Today’s reading: Josh 12:1–13:32, 2 Cor 11:7–15, Ps 52:1–53:6
Today’s theme: The daily battle
We have a cross to bear and battles to fight every day. We need to identify the kings that need to be defeated (like laziness, frustration, anger, selfishness etc.) and defeat them each day. We need to realise that we are at war whether we like it or not.
The gospel is under attack and we need to defend it. We need to do something with the victory that God has won for us through the gospel, today.
Joshua 12:1–13:32
A daily battle
the king of Tirzah, one: in all, thirty-one kings. Joshua 12:24 (ESV)
The longest month we can have is 31 days long, if we think of each day as a king to be conquered, the application would be that we have a battle of some sort to fight every day.
Jesus said “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” in Matthew 6:34. He said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” in Luke 9:23.
Do something with the victory God has won
all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim, even all the Sidonians. I myself will drive them out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you. Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh.” Joshua 13:6–7 (ESV)
God fights for His people and will drive the peoples from the land for them, but He will not divide the land for them as this was a task that He had given to Joshua, as the leader of the people. God has won the victory for us too but like Joshua, we are called to follow His commands in regards to using what God has won for us. See Galatians 5:1
2 Corinthians 11:7–15
We are at war!
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 (ESV)
Ever since this time, there have been false Apostles who pretend to be servants of God, but they are inspired by satan, satanic teaching and are full of hypocrisy. Showing one face to the people and another in private, they harbour evil doctrine and their core driving force is self exaltation, through manipulation and deceit just like satan.
This is evident all over the world, from established apostate institutions like the Roman Catholic Church, through to Word of Faith Prosperity Preachers on TV. Like Jesus said; we should not be deceived by their schemes, we should submit to our true shepherds (Pastors and Elders) and stay on our guard against the deceivers, submitting to the guidance and truth of God’s word and the Holy Spirit.
We need to fight for the true faith, against the perversions and lies of satan’s servants. We are at war.
Psalm 52:1–53:6
Trust in God
“See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction!” Psalm 52:7 (ESV)
We need to avoid the trap of trusting in our wages and possessions, we should put our faith in God.
All men are sinners
They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Psalm 53:3 (ESV)
Paul also picks this up in Romans, to prove that all men are under the condemnation of sin, Romans 3:10-12. This is why we needed a saviour in Jesus.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.
Additional resources
The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 11