#1 Scripture: Deuteronomy 25:17-18
17 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God.
#1 Observation: The Amalekites attacked the Israelites during their forty years of wandering. But it was not a frontal assault. They picked off "all who were lagging behind."
#1 Application: It is dangerous to become separate from the main body. If a believer gets behind, he is isolated and vulnerable to all manner of spiritual attack. Therefore, stay in the center of the life of the church body.
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#2 Scripture: Galatians 5:16-2616 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
[#2a Observation: There is not only spiritual warfare that is external, there is a battle within and if we don't fight, we lose. We must be led by the Spirit to fight and win the internal war.]
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
[#2b Observation: This is quite a list! It is so obvious that these things are harmful to humans -- these things destroy people. And these things not only damage a person, they make a person damaging to others.]
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
[#2c Observation: The contrast between this list and the last is striking! What beautiful characteristics are listed here in contrast with the ugly and damaging practices of the previous list. I also notice several action words that are required. I must: 1) give myself to Jesus ("belong"), 2) crucify the sinful nature, 3) live by the Spirit, 4) keep in step with the Spirit (which also keeps us safe from lagging behind as I discussed above), 5) shun conceit, 6) avoid provocation and envy.]
#2 Application: To fight and win the spiritual war requires an active awareness of the spiritual battle within and without. It means self-awareness and self-denial, shunning activities that degrade, walking in harmony with the Spirit and in God's power. And it results in a good and Godly character.
Prayer: Lord, lead me in your ways. I want to have your power strong in me so that I can win the internal and external battles and be victorious in the spiritual war.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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