Joel Beeke preaches on Enduring Satan's Sifting Through Christ.
Listen here.
Showing posts with label perseverance of the saints. Show all posts
Showing posts with label perseverance of the saints. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Through God We Shall Do Valiantly
At the recommendation of my dear friend Abraham, I began listening through a sermon series titled “Battling Unbelief” by John Piper. It has so far been an invaluable blessing to me. I heartily recommend it. The premise for the series is that Pastor John believes that the taproot of all sin is unbelief in the promises of God. For example, when you struggle with anxiety it is not so much that you have this a-moral thing in your life that is a hindrance to a peaceful mind, but rather that it is first and foremost a sin that must be rooted out of your heart. Anxiety over finances/provision is rooted in the sin of not believing God when he says, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Mt 6:31-33 If we do stress over these things, it is almost as if we are saying, “God told me he would take care of all my needs when I seek His kingdom first, but God is a liar and I don’t believe Him.” Brethren this ought not be!
Meditation on this very topic of daily battling to eradicate unbelief in God has brought forth the following study…
Through God We Shall Do Valiantly
“Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.” Ps 60:12
Unbelief begets deceit. Deceit begets hardening. Hardening begets departure from God.
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end” Heb 3:12-14
Satan desires our souls so he makes war with our belief.
“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Ps 55:21-22
We are in a war.
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Tim 2:3-5
We are in a fight.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Tim 4:7-8
Only those who fight to end shall be saved.
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Mt 11:12
“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Lk 13:24
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Cor 9:24-27
We need armor for our daily battles…
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Eph 6:10-18
…and weapons too.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Cor 10:3-6
“Neither yield ye your members as instruments (GK: hoplon 3696=weapons) of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments (GK: “hoplon” 3696=weapons) of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Rom 6:13-14
We cannot fight in our own strength, so we ask God to fight for us.
“Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.” Ps 25:19-20
We are to trust that He will when we ask Him.
“And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.” Josh 10:25
“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.” 1 Sam 17:45-47
Although we win, it was God working in us and strengthening us to do it.
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 8:37-39
“For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.” Ps 18:39-40
“Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight” Ps 144:1
“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” 2 Cor 2:14
Therefore, God is to receive all the glory for the victory.
“He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.” Ps 55:18
“It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.” Ps 18:47
“For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Deut 20:4
Meditation on this very topic of daily battling to eradicate unbelief in God has brought forth the following study…
Through God We Shall Do Valiantly
“Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.” Ps 60:12
Unbelief begets deceit. Deceit begets hardening. Hardening begets departure from God.
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end” Heb 3:12-14
Satan desires our souls so he makes war with our belief.
“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Ps 55:21-22
We are in a war.
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Tim 2:3-5
We are in a fight.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Tim 4:7-8
Only those who fight to end shall be saved.
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Mt 11:12
“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Lk 13:24
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Cor 9:24-27
We need armor for our daily battles…
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Eph 6:10-18
…and weapons too.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Cor 10:3-6
“Neither yield ye your members as instruments (GK: hoplon 3696=weapons) of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments (GK: “hoplon” 3696=weapons) of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Rom 6:13-14
We cannot fight in our own strength, so we ask God to fight for us.
“Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.” Ps 25:19-20
We are to trust that He will when we ask Him.
“And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.” Josh 10:25
“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.” 1 Sam 17:45-47
Although we win, it was God working in us and strengthening us to do it.
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 8:37-39
“For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.” Ps 18:39-40
“Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight” Ps 144:1
“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” 2 Cor 2:14
Therefore, God is to receive all the glory for the victory.
“He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.” Ps 55:18
“It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.” Ps 18:47
“For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Deut 20:4
Monday, May 12, 2008
But I Have Prayed for Thee
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Lk 22:31-32 "Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." Jn 11:41-42 "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Heb 7:25 "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Rom 8:34 "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine." Jn 17:9 "Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah." Ps 32:7 "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." Ps 16:8 "For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." Ps 48:14 "For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?" Ps 56:13 "Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies." Ps 60:12 "Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations. He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him." Ps 61:6-7 "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me." Ps 63:7-8 "For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance." Ps 94:14 "Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul." 94:17-19 "Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked." Ps 97:10 "…the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." II Thes 3:3 "He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints." Pv 2:8 "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." II Tim 4:18 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" Phil 1:6 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth." Rom 8:29-33 "I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him." Ecc 3:14 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off." Ps 37:23-28 "Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me." Ps 40:11 "For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock." Ps 27:5 "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Ps 23:1-3,6 "Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy." Ps 59:17 "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Ps 62:8 "O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved." Ps 66:8-9 "Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." Ps 73:23-26 "Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah." Ps 77:7-9 "For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people." I Sam 12:22 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." Jn 10:27-29 "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." Jd 1:24-25 "He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail." I Sam 2:9 "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." Ps 138:8 "And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." Isa 46:4 "And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me." Jer 32:40 "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." Jn 15:16" And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." I Thes 5:23-24
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