Set To Defend!

When going out to defend the garden against weeds, we would go ARMED with a shovel, hoe, weed puller, or other such tools. When police go after a dangerous suspect, they go out ARMED with bulletproof vests, stun guns, and weapons to apprehend while protecting the public. When a nation has to defend itself it pulls together whatever manpower and forces necessary, ARMED to protect it from being taken over. When it comes to our personal life, how ought we to be ARMED for spiritual security?

Following his addressing suffering even when involved in doing good in this life ( 1 Peter 3), Peter went on to urge. . .

"(1) Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, ARM YOURSELVES WITH THE SAME WAY OF THINKING, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, (2) SO AS TO LIVE for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but FOR THE WILL OF GOD." ( 1 Peter 4:1-2 ESV)

Remember when Jesus faced the cross, it was done ARMED with a focus on the FATHER'S WILL. ( Luke 22:42) It is "my will" that has the tendency to cause me to withdraw from life's challenges and trials. However, Peter made it clear it should be no surprise they are a part of the Christian walk. ( 1 Peter 4:12) We must therefore ARM ourselves with the resolve to press on in the WILL OF GOD anyway, because it is HIS WILL that will bring us through them and to where He desires us to be. We are to be ARMED with the mindset of entrusting our soul to our "faithful Creator while doing good" ( 1 Peter 4:19 ESV) as Jesus had "continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" ( 1 Peter 2:23) when He suffered on our behalf. Regardless of what we might face, may we be resolutely ARMED with a mind to live for the WILL OF GOD! Our best defense is our life wholly entrusted to Him!

Have a great day PROTECTED BY THE FORTRESS OF GODLY THINKING!
Carl

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