Resisting the Enemy
Resistance to the enemy begins with submission to God, as James 4:7 instructs: 'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' This submission is a proactive stance, aligning ourselves with God's will and drawing upon His strength. The Psalms offer reassurance, with Psalm 27:1 declaring 'The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?' In the face of life's challenges, the biblical wisdom we find in scripture provides the guidance necessary to not only resist evil but to overcome it with good, as Romans 12:21 advises, leading us to a path of victory through righteousness and love.
Giving to the Needy with the Right Heart
Jesus taught us about the heart behind giving to the needy. In Matthew 6:1-4, He emphasizes the importance of giving in secret, not for public admiration, but for the Lord’s eyes. This principle fosters humility and genuine compassion, as we are reminded in Proverbs 19:17 that 'whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.' We are assured that generosity is not only a blessing to the recipient but also stores up treasures in heaven, as reflected in Matthew 6:19-21 and Acts 20:35. When we give, we embody the love of Christ, reaching out with a compassionate hand to those in need.
FAQ
Q: What does it mean to put on the full armor of God?
A: Putting on the full armor of God refers to being spiritually prepared to face and withstand the challenges and temptations posed by evil forces. It involves embracing virtues such as truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation, and using the word of God as a defensive and offensive tool in spiritual battles.
Q: How can I resist the devil effectively?
A: To resist the devil effectively, one must first submit to God and align with His will. This means living a life of obedience to God's commandments, engaging in regular prayer and Scripture reading, and actively opposing the temptations and deceptions of the devil.
Q: Why is giving to the needy important in the Bible?
A: Giving to the needy is important in the Bible because it reflects God's love and compassion for all people. It's a way to demonstrate faith in action, support those in distress, and express gratitude for God's blessings. It also aligns with Jesus' teachings on kindness, generosity, and the care of the less fortunate.
Q: Can you explain the significance of faith as a shield?
A: Faith acts as a shield because it provides protection against the doubts, fears, and lies that can attack a believer's mind and spirit. It helps to trust in God's promises and power, deflecting the 'flaming arrows' of the enemy's temptations and accusations, and keeping the believer spiritually safe.
