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spiritual battle

Love Not the World

by Esther Griggs May 12, 2023

We continue our study of 1 John 1 by looking at verses 15-17. We know from last week that he is writing to the family of God at all levels of maturity. He writes, “He who does the will of God abides forever.” Get ready, the old is passing away and the new is coming. Loving God changes the life we live in the flesh. John writes, “Love not the world or the things in the world.” He further states that to love the world indicates a lack of love for God. All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are not of God the Father but of the world.

Lust of the Flesh

The lust of the flesh is an intense craving to satisfy our senses. Like a fire out of control, the flesh demands fulfillment. When born into the family of God, God begins to break the power of the flesh and He teaches His children to find their fulfillment in Him. A transformation comes with the renewing of the mind as we allow the Word of God to dwell within us.

Lust of the Eyes

The lust of the eyes drives us to desire whatever shines or sparkles. Like a dog follows his nose, we follow distracting fake trinkets rather than He who is the source of all pleasure. The world is replete with offerings to our deep need of satisfaction. They are empty promises. Only rest in the arms of our loving Father, trusting His concern for us truly satisfies. Jesus says that when we seek Him first, the things we need will be given. James tells us every good and perfect gift is from above, and John tells us the love of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are of the world and not of the Father.

The Pride of Life

The pride of life says, “Look what I have done!” There is no acknowledgement of the Creator. It is the clay speaking to the Potter, “What are you doing? Why have You made me this way? You are forgetting the handles.” We become blinded to His many gifts veiled by the deceit of selfish pride. James says that being friends with the world is being an enemy of God. ” He also tells us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

John writes, “All that is in the world is passing away and the lust of it.” Doing the will of God is investing in forever. There is one God, not to be replaced with empty cisterns, glistening trinkets, or our selfish pride. All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are not of God the Father but of the world and the world is passing away. But if we do the will of the Father we will abide forever.

May 12, 2023 0 comment

Cross of Christ False Doctrines

The Cross … Therefore

by Esther Griggs June 4, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

The power of the cross changes life on earth for all who rest in the work of Christ. The Colossians experienced the change yet they encountered people with various motives who tried to hinder them. Seeds of false doctrine blew, unsettling the young in the faith. Paul wrote to them to establish them in Christ and to help them to stand in spite of false doctrines. In Colossians 2:16-23 Paul, after describing the power of the cross, writes “Therefore,” and teaches them that Christ is the substance, Christ is the head and Christ is the liberator.

Christ is the Substance

“You can’t eat that, it is meat that was offered to idol.” “Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” There are always those who want to judge others. It becomes personal. Paul says “Let no one judge you.” These things won’t even matter someday. Rather remember the work Christ did for you on the cross. He is eternal. Hold fast to Him. Hear his voice to your heart. He is the real. He is the substance.

Christ is the Head

Still, others were affected by those who stood in the square and recited long and holy sounding prayers. Or perhaps they heard someone talk about this wonderful experience they had while worshipping the angels. It caused them to question if what they had was real or if they were doing enough. Paul wrote, “Let no one defraud you of your reward.” Their doubts disturbed their peace and caused them to look inward to themselves apart from Christ. Growth is in Christ. He is the head. It is in holding on to Christ and following the leading of His Spirit that makes the body grow and be knit together with the increase that God gives. He is the Head.

Christ is the Liberator

Finally Paul writes “Therefore if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world why do you subject yourselves to regulations.” Sure these things look to be wise, and make you look to be holy and humble. However, “They are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” To the Romans Paul wrote, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Christ is the liberator.

The apostle John wrote, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” We too, must watch diligently. “Therefore” refresh your soul in these truths, Christ is the substance, Christ is the head and Christ is the liberator.

June 4, 2021 0 comment

spiritual battle temptation

A G.P.S. for Temptation

by Esther Griggs January 22, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

Reflecting on the temptation of Jesus whetted my appetite. As I looked to the scriptures, I discovered as Christians we have a G.P.S. for temptation. There is a place to start, a way through the temptation and a destination.

A Place to Start

In Matthew 6, when Jesus teaches His disciples about prayer, He includes “Lead us not into temptation.” In Luke 22, as Jesus faces the cross, His heart yearns for the support of His disciples. Still, He knows their weakness. In verse 40 He tells them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.” In verse 46 He again says to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray lest you enter into temptation.” Paul tells the Ephesians to always be in prayer and to be watchful. Prayer keeps us vigilant. Being in communion with God is the place to be when temptation comes. It is the place to start.

The Way Through

Keeping our eyes open is the way through temptation. We know we have an enemy who desires our destruction. Yet James explains temptation as being drawn away by our own desires and enticed. In the parable of the sower Jesus talks about the person whose heart has rocky soil, which in times of temptation has no roots to hold them. When we know the methods of our enemy, understand our own weakness, and put down spiritual roots, we are better prepared for temptation. Temptation affects all of us. God’s word however tells us He knows how to deliver us from temptation and promises ways to escape. Watchful prayer keeps us informed of the escape route.

