05/11/2014 - PARTNER WITH A THIEF

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Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; he swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.  Proverbs 29.24

One of the most common mistakes made by those who walk in faith is to accept suggestions from a person who claims to be of God. The right thing to do is to compare everything this person says with what the Bible says. If anything is not in accordance with the law or the example the Lord has given us through the Scriptures, then there is not true revelation. Unfortunately, the enemy still enslaves many people today, and this is why it is so important that you pay attention only to that which has been revealed to you through God’s Word.

Some people say there is no problem when a Christian couple wants to spend a night in a motel, since they are husband and wife. Here in Brazil, motels are mainly used by those who practice prostitution, or lovers who are cheating their spouses. The mere fact that a Christian couple has curiosity to find out how it feels to be at a motel shows that the enemy has persuaded them that it is not wrong. The problem is that he will further persuade them into other evil practices.

Whoever is a partner with—or has affinity for—a thief, surely is or will be contaminated. Do not be surprised if this person starts obeying the devil also in other areas of his life. The Word of God says that we must stay away from all unclean things, thus forbidding us to touch anything that is unclean (Leviticus 7.21). If we obey the Lord, we will be received by him; consequently, we must always follow God’s instructions.

Christians are also making a mistake when they watch a porn movie, read “spicy” novels or enter into a sinful dialogue with their spouses. All these things are used to remove them from God’s presence. If you hear or feel any evil operation in a brother or sister in Christ, intercede for him or her in prayer and reveal such fact in God’s court. Use that moment, when you are praying in secret in your bedroom, to deliver this person who is falling into the web of sin.

To all those who are saved, God has given authority over the forces of darkness. So, when you realize a person is giving into temptation, do not become a partner with the thief by spreading the bad news, as if the person were no good for nothing. Instead, use the power that has been given to you and rebuke such act. Jesus interceded for Peter when Satan asked him permission to sift the apostle as wheat (Luke 22.31). Unfortunately, Peter did not accept the Lord’s intercession. When God shows us something wrong, he also gives us the ability for us to annul that.

Those who keep quiet before an attack from the devil are considered partners with the one practicing evil. The Lord has given us power to bind or loose anything on earth, saying that the same thing will be bound or loosed in the spiritual world (Matthew 16.19). Therefore, we see that it is in your hands the power to do good for those who need it. So, brethren, be obedient and bless your brothers and sisters.

At all times, live as a minister of good, someone who knows his position in Christ and rejoices in putting it into practice. Then you will see that the Lord will give you many opportunities to do good and, in eternity, because of your faithfulness to him, you will receive great reward. Rest assured that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1Corinthians 15.58).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares