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Our Inheritance
Based on “Spiritual Warfare Happens” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 11/15-16/08,
Message #2465; Daily Devotional #1 - “Our Inheritance”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 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. (Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT) “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.” C.S. Lewis
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Did you know we are in the midst of a war everyday—one not being reported on the nightly news? This war is being fought in our towns, in our places of work, where our children go to school, and even in our own homes. How is that possible, we may ask? Wouldn’t I know it if I were in a war? Hopefully—but unfortunately masses of people struggle through this life as wounded casualties of a conflict of which they are unaware. Not only are they ignorant of the war, but they also don’t realize the access they have to the ultimate armor for waging war. To begin, we must know our foe. First, it’s the world: those things in culture which attempt to lure us away from a whole-hearted devotion to God. Next, it’s our flesh: that part of us not yet perfected and disobedient to God. Lastly, Satan and his demons: rebellious angels who, after being cast out of heaven for trying to be God, are seeking to devour unaware souls.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Once we have identified our enemies, where does the battle take place? Primarily in our minds. Think about it. Where does sin usually originate? Where does doubt replace faith? Where does worry transcend peace? Our thoughts are constantly bombarded with attempts to steal that which Jesus died to give us. His death means that those who believe in Him are now joint-heirs with Him. (Romans 8:16-17) Therefore, we are written into God’s will and become heirs to what Jesus inherits. First and foremost, we receive eternal life; we know God and live forever with Him. (John 17:3) If that weren’t enough, we also receive the Holy Spirit, so we are never without God’s presence and can walk in His power. (Acts 1:8) He gives us His peace, so we have nothing to fear. (John 14:27) He gives us His joy, so we can walk through trials trusting Him. (Nehemiah 8:10) He gives us His armor, so we can fight off the attacks of the enemy and live victoriously. If you follow Jesus but aren’t enjoying your inheritance, pray! Prayer is our primary weapon to tear down the strongholds of the enemy. (2 Corinthians 10:4) Read and study the Word. The Word shows us who God really is and who we are in Him. Believe God is working all our circumstances for good. No matter what access we have allowed the enemy to gain in our lives, God is waiting for us to turn to Him. He forgives. He restores. He renews. The war is raging regardless of our acknowledgement, so why not reap the benefits of serving on the side guaranteed to win?
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Ephesians 6:10-20
NLG
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation = NLT
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