Topic: Soldiers of the Cross III [Monday 13, June 2016]
Memorise: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. – 1 Corinthians 9:27
Read: Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Bible in One Year: Ezra 6:13-8:23, Ecclesiastes 6:10-7:8
MESSAGE:
One of the girdles to use as a Christian soldier is truth, and Jesus is the Truth. Every Christian soldier must live by the truth of the Word of God. When Jesus came face to face with the devil in the wilderness, the devil was unable to bring anything against Him. In boxing there are three major blows: the jab, the hook and the uppercut. The ultimate goal of any boxer who is in the ring is to hit the head of the opponent. While the opponent is making efforts to see that his head is properly covered against the punches of the opponent, his stomach is exposed and the boxer throws the hook on the stomach. Once the stomach is affected, the opponent tilts forward and the boxer gives the uppercut because he now has access to the head. The spiritual implication of this is that the enemy concentrates on the weak points of a Christian soldier. This is the strategy he applies in dealing with many Christians. The devil has got you the moment he discovers your weak point. Therefore, the easiest way to win the battle against the enemy is to win the battle against yourself.
Let there be a separation between you and those things the enemy can use to condemn you. Don’t ever allow the devil to bring you into captivity. You have to keep your body and bring it into subjection. This you can do by crying to the One who has recruited you as a soldier, to help you win the battle over yourself. This battle is not the type you win at once. The flesh will always try to rise again, but you have to continue to fight so that you can maintain your victory. The person, who will win a race, will only be crowned if he runs according to the rules. Therefore, you need to live holy. External forces intend to slow you down so that you don’t get to the finish line, some may try to stop or pull you back, but what is inside of you should be strong enough to overcome every resistance. You cannot afford to stop running until you are called up into glory because the devil will never take a break. Endure unto the end.
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - Matthew 24:13
It is not the one who was leading at the beginning that gets the crown but the one that leads to the end. You need to be disciplined as a Christian soldier. Without discipline, one will soon become an ex-champion. The Christian soldier must not allow the lusts of the flesh to distract him from the race to heaven.
“7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” - Galatians 6:7-8
Prayer Point: Father, help me not to miss my reward as a faithful Christian soldier.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
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