The Battle is Won

1 Peter 2:20-24

Mixed martial arts (MMA) has developed quite a following over the past 25 years.  The first UFC fight was held November 12, 1993 and #235 is set to air next weekend.  That’s a lot of fights!

I know Peter wasn’t referring to these kinds of brawls in today's reading, but it did make me think about men and women who voluntarily take a beating.  I can’t speak for the fighters, but I’d venture to say they do it because they’re passionate about their “calling.”  The beatings come, not because they did something wrong, but because it’s what they train to do.

Verse 20 tells us suffering for good is commendable before God, but it’s not God’s desire to see his children bleeding and broken.  He didn’t want to watch his Son’s blood poured out on the cross, but it was necessary because it was by those very wounds we were healed.  The battle was won.     

While I wouldn’t choose MMA as a career, I, like millions of others, can appreciate someone willing to put their body on the line.  If that’s the case, then shouldn’t Jesus receive the upmost appreciation for his sacrifice?  MMA won’t save souls, but Jesus surely will.  I encourage you tune in to the true Ultimate Champion.  You won’t be disappointed.

  

Standing Firm

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Our scripture today is the famous, Armor of God passage.  Filled with so many tools for us to take advantage of.  We must remember though, that the fight we face is;

1.   NOT against flesh and blood.  So that coworker, neighbor, or family member is not the enemy. Our enemy resides in the spiritual realm.

2.   We are not to fight in our strength.  We actually don’t have the strength or ability to fight the spiritual on our own.

God has given us what we need to be strong in HIS mighty power. What has he given us?  If we look at Ephesians 6:10-18 we find God has provided truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and his word. All of these things not only fight for us, but they protect us from the evil one.

Our job is to;

1.   Stand firm through the battle, trusting that God loves us and has won. 

2.   Keep on praying.  Pray all kinds of prayers not only for yourself, but for other believers standing firm in the trenches. 

Praying keeps us connected to God, reminding us that the battle is a spiritual one.  If we stop praying, we will start doubting God’s power and start trusting our own. Prayer is the key to standing firm.   We acknowledge that we cannot do this on our own.  Our only hope is to be strong in the Lord and his mighty power.

Victory!

Every year about this time, I try to find one of my favorite movies on television - Yankee Doodle Dandy. This year it was playing on TCM and I don't subscribe to that channel, so I settled for another favorite - Air Force One. 

The battle of right over wrong will bring out the flag-waver in me every time. I wait with anticipation for one of the final scenes in the movie when the ultimate bad guy is close to defeat and our hero says, "Get off my plane."

There is one more line to give me chills and get the flag moving wildly. When the cavalry, in this case, the Marines, rescue our beleaguered champion and report to the world, “We are changing our call sign to Air Force One.” Those words tell the world, all is well. 

Many of the Psalms provide a similar sense of victory and fill my heart with the swelling sense of knowing all is well. David was often in the midst of battle when he would call upon his God for help and protection from the evil forces around him. 

"I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good." (Psalm 36:1)

David is preparing to do battle, to fight for his country's freedom and the God he loves so much. As a man after God's own heart, he knows his task is justified and he understands how important is the fight for good over evil. In fact, this is a war to will be waged over and over until Jesus makes His final appearance.

"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings." (Psalm 36:7)

 Now, when I find myself battling with the distractions life flings in my path to discourage or derail me, I turn to the Psalms for comfort, direction and encouragement. If David can defeat a giant, I can overcome my problems knowing Jesus is at my side. I can shout to Satan, "Get off my plane!"

 Psalm 36

2Timothy 1:3-13

Believers have the Holy Spirit at their command.  They can call upon God to send His Holy Spirit and He will.  The Spirit provides wisdom and understanding and these two gifts empower Believers to move forward with confidence.  Along with this burst of confidence comes responsibility to exhibit love and self-discipline.

Paul's letter to Timothy was meant to bolster up Timothy's ego, his faith in his ability to lead those who were older than he was.  It is refreshing to realize God doesn't consider age when administering leadership qualities. He doesn't refrain from doling out gifts that allow a young person to lead a ministry or a mission.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 
(2 Timothy 1:7)

We are neither too old nor too young to step up and step out for Jesus.  It doesn't require a mantle of graying hair to step out in front of the pack.  Timothy was a young man, but he had what it took to guide people to Jesus.  He had been mentored by one of the best and came highly recommended by that man.

Many soldiers are in their teens when they enter into battle, but they have been well trained.  These young men are prepared physically, to guard and protect.  Christian soldiers are also well trained individuals who are ready to go to battle to bravely protect and  boldly project the Truth.

Read 2 Timothy 1:3-13 here

Listen to 2 Timothy 1:3-13 here