"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."~ Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
Unfortunately, not all Christians are members of a church where they can be built up in their faith by being held accountable and restored when they sin (Prov 27:5-6, 2 Cor 2:5-8).
Not all Christians have the support of other believers for times of rejoicing, or times of sorrow (Rom 12:15). They are alone. Why? Because sadly, they've believed the devil's lie that listening to a sermon on the radio, TV or internet is good enough. They've fallen into the enemy's trap best known as, "You don't have to go to church. That's being legalistic. God is everywhere so you can worship Him anywhere." Of course, as with all lies, there's a grain of truth; and just enough to fool anyone who's discernment is weak because they're not in the Word daily, and they've neglected to fellowship and be strengthened by being with other believers in Christ.
They are alone.
And those who are alone, are the best and easiest prey for Satan, the most crafty and cunning predator.
Not all Christians have the support of other believers for times of rejoicing, or times of sorrow (Rom 12:15). They are alone. Why? Because sadly, they've believed the devil's lie that listening to a sermon on the radio, TV or internet is good enough. They've fallen into the enemy's trap best known as, "You don't have to go to church. That's being legalistic. God is everywhere so you can worship Him anywhere." Of course, as with all lies, there's a grain of truth; and just enough to fool anyone who's discernment is weak because they're not in the Word daily, and they've neglected to fellowship and be strengthened by being with other believers in Christ.
They are alone.
And those who are alone, are the best and easiest prey for Satan, the most crafty and cunning predator.
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."~ 1 Peter 5:8
Have you ever watched the animal channels on TV? The ones where they show lions and other predators hunting for their next meal? I have. And no matter the predator, they all use the same tactic. They quietly and patiently lie in wait, studying their oblivious prey; watching their lone victim eat, drink and be merry, with no regard for the danger it put itself in by wandering off...alone. Then suddenly, with no warning, the predator leaps out from the shadows and plunges towards the foolish animal that's too stunned, too slow and too weak to ward off the attack of its adversary. It's a sad and gruesome demise, and one that's necessary in the animal kingdom. But this is not a necessary and can be avoided by those who have been called into the Kingdom of God, as His holy and beloved children.
So how do we avoid becoming foolish prey to the devil, our adversary? We do it with wisdom and sobriety by feeding our spirits daily with the Word of God and keeping in close fellowship with brothers and sisters who will not flatter us, but will love us enough to speak and display God's love to us—whether or not it makes us feel good.
Just like predators in the animal world, Satan employs the same tactics and preys on those who will give the least resistance: the aged, the very young and the feeble. When these easy targets are left alone, they make themselves more desirable to the enemy than they already were.
Thankfully, those who are in Christ, are granted all the wisdom, strength and support we need so our adversary, the devil, cannot prevail. The question is: will we desire God's best for us, or try to live our lives in accordance with what makes us feel most comfortable...at the time?
So how do we avoid becoming foolish prey to the devil, our adversary? We do it with wisdom and sobriety by feeding our spirits daily with the Word of God and keeping in close fellowship with brothers and sisters who will not flatter us, but will love us enough to speak and display God's love to us—whether or not it makes us feel good.
Just like predators in the animal world, Satan employs the same tactics and preys on those who will give the least resistance: the aged, the very young and the feeble. When these easy targets are left alone, they make themselves more desirable to the enemy than they already were.
Thankfully, those who are in Christ, are granted all the wisdom, strength and support we need so our adversary, the devil, cannot prevail. The question is: will we desire God's best for us, or try to live our lives in accordance with what makes us feel most comfortable...at the time?
If you're not a member of a church, and I don't mean a "regular attendee" I mean, a committed member; then you need to rectify that as soon as possible. You need to fellowship with other members of the Body of Christ, submit under the headship of elders, and surround yourself with people who love you enough to hold you accountable when you sin, as well as lovingly restore you when you repent.
We all need other our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us remember to hold fast to the confession we made when we first trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior (Heb 10:23).
We all need other our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us remember to hold fast to the confession we made when we first trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior (Heb 10:23).
"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end."
~ Hebrews 3:13-14