The Destination

James tells us that a crown of life awaits anyone who endures temptation. Temptation is a time of testing. Sometimes we fail. The apostle John teaches us that in those times we have an advocate in Christ Jesus. When we confess our sins, He forgives. The battle can leave us spiritually and physically exhausted. Peter prays that Christ Jesus will “perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.” We learn through our temptations our great need of a Saviour. We must be watchful in prayer, open to His ways of escape, and working toward the crown of life that awaits us. There lies our G.P.S. for temptation.

January 22, 2021 2 comments

spiritual battle temptation

The Temptation of Jesus

by Esther Griggs January 15, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

While the first three gospels record the temptation of Jesus, the writer to the Hebrews tells us why it was necessary. Through His temptations, Jesus experienced a human trial. As a result, He could be a help to us when the devil tempts. The writer to the Hebrews proclaims, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” As I reflected on this experience in the life of Jesus, I considered what happened before the temptation, during the temptation and after it.

Before the Temptation

The temptation of Jesus follows His baptism. At His baptism, the Spirit descended as a dove and declared, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Jesus was at a defining moment in His life. He had arrived at the pinnacle of His ministry and was full of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit then leads Him out into the wilderness for a purpose – temptation. Matthew writes that the Spirit led Jesus into this encounter for the devil to tempt Him. The apostle James clarifies that evil does not tempt God nor does He tempt anyone.

During the Temptation

Luke writes that the devil tempted Jesus for forty days. During that time, Jesus did not eat. The devil harassed Him to misuse His calling for His own needs. He needled Him, “If you are the Son of God.” He twisted the scriptures. He offered Him an easier way. Jesus didn’t defend His identity, speak of His purpose, nor use His authority. Rather in humility He used the sword of the Spirit. And as Paul instructed Timothy, He rightly divided the word of truth. He knew the power of God’s word, and He wielded it.

After the Temptation

There came an end to the temptation. There was also the knowledge it would happen again. Matthew writes that when the devil left, the angels came and ministered to Jesus. What a marvelous comfort! Such comfort comes to us as we fix our eyes on Jesus, to learn from His example, and to rest in His victory. Because of His experience, we learn when and where temptations come from, what they might look like, how to deal with them, and though many, they are only temporary. These fresh insights have come from looking to the life of Jesus, what happened before the temptation, during the temptation and after it.

January 15, 2021 0 comment

Christian armour spiritual battle

More Than Conquerors Through the Spirit’s Sword

by Esther Griggs October 16, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

When you grasp the Sword of the Spirit, you have life and power in your hands. The Word of God is spirit and eternal life. God’s Word at the beginning, “Let there be light,” brought forth creation. The words of Jesus, “It is finished,” secured our salvation. Paul tells us the word of God is the sword of the Spirit. When we have the word of God implanted within us, allowing the Spirit to use it, we will be more than conquerors through the Spirit’s sword.

The Spirit’s Sword Implanted Within Us

“Let the word of God dwell in you richly,” Paul told the Philippians. Then from James we read, “Receive the implanted word of God with meekness, for it is able to save your souls.” The Psalmist also tells us he hid God’s word in his heart so he wouldn’t sin against God. He said it was a lamp for his feet. In the Proverbs we read there is life and health in the words of God. From all these words, we learn that not only do we hear the word, but we allow it to work within us. We become doers of it. Consider how Jesus was the Word of God. As a child when reunited with his anxious parents he asked, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” Later, as a man He said, “I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day…” He not only heard the word but He also did the word. We must hear and receive the word, letting it take root and grow so it can crowd out the lies of the enemy.

Allowing The Spirit to Use It

The Word of God has a mission. It does not return to God empty. The Word of God accomplishes the purpose He has for it. It creates life. The Word of God comforts and gives joy. By it, we find hope. Healing occurs. It reveals the hidden secrets of the heart and judges sin. Paul told Timothy it was good for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness so that the man (or woman) of God will be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. The writer to the Hebrews tells us it is alive, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. This sword works within, piercing even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It discerns what is in the heart. God sees all. He requires an accounting. The Holy Spirit within us guides and directs, gives life and power to the words. Therefore, allow the Spirit to use it.

More Than Conquerors Through the Spirit’s Sword

A powerful example of a conqueror wielding the sword comes to us at the temptation of Jesus in Luke 4. With each temptation Jesus answered with a word of God. Even when the tempter who also knows the word of God, used it against Him, Jesus being all wise saw the deceit. Jesus was the Word of God. It was implanted in His heart. Even from childhood He loved the scriptures and studied them. He lived them. He spoke truth. His word forgave sins and healed the sick. With His word, He raised the dead. The resurrected Christ goes out conquering and to conquer. Such is the Word of God.

