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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: PUNCH (08/27/20)
Nothing more infuriates the devil (1Pet. 5: 8) and/or a member of the (Eph. 6: 12) forces of evil, than for them to have thrown their best punch, only to see their intended target getting back up and continuing on with the plan of God.

Satan is a master pugilist in the ring of spiritual combat. He has had thousands of years training and experience, and has established a considerable record of success (Rev. 12: 9).

Jabs are thrown to set the stage for a knockout punch to be delivered.
There are other times when he/they will deploy a sucker punch, hitting us with full force from the blind side at a time when we are least expecting it.

Job took a severe “beating” for the Lord!

Job was not sinless (Rom. 3: 23), but his lifestyle was blameless and upright. Being a God-fearing man, he turned away from evil.

Other than to live a life that pleased the Lord (Job 1: 8), Job did nothing to “deserve” the intense suffering he received.

In a very short span of time, Job suffered the loss of his (adult) children, prosperity, social standing, and health. In God’s timing, Job’s health was restored and much of his possessions were doubled (Job 42: 10), but this is not always what God has in mind (Heb. 11: 35b – 39).,

Unlike Job, we often do not always turn from evil. In doing so, we drop our guard and place ourselves in harm’s way.

Unlike Job, much of the suffering we experience is not because of following Christ (Matt. 16: 24), but because of the negative choices we make, and the negative choices made by those around us.

Failing to prepare ourselves to deal with the storms of life (Matt. 7: 24 - 27) and the fiery darts (Eph. 6: 16 NASB) of the devil BEFORE they strike is a negative decision we make.

Failing to secure and/or to deploy the Eph. 6 armor of God is a negative decision we make.

Putting one's guard down is an open invitation for our adversary (1Pet. 5: 8) to deliver a sucker punch.

We put our guard down when we choose to develop a mental attitude of invincibility or self-reliance (Rev. 3: 17).

We put our guard down when we place ourselves in environments that encourage human viewpoint.
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Human viewpoint can sound and feel good, but runs contrary to divine viewpoint.

Stepping into the ring of spiritual combat unprepared or ill-equipped sets one up to be the devil’s punching bag.

Even the best of boxers (advancing disciples) take numerous hits before the match (the post salvation spiritual life) is over. Learning how to roll with punches is a part of the experience that spiritual warriors are going to have to master if he/she is going to endure (2Tim. 2: 12) the adversity and remain in the ring.

Many will throw in the towel and seek other means to the road of glory. It is much easier to become a Sunday morning spectator than it is to step into the ring of spiritual combat on a daily basis.

Jesus made it clear that He did NOT (yet) come to bring universal peace into the world, but a sword (conflict). See Matt. 10 :34.

The type of peace that was announced by the Christmas angel (Luke 2: 14) refers to the ceasing of existing hostility (Romans 8: 7) between God and fallen Man. This Luke 2: 14 peace is offered but will not be experienced by everyone. It is for those with whom He will be pleased (Luke 2 :14 NASB).

Here in the Church Age, the ones with whom He is pleased are those who are born again (John 3: 5, 7).

Those with whom He is not pleased will find themselves in the Rev. 20: 15 lake of fire.

The sword of Eph. 6 is for the purpose of engaging in spiritual combat. The Eph. 6 sword does not shed blood, but speaks of the blood that was shed to atone for the forgivable sins of the whole world (1John 2: 2).

The life of discipleship involves a daily conflict between the influence of the fallen nature (Rom. 7: 14- 20) and the influence of God the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 3: 16).

With the free will that God has given us, we make daily choices, glorifying one and denying the other.

The punches thrown by the devil and/or the forces of evil are delivered to influence our decisions.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 37 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Barbara Lynn Culler 
09/04/20
You really did sum it all up. I could even hear the ringing of the bell, and the crowds in the background.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/06/20
You make some excellent points. I think you did a good job of using many different Scriptures without it feeling like you were jumping all over. I can feel your passion and you really know and understand the Bible. You have the makings for some awesome Bible study/group discussion books.