WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: ‘Be strong...’ (v 10). Ask God for strength today.

May you live in interesting times, runs an old Chinese curse. As Christians we are blessed beyond measure (1:3) but Paul does not promise peace to those who follow Jesus. We have signed up as troops in a war (v 12). As Paul finishes this letter he spells out how to live in these interesting times:

Know your enemy (v 12)
We are not fighting against non-Christians, neither our difficult neighbour nor even oppressive governments. Our struggle is spiritual and this affects how we fight.

Stand your ground (v 13)
If we are unprepared for conflict we are much more likely to give in under pressure. Forewarned is forearmed! We will not equip new Christians well by pretending that following Jesus is an easy path.

Use your armour (vs 14–17)
The protection we need relates to the sort of war we are fighting. We are protected by knowing and speaking the truth (v 14), by right living (v 14) and by faith, knowing that God protects us against every attack (v 16). We need to train our mind in God’s Word (v 17) and our feet to do something about it (v 15)!

Finally, pray (v 18)!
Life cannot be lived in our own strength; we must keep open the lines of communication to God.

Respond: ‘Take heart! I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33). Thank God for his never-failing promises when things look bleak.

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-03-17