7b…train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7b-8)
The Greek word for “train” is gumnazo. From it comes our English words “gymnasium “and “gymnastics.” It actually means “to exercise naked – to train” We won't go "that" far...but
the word speaks of the rigorous, strenuous, self-sacrificing training an athlete undergoes.
Paul was playing off the cultural training of the Greek athletes of his day.
"In order to excel, you must be
completely dedicated to your chosen sport.
You must also be prepared to work
hard and be willing to accept destructive
criticism. Without 100 percent
dedication, you won't be able to do
this." Willie MaysWe are playing off the training of baseball players in the typical month of Spring Training.
Just as the athlete, the believer must hone his skills. But before we begin to look at our offensive and defensive skills, we must first lay some foundational truths concerning the league and competition we each find ourselves in as believers in Jesus Christ.This "league" is not God verses Satan.
Some believe there are two equal forces battling it out,
while mankind is held in the balance. In this scenario
God takes risks with us, not being able to accomplish
the desired end.
But here is the biblical truth:
God is in compete control of all the affairs and
activities of the opponent, (the devil and his fallen angels).
God determines and completes His desired end.
God is in complete control of this league, and what happens during our life here.
Lamentations 3:38
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?
Did you know that you are a first round draft pick?Isaiah 45:7
I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster.
I, the LORD, do all these things.
Ephesians 1:11
(God) works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His willGod controls the entire game. He controls our opponent’s activity. He has already determined the outcome. Guess who wins?
We have an incredibly good contract with the Owner, but before we look at our contract, I want to discuss a couple of foundational truths of why, and how it is, that you are on the team called the Saints.
The Father (Owner) drafted you, chose you.
John 6:44
"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;
The Greek word “draws” is helka, which means “to drag.”
(See also John 6:65)
The biblical words are chosen, elect, appointed.
Jesus chose the apostles:
John 13:18 Jesus said,
I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen;
Acts 1:2
He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen.
God chose those who would see the risen Christ.
Acts 10:40-41
40 God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible,
41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God,
God chose those of the Nation of Israel who would obtain eternal life.
Romans 11:7-8
What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen
obtained it, and the rest were hardened;
God appointed us to be one of His “New Jerusalem Saints.”
John 15:16
"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit,”
Acts 13:48b
and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
The chosen are loved by God.
Colossians 3:12
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved,
2 Thessalonians 2:13
brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation.
Ephesians 1:4-5
He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
Because God has chosen you, you now are His possession.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION,
A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION
The Owner chose you and now owns your contract.
Q. Will He ever release your contract to the opponent? John 10:29
"My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”
Romans 8:31
If God is for us, who is against us?
No, God will never release your contract to the opponent. We all formally played on the opponent’s team. But thankfully, we were bought with a great price. God transferred you from the kingdom of darkness to His eternal kingdom. Your contract is now an eternal Covenant.
Rom 8:35-39
35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 Just as it is written,
"FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."
37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let's now look at your incredibly good contract with the team’s Owner.
The following are some of the “terms” of our covenant contract:
It is not based upon our ability to perform (Titus 3:5).
Our contract is eternal. He will never release us, or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Every need we have will be supplied (Philippians 4:19).
Tribulation, persecution and trials come with this covenant contract, but our Owner will always measure them according to our ability to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13).
We will all one day be inducted into the “Saints Hall of Fame” (1 Thes. 4:16-17).
With this contract you receive an incredible eternal dwelling in heavenly places (2 Corinthians 5:1-2).
Since it all comes from God, all adulation and praise must go to Him through the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:11).
It’s from this confident and very grateful stance that we have a great desire to be godly. To be holy, as He is holy. From this foundation and framework we now train.
OK, in Football there are players who specialize in only offense.
Others specialize only in defense. Not so on the Saints.
We must each specialize in both defense and offence.
And since a good offense only thrives from a good defense, let’s first hone our defensive skills."Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is
physical." Yogi BerraWell, might I say, "The spiritual life is ninety percent defense. The other half is offense."
Remember, we are here to train. Train for what?
…train yourself for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7)
Godliness is holiness. It literally means to separate.
Godliness requires separation from the secular to the sacred.
To be holy in our conduct. To play the game without errors. Keeping our eyes from gazing at the bleachers.
We live in a world under the authority of Satan (John 14:30; 16:11; 1 John 5:19).
