Warfare-Part II (Confict of two natures)
by Rated J on 06/13/15
Scripture references :
Matthew 6:13 ( Lead us not into temptation )
Romans 7:14 - 8:2
Romans 6:12-13
1 Peter 4:1-2
Luke 9:23
Luke 9:62
Ephesians 4:17-24
Ephesians 6:10-18
Mark 11:22-26
In Matthew 6:9-13 we see the Lord's prayer. In Verse 13, we are told to pray, "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil" ( or the evil one, depending on the manuscript referenced ). Knowing that God does not tempt any man, what does it mean that we should ask Him not to lead into temptation ?
I believe that we need to get a better understanding of the ongoing conflict between the two natures that exist within each of us, as explained in Romans 7:14 - 8:2.
Personal challenge: When I read the scriptures, I prefer to read beyond the end of a chapter, continuing part way into the next chapter, until what I perceive is the end of the thought, or statement, has been reached.
Notice how ROMANS 8:1 begins with the word "Therefore". This word represents conclusion and requires us to back track through the previous scriptures so that we can determine what were the statements requiring a conclusion.
ROMANS 7:14 - 8:2 ( The two natures described )
- Verse 17 and verse 20 use the word "dwells" , which is the Greek word "oikeo" (pronounced oy-keh'-o) which means; to occupy a house, i.e. reside, ( fig. inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication to cohabit - dwell. ROMANS 8:9-11 explains how the Spirit of God also dwells in us.
- Verses 22 and 23 mention two laws; 1st - the law of God in/concerning the inner man, also referred to as "the law of my mind" in verse 23, and 2nd - the law of sin in the members of my body.
- Verses 22 and 23 also use the term "waging war". This term coincides with ROMANS 6:12-13 which twice refers to our members as "instruments" using the Greek word "hoplon" ( pronounced hop'-lon) meaning "weapons", or more specifically, offensive weapons.
- Verse 25 shows that we are serving both laws. We are serving the law of God with our mind and serving the law of sin with our flesh. Both are written in the Present Tense.
- As a side note, Ephesians 4:17-24 discuss putting off the old man and putting on the new man. In particular, Verse 22 says the old self / man is "being corrupted", Present Tense.
- Verse 8:1, begins with the word "Therefore" which represents the acknowledgement of the existence of warring laws within us. It states plainly that for those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation in this war.
- Verse 2 then goes further in telling us that fact.
As a thought for this warring, we should consider that wars are fought when two (2) entities want control over one (1) thing, or area. Greater is He that is in me ( God ) than he that is in the world ( my flesh ).
1 PETER 4:1-2 ( Suffering in the flesh )
- Verse 1 states that since Christ has suffered ( or suffered death ) in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he ( little "h" ) who has suffered ( or suffered death ) in the flesh has ceased from sin, and on to Verse 2. The phrase "arm yourselves", I believe, refers to Ephesians 6:13 which is explaining the "whole Armor of God", including in Verse 18 praying at all times in the Spirit.
- If we look at Luke 9:23, we see that we are to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Christ, which means we are to crucify our flesh ( fleshly desires ) daily and walk in the Spirit of Life.
- If we look at Luke 9:62, Jesus plainly states that "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." This seems to be a call to continue the walk in the Spirit of Life, don't look back to "Egypt", or our old fleshly, sinful life.
In summation:
- When we pray "And do not lead us into temptation...", we are asking God not to lead us back to our "Egypt", where our old fleshly lusts reside, and the temptations that reside with them. Our flesh, which is still active and "being corrupted" would certainly be tempted by Satan, and our flesh more emboldened to have its way, were we to return.
- When we pray "but deliver us from the evil one...", we are completing the previous petition to not be returned to "Egypt", but we are also asking for the destination of the "Promised Land", which seems to require some time in the "desert", learning how to follow Him.
MARK 11:22-26 ( Four conditions of prayer )
- Have faith in God ( Verse 22 )
- Speak it out ( Verse 23 ) Our words have power.
- Believe you have received and do not doubt ( Verses 23 and 24 )
Forgive, if you have anything against anyone ( Verse 25 )
