A Successful Warfare (or, avoiding shipwrecked faith)
It is likely my task as a scribal prophet that inspires my (over) emphasis on the “record”. That is, when God speaks there should be a record. A written record. Something to go back to when circumstances challenge faith. Visual learners will excel here. To my kinesthetic learners, keep attaching action to principle to recall the word of the Lord.
I understand that many of us are not note takers, and that’s fine. But if that is the case auditory learners, then we should be the most faithful supporters of our church’s media ministry. Or, if your local assembly does not record yet, then most of us have smart phones to record the word. We should show the Father we value His Word by not just creating a reference point with notes, but also going back to study and listen to these messages from His servants to hide the Word in our hearts.
Let’s commit to feed our faith.
There’s a couple of reasons I offer this on the first Sunday of this new year. Many will rejoice one more time because “we made it,” but then the Lord’s servants will preach and teach what is probably the most important message this year. It is the word that will set our lives’ compasses.
What I do not want is for any of us to leave the Lord’s house with no record. No record leaves us vulnerable to shoddy and eventually shipwrecked faith… all the while, we live in the process of the prophecy and blame what we should see as our opportunities as opposition. (yeah, read that again…slowly) This is where I got off track last year, and day by day in this new year, this is where I want to self-correct.
This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. – 1 Timothy 1:18-19 NASB (emphasis added)
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand,7 To execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,8 To bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron,9 To execute on them the judgment written; This is an honor for all His godly ones. Praise the LORD! – Psalm 149:6-9 NASB
Warfare happens on many levels, and is a different effort for us all. I am in absolute agreement about the power of praise to produce success in warfare. My humble suggestion for your consideration is this: we praise with a Word. Yes Lord! [See Psalm 2:7 – we declare the decree, or the written word.]
According to 1 Timothy 1:18-19 and Psalm 149:6-9 —
- We fight a relevant fight. — The good fight of faith lines up (and agrees) with the prophecies made. It is possible to fight unnecessary fights.
- Faith is crucial to the good fight. — It may sound silly, but some of us fought lengthy battles previously with no faith. We had no confidence in the God in us to accomplish the task or have staying power.
- See well while fighting in faith. — This word “conscience” refers to the ability to discern good and bad (Strong’s G4893). Apostle Paul’s point is clear then that holding fast to faith in the faith fight sharpens our spiritual sensitivities.
- Praise + God’s Word = Successful warfare against ruling spirits! — This is what praise with a Word can do: execute vengeance, bind kings and nobles, ALL TO THE FULFILLMENT OF GOD’S MIND (the judgment written).
The warning is at the end of 1 Timothy 1: 19. Many suffered shipwreck in their faith because they rejected the whole package. They changed their mind about holding on to faith in the faith fight. They declined to see well and become spiritually sensitive as they put pressure on God about His prophecies to them.
So say I unto us all — let that not be our testimony this year, that we fight without faith and have dim vision in the spirit. Instead, without rash vows or bargaining, let’s just commit to come to the Lord daily, His Word in tow, to believe with radical and reckless abandon His prophecies to us.
Please, please, please, share this encouragement. I know you need it, and I know you know a few others who can benefit from some biblical perspective (maybe because when the pressure hits, they go straight to their soul for counsel!).
Love to all, as well as a substantial praise for successful warfare!
Blogs I Follow
The Bereans' Commentary with Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D. 