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Introduction: The word ‘walk’ in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, speaks of life. So when we speak of Christian walk, we mean Christian life. Jesus Christ has given us spiritual life. In this present evil world we should live as children of God. So, the subject matter of this booklet is Christian Life, as we ought to live it. We will begin with our quiet time with the Lord.  

Man was created to live in fellowship with God. This fellowship was lost when man fell in sin. When a person is saved this fellowship is restored. The quiet time is that period of time when you have a daily time of personal fellowship with God through worship, prayer and the word – a time that is deliberately set aside to meet with God. This is not a time of personal Bible study, nor a substitute for Bible study.  

David said: “you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Ps.16.11)”  

A. Our need for quiet time?  

We live in a busy world. This world is under the control of the evil one (1 Jn.5.19). We are strangers in this world in the sense that we are away from our home, and we are pilgrims in the sense that we are on our way to our home. We need wisdom to live in this world and this is possible only as we live in fellowship with Him. Our Lord Jesus in the days of his flesh lived in constant fellowship with the Father. Though through the day he was busy in ministering to others, when others went home he was alone in fellowship with the Father (cf.Jn.7.53-8.1; Mark 1.35; Lk.5.16). If the Son of God needed this quiet time, how much more do we need it.  

The quiet time is the vital breath of the Christian. As a child of God it is your privilege to be in communion with the Lord. We will face many temptations and trials as we continue to walk as Christians. Our closeness with the Lord will give us strength to overcome them. In one sense it is the recharging of our spiritual batteries. It is the life force of every Christian.  

Great men of God like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua and David and many others like them rose up early in the morning to worship and obey God (cf.Gen.21.14; 22.3; 28.18; Ex.24.4; Josh.6.12; Ps.57.8; 63.1; 78.34 etc). We have the promise of God that those who seek him early will find him (Prov.8.17). Any worthwhile saint whether in the Bible or in the Church of God is the one who practiced the presence of God in his life. Someone has said; ‘if you want to find out what a man is really like, find out what he is like alone with God”.  

When Moses was alone with God for forty days and forty nights his face was radiant ‘because he had spoken with the Lord’ (Ex.34.290. The quite time spent with God is the most important time in the life of every Christian.  

Our Lord is the Lord of everything. Angels worship Him. But in all His creation no one can worship God as His redeemed children. It is our privilege. In that heavenly scene of worship (Rev.5) the Church is closest to the Lord in worship. When we have this privilege in this world also should we miss it?  

King David, who lifted up his soul to the Lord said: “Show me your ways O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Ps.25.4, 5). Should we miss the direction in our life because we did not ask the all knowing and all might Savior?  

We have peace and joy in the presence of the Lord. In the world we have tribulation. But should we miss the joy and peace, which are our portion, when we are alone with Him? (Jn.16.33; Ps.16.11).  

B. How to have a quiet time?  

It is easier said than done. Many complain that they don’t have enough time. On the other hand Martin Luther, the father of Reformation said: “I have so much to do today that I must at least spend three hours in prayer”.  

The correct attitude to come before God is humility and wholehearted devotion. The Lord looks to the heart (1 Sam.16.7). Enter his presence with reverence and thanksgiving. It is not a time to rush in and rush out. We can expect great things from him. He is a great God and greatly to be praised. He is the Lord of lords and King of kings. Before we speak to God it is necessary to quite our hearts.  

Select the right place and a specific time. It should be daily. The first hours of the day, before we begin our daily routine is the best time suitable for this. ‘Early will I seek thee’. Select a place where you will not be disturbed.  

It would be wise to prepare the previous night itself for this appointment. Your Bible, notebook and pen should be ready. When you have quieted your mind and heart start praising God for who he is and thanking Him for what He has done.  

Place all your needs before Him - the day before you and what you wish to do during the day. The people whom you expect to meet and the problems or temptations that you are likely to face may be placed before him. Confess your weakness and your dependence on the Lord. Ask Him to help you to face the day. You can tell him of the opportunity you may have to witness before others concerning the Savior. Ask for wisdom and direction to face each day.  

Start reading the Word. Continuous reading of the word of Genesis to Revelation is preferable. Meditate upon the portion of the Bible that you are reading. It is not the length of time you spent with God or the length of the passage read that is important; but the quality of time spent. Expect God to speak to you, and listen to His voice.  

