Askari Mkristo - The Christian Soldier
Askari Mkristo - The Christian Soldier
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Je, umewahi kujiuliza kwa nini Maandiko ya Agano Jipya yanataja askari, nahodha, -silaha, nidhamu, mapigano na vita? Vita ilikuwa njia ya maisha kwa nchi nyingi wakati wa ujio wa kwanza wa Bwana wetu, kama ilivyo leo. Rumi ilikuwa imeshinda sehemu kubwa ya ulimwengu wa mashariki na kujiimarisha yenyewe kama mamlaka kuu juu ya wale walioshindwa, ikiwa na ngome za askari wa Kirumi kuangalia nyara zao. Huu ndio utamaduni uliokuwapo wakati Yesu alipotokea na ambao uliendelea wakati waandishi wa Agano Jipya walipoweka maneno yao, wakiongozwa na Roho Mtakatifu wa Mungu.
Tunapofikiria neno askari, tunalihusisha na vita na mtu ambaye amefunzwa kutetea au kuua. Ingawa askari Mkristo hajafunzwa kuua kimwili, vita vyake ni vya kujihami na vya kweli kabisa. Kama ilivyo kwa askari wa ulimwengu huu, Mkristo lazima awe wakfu kabisa na kuzingatia kazi ambayo anazoezwa kwayo. Sikiliza maneno ya 2 Timotheo 2:4 : “Hakuna mtu anayetumika’ kama askari anayejihusisha na mambo ya kiraia – anataka kumpendeza mkuu wake wa jeshi” (NIV). Biblia ya KJV inasema, “Hakuna mtu apigaye vita ajitiaye mwenyewe katika mambo ya maisha haya; ili ampendeze yeye aliyemchagua kuwa askari. “Afisa mkuu” wa Mkristo ni nani? Waebrania 2:10 inajibu kwa ajili yetu: “... ilimpasa yeye, ambaye kwa ajili yake vitu vyote vimekuwapo, na ambaye kwa yeye vitu vyote vimekuwapo, akileta wana wengi waufikilie utukufu, kumkamilisha kiongozi mkuu wa wokovu wao kwa njia ya mateso. Kama vile askari alivyo chini ya mamlaka ya jemadari wake au ofisa mkuu, vivyo hivyo kama askari Wakristo tunapaswa kuwa watiifu kwa Bwana Yesu Kristo ambaye ni Kiongozi wetu na Nahodha wetu, - "kustahimili ugumu, kama askari mwema wa Yesu Kristo" 2 Tim. 2:3).
Ni adui gani ambaye tunapaswa kupigana naye? Katika muktadha wa silaha, ni Shetani na wale wote wanaojipanga pamoja naye, ambao pia wangeingia katika ulimwengu huu mwovu na mwili wa kimwili. Hebu tuangalie kwa makini maneno ya Waefeso 6:10-18 : “Hatimaye, mzidi kuwa hodari katika Bwana na katika uweza wa uweza wake.
Vaeni silaha zote za Mungu ili mpate kuzipinga hila za shetani. Kwa maana kushindana kwetu sisi si juu ya damu na nyama, bali ni juu ya falme na mamlaka, juu ya wakuu wa giza hili, juu ya majeshi ya pepo wabaya katika ulimwengu wa roho. Kwa hiyo, vaeni silaha zote za Mungu, ili siku ya uovu itakapokuja, mweze kusimama imara, na baada ya kufanya yote, kusimama. Simama imara basi, huku ukiwa umejifunga mkanda wa ukweli kiunoni,. mmevaa dirii ya haki kifuani, na miguu yenu ikiwa imevaa utayari uletwao na Injili ya amani. Zaidi ya hayo yote, itwaeni ngao ya imani, ambayo kwa hiyo mtaweza kuizima mishale yote yenye moto ya yule mwovu. Pokeeni chapeo ya wokovu na upanga wa Roho ambao ni neno la Mungu. na kuomba kila wakati katika Roho kwa kila namna ya sala na maombi."
Hebu tupitie aya hizi na tuone baadhi ya mambo muhimu sana. Ni lazima tukumbuke kwamba Mtume Paulo alionyesha katika akili yake picha ya askari wa Kirumi na vifaa vyake alipoandika barua hii. Wanajeshi wa Kirumi walikuwa kila mahali katika Israeli na nchi zote zilizoizunguka, wakiwekwa ili kusimamia na kudumisha amani katika nchi walizoziteka.
Kwanza, acheni tuangalie chanzo cha silaha. Mistari ya 11 na 13 hutuelekeza ‘tuvae silaha zote za Mungu. Ndiyo, hii ni silaha inayotolewa na Mungu na si chochote tunachoweza kujitengenezea. Mbinu na nguvu zote za kibinadamu haziwezi kamwe kustahimili nguvu za kutisha za Shetani na majeshi ya uovu. Mungu wetu atatupa yote tunayohitaji ili kuwa askari wa Msalaba waliovalishwa vyema. Mtume anatuhakikishia hili katika Wafilipi 4:19: “Lakini Mungu wangu atawajazeni kila mnachokihitaji kwa kadiri ya utajiri wake, katika utukufu, ndani ya Kristo Yesu.” Pia katika 2 Wakorintho 9:8 anasema, “Na Mungu aweza kuwajaza kila neema kwa wingi, ili ninyi mkiwa na riziki za kila namna sikuzote, mpate kuzidi sana katika kila tendo jema.”
