Holiness: The Fight – Part 2

b. The world. The desire to have what the world has, to not to stand out, to fear ridicule and laughter from the world, or the desire to stay in the world are all things that must be resister. James 4:4 “friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” 1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Paul says in Galatians 6:14, “the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” 1 John 5:4, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” c. The devil. We learn in Job that Satan walks, “to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.” Job 1:7. He, “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” (John 8:44). When the devil came to Peter he demanded him so that he might sift him like wheat (Luke 22:31). We are called to, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Eph 6:11) 5. The Seriousness of Christian Warfare a. Some might think that this is a little extreme and that many people get to heaven without fighting. But let’s look at what Scripture says. b. 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. c. 2 Timothy 2:3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. d. Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. e. Luke 13:24 Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. f. John 6:27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal. g. Matthew 10:34 Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. h. Luke 22:36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. i. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. j. 1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare

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