If this is what you believe in, you ought also to understand what it really means. Often, we use this cliche to stir up some slothful and lethargic people; but intrinsically these are not the one,’ that fits into this category.
We have a notion that, a person who is not engaged in any sort of work (idle hands) or is incompetent are the one,’ whose mind the devil chooses. That may be true to a certain extent.
How doth the little busy bee Improve each shining hour, And gather honey all the day From every opening flower. How skill-fully she builds her cell; How neat she spreads her wax, And labours hard to store it well With the sweet food she makes. In works of labor or of skill, I would be busy too; For Satan finds some mischief still For idle hands to do. In books, or work, or healthful play, Let my first years be passed; That I may give for every day Some good account at last – Dr. Isaac Watts, 1694.
True, the devils can be found in laziness, sloth, or a life devoid of purpose, but in this case I want to concentrate on or travel down a less-traveled path to discover where the devil is more operational.
The entire evil dominating world was wrought through decisive minds that were determined to enshrine this extremely volatile adulterous woman, which is the world (system), with the highly evolved weapons, which at some time in the future will put an end to almost every organism (Rev 18:8/2Pet 3:10).
Satan is the prince of the power of the air; and he is depicted in the Bible as, the god and prince of this world (system) – who is also represented spiritually as, the Pharaoh – the king of Egypt/ the king of Tyrus/ the king of Babylon/ the prince of the power of the air/ the prince of this world/ god of this world etc…(2Cor 4:4/Eph 2:2/John 16:11/2Cor 4:4/Ezek 31:18/ 28:12,13/ 29:3/ Isaiah 14:4-). The whole world lies in wickedness (1John 5:19). And he forages for a mind that is callous, ambitious, research oriented, implacable and steadfast, to work out his plans; and believe me, he isn’t looking for a sluggish one.
Satan is on the loose, seeking out well talented and professionally minded people to promote or feed the fleshly appetites of people, to fortify it for himself. An uncircumcised heart is where the evil one presides, and where his jurisdiction is (Rom 7:21/Eph 2:2).
The devil is not prowling around to devour an inept individual, but a maestro (a distinguished figure in any sphere). He is always on the look for such a one (1Pet 5:8), in the field of music, arts, philosophy, politics, science, an apostle, a spiritually minded one etc; which means, one who is fully engaged/ passionate/ ardent/ devoted to a cause.
Goliath was a champion of this world and he was the pride of the Philistines (1Sam 17:4,23). If ye were of the world, the world would love his own (John 15:19). This is the prerequisite to become a qualified candidate to partake of all such benefits from the world.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a Jew, a Gentile, Male, Female, Black, White, Beautiful or Ugly. What counts there in that podium of the world is whether you have the mettle or the talent to influence the human race.
Satan, may or may not promote thee and give thee everything to your hearts content; but beware, when you give in, to bow down before the god of this world, to sustain yourself or for the pride of life (1John 2:16); what you are doing is, nothing but applying for a loan from the lap of evil.
The one thing that he would contractually insist is your very soul, which is the mortgage. It will be nothing less than selling your birthright to the devil for a morsel of meat, just like Esau (Heb 12:16).
Do you know what mortgage is all about? The charging of real (or personal) property by a debtor to a creditor as security for a debt (esp. one incurred by the purchase of the property), on the condition that it shall be returned on payment of the debt within a certain period.
Here, what you are giving as a collateral is your own soul; and how on God’s earth you think you can reimburse the devil for the honor and crown that he would give thee in this world, when you submit to him (Luke 4:6,7/Heb 4:15/1John 2:15,16)?
He not only allured man into his trap, but also took him without his consent a hostage, in case. The sad part is; not only, his ransom is beyond anyone’s reach; he will neither regard any ransom according to man’ standard. Will then man’s attempt to appease the god of this world, succeed?
He is the prince of this world; and everything, for a short period of time is kept under his lordship (the whole world lies in the lap/power of wickedness –1John 5:19); and when he is capable of giving almost everything according to the flesh, what on earth, mere man can offer this outlaw as the settlement to purchase man?
He will not regard any ransom; neither will he, rest content, though thou give many gifts (Pro 6:35). Here you are dealing with an entity who hath made the world a wilderness, and hath destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners (Isaiah 14:17).
One shall not see the light again, because the ransom for a soul no man on earth is capable of paying, except God. If you are in such rut, only one God-man is mighty enough to save you. He is the only floating log man has got, to keep him from drowning to perdition.
Knowing the atrocity, God in his infinite wisdom beforehand, even before the foundation of the world itself, paid the price for you and for me; the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8).
When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons (Gal 4:4,5). He gave his own Son Jesus Christ as a ransom (1Pet 1:20/Rev 13:8/Mark 10:45/1Tim 2:6/Hosea 13:14). Then he is gracious unto him, and says, deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom (Job 33:24).
Now, the only escape from the strangling grips of Pharaoh is to use the name of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All of God’s creation trembles at the mentioning of his name, which is above every name. God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth (Phil 2:9,10).
In my adolescence, I remember myself being caught up in a booby trap. I asked a pawnbroker to lend some money to spend on my wild appetite. He gave me the amount, which I had asked; but as a collateral, he kept my motorbike. Later, when I went back to reimburse the amount, which I took from him, that same pawnbroker from whom I took the loan few months ago, without any pangs of conscience, said that he doesn’t even know me. My, I thought, what in the world is this? How could someone be so callous and lie in such manner? Well, this soul whom I had to confront was, a mere man; but the one we’ve been talking about, selling your soul to, is the Father of lies (John 8:44); and that’s the real deal.
[Esau, for a morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears – Heb 12:16,17].
Anyway, I tried my best to persuade him; I warned, and even threatened him once, to no avail. His attitude was that of a senseless simian. Nothing of my schemes worked; because, he thought I would flee after few attempts and then later he could sell off my bike for a good price. You know what I did! I sought the help of a thug who agreed to help me.
The next evening, with my hired escort, I went to confront the pawnbroker; but he had gone somewhere placing his assistant in charge of the shop. And the moment he saw this thug, I saw a kind of dread on his face. This hooligan told the assistant to convey the message to the boss when he returns, that he had come in regard to this matter; and he bid me goodbye.
I was so disappointed. I paid this villain to confront that swindler and fetch my motorbike; but just leaving that simple message note to the boss, he left my company. He told me not to worry, and that, everything will be fine. Guess what? The very, next day the pawnbroker, by himself came to me to return my bike. Not only did he returned it, but also apologized.
See, when the proper person came forward to assist me, the one that had me in a fix, retreated. Until then, I had no idea that, the thug whom I called for to assist, was a felon, and everybody in that region knew and feared him. I hope you understood the message I am trying to convey in here!
Just like that, when an individual that is kept a hostage by the devil (the power/ jurisdiction of Satan – Acts 26:18/Col 1:13), if confronted by mere human strength, will only be inviting more trouble; but if we call for the assistance of the one that disarmed Satan (Col 2:15/Heb 2:14,15), great fear shall overshadow that strong man who keeps men hostage; and swiftly shall he release us.
We all know the story behind God’s people’ freedom from the hand of Pharaoh. Fear struck his heart when God intervened.
First submit to God – then resist the devil – and he will flee – James 4:7
Satan did not go after the disciples of Jesus, instead the master himself. Matt 4:8,9 – tells us that, the devil even told our Lord Jesus to fall down and worship him. Fall down, according to this context means to surrender, yield, and submit to him [via mastering any trade in the world system], so that he through that medium would let you possess everything that you lust after and crave for. Remember: verse 1,2 of Matthew chapter 4 tells us that, the tempter approached Jesus when he was hungry (a strong desire or craving/ lacking for/ in food or anything).