Mistari ya 11 na 13 pia inatuambia kwa nini tunahitaji silaha hizi: “Mpate kuzipinga hila za Ibilisi” ... “ili siku ya ubaya itakapokuja mweze kusimama imara na kuwafuata. wamefanya kila kitu, kusimama.” Kuchukua msimamo wetu ni mkao wa kujihami. Ina maana tunakabiliana na adui ana kwa ana kwa kutumia masharti tuliyopewa; si kushindwa na woga, bali kujichotea nguvu za Mungu kuwashinda adui. Kuna vitu saba vilivyoorodheshwa na silaha zetu za kiroho. Wakati mwingine kitu cha mwisho, sala, hupuuzwa, lakini hii ni muhimu sana na tutazingatia mwisho.
Ukanda wa Ukweli
Ukanda wa Ukweli
Ukanda hutumiwa kuteka nguo karibu na mwili. Hii inaruhusu mikono ya askari kusonga kwa uhuru ili aweze kujilinda. Upanga wake pia umetundikwa kutoka kwa ukanda huu. Anapohitaji kuchomoa upanga wake na kuutumia, hazuiliwi na mavazi machafu. Ndivyo ilivyo kwa Mkristo; hana haja ya kukisia ni wapi ukweli unapatikana kwa maana umebanwa kwa nguvu tena upande wake. Tunaweza kusema kwamba kweli imetuweka huru kama andiko la Yohana 8:31-32 linavyosema: “Ninyi mkikaa katika neno langu, mmekuwa wanafunzi wangu kweli kweli; tena mtaifahamu kweli, nayo hiyo kweli itawaweka huru.” Ukweli utatuweka huru kutokana na yote ambayo yangekuja dhidi yetu hivyo tuko tayari kila wakati kujilinda kwa neno la Mungu kutokana na mashambulizi ya Shetani.
Bamba la kifua la Haki
Bamba la kifua la Haki
Bamba la kifuani limeundwa na silaha za chuma, kulinda sehemu ya juu ya mbele ya mwili wa askari. Itastahimili mchomo wa upanga au mkuki na kugeuza mishale inayorushwa na adui. Tukisimama imara juu ya msingi imara wa Yesu Kristo, hakuna kinachoweza kutusukuma. Haki itastahimili uovu wote. Tunapaswa kuacha mtazamo wa Yesu ukae ndani yetu, “tuliopenda haki na kuchukia uovu”
(Waebrania 1:9). Tukifanya hivi, basi sisi pia tutakuwa washindi dhidi ya maadui zetu. Katika Warumi 8:38-39 tuna uhakikisho mzuri sana juu ya jambo hili hili: “Kwa maana nimekwisha kujua hakika ya kwamba, wala mauti, wala uzima, wala malaika, wala pepo, wala ya sasa, wala yatakayokuwapo, wala wenye uwezo, wala yaliyo juu, wala yaliyo chini, wala cho chote. vinginevyo katika viumbe vyote, kitaweza kututenga na upendo wa Mungu ulio katika Kristo Yesu Bwana wetu.” Mungu pia ametuandalia uwezo wa kiakili wa kusimama imara kama vile 2 Timotheo 1:7 hutuambia: “Maana Mungu hakutupa roho ya woga, bali ya nguvu, na ya upendo, na ya nidhamu.” Kumbuka, dirii ya kifuani haitoi ulinzi kwa mgongo wa askari. Ili iwe na ufanisi, lazima amkabili adui yake kila wakati. Askari anayerejea yuko katika hatari kubwa ya kupigwa na adui. Ndio maana askari lazima asimame.
!Miguu Imevaliwa Injili Ya Amani
!Miguu Imevaliwa Injili Ya Amani
Askari anapochukua msimamo wake dhidi ya mashambulizi ya adui yake, kuweka miguu ni muhimu sana. Viatu vya mwanajeshi huyo Mroma vilikuwa imara sana, vikimwezesha kuhama haraka na bado asirudi nyuma alipopigwa kipigo. Mara nyingi viatu vilikuwa na mipasuko au miiba wakati vita vilipaswa kupigwa kwenye uwanja wazi ili kuhakikisha usalama wa msingi. Mkristo anapotetea msimamo wake, ana amani ya akili kwamba kifaa chake kitatimiza kazi ambayo kilikusudiwa na Mungu. “Haipigi hewa” kwa itikio la kuchanganyikiwa ( 1 Kor. 9:26 ), bali anasonga kwa uhakika akiwa na uhakika kamili. Ikiwa tutasimama imara tukiwa tumevaa injili ya amani ya Yesu Kristo na Ufalme Wake, hakuna kitakachotusukuma. Tunapaswa kuwa tayari kueneza ujumbe ambao malaika waliwapa wachungaji waliokuwa kwenye kilima cha Bethlehemu: “Msiogope, ninawaletea ninyi habari njema ya habari njema ambayo itakuwa kwa watu wote.” Tukimtegemea Mungu na ahadi zake, tutajilinda kwa uhakika kwamba tutashinda, kwa maana kama Daudi wa kale alivyosema, “Vita ni vya BWANA” ( 1 Sam. 17:47 ). Basi hebu tuchimbue mashambulizi ambayo hakika yatakuja, tukiwa macho kwa kutazama, daima tayari kukabiliana na adui katika roho ya utulivu na ya ujasiri.
Ngao ya Imani
Ngao ya Imani
Ngao ni moja wapo ya sehemu zinazofaa zaidi na zinazofaa zaidi za silaha za ulinzi za askari. Moja ya silaha hatari zaidi ya vita vya kale ilikuwa dart ya moto. Ulikuwa ni mshale maalum uliotumbukizwa kwenye lami, ukawashwa na kisha kurushwa kwa adui. Inapogusana lami inayowaka moto ingejishikamanisha na kujitandaza kwenye kitu kilichogonga. Ngao ingegeuza hii haraka, na mwali kwenye ngao ungeweza kufukiza ardhini haraka. Ngao hii ilikuwa muhimu vile vile kwa kuzuia michomo ya upanga na mikuki. Tunaonywa tuwe na “uhakika kamili wa imani” katika Ebr. 10:22. Kadiri imani yetu inavyokuwa kubwa, ndivyo ulinzi wetu dhidi ya mishale yenye moto ya Shetani itakayojaribu imani yetu ni ya aina gani. Tuwe na hakika ni imani ambayo itatulinda kikamilifu.
