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truth and our battle

 


God did not make us His puppets.  It is not about us giving up our free will.  This is about becoming the person or the people that God intends us to be.


We continue our series at The Community Fellowship “like Him” where we see how God is transforming us to be like Jesus.  So many parts I want to share with you, but first remember some important verses:


John 10:10  NLT  

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.


God is a giver.  Satan is a taker.  It is our choice who we will follow.


Galatians 5:17  NLT  

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.


Get this.  There is a battle going on, but we can’t see it.  Understand the battle.


Ephesians 6:12  NLT  

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.


The battle we are part of has everything to do with God and this world.  One is set against the other, yet God has a plan for the world.  It is a plan of abundance and blessing.  His plan is one that allows us to be part of a greater plan.


That is why I ask us to take time today to prepare for battle and know the truth of what God says about us.


1 Thessalonians 5:6,8  NLT  

So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded… But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.


Be on guard.  Clearheaded is essential.  Know where you have come from.


Ephesians 2:2  NLT  

You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.


But we are new in Christ, saved, changed, chosen and have been given the best gift of the love of God and His forgiveness.  


Titus 2:14  NLT  

He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.


I close with one last verse about what Jesus did for us as a perfect sacrifice.


Hebrews 9:14  NLT  

Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.

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