SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2024
BE SPIRITUALLY MINDED AND ALERT – Pastor Chris
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6).
As Christians, we must be spiritually minded and alert at all times because we’re soldiers in God’s army, engaged in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Then 2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us about our weapons in this ongoing warfare: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” Although the war is always on, we’re not told exactly when each battle will occur, but God wants us prepared all the time. He tells us about the “…evil day…” (Ephesians 6:13).
The “evil day” signifies battle days. A battle is the actual fight of a war. Hence, we must be battle-ready by being spiritually minded, being acutely sensitive to the Spirit and attuned to His signals. We have an adversary that we’re up against—Satan. He doesn’t just go to sleep.
1 Peter 5:8-9 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist stedfast in the faith.” Ephesians 6:10-11 says, “…be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
You have dominion and authority over principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Use the spiritual weapons listed in Ephesians 6:14-18 to frustrate their stratagems and wiles, and foil all their evil works. Hallelujah!
PRAYERDear Father, my mind and affections are set on the Lord and things pertaining to Christ, His Gospel and eternal Kingdom. I live in the Word and walk in the full consciousness of the spiritual Kingdom to which I belong. I’m guided by the Word, and I maintain my dominion over Satan and the principalities of darkness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:5-8
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 8:13-14
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Ephesians 6:10-19
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 19:16-20:1-16 & Exodus 15
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 13:13-25 & Job 26-27