Lesson: Be a part of the chain of this world system and fine-tune in something; it shall make you ride on top of this world. Be it sports, games, entertainment of any sort, academics, or be it spiritual; you name it, and contend for it with all might, and this evil world shall bestow on thee all of the fame and fortune that which the devil (the prince of this world) promised Jesus (The Prince of life) about. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own – John 15:19
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15)
For all that is in the world (according to the course of this world – Eph 2:2), the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (1 John 2:16)
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4)
Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin (Heb 4:15): Those points are: The Lust of the flesh, Lust of the eyes, and the Pride of life – which is of the world – 1John 2:15,16
The New Testament of the Bible says; devil in the latter times will take on the hearts of Apostles, and not some inept minds (2Cor 11:13-15).
According to God “Idleness” means, a mind which is:
- Not focused entirely upon Him
- Not established in His Word
- Not in communion with His Spirit
- Alienated from Him
- Non-renewed
- Carnally oriented
To both the infidel and the believer, though different tactics are being used by Satan to exploit and to manipulate, he always goes for the fertile minds. Why should he care about the parched land anymore? The gospel of Matthew 12:43-45 says, the unclean one is looking for an empty (of God), swept (clean), and garnished [decorated, adorned, furnished, embellished, to confer a medal or other honor on, beautified].
He tried to stomp on everyone in the past; those whom God chose, and on whom God’s favor was, even Jesus of Nazareth.
Satan has had succeeded in manipulating unregenerate minds. But, all of his attempts to overthrow the righteous, not only was futile, but utter stupidity. Is he that dumb, still to continue with his folly of pursuing the righteous one,’ who are the flames of fire (Heb 1:7)? Is he not aware of the fact that, it would backfire on him? The gates of hell could not prevail over them (saints of the past); how then is he going to survive the blood bought, sin effaced, spirit’s perfected, sons of God?
The gates of hell shall not prevail against the body of Christ (Matt 16:18/1Cor 10:10/Eph 2:12-22). We know that whosoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not (1John 5:18).
The crucifixion of the Son of God was the fatal misstep Satan had ever executed. The upshot of it was nothing less than disarming/ destroying Satan himself who had the power of death and hell (Col 2:15/1John 3:8-10/Heb 2:14). He dug his own grave! That’s what he did. Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1Cor 2:8).
Everything as per God’s plan started to fall into place. The soldiers of the cross have become invincible through the blood of the Lamb of God. They are pressing on further into the threshold of Satan’s throne to plunder what he had stolen from, that rightfully belongs to God and His children; mainly souls.
Invasion of the dark alleys of this world and permeating it with the aroma of heaven is not a new thing anymore. Even a child of the kingdom of God is strengthened with might by the Spirit of God in the inner man to pull down any stronghold of the devil (Eph 3:16). The very name of Jesus that comes out from the mouth of an infant sends chill down his already broken spine.
Every nook and corner of this evil infested world will be invaded, to rescue them, whom the Father hath foreordained (Acts 13:48/John 6:44). The revealing of the sons of God who bears the image of the invisible God in their spirits (present – Col 3:10/ Zechariah 12:1), and the image of His dear Son Jesus in their souls (present –1Cor 2:16), and bodies (future –1John 3:2/Phil 3:21); upon whom the unction rests, makes the heart of the evil one, quiver with fear.
All of the wicked kingdoms of this world were brought down to its knees by the servants of the most, High. If, that was what the aftereffects of laying hands on the ones’ that were under the Law; imagine, the consequence of touching the bride of Christ!
I am not sure whether Satan is aware of the fact that, she the Church, the pillar and ground of the truth – 1 Timothy 3:15 – the bride of Christ is, as terrible as the groom itself (Song of Sol 6:10/Jeremiah 20:11/Eph 1:22,23). And every one that is perfect shall be as his master (Luke 6:40). Besides, he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit (1Cor 6:17).