Chapeo ya Wokovu
Chapeo ya Wokovu
Kofia hiyo ilivaliwa kama ulinzi wa kichwa cha askari. Tunajua kichwa, au akili, ni mahali pa ujuzi. Kwa hiyo askari Mkristo anahakikishiwa wokovu wake uliopokelewa na dhabihu ya gharama ya Bwana Yesu, Nahodha wa wokovu wetu. Wokovu ni zawadi ya Mungu kupitia Yesu. Haiwezi kupatikana.
Inatokana na kuamini kwamba Yesu alikufa kwa ajili ya dhambi zetu na kwamba damu yake yenye sifa njema imetukomboa kutoka katika adhabu ya dhambi na kifo. Ikiwa tuna hii imara imara katika akili zetu, basi hakuna pigo kwa kichwa itakuwa na athari juu yetu. Wokovu unatupa tumaini hai. Tunasoma katika Waebrania 6:19, “Tunalo tumaini hili kama nanga ya roho, thabiti na salama.” tusimame imara katika uhakikisho wa wokovu wetu, tukimtazama daima “kiongozi na mwenye kutimiza imani yetu” (Waebrania 12:2 – Weymouth). .
Upanga wa Roho
Upanga wa Roho
Ingawa upanga unaweza kutumika kwa ukali, askari ambaye amesimama chini anautumia kwa kujilinda kuepusha mapigo ya adui. Tunaambiwa kwamba “upanga wa Roho ni neno la Mungu.” Yesu alisimama imara dhidi ya majaribu ya Shetani na Mafarisayo kwa kutumia Maandiko kuwashinda adui zake. Jangwani baada ya ubatizo wake, alipinga upanga wa Shetani kwa kujibu, “Imeandikwa…” (Mathayo 4:4-10). Ni lazima pia tulifahamu Neno la Mungu kwa ukaribu, ikiwa tunataka kujilinda wenyewe kwa ufanisi .dhidi ya adui wetu mjanja zaidi. Hilo litamaanisha kuchukua muda wa kusoma na kujifunza kitabu cha mwongozo cha askari wetu, Biblia yetu, ambapo tutapokea mafundisho yote tutakayohitaji katika hali yoyote tunayokutana nayo. Muhimu zaidi ni hitaji letu la kumtegemea Roho Mtakatifu ili atuongoze katika ufahamu sahihi wa Neno la Mungu na kutuonyesha jinsi ya kutumia maagizo haya katika vita vyetu vya kila siku dhidi ya Shetani na wafuasi wake waovu. Shetani anaweza kushinda mabishano yetu binafsi kwa urahisi, lakini hana ulinzi dhidi ya Neno la Mungu. Waebrania 4:12 hutuambia jinsi Neno la Mungu lilivyo na nguvu na matokeo: “Kwa maana neno la Mungu li hai, tena lina nguvu. Ni mkali kuliko upanga uwao wote ukatao kuwili, hupenya hata kuzigawanya nafsi na roho, na viungo na mafuta yaliyomo ndani yake; huyahukumu mawazo na mitizamo ya moyo.”
Tunakumbuka maneno ya Daudi, akiwa mvulana mdogo mchungaji, alipokabiliana ana kwa ana na jitu, Goliathi. Tulitaja hili kwa ufupi hapo awali, lakini sasa tungependa kusoma zaidi muktadha, kwa maana inazaa kurudia. Katika 1 Samweli 17:45-47 tunasoma: “Daudi akamwambia yule Mfilisti, Wewe unanijia mimi na upanga na fumo na mkuki, lakini mimi nakujia wewe kwa jina la BWANA wa majeshi, Mungu wa majeshi ya Israeli. , ambaye umemtukana. Leo BWANA atakutia mkononi mwangu, naye atakupiga na kukukata kichwa. Leo nitawapa ndege wa angani na wanyama wa nchi mizoga ya jeshi la Wafilisti, na ulimwengu wote utajua ya kuwa yuko Mungu katika Israeli. Wote waliokusanyika hapa watajua ya kuwa BWANA haokoi kwa upanga wala kwa mkuki; kwa maana vita ni vya BWANA, naye atawatia ninyi nyote mikononi mwetu. Daudi alikuwa na imani kuu na imani kwa Mungu wake. Yeye
kuaminiwa na kisha akatoka katika utimilifu wa imani dhidi ya adui anayeonekana kuwa hawezi kushindwa. Naye BWANA akaiheshimu imani yake, akampa ushindi. Kwa kweli “vita vilikuwa vya BWANA.” Na tumkabili adui yetu kwa imani ile ile ya ujasiri na kuwa na maneno haya midomoni mwetu na mioyoni mwetu, “Imeandikwa .... “ Ndipo ushindi ni wetu na Shetani atakimbia.
