The
Christians Greatest Enemy
PART
TWO
Who is the Christians greatest enemy? This is the question that we answered in the last newsletter. As discussed, the answer to the question is found in Matthew 16:24 and that answer is “self”. Yes, YOU are YOUR greatest adversary because YOU are the only one that can prevent YOU from serving God. We also defined self, talked about the daily battle (with self), mentioned Peter’s trust himself that lead to his denial of the Lord and concluded with showing/contrasting self with several areas of life. In this issue we’ll continue with the relating of self to the various areas of life. In this issue we’ll deal with SELF AND… soul winning, church attendance, ministry, prayer, money, false prophets and others.
Self and Soul Winning
The only reason we don't share the gospel is because, again, we don't want to. The command to share the gospel in scripture is clear. I heard someone say, "we are not all called to be evangelists, but we are all called to be evangelistic". God has not called everyone to be a preacher BUT how is that stopping us from sharing the gospel? Many of us think that we are just to bring folks to church and let the preacher to tell them how to be saved. That is backwards. In reality, we are to witness to folks in the "highways and the hedges" and then bring them to church AFTER they have heard the gospel. Church is a gathering of the saints and it is the Pastors job to lead/teach the local flock. Bringing unsaved folks to church is not wrong, if they want to come… then let them. However, if you are taking the time to invite someone to church, why not take some of that time to share the gospel with him or her? In this ministry we set aside one night a week for soul winning with a local church. This is our recommendation. Sharing the gospel is also one of the best ways to fight against the flesh (mortify it). If you decide to go you will understand what I am saying. Your flesh is NEVER going to "feel like" going. Here are some the excuses people give when asked to share the gospel and/or go soul winning: "I don't have time", "I don't FEEL like it", "I just give to missions" and the list goes on and on. Let's see what some of the great preachers have said about the subject:
Oswald J Smith said...
"Oh my friends we loaded down with countless church activities, while the real work of the church, that of evangelizing the lost is almost entirely neglected".
Charles Spurgeon said...
"Have you no wish that others be saved? Then you are not saved yourself, be sure of that".
C.T. Stud said...
"We Christians too often substitute prayer for playing the game. Prayer is good; but when used as a substitute for obedience, it is nothing but a blatant hypocrisy, a despicable Pharisaism. To your knees, man! And to your Bible! Decide at once! Don't hedge! Time flies! Cease your insults to God. Quit consulting flesh and blood. Stop your lame, lying and cowardly excuses. Enlist!"
Did you catch what the man said? He said, "Quit consulting flesh and blood". What is the very FIRST thing we do? We consult our flesh, which the Bible says is an ENEMY of the Spirit! Why would consult your enemy for advice? Understand this Christian, YOU are your greatest enemy and you are not always going to "feel like" obeying God! So quit following your feelings and emotions and do what you are told, OBEY.
Self and Church Attendance
Know why we don't obey Hebrews 10:25 and go to church? Again, desire is the issue. I have heard all the exuses, "I am tired", "I had to work last night", "I don't feel like it", "that church is full of hypocrites", etc., etc., etc., etc. There are even those who feel that they have not found a church yet that is good enough for them. The FACT is if you want to go to church, YOU WILL. If the church is full of hypocrites then surely your holiness and righteous will rub off on them and straighten them out. If you feel like the church isn't worthy of your "superior spirituality", then why don't you go down there are help them get where you are? Don't you love your brothers? Wouldn't you like to see them do better?
If you feel like you are too tired then you love your bed more than God, and yes, it is that simple. I personally have no sympathy for this excuse. I was at one time working 12 hours on Saturday nights (3rd shift) stocking for a grocery chain (and that isn't just sitting around), getting off of that job and going straight to church AND in a church that DID NOT get out at noon (please forgive my “boasting”). No one is perfect and we all make mistakes; however, I am tired of folks calling themselves Christians who aren't willing to do the most basic things. The plain and simple fact is that folks that use such excuses is that they really don't want to go and have too much pride and arrogance to admit it. Besides, if it is true that ALL the churches in your area are apostate, (and that may indeed be the case) then get together with folks that are like-minded and start getting together on Sunday mornings or just get your family together. Didn't think about that? Maybe it's because you didn't want to.
Self and Ministry
Unfortunately today we have what I call a "Hollywood" type of Christianity where unless you are in the spotlight then God isn't using you in a meaningful way. That is clearly not true. The problem is that most of so-called Christian radio and TV has focused us upon "personalities" and "ministries" instead of Jesus (i.e. the promotion of self). Brother Dave Hunt tells a story of someone who came to him with a question, he asked, "Dave, how do I get into the ministry?" Dave answered him with a question, "are you saved?", he asked. The boy answered, "yes". Dave responded, "then you are in the ministry". This story says it all. ALL Christians are in "the ministry". Just because someone is not in a "position" does not mean that God will not use them. If we are in ministry and looking to be in the spotlight then our motive is exalting self. Our attitude for serving God should be focused on serving Him without the goal of attracting attention to ourselves.
Self and Prayer
The command to pray in scripture is very plain. We know that we are supposed to pray and there is no need to prove that here. The excuses for not praying are pretty much the same excuses that people give for not going to church, thus we will not expound further on this. Folks don't pray because they simply have better things to do than serve God.
Self and the Brethren
When the Bible talks about our relationship with our brothers in Christ, it is very clear. Denying self is absolutely essential. Look at these verses and judge for yourself.
Galatians 6
[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
[2] Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
[3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Romans 12
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Phillipians 2
[3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Self and a False Prophets
Whether he is seeking power, money, fame or all of the above; the false prophet has always ran after these things for one person... himself! The Bible has some scriptures that expounding on this subject.
Jude
[11] Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
[16] These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
[18] How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
[19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Ezekiel 34
[1] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[2] Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
[3] Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
[10] Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
Need I say more? The same attributes of these false prophets are still found in false prophets today. Just turn on the TV or radio and you’ll see for yourself.
Self and Trusting Man
The Bible is very specific about the fact that we are to trust in God and Him alone.
Jer 5
[5] Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
[6] For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
[7] Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Self and disobedience
When you and I disobey God; whom do we do it for? I think it is fair to say that when we disobey God the only person we are doing it for is self.
Jeremiah 5
[3] O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
They key statement in these verses is in verse 3, "they have refused to receive correction". They would not obey God because they did not WANT TO. God certainly was not going to stop them and they certainly could have obeyed had they wanted to. However, because of selfish desires, they refused to repent.
Brother Jeff Owens has a great sermon titled, "Satan doesn't want you to do what he wants you to do". On the surface this may seem like a confusing statement; however, he explains it very well. Many people think that the devil (Satan) wants just wants you to get involved in Satanism or some weird wacko cult. But that is really not necessary "good press" for him and also isn't really his master plan. For example, Satan doesn't care if you help an old lady across the street on Sunday morning, he doesn't care if you are selling girl scout cookies, he doesn't care if you are fishing, running or donating your time to a "good cause"… JUST LONG AS YOU AREN'T in church. Satan doesn't care what you do, as long as you do not do what God wants you to do! Remember, Satan did not have a "satan" to deceive him, he just did what he wanted to do. So is his will for your life, Satan just wants you to do what YOU want to do (so when you do what you want, you are doing what he wants), as long as it isn't Gods will.
Satans’ fall is described in Isaiah 14...
[12] How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
[13] For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
[14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Notice all the things that he was going to do.
Self and Disobedience
When you and I disobey God; whom do we do it for? When we disobey God, the only person we are doing it for is self.
Jeremiah 5
[3] O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
They key statement in these verses is in verse 3, "they have refused to receive correction". They would not obey God because they did not WANT TO. God certainly was not going to stop them and they certainly could have obeyed had they wanted to. However, because of selfish desires, they refused to repent.Brother Jeff Owens has a great sermon titled, "Satan doesn't want you to do what he wants you to do". On the surface this may seem like a confusing statement; however, he explains it very well. Many people think that the devil (Satan) wants just wants you to get involved in Satanism or some weird wacko cult. But that is really not necessary "good press" for him and also isn't really his master plan. For example, Satan doesn't care if you help an old lady across the street on Sunday morning, he doesn't care if you are selling girl scout cookies, he doesn't care if you are fishing, running or donating your time to a "good cause"… JUST LONG AS YOU AREN'T in church. Satan doesn't care what you do, as long as you do not do what God wants you to do! Remember, Satan did not have a "satan" to deceive him, he just did what he wanted to do. So is his will for your life. Satan just wants you to do what YOU want to do (so when you do what you want, you are doing what he wants), as long as it isn't Gods will.
Self and Marriage
The Bible is very specific about the roles of men and women in marriage.
Ephesians 5
[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
[33] Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
As we can see from these scriptures, both the man and the woman have their place and duty in the marriage. The man must lay down in his life to take care of his wife (all her needs) and the wife must submitted to his authority in everything. If either one is out for self, then there will be problems. It is just as wrong for the man not to work and lead his family as it is for the woman to put her career in front of her family. Both these roles involve a denial of self (the lust of the flesh, the pride of life) and both involve not conforming to the worlds standards of what marriage should be.
Self and Your Temperament
The Bible says that the fruit of the Spirit is "self-control" (“temperance”, Gal. 5:22). Either we will control self or self will control us. The Bible is also very clear about the fact that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the only way to win this battle. Many times when we do something wrong and are dealt with our first excuse is, "I can't help it". This is wrong. The fact is that we CAN help it. We do what we want to and can indeed apply self-control at anytime we choose. A story that Dave Hunt tells illustrates this perfectly. A man came to Dave about a problem, the man was beating his wife. He told Dave, "I don't want to do it, I just can't help myself, I tell myself not to do it but before I know it I have done it again". Dave asked him a question, "if your wife was a 6-foot tall, 250 pound black-belt in Karate, would you just haul off and hit her? If she was a prospective client getting ready to invest a million dollars in your company, would you just haul off and slug her?" The answer to Dave's question is a resounding, 'no'! In other words the man could exhibit self-control if he really wanted to. The problem is that he isn't convinced that what he is doing is wrong yet. This is coupled with the fact that in spite of what he says, he really and truly does not want to stop. If did he, he would stop. Plain and Simple. Many of us are caught up in habitual sins and we have convinced ourselves that we don't "really want to do it". The fact is that you really do, the EVIDENCE speaks for itself. If you are saved then the Holy Spirit IN YOU has the power to help you overcome your flesh and win the battle against habitual sin. If you and I aren't winning that battle, it is because we aren't really and truly willing to give that sin up. We are lying to ourselves, just confess it, there will be no ability to overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit until we do. I am not saying that you will overcome the sin instantly; however, there will be progress and spiritual growth. Please don’t get discouraged, some old habits will die hard, however, don’t give up! The main point I am making here is that we should make sure we aren’t lying to ourselves about the situation.
Self and Money / Stewardship
In the following we see a parable about a man to whom many blessings came; however, WHEN they came he was only interested in how those blessings would benefit him. Sadly, his attitude represents how most Christians live today. Luke 12
[16] And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:[17] And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?[18] And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.[19] And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.[20] But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?[21] So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Did you notice all the "I will" and "will I" statements? This man, as many of us, was only thinking of one person... himself.Also, in the books of James, there is a rebuke for those who ask God for blessings, yet God withholds it from them.James 4
[2] Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.[3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.Notice the reason why? Because they only wanted to do their own will, not Gods. Just like the man in the parable, they were attempting to build barns for themselves. Most of the time the first thought we have about new found blessings are how we can spend on ourselves, not how we could support the work of God. The fact is that we will not take one single penny from this world into the next life. Only the things done in obedience to the Gospel will produce rewards in heaven. Why not then put our money into works that are producing eternal rewards?
Denying Self and it's Rewards
Matthew 16
[23] But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. [24] Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [25] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. [26] For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [27] For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Let’s notice here that there is indeed a reward; however, that reward is not here or now. This reward is one we hope for, one we are looking for, one that is yet to be received. We must also notice that you don’t get a reward for just being a Christian. Your salvation is free, yes, but you’ll WORK for the rewards. Jesus put a qualifier on these rewards, DENY SELF. There is not ONE SINGLE fruit of the spirit that will come about by any other route than denying self. Only by denying self through the power of the Holy Spirit can we obey the scriptures and live a life that will produce fruit and rewards in heaven.
(See also 1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
Denying Self for Show
Our denial of self is never to be a show… or that reward will be lost…
Matthew 6
[1] Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [2] Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward... [5] And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Matthew 23
[5] But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, ...
TO BE CONTINUED...
In the next and final installment of this series we'll discuss "Self-Esteem" and the myth of "Self Hate". Thanks for reading and let us know any comments or thoughts you have!