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GTM - To Stand With God or Surrender to Satan - By Albert Jones - March 1, 2024
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GTM - To Stand With God or Surrender to Satan - By Albert Jones - March 1, 2024
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GTM - To Stand With God or Surrender to Satan - By Albert Jones - March 1, 2024
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Our speaker, Mr. Albert Jones, begins by discussing the importance of standing with God and fighting for life rather than surrendering to Satan, which leads to death and bondage. Albert emphasizes the need to hold fast to hope and encourages mutual support and encouragement among believers. He also mentions that Satan tries to deceive and convince us that there is no hope, but our hope is in Jesus Christ, who has conquered sin. Albert then refers to the book of Hebrews and Psalm 107 for further inspiration and understanding. Blessed Sabbath to everyone, wherever you are in your time zone, and greetings from Michigan. It is good to bring another message on GoToMeeting. I'm always excited to have the opportunity to give a message, and I thank you for all your prayers in advance. For those who have been praying about this message, I wanted to bring something tonight that was in the spirit, if you will, of Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. I wanted to emphasize this race that we're in, if you will, this literal confrontation spiritually that we have right now in this life against the one who wants to threaten and prevent us from entering into the promised rest that God has given us. Well, promised us, I should say. God has indeed called us to his service. So the question becomes, do we stand with God, or are we surrendering to Satan the devil? It's one or the other. To stand with God is to fight for life. I think we all agree that the journey from where we were to where we are to the kingdom of God is not going to be one that's an easy walk. It's not a broad way. It's not an easy way. It is a difficult way. It is a way that requires us to be dedicated and committed in this relationship that we have and to understand what is going on. So to stand with God is to fight for life. To surrender to Satan is death. Because those who are held in bondage by him have subjected themselves to the judgment. That judgment of the penalty of death. Now, this is not just any death that we're talking about. This is the death. If you are in captivity to Satan by surrendering to him, he is going to return you to prison. He's going to return you to bondage and place you back on death row. There's no negotiation. There is no peace treaty. He will be happy to have us return to him and be put back in darkness and chains. So, but God has called us to life. God has called us to that which he has promised us, and that is life. There is no life, nor hope, nor mercy in captivities to Satan. Only shame. Only shame. To willfully, that is for us to willfully surrender the fight to him is a death unimaginable. It even boggles the mind, if you will, to even contemplate this idea that we would return, as it were, and the symbolism here is clear, to Egypt. To be placed back in bondage under Satan the devil and his demons. To be used and abused the way he does. And to do his will. Now, again, he is happy to have us if we give up. If we stop fighting. If we stop striving after righteousness, striving after the promises of God. Let's turn to the book of Hebrews real quick. Let's read something in the book of Hebrews. Chapter 10. Hebrews 10. And let's pick it up in verse 19. Paul writes this. He says now, well, I'm sorry. Therefore, brethren, having confidence to enter into the true holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he concentrated for us through the veil, that is, his flesh, and having a great high priest over the house of God. Let us approach God with a heart, a true heart, with full confidence of faith, our hearts having been purified from a wicked conscience, and our bodies having been washed with pure water. Let us hold fast without wavering to the hope that we profess. For he who promises faithful. We have a faithful God who has promised us good promises, who has assured us a victory. But Satan will do everything in his power to convince us that there is no hope, that there is no use. The flesh cannot be overcome. But our Savior Jesus Christ has already conquered sin in the flesh. So our hope is in him. His experience in the flesh uniquely qualifies him to be that example and that hope for us. So we are looking to him. He is our leadership, if you will. He is our light. He lights the path for what we're trying to get to. Let's go on here. Well, let's start in verse 24. And let us be concerned about one another and be stirring up one another unto love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, even as some are accustomed to do, but rather encouraging one another. That's what we do every Sabbath. That's what we do whenever we're together. We want to encourage one another. And all the more as we see the day draw near. For if we willfully go on sinning, and that is to give ourselves over to Satan, we're in the flesh. There's no doubt. We recognize the struggle in the flesh. We understand that sin is subject to, I mean, flesh is subject to sin. But we also understand that we have a high priest. We also understand that we have an advocate. These are all put in place so that we understand that this fight, this walk with God is not alone. It's one that we walk alone. It is with his help. It is with his strength. It is with his loving hand guiding us. And brethren, even more than that as we will see as we go through here. So, receiving the knowledge, for if we willfully go on sinning, verse 26, after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice. But here is the thing that Satan, with deceit, is trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. 