OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: SUNDAY 3RD MAY 2020.
THEME: A TIME TO FIGHT!
MEMORISE:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
READ: 1 Timothy 6:11-21
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
MESSAGE
Fighting involves violent struggles against a real or perceived enemy, either offensively or defensively. Most people have one things or the other that they would fight for. It could be their fundamental human rights, source of livelihood, prestige, possession etc. However, the question is: Should a true Christian have any justifiable reason to fight? The answer is YES! Ecclesiastes 3:8 says there is:
“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
Indeed, Christians are not called to take up arms and launch offensive attacks on their neighbors, but we have a right to self-defense. The kingdom of God is now under immense attack; His creative order, commandments and principles are being maliciously attacked by heretics. Surprisingly, some of these enemies of the gospel have managed to rise to positions of authority both in the Church and the society at large. Their celebrity status in the world today has aided their evil attacks on the Christians faith. Do we stand aloof or fight whenever these attacks occur around us? 1 Timothy 6:12 says “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
Christians are called to fight. Everyone is fully aware of the ongoing conflicts around us: physically, mentally, and spiritually. We are daily confronted with contrary doctrines and diverse kinds of temptation.
The survival of a child of God therefore depends on his or her preparedness for battle and the ability to fight. Your weapons of warfare are however not carnal. Study Ephesians 6 and evaluate the completeness and readiness of your weaponry. It is time to fight against ungodliness. We must fight for holiness, peace and love. We are soldiers and must always be alert in the spirit at all times. The devil will not succeed over you and your loved ones in the Mighty Name of Jesus.
Raise the banner of JESUS!
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to be victorious in the battle of life, in the Mighty Name of Jesus.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23
1 Chronicles13-16
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 23: ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS.
1. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!
o Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
2. At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
3. Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
4. Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never ’gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
5. Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.
Amen and Amen
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