21 Dec OMMA Apologetic (8 of 14)
EIGHT (8 of 14): The second method of growth and sanctification comes through actions where we are battling our three spiritual enemies.
Our Mission at On Mission Martial Arts is:
“TO CHANGE LIVES FOR GOD’S GLORY, USING CHRIST-CENTERED MARTIAL ARTS.”
This series of 14 blog posts seeks to define what we mean by glorifying God and what that looks like in our lives as a follower of Christ and what it looks like in the activities we participate in within our OMMA community.
Thanks for reading!
Marco
EIGHT (8 of 14): The second method of growth and sanctification comes through actions where we are battling our three spiritual enemies.
These three “spiritual enemies” are: (1) our flesh or old nature, (2) the world culture and (3) the devil. This area would be what many call SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
Dealing with the “flesh”: A portion of this battle could be called “mortification,” or putting to death the old nature. We need to keep up our struggle versus our sin and putting to death the deeds of the flesh.
Dealing with the “world”: We must always be resisting the culture without disengaging. There are three choices here: (1) Insulate, (2) Isolate, (3) or Imitate. We should not isolate ourselves from the world or imitate the world, but rather insulate ourselves “in Christ,” from the influence of the world as we engage it for His purposes.
Dealing with the devil : We must resist the devil, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and he will flee.
All glory to God, not ourselves, for any “victories” in these spiritual wars.
“For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
– Romans 8:13
“Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
– Galatians 5:24
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand fir m against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 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. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
– Ephesians 6:10-17
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’”
– 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
– 1 Corinthians 15:58
“So that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”
– 2 Corinthians 2:11
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
– 2 Corinthians 7:1
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
– 2 Corinthians 10:3 – 5
“This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”
– 1 Timothy 1:18-19
“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith , love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels”
– 2 Timothy 2:21-23
Keep Fighting the Good Fight!
Blessings,
Marco
OMMA Founder/Senior Instructor
Yondan – 4th Degree Black Belt
Helpful articles about Spiritual Warfare:
https://www.imb.org/2017/05/17/mission-enemy-10-facts-spiritual-warfare/
https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/transferable-concepts/walk-in-the-spirit.2.html
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/world-flesh-and-devil/
Perhaps you might help us out with our 2018 Year End fundraiser?