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He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. He's trying to do to us. So let's see what we can learn more about this concept. Let's go to Psalm 107. The 107th Psalm. Let's read that Psalm for inspiration here. 107. Psalm 107. Let's just pick it up in the first verse. Psalm 107. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. So let the redeemed of the Lord say, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered them out of the lands from the east and from the west and the north and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness. This is what our state was prior to God calling us into his family. And yes, brother, he has called from all walks of life, from all over the world, sons and daughters, children, to himself in preparation for his kingdom. He says in verse 4 of this psalmist, they wandered in the wilderness, in the desert by the way. They found no city to dwell in hunger, hungry and thirsty. Their soul fainted in them. And then they cried to the Lord in their distress, and he delivered them out of their troubles. And he led them by a straight way. The way of God is the straight and difficult way. So that they might go to a city to dwell. God's house. God's temple. Collectively with all the saints, but individually in our covenant relationship with him. And soon, the established kingdom of God on the earth that Christ's return. He says, verse 8, let them praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men. For he satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with good thing. Some said in the darkness. And in the shadow of death. Being chained in affliction and iron. This is what Satan had us bound in, in the past. As we will see. And as is emphasized in the book of Ephesians. Because, verse 11, because they rebelled against the words of God. And despised the counsel of the most high. If that isn't evident in the world today. Whether it be through deception. Rebellion outright. Or just being blinded. The condition of the world is represented in this verse. Verse 11. Verse 12 now. Therefore he humbled their heart with labor. They stumbled and there was none to help. And then they cried to the Lord in their distress. And he saved them out of their troubles. He brought them out of darkness. In the shadow of death and broke their bands asunder. Let them praise the Lord for his goodness. And for his wonderful works to the children of men. God has broken here, verse 60. For he has broken the gate to bronze. And cut through the bars of iron. God has rescued us, brethren. We now belong to him. We stand with him. And that is our relationship with him. Let's go on. Verse, let's go to verse 21. Let them praise the Lord for his goodness. And for his wonderful works to the children of men. And let them sacrifice. The sacrifices of thanksgiving. And declare his works with rejoicing. Have we thought about it recently. That are standing with God today. That we are standing. Freed. Delivered. Reconciled. And given this opportunity to walk anew. As a son or daughter of God. Begotten, that is. Let's go to verse 25. For he commanded and raised the stormy wind. Which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven. They went down again to the depths. The courage melted away because of the peril. They reeled to and fro and staggered like a drunken man. And were at their wits end. And they cried to the Lord in their distress. And he delivered them out of their troubles. He made the storm calm. So that its waves were still. Then they were glad because they were quiet. And he led them to their desired haven. Let them praise the Lord for his goodness. And for his wonderful works to the children of men. And let them exalt him in the congregation of the people. And praise him in the assembly of the elders. Brethren, that's what we're doing here tonight. He turns rivers into a wilderness. And water springs into a thirsty ground. A fruitful land is changed into a salty desert. Because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it. Both metaphorically and in actuality. You look around you and the world today. And ask yourself if it's a salty desert. Because of the wickedness of mankind as we see it. Again, he turns the wilderness into pools of water. And dry ground into water springs. And that is the opposite of that relationship. That Satan draws you down into. But God lifts you up out of. And offers you. Right? Verse 37. And sow the fields and plant the vineyards. Which may yield fruits of increase. Verse 36. Putting it in context. And