For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12 ESV

This verse is part of the section of Ephesians where Paul instructs the believers in Ephesus to put on the whole armor of God. Take a few moments to read these verses – after all, context is king.

Look at how many times Paul repeats the word “stand” in the first half of this section. When you see an idea or word repeated in scripture, it should alert you that this is a very important point. Standing means not moving. It infers stability, and since the context of this passage is focused on military armor, we should think about standing in a manner militant.

A soldier on guard duty is to stand his ground, not turn and run at the first sign of hostility. The equipment that a first century soldier wore helped him fulfill his duty. Likewise, God equips the saints (That’s you, believer!) to do the same today.

Now look at what each piece of this armor represents for the Christian: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the word of God. Notice that none of these things are inherent in the soldier – they are all gifts from God. As a defender and guard, the Christian soldier of today needs to know all these things are at his disposal for his own well-being and for the greater purpose for which he stands.

So, with whom is this soldier engaged in battle? Verse 12 answers that question. It is not against our fellow man, but against the powerful forces of evil that have invaded and continue to pervade this world. The ‘flesh and blood’ we encounter in our daily interactions are usually victims or slaves of these forces. They are not the enemy, but they belong to him.

This is where our weapon comes in handy; more than handy actually. It is the only effective weapon against our foe. It is The Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God. Just as our armor is a gift of God, the only weapon we wield is the word of God. Our armor is defensive; it helps us stand our ground. But when we are in danger of being pushed back, we have to struggle and fight against our enemy hand-to-hand and drive him back with the sword.

The word of God is revealed primarily and most perfectly in the person and work of Jesus Christ. And it is through Him that our enemy will ultimately be defeated. In Hebrews 4:12-13, we learn that the word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword and discerns the intentions of the heart. In Revelation 19:15 we see this same imagery when Jesus returns to unleash the wrath of God. A sharp sword comes out of his mouth (like a word) to strike down His foes.

This is all the well-armored Christian may do offensively, wield the word. It is the spirit of God that does the piercing, the dividing, and the discerning. We must only speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) and remember that the human beings we address are God’s image bearers, but fallen, deceived and dead in sin like we were at one time (Rom. 3:23, Eph. 2:1). They may be set free and saved from their slavery to sin, but it will not be the doing of flesh and blood, but of the spirit of God through His Holy Word.

Not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, the cosmic powers and the spiritual forces of evil.

Clearly, these people are not nearly as smart as they want you to believe they are; and they are neither as progressive nor as intelligent as they say they are. This is obvious by their constant bragging about their way of life. They say they believe in freedom, but they work to reduce it. They declare themselves progressive, but their policies are regressive.  They claim to be tolerant, but their intolerance belies the truth.

In the old days, Jews called Gentiles “dogs,” and Muslims called everyone else, “infidels,” but nobody has expressed as much contempt for his fellow man than the so-called ‘intellectuals’ who hate orthodox Christianity with a passion. If someone dares to even hint that they firmly believe in an objective truth, these ‘culturally enlightened’ people let loose with the most intolerant vitriol imaginable against the ‘closed-minded bigot.’

These liberal extremists bathe in an intolerance of the most vicious and cruel kind imaginable. They sneer at the idiots who dare to express their belief in Biblical Christianity with an elitist air that only pseudo-intellectuals can muster. When feeling particularly charitable, they express their hope that these ‘hateful bigots’ might come to accept their loving view of ‘affirmation and acceptance’ (of evil).

The greatest offense against these people is to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints by God (Jude 3). Such a claim is foolishness in this new century. The practice of resurrecting old heresies and passing them off as tolerance and acceptance is sure to elevate one to a high position in the ranks of these “enlightened” few who have freed themselves from the shroud of orthodox Christian beliefs.

These cultural elitists have some odd tactics. In the past, such unbelievers would just leave bible-believing churches and ignore Christians altogether. At least this was an honest response. But today, these types stay in churches they think are too “doctrinally focused” while their anger grows against the teachings that show their beliefs to be questionable. “Churches shouldn’t force their beliefs on people; tolerance is the only virtue of a denomination; dogma is a sin, and doctrine is a myth:” this is the notion of the “elite.” In their eyes, bible-believing Christians who band together to spread the truth of God are nothing more than extremists trying to restrict the flow of modern thought. For Christians to financially support a church in which only the clearly imparted truths of the bible are taught is treason to tolerance; and guarding the pulpit from heresy is hurtful bullying worthy of hatred by any “thinking” person.

