Category Archives: Evil

Bible, Evil, Jesus, Old Self, Scripture

THE OLD SELF

COLOSSIANS 3:9

“Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices,

I am getting older every day. How about you? We all are. There is only one other alternative, right? And as we get older, it gets harder to let go of our old ways. Those habits are so hard to stop. Now, not all those habits are bad. But some… Well, let’s just say they ought to go the way of the dinosaur.

Paul reminds the Colossians (and us) that our old self is gone. We discussed how we have thrown it away. The Greek word for “stripped off” is apekduomai and only occurs here and earlier in Colossians 2:15. In both cases it is in the Middle voice which means you have to choose to do this. It is not done to you. Paul says we have chosen to strip “off the old self with its evil practices.”

APPLICATION

Don’t read that and just go past it. This is important. We have to choose to strip off this old stuff. We cannot walk the straight and narrow while we are carrying around all this baggage. The image of stripping off something is important. I have this picture in my mind of violently tearing it away. It’s not something you do slowly.

Let me give you an example. I recently was told about the conversion of someone who was struggling with their sexuality. They came to a church service, fell under conviction and came forward for salvation. The next Sunday the Pastor noticed this person still dressing in a way that resembled their old lifestyle. He approached them and said, “What are you doing?” They replied, “Well, I thought I would change a little bit at a time.” What?! No! You have to tear it off. You have to strip it away.

What are you wearing from your old self? What are you hanging on to? Let it go – now! It has to go! It does not represent who you are now. Walk afresh. Walk in victory.

O Father, give me the power to strip off all the old stuff and wear Your garments.

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Armor, Battles, Bible, Devil, Evil, Satan, Scripture

WITHSTAND

EPHESIANS 6:13

“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

Man, do I love bread! Just ask my wife. I could eat a dozen hot biscuits with honey. And those Red Lobster garlic biscuits are to die for. But I have to withstand temptation or bust my britches, lol. The temptation is great. I am easily led astray, I’ll admit it. But when I am successful and withstand the freshly baked bread, I feel better. I know I have made the right choice.

Now, Paul is not talking about sticking to your diet in today’s verse. But he is talking about fully resisting the evil one and all his lures. The Greek word for “resist” is “anthístēmi (from antí, ‘opposite/against’ and hístēmi, ‘to stand’) – to take a complete stand against, i.e. a ‘180 degree, contrary position’; to establish one’s position publicly by conspicuously ‘holding one’s ground,’ i.e. refusing to be moved (‘pushed back’). (HELPS Word studies)

APPLICATION

This word can also mean to “forcefully declare one’s personal conviction.” It was a military term meaning to strongly resist an opponent. I think you get the picture. You have to resist. You have to take a stand. You have to be prepared (thus the armor) for anything that comes your way.

Anthístēmi is also used in James 4:7 that says, “Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” It is also 1 Peter 5:9 where we read, “So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world.” Paul, James and Peter all knew the importance of resisting the devil. They had all personally experienced his attacks and knew how to resist him.

You have to equip yourself with the Word. Jesus used the Word to battle Satan in the wilderness. Why should we try anything else? Know the Word. Use the Word. Watch the Word repel the devil’s attacks. We have no reason to fear him. Withstand Warrior!

Lord, I am so thankful that You have equipped me to withstand the evil one in evil days.  

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Bible, Disgraceful, Evil, Scripture, Shame

DISGRACEFUL SPEECH

EPHESIANS 5:12

“for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.”

There are some things you just don’t talk about. Some say you should never discuss politics or religion at family gatherings. I am not sure I agree with that, but there are other things that are off limits. For instance, you may know of something really bad someone has done. Should you bring that up to others? Should you discuss immoral activities in the world publicly?

Paul tells us in today’s verse it is “disgraceful” to talk about such things. The Greek word translated as “disgraceful” only occurs four times in the New Testament. Two times it refers to women not cutting their hair or not speaking in church. The other time it is talking about dishonest money. The word means shameful, sordid or improper.

APPLICATION

Paul is the only author who uses this Greek word all four times. But he only uses it to address speech once – right here in today’s verse. All these negative behaviors he has been talking about in this chapter are off limits. But it’s not just in not doing them. He tells the Ephesians to not even talk about them.

You have to remember that a lot of these things Paul has been talking about came out of the pagan worship of Ephesus. They were vile and horrible practices that should not even been mentioned any more. We have some of those same practices in our world today. Missionaries in some countries report demonic rituals and activities in the local idol temples. We don’t talk about these things because we do not want these things on our mind.

I am reminded of Colossians 3:2 which says, “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” Our thoughts should be towards heaven, not on these pagan activities. Clear your mind and mouth of such things. Concentrate on His Word and His Spirit. Let those things drive your speech.

Father, keep my mouth full of Your words so that I can encourage others.