he makes the hungry dwell there. So that they may prepare a sea of habitation. And sow the fields and plant the vineyards. Which may yield fruits of increase. God has called us to thrive. Not to be held in bondage. And this is what God wants us to do. Let's turn to. Yes, let's go ahead and turn to Romans 6. Romans 6. And God's work in our life. There's so much to meditate on. And God has revealed his truth to us. In great amounts. And we understand more of the scripture. Than any of the prophets understood. Because we have more of it. And God is dwelling. Not just with us. But in us. Let's pick it up in verse. Verse 16 of Romans 6. Don't you realize that to whom you yield yourselves as servants to obey. You are servants of the one you obey. Whether it is of sin unto death. Or obedience unto righteousness. So that is what Satan is. Would rather have us to be in bondage to him. And obey him. And be his servants. But God says no. Verse 17. But thanks be to God that you were servants of sin. But you have obeyed from the heart. And that is God having placed his laws within your heart and in your mind. You have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered to you. And have been delivered from sin. You became the servants of righteousness. This is our state and standing now. Let's remind ourselves once more in Ephesians 2. Ephesians 2. Of what we came out of. This is what God tells us to be careful not to return to. Ephesians 2. He says through Paul you were dead. And that is the state of bondage to Satan. Marked for death. You were dead in trespasses and sins. In which you walked in times past according to the course of this world. According to the prince of the power of the air. The spirit that is now working within the children of disobedience. Among whom also we all once had our conduct. And the lust of our flesh. Doing the things willed by the flesh. And by the mind. And whereby nature the children of wrath. Even as the rest of the world. That is marked for death. But God who is rich in mercy. Here is the solution. Here is salvation. God who is rich in mercy. Because of his great love with which he loved us. Even when we were dead in our trespasses. Has made us alive together with Christ. For you have been saved by grace. And he has raised us up together. And has caused us to sit together in heavenly places. In Christ Jesus. So that in the ages that are coming. He might show the exceeding riches. Of his grace and his kindness. Toward us. In Christ Jesus. Again brethren verse 8. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this especially is not of your own selves. It is the gift of God. Not of your own works. So that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship. Being created in Christ Jesus unto good works. That God ordained beforehand. In order that we might walk in them. So God has called us to be a part. Of his work. And that work is meant to. Shine the light on sin. To overcome sin and to defeat. Every aspect of it. We are to be light. We are to be the salt. That makes mankind turn in question. The way of this world. Versus what they may see in you or I. Or in God's church and the work that it is doing. So we are a part of a great and awesome thing. So the greater sin. Would be toward us. If we turn from this truth. Turn from this understanding. Let's read a little bit further. Let's go over to Ephesians 4. Ephesians 4. In verse 1. Here. God has reconciled us to him. He has brought us back. He has given us pardon. Through the blood of Christ. So as such, verse 4, Ephesians 4. Therefore, I the prison of the Lord. And you and I are the same brethren. Prisoners of God now. I'm exhorting you to walk worthily of the calling to which you were called. Yes. We have been called to a way of life that will lead us into eternal life. We are to walk it, it says in verse 2, with all humility and meekness. We are to walk it, brethren, with long-suffering. Surrender is not an option for us. Forbearing one another. In love. Being diligent. To keep the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace. I know it gets difficult in our lives sometimes. And I know sometimes it feels like the world is pressing hard upon us. But God says, stand still, hold on. Don't faint. Verse 3. Being diligent to keep the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit, even as you were called, in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in you all. But you see, brethren, in verse 7 it tells us that grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the gift of Christ. For this very reason he says that after ascending on high, he, that is, the Savior, the King, the Messiah, who is at the right hand of the Father, he laid captivity captive and gave gifts to men. Now he who ascended, what is it? But that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth. He who descended is the same one who also ascended above all the heavens so that he might fulfill all things. So we have this promise. And he is working in our life. Let's go to Ephesians 6 now. A couple more chapters over. Ephesians 6 and let's pick it up in verse 10. So again, Paul is emphasizing, finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the might of his strength. Brethren, this fight that we are in is not for we are muscling