As believers, we have the sword of the Spirit. We have the Word of God in Christ Jesus dwelling within us. Read the written word inspired by the Holy Spirit, study it, ask for understanding, memorize it, let it speak into the situations of your life. Allow it to bring healing and hope. Use it in prayer for others. Use it wisely. “Rightly divide the word” Paul told Timothy. When we have the word of God implanted within us, and are allowing the Spirit to use it, we will be more than conquerors through the Spirit’s sword. Teach us Dear Jesus to use our swords in these our times.

October 16, 2020 0 comment

Christian armour spiritual battle victorious living

Having Put On the Breastplate of Righteousness

by Esther Griggs September 18, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

We learn the importance of righteousness from the characters of the Old Testament. In Genesis we discover how God saved Noah and his family because He saw he was righteous in his generation; a generation so wicked God could no longer tolerate it. Job also valued his righteousness. He held it firmly because he did not want the condemnation of his heart. When Abraham heard God’s call and believed what He said, God labelled it rightousness. The breastplate of righteousness covers the heart. Like the fathers of our faith, we need to have it on. Righteousness is an act of faith, it is a gift of God, and a protection in evil days.

“*trees of righteousness, a planting of the Lord”*

Righeousness Is An Act of Faith

The writer of Hebrews tells us that when Abraham believed in God, God saw it as righteousness. When Noah built the ark as God instructed, God saw righteousness. Job ascribed righteousness to his maker. When the Psalmist David wrote about righteousness, he wrote about what he could not see, but what he believed to be God’s word to his heart. He saw “righteousness and justice” as the foundations of God’s throne. He declared, “His righteousness endures forever.” Isaiah’s faith spoke into the days of Christ Jesus when he wrote. “Look to me and be saved … For I am God and there is no other. I have sworn to myself, the word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to me every knee shall bow. Every tongue shall take an oath. He shall say, ‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength.'”

Righteousness Is A Gift of God

The prophet Hosea tells his readers to seek God until “He comes and rains righeousness on you.” In Romans Paul exclaims,”For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and the GIFT of righteousness will reign in life through the One Jesus Christ.” In Philippians Paul further states, “And being found in Him not having my own rightousness which is from the law but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is FROM GOD through faith.”

Righteousness Is Protection In Evil Days

In Romans Paul also speaks of the Jews who tried to establish a righteousness of their own. He writes that they did not submit to the righteousness of God. It was about themselves. Our righteousness is as filthy rags in light of the gift of God through the Lord Jesus. “For God made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God, in Him.” We falter in our attempts to clean ourselves up and dress in the ripped and dirty clothes of our own doing when He has provided robes of righteousness pure and white. We don’t only stand in the evil day but we reign as we trust in the righteousness we have in Christ Jesus, that righteousness which comes by faith and is a gift from God which protects us and causes us to reign.

September 18, 2020 2 comments

Bible reflection spiritual battle

Who Are You Fighting?

by Esther Griggs August 28, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

Paul throughout his letter to the Ephesians has admonished them in what their walk with God should look like. Perhaps by this time in the letter, a keen awareness of their own reflection in the light of his words has left them feeling like they don’t, or worse, can’t measure up. Paul comforts them by returning their thoughts to the place of their strength. He encourages them by informing them and us we are not fighting flesh and blood; we have a formidable foe, but also the provision of Christ.

We Are Not Fighting Flesh and Blood

Paul writes, “We do not wrestle with flesh and blood.” Our fight is not with our spouse or our children. Our fight is not with your neighbours or the government. The natural eye does not see the plain on which we fight our battles. Something far more sinister and destructive wages war against the people of God.

We Have A Formidable Foe

Our fight is against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. From Rev. 12, we understand further. We see the Devil and Satan, who deceives the entire world. It is he who stands before the Father and accuses us. But now, they have cast him down to the earth. Therefore, he is angry. He knows he has only a little time. As a result, he is making war with those who have the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. It is he that we hear about in John 10 who comes to steal, kill and destroy. He and his angels are the enemy we fight.

The Provision of Christ in the Fight

“Be strong in the Lord.” “For now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ have come.” Christ reigns as victor. He has disarmed principalities and powers. He made a spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. If God is for us, who can be against us? We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. God always leads us in triumph in Christ. In 1 John 5:4 we read, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world? It is he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Revelations tells us, “They overcame him.” How did they do so? It was by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony.

He encourages them by informing them and us we are not fighting flesh and blood; we have a formidable foe, but also the provision of Christ.

