Understanding Spiritual Warfare

Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees

Ken

“Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1 KJV). What were the Pharisees known for? Keeping the letter of the law or a literal interpretation of the law. Take the instance in which “a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted [Jesus], saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (10:25). Jesus said, ‘You, tell me what the Law says,’ or “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” (10:26). The lawyer correctly answers, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (10:27).

Our NT minds immediately react with, ‘The Law cannot save us. It only gives us the knowledge we are sinners.’ But then, Jesus agrees with the Jewish lawyer, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (10:28). ‘Wait,’ our NT mind says, ‘don’t let him get away thinking that! Jesus, aren’t You going to confuse Your NT readers before Paul can teach us ye are not under the law, but under grace (Romans 6:14)?’ 

[This is a bit longer. Scan ahead to pace yourself.]

Let us settle down our NT minds and breathe calmly. Obviously, OT saints were dying and going to be with Yahweh in Paradise long before the earthly ministry of the Messiah, His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and His ascension into Heaven. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7). Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Matthew 5:17). The Ceremonial Law of offerings and sacrifices was done away in Christ, but not the “Perfect Law of Liberty” (James 1:25), which Jesus endorsed as correct in His statement to the Jewish lawyer, i.e., “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (10:28). 

The Perfect Law, the Moral Law, or the Law of Love, which was summarized by the Jewish lawyer (Luke 10:27), is a synopsis of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Matthew 5:17). Why then were the Pharisees at odds with Jesus? Because Jesus saw through the utter hypocrisy of their claim of obedience — outwardly conforming without giving heartfelt submission to the law. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). 

Jesus protested: 

(1) the Jews’ ‘loop holes of, who the law was applied to,’ i.e., “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10:29). 

(2) the Pharisees’ ‘public displays of praying,’ i.e., 

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:5).

(3) the scribes and Pharisees’ high talk and low walk, i.e., “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to His disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers” (Matthew 23:1-4). 

(4) the lack of heart, for which Jehovah always faulted wayward Israel, i.e., “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [from the heart] is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1Samuel 15:22). 

Messiah Jesus was sent to fulfill prophecy, which looked forward to the Perfect Sacrifice of the Messiah — “not for Himself” (Daniel 9:26) — and, we look back at the Once for All Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). But, the Sacrifice is only a necessity because of the same root cause — a lack of heart or right heart for obeying God. This was the reason why the Messiah said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not” (Luke 13:34).

Unless we seek God with our whole heart, how are we any different from the Jews, who rejected Jesus at His First Advent? Remember, the Leaven of the Pharisees was a hypocritical heart. They agreed with the requirement of love and obedience, but their ‘displays of giving-to-be-seen-as-giving,’ made their obedience sin and salvation impossible. Couple that with Yahweh progressing to unveil His New Covenant with Israel (Jeremiah 31:31), requiring the suffering and perfect sacrifice of an unblemished volunteer, which would result in the forgiveness of sins of all that would repent (Matthew 26:28), and prepare for the sending of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7) to inspire future and total obedience (Ezekiel 36:27). 

Father, cause us to be Your children in sincerity and in truth. May the sacrifice of Your Son make us holy and without blame before You in love. Inspire us by Your Spirit to walk with You in loving obedience. May Your kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Angelic Deliverance

Ken

“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them” (Psalm 34:7 KJV). The OT Angel of the LORD is the Lord Jesus Christ, for Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), and the Angel of the LORD ceased to appear in the NT. We are told, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). Guardian angels are not a difficulty for the LORD, since He has appointed them “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). However the LORD chooses to deliver us is not the point; but, that He is willing to do so, is the issue. “Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob” (Psalm 44:4). Are we trusting God for whatever we will face, since we are certainly in conflict with the Devil and his demonic horde? Father, give us the faith to trust You as the flames draw closer to swallow us. May we be unwilling to bow to Bel, even if You chose not to deliver. But, may You be magnified, as we ask for grace to help in our time of need. Lord Jesus, return quickly and deliver us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Are There Few That Be Saved?

Ken

“Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved?” (Luke 13:23 KJV). Jesus replied, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (13:24). How hard should you “strive” (13:24)? “With all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). The “few” and “many” of Luke 13 are relative terms comparing the “saved” and unsaved. 

Earth’s population is 8.2 billion (2024). 

The population of the angelic host at the time of Lucifer’s Rebellion was not specified, but 1/3 of the angelic host rebelled with Lucifer. “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born” (Revelation 12:4). Satan was outnumbered in a ratio of 2 to 1. Since Satan cannot oppose the Almighty in the End Times scenario with a greater number of Fallen Angels than the LORD’s Elect Angels, the Devil must resort to a Seed War — “between thy seed and her seed” (Genesis 3:15) — to breed an army to oppose the Almighty during the Tribulation Week — “the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand” (Revelation 9:16). 

