Spiritual battles illustrated . . .

Exodus 8; Job 25–26; Luke 11; 1 Corinthians 12

In reading Exodus, I visualize the battle between Moses and Pharaoh as like the battle between a praying Christian and the dark forces of evil. When I pray, I am not trying to persuade God but battling the lies and efforts of a spiritual enemy who holds many of the people in bondage.

There are other images in this Exodus story too. For instance, Moses calls plagues that represent the gods of the Egyptians. In the reading today, the land is overcome with frogs to the point that Pharaoh asks Moses for help. In this, I see how this particular idol worship starts out with the Egyptians in control of what they are worshiping, but after Moses makes the waters fill up with frogs that overflow on the land, the people no longer control what is happening.

Sin is like that. It might start with a few glances at pornography, or a couple of visits to a casino, or a simple lunch with an appealing co-worker. However, if any small twinges of guilt are ignored, sin (whatever it might be) can easily snowball and take over, out of control. At that point, there are only two options. The first is to call out to God for release from sin’s bondage — like Pharaoh first did when the frogs got the best of him. However this man changed his mind once the frogs were gone and did not stay on that path. He took the second choice:

But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. (Exodus 8:15)

Each time the man of God prayed and the pagan’s god was dealt with, the pagan was glad for relief from the overwhelming control of his sinful idol, but instead of turning to the true God, he hardened his heart.

The battle also is illustrated in the story of Job. This man of faith relies on God for his righteousness and on the Holy Spirit to show him God’s will and any sin that he may have committed. His problem is God’s silence. His friends should have kept silent too, but they became the devil’s advocates by accusing Job of sin that he did not do. This is a tactic the devil takes against all of God’s people. It is bad enough that we fight win we do commit without have vague ideas of guilt thrown at us.

I can related to Job’s comments of defense when one of his ‘friends’ speaks as if he knows what God is doing to Job. After speaking of God’s power, Job adds:

“Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?” (Job 26:14)

With the enemy breathing down my neck to thwart my relationship with Almighty God, I sometimes feel like quitting. However, Jesus urges me to keep at it. He talks about prayer with perseverance, like going to a neighbor for bread at midnight so I can feed a guest. He also promises that God will provide the help needed.

“I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:8–13)

For the war against sin, either my own or sin that others battle, God invites me to pray. He also offers the help of the Holy Spirit who gifts me with want is needed and the Body of Christ who are also fighting alongside me with their God-given gifts. I am not alone.

All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11)

But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. (1 Corinthians 12:24–26)

Apply: Keep praying; the enemy was defeated at the Cross. Know the difference between the Holy Spirit’s clear conviction and Satan’s vague accusations. Rely on the Holy Spirit. Share my struggles with other warriors; we are in this together and need one another. Amen!

We need each other . . .

From what I know about spiritual gifts, God motivates me with a teacher/prophet combination. One gift wants people to hear what God says, and the other is an information gatherer-dispenser. I like to read and study but also find myself easily discouraged by the high standards of God that show up my own failure to measure up. For this reason, I’m drawn to people with the gift of encouragement. I like exhorters who tell it like it is and who speak without filters, who point to the possibilities and refuse to dwell on the past.

Today I notice how God paired up Paul and Barnabas. Paul spoke for God, gathering truth from Him and sending it to the new Christian church. Barnabas became his partner and is mentioned nearly thirty times in the book of Acts. Most of those passages show how his gifts complimented Paul’s and were important in their ministry.

As many of the (new believers who) were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:34–37)

This first mention of Barnabas shows that right at the beginning, he was given a nickname based on his obvious ability to encourage others. This shows up even more as he met Paul . . .

And when (Paul) had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:26–27)

Without Barnabas, Paul may not have been accepted by the disciples. He also encouraged the rest of the believers and later joined Paul in his teaching ministry . . .  

The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:22–26)

I remember being asked to teach a young adult class the biblical view of spiritual gifts. Their regular teacher intimidated me with his out-going personality. However, I soon realized he was powerfully gifted in encouragement for as we talked, I became fired up to teach these young men and women what God had taught me. Since then, I’m often drawn to people like him. My tendency to beat myself up needs their giftedness to keep my focus on God’s power not my short-comings.

God knows how this works. He partnered Paul and Barnabas, a blessing in their mutual ministry . . .

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, (others . . . ) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:1–2)

And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:43)

And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. (Acts 13:46)

The two of them also defended this change of direction. When they explained, “All the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.” (Acts 15:12) Soon after that, those who listened came to “one accord” and referred to these two as “our beloved Barnabas and Paul.” (Acts 15:25)

Not only that, Barnabas’ gift of encouragement rubbed off on Paul. He wanted to encourage others and said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” (Acts 15:36)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Lord God help me to always be aware of how spiritual gifts work in the Body of Christ. Lead me to people who can encourage me. Show me how and when to use my gifts to benefit people. Also keep me aware of my weaknesses and help me accept the spiritual gifts of others to overcome them. As we work together, may Your wisdom shine and may You be greatly glorified.

One value of fellowship

The illustration is often used of a coal in the fire. When with others, it keeps burning, but take it out of the pile and its fire soon dims and goes out. This is an exhortation to anyone who claims to be a Christian but does not fellowship with other Christians. We need each other.

One reason for that need is that biblical love and the doing of good works is seldom automatic. Even with the very life of Christ in me, I need motivation, sometimes strong motivation. I’m an introvert and if I try to “hibernate” too long, I find my interest in serving others begins to wane. A hermit lifestyle feeds my selfish old nature. People, particularly Christians who are walking with the Lord, motivate me. I need them.

This principle is also illustrated by the many “one another” verses in the New Testament. The Lord tells us to love one another, pray for one another, and so on. The strongest exhortation to stick with it and be with other believers is this:

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

While attending church is mainly a way of expressing corporate worship, it is also God’s method of accountability. When I am with godly people, I am motivated to pull up my own socks. When I see someone struggling in their faith, I’m motivated to help them with the pulling. We need each other.

It is true that God uses others as sandpaper for my bumps and lumps. When I am with difficult people, or people who irritate me, or even people that I admire very much, I am more aware of my sinful attitudes and selfishness. To my dismay, I do and say things that I never knew were part of the way I am. I feel exposed. It is not a pleasant feeling, but this is a good thing for it gives me further reason to confess my sins to God and be cleansed. How else would I grow if I remain blind to my own failures and faults?

Those who don’t go to church or who say they can worship God by themselves might belong to Christ, but they are missing one of His provisions to become more like Him. Around others, my faith and practice is tested. If the tests reveal growth-hindering things, I can take them to Him and He will change my heart.

Sometimes I pass the tests. Maybe someone is lagging in obedience, or sagging in faith. My words and actions may stir them up, motivate them to spiritual disciplines, deeper faith, or confession of sin.

The Greek word translated “stir up” is the root for our English word “paroxysm” meaning a “convulsion.” In this context the Greek word speaks strongly about the tremendous impact I can have on other believers and they can have on me. However, this will not happen in a vacuum. We need each other.

The older I am, the more winter in Canada makes my bones ache with the cold. I tend to want to hibernate, turn off the phone and stop reading email. Yes, we get out every Sunday to church, but the closer my relationship with God becomes, the more I realize that once a week with other Christians is not enough. I need exhortation and encouragement, but I also need opportunities to consider others and how I can encourage them. Yes, we do need each other.