August 28, 2020 0 comment

Biblical History spiritual battle

Conspiracy Has Different Faces

by Esther Griggs February 28, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

The “Let’s Get Together” Face

Nehemiah’s enemies conspired against him. They tried different methods because conspiracy has different faces. The “Let’s get together” face happens when Nehemiah receives a letter. To the natural eye it seems friendly. “Let’s get together,” it reads. So Nehemiah responds. “I am too busy”. He knew they would be pulling him away from his important work. Apparently his enemies were not busy because they sent the same request four more times. Nehemiah, nevertheless responded the same way each time. For it was conspiracy and conspiracy has different faces.

The “Here is Some News” Face

The “Here is some news” face is when the enemy decides that since a meeting won’t work he will send a letter. In the letter Nehemiah received, he heard that all over the world it is being reported that they were planning a rebellion with Nehemiah as King. So, he suggests they meet together. Nehemiah however, refused and called him out as a bearer of tales. Then we learn that the enemy’s goal was to frighten them in order to weaken them. Nehemiah, though, had a power against their conspiracy. He called on God, a quick arrow prayer, “Oh God, strengthen my hands.”

The “Protective” Face

The “protective face” is when they send someone Nehemiah would trust and he offers him protection. However he has been hired to deceive Nehemiah. Under such a guise he suggests they meet in the temple where he can hide from his enemies. God, however, gave Nehemiah perception to see what was really happening. By hiding in the temple he would be committing sin. For their goal was to make Nehemiah so afraid that he would hide in the temple. Doing so would be committing a sin as only Priests were allowed in the temple. Then they would have an evil report to use against him. Nehemiah however prayed. Then he knew God was on his side. He also trusted God to deal with these and others that came against him.

The “Friendly” Face

The “friendly” face shows up when Tobiah, a man who because of intermarriage was friendly with the Jews joins the conspiracy. Tobiah was in a position to know Nehemiah’s affairs. Time and again he sent letters to intimidate him. Nevertheless, God was still in charge. For this was conspiracy and conspiracy has many faces.

IN SPITE OF the many faces, they built the wall from start to finish. We read:

“when all of our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes, for they perceived that

this work was done by our GOD.”

Because we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, the enemy of our souls conspires to take us down, to halt or stop the work that God is doing in us. Our enemy disguises himself as an angel of light. Being aware that conspiracy has different faces reminds us to stay alert. It causes us to call on God, to submit to His leadership, and to stay focused on the task He has set before us. God will see to completing the work. Best of all it will be known it was done by our God.

February 28, 2020 0 comment

Bible reflection spiritual battle victorious living

External Difficulties

by Esther Griggs February 14, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

Nehemiah’s enemy was Sanballat. He didn’t go away. He emboldened his position . Together they made things difficult for the Jews. Accusations, condemnation, and threats were aimed to take down Nehemiah and his people.
Nehemiah, however, knew what to do.

First he prayed. He informed God that these people were provoking Him. Nor did he stop there. He encouraged the weary workers by reminding them not to be afraid but to instead focus on their Great and awesome God. He would not only fight for them but for their families as well.

Then he armed them. In one hand was a work tool, in the the other a weapon. He did not leave them defenseless. He didn’t leave them alone. He set up communication. When the trumpet sounded it meant they needed to rally together. He set guards to watch during the night.

Our enemy may not be flesh and blood but daily we face the accuser who schemes against us. We remember who our God is. We strengthen our heart with that knowledge and put on the armour His word describes in Ephesians 6. We listen for the cry of the trumpet or the call to prayer. Then like Nehemiah and his people we will do great exploits.

February 14, 2020 0 comment

Bible reflection spiritual battle victorious living

Opposition

by Esther Griggs January 31, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

The scripture tells us that a man is born to trouble as sparks fly upward. Jesus himself told us that in this world we would have trouble. Looking further into the story of Nehemiah, we see the truth of this played out.

Nehemiah, released and sanctioned by the king, begins his journey and runs into difficulty. There are two officials beyond the river who were “deeply disturbed” when they heard that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel”.

We aren’t told what it was that disturbed them. Perhaps Nehemiah’s position with the king was a threat to them. Perhaps they were threatened by the Jewish people. They were gaining in numbers. Would they lose their own power and authority? We do however, see how it caused them to act. They laughed them to scorn and accused them of rebellion against the king.

Nehemiah was not deterred. He was secure in his calling. When he responded to these men (only three) we gain insight to the reason. He knew that the God of heaven was on his side and that He would prosper them. Such knowledge gave Nehemiah and his servants motivation and courage. Nehemiah reminded his adversaries of their illegal claim to Jerusalem. His confidence was in God and His promises.

Opposition is part of life. We need a strong anchor to hold onto in these stressful situations. God, as He did for Nehemiah, provides a refuge, and a hiding place. We rest, secure that God is with us, that we are obeying His call. The knowledge of His promises and His character will guide us and help to keep us steady. Then like Nehemiah and countless others, we will be able to continue doing the work that God has called us to do.

January 31, 2020 0 comment

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