Just like in the natural, we, the spiritual Israel too, cannot be subdued by any force. On the outside she may look tiny, but on the inside, she holds the very essence of God. She is become the habitation of the great God of this universe, and she is called by the name “The Lord is there” (Eph 2:12-22/4:16/Ezek 48:35).
Who is she that looks forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? (Song of Sol 6:10)
Beyond anything else, the devil likes to snoop into human affairs; not to mention, he is inquisitive at everything that God does, and the things that belong to Him. He prowls around like a lion to devour someone who is firmly grounded in the faith too. There is no surety that, he would find some; but wouldn’t hesitate to enchant or allure some simple one,’ to be caught in his net of deception.
Because we were once his temples (Eph 2:2), he knows very well which part of our being are we weak in. So, he would station some of his co-workers at the doorsteps of our minds to monitor each move we make, and each thought we entertain apart from God and his Word.
While men slept (spiritual slumber/lukewarm/spiritual slothfulness), his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat (Matt 13:25).
The result: the tares grow and choke the life of the word seed and turn the land/heart into an unproductive, ineffectual, dry (lacking moisture), barren, wasted one (and that’s exactly the kind of land the demons love to reside – they walk through dry places, seeking rest – Matt 12:43).
When any one hears the word of the kingdom, and understands it not* (Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart – Eph 4:18 – it is incumbent that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened by the Spirit – Eph 1:18), *then comes the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart (Matt 13:19).
One need not be vile to be charged at, by Satan; instead, he/she only has to allow a bit of fear, to knock open wide the gates of hell to storm on them.
Fear is nothing but a demonic force, which would engulf the already locked in target. And if it is not expelled out of your system speedily, it will eat up a whole lot of your inheritance. Don’t ever get locked into fear. Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing (Ps 37:8 – NASB).
We become estranged from God’s life when we allow fear to rule us. It is, in a sense, breaking God’s laws. Isn’t it a violation of God’s law when we disobey His word and continue to worry even though it tells us to cast all our cares on Him and find rest in Him?
Fear connects us to the devil and thus are tormented. We are connected to the life of God by faith in God or obedience to God’s word. Know that we cannot have access or experience the life and peace that we long for unless we employ the holy Scriptures.
Be ye transformed (metamorphoo = change, rearrange, reorganize, rebuild) by the renewing of our mind. Transform your world by diligently applying the word of God into your life’s circumstances. Apply the teachings of God’s word to your circumstances with diligence to change your dilapidated, crumbling world.
We must learn to supplant the law of sin and death with the law of the Spirit of life in Christ to appropriate the life of Christ – Romans 8:2.
Ye beloved, build up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 1:20) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind – 2Tim 1:7 – but you make sure that the word of Christ richly dwells in your spirit, in all wisdom – Col 3:16/1Pet 2:2/Heb 5:13,14
When you and I give way to our flesh, our emotions, and our temperaments to override the spirit, which is in line with God; that is when we are said to be in idleness. That is the very moment the devil has been waiting for, to take hold of our mindset, to derail us from the life that is in Christ Jesus.
The spirit-person or the inner-man is the core or the nucleus of a human being. Flesh is only a covering given to the spirit. The spirit gives life to the flesh, and not the other way around. When spirit departs from a body, the flesh dies off. Body without the spirit is dead (James 2:26).
The flesh is subject to putrefaction because, according to the word of God, the things which be seen are temporal (non-spiritual, worldly, profane, material, earthly, terrestrial, non-religious – 2Cor 4:18).
Though God regards temporal creations, much he desires truth in the inward parts of our belly (Ps 51:6), which is the inner man who resembles God (Eph 4:24). Because God is a Spirit (John 4:24/2Cor 3:17); with our revived spirit (John 3:6), we serve God (Rom 7:22,25). The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly (Pro 20:27).
So, you see, a person whose spirit is dead, or is not revived by God or is not born of the Spirit, is also said to be idle. Because this person whom the worldly people comment on as hard working, according to God is slack and possess an idle mind, because he serves the dead body and isn’t alive toward God.
