THE POWER TO CHANGE
J.D. Ketterman
Today’s Scripture: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” James 4:1, ESV
Theme: We need help to deal with the motivations and causes of the battles we fight.
THE DEMONS WE CAN NOT FIGHT ALONE
In “The Warrior,” three men are fighting demons within themselves: A deserter obsessed with the incomprehensible loss in war of a beloved comrade-in-arms. A husband oppressed by the need to provide for his family, now compelled to risk permanent injury or death. Two brothers, hating a father possessed by alcoholism, which had controlled his mind and will, and tore their family apart. All three are now forced to come together to ply the only trade they know, foolishly attempting to banish these demons of obsession, oppression, and possession.
The father has found the way to fight his demon of drink through the Word of God. He has been tempted several times by both his sons to take up the drink, but his will to resist came from the God-given strength to change. He now is no longer the man his sons knew. He had only asked for his sons’ forgiveness, knowing his Savior had already forgiven him. He drew strength from God’s Word to “put on the full armor of God, so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11, ESV)
HOW TO WIN
We fight from victory, not for victory. Jesus, our great Arbitrator, has fought (and won) our battle against sin. Now, all we must do is don His armor to have His power and protection against our inner demons. It is armor of tremendous strength, able to resist the much heavier weight of the burden of sin.
Make It Personal: Obsessions, oppressions, addictions, or thoughts that possess you with hurt, anger, hate, lust, envy, or revenge will become your demons. “For Jesus had said to him, ‘Come out of this man, you impure spirit!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘My name is Legion,’ he replied, ‘for we are many’”(Mark 5:8-9, ESV).
When overwhelmed with demons, you cannot fight them alone. Gather help by including prayers warriors, a Life Group, GriefShare, Celebrate Recovery, or other care groups. These worshippers can guide you to the One Who has granted you the power to change, the One Who can send these demons to some distant place or drown them. You cannot get into a cage to fight them alone.
Pray: O loving God, thank You for Your power and Your promises made known to us though Your Son, Jesus Christ. The power to change and the promise of Your forgiveness gives us hope. Strengthen our armor against the demons that can corrupt. Align our lives with Your Spirit to follow in the ways of Your Son. Amen
Read: Ephesians 6:10-18; James 4:1; Mark 1:21-28, 5:1-20
Weekly Memory Verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 (ESV)