Tuesday Devo
Scripture:
Ephesians 6:12
12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Commentary:
6:12 This list of spiritual rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers (see 3:10) gives a sobering glimpse into the devil’s allies, the spiritual forces of evil who are exceedingly powerful in their exercise of cosmic powers over this present darkness. And yet Scripture makes clear that the enemy host is no match for the Lord, who has “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Col. 2:15; see also Eph. 1:19–21).
Questions:
- The second takeaway from Sunday was, "Jesus' ENEMY is your ENEMY... and it's not JUDAS." Jesus' REAL enemy is Satan, and he's yours too. It's important for us to remember that when it comes to relational conflict, the other person isn't your enemy. Satan wants nothing more than to destroy marriages and relationships with kids and family members. How would it change your response to people in your life when you have conflict if you truly believed this principle? How would it change your attitudes towards them?
- Think of all the relational problems in your life, people you have issues with, things with your kids or your siblings or parents… people at work. Think of the people on your naughty list or grudges you hold because you were mistreated. Jesus knows your pain. No doubt, this betrayal hurt Jesus. And how did Jesus respond? A matter of hours later he sat with his disciples in the upper room, broke bread with them, passed the wine, and then Jesus washed their feet. Yep... Judas was there, too. Judas partook of the Lord's Supper. He had his feet washed by his soon-to-be Savior. THAT is a picture of grace, even though Judas was literally in the middle of his mutiny at that very moment. How gracious are YOU when you are mistreated? What can you learn from Jesus? Who needs grace in your life?
Pray:
- That you would remember who your REAL enemy is.
- That you would give grace to people in your life who don't deserve it.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
6. How can I trust that the Bible is still God’s Word today? I trust the Bible is still God’s Word today because Jesus rose from the dead proving He was God and said His words would never pass away. Through the Holy Spirit, God inspired the writing of the Scripture, determined the canon of Scripture and protected the copying of Scripture so that we might know Him and worship Him to this day.
(Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Revelation 22:18-19)
(Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Revelation 22:18-19)
No Comments