Our spirit and body are entwined together by God Himself. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined, together, let not man put asunder (Matt 19:6). A person is not whole apart from each. The spirit, soul and body together, makes up a whole person.
(1Cor 14:2,14,15/Acts 7:59/Luke 2:46/Dan 2:1/Rom 1:9/8:23/Ps 77:3/51:10/Luke 1:46, 47) – here we see “my” “our” “his spirit” being emphasized, which supports this view.
Even the dissolved bodies of the expired one’ will be raised to life again (Rev 20:13), to prove the fact that, when God made man out of the dust, he made them to remain forever, regardless of the elements by which he/she was made.
We are not going be stripped off, but to be clothed upon (2Cor 5:4/1Cor 15:44,53,54). He shall change our vile body, that, it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body (Phil 3:21).
We must learn to see things in God’s perspective and not as per mortal perception. It is indispensable that a person whose spirit is revived through the Spirit of God should always strive to move towards the things of God and not to the things of the flesh.
They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit (Rom 8:5/ Gal 4:29). For, to be carnally minded is death (spiritual/eternal separation from God) (Rom 8:6). Because it chokes the Word (the lifeline of our spirit) and makes it unfruitful (Matt 13:22); and when he so does, I mean, becomes vibrant in the spirit, he isn’t idle anymore but is alive in Christ (The Body – The Church), interceding for men and serving God with his/her spirit (Rom 1:9).
If this person, who is also a part of the body of Christ is commented on as idle, you are not grumbling against that individual but the whole body itself, which is Christ (1Cor 12: 12). When ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ (1Cor 8:12).
If Christ the head and the members of his body is continuously at work in the spirit realm; how can we judge one of the members of this Body as, being idle?
There are many parts in our body, which seems to be nonfunctional. Most of them are internally situated. And a layperson has no clue of what those parts look like, how it functions, or its chemical properties. Yet, he takes care of it. He feeds the body and the body takes care of itself. A person with sound mind will never disregard any of his/her body parts?
We spent billions of dollars a year for beauty products alone, why? Because the body is worth taking care of. If a tooth hurt, we immediately consult a dentist. When the scalp gets dry, we don’t apply grease or any emollient, even if that’s the only thing available; but we look for the best we can get/afford to nourish that part of the body. The stinky armpits get the best treatment. They get the best wash, and fragrances are constantly applied to eliminate any bad odour. We keep it clean the part, which often gets dirty. For no man ever yet hated his-own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it (Eph 5:29).
Due to a tiny oxilate or calcium stone that was obstructing my body’s ability to operate normally, my entire body recently went into convulsions and excruciating death anguish. I even yearned to die because the anguish was so unbearable.
Similarly, God has knitted the body of Christ together so that when one member suffers, the anguish spreads throughout the entire body. We pay quick attention to the affected area, correct? God also gives more abundant honour to that part which lacked; that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it (1Cor 12:24-26).
We, as His children and members of His body, share in His sufferings because He, the head of the Church, suffered.
Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings (1 Peter 4:13)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many are, one body: so also, is Christ (1Cor 12:12).
Even when we sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, we sin against Christ (that pain affects the whole body) (1 Corinthians 8:12)
Let’s say that when we wrong one of the brothers and hurt that person’s frail conscience, we also wrong Christ (by doing so, we are causing a rift in the body, which hurts the entire body) (1 Corinthians 8:12). Because we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread (1 Corinthians 10:17) — the whole body being properly joined together and compacted by that which each joint contributes/supplies – Ephesians 4:16.
It make sense that the way this spiritual body functions is through genuine/unfeigned love for the brethren – 1Peter 1:22.
It is crucial that, we have a clear picture on how this spiritual body functions, so that inadvertently or deliberately we cause no harm to it.
