The People Of God

If one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A chord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
–Ecclesiastes 4:12

Paul described the six pieces of armor we have in our spiritual inventory. When we are under attack, the armor of God is important, but the people of God are equally important. In Ephesians 6:19, Paul said, “Pray on my behalf.” Paul coveted the prayers of other Christians. He understood the truth that Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:12: “If one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A chord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” When we are together as Christians, we are not easily broken. But we have an enemy who is intent on dividing us, isolating us, attacking us, and destroying us. I see this game plan of Satan all the time. Friends let a petty disagreement separate them, and each is robbed of the encouragement they have received from the other. A husband and wife have a separation of their spirit because of unforgiveness, and that makes them vulnerable to the temptation that destroys their marriage. Somebody gets ticked off about something in the church, so he takes himself and his family away from the church, depriving them of the spiritual instruction and fellowship that they need. We need other Christians if we are going to survive and thrive in this hostile environment. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” We need the people of God.

Whether you like it or not, the moment you trusted Christ as your Savior, Satan put you on his hit list. He will not rest until he has destroyed everything important to you. That is why you need to take inventory. Are you utilizing all the resources that God has provided you? Ask yourself:

• Am I regularly reading, memorizing and meditating on God’s Word so that I can confront destructive thoughts with God’s truth?
• How obedient am I to God’s commands? Are there areas of disobedience in my life that Satan could use to destroy my faith, my family, and my future?
• How committed am I to God’s mission to reach people with the gospel? What specific plan do I have to share my faith with those in my circle of influence?
• What specific promises of God am I relying on to deflect the attacks of Satan?
• Am I acting consistently with the truth that I have been saved not just from the penalty of sin, but from the power of sin? Is there any habit or addiction in my life that I have surrendered to?
• Can I immediately recall specific passages of Scripture to use when I am tempted with lust, greed, anger, doubt, or fear?
• Am I actively involved in a local church, in which I can experience the spiritual strength, accountability, and prayers of other members of the body of Christ?

The spiritual battle you are in is real. The enemy you face is formidable. But the resources God has provided are more than enough to give you victory.

Today’s devotion is excerpted from “Survival Tip #3: Take Inventory” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2019.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.