Category Archives: Battles

Accountability, Battles, Bible, Burdens, Comfort, Family, God's Will, Ministry, Obedience, Scripture

SO, YOU THINK YOU’RE SOMETHING

GALATIANS 6:3

“For if anyone thinks that he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

Ouch! This verse feels like Paul is stepping on my toes. How about you? We have all been there. We think we are better than someone else. We think we would have never fallen like that person did. Some of my hardest falls have been the result of overconfidence. I like what Doddridge says about this verse. “The worst part of the fraud falls on his own head.” Man, that stings.

Don’t forget that this verse immediately follows the verse about bearing each other’s burdens. This is why. Because you may wind up in the same fix and need help yourself. Paul is warning the Galatians against vanity – spiritual vanity. Oh, it was so easy for them to think they were better than others. They had arrived. They were above those who struggle. Paul is saying, “Not so fast! You too may need a hand down the road.”

APPLICATION

I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:12 where it says, “Now, when you think you are standing firm, be careful lest you fall.” We can never get overconfident, unless that overconfidence is in Jesus. He will never fail – NEVER! His promises are true. In Joshua 23, Joshua repeats a statement from chapter 21. He says in verse 14, “‘Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; they all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed.’”

Those promises still hold true. He is a promise keeper to the end. Even the last words Jesus spoke on earth after His resurrection says this. In Matthew 28:20 we read, “…‘and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” So, when we fail (and we will), He is always there – to the end.

Let’s back up a minute to the previous verse since this is important to the context. We must bear one another’s burdens because we need each other. There will come a day when you fail and that brother or sister to whom you gave a helping hand will run to your aid. That is how the body works.

Thank You, Father, for the body of Christ that looks out for each other.

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Battles, Bible, Crucified, Death, Flesh, Forgiveness, Redemption, Scripture, Sin

CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST

GALATIANS 5:24

“Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

The idea of being crucified does not appeal to me. How about you? You’ve probably read a lot about the agony of that. Christ suffered greatly. The pain must have been unbelievable. Yet He did it all for you and me. Why? Why would any sane person go through that for someone else? Because He was following the Father’s plan of redemption for us. Look at what Paul says about how that affects us.

Paul says a statement here that is repeated throughout the New Testament, in one way or another. He says if we are in Christ, we have “crucified the flesh.” That act of crucifixion means death. Paul is saying our flesh should be dead. Its passions and desires should be irrelevant. Dead men don’t have passions and desires, right? Let’s see some other references to this gift from our Lord.

APPLICATION

Of course, just back a few chapters, we find Galatians 2:20 (my life verse). It says we have “been crucified with Christ.” The verb there is sustauroo from sun and stauroo, which means to impale in company with, to crucify with. When Christ’s physical body died on that cross, our flesh died with it. Sin no longer has a hold on us. Do we really understand that?

Romans 6:6-7 say, “6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for the one who has died is freed from sin.” The same Greek word is used there for “crucified with.” We don’t have an excuse for sin. We can’t blame our sin nature. It has been nailed to the cross.

What is our excuse for sin? Simply, our choice to sin. My former brother-in-law used to say, “Before salvation we chased sin. After salvation sin chases us.” We should be pursuing Jesus every day. We should be chasing righteousness. Paul told Timothy that in 1 Timothy 6:11. “But flee from these things (fleshly things), you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” What are you chasing today?

O Lord, I run to You. I have You in my sights and am pursuing You. 

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Abiding, Accountability, Battles, Bible, Choices, Drunkenness, Envy, Eternity, Flesh, Scripture

DEEDS OF THE FLESH, PART 3

GALATIANS 5:21

“envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Over the past few days, we have been looking at Paul’s descriptive list of the “deeds of the flesh.” While not totally exhaustive, it is a long list of fifteen things. We will finish up that list in today’s verse and look at Paul’s closing remarks on them.

Paul mentions three other deeds of the flesh in verse 21 which are pretty comprehendible. We all know what “envy” is, right? It’s really being glad at someone’s misfortune. Yuk! “Drunkenness” is well…drunkenness. Enough said. “Carousing” is a little better defined as “a riotous party (drunken feast) which hosted unbridled sexual immorality.” (Helps Word-studies)

APPLICATION

In order to really understand these fifteen deeds of the flesh that he lists here, Paul wraps it up this way, “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Wow! That’s pretty heavy. If Paul were to say that in our society today, he might get stoned again. But the key to his statement is the word translated as “practice.” It’s the Greek word, prasso, and means to make this a regular liftstyle.

