Monday, November 26, 2012

Proverbs 28:4 It ain't over till it's over

4.  To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.

This is a war that has been going on for many, many years . . . it's the conflict between good and evil. I'm not just talking about the "dark" side and the Force here, but the serious battle that exists on this earth, between people of faith, and people with no faith.

Solomon was talking about the law handed down to Moses.
1John 3:4 Whoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Since the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, and His resurrection, we are not bound by the law:
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
But, even though we are not bound by the law, we are followers of Christ, and strive to grow more like Him each day, in righteousness and in grace. And today, just as in ancient Israel, there are men and women who do wrong and sin, and they are in constant conflict with those who are trying to live lives for Christ's glory. Many of the arguments, strife, and heart-ache that plague us today, are a result of this ongoing battle.

We may smile at the idealistic young person who dreamily says they'd like to change the world, and usher in an era of world peace. While it's a laudable, lovely idea, there is very little chance (for now) that all of the world's peoples will live in harmony. We know that Bible prophecy points to a time when "the lion will lie down with the lamb" but that is with direct and divine intervention -- not a result of mere mortals!
Closer to home, we realize that there will always be those who mock our efforts to imitate Christ and live for Him. We are indeed in a battle:
We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds... break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God... conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ. II Corinthians 10:3-5
And there may soon come a time when we will actually be persecuted for our faith:
But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions... what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  II Timothy 3:10-16
It's an ongoing battle, and we can count on strength from above . . . and we know that "it ain't over til it's over" . . .
Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12: 10-11

Isn't it wonderful to know the conclusion, the end of the battle, the outcome of all this strife, will be a victory for Christ and all of His saints? It's kinda like reading the end of the book first, and then the rest of it! The Devil will keep trying to change that outcome, but God's Word is sure, and it's faithful -- He (and we) will win in the end!

2 comments:

  1. Yes, it is a very encouraging thought to hang on to in these perilous times in which we live. That we are ultimately on the winning side! Bless you for this word :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. We were discussing in my Sunday morning Bible study at church about how so many Christians are of the opinion that "What you do is your own business." Or "Believe what you want, it's ok with me." And "Live and let live." But, that is how we got into the mess we are in. Too few Christians are taking a stand, because we don't want the persecution or the flack for our beliefs. It makes me very sad and ashamed.

    ReplyDelete

We welcome comments pertaining to our study; rude comments will be deleted, as will links for advertising purposes.