up our own strength. It is one where we are joining forces with God for good. He recruited us. We are part of his forces. He is our commander. He is our strength and our God. Be strong in the Lord and in the might of his strength. He tells us as to be wise in this way because he has given us a powerful armor. So he tells us, put on the whole armor of God. The whole armor so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. So now we are seeing this relationship. Having joined with Christ in this fight, he went back to the Father. He told us that we would be light in the world. He told us that we would be salt in the world. He told us that we would have to wage a personal warfare with Satan and his demons who would be coming after us. He tells us to love one another and be close and united together because there is strength in family. Strength in the children of God loving one another and helping and encouraging one another. We see the evil in the world. God tells us don't worry about that. That is in his department to handle that. He has a plan for that. But if we give up because it got tough or got too difficult and we fell short of the fight, we dropped our guns, if you will, our weapons of war against sin and retreated into bondage and gave ourselves over to Satan. God has no pleasure in that. Here, verse 12. He understands that. Verse 12, because we are not wrestling, struggling, fighting against. We are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but against principality. We can't fight that with flesh, brethren. Against powers, we can't. We don't have a weapon to confront that. Against the world rulers of darkness of this age, against the spiritual power of wickedness in high places. Yes, Satan is real. His demons are in the world. He does influence all kinds of circumstances around us. But we know that he has already been defeated. His time is short and he knows it as well. He says, therefore, pick up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to resist in the day of evil and having worked out all things to stand. Stand, therefore, he tells us, having your loins girded about with truth. Here's one of those weapons. So sharpen your weapon of truth. Study God's word. Be in a pattern of study, a regiment of study every morning, every night. And wearing the breastplate of righteousness. Yes. Make sure your garment is white and clean as much as you can. It is in your control. But the imputed righteousness of God. That righteousness that is by faith. It comes from God and through faith. But if you start doubting, your conscience is going to convict you. And having your feet shod with the preparation of a gospel of peace, God's word, God's promise, Jesus Christ being a key part of that gospel. The kingdom of God being a key part of that gospel. The spirit of God being a key part of that gospel. So your feet is shod with that preparation of that truth. That gospel truth. Which brings us to peace that is defined here. Having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Besides all these. Take up the shield of faith. Never waver in your faith. Never waver in your faith. With which you will have the power to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And put on the helmet of salvation. And the sword of the spirit. Which is the word of God. Praying, brethren. Right? In your fellowship groups. In your families. Individually within your prayer closets. Praying at all times. With all prayer and supplication in the spirit. In this very thing. Being watchful. With all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. And for me, Paul says. And for me. And for all the elders. And for the work of God. And for Fred and all the work that he does in Hollister. Praying, brethren. We need prayer today within God's family. Active prayer. That boldness, he says here. A speech may be given to me, Paul says. So that I may open my mouth and make known the mystery of the gospel. For which I am an ambassador in chains. So that I may speak with boldness. As it behooves me to speak. God has called us to that truth. And that way. He goes on to say, just to finish out the chapter here. Now that you may also know the things concerning me. That what I am doing. Tychus. A beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord. Will make everything known to you. He says that I have sent him to you for this very reason. So that you might know the things concerning us. That he might encourage your hearts. So we have access to information. To kind of know the state of things within God's family. Within God's word. God wants us to have peace. Verse 23. Peace be to the brethren. And love with faith from God the Father. And our Lord Jesus Christ. Let's read that one more time, brethren. So that we understand who we are fighting with. Whose side is it that we're on. Whose side is it that we're on. Peace be to the brethren. And love with faith from God the Father. And the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love. All those whose love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Is uncorrupted. Uncorrupted by man. Uncorrupted by Satan the devil. Uncorrupted by sin. This is our calling. We have the promise. Of power. Armor. Weaponry. Spiritual infantry if we need to call it in. And air