We have noted before in ‘Bible Study’ (Follow up series No.3) that Bible is good for, Doctrine, Reproof, Correction and, Instruction in righteousness. As you read the Word, review the above four areas and relate the scripture into your personal life. Mark the words, or phrases that speak to you. Summarize what God has spoken to you each day and note them in your notebook. As you continue this practice daily you will find a definite pattern emerging. You will be surprised to learn the way the Lord is instructing you every day, and how you are able to utilize the teaching you have received in daily circumstances.  

In your daily learning at the feet of the Lord mark in your notebook what God has taught you in the above four areas. If it is teaching, thank God for it. If it is reproof, accept it humbly. If it is correction, tell Him that you have accepted His guidance. In the case of instruction, promise Him you will do so with His help. Each day you can record not only what God has taught you but also what you have told him. Next day, before your quite time review the previous day’s instruction and your response. As the days go by and as you grow in the Lord, this time will be more meaningful to you than any other time.  
  

Our God has loved us and saved us from our sins. He has given us his best – His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. In our life in this world He has given us richly all things to enjoy (1 Tim.6.17)  

He is not a stern father who does not understand us, nor a dotting grandfather who pampers us. He wants us to be happy, but this happiness should not be governed by what happens in our lives.  

The blessing of God makes us rich and He does not add any sorrow with it (Prov.10.22). But even the honey given by the world is mixed with sand, and the peace it gives evaporates like the morning dew. God does everything according to the counsel of His own will. But He always has our best interest in His mind. He always does well to us, and He is always capable of doing it also.  

We have our own plans and ambitions, but he asks us to surrender this to Him. It is to give us something better. The cost is will worth paying. Rabindranath Tagore in his Gitanjali (song offering) writes:  

“I had gone a begging from door to door in the village path, when they golden chariot appeared in the distance like a gorgeous dream and I wondered who was this King of kings!  

My hopes rose high and me thought my evil days were at an end; and I stood waiting for alms to be given unasked and for wealth scattered on all sides in the dust.  

The chariot stopped where I stood. Thy glance fell on me and Thou came down with a smile. I felt that the luck of my life had come at last. Then of a sudden Thou did hold out thy right hand and say, ‘what has thou to give to me?’ Ah, what a kingly jest was it to open thy palm to a beggar to beg! I was confused and stood undecided, and then from my wallet I slowly took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to thee.  

But how great my surprise when at the day’s end I emptied my bag on the floor to find a least gram of gold among the poor heap. I bitterly wept and wished that I had had the heart to give thee my all”.  

If only we can surrender our all to Him! The exhortation of Paul is very timely: Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph.17).  

God knows the future. He declares the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. His counsel shall stand and He will do all His pleasure (Isa.46.10). He has always thoughts of peace and not of evil for us. He wants to give us a future and a hope) Jer.29.11). He wants us to direct us (Ps.32.8).  

God is capable of doing us good. His promises are not empty words. No one can stay His hand. He is the sovereign ruler of the universe, and has the ability to do whatever he wills (1 Chr.29.11-13). He is limited only by his own choices i.e. He will do only what he has purposed. He will not do anything that is against his own character. He is not limited by circumstances. Neither the power of nature or of any of the created beings can stop him. There are no accidents as far as the Lord is concerned (Prov.16.33). The mistakes that others commit do not frustrate his plans. Other’s evil intentions do not cancel his purposes (Gen.50.20).  

We do not know the future. We do not know what would happen tomorrow (Prov.27.1). Therefore it is not possible for us to direct our lives. In the Garden of Eden Adam tried to run his own life and what dire consequences ensued! “Thus says the Lord: Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall no see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness (Jer.17.5, 6).  

We cannot trust our plans. We may be sincere. We may be reasonable. But unfortunately we don’t know everything and even if we know we are not always able to perform what we want. We cannot even control our own passions (Jer.10.23). Life independent of God is senseless. Satan may promise freedom, satisfaction, self-realization etc. but he cannot and will not perform what he promises.  

But God works according to His clock. He does not hurry and he does not delay (2 Pet.3.8, 9). If His timings seem too slow for us, it is better for us to wait and examine ourselves.  

He may bring trials in our lives. But He never tempts us with evil (Jas.1.12, 13). When God tests us it is always to bring out the best in us. Job’s testimony was “When he has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job.23.10).  

The key to know the will of God is our willingness to do it (Jn.7.17). He does not make known his will to us to satisfy our idle curiosity. As a child of God it is your privilege to know what the will of God is and surrender yourself to it.  

