“Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” (CSB – Read the chapter)
This Friday, we are going to take a look at James’ contribution to the topic of spiritual warfare. He says that we should submit to God and resist the devil. The result will be that the devil will flee from us. Here, we encounter Paul’s even more famous thoughts on spiritual warfare. How does what he says fit with James’ words? Let’s take a look at this together and set a context for what is to come.
“For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.” (CSB – Read the chapter)
Nobody else knows how this feels. No one can imagine how hard this temptation is for me to resist. If they did, they’d understand why I fall to it as often as I do. Ever thought something along those lines? One of the tricks the devil uses to keep us falling into temptation as often as we do is isolation. If we are—or better yet feel like—we are alone, we are far more likely to succumb to temptation than when we are in community. The truth, though, is that feelings are not always reality. That’s particularly the case here.
This past Sunday was Father’s Day. As a dad myself, it was a chance to get a bit reflective. What would I tell my three boys if I had the chance? Here’s what I said.
A Letter to My Sons
There are occasions in our lives
that prompt us to do some deep thinking.
For me at least, days like today are one of those times. As I was preparing for this morning, I began
thinking about what I would like to say to my sons if I had the chance. You know, one of those deep, parental wisdom
speeches that they won’t want to sit and listen to until I’m lying on my death
bed and they’re hanging on my every word.
As I grow in my experience as a parent and Noah and Josiah and Micah
grow up some of what I have to say to them will probably change, but hopefully
not much. As it turns out, there isn’t
children’s church scheduled for today which means they’re stuck in here and
have to listen to this. Well…I can’t
make them listen—when I figure that out I’ll let you know just after I patent
it and retire—but they’re at least going to be in the room while I’m saying
it. Anyway, as something a bit different
this morning, I’ll let you in my head and heart for a few minutes and then
we’ll all go out and celebrate Father’s Day together.
“But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire.” (CSB – Read the chapter)
One of the lessons we have been trying to drive into the hearts and minds of our boys is that our choices matter. They matter and they are powerful. The things we want, over time, define us. Some things are beyond our control and some choices are made for us, but there is much that we do choose. Our desires play a big role in the shape and direction of our lives. And according to James here, our desires are a chief feature of our experience with temptation.
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (CSB – Read the chapter)
One of the number one questions people of faith (and even some who aren’t) wonder about when it comes to life at large is what God’s will for them is. What’s God’s will for my life? What does He want me to do? Where does He want me to go? Which decisions will bring Him the most honor? It sure would be nice if the Bible had some places that just spelled this out for us in unmistakably clear fashion. As it turns out, we have one right here. Let’s look at what it says.
The Nexus 