EXPERIENCING SPIRITUAL VICTORY Thursday October 9, 2014 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word... Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee (Psalm 119:9, 11). Scripture is the source of spiritual victory. Many Christians struggle with spiritual defeat or recurring sins because they havent learned to apply biblical principles to specific situations. Perhaps they dont know Gods will because they havent matured in the Word. Or maybe they know what He expects of them but disregard His counsel. In either case, the result is the same. Jesus Himself repelled satans attacks by quoting specific portions of Scripture that applied to specific temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). He knew the Word, believed it, and refused to compromise its principles. In so doing He set a pattern for us to follow. Using metaphorical language, the apostle John emphasized the priority of the Word when he described three levels of spiritual maturity: children, young men, and fathers. In 1 John 2:13 he says, I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. Spiritual children arent yet mature in their faith, but they know who their Heavenly Father is. They know they belong to God. John continues: I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one (verse 14). Spiritual young men are healthy, vibrant, and aggressive because the Word abides in them, it has found a home in their hearts. Theyre victorious over the evil one because their doctrine is sound and theyve cultivated spiritual wisdom and discernment (Philippians 1:9). They recognize satans lies and reject them. 1 John 2:14 says, I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. Spiritual fathers have a deep, mature relationship with God that comes from prolonged time in prayer and the Word. Which of those terms best describes you: spiritual child, young man, or father? What specific things can you do today to move toward a more mature and victorious Christian life? Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to help you love Him more deeply and know His Word more completely. Therein is the key to spiritual victory. For Further Study: Memorize Psalm 119:11. Recite it often as a reminder of the priority of hiding Gods Word in your heart. Psalm 119:11 NIV I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. From Drawing Near by John MacArthur. May God continue richly blessing you / Dios continúe bendiciéndole ricamente! Jesús Martín Romero
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:21:26 +0000
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