who are believers in Christ, this is a very important question. Romans 6:11 says, “So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Likewise, Ephesians chapters 1 and 2 teach over and over that we are both in and with Christ. Further, we learn that we were dead in our sins (2:1), we previously lived according to our desires and were by nature children under wrath (2:3), and that we were dead in trespasses (2:5).
Our Identity in Christ
There is a specific reason these verses are important. The lives of believers are divided into two parts: our past before Christ, and our present and future with Christ. Our past was cursed, as were we were condemned. Our present is blessed and our future secure. This is true because we are no longer in sin, but in Christ. In the eyes of God we are not identified with our past and its sin, but with Christ and His righteousness.
This illustration, found in Bible Studies for Life: Do Over, is particularly helpful,
“In 1993, a group of milk producing marketers developed a new advertising campaign—one with a simple slogan: “got milk?®” The idea was to plaster famous people on billboards with a foamy white moustache. The campaign took off and sales increased dramatically. Milk leaves a discernible mark. So does salvation. When a sinner becomes a saint, his life is no longer marked by sin. Salvation leaves a discernible mark.”2
Having an identity crisis? Just remember, all those who have been redeemed are in Christ. You are not what you were, so do not identify with your past sins. Now, by the grace of God, you are His child.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church
General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.