superiority, brethren. We've got support. For backup. And yes, even him. Who goes forth as a mighty warrior. For his people. Turn with me to Isaiah 42. Israel. May have had David. When it came to Goliath. But we have Christ. He is our mighty warrior. He is our king. He is the leadership. That will guide us. And Isaiah 42. Let's go there. Isaiah 42. In verse 12. We'll pick it up in verse 12. Isaiah 42 verse 12. And it reads this. Give glory to the Lord. And declare his praises. In the aisles. The Lord shall be glorified. He shall go forth as a warrior. He stirs up zeal like a man of war. He shouts. He roars. He overcomes his enemies. Who shall stand before him, brethren? Who shall stand before him? As Nehemiah understood. Let's go to Nehemiah. In chapter 4. Turn to Nehemiah. A very. Difficult time. When this was written. But Nehemiah. Was clear in his encouragement. To us. And he wrote in verse 20. He says in whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet. He says gather to us. Now this is the building of a wall. And these men are working. With enemies all around. And he said to them. If you hear the trumpet. Gather to us. He says our God will fight for us. So when we go forward. We go forward with great courage. And hope. And I know again. The body is weak. And the spirit is strong. The body is weak. But God's spirit is strong. God can do great things, brethren. And I'm telling you, I've seen some. Physically fit people in God's church. I really have. I've seen tall, big, deep voice. Individuals, you know, step forward. But I'm not seeing strength. As I've seen in some of the little widows. You know. Those who are very dedicated to service and prayer. There's power in those prayers. The strength of God's family is in. Those who are committed to him. The little, the weak. Is made strong through him and faith in him. Yes, there is strength in God's church. In that way. Let's turn to Isaiah 52 now. Isaiah 52. Let's pick it up. Verse 1. Awake, awake. Put on your strength, O Zion. Put on your beautiful robes, O Jerusalem. The holy city. For never shall you be ashamed. The holy city. For never again shall come to you. The uncircumcised and the unclean ones. Shake yourselves from the dust. Rise up. Sit, Jerusalem. Free yourself from your neck bands. O captive daughter of Zion. For thus says the Lord. You were sold for nothing. And you shall be redeemed without money. For thus says the Lord God. My people went down. At first and to Egypt to sojourn there. And the Assyrian. Oppressed them without cause. Now, therefore. What have I here? Says the Lord. That my people are taken away for nothing. Those who rule over them. How? Says the Lord. And without ceasing. My name is blasphemed every day. No respect for God or his people. Verse six. Therefore, my people shall know my name. Thus it shall be in that day. For I am he who speaks. Behold, it is I. Now this is. The great and awesome God. Speaking here. And it is meant to inspire you and me. As those in this in time. Who are the spirit began sons and daughters. Walking in a in a dark and very difficult world. That we live in. God tells us. That he is God. It's a verse seven again. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him. Who brings it to us. For the feet of him. Who brings good tidings. Who publishes peace. Who brings good news. Who publishes salvation. And says to Zion. Your God reigns. The voice of your watchman shall be lifted up. They lift up their voice together. They sing aloud. For they shall see eye to eye. When the Lord returns. Again to Zion. So God has called us to understand that. Let's go to Exodus 14. The book of Exodus. In chapter 14. Exodus 14. Again, verse one. And the Lord spoke to Moses saying. Speak to the children of Israel. That they turn and count to four by. Between a big doll in the sea. Over against Bell. So fun. You shall count before it by the sea. Again, God is about to show his might. His strength. So that the children of Israel comprehend. The power of God. Against those who would exalt themselves against him. He's about to show his strength. His power. He says for Pharaoh will say to the. Say of the children of Israel. They are trapped in the land. The wilderness has shut them in. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart. God says that he will follow them. And I will be glorified through Pharaoh. And all his army. So that the Egyptians may know. That I am the Lord. And they shall be glorified. And I am the Lord. And they. And they did so. And so. Let's come here. To. Let's come here to verse 10. We're familiar with this story. And when Pharaoh drew near. The children of Israel lifted up their eyes. And behold. The Egyptians marched after them. And they were very afraid. And the children of Israel. Cried out to the Lord. And they said to Moses. Have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Because there were no graves in Egypt. Why have you dealt this way with us? To carry us forth out of Egypt. Did we not tell you this word in Egypt? Saying let us alone. So that we may serve the Egyptians. No brethren. God forbid as Paul would say. May it never be. This thought would never enter our minds. To return to Satan. To return to captivity. To return to the flesh. The way of life that we were held captive in. In the