Nobody dares leave a child alone to himself. A child, because he is not aware of the body and its vulnerability, he is constantly on the prowl to find something to his own hurt; and when he finds it, what he mostly would do is that, he will try to stick it into his nasal cavity or swallow it.
It doesn’t matter what shape, size or how foul it is; he only knows to stick it right into his mouth or the nasal passage. I have seen children swallowing bugs, millipedes, excrements, coins, safety pins etc. You should see their eyes popping and their faces turning blue in disbelief when they do such things. And finally, the parent has to work to get it out. It could kill him, otherwise.
Despite such an embarrassing incident, he will continue his pursuit of such valiant acts due to lack of intelligence. He’s got a brain as sound as anyone else, but it is underdeveloped, is uncharted, is in its maiden phase, it needs to gather much information, and the calibration isn’t complete yet.
Why would he do that to his own hurt? That’s what we all should understand. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child (Pro 22:15). But when he is grown (he’s become intelligent – How? 1Pet 2:2/Heb 5:13,14/James 1:21), he becomes aware of what is going on around and slowly begins to see, thorough or dramatic changes in his form and appearance.
It may take some time to get used to or comply with the new demands and challenges of the body. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man (spiritually mature – Gal 4:1/John 8:35/1Pet 2:2/Heb 5:13,14), I put away childish things (1Cor 13:11).
This applies to a spiritual child too. You cannot put away childish things as long as you remain a child or the growth or development is retarded, by some means (Mark 4:19/Luke 8:14).
You are called to be an heir (we should be made heirs – Titus 3: 7/Gal 3:29 – heirs according to the promise – Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it – Heb 4:1– and if children* (if only you become a son; and sons have already learned to be led/chastised by his father – Rom 8:14/Heb 12:6-11), *then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together – Rom 8:17– the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant – Gal 4:1 – the babe is Christ is yet carnal – 1Cor 3:1-3 – he is unskillful in the word of righteousness – Heb 5:13 – he is still a servant of sin – Rom 6:16,20/7:17,20,23 – and hence free from righteousness – and the servant abides not in the house forever – John 8: 35 – after his work is done he is discharged – they are also called the hirelings – John 10:12,13 – but a son would lay his life down, because he is of the good shepherd –1John 3:16/1Pet 1:23 – these hirelings also will try to push their way in, but will not be able –
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able, why? Sons alone inherit (the legitimate child), and bastards will have no part whatsoever. If ye are without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons (Heb 12:8/1Cor 11:32).
When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are – Luke 13:24,25 – Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name. And in thy name have cast out, devils? And in thy name, we have done many wonderful works? (They too were of the Spirit filled herd, weren’t they?) (Are you one of them, or have you persevered to make your calling and election sure? 2Pet 1:10) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity – Matt 7:21-23 – And he that takes not his cross, and follows after me (by denying himself/hating his life – Matt 16:24/John 12:25), is not worthy of me – Matt 10:38). For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe (Heb 5:13).
The moment you accept Christ or when you be led into the domain of Christ (Col 1: 13/John 6:44/Acts 13: 48/Rom 8:29), you receive the promises, you become entitled to obtain the inscrutable riches of Christ (Eph 3:8/2Pet 1:4); but you immediately doesn’t become a son.
By calling/decree, you are one, but by position you hold a servant’ status. We wait for the adoption/redemption of our body to take place (Rom 8:23). Before that, we must be tested and tried to see whether we are worthy for anything! (2Thes 1:4,5/Rom 8:17/2Tim 2:12/1Cor 9:24,25,27/Heb 12:1/4:1/Luke 9: 25/20:35/John 12:25/1John 2:15,16/Rom 6:22-1Pet 4:1,2/1Pet 1:7/James 1:12/Rev 21:7).
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2Cor 7:1/Rom 6:22/Heb 12:6-11). Without which we shan’t see the Lord (Heb 12:14), when he comes to take his bride away (1Thes 4:17/1John 3:2/Luke 21:35, 36).
