Contemplation #181
I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
Paul’s way of fighting Satan, in this instance, was to forgive. Aware that Satan is trying to entrap us, and knowing how he can do this through anger, bitterness, resentment, and grudges, Paul disarms his spiritual enemies through the humble act of forgiveness. To engage in spiritual warfare one ought to understand the nature of the conflict, and the means of victory. Fidelity to the simple and humble way of Jesus, of love, peacemaking, humility, mercy, forgiveness, and grace is how the battle is won. Our preparation for this task is most readily achieved through prayer – not the prayer that asks God to act as much as the prayer that shapes us to the way of Christ.
Contemplation #182
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:14
Paul seems to be speaking in reference to the gospel, urging Timothy to keep what he’d been taught. As in all things, what we are instructed to do cannot be done on our own strength. We should always remember, as Paul is quick to add in this passage, that even holding to what gospel that saves us and calls us to a holy life (1:9) requires the work of the Holy Spirit of God. We are dependent on God to strengthen us to be true to what we have received. Combating Satan, or even guarding what we’ve been given, must be an act of submission and reliance on God. The practice of faith is the essence of spiritual warfare.
Contemplation #183
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and he will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:18
Paul speaks with a confidence that is astounding for a man who’d been through so much, and now sits in prison expecting to be executed. Some confidence is born out of foolishness. The secular mindset that reduces our struggle to a conflict of ideas and rationalities is hopelessly naïve about spiritual realities. This confidence is a boldness based on the denial that evil attacks are anything real. Paul’s confidence is based on faith in God. He knows that there are evil forces that attack him, and yet his trust in God through faith keeps him from falling prey to the fear of what is arrayed against him.
I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
Paul’s way of fighting Satan, in this instance, was to forgive. Aware that Satan is trying to entrap us, and knowing how he can do this through anger, bitterness, resentment, and grudges, Paul disarms his spiritual enemies through the humble act of forgiveness. To engage in spiritual warfare one ought to understand the nature of the conflict, and the means of victory. Fidelity to the simple and humble way of Jesus, of love, peacemaking, humility, mercy, forgiveness, and grace is how the battle is won. Our preparation for this task is most readily achieved through prayer – not the prayer that asks God to act as much as the prayer that shapes us to the way of Christ.
Contemplation #182
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:14
Paul seems to be speaking in reference to the gospel, urging Timothy to keep what he’d been taught. As in all things, what we are instructed to do cannot be done on our own strength. We should always remember, as Paul is quick to add in this passage, that even holding to what gospel that saves us and calls us to a holy life (1:9) requires the work of the Holy Spirit of God. We are dependent on God to strengthen us to be true to what we have received. Combating Satan, or even guarding what we’ve been given, must be an act of submission and reliance on God. The practice of faith is the essence of spiritual warfare.
Contemplation #183
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and he will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:18
Paul speaks with a confidence that is astounding for a man who’d been through so much, and now sits in prison expecting to be executed. Some confidence is born out of foolishness. The secular mindset that reduces our struggle to a conflict of ideas and rationalities is hopelessly naïve about spiritual realities. This confidence is a boldness based on the denial that evil attacks are anything real. Paul’s confidence is based on faith in God. He knows that there are evil forces that attack him, and yet his trust in God through faith keeps him from falling prey to the fear of what is arrayed against him.
posted by Greg at 10:44 AM
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