Scripture – Be of Sober Spirit, Take up the Full Armour of God

Scripture - Be of Sober Spirit, Take up the Full Armour of GodWhy are you to be of sound mind?  Why are you to be of sober spirit?  Because we live in times where the devil prowls like a roaring lion seeking to destroy you mind.  This is not a fleshly battle, but a spiritual one.  If your mind is held captive with things that steer you away from God then you need to repent and get back onto the narrow path.

1 Peter 5:8   –   8  Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 1:13    –   13  Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:7    –   7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

2 Timothy 4:5   –   5  But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

1 Thessalonians 5:8   –   8  But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

Unfortunately the new twist in the tale is contemplative spirituality, where you will find the excesses being replaced with stillness and silence so that you can prepare your mind to find your inner-self through meditation.

The devil still prowls like a roaring lion, he never stops.

God tell us through His word that in order to be strong we are to put on the FULL ARMOUR of GOD.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6    –    4  So But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;    5  for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

How to we stand strong in the face of adversity?

Ephesians 6:10-18   –   10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,

15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;

16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

Today people try anything to get you away from the Word of God:  signs and wonders to blow your mind, manifestations to take over your mind, and now contemplative prayer to silence and cleanse your mind.

The Bible tells us to be vigilant all the time, and the only thing that will keep Christians safe is to obey the Word of God.

However there is a big problem that has actually overcome the church and that is the correct interpretation of scripture.  You will be told that the Bible is no longer sufficient to be able to handle the problems of the 21st Century, and that one needs to debate scripture in order to find another answer to the worlds problems.  And found another answer they have, but it’s not accurate.

The Bible tells us that we need to study the Word to find ourselves approved by ACCURATELY handling the Word of Truth:

2 Timothy 2:15   –    15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Putting on God’s whole armour (the Word of God) cuts through all the world’s lies, distortions, deceptions, and compromises. When you study, memorise, live, and follow TRUTH, you will be able to stand strong for Jesus Christ the Son of God and never waiver from what Scripture teaches us.

John 14:6  –   6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

The different between what the Word of God has to offer and what the world has to offer:

EACH PIECE

CHRISTIAN PARADIGM

GLOBAL PARADIGM

Put on:

Know and affirm:

Recognise and resist:

Belt of TRUTH His sovereignty, love, wisdom, and holiness. (Deut. 4:39; Ps. 18:1-3) Pantheistic, monistic, polytheistic gods and goddesses.
Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS Jesus Christ and His blood, which cleanses us from sin. The cross which frees us from bondage to selfish nature. The natural goodness, connectedness, and sacredness of all life.
Sandals of PEACE Our peace through our union and ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. Peace through occult practices and union with a cosmic force or nature spirits.
Shield of FAITH Our continual trust in God, His Word, and His promises. Trust in Self, inner wisdom, dreams, visions, gods, goddess, cosmic force, coincidences, etc.
Helmet of SALVATION God’s promises of daily and eternal salvation in Jesus Christ. Evolving spiritually by growing in consciousness staying tuned to the cosmic mind.
Sword of the Spirit His WORD The power of God’s Word to counter deception and triumph over spiritual foes. The power of thoughts, words and affirmations to change reality and direct spiritual forces.

Source:   http://www.crossroad.to/Victory/Armor.htm

PS, this is not Joel’s army related.  Putting on the whole armour of God has got nothing to do what-so-ever with building an Army for God based on Joel 2 – as per the Latter Rain Manifest Sons of God movement (cult) would love to believe.

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Deborah (Discerning the World)

Deborah Ellish is the author of the above article. Discerning the World is an internet Christian Ministry based in Johannesburg South Africa. Tom Lessing and Deborah Ellish both own Discerning the World. For more information see the About this Website page below the comments section.

5 Responses

  1. Alex says:

    Is medical Marijuana wrong in Gods eyes? I ask because I am disabled and I have a card. I am reconnecting with Jesus Christ my savior and Lord.

  2. Alex

    To be honest Alex, I am not so sure on this one. Marijuana alters your mind, and the bible says you are to be “sober of mind” and remain in control all the time, because the devil is like a lion prowling waiting to strike when you are not ‘thinking properly’.

    1 Peter 5:8
    8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

    Does medical marijuana kill pain and alter your mind, or is it special marijuana that only kills pain when smoked?

  3. Alex

    Here is a very definitive answer to your question.

    —————-

    “Medical marijuana – what does the Bible say?”

    Answer: There is no definitive biblical answer to the question of whether Christians should use medical marijuana, because marijuana for medicinal use is not addressed in the Bible. However, after a review of certain clear biblical principles, the answer to the question becomes clearer.