Let’s face it – we all slip up every once in a while. We read in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Only Jesus walked this earth is sinless perfection. Paul warns us that if practice these deeds we will not see heaven. That should be enough to keep someone on the straight and narrow, but it isn’t.

Paul knew that fear tactics would not work. He had tried to drive fear into the early believers as a Pharisee to make them recount their faith. Paul know only the love of Christ is enough to lead people to the cross. What is your driving force today for the choices you make? Your flesh? Fear? Greed? Or is it the love of Jesus?

Lord, I run from these fleshly enticements and into Your arms.

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Battles, Bible, Choices, Evil, Flesh, Immorality, Impurity, Scripture

DEEDS OF THE FLESH, PART 1

GALATIANS 5:19

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior,

I probably do not need to explain to any of you who are reading this devotional today what “deeds of the flesh” are. Over the next few days, we will look at Paul’s list of some of the deeds. This list is by no means a complete list. Even though we think today’s society is so wicked, we can see that the same things were going on back when Paul wrote this letter to the Galatians. As we go through this list, ask yourself if you are manifesting any of these.

Paul says in today’s verse that these deeds of the flesh “are evident.” The Greek word is phaneros, which means to be made public, to be disclosed or exposed. In other words, you can’t hide these deeds. Paul is going to list fifteen things that people were doing then, and we know are happening now. People think they can do many of these things in secret, but rest assured they will all be exposed one day.

APPLICATION

The first one Paul mentions is “sexual immorality.” We get our word “pornography” from this Greek word. It’s the selling off of sexual purity, promiscuity. Closely related to that word is the next word Paul uses, “impurity.” This word literally means “not clean.” This can be in a physical or moral sense. Ephesians 5:3 says this about these two, “But sexual immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints;”

Then Paul mentions “indecent behavior.” This word is translated as outrageous conduct, conduct shocking to public decency, a wanton violence, wantonness and lewdness. I think you get the picture with that one. Peter uses this word in 2 Peter 2:2, “Many will follow their indecent behavior, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;” Our behaviors can mar the truth of God in our lives.

I think John says it well concerning these behaviors just mentioned. 1 John 3:10 says, “By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother and sister.”

Father, help to avoid these behaviors and to live for You each day.

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Attacks, Battles, Bible, Choices, Defeat, Enemies, Flesh, Holy Spirit, Opponents, Scripture

BEING AGAINST SOMETHING

GALATIANS 5:17

“For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.”

A lot of times when we hear someone is against something we automatically assume it’s a negative reaction to something. There are some things in this world that we need to be against. We should be against child abuse in any form. We should be against domestic violence against men or women. We should be against heresy in the church. And we should be against the deeds of the flesh, which is Paul’s topic in today’s verse.

Paul is discussing the battle we are up against every day with our flesh. He says the Spirit (which resides in each of us as believers) is in opposition to our flesh (which we are born with – that old sin nature). The Greek word he uses here for “opposition” is used eight times in the New Testament, six times by Paul himself. It can be translated as enemy. Get the picture. Our flesh is no friend to the Spirit. So, each day we must destroy that flesh and yield to the Spirit.

APPLICATION

Antikeimai is defined as “someone being thoroughly unreconcilable.” You have probably heard of a couple divorcing due to “irreconcilable differences.” That’s the picture here. Our flesh and the Spirit cannot coexist. Many believers try to do that. They are trying to live in the world according to fleshly standards. It just won’t work. The world will eat you up. It loves to cater to the flesh. It will not honor the Spirit.

Now, we can’t escape this flesh as long as we are in this world, but we should always stand against it. I shared earlier in this study in Galatians my life verse, which is Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

My flesh has been crucified with Christ. It is dead to this world. I still have the choice each day whether to let it resurrect itself in my life or to keep it nailed to that cross. I choose today to live by the Spirit. It is through the Spirit that I can communicate directly with my Lord. Don’t you desire the same? Today, choose Spirit over flesh.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me a new life in the Spirit. Help me keep that flesh defeated each day.

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Backbiting, Battles, Bible, Consequences, Destruction, Devour, Enemies, Gospel, Scripture

BACKBITING

GALATIANS 5:15

“But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.”

We have all probably experienced the painful results of backbiting. Backbiting is defined as “malicious talk about someone who is not present.” If that has been done to you, you know the distrust it can bring. I pray you are not the one that has been doing it. It is never edifying and always destructive.