Omba Katika Roho
Omba Katika Roho
Maombi ndio njia yetu ya mawasiliano na Nahodha wetu. Ni askari gani anaweza kuwa na ufanisi isipokuwa anawasiliana na amepokea maagizo kutoka kwa kiongozi wake? Ni njia gani iliyo bora zaidi ambayo askari wa Kikristo anaweza kujiandaa kwa ajili ya vita na adui kuliko kuomba daima kwa uongozi na ushindi. Ona kwamba andiko letu lilisema kwamba tunapaswa “kuomba sikuzote.” Hii ina maana kwamba tunapaswa kuwa katika mawasiliano ya kila siku, ya saa, ya muda baada ya muda, tukitafuta maelekezo na hasa katika joto la vita. Tunapojisikia kwa kiasi fulani kuzimia, kuvunjika moyo na uchovu, tuombe haraka na tuamini daima kwamba tuna kile tunachoomba, nguvu na nguvu kutoka juu za kuendelea kupigana vita hivi vya kiroho. Kumbuka! Vita tunayopigana si yetu, bali ni ya Mungu wetu. Na tuwe daima katika mawasiliano ya papo hapo na endelevu na Kapteni na Kiongozi wa Wokovu wetu. Yeye yuko kila wakati kututia moyo na kutuhimiza tuendelee. “Msijisumbue kwa neno lo lote; bali katika kila neno kwa kusali na kuomba, pamoja na kushukuru, haja zenu na zijulikane na Mungu. Na amani ya Mungu, ipitayo akili zote, itawahifadhi mioyo yenu na nia zenu katika Kristo Yesu” (Wafilipi 4:6-7).
Kwa Muhtasari
Kwa Muhtasari
Tukitumia kila sehemu ya silaha hii ya ajabu ambayo Mungu ametengeneza na kumpa kila mmoja wetu, tutapigana vita kwa ushindi hadi mwisho kabisa. Utakuwa ushindi wake, sio wetu, na sifa zitakuwa kwake. Sisi ni watumishi wake wanyenyekevu, askari wa Msalaba, kwa utiifu tukitumia kile tulichopewa. Warumi 8:31 inatupa uhakikisho mkubwa: “Kwa maana tuseme nini juu ya mambo haya? Mungu akiwa upande wetu, ni nani aliye juu yetu?” Hebu na tuishi kwa uaminifu kulingana na maonyo aliyopewa Timotheo na sisi pia na Mtume mkuu Paulo katika 2 Tim. 2:3: “Vumilia taabu kama askari-jeshi mwema wa Kristo Yesu.” Tukifanya hivi, tutampendeza Baba yetu wa Mbinguni.
Tukifuatilia wazo la askari mbele kidogo, tunataka kutaja kwamba mavazi ya zamani aliyokuwa amevaa lazima yatupwe kando ili kuvaa silaha mpya. Askari aliyeandikishwa lazima pia aweke kando mtindo wake wa maisha wa zamani na badala yake mtindo mpya wa maisha wenye nidhamu. Wakolosai 3:2-12 inaeleza maisha haya mapya kwa undani sana: “Yafikirini yaliyo juu, si yaliyo ya dunia, kwa maana mlikufa, na uzima wenu sasa umefichwa pamoja na Kristo katika Mungu. Kristo, aliye uzima wenu, atakapotokea, ndipo ninyi nanyi mtakapotokea pamoja naye katika utukufu. Basi, vifisheni vyote vilivyo vya asili yenu ya kidunia: uasherati, uchafu,
tamaa mbaya, tamaa mbaya na uchoyo, ambayo ni ibada ya sanamu. Kwa sababu ya haya, ghadhabu ya Mungu inakuja. Ulikuwa unatembea katika njia hizi, katika maisha uliyoishi hapo awali. Lakini sasa mnapaswa kuachana na mambo yote kama haya: hasira, ghadhabu, uovu, matukano na lugha chafu kutoka kwa midomo yenu. Msiambiane uongo, kwa kuwa mmevua utu wa kale pamoja na matendo yake, mkavaa utu mpya, unaofanywa upya upate ufahamu kwa mfano wa Muumba wake. Hapa hakuna Myunani wala Myahudi, kutahiriwa au kutotahiriwa, mgeni wala Msikithi, mtumwa au mtu huru, bali Kristo ni yote, na yu ndani ya yote. Kwa hiyo, kwa kuwa mmekuwa wateule wa Mungu, watakatifu wapendwao, jivikeni moyo wa rehema, utu wema, unyenyekevu, upole na uvumilivu.
Askari wa kweli lazima ajifunze nidhamu na utii. Zote mbili ni muhimu kwa maisha yake na ushindi wa mwisho juu ya maadui zake. Mwanafunzi ni mfuasi makini na mwenye nidhamu wa mtu fulani. Vivyo hivyo mfuasi wa Yesu yuko katika mafunzo makali. Yesu alisema kwamba yeyote anayetaka kuwa mfuasi wake lazima “ajikane mwenyewe, ajitwike msalaba wake kila siku, na kumfuata” (Luka 9:23). Tunasoma katika 1 Petro 5:8-9 : “Iweni na kiasi na kukesha; mshitaki wenu Ibilisi, kama simba angurumaye, huzunguka-zunguka, akitafuta mtu amme; kukamilika kwa ndugu zenu walioko duniani.” Kuwa tayari kila wakati kutambua na kukutana na adui ni muhimu ili kuishi.
Shetani ni adui mjanja lakini kitabu chetu cha mafunzo, Biblia, kimetutayarisha kwa ajili ya mashambulizi yake mengi ya hila. Ni kwa kupunguza uangalifu wetu au kwa uzembe ambapo 2 Wakorintho 2:11 ingetumika kwetu: “Shetani asije akapata kutushinda; Tahadhari, kukesha ni muhimu sana. Tunasoma hivi katika 1 Wathesalonike 5:6-8 : “Basi, tusiwe kama wengine wamelala mauti, bali tukeshe na kuwa na kiasi. Kwa maana wale wanaolala hulala usiku, na wale wanaolewa hulewa usiku. Lakini kwa kuwa sisi ni wa mchana, na tuwe na kiasi, tukivaa imani na upendo kama dirii ya kifuani, na tumaini la wokovu kama chapeo cha pekee.” Siku zote tuwe macho na macho kuwapinga adui zetu pamoja na askari wenye nidhamu, wenye kujitawala na walioelimika wa Yesu Kristo.
Vita Vijavyo
Vita Vijavyo
Bado kuna vita vingine vya kupiganwa katika wakati ujao ambapo askari mwaminifu, anayeshinda katika maisha haya atahusika na kiongozi wao mkuu na Kapteni, Bwana Yesu Kristo. Tunasoma hivi katika kitabu cha Ufunuo, sura ya 19 na mistari 11-21 : “Nikaona mbingu imesimama wazi, na hapo mbele yangu palikuwa na farasi mweupe, ambaye Mpandaji wake aitwa Mwaminifu na wa Kweli. Kwa uadilifu huhukumu na kufanya vita. Macho yake ni kama mwali wa moto, na juu ya kichwa chake taji nyingi. Ana jina limeandikwa juu yake ambalo hakuna alijua ila Yeye Mwenyewe. Amevikwa vazi lililochovywa katika damu, na jina Lake ni Neno la Mungu. Majeshi ya mbinguni yalikuwa yakimfuata, yakiwa yamepanda farasi weupe na wamevaa kitani nzuri, nyeupe, safi. Katika kinywa Chake hutoka upanga mkali wa kuwapiga mataifa. Atawatawala kwa fimbo ya chuma. Anakanyaga shinikizo la divai ya ghadhabu ya Mungu Mwenyezi. Juu ya vazi lake na paja lake ana jina hili limeandikwa: MFALME wa wafalme na Bwana wa Mabwana.
Kisha nikaona malaika amesimama katika jua, ambaye alilia kwa sauti kuu ndege wote warukao angani, akisema, Njoni, mkusanyike kwa karamu kuu ya Mungu, mpate kula nyama ya wafalme, na majemadari, na mashujaa. watu, farasi na wapanda farasi wao, na nyama ya watu wote, walio huru na watumwa, wadogo kwa wakubwa. Kisha nikamwona yule mnyama na wafalme wa dunia na majeshi yao wamekusanyika pamoja kufanya vita dhidi ya yule Mpanda farasi na jeshi lake. Lakini yule mnyama alikamatwa, na pamoja naye nabii wa uongo ambaye alikuwa amefanya miujiza kwa niaba yake. Kwa ishara hizo akawadanganya wale walioipokea chapa ya yule mnyama na kuisujudia sanamu yake. Wote wawili wakatupwa wakiwa hai ndani ya ziwa linalowaka moto wa salfa. Hao waliosalia waliuawa kwa upanga uliotoka katika kinywa cha Yeye aliyempanda farasi, na ndege wote wakala kwa nyama zao.”
Maneno ya Yuda 14-15 yanapatana: “Henoko, mtu wa saba baada ya Adamu, alitoa unabii juu ya watu hao, akisema, Tazama, Bwana anakuja na watakatifu wake maelfu elfu, kuhukumu kila mtu, na kuwahukumu wasiomcha Mungu wote. matendo yote maovu waliyotenda kwa njia isiyo ya kumcha Mungu, na maneno makali ambayo watenda-dhambi wasiomwogopa Mungu wamesema dhidi yake.’”
Maandiko yaliyo juu yanatuhakikishia kwa njia ya mfano kwamba siku inakuja ambapo Yesu atarudi na jeshi Lake la “askari-jeshi” waaminifu ili kuondoa uovu wote duniani na chanzo chake. Mpanda farasi mweupe, Mwaminifu na wa Kweli, Neno la Mungu, Mfalme wa wafalme na Bwana wa mabwana, si mwingine ila Bwana wetu Mshindi, Yesu Kristo. Majeshi ya mbinguni yanayopanda pamoja Naye juu ya farasi weupe ni askari Wake waliotukuzwa, wale ambao kwa uaminifu walivaa silaha zote za Mungu na kumshinda Shetani na adui zao wote wakati wa Enzi hii ya Injili.
Ufunuo 3:5 huahidi hivi: “Yeye ashindaye atavikwa mavazi meupe.” Ufunuo 19:8 hufafanua Bibi-arusi wa Yesu: “Naye amepewa kuvikwa kitani nzuri, ing’arayo, ing’arayo; Ndiyo, Kapteni wetu mkuu na jeshi Lake wataharibu kila kitu ambacho ni adui wa Mungu na haki. Sura ya 20 ya Ufunuo inaendelea kutuambia kwamba Shetani atafungwa kwa miaka elfu moja. Kisha, maovu yote yakiondolewa duniani, urejesho wa vitu vyote, kama walivyokuwa kabla ya dhambi kuingia ulimwenguni katika bustani ya Edeni, utaanza na wakaaji wote wa dunia, wanaoishi na kufufuliwa, watajifunza uadilifu. Tunasoma juu ya wakati huu mkuu wa kurudishwa katika Matendo 3:21 : “(Yesu) ambaye mbingu lazima zimpokee hata zile nyakati za kufanywa upya vitu vyote, ambazo Mungu alisema kwa kinywa cha manabii wake watakatifu tangu zamani za kale.” Isaya 26:9 inasema, “Hukumu zako zitakapokuja juu ya dunia, watu wa ulimwengu watajifunza haki.” Hii inaeleza hali itakayokuwa katika dunia hii wakati Yesu atakaporudi, ataondoa uovu, na kusimamisha Ufalme Wake wa uadilifu. Vita vya mwisho vya kupiganwa vimefunuliwa katika Ufunuo 20:7-10. Shetani atafunguliwa baada ya ile miaka elfu na kupewa nafasi ya kuwadanganya mataifa na kujikusanyia kwake wale ambao bado wangempinga Bwana. Vita hivyo vitakuwa vya muda mfupi, kwa kuwa Shetani na wale wanaochagua kuwa upande wake wataharibiwa kutoka kwenye uso wa dunia. Uovu hatimaye utaondolewa kabisa na uadilifu utatawala milele. Mungu asifiwe kwa ajili ya mpango huo mkuu na matumaini!