    First, although many states have legalized medical marijuana, its use is still illegal according to federal law. Paul exhorts us to obey the law of the land under our government in this way: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).

    In addition to the fact that it is illegal, smoking marijuana can be extremely harmful to one’s health. The most potent argument against the use of marijuana to treat medical disorders is that marijuana may cause the acceleration or aggravation of the very disorders it is being used to treat. Smoking marijuana regularly (a joint a day) can damage the cells in the bronchial passages which protect the body against inhaled microorganisms and decrease the ability of the immune cells in the lungs to fight off fungi, bacteria, and tumor cells. For patients with already weakened immune systems, this means an increase in the possibility of dangerous pulmonary infections, including pneumonia, which often proves fatal in AIDS patients. The use of marijuana as a medical therapy can and does have a very serious negative effect on patients with pre-existing immune deficits from AIDS, organ transplantation, or cancer chemotherapy, the very conditions for which marijuana has most often been suggested as a treatment.

    A study indicates that a marijuana user’s risk of heart attack more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana. The researchers suggest that such an effect might occur from marijuana’s effects on blood pressure and heart rate and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Additionally, the smoke from cannabis—the plant from which marijuana is derived—contains compounds that can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer just like tobacco smoke according to a recent study from the United Kingdom. In laboratory tests, Rajinder Singh from the University of Leicester and colleagues found certain carcinogens in cannabis smoke in amounts 50 percent greater than those found in tobacco smoke. They noted that light cannabis use could possibly prove to be even more damaging because cannabis smokers usually inhale more deeply than cigarette smokers. Researchers found that the smoking of three to four cannabis cigarettes a day is associated with the same degree of damage to bronchial mucus membranes as twenty or more tobacco cigarettes a day. In truth, marijuana causes short-term memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problem solving, loss of motor skills, decrease in muscle strength, increased heart rate and anxiety—and that’s just for starters. According to the Mayo Clinic, marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and has the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract. Clearly, this is contradictory to the biblical mandate to keep our bodies pure. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

    In short, although there remains much research to be done in this area, there are plenty of studies that indicate seriously deleterious effects of marijuana on the body. The pain-controlling or analgesic effect of marijuana is roughly comparable to that of codeine, according to the DEA. However, the effect is potentiated due to the neuropsychiatric “high” feeling or euphoria that occurs when marijuana enters the bloodstream. But marijuana is no panacea. A recent study shows that high doses can actually increase pain. There is a therapeutic window for analgesia, with low doses being ineffective, medium doses resulting in pain relief, and high doses increasing pain. It is important to note that researchers also found a significant correlation between increasing marijuana use and drowsiness, loss of control over thought and action, and transient depression and paranoia.

    The Bible teaches Christians to be sound of mind. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The Greek word translated as “sober” is nepho, which literally means “drink no wine.” From this it derived a broader meaning of being self-controlled, free of confusion, clear headed, sound of mind, or keeping your head. From this verse, we can see that Christians are to avoid intoxicants that impair clear thinking. Marijuana certainly seems to cloud thinking and reaction time. According to the Kaiser study, daily marijuana users have a 30 percent higher risk of injuries, presumably from accidents. A survey of 1,023 emergency room trauma patients in Baltimore found that more than 34 percent were under the influence of marijuana. And a 2005 study showed people who drive after using marijuana are almost twice as likely to be involved in a fatal car crash.

    Additionally, clouded thinking can lead to questionable moral choices. Habakkuk warns, “Woe to you who make your neighbors drink, who mix in your venom even to make them drunk so as to look on their nakedness!” (Habakkuk 2:15). The reference to “mix in your venom” is the ancient practice of adding herbs (or drugs) to wine to make its intoxicating effects more potent. Christians have a hard enough time battling temptations without making Satan’s job easier by taking drugs that alter one’s judgment and self-control. Use of intoxicants has also been closely associated with witchcraft and sorcery in the Bible. The Greek word pharmakeia, translated “sorcery,” literally means “to administer drugs.” As with our English word “drugs,” the context must be considered to determine the meaning. In biblical times, pagans incorporated the use of drugs to induce altered states of consciousness, during which they supposedly communed with their gods. This would be similar to the modern-day practice of voodoo. The apostles strongly condemned the use of such drugs to produce altered mind states because the drugs lowered inhibitions and self-control. (Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 9:20-21; 21:8; 22:15). The Christian disciplines his body and keeps it under control (1 Corinthians 9:27), so that he is able to set his mind on things above (Colossians 3:2).