The saints of old that believed in Christ (Heb 11:26/1Cor 10:4/Rom 4:9-11) suffered much to obtain that which was promised to them (Heb 11:35,1-40/ they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead – Luke 20:35/2Thes 1:4,5/Phil 3:10,11); neither are we spared (1Cor 9:24-27).
We (the corporate body) must through much tribulation (trouble, persecution, trial, burden, cross – 2Tim 3:12/Matt 5:10-12/13:21) enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). When we study the early Church history we will know how we’ve reached so far.
If Christ in his physical body had to bear for sin, all the judgments of God (Rom 8:3,4/ Isaiah 53), we the members of his spiritual body are bound to bear with him, for the body’ sake (Col 1: 24/2Thes 1:4,5/1Pet 2:21/Rom 8:18/2Tim 2:12/1Pet 4:1,2,12-14/ 2Cor 1:5,7).
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin (1Pet 4:1). If we suffer, we shall also reign with him (2Tim 2:12). For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation (2Cor 1:5,7). For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake (Phil 1:29). If you are then a part of this one mysterious body, you will have your share of sorrows and pains (the fellowship of his sufferings – Phil 3:10/1Cor 1:9). Otherwise, ye are not a part of it.
You have got to be delivered from the indwelling sin (Rom 6:18,22/7:17,20,23/1John 1:8/ 1Pet 4:1,2) to bear fruit unto holiness whose outcome alone is everlasting life (Rom 6:22). And to cease from sin (1John 1:8/Rom 7:17,20,23/Jeremiah 17:9/Matt 23: 26/Luke 11:39/Mark 7:20-23/James 3:6/ 2Cor 7:1), we must partake in the sufferings of Christ (1Pet 4:1,2,12-14/5:10/Job 23:10/John 15:2/Heb 12:10,11).
For, they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Gal 5:24). We need to mortify the deeds of the body, which is the circumcision of heart (Rom 2:28,29) to love God wholeheartedly and that we may live (Rom 8:13/Col 3:5/Eph 4:22/2Cor 7: 1/Deut 30:6).
Only when we crucify our old man that is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, can we formalize that we are freed from the power of sin/grave (Rom 6:6-8/Eph 4:22). For, if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection (Rom 6:5).
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure (or you will regret): for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Pet 1:10,11).
The human body is an intricate configuration; and so far, no one was able to understand it fully. Those parts, which do seem insignificant, are those, which really make us look better. You will only know the worth when something happens to them or are deprived of it? We spent in the millions to take care of the hair, which is identified as the least among all other parts of the body for just to restore/replenish it.
God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked (1Cor 12:24). You see the status of them! I exhort you therefore my brethren, not to look down on the less labouring class within the Kingdom of Heaven; for, they are the one’ that makes the whole body look precious and beautiful.
And unto one, he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man, according to his several abilities (Matt 25:15). In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than them-selves (Phil 2:3).
The work of righteousness shall be peace (the evidence of the righteousness of God working in you, is the peace of God, which transcends all understanding – Phil 4:7 – that envelops your life, despite the ordeal). The effect of righteousness (the result/effect of coming in contact with the robe of righteousness – Isaiah 61:10) is quietness and assurance forever (Isaiah 32:17/30:15 – rest for your soul – Matt 11:29).
Do we have it working on us? If not, the future of our union with Christ is in doubt.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because, I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because, I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were, the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body?
But now are they many members, yet but one body. The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be feeble ARE NECESSARY: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it (1Cor 12:12-26).
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular (1Cor 12:27).
You (the whole person) have a spirit (1Cor 2:11), with a covering of flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6). One that is born of the Spirit (born-again) cannot be correlated with the one that is born after the flesh (unregenerate); because, the later one has a natural mind set which is enmity (in war) with God (Rom 8:7/1Cor 2: 14) and the former, a spiritual one (supernatural – mind of Christ – Divine nature – 1Cor 2:15,16/2Pet 1:4); and the mind of Christ is neither retarded nor remains idle.