That’s where we find Paul today – addressing the issue of backbiting (or at least the possibility of it) among the Galatians. Paul uses some pretty descriptive words in this verse. In the application below I want to look at three words – bite, devour and consume. He paints a picture that no Christian should want to be a part of.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “bite” is not used in reference to animals biting. It is only used once, right here in the New Testament. It literally means to harm seriously, to backbite, to bite. It is not a little nibble. It is an intentional, meant-to-harm bite. This kind of bite leaves a mark, a wound. If you have experienced this, you know what I mean.

Secondly, Paul uses the Greek word translated “devour.” This word means to “eat all the way down (figuratively) utterly devour, leaving nothing; ferociously consume all the way down,” In Matthew 23:14, Jesus says, “‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses even while for appearances’ sake you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.’” The one doing the devouring intends to completely destroy the other person.

Finally, we see the word “consume.” It is only used twice in the New Testament. Here and in Luke 9:54, which interestingly enough is when James and John asked Jesus if he wanted them to call down fire from heaven to consume a village. They were upset about being rebuffed by them and wanted them wiped out. Oftentimes, the one doing the backbiting is motivated out of hurt they feel towards the other person.

So, what do these three words teach us about the perils of backbiting? It is never constructive, but always destructive. It brings harm to the one doing the backbiting as well as the one being talked about. It has no place in the family of God and will do nothing to help spread the message of the Gospel. If you are a victim of this, forgive. If you are the perpetrator, stop. It’s that simple.

Father, let us love in word and deed. Let us show others the love of Jesus every day.

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Admonished, Battles, Bible, Circumcision, Enemies, Grace, Law, Obedience, Scripture

NO EASY WAY TO SAY THIS

GALATIANS 5:12

“I wish that those who are troubling you would even emasculate themselves.”

There are times when we are dealing with difficult people that we wish they could see themselves as we see them. We wish they could feel the hurt they are inflicting on us or others. I am not saying that is a right or godly thought. I am just speaking the truth. Most of us have felt that way before. If they could just get a dose of their own medicine. Am I right?

Well, I can’t say that I can read the mind of Paul, but it almost seems he is feeling this way in today’s verse towards those people who were trying to put the Galatians back under the law, especially the law of circumcision. Scholars debate the meaning of this verse widely. Some say it says just what you think it says, that Paul wishes those people would castrate themselves. In other words, that they would go beyond circumcision and mutilate themselves. Other scholars say the Greek words here imply that he wishes they would separate themselves from the church and go their own way. Whatever Paul meant, he wanted these Judaizers out of the life of these Galatians because they were causing trouble.

APPLICATION

Okay Carl, let’s see you apply this verse to our life. Thanks for the challenge, lol. In Book 4 of the Every Man A Warrior curriculum, we deal with Purity. In fact, book 4 is entitled Every Man A Pure Warrior. One of the skills we practice in that book is amputation. Yep, amputation. We teach men to cut off those things in their life that are leading them in an impure lifestyle. That may include cutting people out of your life who lead you astray. I like what Paul says in Philippians 3:2, “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;” Even in Philippi Paul was dealing with these people who wanted to put others up under this false teaching.

Anyone who wants to put you under the law needs to be held at arm’s length. Do not let them influence you in your spiritual journey. Remember, Paul has been preaching freedom through this entire letter to the Galatians. Don’t think those people only lived back then. We have people just like that today who are members of our churches. They have their own list of do’s and don’ts for you to adhere to.

So, what do you do? How do you live in such an environment. You saturate yourself with the Word of God. You let it direct you. All we need is Jesus. He gives us everything we need. You need not add one thing to what He requires – acceptance of His grace. Amen? Now go live free!

Lord, forgive me when I put things on myself that I think make me more spiritual. All I need is You.  

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Battles, Bible, Protection, Safety, Scripture, Stumbling

STUMBLING BLOCKS

GALATIANS 5:11

“But as for me, brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been eliminated.”

I have been having trouble the past few years since I developed neuropathy in my feet. I stumble easily. I have to watch where I step and how fast I walk. The problem is really my toes. They are pretty much numb all the time. It’s hard to balance and not trip when you can’t feel your toes. So, just about any rock or stick that protrudes from the grown can literally be my downfall.

The Greek word for “stumbling block” used in today’s verse by Paul means “the trigger of a trap (the mechanism closing a trap down on the unsuspecting victim)” (HELPS Word-studies). The word is used 15 times in the New Testament in various ways. Let me encourage you to do a word study on the word. The reason Paul uses the word here is to show the Galatians the futility of trying to keep the law. There were those among them who insisted that circumcision be done for all male believers. Paul says emphatically that he did not preach circumcision (no matter what anyone might say) for if he had, there would have been no issue with the Jews and the cross.