past. No. They said. For it would have been better for us. To serve the Egyptians. And that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said. To the people fear not. And God tells us. To fear not. And I'll go on and read this verse. From our perspective today. Stand still he says. And see. The salvation of the Lord. Which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians. Whom you have seen today. You shall never see again. Verse 14. The Lord shall follow you. You shall never see again. Verse 14. The Lord shall fight for you brethren. And you. Shall be still. Faith. Trust. And living faith. Is doing the will of God. Walking in his way. But the fight belongs to God. God will fight for us. Verse 15. And the Lord said to Moses. Why do you cry to me? The children of Israel. That they go forward. Not stand still. Always moving forward. And you lift up the rod. And stretch out your hand over the sea. And divide it. And the children of Israel. Shall go on dry ground. Through the midst of the sea. And he says. Behold I am. I am about to harden the heart. Of the Egyptians. And they shall follow them. And the children of Israel. Are going forward. To do what God has instructed them to do. God. Takes care of the world. God takes care of Satan. And his demon. God fights for us. Let's come down here. This is a very inspiring. Section for me. Verse 19. And the angel of God. Who went before the camp of Israel. Moved. And he went. To the rear of them. And the pillar of the cloud. Went from in front of them. And it stood behind them. And it came between. The camp of the Egyptians. Satan and all his. Cohorts his demons. God is our strength. And dividing wall if you will. Brethren. He came between the camp of the Egyptians. And the camp of Israel. It was a cloud of darkness. And it gave light. By night to the other. So that the two did not come near one another. All night. And Moses stressed out his hand over the sea. And the Lord drove the. Sea back. With a strong east wind. And all that night. And made the sea dry land. And the waters were divided. And brethren. Here in verse 22. The children of Israel. God's people. Went into the midst of the sea. Upon the dry ground. And the waters. Were a wall. To them on. Their right hand and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued. Just as God said. And went into. And went in after them. In the middle of the sea. And all Pharaoh's horses and chariots. And his horsemen. But we know the conclusion. God had victory that day. And his name was glorified. Throughout the world. Because the knowledge of this event. Was known. So God tells us. Never. Never doubt. We should never doubt God. So if we seek to be free from Satan. God. Only can help us. And he will. Help us and deliver us. Let's go to John 8. Let's turn to John 8. The gospel of John chapter 8. In verse 36. John 8 verse 36. Here that affirms. Let's pick it up in verse 35. And the servant does not live in the house of God. And the servant does not live in the house forever. But the son lives forever. Therefore if the son shall set you free. You shall truly be free. God has freed us. God has called us. And he. Is with us. Every day in Colossians. Let's go there Colossians 1. Colossians 1. And let's pick it up in verse. Nine of Colossians 1. Here. One nine. He says for this cause. We also. From the day that we heard of it. Do not cease to pray for you. And to act that you may be filled. With the knowledge of his will. And all wisdom and spiritual. Understanding breath. That you may walk. Worthily of the Lord. Unto all pleasing. Being fruitful in every good work. And growing in the knowledge of God. This is. I'm going. Commitment dedication study. Prayer. And doing those things which God has called us to do. Being strengthened verse 11. With all power. According to the might of his glory. God's spirit dwelling in you. Unto all endurance. Trials and testings. God bring you through. Which builds endurance. Long suffering. With joy. Giving thanks to the father breath. Not to a. A idea of God. But to God himself. The father's throne is. Available to you. In the name of Christ. In the blood of Christ. Giving thanks to the father. Who has made us qualify. For the share. Of the inheritance. Of the saints. And the light. Who has personally rescued us from the power of darkness. Satan has no. Hold upon us any longer. And he has transferred us from that. From. From the kingdom. From that darkness. Is transferred us. Unto. The kingdom of his son. The kingdom of the son of his love. In whom we have redemption. Through his own blood. Even the remission. Of sin. Who is the image of the invisible. Who is the image of the invisible God. The firstborn. Of all creation. Because again rather. By him. Were all things created. The things in the heavens. And the things on the earth. The visible and the invisible. Whether they are thrones. Or lordships. Or principalities. Or powers. All things were created by him. And for him. And he is before all. And by him all things subsist. He is the head of the body. The church. Who is the beginning. The firstborn from among the dead. So that in all things he himself. Might hold the preeminence. Preeminence. For it pleased the father. And you can see. A tandem relationship here. On our behalf brothers. The