According to their “tolerant views,” the right thing to do is to leave doctrine to the idiots who care about it. There is no such thing as truth, only opinions; and ministers should be allowed to crush faith and insult convictions no matter how biblical they are. They can teach anything, everything or nothing at all; whatever their tolerant culture and enlightened minds desire. If the closed-minded old farts who built the church have a problem with that, they can either shut up or leave.

“Do Christians have a right to be certain of anything? The right to doubt is absolute, but not the right to believe.” This is the modern gospel. “Believe nothing; doubt everything and ye shall be saved.” Every form of skepticism is acceptable, but faith in a babe in a manger is insupportably vast.

The ‘honest skeptic’ is the greatest of all among the cultural elite, but one who holds to the faith of their fathers is a fool. The delightful duty of all enlightened minds is to scorn believers; to walk boldly into their churches and attack their silly superstitions, their ignorant love for backward dogma, and to generally agitate them and upset their established order. So what if they have a statement of faith? They have no right to believe it! Rather, it should be ridiculed.

Many professing Christians have begun by discarding Christian doctrine, then practice, and finally morality. It’s not always this bad outwardly, but inwardly it may be worse. Look at how many preachers have “advanced” beyond their honest skepticism and into total blasphemy.

Theological liberality is celebrated today, but it is wise to consider what it is we are dealing with. If something man-made, then by all means, let tolerance and doctrinal diversity be the rule. If we created it, then let’s approve all ‘big tent’ proposals. But no, it is God’s own truth that we are dealing with, the Lord’s Gospel that we are entrusted with, and we will be held accountable for our stewardship of this grace. It is not required that stewards be liberal, but that they be found faithful.

55 weeks ago, I attended worship at my previous church for the last time. Almost a year from that day, I was accepted for membership at Harvest Presbyterian Church in Medina, Ohio. This coming Sunday, God willing, I will publically join with my new church family. My journey has been eventful and blessed, even though the road I traveled had its low and bumpy places. All thanks be to God for guiding me in the way He determined.

The church you’ve decided to join isn’t as perfect as it seems and it will become even less perfect after you join. (I know. Ha ha.) Sure, the sermons are a rich blessing of exegesis, the music is uplifting, Bible study is meaty and you even like the curtains in the hallway. The people you meet are friendly and interested in you and your family. But (you saw that word coming, didn’t you?) be realistic, you’re still on your honeymoon. You don’t know anybody well enough to have a disagreement yet.

It is important to enjoy and delight in this time in your new church. Revel in the Christian love and togetherness you have as members of the body of Christ and don’t forget this wonderful feeling. The happy beginnings of fellowship among your new friends will help carry you through times of difficulty and disagreement, if such times should come.

It really is somewhat analogous to marriage. In the beginning everything is peaches and cream, but after a while reality sets in and you realize your “peach” isn’t always soft and sweet. In fact, that peach can be kind of bitter and hard sometimes. If you really love each other though, you’ll find a way to work things out.

The future ahead of you now will be interesting, exciting, joyful and rewarding. Grow in Christian love for one another, remember to assume the best about everybody; be charitable in your relations with those you find scratchy. Friction can be overcome by a generous dollop of the gospel of peace. Count others as more worthy than yourself. Submit yourselves willingly to the leadership of the church even as they humbly serve you and your family. (1 Thess. 3:12, Prov. 15:1, Eph. 6:15, Phil. 2:3, 1 Pet. 5:5)

Leave your baggage at the door

This is my greatest struggle. I have more than 30 years of “luggage” from my old church and sometimes I still tote around a couple of small bags; sore spots that occasionally get bumped. I’m sensitive to people ‘marking their territory’ and to applause during worship that isn’t clearly directed at God. Thankfully, I think the days are over for me having to hear secular humanism preached from the pulpit and seeing tradition held in higher regard than scripture. Thanks be to God for that!

You may find that God gives you unexpected joy through your new church family in surprising places. For me, attending men’s bible study (even when there are only five or six of us) is vastly superior to having no bible study at all. You may find that struggling to keep a small gospel outreach going is better than having the elders tell you that it’s not important and you should just forget about it.

