THE ONE GREAT SOLUTION‏ TO LIFE’S BATTLES

Eph. 2:2-3, 1 Jn. 2:16                  

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

-Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

-For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 

We have studied many times the three great enemies of mankind- the World-the external enemy, the Flesh-the internal enemy, and the Devil-the infernal enemy. We have also seen the weapons or devices used by these enemies- the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. With that in mind let me introduce to you three people, with three problems and the One Great Solution to all the battles.

 

I. THE PRIDE OF DIOTREPHES

1. Diotrephes the Narcissist [3 John 1:9-10]

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore , if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith , neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

2. Diotrephes had fallen to the Devil & the Pride of life [John 8:44]

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

-his fall may have been worse because he stayed in the church compounding the problem

-he loved the preeminence that belonged to Christ [v. 9, Col. 1:18, Is. 14:12-14]

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

-he would not receive John or his associates [v. 9-10, Jn. 13:20]

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

-he lied about John

3. Diotrephes needed to remember from where he came [1 Cor. 15:1-11]

 

II. THE LUSTFUL EYES OF DEMAS

1. Demas the Fellowlabourer [Philemon 1:24]

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

2. Demas had fallen to the world/lust of the eyes [2 Tm. 4:10]

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

3. Demas needed to die to self [1 Cor. 15:31-34]

 

III. THE LUSTFUL FLESH OF ARCHIPPUS

1. Archippus the Fellowsoldier [Philemon 1:2]

And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

2. Archippus was facing the flesh/lust of the flesh [Col. 4:17, Gal. 6:8-9]

- And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

- For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

3. Archippus needed to stay by the stuff [1 Cor. 15:57-58]

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.