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Bible, Deception, Devil, Disobedience, Evil, Scripture, Wrath

WORLDLY DECEPTION

EPHESIANS 5:6

“See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”

Many years ago, when I was on a trip, I was propositioned by a lady while I was eating my dinner alone in a restaurant. I had seen her and another lady sitting across the restaurant at another table when I was seated. About halfway through my meal she approached and asked if I was interested in some “company.” I proudly raised my left hand, pointed at my wedding band and said, “Sorry, I am happily married.” She said back very quickly, “That’s okay, honey. She won’t know.” I told her again that I was not interested and she walked away.

Worldly deception has been around a long time. Paul warned the Ephesians about it in today’s verse. All the things in which they had been involved (see verse 5) and all the things their unbelieving friends were still practicing were a lure by the evil one. They were probably saying things like, “Oh, come on. You’ve always participated in these things. They are our custom.” These “sons of disobedience” were being used by the evil one to try and drag these new believers right back to their old lifestyles. Paul says, “No, you have a new life now.”

APPLICATION

In Romans 2:7-9, Paul shows us the contrast between being a child of obedience versus a child of disobedience. “7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; 8 but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek,”

We will always have people in our lives who will try to lead us astray. Even other believers who are deceived may try to do this. So, how do you protect yourselves? James 1:22 says it rather simply. “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” We have to live out the Word of God in our daily lives. We have to walk in truth.

2 Corinthians 11:3 is another verse I have memorized about this worldly deception. “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray for your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” Stay sharp. Stay in the Word and set your mind on things above. 

Lord, guard me against any worldly influence as I walk with You

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Bible, Deceit, Deception, Devil, Evil, Schemes, Scripture

DECEITFUL SCHEMING

EPHESIANS 4:14

“As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;”

Raise your hand if you like being deceived. What? Nobody raised their hand? Me either! No one likes being deceived. We feel betrayed, lured into something we don’t want to do. In today’s cyber attacks, people are often deceived into clicking a link to something that looks innocent. It could be a video that appears to be from a friend but turns out to be a way for a hacker to gain access to your computer and hold you ransom in order to get money from you. It really is deceitful scheming.

In today’s verse, Paul warns us against falling for these types of schemes from people. They want to fool you into believing things that are contrary to the truth of God’s Word. The word translated “scheming” is methodeia. It’s a method used in organized evil-doing (well-crafted trickery). (HELPS Word studies). “Deceitful” is the word plane, which implies deviant behavior. It’s a departure from what God says is true; an error (deception) which results in wandering (roaming into sin). (HELPS Word studies).

APPLICATION

How do we guard ourselves from such attacks? I only know of one way – remain in the Word. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 2:3, “For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit;” No! Our exhortation comes from truth – God’s truth. His Word will never deceive but will always lead us to more truth.

I had a conversation recently with a young man who had gotten involved with a “Christian” cult years ago. This cult was formed as a church and was led by a man who constantly defended himself from any accusation. The Gospel was not the primary focus of his “preaching” but rather just defending his actions. When this man and his wife left this church, they were told they would go to hell for leaving his church. That is not truth. That was deceitful scheming.

Who is this source of scheming? None other than the devil himself. Paul will tell us later in Ephesians 6:11 that we need to, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians 2:11, as he is discussing the topic of forgiveness, “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”

Beware of anything that does not point you to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Only His truth is trustworthy. Measure everything against His Word. Then you can be sure to walk in spirit and in truth. 

I am so thankful that Your Word is truth and can always be trusted.

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Accursed, Bible, Captivity, Circumcision, Darkness, Deceit, Decisions, Evil, Flesh, Light, Rescue, Scripture

ONCE UPON A TIME

EPHESIANS 2:11

“Therefore, remember that previously you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision” which is performed in the flesh by human hands—”

“Once upon a time” has been used to start a lot of stories. Some of those stories ended well and some didn’t. But those first four words told you that this happened in the past. It doesn’t specify exactly, but you know it was back then and not now. Isn’t it sad, though, that so many people live back then in the “once upon a time” period? They are slaves to their past.

Paul reminds the Ephesians today that “once upon a time” they were just considered the “Uncircumcision.” They were looked down upon by the “Circumcision,” the Jews. They were pagans who had no hope of redemption. That little Greek word, pote, is the difference. It means “at one time or other, at some time, formerly.” One definition given is “in the old time.” I like that one. Paul tells the Ephesians (and us) that that was then. Things have changed though because of Christ.

APPLICATION

Think back to how you were before Christ. Aren’t you glad He has changed you? Paul says a few things about our former life in this letter to the Ephesians. In Ephesians 2:2 we saw that we “formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” In 2:3 we “all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” We walked. We lived.

Paul goes on in verse 13 (which we will see in a couple of days) to say we “formerly were far off.” And Paul uses pote one more time in this letter in 5:8 and says we “were formerly darkness.” Look at what we were: we walked in sin, we lived in sin, we were far off in sin, we were in darkness in sin. Sin had that grip on us.

