05/12/2017 - THEY BATTLE AGAINST YOUR SOUL

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Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11

Those who have been enlightened by the Word and belong to the Kingdom of God cannot give attention to the devil, for he wants to destroy them. The desires may be great, and you may have intense dreams, but the prayer of faith in times of tribulation will prove that the Lord is your Refuge, your Fortress, your Help in times of need (Psalm 46:1). The purpose of the evil one is to separate forever your soul from the Creator.

The enemy doesn’t care to offer you some benefits in order to become your lord. Since Satan is a thief, he will soon rob you what he gave you, and who will you be able to complain to or ask for help? When you notice there is danger, flee from it. One look may have a message that comes from Hell. Therefore, seek to walk in the Spirit and abstain from fleshly lusts, which are not subject to the Holy Spirit. Do not leave this for later. Submit yourself to the Lord of lords right now.

The apostle Peter wrote to God’s beloved people who were striving not to let the devil have the taste of victory. They should remind that they were pilgrims and sojourners: they were in the world, but did not belong to it. We should always remember this, so that when evil thoughts come and our desires seems uncontrollable, we may cry out to the One who has power to keep us from evil. Then, we will be attended.

Do not live like the lost, who listen to the devil. This is the greatest deception ever lived by man. After a person sins, the demon who tempted him will be his master. In the case of man’s fall, for example, Adam saw the divine plan for him and for all humanity be paralyzed. He suffered from bitter sadness after knowing that one of his two sons killed their brother. Understand this: the devil strives to do the same to you. Cry out for deliverance!

One of the greatest temptations set up by the enemy concerns fleshly lusts. It is sad when the saved ones allow themselves to be seduced by Satan’s lies, and fall in temptation by listening to what he speaks. Then, they stop feeling the presence of God and start doing the things that their new master orders. Have mercy, Lord! Flee from all deception. If you don’t do so, you will walk towards eternal loss.

There is only one way to remain pure: abstaining from the fleshly lusts. Thus, you will please God, and He will satisfy the desires of your heart (Ps 37.4). Decide right now to get rid of the fleshly lusts. But in order to do so, you need to use the authority of the Name of Jesus. In this battle, behave as if you were rebuking a cancer. In fact, that is what sin is to your spirit. Be strong and decided!

As shown in the Biblical text that we are studying, Satan’s purpose is to wage war against your soul. He knows that if you are in communion with the Father, you will be a danger to his kingdom. However, if he has your life in his hands, you will be lost and will influence others to surrender to him as well. Be careful! Many readers have gone too far. If you are one of them, return quickly to Jesus.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares