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1 Corinthians 7:31

Outwardly conforming (συσχηματίζω)

Outwardly conforming (συσχηματίζω) means putting on a mask to appear as something you’re not. It is to conform one’s mind and character to another’s pattern.

Suschēmatizō (συσχηματίζω) is derived from a word that means to be in the appearance or likeness of something else. When God the Son wrapped Himself in flesh, He was found in the likeness of a man; however, He was still fully God. He emptied Himself of His outward display of Deity and wrapped Himself in flesh, Philippians 2:8. As Christians, we are not part of the world system, for in Christ we are crucified to it, and it to us. However, Christ chose not to remove us from it; therefore, we are to use it but not abuse it, realizing that the outward form of the world is always changing, 1 Corinthians 7:31. It is the one who does the desirous will of God that abide into the age, 1 John 2:17.

In Romans 12:2, we are instructed not to put on a mask (outwardly conform ourselves) as though we are under law. Christians do not govern their lives by law, Romans 6:14. We are not to be inarticulate babblers who need a tutor because we are sons, Ephesians 1:5 (having marked off our bounds to the placement of sons through Jesus Christ unto Himself, according to the good pleasure of His desirous will). Sons do not need governors and tutors, which is what the law served as, Galatians 3:24. In contrast to living by law we are to train our senses to know what is proper from what lacks in character and govern our lives by grace out from faith, Hebrews 5:14; Romans 1:17. This standard needs no law […]

Outwardly conforming (συσχηματίζω)2024-08-09T16:26:11-07:00

Waging of War (στρατεύω)

As Christians, although we walk in the flesh, our waging of war is not done according to the flesh, for our weapons of warfare are not carnal in nature, 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. We battle malignantly evil spiritual forces that seek to ensnare our minds into doing the will of Satan while persuading us that we are doing what God wants, 2 Timothy 2:26. One of the most influential means by which war is waged upon humans is through the world system, for it is set up to pacify the sin nature through the desires of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of biological life, just as a baby is appeased by his mother rocking him in her arms, 1 John 2:16; 5:19. The wars of this world are a direct result of seeking to fulfill the desires of the flesh, James 4:1. Since we are engulfed in a spiritual battle, we are not to entangle ourselves with the affairs of this world, 2 Timothy 2:3.

Although we are at war, we do not need to fear. God has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness, 2 Peter 1:3. We are not ignorant of Satan’s methods and have been provided with armor that handles any attack he brings our way, Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 2:11. As part of our salvation, we also have light armor for everyday use so that we are always ready to give a defense for the hope that we have as we shine as luminaries to this crooked and perverse generation through living out who we are in Christ while casting off the works of darkness, Romans 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8. We are not part of the world system, […]

Waging of War (στρατεύω)2023-12-14T08:10:23-08:00

The Methods of Satan – Lying

Lying is a temptation that comes from Satan and is intended to create a false or misleading impression. He is the father of lies and where you find lying, he is directly involved.

John 8:44 You are out from the father the devil, and the desires of your father you desirously will to do. He was a manslayer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks out from his own, because he is a liar and the father of it.

He influences situations to persuade saints to lie, even to God

Acts 5:3 But Peter said, “Ananias, because of why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and you to pilfer from the price of the land?

Not speaking the truth is a big deal. Even a little lie is a direct result of the influence of Satan. This is something we should be paying attention to and anyone who lies should be called out for doing this. Especially those in positions of authority.

When it comes to the world system, lying is an integrated part of it and often is seen as a good thing. But how can falsely misleading others be good? The world system was created by Satan to manipulate humans to obey his desires rather than their own. Lying is one of the ways he does this.

Therefore, when politicians, doctors, and leaders lie this is not something that should take a Christian by surprise. They are of the world and the world is fond of its own (John 15:19). Those in the Church who lie are following after Satan and are the […]

The Methods of Satan – Lying2023-12-14T08:45:51-08:00
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