We are midweek already. The weather is unusually hot here and I for one am looking forward to a hot cup of Door County Maple Coffee on a cold day!
Today we will continue with the subject of how sin is a slippery slope. This morning we look at two elements of forming a plan to defeat sin and temptation. Yesterday we spoke about accountability.
The second element of a good plan is consistent prayer.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
When we are tempted and facing failure we need to turn to God in prayer. But better yet we should pray when not tempted. We should be in prayer for protection and guidance daily, even when things are going fine.
Lastly our next plan element is to admit that we are fighting a spiritual battle and we need to memorize Scripture to say out loud when facing a fight. Turn the defense into offense. Go on the attack.
Hebrews 4:12New International Version (NIV)
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12New International Version (NIV)
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Ephesians 6:10-18New International Version (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Fight the good fight. But fight to win. A fall into sin can hurt you and others. Fight to win. Use everything at your disposal to fight. God has equipped you for the battle and we do not battle alone.
Isaiah 41:10New International Version (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Fight the good fight. But fight to win. A fall into sin can hurt you and others. Fight to win. Use everything at your disposal to fight. God has equipped you for the battle and we do not battle alone.
Isaiah 41:10New International Version (NIV)
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
God bless. You can do it!
Marty
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