But we are not of this world. Satan is no longer our ruler; Christ is our ruler (John 12:31; Matthew 12:28-30; Ephesians 1:19-23; Philippians 3:20; Colossians 1:13).
In Christ we have protection and authority over Satan, and He has equipped us with the indwelling Holy Spirit to help us discern the evil scheme’s (the offense) of the devil (our opponent). To the extent we fail to use our defensive skills, in other words, utilize Christ’s protection, authority and truth…to that extent we are in danger of being deceived and devoured by Satan.
We must have a very good defense, because our opponent, the devil, has a very good offense that comes against you and your family. He uses a three-fold offense in which he tries to cause you to stumble, to take you down, keeping you from godliness. His goal is your defeat.
If our defense is to be effective, we need to understand what kind of offense the opponent is using against us. Any good coach will understand that.
The devil’s three-fold offense:
The World... (It’s cultural lies for success, happiness, self-fulfillment)
The Flesh... (It’s lusts and desires are found in Galatians 5:19-21)
The Demons... (unseen fallen angels trying to entice each of us)
All are working together to make and keep us weak and ineffective…to bring and keep ungodliness in our lives.
The devil’s offense (the world, flesh, demons) has three basic plays, or schemes, directed toward us.
TEMPTATION
ACCUSATION
DECEPTION
Victory over TAD is God’s will, and the ultimate goal of Spring Training.
A Baseball defense example:
The batter is the opponent.
The batted ball is a (TAD) temptation, accusation, or deception.
You’re at your position, on the field playing the game (life), hopefully being alert.
I remember one game, while playing shortstop, I made 7 errors. And this is professional baseball. I got chewed up out there. I remember thinking and hoping that the ball would not be hit to me. That's NOT exactly the defensive mentality you must have while playing shortstop.Your opponent’s goal is for your error. He wants to “eat you up” with that ball (devour you). He wants to surprise you when you’re not alert.
1 Peter 5:8-9
8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 But resist him, firm in your faith,
The quicker you see the ball off the opponents bat, the quicker you respond and the better you handle it and make the play. And you only see it quickly if you expect it (being alert). It won’t take you by surprise, and you can make the play.
Ok. Let’s go to the chalkboard and look at sin's progression in the believer's life.
We all receive thoughts. Often our thoughts are not originating from our own minds. Therefore, we must judge what enters our minds. Is it truth, or lies? If it's designed for our harm, we must not dwell on that deceiving thought. If we indulge, and continue with those thoughts we are on that downward path above.
Christians can end up in bondage and varying degrees of demonic control in one or more areas of their lives. Dwelling on sinful thoughts is the wrong choice. You will find the power of those thoughts gaining strength in your mind. You may actually enjoy those thoughts, even though there may be resistance in your mind in the beginning. A habit of thought forms and that fantasy becomes more and more powerful. The demons can take more and more control of your thinking in that area.
Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
Areas of compulsive sin in a believer’s life may be rooted and empowered by demonic bondage and control.
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Q. Why is there a need for a good defense in our life?
Our position as Saints in Christ is eternally secure. But we can be controlled by Satan if we remain under his offense and influence long enough (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
Ownership, possession is not the issue. Our Owner is the Triune God.
If we continually allow the devil’s offense to deceive us in an area, he can control our thinking and behavior in that area to varying degrees.
Therefore, our need for a great defense.
Satan carries on his worldwide ministry of evil and deception through an organized army of spiritual forces (demons, evil spirits, fallen angels, Ephesians 6:12).What do we know about our opponent?
See Romans 8:38-39; Colossians 1:16; 2:15.Chalkboard Time: Read Luke 11:24-26
Luke 11:24-26
24 "When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless
places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’
25 And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.
26 Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first."
Q. What do we learn about demons from these verses?
Answers:
1) Demons can exist outside or inside humans. 2) They are able to travel at will. 3) They are able to communicate. 4) Each one has a separate identity. 5) They are able to remember and make plans. 6) They are able to evaluate and make decisions. 7) They are able to combine forces. 8) They very in degrees of wickedness.
A few good points:
The devil’s offense suggests to our minds ways to serve ourselves instead of God. We may be tempted by “good” things instead of God’s “best.”
Remember, every sin a person commits is preceded by a temptation. Temptation is not a sin. Therefore, lets deal with the temptation and head off the sin.
