…but god… Episode 196
Transcript
“whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a demeaning judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, using abusive speech where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions as they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having hearts trained in greed, accursed children; abandoning the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the reward of unrighteousness; but he received a rebuke for his own offense, for a mute donkey, speaking with a human voice, restrained the insanity of the prophet.”
2 Peter 2:11-16 NASB2020
My mom so eloquently reminded me yesterday that this battle is a battle bigger than we can fight alone she said “This passage of Peter's reminds us once again that we're in a very serious battle and it's not about the next play off game or that irritating co-worker. This is life & death even beyond our own circle of family & friends- it is a very serious world war. During WW 2 our entire country was on a war footing. There was rationing of food, factories worked around the clock & even children collected metal to be used for the weapons of war. Many historians say that it was because the citizens of America were willing to sacrifice & work that we won that war. Are we equally dedicated to this Battle against the evil one & his minions?”
Good question, if we are not willing to be all in then what are we doing? Too many Christians seek the church to feel good and if they are challenged they leave. Similarly, too many pastors have sought financial gain rather than spiritual gain which is exactly what Peter is trying to communicate in verse 16 “they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the reward of unrighteousness;” The Wycliffe study Bible puts it this way “it is well known that eagerness for Financial remuneration and desire for the large and popular churches have caused many a modern prophet to forsake the right way and follow the way of Balaam .”
We must not allow this to happen, we must trust God and lean on Him and the power of the Holy Spirit. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 NASB2020
Most precious Heavenly Father thank you for giving us eternal life through the forgiveness of sins with the sacrifice of your son on the cross. Thank you also for raising Him from the dead so that we may have everlasting life with you. Thank you also for giving us the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Help us to rely on that strength as we do battle for the eternal souls of all. Give us peace and strength to do your will and be all in all the time! In Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom Shalom Blessings Press in and Press on!
Hosted by Chad McBeam