Nyongeza - Baadhi ya Mishale ya Shetani
Nyongeza - Baadhi ya Mishale ya Shetani
Hasira - Wagalatia 5:20; Waefeso 4:31; Wakolosai 3:8 Uchungu – Waefeso 4:31; Matendo 8:23; Mithali 14:10 Mapatano - Luka 4:1-13 Tamaa - Warumi 7:7, 13:9; Mika 2:2 Unyogovu - (Eliya - 1 Wafalme 19: 3-5)
Kukata tamaa - 2 Wakorintho 4:8; Mhubiri 2:20; Mhubiri 2:20, 2 Kor. 4:8
Kutoridhika - Waebrania 13:5
Mfarakano - Wagalatia 5:20; Hesabu 12:1-3
Kuvunjika moyo - Ezra 4:4; Hesabu 32:7, Yoshua 1:6-9; Kutoka 6:9
Kutotii - Ebr. 3:18, 4:6 & 11
Kutokuwa na imani - Hesabu 13:32, 14:11
Akili Mbili - Yakobo 1:8, 4:8
Shaka - Mathayo 14:31; Mt.21:21; Yakobo 1:6
Wivu - Wagalatia 5:21
Kudhania Maovu - Zekaria 7:10, Mathayo 9:4 KJV
Maneno Mabaya - Matendo 23:5; Tito 3:2 KJV; Zaburi 34:13; Waefeso 4:31
Hofu – Mithali 29:25; 2 Timotheo 1:7; 1 Yohana 4:18
Uchoyo - Wakolosai 3:5; Waefeso 5:3
Chuki - Mambo ya Walawi 19:18
Hatia – (Tiba 1 Yohana 1:9) Ufunuo 12:10
Chuki — Wagalatia 5:20; Mambo ya Walawi 19:17
Wivu - Wagalatia 5:20; Mithali 6:34
Tamaa ya Mwili - Wagalatia 5:19, 21; 1 Yohana 2:16
Uongo (Kufunika) Mit. 6:17, 19, 22; 26:28; Zab. 34:13, 2 Sam. 11:1-12:23
Dhana - 1 Samweli 13:12; Zaburi 19:13 KJV
Kiburi – Mithali 6:17; 8:13; 13:10; 16:18, 29:23; 1 Yohana 2:16
Kusawazisha na Udhuru - Kutoka 32:24; 1Samweli 13:12, 15:15
Uasi - 1 Samweli 15:22-23
Kisasi (Moja kwa moja na Passive) - Yak. 4:17; Gal. 6:9-10, Isa.12:23; Law. 19:18
Kujihurumia - Yeremia 10:19, 45: 3
Kujitosheleza - Wagalatia 3: 3 ; Mhubiri 1:10-2:11
Kutokuamini - Marko 9:24; Warumi 4:20, 11:20; Waebrania 3:12,18, 19
Matamanio ya Kidunia - Wagalatia 5:20; Wafilipi 2:3
Wasiwasi - Mathayo 6:28, 31, 34; Marko 13:11
Have you ever wondered why the New Testament Scriptures refer to soldier, captain, -armor, discipline, fighting and warfare? War was a way of life for many countries at our Lord’s first advent, just as it is today. Rome had conquered much of the eastern world and established itself as the supreme authority over those conquered, having garrisons of Roman soldiers to watch over their spoil. This was the culture that was in place when Jesus came upon the scene and which continued when the writers of the New Testament set down their words, inspired by God’s Holy Spirit.
When we think of the word soldier, we associate it with war and someone who has been trained to defend or kill. Though the Christian soldier is’ not trained to kill carnally, his warfare is defensive and very real. As with this world’s soldier, the Christian must be totally dedicated and focused upon the task for which he is being trained. Listen to the words of 2 Timothy 2:4: “No one serving’ as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer” (NIV). The KJV says, “No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who has chosen him to be a soldier.” Who is the Christian’s “commanding officer?” Hebrews 2:10 answers for us: “... it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Even as a soldier is under the authority of his captain or commanding officer, so as Christian soldiers we are to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ who is our Leader and Captain, -“enduring hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3).
Who is the enemy with whom we are to do battle? In the context of the armor, it is Satan and all those who align themselves with him, which would also take in this evil world and carnal flesh. Let us look carefully at the words of Ephesians 6:10-18: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,. with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet shod with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Let us walk through these verses and note some very pertinent points. We must remember that the Apostle Paul pictured in his mind a Roman soldier and his equipment when he wrote this letter. Roman soldiers were everywhere in Israel and all the surrounding countries, being stationed to oversee and keep the peace in the countries they had conquered.
First, let us note the source of the armor. Verses 11 and 13 direct us to “put on the full armor of God.” Yes, this is a God-provided armor and not anything we are capable of producing ourselves. All human devices and power can never withstand the terrible forces of Satan and the hosts of evil. Our God will give us all we need to be well-outfitted soldiers of the Cross. The Apostle assures us of this in Philippians 4: 19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Also in 2 Corinthians 9:8 he states, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Verses 11 and 13 also tells us why we need this armor: “So that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” ... “that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Taking our stand is a defensive posture. It means we face the enemy head-on using the provisions we have been given; not giving in to fear, but drawing upon the power of God to overcome the foe. There are seven items listed with our spiritual armor. Sometimes the last item, prayer, is overlooked, but this is very important and one we will consider last.