How to know the will of God?  

The Bible gives us certain general guidelines concerning this. It is the will of God that all should be born again (2 Pet.3.9; 1 Jn.2.17). Our sanctification is the will of God (1 thes.4.3-7) It is the will of God that believers be filled with His Spirit (Eph.5.18) It is the will of God that we be thankful always (1 Thes.5.18) It is the will of God that we suffer for well doing (1 Pet.3.17) It is the will of God that we trust Him (Prov.3.5, 6) It is the will of God that we be productive (1 Pet.2.15; Eph.2.10)  

But in each specific situation also we can understand the will of God. For this we need to: Study the word. His will is revealed in His word. “The entrance of His word gives us light (Ps.119.130). Pray to the Lord. He answers prayers and makes known his mind to those who ask Him. “Ask and it shall be given” Is the promise of God. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him (Jas.1.5). Listen to godly counsel. In the multitude of counselors there is safety (Prov.24.6; 11.14). Look for favorable circumstances. God works from both ends together as He alone can do it. The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord (Ps.37.23). The Lord did order the steps of the two spies that Joshua sent to the house of Rahab in Jericho unerringly and also He did prepare Rahab to receive them (Josh. 2.1-14). When He opens the door no man can shut it and when he shuts it no man can open it (Rev.3.7).  

When anything you desire is according to the Word of God, in prayer God gives you peace concerning it, and godly counsels agree with it and you find the circumstances favorable, then you can be assured that it is the will of God for you.  
  

Introduction:  God is the Creator of everything we see and don’t see. He created everything out of nothing and he is the owner of everything. David said: “All that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine. All things come of thee (1 Chr.29.11, 14).  

We are not our own. By creation we are His. We were lost, but are redeemed by God. So by redemption also we are His. We are bought with a price (1 Cor.6.19). We do not have anything that we have not received (1 Cor.4.7). We did not bring anything into the world (1 Tim.6.7). God has entrusted many things to us. We are stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor.4.1).  

A steward does not own anything. Everything he posses, has been given to him by his Master. He only Manages the property belonging to his Master.  

Characteristics: Bible speaks of the characteristics of a Christian steward. These are: A steward of God (Tit.1.7). An elder is a steward of God, because God has appointed him. The congregation is not his, but the Lord’s, but as a steward he manages God’s affairs in God’s assembly. A good steward (1 Pet.4.10). This is in relation to performance of duty. Only God is good (Mark 10.18). A good steward is one in whose heart is the Lord himself, directing him. A faithful steward (1 Cor.4.2). He should be faithful to the Lord who made him steward and faithful to the things entrusted to him. A wise steward (Lk.12.42). He needs wisdom to manage the affairs of his Master. He should understand the mind of the Master. Wisdom for the management comes from the Master himself (cf.Jas.1.5). A blameless steward (Tit.1.7). He should not allow any room for charge or accusation against him. An unjust steward? (Lk.16.1-2). He should be above board, and faultless in his management. Is there a possibility that we will be accused that we are unjust? We should always guard against this.  

Every steward has to give account of his stewardship one day (Lk.16.2). Every child of God has to stand before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive just rewards for the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad (2 Cor.5.10).  

Stewardship is an individual responsibility. No one can escape this. Not everyone has been entrusted with the same responsibility, but it differs from person to person (1 Pet.4.10, 11).  

As a Christian you will be tested in your stewardship at least in four different areas. They are faithfulness, honesty, productivity, and loyalty.  
  

It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful (1 Cor.4.2) Jesus Christ himself is our model of faithfulness. He is called the Faithful Witness (Rev.1.5). He faithfully revealed God to us and taught us. He was faithful to the one who sent Him and fulfilled the work that He gave Him to do and glorified Him (Jn.17.4).  

A faithful witness will not lie (Prov.14.5), but will only speak the truth. Though Paul was a blasphemer, his testimony was that God counted him faithful and put him into the ministry 91 Tim.1.120. He knew that he was put in trust with the gospel (1 Thes.2.4) and lived and preached the gospel before God who tested him (1 Thes. 2.5, 10).  

In studying the parable of the faithful steward we find that a steward is to be faithful in the following:  

He is to be faithful to the householder, God (Lk.12.42-44). This is because it is God who has appointed him steward. He is to be faithful to the household, the people of God (Lk.12.42-44). He has been entrusted with the task of managing and providing for the household He is to be faithful to the deposit, the truth of God (1 Tim.6.20; 2 Tim.2.2). In handling the deposit he should not loose the substance, but the whole counsel of God should be proclaimed. To the commission (Matt.28.19-20). The truth should be declared intelligently, accurately, carefully, authoritatively and systematically.  

The sin of Adam not only brought separation between God and man but also affected his intellect (2 Cor.4.2, 4), his emotions (Jer.17.9) and his will (Rom.5.12; 6.20). But God has reconciled us back to him (Rom.5.8-10) and restored us to a position of fellowship (1 Cor.6.19-20). In our stewardship responsibility we need to surrender our:  

Body. It is His Heart. It is our heart that will control our tongue. Tongue. It is to praise the Master and to speak of Him. A faithful messenger refreshed the soul of his master (Prov.25.13). Mind. We use our mind to think. As a man thinks in his heart so is he. We need to have the mind of Christ (Phil2.5). Our mind is the battleground. Though we cannot escape a thought coming to our mind suddenly, we can definitely stop that thought from harboring in our mind. Make that thought a captive to Christ (2 Cor.10.5). Remember the saying: “sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny”.  

Your destiny may depend on a thought that you harbor in your mind. Therefore, think only on good things (Phil.4.8).  

A steward need to be honest in not wasting or otherwise misusing the goods entrusted to his care by the Lord. In the parable of the unjust steward (LK.16.1-13) he misused the things of his master.  

The method we adopt in serving our Lord is very important. You are chosen to proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. For this, among other things, we are asked to have our conduct honest among the gentiles (1 Pet.2.9, 12). We are exhorted to do that which is honest.  

For us to be honest we should bring all our actions under the searchlight of the Word of God. It is only he who walks uprightly who will dwell in the tabernacle of God.  

Reviewing his life and stewardship before the people of Israel, Samuel challenges them to prove if he had taken anybody’s oxen or asses, or received bride from anyone, or defrauded or oppressed anyone. His life before God and before men was honest (1 Sam.12.1-5). Like Paul we should have a conscience void of offense always toward God and men,  
  

The Lord has given us different talents, capacities and responsibilities. He is sovereign and he has distributed these according to his sovereign will. We have our opportunities an at the same time limitations cf. Matt.25.14-30; Lk.19.12-27).  

But our Lord expects us to be productive in our lives. Goods are to be traded to be productive. They are of no use unless they are used. At the same time care should be taken to see that they are neither abused nor misused. We would consider our time, our talents and our treasures in this respect.  

a. Our time  

We have limited time. A time will come when no man will be able to work (Jn.9.4). The Psalmist said;‘ my times are in thy hand (Ps.31.5). The normal life span is 70 or 80 years (Ps.90.10). But sometimes this may be shortened (Ps.102.23-24) or lengthened (Prov.10.27; Isa.38.5). We do not know this before hand. This is also left to the sovereign will of the Lord. We should have the wisdom to live each day (Ps.90.12) and make use of the time (Eph.5.16). “Time and tide wait for no man”.  

Someone said: Yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow is a promissory note, but today is the only cash you have. Invest it wisely” Now is the time (2 Cor.6.1-3). The devil’s time is always tomorrow. If the steward thinks that the Master is delaying his coming, He may come at an hour and day when he least expects (Matt.24.48-51).  

Proper use of the time is very important (Jas.4.14). He wants us to trust Him at all times (Ps.62.8).  

b. Our Talents  

It is a sum of money. It could also be varying abilities. Whatever is given to us is for the common good. Our Maker gives even our natural talents to us. It is true of our spiritual gifts too (Rom.12.3-8; 1 Cor.12.1-31; 1 Pet.4.10-11).  

c. Our Treasures or Riches  

Our riches are a good servant but a very bad master. There will be a temptation to own them. A young lawyer who came to the Lord seeking the path to eternal life went away sorrowful because he had great possessions. Someone commented: His great possessions had him.  

If God has made us poor in things of this world, we can rejoice because we are rich in spiritual things. If he has made us rich we can rejoice that he has made us low (Jas.1.9, 10).  

Our motive should be to use our possessions for the glory of the Lord. We should give to the Lord as he has prospered us (1 Cor.16.2). Our example in giving is Christ himself (2 Cor.8.9). If we sow sparingly we shall also reap sparingly (2 Cor.9.6).  

We should be careful to see that money does not become our enemy through our misuse of it. It may be used as evidence against us (Jas.5.1-3). In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, how sad the rich man was that he did not make proper use of his money (Lk.16.19-26).  

David said, he would not offer any sacrifice if it does not cost him anything (2 sam.24.24). When we give does it cost us? We should also remember that giving to the Lord is also part of our worship (Phil.4.18).  

F. Your Loyalty  

Our Lord is away. He is preparing a mansion for us. He has given us life and possessions. Satan is the god of this world (2 Cor.4.4) and the whole world is under him (1 Jn.5.19). When our Master is away we should remain loyal to him. We should not join or make friendship with the world 1 Jn.2.15-17). Friendship of the world is enmity with God (Jas.4.4).  

There are many illustrations of loyalty in the Bible. In the time of battle, Uriah resolved that he would not seek after pleasure (2 Sam.12.1-11). Devil will use his enticement (2 Cor.2.11).  

When Absalom rebelled against David and he had to flee, Ittai the Gittite denied himself the comforts of the city. He said that where his King is there he would be also. Later when David became king he was made captain of one third of Israel’s army (2 Sam.15.21f). Our Lord is rejected by the world today. Let us go outside the camp bearing his reproach and remain loyal to him.  

Loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ is the criterion for our future reign with Him.  
  

In the New Testament Christian life is described by the word ‘walk’. Bible has many things to say concerning Christian walk. Though our Lord is absent bodily he is ever present with us in His spirit.  

A. We walk before him  

He is always watching us. When God called Abraham he was asked to walk before God (Gen.17.1). As God is light (1 Jn.1.5) when we walk before Him we will always have the benefit of light. Darkness will not make us stumble. We will be able to avoid many pit falls. In spite of this whenever we go astray we will hear his voice behind us: This is the way, walk you in it (Isa.30.21). It is a comfort for us to know that He knows the way that we take (Job.23.10) and also a warning if we take the wrong path.  

B. We walk like him  

Our model for Christian walk is the Lord Himself. Note the following from the book of 1John.  

As He is in the light, the Christian should walk in the light of his fellowship 1 Jn.1.7 Those who abide in Him, ought to walk as He walked 1 Jn.2.6 As He is pure the Christian should purify himself 1 Jn.3.3 As He is righteous, the Christian should practice righteousness 1 Jn.3.7 As He loved us, Christian should love one another 1 Jn.3.23 As He lived in the world, a Christian should live 1 Jn.4.17 As He is, the Christian shall be one day 1 Jn.3.2  

C. We walk with him  

Can two walk together, except they are agreed? (Amos 3.3) We ca walk with him only when we agree with him in everything. Enoch walked with him (Gen.5.22) and it pleased God. He instructed Enoch of the judgment to come on those who did not walk with him and this became the subject matter of his prophecy (Jude 14).  

Jesus Christ and the Emmaus disciples walked together and the Lord expounded unto them the scriptures and opened their eyes to understand the sufferings of Christ (Lk.24.44, 45). What a wonderful Bible study it would have been.  

Bible gives us clear instructions as to how should walk. Note the following characteristics:  

D. We should walk  

Worthy of our calling (Eph.4.1) as examples. We are the only exponents of Christianity in the world. Worthy of God as children (1 Thes.2.12). This is in conformity with His holiness and character. We follow God our Father as dear children (Eph.5.1). Worthy of the Lord as servants (Col.1.10; 1 Thes.4.1). Circumspectly (Eph.5.15). We should be cautious and should not walk as fools but as wise. In love (Eph.5.1-2). This should be the sphere in which we move whether in relations to Christians or the people of the world. In unity (Eph.4.16). Christians are united in the bond of love and they should maintain this unity.  
  

Apostle John said; “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that you also may have fellowship with us” (1 Jn.1.3). John and other apostles were witnesses of the Lord’s life, death and resurrection on which Christianity is founded. It is through their witness that we have come to know the Lord.  

Like him we are also witnesses of the saving power of the Lord. Lord Jesus said; The Comforter, i.e. the Spirit of Truth shall testify of him. And He added; You also shall bear witness (Jn.15.26, 27).  