In excess of 100 million angels and representatives of the redeemed of humanity are depicted in a Heavenly Throne Scene — possibly following the Rapture (Revelation 5:11). 

More important than our knowledge of how many are saved, Is our hope of Heaven based only upon a past certainty or a present seeking, as well? 

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Father, assemble a host innumerable to praise Your name forever. May we have the joy of those who look for Your Son’s soon appearing “a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation” (Hebrews 9:28 NET). In Jesus saving name, we pray. Amen.

Has Israel Been Cursed?

Ken

Yes. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 1:19-20 KJV). If Israel is cursed, it is only because they have rebelled against the LORD. How is the cursed removed? “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2Chronicles 7:14). National repentance works for any nation to return to God. How long will Israel’s curse last? Until their national blindness is lifted by Jehovah.”For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins” (Romans 11:25-27). 

When will all this happen? “I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early” (Hosea 5:15). Israel will collectively realize their offense against the Son of God. “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn” (Zechariah 12:10). This will occur in a single day— at the Second Coming of Jesus the Messiah, at the end of the Tribulation Week, the Seventieth Week of Daniel. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8). Father, we pray for Israel’s repentance that You might lift the curse from Israel. Lord Jesus, return quickly, that Israel may be saved. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Longing for Thy Judgments (Psalm 119:20)

Ken

“My soul [Hebrew, nephesh, living being, whole person] breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy judgments at all times” (Psalm 119:20 KJV). Sounds like the modern phrase, This breaks my heart, which means such an intense desire or conflict, it would do damage to our whole person, if the LORD does not intervene, like an addiction to God and His Word. “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments” (119:10). OT Israel may not have had the NT covenanted Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but the LORD placed no limit with their contact with His Word. It achieved the same goal — oneness with God manifested in obedience to our LORD. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8). Father, may we under Your New Covenant receive all the blessings of Your Indwelling Holy Spirit to inspire us to obey You and be drawn ever more closely to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Cannot Fool God

Ken

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). Religious arguments are easy to settle. Take yourself and the opposing person out of the discussion and see what God says. We arrive at the position that makes the most sense to us, but it does not always mean it answers all the objections of the opposing person. This is why we must “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:18) by changing our position whenever our understanding improves. For instance, ‘I’m going to Heaven because I prayed Jesus into my heart,’ ‘I’ve been baptized,’ ‘I’m doing the best that I can,’ ‘I’ve joined the Church,’ ‘I tithe,’ ‘I don’t do something that everyone feels negative about,’ or ‘I do some things that everyone feels positive about,’ may represent possible answers. 

Faith is essential, i.e., “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). Baptism is necessary, for it is a Loyalty Oath, i.e., “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Good works are essential. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20, 26). Unfortunately, we have given some the impression that Heaven is like a Monopoly Game with a “Get Out of Jail” Card, where we pass “Go” and collect Heaven. Crude analogy, but anything short of absolute trust and complete surrender to Jesus as our salvationis an attempt to fool ourselves, our neighbors, and God. 

Ananias and Saphira had believed and been baptized, yet both were struck down by God (Acts 5). Simon the Magician believed and was baptized but still offered Peter money to enable him to dispense the Holy Spirit to whoever he would lay his hands upon (Acts 8). Whether the accusation is Easy Believism or Baptism Is A Self-Righteous Work, Perseverance of the Saints or Preservation of the Saints, Losing Your Salvation or Losing the Testimony of the Spirit, all hinges on the Spirit of God testifying to us of our sonship. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). 

Father, we completely trust and surrender to You as the source of our salvation, and we plead only Your Spirit would testify of us that we are the Children of God. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Relief for the Poor

Ken

Isn’t that the government’s job, a non-profit organization, or could the Church do that? “For ye have the poor always with you; but Me ye have not always” (Matthew 26:11 KJV). Actually, it is everyone’s problem or responsibility. The Church may use relieving the poor as an outreach with the Gospel, especially with missionary work, but relieving the poor is humanity’s responsibility. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (22:39). Cain objected to this burden. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). Ask a police officer, if homelessness affects his job. Of course it does. Even government appreciates volunteers, when tax dollars are stretched thin. If you object that government does not create wealth, only redistributes it. You would be correct. But, if a non-government entity does not step in, we kick the can down the street expecting government to be the last resort. And, government will step in, but in exchange for liberty. Look at Joseph’s Egypt. Pharaoh provided the grain to relieve the people, but they surrendered property and liberty in exchange for their lives. Christian, “seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace” (Jeremiah 29:7). Father, cause us to bear the burdens belonging to us, but only with Your help. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Have You Seen Your Phlebotomist Lately?