Belt of Truth
Belt of Truth
The belt is used to draw the clothing close to the body. This allows the arms of the soldier to move freely so he can defend himself. His sword is also hung from this belt. When he needs to draw his sword and use it, he is not hindered by loose clothing. So it is with the Christian; he does not need to guess where the truth is to be found for it is firmly pressed again his side. We could say that the truth has made us free as John 8:31-32 states: “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The truth will keep us free from all that would come against us so we are always ready to defend ourselves with God’s word from Satan’s onslaughts.
Breastplate of Righteousness
Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate is made up of metal armor, protecting the upper front part of the soldier’s body. It will withstand the thrust of a sword or a spear and deflect arrows shot by the enemy. If we stand our ground on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, nothing can move us. Righteousness will withstand all evil. We should let the attitude of Jesus dwell in us, “who loved righteousness and hated iniquity”
(Hebrews 1:9). If we do this, then we, too, will be victorious over our foes. In Romans 8:38-39 we have beautiful assurance on this very point: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God has also provided us with the mental capacity to stand fast as 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us: “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Remember, the breastplate offers no protection to the back of the soldier. For it to be effective, he must face his enemy at all times. A retreating soldier is very vulnerable to a fatal blow by the enemy. That is why a soldier must stand his ground.
!Feet Shod With the Gospel Of Peace
!Feet Shod With the Gospel Of Peace
When a soldier is taking his stand against the onslaught of his enemy, footing is very important. The sandals of the Roman soldier were very sturdy, enabling him to shift positions quickly and yet not slip back when a blow was thrust at him. Often the sandals were equipped with cleats or spikes when the battle was to be fought in open fields to insure secure footing. As the Christian defends his position, he has the peace of mind that his equipment will accomplish the work for which it was designed by God. He does not “beat the air” in a frenzied reaction (1 Cor. 9:26), but moves confidently with total assurance. If we stand our ground shod with the peaceful gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, nothing shall move us. We should be ready to spread the message the angels gave to the shepherds on Bethlehem’s hillside: “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great tidings that will be for all people.” If we rely on God and His promises, we will defend ourselves confident of victory, for as David of old said, “The battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Sam. 17:47). So let us dig in for the attacks that will surely come, being on guard by watching, always ready to face the enemy in a quiet and confident spirit.
Shield of Faith
Shield of Faith
The shield is one of the most versatile and effective parts of a soldier’s defense armor. One of the most dangerous weapons of ancient warfare was the fiery dart. It was a special arrow dipped in pitch, set afire and then launched at the enemy. Upon contact the flaming pitch would attach itself and spread itself onto the object it hit. The shield would quickly deflect this away, and the flame on the shield could quickly be smoldered out on the ground. This shield was equally important for stopping sword and spear thrusts. We are admonished to have “full assurance of faith” in Heb. 10:22. The greater our faith, the greater our protection from Satan’s fiery darts that will test our faith as to what sort it is. Let us be sure it is a faith that will fully protect us.
Helmet of Salvation
Helmet of Salvation
The helmet was worn as protection for the soldier’s head. We know the head, or mind, is the place of the knowledge. The Christian soldier is thereby assured of his salvation received by the costly sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, the Captain of our salvation. Salvation is a gift of God through Jesus. It cannot be earned.
It comes from believing that Jesus died for our sins and that His meritorious blood has redeemed us from the penalty of sin and death. If we have this firmly established in our minds, then no blow to the head will have an effect on us. Salvation gives us a living hope. We read in Hebrews 6:19, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” let us stand fast in the assurance of our salvation, always looking to the “leader and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2 - Weymouth). .
Sword of the Spirit
Sword of the Spirit
While the sword can be used aggressively, a soldier who is standing his ground uses it defensively to ward the blows of the enemy. We are told that the “sword of the Spirit IS the word of God.” Jesus stood His ground against Satan’s temptations and the Pharisees by using Scripture to defeat His enemies. In the wilderness after His baptism, He countered Satan’s sword thrust by responding, “It is written ... “ (Matthew 4:4-10). We also must become intimately acquainted with the Word of God, if we are to defend ourselves effectively .against our most wily foe. This will mean taking time to read and study our soldier’s manual, our Bible, where we will receive all the instruction we will ever need in any situation we meet. Most important is our need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us into a proper understanding of God’s Word and to show us how to use these instructions in our daily warfare against Satan and his evil followers. Satan can easily overcome our personal arguments, but he is defenseless against the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 tells us just how powerful and effective God’s Word is: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
We recall the words of David, as a young shepherd boy, when he was face to face with the giant, Goliath. We mentioned this briefly before, but we would now like to read more of the context, for it bears repeating. In 1 Samuel 17:45-47 we read: “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and will strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’S, and He will give all of you into our hands.” What great faith and confidence David had in his God. He
trusted and then stepped out in fullness of faith against a seemingly invincible enemy. And the LORD honored his faith, giving him the victory. Truly “the battle was the LORD’s.” May we face our enemy with the same courageous faith and have these words on our lips and in our hearts, “It is written .... “ Then the victory is ours and Satan will flee.
