Ready:
"To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Council and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power."
-Proverbs 8:13-14
Set:
It's a struggle--competing and living for the Lord. The world is constantly trying to buy our attention, and Satan is readily attacking us with temptation. He longs to see us fail in life and in sports. His alluring nature and tempting spirit are hard to fight off, unless we are properly equipped. In Ephesians it says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (6:10-12, NIV).
If we do not recognize the battle that is raging, we could be swept away by the powerful currents of this dark world. We must not, however, be in awe of the enemy's power, but aware of it. We must know of God's awesome power but be aware of the power that Satan posses--though it is nothing compared to the power of God!
In addition to being aware of the fight, we must put up a fight ourselves. If we are not feeling spiritual warfare, we may not be a threat to the Devil. When we feel a raging battle, we know that Satan is afraid of the power we posses through Christ. He won't put up a fight, if we are not a threat. If we are living for Christ, we need to hate evil and hunger for righteousness.
Go:
1. Are you living in a way that is pleasing to God?
2. What roots of evil, or sin, do you need to uproot from your life?
3. What areas of your life need to be made new?
4. Do you hate evil? And hunger for righteousness?
Workout:
Romans 12:1-2
2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Timothy 2:15
1 Peter 5:8
