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114. Always Be On Your Guard


Matthew 12:43-45, Luke 11:21-26, Ephesians 6:10-18
Key Verse: "He who is not for Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me, scatters."
Luke 11:23

"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils." (Luke 11:21-22)  This is a continuation from yesterday when Jesus was talking about the fact that a house divided against itself will fall.  Now, however, Jesus basically asks the question, even if it’s not divided against itself, "In whom and what do you ultimately trust?" The religious leaders were like the strong man trying to protect his own house.

Their religious practices enabled them to clean their houses, or consciences, but then what? They had nothing better, in themselves, to replace what they had removed. They prayed, they fasted, and then they went right back to the same arrogant, closed minded thinking that they had held before, only now, it was emboldened because they had performed the religious rites expected of them. Greed and pride are man’s armor.  But satan is stronger and actually uses our greed and pride to his advantage and easily overpowers those who rely on themselves in human strength.

In Ephesians, Paul calls us to a better armor that will not fail when used properly. It contains a belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, shield of faith, shoes made of the gospel of Peace and a sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God itself. These are to be used to protect us from Satan's schemes. When Christ cleanses us and puts His Holy Spirit within us, if we do not let our guard down, that which we now possess can never be taken away.

It's not enough to simply repent and try to do better. In your own strength, chances are, you will fall again. That is because, as Paul explains, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12) How can physical strength and will fight against a spiritual foe? We cannot truly clean ourselves. This is a task for Christ alone. Repentance will simply leave an empty house. What is needed is for Christ to fill it with a new guard, stronger than any other, that will protect you from the flaming darts of the evil one.

 Don't be content with being religious. Don't be content until you are real in Him.  Put on His armor and protect your house with certainty. 

Hymn: (Praise song) "The Battle Belongs To the Lord" 

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