Pray For Those In Authority.

     It is near election time once again, and feelings are running quite high, as usual. Many individuals are disgusted with the state of things in this nation, disgusted with the political system, and the politicians.
     To add fuel to the fire, many individuals are unhappy at the recent decision of the Supreme Court to not hear the same sex marriage cases.
     I find that countless numbers of Christians are in the midst of this fray. Many desire a complete change come this election cycle. A lot of Christians flood social media with their desire to see a "christian" white house, to see christian policies enacted, to see this nation return to godliness.
     In fairness, it would be wonderful if our President truly repented of his sin and surrendered his life to Christ. The same goes for all of our leaders in whatever office they hold. It would be great if the courts upheld biblical morality in all of their decisions, and we found this nation on it's knees before God.
     Sadly, I believe a lot of this amounts to little more than an election season rant. We want different leaders, so we hope to throw the old ones out, and replace them with "godly" ones. I truly believe that the desire of most individuals seeking a "godly white house" is not the salvation of our president, but to vote him out of power! Sounds harsh, but I believe it is true!
     The truth is we live in a fallen world, run by fallen people. Plain and simple. We are not going to find an on fire sold out to Jesus president and congress and judicial system, governors, mayors, and so on, no matter how hard we try. The world is the world! The world is lost in sin. How can we expect sinful government officials to somehow give us the moral upright government that we desire?
     Look at all of the professed christian politicians. Look at the mud slinging, name calling, broken promises, all in the name of getting elected. I find it disgusting to even take part in this! Their conduct goes against the law of love that governs the true child of God (Matthew 7:12; 1Cor 13:4-7; James 2:12).
     We live in this world, but as Christians we belong to the kingdom of God! This world is not our home, and no matter how hard we try to fix it through politics and earthly ways, we will fail! We need to be about the business of our Heavenly Father. We are to seek His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). It is through working to build God's kingdom, that we will see this world changed.
     I wonder how many Christians who are so concerned about the spiritual condition of our leaders, actually obey the instruction given to us to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-4)? How many of us obey Paul's instruction to honor those in authority, to give them the respect that is due them (Romans 13:7)?
     These instructions were written to Christians living under the oppressive rule of the corrupt Roman government. They were under leaders such as Nero, who severely persecuted them. Yet they were told to be in subjection, and to give proper respect! They were to pray for their leaders, not curse them.
     They understood the fact that God had placed these governments in place for keeping order (Romans 13:1-5). They understood that the world would take care of the world, they were to be about the business of Christ's kingdom. They could only change this world for the better as they proclaimed the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.
     As Christians we must honor our leaders, no matter how bad of a job we think they are doing. They will ultimately stand before God to answer for how they ruled in this life. Better yet, let's pray for them! Let's pray that they would be saved. Let's pray that God would give them wisdom to rule rightly. 
     If we would do this, we would find that things would indeed go well for us as the scriptures promise (1 Timothy 2:2). If we choose to keep on harping and criticizing, waiting for a better election, we will be bitterly disappointed. 
     No matter the outcome of this or any future elections, those who are living for Christ, and not caught up in this world system, can have the peace that comes from knowing that this world is not our home. It cannot stop Christ or His kingdom, to which we truly belong.

The Breastplate of Righteousness.

          Having put on the breastplate of righteousness.
                  Ephesians 6:14b


     To understand what Paul is saying to us, we need to understand what righteousness is.
     There is that aspect of righteousness that deals with our acceptance by God. We have been justified through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and therefore are now reconciled to God. He has forgiven us our sins, and now deals with us as if we had never sinned.
     Righteousness also consists in purity of heart. A righteous individual is one who desires to please God. It is his heart's desire to obey God, not for reward, but an obedience flowing out of love.
     It is only natural that one who desires to please God with all of his heart, will indeed do so. Works of righteousness will flow out of such a heart. This is the individual who has presented himself to God as one alive from the dead (Romans 6:13). He has become a slave of righteousness (Romans 6:16,17,18), leading to sanctification, and eternal life (Romans 6:22-23).
     This is not to say that it is our good works that lead to salvation. Salvation is a life long process to be worked out (Philippians 2:12-13). We work it out by faith. Jesus died to free us from the sinful lives that we have all lived. He died that we might bear the fruit of righteousness for His glory. A righteous life is proof that we are indeed righteous in the eyes of God (1John 2:29, 3:7).
     A breastplate protected the vital organs of a soldier. Likewise, an upright person is blessed (Psalm 5:12, 106:3). God watches over and protects those who are righteous (Psalm 37:39-40, 84:11). It is when we turn from this purity of heart, that we are the most vulnerable. We cannot expect God's favor and protection while living in disobedience to Him.
     Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Stand justified before a Holy God, through the blood of Jesus. Put on the wedding clothes of righteous deeds (Rev 19:8). Be upright in heart, and by the grace of God you will prevail. 
    