It is our privilege and duty to witness of the Lord. We should show forth the excellencies of Him who has called us from darkness into his marvelous light (1 Pet.2.9). A. Qualification for witness  

Our qualification for witness is that we have come to know Jesus as Lord. We have confessed him so openly. Without being born again we cannot witness.  

We should also have the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Lord said, you shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and you shall be witnesses unto me (Acts 1.8). The Spirit of God came on the day of Pentecost and fused the believers into the Body of Christ. Every believer has the Holy Spirit indwelling in him. Yet he needs the filling (Eph.5.18) and the power of the Holy Spirit in his life to witness for the Lord.  

The Credibility of the witness  

We also need to be credible. Peter says that those who show forth the praises of Him who called them, should live as strangers and pilgrims in the world, should abstain from flesh lusts that war against the soul, should have their lives honest among the gentiles and should be models in good works (1 Pet.2.9, 12, 13). If our life is tainted by the world how can we witness that we are citizens of heaven? The vessel that the Master uses should be clean (2 Tim.2.21).  

The Purpose of the witness  

We have an aim. That is present the gospel before men by our life and words. But it does not end there. Those who have heard the gospel should be led to a saving knowledge of Christ. This is the primary responsibility of every Christian individually and should not be left to a select few. But simply presenting Christ before men is not sufficient. He should be prepared to follow-up every individual before whom who he has witnessed. The new convert should be led to an understanding of the assurance of his salvation. He should also be introduced to a Church fellowship. Here the responsibility of the Church begins. A person can be saved while being alone, but he cannot live the Christian life alone. (For further information on Church fellowship and growth read and review Follow-up Series No.2).  

The  Equipment for witness  

Every Christian should understand and be able to intelligently present the gospel to an unbeliever. And it should be presented in a systematic and intelligent manner. Whichever portion of scripture may one present, it should include three basic elements:  

Man’s need. Man is a sinner. He is lost and condemned. He cannot save himself. God’s provision. Jesus Christ came, suffered, died and rose again. Man’s sin question was once and for all decided. Jesus is God’s provision for man’s need. Man’s responsibility. He should believe on Jesus Christ. He should exclusively rely on the work of Christ to save him. He should confess his sin and personally accept Jesus as Lord.  
  

A Christian is in a battlefield. But he does not wrestle with flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph.6.12). I.e. Satan and his demons. The weapons of our warfare also are not earthly (2 Cor.10.4).  

A Christian has three formidable enemies. One is outside, the world; another is inside, the flesh; the third is also outside using the first and the second to destroy the Christ, the Devil.  

A. The World  

It is not the world of nature which God created (cf. Acts 17.24). It is also not the world of humanity. God loves it (Jn.3.16). The ‘world’, the enemy of the child of God is a system opposed to God. God condemns it (1 Jn.5.19; Jn.12.31).  

This world has a spirit (1 Cor.2.12) and its own wisdom, which is perverted and warped (1 Cor.2.6). Friendship with this world is enmity with God (James 4.4). Contamination with this world removes the cutting edge, the sharpness, of a Christian’s life and testimony.  

Though we are chosen out of the world (Jn.15.19; 17.14, 16) we are citizens of heaven (Phil.3.20). In this world we are pilgrims (1 Pet.2.11) and ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor.5.20).  

This world has its own power and fashion, which is passing away. We should not be conformed to it (Rom.12.2). We are also exhorted to keep ourselves unspotted with the world (Jas.1.27). We should ever be watchful and live soberly (Tit.2.12). My influence as a Christian depends on my separation from the world (1 Jn.5.4-5). Love of the Father and doing the will of God always enables me to conquer the world (1 Jn.2.17).  

B. The flesh  

This is our internal enemy. In the Old Testament we find Lot and his elder daughter produced Moab; Lot and his younger daughter produced Ammon (Gen.19.30-38). Both are cousins of Isaac. Eliphaz’s concubine Timna bore Amalek (Gen.36.12). All these are pictures of the flesh.  

The word ‘flesh’ is used for:  

Man or mankind (Gen.6.12; Ps.145.21; Isa.40.5; Lk.3.6; Rom.3.20) An integral part of man, used to denote the whole man (Gen.17.13; Ps.16.9; Prov.14.30; 2 Cor.7.1). The whole person (Ps.56.4; 114.21; Isa.40.6; Matt.19.5; 1 Cor.1.24). The humanity of Christ (Jn.1.14; 1 Tim.3.16; 1 Pet.3.18; Heb.10.20). All living beings (Gen.6.13, 17).  

