Tags
1 Peter 5:6-8, Abiding In Jesus, Acts 17:27-28, Ephesians 6:10-18, IN Jesus!, John 14:6, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 6:9-13, Resting In Jesus, Salvation In Jesus
What Are You “IN”to??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No.03
“Finally, my brethren,
be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities,
against powers,
against the rulers
of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you
the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to withstand
in the evil day,
and having done all,
to stand.
14 Stand therefore,
having your loins
girt about with truth,
and having on
the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod
with the preparation
of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield
of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able
to quench all the fiery darts
of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet
of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God:
18 Praying always
with all prayer
and supplication
in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto
with all perseverance
and supplication
for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18
While I often refer to the “armor of God” as an essential of our spiritual walk, growth, and dependence on our Lord, I want us to spend a short time today looking at the preface, and as I often teach in my classes, important things are often found in the small details, so let’s take a look. Paul often sums up his teachings with the phrase, “finally my brethren”, summing up some conclusions from his teachings.
“be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of his might”
We have to keep our “eyes on Jesus”, and Paul makes it clear that we can only find our strength “in the Lord” and “in the power of his might”. It is easy for us to think that we simply have to put on the “armor” and then take off on our own, but Paul makes it very clear to us that we MUST keep our dependence set “IN” The Lord! Our strength must be rooted and grounded “IN” Jesus, “in the power of his might”–NOT our own! It is so easy to get off track and let the enemy convince us that we can do it all on our own! Jesus makes it clear over and over again that HE is our strength, and we not only don’t ‘have to’ but we’re not ‘supposed to’!
“Come unto me,
all ye that labour
and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you,
and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest
unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Another way to keep ourselves on track is to remember some instructions from our Lord.
“After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day
our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,
for ever.
Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus makes it clear that we are to remember that our heart and prayer is to be “THY” kingdom come, “THY” will be done, IN ME! We are to be “IN” tune with our Lord, “IN” Jesus we are to “live”!
“That they should seek the Lord,
if haply they might feel after him,
and find him,
though he be not far
from every one of us:
28 For in him
we live,
and move,
and have our being;
as certain also of your own poets have said,
For we are also his offspring.” Acts 17:27-28
Jesus IS the only way, our only hope, and sufficient to sustain us in our walk every day!
“Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way,
the truth,
and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me.” John 14:6
And in closing, Peter reminds us that God is our pursuit “IN” holiness; and that our only defense from the enemy (the roaring lion/Satan, but as I heard long ago, our enemy may be a lion, but with/in Jesus, he is toothless!) is “IN” Jesus!
“Humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you
in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant;
because your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:6-8
Humility is the key–and while humility isn’t being a doormat, it does mean yielding to the authority, love, and sovereignty of God. IN HIM you’ll find all you need.
Amen and Amen!!!