father. The son. One. Executing. Their wonderful. Perfect plan for us. For it pleased the father that in him. All the fullness should dwell. And having. Made peace through the blood of his cross. By him. To reconcile all things to himself. By him. Whether the things on the earth. Or the things in the heavens. For we were once alienated. And enemies. In our minds. He says you were once alienated. And enemies in your mind. By wicked works. But now. He has reconciled you. In the body of his flesh. Through death. To present you. Holy. And unblameable. And unimpeachable. Before him. If indeed you continue. In the faith. Grounded and steadfast. And are not moved away from. The hope of the gospel. That you have heard. And which was proclaimed. And all the creation. That is under heaven. Which I Paul became a servant. Because. We are going to come to see and understand. As we continue. Our walk with God. That there is no substitute. In this world. For what God is offering us. We must choose him. We must fight. With him. We are not born. Nor were we given life. This precious gift of life. To be servants of sin. To be controlled. By the fleshly lust. The darkness. And the death. That Satan. Puts forward in this world. As something good. Christ. Our Lord and Savior and our father. In heaven. Has something higher for us. A higher calling for us. He calls us to true life. And not just any life. God extends to us. Eternal life. With him. As a spirit born member of his very life. As a spirit born member of his very own family. His word. That is. Christ. Is. The light. That shines light. Unto that path that leads us. To eternal life. That leads us there. Let's turn to Matthew 19. Matthew 19. In Matthew 19. And if we'll just pick it up in verse 16 of 19. Here. He says. Here. A very simple. Directive. Honor your father and mother. And. You shall. Honor your father. And your mother. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself. These are the two great commandments. Right. I'm sorry. Let's back up to 16. I apologize. Wrong verse. Verse 16. At that time. One came to him and said. Good master. What good thing. Shall I do. That I may have eternal life. And he said to him. Why do you call me good? No one is good except one. God. But if you desire to enter into life. Keep the commandments. He gave their prescription for life. God's word. God's truth. His commandments. His way. Being defined there. Let's go to John. The Gospel of John. Chapter 15. Pick it up in verse 1. Here's the relationship for life. Relationship in the world for life. John 15. Verse 1. He says. I am the true vine. My father is the husband. He takes away every branch in me. That does not bear fruit. But he cleanses each one. That bears fruit. In order that it may bear more. You are already clean to the word. That I have spoken to you. Dwell in me. He says. And I in you. As bow. As a branch. Cannot bear fruit. As a branch. Cannot bear fruit of itself. But only if it remains in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you are dwelling in me. Christ tells us that. I am the vine. He says. And you are the branches. The one who is dwelling in me. And I in him. Bears much fruit. Because apart from me. You can do nothing. And that is no exaggeration. That is a truth. Without God we cannot do anything. If anyone does not dwell in me. Christ tells us. He has cast out his branch. And is dried up. And men gather them. And cast them into the fire. And they are burned. A worthless. Dried up branch. Without Christ. If you dwell in me. Christ says so. And my words dwell in you. And they cannot dwell in you. If you are not studying them. If you are not reading God's word. For understanding and truth. Regularly. Not just occasionally. It has to be a routine in one's life. A daily routine. If you dwell in me. He says. And my words dwell in you. You shall ask whatever you desire. And it shall come to pass for you. Of course we know according to God's will. Verse 8. And this. He says. Is my father glorified. That you bear much fruit. So that you be my disciples. As the father has loved me. I also have loved you. Live. In my love. If you keep my commandments. You shall live in my love. He shall live in my love. Just as I have kept my father's commandments. And live in his love. Once again. Mark the verse. There is a formula. For success. Promise from Christ himself. And the father. Verse 11. These things I've spoken to you. In order that my joy may dwell in you. And that your joy may be full. So Christ is calling us. So that we can have a true. A purpose. In life. Let's go to 1st John. 1st John. In 1st John. Let's pick it up in verse. In chapter 1. And we'll pick it up in verse 15. 