Keep yourself open to new ideas and activities. Praise God for every chance to grow closer to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Get to know some of the widows who always sit together on that one side near the aisle, and befriend a family with young children. Remember, you’ll be spending eternity with these people. Don’t limit yourself to those you are naturally comfortable with.

Going Back

In some rare cases, you might find yourself in a situation where you decide to return to the church you left.

If you left for biblical reasons, this may not be wise; unless there have been major changes while you were away. For instance, a friend of mine left his church because the pastor was preaching heresy and the leadership refused to challenge him. After my friend left, the pastor quit and they hired somebody new. When my friend returned to his church, the main problem he had was gone.

If you left for non-biblical reasons or over secondary issues only, you’re going to need to go back with your hat in your hand. You’ve effectively betrayed a solemn oath to be a part of the body of the church. This is cause for repentance. Start with your pastor or a trusted elder and explain to him the journey you’ve been on and why you wish to return. Be sure to apologize for any hurt you may have caused.

I still feel drawn to go back to my old church and try to fix what was broken there. I still have affection for the people I left and it saddens me that many of them remain lost in antinomianism and legalism. I pray for my old church weekly, but still feel like I should have done more before I left. It’s a sorrow to which I’ve become accustomed. Like the loss of a parent, the sadness never goes away, but you get used to it as time passes.

I’m no longer a homeless Christian. Praise God!

I hear of others just outside of my circle who are afflicted as well. Loss of work and home, debilitating disease, dementia, depression, cancer and suicide are among the sufferings of the people who know people I know.

What makes these problems more heartbreaking is that many of those suffering these things don’t know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They don’t know that God’s grace is sufficient to get them through their struggles (2 Cor. 12:9).

Poetry rarely appeals to me, but this poem by John Piper touches something in me that prose just doesn’t reach. Read it three times and then meditate on the words of Jesus, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

What is God’s sovereign grace?

Not grace to bar what is not bliss
Nor flight from all distress but this:
The grace that orders our trouble and pain
And then, in the darkness, is there to sustain.

– John Piper

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/not-grace-to-bar-what-is-not-bliss

God expresses His love in Mark 10:21-22 and John 11:5-6 just as much as He does in John 3:16.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property. Mark 10:21-22

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. John 11:5-6

Verses 5 and 6 paraphrased: “Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Therefore, when he heard Lazarus was sick; he didn’t go to him right away. He waited around until he knew Lazarus was dead.” This makes no sense to our human sensibilities. Death is our greatest enemy, right? We want it to say, “Jesus loved them so much that he ran as fast as he could and healed Lazarus.” But it doesn’t say that. Instead, because of Jesus’ great love for them, He didn’t go right away. He put them through a miserable trial so the final outcome would make them even more joyful and bring God greater glory.

Jesus wanted to do something extraordinary for these friends he loved so dearly. He wanted to do something for them that he had never done for anyone else before, and would never do again. He brought his friend Lazarus back to life after four days in the tomb!

(Isaiah 54:7,8; 49:14-15; Romans 8:18)

How often does the love of God manifest itself in ways that are directly opposite what we expect?

How often do we thank God for this?

In Mark 10:21-22, the Bible says that Jesus felt a love for the rich young man who came to him seeking the way to eternal life. How did he show his love for the young man? He did this in a way similar to that of Mary and Martha; he put a trial before him. It was certainly not what the man (or the disciples for that matter) expected. Don’t you think that Mary and Martha expected Jesus to immediately come and heal Lazarus?

The point of this trial seems to be a test of whether the rich young man really wanted to be a part of the Kingdom of heaven or not. There is nothing you can lose in this life (including this life itself) that Christ cannot give back to you twofold or more in the next. (Job 42:10, Matthew 19:29)

Jesus spoke the truth in love for the benefit of the young man’s soul, but the man wasn’t willing to bear the cost of discipleship. Unlike the account of Lazarus’ resurrection, this one doesn’t have a happy ending. The young man went away grieving, because the cost was too high. From a salvation perspective, the rich young man committed suicide that day. He stood in the presence of the light of the world, and chose darkness. He stood before Him who was life itself, and chose death.

And Jesus let him walk away.

