Swept Away by Grace—A Study in I Peter (part 16)—Winning the Battle for Joy
In this world we are confronted from every side with trials, disappointments and the news of evil. The economical battles, the political battles, and even the personal battles we face each day. All of what surrounds us could cause us to lose our hope and joy, if we are not willing to fight for its truth in our life. Neither am I talking about some “prosperity gospel” which sugar coats and says “name it and claim it” as though material possessions bring joy or making God into some type of Santa Claus figure. Instead, as Peter suggests :
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the battle for joy is a battle we win because of our knowledge of truth. Our relationship with the living God is that source of joy and love so that we are able to have deep joy, peace and love; no matter what the circumstances surrounding us.
Look to whom he was speaking and the truth of his own life. Those who believed were tortured, beaten, imprisoned and murdered for their faith; yet, the preciousness of that relationship so overflowed within Peter that he continued to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had seen Jesus, walked with him and watched Him die on the cross—in fact, he returned to fishing—then, Peter saw the resurrected Christ and knew the truth. So, Peter urged the people with these words:
I Peter 3: “17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: … the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”
“Take this one thought with you in preparation for your suffering. No harassing, oppressing, deceiving, accusing demon is free to do as he pleases. All angels, authorities, powers, devils, evil spirits, demons, and Satan himself are subject to Jesus Christ.
When Peter says at the end of his letter (5:9) that the devil prowls around like a lion seeking to devour, resist him firm in your faith, THIS is the faith he has in mind. The faith that all angels, authorities and powers are subject to Jesus. This is what we rebuke and resist the devil with: “you are subject to Jesus. Jesus reigns at God’s right hand and you are under him. You can do nothing without his permission. You are a cat on a chain. You cannot touch me unless he lets you. And he will only let you to the degree that your touch will turn for my good and for his glory.”So stand firm believers. Stand firm in this great faith, and arm yourselves with the purpose of Christ. The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Let’s follow him.” ©2014 Desiring God Foundation. Used by Permission. Please see the entire message at:
http://www.desiringgod.org/sermons/strengthened-to-suffer-christ-noah-and-baptism
Beyond that, remember these words of Jesus as He prepared to die—He prayed to the Father on our behalf that His Joy might be fulfilled in us. We can hold tight to the Joy of that day by day relationship with Him. He fills us with His Joy, His peace, His Glory, and His love each and every day.
John 17: “13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Did you take a moment to sit with Him today?
Listen to the song by Ron Kenoly “War in the Heavenlies”
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© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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