1st John. 1st John. Let's just pick it up in verse. Verse 1. That which was from the beginning. That which we have heard. That which we have seen with our own eyes. That which we have observed. For ourselves. In our own hands. Handle concerning the word of life. And the life was manifested. And we have seen. And are bearing witness. And are reporting to you the eternal life. Which was with the father. It was manifested to us. That which we have seen and have heard. We are reporting to you. In order that. You also may have fellowship with us. For our fellowship indeed. For the fellowship indeed. Our fellowship. Is with the father. And with his own son Jesus Christ. Again we see the father son relationship. We see the work of the father. We see the work of Christ. All designed to help us. Achieve. The purpose for which God made us. These things. We are also writing to you. Verse 4. That your joy may be completely full. And this is the message that we have heard from him. And are declaring to you that. God is light. And there is no darkness at all in him. And so Satan would have you to believe otherwise. Verse 6. If we proclaim that we have fellowship with him. But we are walking in darkness. We are lying to ourselves. And that is like a great tragedy. To be in a. System or a condition of self-deception. And we are not practicing the truth. However. If we are walking in the light. As he is in the light. Then we have fellowship with one another. And the blood of Jesus Christ. His own son. Cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we do not have sin. We are deceiving ourselves. And the truth is not in us. So this. Relationship with God is a constant struggle. To overcome sin. A constant. Walk with God. And the works of God being performed in our lives. And we are. The works of God being performed in our life. So that we can conquer. Sin. In this flesh. We can conquer sin in the flesh through Christ. If we confess verse 9. If we confess our sins. He is faithful and righteous. To forgive us our sins. And to cleanse us from all sin. If we say that we have not sin. We make him a liar. And his word is not in us. So the struggle in the flesh. Is there we get that. Let's go to Galatians 5. Galatians 5. Verse 16. Galatians 5 and verse 16. Verse 16. He says. Now this I say. Walk by the spirit. And you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the spirit. And the spirit against the flesh. And these things are opposed to each other. There is that struggle against. The forces of darkness. And the way of God. Satan again. Throws all kinds of stumbling stone. All kinds of enticements. All kinds of. Opinions. Fears. Feelings. But we've got to be solidly. Rooted in Christ. Solidly rooted in God. In his way in his truth. So that those things don't for a moment. Distract us. Or distract us. To a point that we start. Wondering after them. Again. The two are opposed. To one another to each other. So that you cannot do the things. You wish to do. But if you're led by the spirit. You're not on the works of law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest. Which are these. These things are Satan the devil. And the world in which we live. All of these things. I won't take time to read through. That listing. But only to say. By here in conclusion. Verse 25. Of the chapter. If we live by the spirit. We. Should always be walking. By the spirit. We should not be guided. We should not become vainglorious. Provoking one another. And envying. One another. God has called us. To his way. To live and to abide. In his truth. Let's. Let's sum this up. In first. Second Timothy two. In second Timothy two here. And we'll pick it up. Once again. Here in verse one. Because you know we are. We are either a slave to sin. Or we are a soldier. For righteousness. With Christ. And if you are a soldier with Christ. You can't be a pacifist. If you're a soldier with Christ. You cannot engage. The enemy. You have to fight. You have to be prepared to fight. With every drop of blood in you. For that matter. Because you see the victory. Is an incredible reward. Which God says. That if we desire it. You know it has to be more. Important than life. And in second Timothy two. And let's pick it up in verse. One. Again. The apostle Paul. Inspiration through Timothy here. Therefore my son. Be strong in the grace that. Is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard. From me among many witnesses. These things commit to faithful men. Such as. Will be competent to teach others also. So these lessons are to be passed on. Within. You know the faithful men. Ministry of God. Within brethren. You know. Iron sharpening iron within families. Instructing the next generation. And the truth. In the way of God. This was a quagmire. Of sin and darkness. The goddess again lifting us up out of it. There's two. And in the things that you have heard. From me among many witnesses. These things commit to faithful men. Such as will be competent to teach others also. You therefore. Endure hardship as a good soldier. Of Jesus Christ. No one who is serving as a soldier. Becomes. Involved in civilian pursuits. Here again. Getting caught up into the world. Here again. Going out just far enough. That. Satan can snare you. And pull you under. No. Stay close to God. And stay strong in his mind. Verse four. So again. No one is serving as a soldier. Becomes involved in civilian pursuits. So that they may please him. Who enlisted them. As a soldier. So we're striving to please God. In every way. And then everything that we do. God does not want us to be entangled. In this world. So we fight. And God supplies. He supplies spirit. He supplies. His son. As savior. Yes. We are to see. God. As the strength for us. To fulfill. The purpose that he has called us to. So once again. As good soldiers of God. Continue to fight. Diligently. For the life that God has promised.