This is the natural state of the heart of every person on earth. Do we have free will? A right to choose? Yes we do – and we choose sin and death over love and life every single time. We have no ability, unless acted upon by God, to choose to love and trust Him. Even Martha and Mary failed to believe when Jesus tarried so long (John 11:21, 32).

In both cases, Jesus used these events to teach a lesson to His disciples. In both cases the lesson was the same. Believe, trust and obey, and you will have eternal life in His Kingdom (Jer. 39:18; Ezek. 36:26-7; John 11:40, 14:1; Rom. 15:13).

Isn’t that what John 3:16 is all about?

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

I’m talking about direct, personal communication from God.

Usually it takes the form of something like, “I’ve been praying to God that my son will stop stealing from me. This morning I woke up and God’s answer was in my head, ‘Be as patient with him as I’ve been with you.’” This is the “answered prayer” form of direct, personal revelation. It takes the position that God speaks directly to people in words, thoughts, dreams or visions.

But how do you know that word is really from God? Do you have Caller ID?

It might sound right, it might feel right, and it might even be effective, but that doesn’t mean that it is from God.

Maybe you should be patient with your son and not provoke him to anger (Ephesians 6:4). But then again, maybe you shouldn’t enable his sinful actions anymore by being patient. It could be time for you to apply the rod for a change (Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 23:13-14).

This supposed ‘word from God’ has a tendency to encourage the non-discerning Christian to “Let go and let God.” It’s a pithy saying, but it lacks something that is rather important:

Infallible authority.

God has spoken. He has revealed his Word to us primarily, unerringly and unfailingly through His Son, Jesus (John 1:1, 14, Hebrews 1:1-2) and through His Word as written by the Prophets and Apostles. The Holy Bible, in its autographs, is inerrant and infallible (2 Tim. 3:16). Our faithful translations are the only reliable, sure and authoritative source for knowing the will of God.

Ideas that pop into your head, dreams and nightmares, an odd pressure in the pit of your stomach and feelings you ’sense,’ do not carry the same weight as the Word of God found in the Bible. Temper your liver shivers with a knowledge that is deeply rooted in God’s word if you want to avoid chaos and confusion.

I’m not saying that God never ‘speaks’ to people in this way. I don’t know if He does or not. What I do know is that the God of the Bible is not the God of confusion or contradiction (1 Cor. 14:33). If the ideas or words that you “hear” from God are clearly opposed to Holy Scripture, then they are not from God.

On the flip side, if the message you received from God really is from God, then it is infallible and should be in the Bible, right? And you must be a prophet that can say along with Moses, “Thus saith the LORD:_________.” Are you really comfortable with that?

Be discerning, know your Bible, talk to your pastor or a trusted elder about what the Bible says. Be sure to test the things you ‘hear’ (Acts 17:11) before you obey the voices in your head (1 John 4:1).

Updates:

Dan Phillips of the Pyromaniacs blog has more to say about this subject.

Tim Challies chimes in on the subject as well.

Dorothy has been thinking about this too.

I also highly recommend a short book I read this past summer if you want to learn more about finding God’s will. Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung

I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day. – Abraham Lincoln

Drive me to my knees, Lord Jesus. Drive me to my knees.

• You hear my Pharisaical prayers; thanking you that I am not like other sinners.
• You see me try to hide my selfishness; camouflaging it with pious works.
• You know the pride that wells up in my heart; like a spring of acrid water from the stony ground.

Drive me to my knees, Holy Spirit. Drive me to my knees.

• You hear my feeble pleas and groanings; and understand what’s in my heart.
• You see my sinful self as I really am; not as I present myself to the world.
• You know my confessions are incomplete; I’m not even aware of all the sins I should repent from.

Drive me to my knees, Dear Father. Drive me to my knees.

• You hear my hurtful words against Your image bearers.
• You see my shameful acts that reflect so poorly upon You.
• You know me better than I know myself.

Drive me to my knees, O God. Drive me to my knees.

Beware of no one more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us. – C.H. Spurgeon

Drive me to my knees, O Lord; so I can know Your grace.
Listen to my pleas, Dear Lord; and let me seek Your face.
Take my sins away, O Lord; as east is from the west.
Drive me to my knees, Dear Lord; in You I find true rest.

James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.