APPLICATION

We all have to deal with stumbling blocks in our life, don’t we? Jesus even did. In Matthew 16:22-23, in fact, he calls Peter one. “22 And yet Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You!’ 23 But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but men’s.’” Peter was an obstacle for Jesus here. There is no room for stumbling blocks in our lives.

John uses the word in 1 John 2:10. “The one who loves his brother and sister remains in the Light, and there is nothing in him to cause stumbling.” That makes sense, doesn’t it? If you are walking in the light, you are less likely to stumble on something. When we walk in the light of Jesus, those things that try to trip us up are exposed and we can avoid them. Are you walking in the light?

I pray you are not being that stumbling block like Peter was in Matthew 16. We can be you know. We can do or say things that can cause someone to stumble. Don’t do that. Keep your path straight. Keep it free of debris. Don’t let yourself get caught up in something that could cause someone else to fall. Remember, walk in the light!

O Lord, keep me from stumbling or from being a stumbling block.

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Abiding, Battles, Bible, Hindrances, Race, Running

HINDRANCES

GALATIANS 5:7

“You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?”

We have all probably witnessed a race where one runner cuts off another runner intentionally knocking them off their course. It’s usually done when no officials are watching. This can really rattle a runner. It can cause a serious injury. You have to be aware of your surroundings and stay focused on the race. Otherwise, you are subject to all kinds of hindrances.

Paul uses a running analogy in today’s verse. He actually says, “You were running well;…” That verb “running” is the Greek word used to describe a race. Then Paul uses the Greek word egkopto which is translated “hindered.” Souter defines this as “introducing an obstacle that stands sharply in the way of a moving object.” Someone was trying to knock the Galatians off course. They didn’t want them on this journey with Christ. Hmmm, who could that have been?

APPLICATION

I know there were actual people involved in this “hindering” of the Galatians. But who was actually behind this? Who stirred them on to cause confusion in the Galatian churches? It was none other than the devil himself. He can’t “unsave” you, but he will do everything he can to take you out of the race. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, keep alert, your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” He’s real, and he’s prowling.

In a passage about forgiveness in 2 Corinthians 2, Paul ends in verse 11 with this, “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” If you don’t think Satan isn’t scheming ways to take you out, you are dead wrong. He is looking for ways to knock you off course, to be that hindrance.

Unfortunately, we give Satan way too many opportunities by our own actions. Then we blame him when we mess up. Not true. Satan can’t make you do one thing. He will give you temptations and opportunities, but it is your decision whether to accept that nudge. Don’t go there. I love Joshua 1:9. As Joshua was preparing to take over after Moses’ death, the Lord spoke to him and said, “‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.;” He is with you today, as well. Be strong. Take courage.

Lord, I will not allow the evil one to knock me off course. I will high jump those hindrances he puts in my path with Your strength and power.

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Battles, Bible, Enemies, Enslavement, Freedom, Oppression, Rescue, Salvation, Scripture, Slaves

IT WAS FOR FREEDOM

GALATIANS 5:1

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

Why do people fight wars? Most of the time it is for freedom. One group is trying to force another group to live a certain way, to surrender to their army, to deny their beliefs in favor of another. It’s almost always one group trying to force their will on another. We will see in today’s verse that spelled out so clearly.

Paul is emphatically stating that freedom is ours. That is why Christ died – to set us free. But from what? Well, he states that in the second part of the verse. He says, “do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Here he is referring, of course, to the slavery of the law. The law was forcing these young believers to follow the old Mosaic law, which Christ has set them free from. He was the final, perfect sacrifice for all mankind. They were free.

APPLICATION

All over the world today, Christians are facing the loss of their freedom – freedom to worship, freedom to share Jesus. Check out The Voice of the Martyrs website (www.persecution.com) to read some of the stories they share about these saints. We often think this sort of thing doesn’t happen in the 21st century. How wrong we are.

What else does God’s Word say about our freedom? Jesus explains it so well in the gospel of John. John 8:31-36 says, “31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ 33 They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, “You will become free”?’ 34 Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 Now the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.’”

There is really nothing else to add to that. Jesus said it all. The Son sets you free. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! Aren’t you glad? No longer slaves. We’ve been set free! Sin has no more power over us. The penalty of sin has been removed. Praise His holy name.

Lord, I give You praise for the freedom You have given me in and through Christ. 

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