But praise be to God, He has rescued us from this former life. He has given us a new life in Christ. We walk differently. We live differently. We are near to Christ and are in the light. Wow, what a change! Is that you today? Are you brand new in Jesus?

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my life.

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Abiding, Bible, Devil, Evil, Flesh, God's Will, Obedience, Satan, Scripture

UNDER EVIL INFLUENCE

EPHESIANS 2:2

“in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” 

There are so many verses in Scripture warning us about the evil influences of this world which are spurred on by the evil one, this “prince of the power of the air.” Unfortunately, too many Christians don’t believe in that. If you bring it up, they say you are talking about the boogie man or some guy dressed up in a red suit with a tail and a pitchfork. They have no idea the danger they are in.

If Satan wasn’t real and his influence was not a threat, do you think Paul would have wasted ink and parchment to warn the Ephesians and us? Paul knew this influence all too well. He himself had been under its power before his Damascus road experience. He was fooled into thinking he was doing God’s work by stomping out the Christians. Even Paul, a very smart man, was fooled by this spirit of disobedience.

APPLICATION

This is not rocket science, people. Stay away from evil influences. Follow God’s commands. James says it simply in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves, therefore, to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Sound too simple? Try it. Give yourself completely over to God and watch what happens. I have found when I am diligently seeking the Father, I do not have my mind on things of this world.

Romans 6:12-14 give us the secret. “12 Therefore sin is not to reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting the parts of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead, and your body’s parts as instruments of righteousness for God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the Law but under grace.” See? It’s not rocket science, but it does require dying to yourself.

There’s the problem! Most of us don’t want to give up those carnal desires. We say we do, but we won’t let them go. We keep them in that little, dark room we think God can’t see. He can, and He wants us to clean it out. Okay, get out your broom, dustpan and mop and go to work today. Clean it all out and submit to Him.

Thank You, Father, for cleaning me up.

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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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Bible, Devil, Division, Evil, God's Will, Harmony, Identity, Perfection, Relationships, Scripture

JUST WHO ARE YOU

GALATIANS 3:28

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

There is a lot of confusion about people today. People are choosing to identify as all kinds of other people or things. I heard recently about an elementary age child who thinks they are a cat. So, the school has to supply him with a litter box. I am not kidding. Way too confusing for me.

In today’s verse, Paul simplifies things. He says, “you are all one in Christ Jesus.” No longer do they have to think like a Jew or Greek. Whether you are slave or master doesn’t matter. The societal restraints against the sexes also fade away. He was making sure they knew that we are all together now in Jesus.

APPLICATION

How do you identify? Well, I’m Baptist so I can’t associate with those Catholics. Or We Methodists cannot go to that service because it’s being led by that Lutheran guy. We still wear our labels. No one is greater than the other in Christ. We are equal. Give each other room to grow.

I believe Paul says it best in Ephesians 4:4-6. “4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” We are one. We are united in Christ. We no longer need to be separated into classes or groups.

So, why do we have all these Christian denominations? I get asked that sometime by non-believers. They wonder why we can’t all get along. Good question. But as long as we are here on this earth, we are going to have divisions. Let’s strive to unite. Let’s strive to present a united front against the evil one. We are one!

Lord, thank You for showing me who I am. I know I am in You and You are in me.

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Bible, Evil, God's Will, Rescue, Safety, Salvation, Scripture

RESCUED

GALATIANS 1:4

“who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,”

We’ve all heard stories of people who have been rescued from a life-threatening event. Some were rescued from a near drowning. Others may have been pulled from a wrecked vehicle. Each and every rescue had at least two things in common – the rescued and the rescuer. Today’s verse is the same. Let’s look.

Paul says in verse 4, speaking of Christ, “who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us.” It is always good to look at the original language of a passage if you can. The Greek word for “rescue” means a complete and total rescue. Jesus completely rescues us, not just half-way. When God does something, He does it perfectly, wholly, completely. Our salvation is no different.

APPLICATION

What does this mean for us? The very fact that He rescued us means we have value to Him. He willingly died for us. We are important to Him. Psalm 139 tells us that. Verse 17-18 say, “17 How precious also are Your thoughts for me, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.”

Did you know that? God is always thinking about you. If He never gave a thought about you, would He have sent His Son to die for you? I don’t think so. John 3:16 tells us what He did for us. You know that verse, right? And how about Luke 12:6-7? “‘Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.’”

So, my friend, believe God when He says He loves you. He completely rescued you from this “present evil age” through His Son. You and I may still have to live in this world right now, but we have been set free from its grips. Sin no longer has power over us. We have been rescued. We have been delivered. We are free. Praise the Lord!

You are my Rescuer, and I am eternally grateful.

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