    

Truth

     Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with the truth.
                        Ephesians 6:14a


     Truth is foundational for everything else. What good is it to believe something, to shape your life by those beliefs, only to find out in the end that it was error?
     To live the Christian life it is of utmost importance to be grounded in truth. People today like to think that there are many religious systems, and it is merely a matter of one's personal preference which one they will follow. This is absurd, there is only one true God, and He is worshipped according to truth (John 4:23-24).
     Jesus said That He was the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). He said that His disciples would know the truth, and the truth would set them free (John 8:31-32).
     In contrast, the devil, who is behind false doctrine, does not stand in the truth (John 8:44). It is through deception, that he leads multitudes into error. We must be diligent to test every spirit (1John 4:1). Study the word of God. It is truth. Don't blindly believe everything you hear a pastor, teacher, or anyone else for that matter, say. Does it line up with the word of God?
     God promises that His followers will have an anointing from Him that will protect them from error (1John 2:20-21,27). A true disciple will know the voice of Jesus. He will not follow a stranger (John 10:4-5). When John wrote "greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world," he was writing about overcoming deception (1John 4:1-5).
     Like a belt, the truth holds everything together. If your armor is held in place by the truth, you will prevail. If it is held by deception, false doctrine, and lies, you will certainly fall.

Be Strong in the Lord.

     Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
                             Ephesians 6:10 NASB


     The spiritual battle we face is one that cannot be fought in our own strength. We are mere human beings fighting against principalities and powers that we cannot see, and know so little about. Human resources and physical strength are of little use in a conflict that is spiritual in nature.
     Our salvation is found in Christ and Him alone (Psalm 62:5-6). It is in Him that we find the strength we need to face the trials and temptations that come our way. We are bound to fail if we do not rely on Him at all times.
     Too many Christians feel self confident. They have the pull yourself up by the bootstraps mentality. We have too many self help books, too many seminars for life's issues, too many Christian psychologists, too many programs. In spite of all the life coaches, and all the counselors, and all the self effort we put forth, we see failure all the time. Temptations and habits are never overcome, people still fall the same way consistently. Many Christians remain weak and stunted in their spiritual growth, and others make shipwreck of their faith.
     I might seem to be stepping on some toes, and it is not my desire to offend, but I desire to challenge the body of Christ to rise up and fight the good fight of faith in the power of the Lord God Almighty. This is the place of victory.
     It was the Apostle Paul's prayer that we would know how great God's power toward us is (Eph 1:19). That is the point. Too many do not truly realize how great this power is. They may understand in some abstract way that God is powerful, but it is not a living active faith that takes Christ and puts Him on, a faith that lives and moves "in Christ", a faith that takes hold and conquers in the name of Jesus.
     Paul prayed that we would be strengthened with the Spirit of God in our inner self (Eph 3:16). Paul speaks of the power of God that was at work in his life (Col 1:29). He also encourages us with the fact that God is faithful to strengthen and protect us from the evil one (2Thessalonians 3:3).
     Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1John 3:8). He came to render him powerless (Hebrews 2:14). We do not need to fail! As our faithful high priest, we can come to Him for grace (Hebrews 4:15-16). We have all we need for life and godliness (2Peter 1:3-4), and it is found in Christ.
     We must be in Christ. That is to be yielded to Him. He must be in control of our lives. We cannot be living our way and expect Him to come and help us when we need Him. It is all or nothing in the kingdom of God. James says we must first submit to God, then resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7-8).
     It is by faith that we walk in the power of the Lord, a faith that overcomes the world (1John 5:5). Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world (1John 4:4)!
    
    

We Are In a Spiritual War

          Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of the darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
                                     Ephesians 6:10-12 NASB

     Whether you believe it or not, we are in a tremendous spiritual battle for our souls as well as the souls of countless others. I believe that the Church in general, has been lulled to sleep over the last several generations and is unaware of the danger around her. We have received a message that allows us to sit content with our secure position "in Christ" but does nothing to urge us on to victory against the foes that assail us.
     The foes we face are not human, but spiritual. The world lies under the power of darkness, enslaved to satanic forces (Eph 2:2, 1John 5:19). Those who have yielded to sin have opened themselves up to demonic influence, and are sold into slavery to sin (John 8:34, 2Peter 2:19). These people are captives. They are not really in a battle.
     I remember before I was saved, I did not have to resist sin. I enjoyed many sinful things. I felt no need to fight or struggle against it. It wasn't until I was convicted of my sin, that a battle began to rage within me.
     It is when we are set free by the Son of God (John 8:36) that the devil takes notice. He will not give us up without a fight. He wanders about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1Peter 5:8). It was the devil who was behind the trials of Job (Job 1:8-12, 2:3-7). Satan entered Judas as he plotted to betray Jesus (Luke 22:3-4). It was Satan who was behind Peter's denial of Christ (Luke 22:31). The devil tempted Christ (Matthew 4:1-11). It will be the devil making war against the saints at the end as well (Rev 12:17). Satan and a host of demons are very active, in destroying God's finest creation, man.
     To be ignorant of this is dangerous. To refuse to believe it is to invite spiritual ruin. We are in a battle that will not end until all things are put under Christ's feet, and He reigns upon the throne for all eternity.
     In future posts I will look at the weapons and armor that God has provided for us as we fight the good fight of faith.