The Pastor's Corner
"We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments."
(2 Corinthians 10:4)
For almost 25 years, I have been boxing.
As an avid boxing fan, I have had my share of experience in the ring, both as a fighter and a coach. I feel pretty confident in my ability to physically protect both myself and my family if necessary. Yet, when it comes to fighting spiritual matters, such as worldly thinking, there is but one place to turn -
the Word of God!
Matthew Henry reminds us,
"The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing. What opposition is made against the gospel, by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men! But observe the conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God. And the preaching of the cross, by men of faith and prayer, has always been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness."
We are bombarded today with a world-view that is clearly contrary to what Scripture teaches, yet we often give in to these false arguments and lies due to our lack of diligence in studying God's Word and a failure to rely completely on the truth of the Gospel.
Keep in mind that not every fight in boxing is won by the larger and stronger opponent. Do not be deceived by outward strength
and knowledge that you or others may possess. It will not avail you anything in the war against the world, the flesh and Satan. John Calvin states, "The life of a Christian, it is true, is a perpetual warfare, for whoever gives himself to the service of God will have no truce from Satan at any time, but will be harassed with incessant disquietude." That being said, your only hope in such a battle as this is the absolute dependency on God, His Spirit, and His Word.
May you look to Him always to guide you in this battle.
In His Abounding Grace,
Pastor Billie W. Dempsey
