Scriptural Readings:
Romans 3:10,12, II Timothy 1:13-14, Ephesians 6:10-11
Knowing what is proper and reasonable is imperative. There are too many worthwhile choices to choose one. And so, we have to narrow our options until one remains. The same applies to our spiritual lives. It is an undaunting task.
Romans 3:10-12
King James Version
v.10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
v.11 none understandeth, none seeketh after God.
v.12 They are all gone out of the way they are together become unprofitable; none doeth good, no, not one.
New Living Translation
v.10 As the Scriptures say,
“No one is righteous—
not even one.
v.11 No one is truly wise;
No one is seeking God.
v.12 All have turned away;
All have become useless.
No one does good,
not a single one.
Several of us might ask ourselves: Have I done the right thing? Am I doing the right thing? Am I capable of doing what is morally correct in the future? Human nature is always the stumbling block that holds us back from progressing. We can be overly judgmental of ourselves, which results in us constantly questioning our decisions and doubting our abilities. It can lead to a destructive feeling of being stuck and unable to move onwards and the struggles of breaking free of this cycle.
We are sinners, that is true, but that does not mean we cannot practice morality. There is still goodness inside of us. He cautions us that no one is doing what is right, so we should consider the repercussions of our actions. The verse says we are more likely to do the wrong things.
II Timothy 1:13-14
King James Version
v.13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
v.14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
New Living Translation
v.13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you have learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.
v.14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
Can we see the holiness in us? Have we taken for granted our divine side? We are undoubtedly sinners, but God sees Jesus in us through the Holy Spirit. No matter how far we have strayed from God’s path, He still loves us and acknowledges the potential for goodness within us. The Holy Spirit guides us and helps us make the right decisions. Accepting His guidance, we can become who God intended us to be. We can do and still follow God’s will despite being imperfect.
And so, we enter a spiritual war. And winning these battles is a daily struggle. It is not new for us. Choosing the right path can sometimes be tricky. Christians may not be experiencing Christian power in these difficult times, instead struggling with exhaustion from repeated losses in this spiritual battle, even in these difficult times.
Ephesians 6:10-11
King James Version
v.10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
New Living Translation
v.10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
And in the power of His might.
Winning a war requires extraordinary might. This verse (v.10) reminds us of the power of Christ in us. It is incredibly essential to practice the strength given to us. Initially, let’s examine the Greek words to comprehend them more clearly. Starting with the English word Lord, or in this case, God is called kurios (koo’-ree-os). Two Greek words formed this word. First, kuriotes (koo-ree-ot’-ace) presents the idea of mastery or rulership. Originating from the Greek word kurios, examples being dominion or government. Second is kuroo (koo-ro’-o), from the same kurios, which means to grant authority to ratify or confirm. Now we know the power vested (kuroo) and endorsed in us by God through Jesus that we can master or rule in our lives (kuriotes). God empowers us to confront every battle in the spiritual war. It is undeniably in us.
The evidence of the present crisis is unmistakable. The signs are all around us, pointing to the imminent coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, the enemy, now having a limited time, will do anything and everything to pull us back to him.
King James Version
v.11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
New Living Translation
v.11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
Wiles of the devil.
In one dictionary, the meaning of wiles is devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants. But verse 11 tells us more. The word wiles in Greek is methodeia (meth-od-i’-ah), from a compound word of meta, a primary preposition (often used adverbially), and hodeuo (hod-yoo’-o), which means to travel or a journey. Also, the word hodeuo comes from the root word hodos (hod-os’), which means a way or a road. Metaphorically, a course of conduct, a method (i.e. manner) of thinking, feeling, and deciding. Hence, Christians do not observe manipulation and persuasion only. Instead, they consider this journey a trek through a maze of dishonesty and cunning in their spiritual lives.
Broad is the way.
Ways, roadways, and highways are invisible paths of truth that we travel in our spiritual lives. They are real. Life is a journey, many say. The road we travel reveals our destination in life. We are heading forward or backward, and that’s it. As a whole, we move forward, and some opt to retreat. We might get caught in the middle of this road, but we are still on it. And there is no way out. But never err in the choice of reversing. Heading backward offers a lot of fun broad avenues (methodeia) leading straight to hell.
The authentic way
John 14:6 used the Greek word hodos, meaning “way,” to describe Jesus as the only way to gain eternal life. Why? Because this is the root word. Compared to hodeuo (hod-yoo’-o), which only means to travel or a journey. This word resonates with a clear direction to heaven and salvation. The sound of people seeking redemption echoes through the ages, and ultimately, the answer lies in Jesus Christ. By embracing the grace of Jesus Christ, one can be redeemed and receive eternal life. Alleluia!
Undeniably, it is in us. We have seen the only way and the ways to destruction. It is not about what way, but the direction. It is up to us which way to go. Acceptance is the key. We either accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord and be born again or relentlessly follow the evil way and guarantee a spot in hell forever.