Pray In the Spirit
Pray In the Spirit
Prayer is our line of communication with our Captain. What soldier can be effective unless he is communicating and has received instructions from his leader? What better way can a Christian soldier prepare for battle with the enemy than by praying continually for guidance and victory. Note that our text said that we should be “praying always.” This means that we should be in daily, hourly, moment-by-moment contact with our Lord, ever seeking directions and especially in the heat of battle. When we feel somewhat faint, discouraged and tired, let us ask quickly and always believe that we have what we ask for, the strength and power from above to continue fighting this spiritual battle. Remember! The battle we are fighting is not ours, but our God’s. May we be always in instant and continual communication with the Captain and Leader of our Salvation. He is always there to encourage us and urge us on. “Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
In Summary
In Summary
If we use every part of this marvelous armor God has designed and given to each of us, we will fight the battle victoriously to the very end. It will be His victory, not ours, and the praise will belong to Him. We are His humble servants, soldiers of the Cross, obediently using what has been given to us. Romans 8:31 gives us great assurance: “For what shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Let us faithfully live up to the admonition given to Timothy and to us also by the great Apostle Paul in 2 Tim. 2:3: “Endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” If we do this, we will be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
Pursuing the thought of a soldier a little further, we want to point out that the former clothing he had worn must be cast aside in order to put on the new armor. The enlisted soldier must also set aside his former lifestyle and replace it with a new, disciplined way of life. Colossians 3:2-12 describes this new life in great detail: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things, for you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity,
lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
A true soldier must learn discipline and obedience. Both are essential to his survival and ultimate victory over his enemies. A disciple is a focused and disciplined follower of someone. Likewise the disciple of Jesus is in strict training. Jesus said that anyone who wanted to be His disciple must “deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow him” (Luke 9:23). We read in 1 Peter 5:8-9: “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand steadfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.” Being ever prepared to recognize and meet the enemy is essential to survival.
Satan is a wily foe but our training manual, the Bible, has prepared us for his many sneaky attacks. It is by lowering our guard or by carelessness that 2 Corinthians 2:11 would apply to us: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Alertness, watchfulness is all-important. We read in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8: “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” Let us always be on guard and alert to resist our enemies as well disciplined, self-controlled and enlightened soldiers of Jesus Christ.
A Future Battle
A Future Battle
There is yet another battle to be fought at a future time in which the faithful, overcoming soldier in this life will be involved with their great leader and Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ. We read of this in the book of Revelation, chapter 19 and verses 11-21: “I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse, whose Rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING of kings AND LORD of Lords.
And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, ‘Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great.’ Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the Rider on the horse and His army. But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the Rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.”
In agreement are the words of Jude 14-15: “Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.’”
The above texts are figuratively assuring us that the day is coming when Jesus will return with His army of faithful “soldiers” to rid the world of all evil and its source. The Rider on the white horse, the Faithful and True, the Word of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, is none other than our Victorious Lord, Jesus Christ. The armies of heaven riding with Him on white horses are His glorified soldiers, those who faithfully wore the whole armor of God and overcame Satan and all their enemies during this Gospel Age.
Revelation 3:5 promises: “He that overcomes will be dressed in white.” Revelation 19:8 describes Jesus’ Bride: “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” Yes, our great Captain and His army will destroy all that is hostile to God and righteousness. Chapter 20 of Revelation goes on to tell us that Satan will be bound for a thousand years. Then, with all evil removed from the earth, the restitution of all things, as they were before sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, will begin and all the inhabitants of the earth, living and resurrected, will learn righteous. We read of this grand restitution time in Acts 3:21: “(Jesus) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” Isaiah 26:9 states, “When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world WILL learn righteousness.” This describes the condition that will exist on this earth when Jesus returns, does away with evil, and sets up His righteous Kingdom. The final battle to be fought is revealed in Revelation 20:7-10. Satan will be loosed after the thousand years and given the opportunity to deceive the nations and gather to himself those who would still oppose the Lord. This battle will be short-lived, for Satan and those who choose to side with him will be destroyed from the face of the earth. Evil will finally be totally eradicated and righteousness will prevail for all eternity. Praise God for such a grand plan and hope!
Addendum – Some of Satan’s Fiery Darts
Addendum – Some of Satan’s Fiery Darts
Anger – Galatians 5:20; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8 Bitterness – Ephesians 4:31; Acts 8:23; Proverbs 14:10 Compromise – Luke 4:1-13 Covetousness – Romans 7:7, 13:9; Micah 2:2 Depression – (Elijah - 1 Kings 19:3-5)
Despair – 2 Corinthians 4:8; Ecclesiastes 2:20; Ecclesiastes 2:20, 2 Cor. 4:8
Discontent – Hebrews 13:5
Discord – Galatians 5:20; Numbers 12:1-3
Discouragement – Ezra 4:4; Numbers 32:7, Joshua 1:6-9; Exodus 6:9
Disobedience – Heb. 3:18, 4:6 & 11
Distrust – Numbers 13:32, 14:11
Double-Mindedness – James 1:8, 4:8
Doubt – Matthew 14:31; Mt.21:21; James 1:6
Envy – Galatians 5:21
Evil Surmising – Zechariah 7:10, Matthew 9:4 KJV
Evil Speaking – Acts 23:5; Titus 3:2 KJV; Psalms 34:13; Ephesians 4:31
Fear – Proverbs 29:25; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18
Greed – Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:3
Grudge – Leviticus 19:18
Guilt – (Remedy 1 John 1:9) Revelation 12:10
Hatred—Galatians 5:20; Leviticus 19:17
Jealousy – Galatians 5:20; Proverbs 6:34
Lust of Flesh – Galatians 5:19, 21; 1 John 2:16
Lying (Cover-up) Prov. 6:17, 19, 22; 26:28; Psa. 34:13, 2 Sam. 11:1-12:23
Presumption – 1 Samuel 13:12; Psalms 19:13 KJV
Pride – Proverbs 6:17; 8:13; 13:10; 16:18, 29:23; 1 John 2:16
Rationalization & Excuses – Exodus 32:24; 1Samuel 13:12, 15:15
Rebellion - 1 Samuel 15:22-23
Revenge (Direct and Passive) – Jas. 4:17; Gal. 6:9-10, Isa.12:23; Lev. 19:18
Self-pity – Jeremiah 10:19, 45:3
Self-sufficiency – Galatians 3:3; Ecclesiastes 1:10-2:11
Unbelief – Mark 9:24; Romans 4:20, 11:20; Hebrews 3:12,18, 19
Worldly Ambitions – Galatians 5:20; Philippians 2:3
Worry – Matthew 6:28, 31, 34; Mark 13:11
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