Ken

A phlebotomist [fluh–bot–uh-mist] is a nurse or health care worker trained in drawing venous blood for testing or donation. In other words, have you donated blood to your blood bank recently? “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38 KJV). You may rarely need a blood transfusion, but blood and blood products are critical for the survival of humanity. “Whole Blood” is normally and quickly taken from donors, after briefly answering a few questions like, Are you HIV+, or Have you had malaria? Both would disqualify donation. “Plasma” takes less than an hour to give, but it is especially useful for burn patients. And, if you have the time, “Platelets” are especially valuable for cancer patients. That may require two hours of your time. Thank you! And, if you’re Type O Negative, your blood can be used in transfusions for any blood type. What a useful way to practice, “Love thy neighbour” (Matthew 22:39)! Father, cause Your people to be the salt of the earth that all would praise You for raising such good children. And, may Your children walk humbly, knowing their reward is with You and not from man for donating blood. Return quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Does Prophecy Require Our Participation?

Ken

Yes, Christ taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). Jesus promised, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7). If keeping your word to God is doing what you said to God you would do, then keeping the words of the prophecy of the Book of Revelation involves believing and acting consistently with the words of the Book of Revelation. Yes, your participation is required to be blessed from reading the Book of Revelation. Twice in the Book of Revelation, we are told, “The time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3; 22:10). That requires careful thought for our participation. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (1:3). 

OT prophecy already has given us precedent for participation in the fulfilment of prophecy. Consider the birth of Jesus and John the Baptist as announced to their parents, their reactions, and their future conduct. Anyone coming into contact with Jesus of Nazareth would also have to come to terms with all the OT prophecies concerning the Messiah. Yes, they had to participate in the fulfillment of prophecy by choosing to accept or reject Jesus as the presented Messiah, the Son of David. “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever” (2Samuel 7:16). 

NT prophecy also requires us to: 

(1) Persevere in righteousness or declare ourselves unfit for Christ’s kingdom, i.e., “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

(2) Faithfully manage God’s resources committed to us, i.e., “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1Corinthians 4:2) or be declared unprofitable and cast into outer darkness, i.e., “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). 

(3) Labor for the sustenance of ourselves and our families, i.e., “10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed” (2Thessalonians 3:10, 12, 14). 

(4) Continue to gather for exhortation and encouragement, i.e., “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). 

(5) Continually preach and teach about Jesus, i.e.,  “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). 

(6) Continually stand for Christ for all to see, i.e., “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14 ).

(7) Continue to be a preservative for righteousness in the world, i.e., “Ye are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) standing against the enemy, i.e., “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). 

But, above all, as Jesus already taught in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:10), we need to pray for the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the Rapture of His Church. 

Specifically, Ezekiel’s Babylonian Captivity prophecies explaining and encouraging Israel about their future:  

(1) Prophesied of the New Covenant giving of the Holy Spirit to inspire our obedience, i.e., “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27), and 

(2) Preached the necessity of praying for the fulfillment of prophecy, i.e., After having proclaiming His intent to restore Israel, “Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock” (Ezekiel 36:37). He said He would do it, but He requires us to ask Him to do it. Thus, it bonds us to Him in the fulfillment. 

Father, teach us to work with You in the power of the Holy Spirit to lift Christ up to the world. Keep us from becoming weary in well doing, knowing we shall reap, if we faint not. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Stranger in the Earth (Psalm 119:19)

Ken

“I am a stranger in the earth: hide not Thy commandments from me” (Psalm 119:19 KJV). Why would the Psalmist identify himself as a “stranger in the earth” (119:19)? If this world is God’s creation, isn’t this my Father’s world? Yes and no. The Almighty is the Creator and Master of All Possible Universes, but He did give our Original Parents authority over the entire world, as evidenced by His command, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28). When the Serpent seduced Eve, and Adam acquiesced, all the world’s voting population of two effectively elected the Wicked One as the “god of this world” (2Corinthians 4:4). The godly suddenly became the stranger in the world, and this world was no longer truly home for the saint. “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:9-10).

God’s “commandments” (Psalm 119:19) include His promises of things for now and things to come. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). If God does not reveal the meaning of His commandments — “hide not Thy commandments from me” (Psalm 119:19) — they are hidden to us. Let us not take for granted His illumination in teaching us. Thank Him for His teaching, apply it, teach it, and ask for more. “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes” (19:8). Just as you love to teach a receptive child, God loves to teach us, when our hearts are ready. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night” (1:2). As God’s children, we are to walk carefully because of the obstacles and traps set by the enemy for our soul. And, by God’s grace, we shall overcome. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1Peter 2:11). 

Father, we are strangers in this world and cannot make it through life without You. The enemy is too strong for us. Grant us an abiding faith in You, but most of all, grant us the generous influence, protection, and inspiration of Your Spirit to teach us Your Word, direct our praying, and cause us to walk in loving obedience. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.