Q. Why is temptation so tempting? Because it's something that looks good, and something you want.
When the devil hits a ball at you, its God’s will that you always make the play and throw him out.
Take that thought captive. Do not dwell on it. Put your mind on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:1). I simply say, when confronted with a deceiving thought, or lie, "I don't receive that." Then I'll pull out my sword - the Word of God, and quote the truth about that thought. I simply out-truth the lies. And the Truth will set you free from the lies.
So...come on...be alert...watch...look for, and make every play (take every deceiving thought captive). Conquer your biggest sin in the next 30 days. Yes, you can do it. We must all out-truth the lies of the world, flesh, and the devil. Watch for T.A.D.
OK, grab a bat...I mean a sword! It's time for offense.
When I went to my first spring training camp with the Philadelphia Phillies I was blown away with some of the people I saw. I saw some of the guys I used to watch on TV. These were "real" baseball players. Who was I? It took me years before I really knew that I could actually play baseball with those guys. Then it was too late. Do not make that same mistake while playing on the team called the New Jerusalem Saints. You must know who you are, and you must know some things about your authority and power that comes from wearing the uniform of the Saints.
Luke 10:17-20
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."
18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." NIV
Jesus gave His disciples power and authority over evil spiritual forces.
Q. Do Christians today have the same claim to Christ’s authority and power? (John 14:12; Ephesians 3:16-21)
John 14:12
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.”
One of Jesus' works was authority over the demons. The one who believes in Jesus also has this same authority from Jesus. Jesus said this is not the truth we are to rejoice in, that the spirits submit to us, but we rejoice that our names are written in heaven. But it's still a fact that the spirits submit to us.
Therefore, this is the basis for resisting the devil when he hits a TAD at you. When you, as a member of the Saints, submit to God, and resist the devil, guess what the devil must do? Yes, flee from you. That's because of the authority and power you now have as a Saint.
Baseball Offense Example:
Remember, you always have a bat in hand (Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God). You've stepped into the batters box. The pitcher (our opponent) wants to strike you out. He wants to sit you down on the bench. He wants to take you out of the game. Be looking for the pitch. Be alert. The proper mental, thinking aspect of hitting a baseball is as follows. "I'm going to swing and hit this next pitch. I'm all over it...here it comes...I'm going to hit it...but if it's not in the strike zone, I'll let it go." You're going to hit every pitch...unless it's a ball, outside the strike zone.
When he throws that fiery dart (fastball) at you, you're waiting for it. You must respond in faith (holding up the shield of faith). You must be aggressive. You can't just take it. You must resist the TAD with the Sword (Scripture).
For example, if he throws the, "You're worthless, hopeless" ball at you, you say what God says about you, and name that lie for what it is. "That's a lie, I have been chosen and appointed by God to bear fruit (Jn. 15:16). I am the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16). I am God's workmanship, created for good works (Eph. 2:10). I have been redeemed, forgiven of all my sins (Col. 1:14). I am God's child and His creation (Jn. 1:12). You just out-truthed the lies of the evil one. You just hit a home run.
In the spiritual realm, if you don’t believe you have authority, you’re not going to exercise it. If your belief is weak, your expression of it will also be weak and ineffective. But if you grasp with confidence the authority that Christ has conferred upon you, you will exercise it with confidence….You may consider yourself just a “rookie” at the plate, stopping the devil’s fiery darts in your life, but Jesus Christ is a seasoned veteran, and you’re on His team, the Saints.
Spiritual Armor = The Saints Uniform
We are never told in Scripture to be afraid of demons. The only thing big about a demon is its mouth. Demons are habitual liars. In Jesus Christ, the Truth, you are equipped with all the authority and protection you need to deal with anything they throw at you or hit at you.
Read Ephesians 6:10-18 From this passage we are taught what our uniform consists of.
The Belt of TRUTH
The belt holds the other body armor in place. The enemy’s weapon is the lie. We stand firm in the truth by relating everything we do to the truth of God’s Word.
Q. In what areas are we most often tempted to compromise the truth?
The Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
Our righteousness in Christ is our protection against Satan’s accusations about our position as a child of God. Righteousness is from God (Romans 1:17) at salvation.