None of the above is that ‘flesh’ which is our enemy.  

Flesh is also used in a bad sense for:  

Animal lust, evil desires of the old nature and the old nature itself (Rom.8.4, 13; Gal.5.6). We should realize that in very Christian there is the old nature and the new nature. The seat of sin in man (2 Pet.2.18; 1 Jn.2.16). The lower and temporary element in Christian (Gal.3.3; 6.8). The weaker element in human nature (Matt.26.41; Rom.6.19).  

This enemy affects our mind. It sometimes dominates the mind (Eph.2.3), absorbs our affections (Rom.13.14) and creates passions and desires in us Gal.5.24). The remedy against this flesh is to bring every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor.10.5) and think on pure things (Phil.4.8)  

It also affects our spirit. It opposes the Spirit (Gal.5.17) and fights against God’s law (Rom.8.7). When we walk in the Spirit we are able to defeat its influence.  

It pollutes our body (2 Pet.2.10). Evil works done by the body by are the works of the flesh (Gal.5.19-21). It reaps corruption and finally produces death (Rom.7.5). The remedy against this evil influence is to consecrate the body to God (Rom.12.1-2). Victory over the flesh is through the Holy Spirit.  

C. The Devil  

Many Christians are under satanic influence and live a defeated life. The Devil himself induces a sense of false feeling of spiritual well being. To many people ignorance is bliss. Instead of being soldiers on active service, they are in their sick beds, in the lap of Delilah or caught in a net like the wild bull (Isa.51.20).  

1. Who is the Devil?  

The attacks against Christians are planned and carried out by the Devil. He is described in the Bible as:  

A strong man fully armed Lk.11.21 The prince of this world Jn.14.30 The god of this world 2 Cor.4.4 The Ruler of the kingdom of the air Eph.2.2 Roaring lion to persecute 1 Pet.5.8 Angel of light to patronize 2 Cor.11.4 Angel of the bottomless pit Rev.19.11 The accuser of the brethren Job.1.9, 11; Rev.12.10.  

2. What does he do?  

He is a living super power and an evil genius, cruel and cunning. He tempted Eve. He influenced Judas Iscariot to betray the Lord (Jn.13.27). He (1 thes.2.18) hindered Paul. No area of life is safe from him. He attacks our lives and our personalities. Don’t be ignorant of his devices (2 Cor.2.11).  

Our body (2 Cor.12.7; Lk.13.16), mind (2 Cor.4.4) and spirit (Acts 5.3) are attacked by him.  

3. How to Conquer Him?  

Though Satan is a super power and is able to destroy the lives and testimony of Christians, he is not almighty and Christians can overcome him.  

Realize that you are the property of Christ. (1 Cor.6.19; Isa.43.1). He cannot have a hold over you unless you let him do it.  

Resist him (Jas.4.7). This is the promise given to you as a Christian. He will flee from you.  

God’s armor is available for us. Put this on (Eph.6.10f). God’s promise that if we resist the devil he will flee from us is available to us. Realize that the battle is the Lord’s (1 Sam.17.45-47).  

Victory is ours. The Lord himself will fight our battle for us. The devil is a defeated foe. The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn.3.8). Be on your knees praying to God. There we have the victory.  

We have three powerful enemies viz., the world, the flesh and the devil. We have victory over them through the Father, The Spirit and the Son respectively.  

“In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, We have the victory, In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, Demons will have to flee! Who can tell what God can do? Who can tell of His love for you? In the name of Jesus, Jesus We have the victory”.  
 

Test: The Christian Life I 

Q1. Mention some of the major components of a practical life 

Q2. Why does a believer need a regular quiet time 

Q3. Why should a believer seek God's will for his life 

Q4. What do you understand by stewardship, and how do you propose to be a good steward 

Q5. How productive have you been in the areas mentioned in this lesson 

Q6. What are some of the areas in which you had to fight with the world, the flesh, and the devil. What have you been doing for obtaining victory.  

Q7. In what all ways did this course help you.  
  

You must include the following information: Your Name, Course Name, Your Email Address. We will send you the correct answers as soon as we hear from you. 

We expect to provide certificates: Certificate In Theology to those who complete 10 courses together, and Diploma In Theology to those who complete 20 courses together. For more information contact us via email. 

If Answers@ApologeticsCourses.Com does not work due to any reason, send all mail to calvin@satyam.net.in