Relics and papyrus rolls of the bygone days reveal countless testimonies about this. Satan has had conspired evil against God’s chosen one’s. Whenever he got the chance to lay his hands upon any of those precious one,’ exuberantly he did the dirty job.
The moment we switch our minds from the things of the Spirit to the things of the flesh, and if we are not aware of the vulnerability of flirting around for good or bad (in the flesh); we are bound to fall prey to things that are morally reprehensible.
These were the times when you and I had taken the worst decisions of our lives too. The finest legion of the dark world will be deployed to succor us to succeed in the fleshly appetite, our mind secretly wished to do. It is crucial that we understand the law in which our flesh is established upon, and our limitations.
The book of Romans, chapters 7 and 8 vividly expounds it. Unless you and I learn of these truths, there is but little hope for any survival.
When a person faces a crisis in life, that is the time the dark world goes into full alert. That is the time we encounter two irresistible forces, which need to be dealt with. One is our spirit which is born after God, who pulls us towards God and His Word; and the other, our carnal flesh, which is sold under sin, in which all evil crop up (Rom 7:7-21)!
People that are not established in the word of God, often fall for things that are beyond the pale. Everyone that hears these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it (Matt 7:26,27).
He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; he is deceiving himself (1John 2:4/James 1:22). Even that still gentle voice of the Spirit, we tend to ignore, due to lack of might in the inner man, which is also the outcome of not continuously feeding on the word of God.
You might be the most anointed person on this planet; but you are as weak as a newborn, when your spirit is not drenched in the word of God. The heir, as long as he is a child (1Pet 2:2/Heb 5:13,14), differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all (Gal 4:1).
And the servant abides not in the house forever (no eternal life as long as you remain in that state): but the Son abides ever (John 8:35). When you grow in the spirit (1Pet 2:2/Heb 5:13,14), you will slowly but surely learn to be led by the Spirit of God; only then, can you be called a son (Rom 8:14/Heb 12:7).
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27/12:26/ Matt 16:24). An example: See how Paul introduced one of his spiritual sons “Onesimus” to others. His spiritual maturity was identified by the apostle and thus addressed it. Not now as a servant, but above a servant (he is mature in the spirit – of full age – he is no more a babe in Christ – one who can handle strong meat – Heb 5:13,14), a brother beloved (Philemon 1:16).
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat – Heb 5:12 – When I washed my steps with butter (the Word of God – when I align myself with the word of God), and the rock (Christ –1Cor 10:4) poured me out rivers of oil – Job 29:6 – that anointing will teach you everything –1John 2:20,27
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom (Col 3:16). And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water (word of God) that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Ps 1:3).
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he be not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:21,25).
Submit yourselves therefore to God (to the word of God). (And then) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Remember the story of the vagabond Jews, the exorcists, who provoked a furious backlash? (Acts 19:13-16)
The only way to keep the enemy at bay is, to walk and live in the Spirit (obedience to the Word and the voice – Rhema – inner feelings, impressions and experiences, prophetic utterances of the Spirit – Gal 5:16). How? Strong meat belongs to them that are of full age (mature in the spirit), even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Heb 5: 14).
The sheep need not be, terrified by the wolf; they have but to stay close to the shepherd. It is not the praying sheep Satan fears, but the presence of the shepherd – Aiden Wilson Tozer
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Pro 4:23). Don’t let anything in, which can harm your soul. Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (1Pet 2:11). Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof (Rom 13:14).
Do not let your inference stall you for a bit from the truth; and do not overlook the still small voice of the Spirit. Satan knows very well how to besiege our minds with negative reasoning’s and thereby aborting the Spirit inspired concepts prematurely.
It is of paramount importance that we pound our being with the word of God, to utter submission. By doing so, we thwart the enemy’ strategy to topple us.
I hope this brief narration on this subject, would also keep some from misreading the retarded and morbid humans, who needs assistance and not callous panning.