    We must also consider the impact that the use of marijuana could have on others. A person smoking marijuana may be encouraging someone else, who may not have a medical justification, to use marijuana as well. Anyone who truly wants to know the effects of legalizing medicinal marijuana need look no further than California, where Proposition 215 passed in 1996. The law was written to target “seriously ill” Californians, but the state’s Police Chiefs Association reports that marijuana use by healthy youth and adults is “at epidemic levels.” Police officers regularly find parolees, probationers and gang members in possession of both marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia. Even more disturbing are reports of children possessing physician recommendations and routinely using marijuana. One unintended consequence of medical marijuana is the promotion of its use by those who are not “seriously ill.” As Christians, we are called to avoid not only sin, but also any activity that may cause our brothers and sisters in Christ to sin (1 Corinthians 8:9-13).

    Finally, Satan is the great justifier. He always wants to help us rationalize and justify sinning against God, almost making it seem like the right thing to do. The same games people play in using the Bible to try to justify many other sinful activities can used to justify smoking pot. Taking verses out of context, stating a verse means one thing when it clearly means another, and making assumptions the Word does not support are all tricks the enemy will use to try to justify smoking marijuana. We must never forget that Satan is a liar. We must guard against these tactics in our own lives. Over 90 percent of the marijuana used currently in this country is for recreational use. Although many of those users have medical marijuana cards, in many cases their marijuana has been prescribed by practitioners who are employed by the dispensaries, have never examined the patient, are not qualified to treat the conditions for which the marijuana is being prescribed, and have done nothing to validate the medical necessity of the prescription. Although many people may be deceived by such practices, God is not deceived. He will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7).

    http://www.gotquestions.org/medical-marijuana.html [Note: Articles posted by DTW are not an endorsement of the author, their website, ministry or any links therein. Readers are cautioned to use discernment at all times and test everything by the Word of God. Gotquestions.org is a Calvinist run website, and DTW does not endorse Calvinism at all.]

  4. Estelle says:

    Hello, I’m not sure whether Alex meant “smoking” marijuana?
    I know some of the compounds can be extracted from the plant and be used in medication (without the same effects). Either taken orally or through injection and only certain compounds have psychoactive effects.

    Found this on wiki.
    “Like cannabidiol, cannabigerol is not psychoactive. Cannabigerol has been shown to relieve intraoccular pressure, which may be of benefit in the treatment of glaucoma”

    “Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major constituent of medical cannabis. CBD represents up to 40% of extracts of medical cannabis.[91] Cannabidiol has been shown to relieve convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, cough, congestion and nausea, and it inhibits cancer cell growth.[90] Recent studies have shown cannabidiol to be as effective as atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia.[92] Because cannabidiol relieves the aforementioned symptoms, cannabis strains with a high amount of CBD may benefit people with multiple sclerosis, frequent anxiety attacks and Tourette syndrome.”

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis

    I think if you can find a medication with these compounds that are not psychoactive, addictive etc. and doesn’t have the other bad effects… I don’t really see a reason not use it as a treatment option.
    As for smoking, I think it’s clear not to do so.

  5. Myfanwy Brown says:

    I was just watching a reality TV show about cops in England and what they have to deal with every day and night. I sometimes watch the new episodes.

    This one tonight was about the police busting some drug growers, who were growing cannibas in sheds at their homes. They must have found about a hundred thousand pounds worth of cannibas plants. These were of the ‘skunk’ variety, called that because of their pungent smell.

    I also saw something on the news later about a 14 year old girl that was killed two years ago by a driver who had been smoking cannibas. This guy got a ridiculous sentence that amounted to nothing. The drug growers can get sentences of up to 14 years.

    This makes no sense to me.. I do believe that the growers should be punished harshly for breaking the law, but what of people that kill innocent people because they are high on cannibas??

    I take a prescribed medication that makes me very sleepy after about half an hour, and even though I do not drive, I would never attempt to do so after taking these meds. I have known heavy drug users that had been on cocaine and heroine, and were clean but still on cannibas. Let me tell you this drug DOES have a negative effect on people, it makes them paranoid for one thing. It can also lead to stronger drug abuse.

    The fact is cannibas is illegal in Britain, and if that is the law, then people should abide by it. I am not sure how cannibas can be medicinal.. and the fact that people smoke it makes it even worse. I know there are other ways to take cannibas, but just the knowledge that it can make someone paranoid is enough for me. If I was taking a prescribed medication that had that affect on me, I would immediately stop taking it.

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