Q. In what ways are we tempted to doubt our righteousness from God?
Q. How should we respond to these doubts?
The Shoes of the Gospel of PEACE
When you receive Christ you are united with the Prince of Peace. At that point you have positional peace with God (Romans 5:1), and can have the practical peace of God as you walk in His Spirit and let the Word of Christ richly dwell in you
(Colossians 3:15-16). The Shoes promote the following two things.
1. The devil uses divisive schemes in interpersonal relationships, but the shoes of peace act as a peacemaker among believers (Romans 14:19). They promote fellowship and reconciliation.
2. We proclaim the gospel, the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And forgiveness of sins for all who believe in His name.
The Shield of FAITH
Biblical faith is simply what you believe about God and His Word. The more you know, the more faith you have. The less you know, the smaller your shield will be and the easier it will be for one of Satan’s lies, fiery (fastballs) darts to reach its target. When a deceptive thought, (TAD) enters your mind, meet it head-on with what you know to be true about God and His Word.
Q. In what ways are you growing your shield of faith?
The Helmet of SALVATION
Should your shield of faith be small and leaky, be confident that the helmet of salvation guarantees your eternal victory. The helmet is your salvation. As you struggle with the world, the flesh, and the devil on a daily basis, stand firm knowing that your salvation does not come and go with your success or failure in spiritual battle; your salvation is your eternal possession. Satan may disrupt your daily victory, but can do nothing to disrupt your position in Christ (Neil Anderson, The Bondage Breaker, p. 83).
The Sword of the SPIRIT (The Word of Truth)
The Saints are equipped to advance (offense), not just to defend ourselves. We must learn, and speak God’s Truth in the face of the opponents lies. And it's Truth that sets captives free, as we search and rescue the perishing.
One other important weapon: Prayer
In addition to the six pieces of armor God has provided for our protection, there is another key weapon – prayer.
God has not only equipped us with everything we need for protection, but He has also equipped us and authorized us to pray for our fellow team members.
Prayer is not merely an occasional impulse to which we respond when we are in trouble: prayer is a life attitude. Walter A. Mueller
Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life. Jonathan Edwards
Let's talk about Demonic Control in the believer's life. Is it possible? Does the Lord actually allow a believer to fall into sin to the extent that one or more demons can bring that believer into bondage in one or more areas of their life? Yes.
The devil’s goal in his relentless barrage of (TAD) temptation, accusation and deception, is to gain increasing measures of control in our lives.
The issue is control, not ownership or possession.
To be demonized means to be under the control of one or more demons to one degree or other, in one or more areas of our life.
If you continue to allow the devil's schemes to influence you, you can lose control to the degree that you have been deceived.
Ephesians 4:26-27
26 BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
27 and do not give the devil an opportunity. (foothold, place)
The Greek word for opportunity is topos. It means “a place.” A locality.
Of its 96 uses in Scripture, 86 refer to an actual locality.
When a foothold (place) is taken in a believer’s life, the demons have more power in their temptations, accusations, and deceptions. In the Progression of Sin chart shown earlier, this “place” results in varying degrees of bondage to these deceiving spirits in one or more areas of your life.
Possible demonization in the Scriptures:
The woman crippled for 18 years (Luke 13:10-18).
The apostle Peter (Luke 22:31-34). Was it his pride (v. 24)?
Believers in need of spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-17).
Believers entertaining jealousy and selfish ambition (James 3:14-16).
Believers swayed by deceiving spirits and demonic doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1-3).
(See also 2 Timothy 2:25, 26).
The man involved in immorality with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).
Believers who entertain anger (Ephesians 4:26, 27). (See also 2 Corinthians 2:10,11).
Believers in need of guarding against being devoured by Satan (1 Peter 5:6-9).
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11).
Galations 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.
This was written to believers being tempted to return to the bondage of the Old Covenant Law. By way of application, we have the responsibility to stand firm and guard our freedom. But if we discover that we have lost our freedom in any area, we also are responsible to reclaim our freedom as believers in Christ.
If you suspect the enemy has a foothold in an area of your life, then it’s time to take specific steps of obedience to confess and forsake sin, renounce any involvement with Satan and his kingdom, and declare dependence on God, (submit to God, resist the devil).
Suggested reading: (Material and quotes in this study taken from:)
The Bondage Breaker, Neil T. Anderson
Demon Possession & the Christian, C. Fred Dickason
The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare, Dr. Ed Murphy
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