Choose Your Victor: Lesson 2

In the previous Choose Your Victor study, we learned of the long-standing struggle between spirit and flesh, starting in the early days of Genesis.  God’s will, and the natural self-will is evident in numerous Old Testament examples. Even such as “My Servant David”, yet these struggles did not always determine someone’s faith in God and their commitment unto God. It just shows that humanity is challenged with the natural life and its circumstances, in contrast to what is eternal, beneficial in God’s will for the individual and others, and the will of the Spirit. 

To believe and act was the guiding factor in the pillars of faith in the Old Testament as we learned from Hebrews 11. For some it was moments of victory for themselves and/or others, abundant blessings, escaping death, subduing kingdoms. All by choosing to hold fast to faith in God. It was a hard choice for others, but they held fast and now partake of that ‘better resurrection”. And so it is again, in the New Testament as well. 

An adult ox can weigh between 1500-3000 pounds. While one adult ox can pull around 5000 pounds, two adult oxen can increase that pulling power up to 15,000 pounds. With the load being distributed evenly through a yoke, and the team working in sync, they will pull with greater strength and efficiency. 

When a team of what’s intended to be two oxen is weighed down by another dead ox in a yoke for three it will cause:

·  Unequal load distribution

·  Instability for the remaining oxen

·  Decreased pulling power and effectiveness

·  Increased risk of injury to the other oxen

Picture this! Two oxen are in sync within a yoke effectively pulling the load and making progress. Then someone drags another 1500–3000 pound ox, which is dead, up into the yoke which now becomes a yoke of three. They fasten the ox within the yoke and its dead weight is now dragging along the ground and it completely changes the dynamics of the pulling power. All of the challenging attributes mentioned above are now in full play. That "someone", would be ourselves!

I once heard a Christian mention that walking in the things of God AND this life’s necessities seemed burdensome. After being around this individual for months; I know they steadfastly held to their faith in God, but the impression that I got was there was already enough on the plate, following through with more activities (all be-it Christian) felt cumbersome. 

What’s the biblical answer to this challenged feeling?

Mathew 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

This verse(although it doesn't promise times without challenges), does encourage the answer to find eternal rest for our souls. It's a call to unload the dead weight from the yoke, and take "My" yoke upon you. We'll learn more about this rest, and other promises in the next study. This study will focus on another effect of what this "yoke" can have on a Christian life.  

So the question for the Christian to consider throughout this study?!

We are called to be yoked together in Christ, but in a mentor/student yoke of two, pressing forward in sync. What happens when our stubborn self-will gets drug up from the ground and fastened lifeless into this yoke? The team of two (mentor/student), now becomes a team of three (stubborn self-will included) initiating similar effects in the actual physical properties previously mentioned. This (self) according to Paul is supposed to have died, and we now live for Christ. That’s why this yoke of three will never pull the weight effectively, like the team of two, the mentor/student. The ox in the middle (student) will always bear the brunt of this weight. It can become cumbersome, heavy, and frustrating the progress. 

Let's read Paul's testimony about an internal, natural, self-will and that even he struggled with at times. It will set the course for this study; two natures grasping for attention, and the choices that follow.

Romans 7:14-25

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Now let's read from Paul's experience and choices made even with this internal, sometimes seemingly frustrating, natural self-will that seems to challenge us all at times.

Galatians 2:17-21

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Although admittedly imperfect within his inner self, Paul clearly chose a yoke of two. As he encouraged others to do as well throughout Romans 8. Plan to read through this entire chapter of encouragement, which followed immediately after Paul's account of his personal, inner struggles in chapter 7. The entire chapter 8 is available to read at the end of this study. Let's dive into the main points below as we remember that as the spirit and flesh come face to face sometimes in contrary to one-another, there are choices to make. Just as Paul explains in Romans 7, contrasted with Galatians 2. 

Romans 8 help's to shift the focus from ourselves, in the natural, to who we are in God's love and purpose. We'll need to clearly understand this as we progress further into this study, and the next lesson.

As We Are Truly in Christ, There is No Condemnation

Rom 8:1,2

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 

Receive the Indwelling of God's Holy Spirit

Rom 8:9-11

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 

Led by the Spirit of God, They Are the Sons (Children) of God

Rom 8:12-17

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

No Matter the Circumstance, Hold Fast To the Promise of Redemption

Rom 8:18,19

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 

Understand That God is For Us, and Not Against Us

Rom 8:26-28

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

Consider the Unbreakable Bond Within the Love of God

Rom 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

And one final example within this study from the encouragements of Paul, we can consider all the previous summed into one verse as we're called to set our affections and attention in this life on those things above.

Colossians 3:1-4

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Salvation and eternal victory for us is through Christ as we've read. Yet, here today and now, as the two natures will remain contrary to another (Read Galatians 5:16-26 for an in depth reading of this conflict) with opposing commitments, at times one nature will know the suffering and loss that the other may conquer. 

Let’s begin looking into New Testament examples of two in the yoke, remaining steadfast and effective, as well as those that have drug up from the ground and fastened a third into the yoke, completely changing the dynamics and outcome. 

Mary: A Virgin Conception 

Although she couldn't have understood the details of how God could do this through the Holy Spirit, she didn't deny, doubt, or resist. She was the willing vessel that helped bring into the world the one and only Son of God.

Luke 1:34-38

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Joseph: A Break From Tradition

Although Joseph couldn't have understood either how God had initiated the virgin conception, and as he planned to put Mary away privately, God intervened and Joseph also didn't deny, doubt or resist. Breaking free from tradition and his original intent, Joseph was given the opportunity to help Mary care for the Son of God.

Matthew 1:19-25

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

The Apostles; "These Who Have Turned The World Upside Down"

For the sake of time and focus within this study, we won't dive into all the details of each Apostles' life. However there are multiple scripture accounts when one call from Jesus was all it took and they left it all to follow along. And in Thessalonica, the "Upside Down" cry later went out in resistance to what Paul and Silas were doing in that city(Act 17:6). 

The impact of two in the yoke was clearly apparent in the ancient world through these committed and willing Apostles.

Simon (Peter) and Andrew

Matthew 4:18-22

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

Matthew

Matthew 9:9

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Many other New Testament individuals aside from the Apostles also presented a strong level of commitment, called and chose to press through their life’s circumstances and conveniences to a greater work of God, in and through their lives. Such as Stephen, Aquilla, Priscilla, Apollos, and Barnabus. Regular folks just like us, but they chose the yoke for two, not three and the results were obvious, even to those that refused to believe.

Read the Gospels and the Book of Acts to learn of numerous historical testimonies of these pillars of New Testament faith and commitment. These books also give accounts of individuals that made different, self-willed choices. 

The impact of choices can be much more significant than we realize at times. I've asked myself; had these individuals we're about to read of known then what we know now, would they have done anything differently? I believe they would have! Just as Paul mentioned that the Old Testament is for our example, now, 2000 years later, the New Testament historical events are also for our example. 

I prefer to consider while reading of these types of events, "narrow is the path", and at times it's encumbered with many slippery slopes and side trails. The accounts below can serve as a type of guard rail on this narrow path.

Ananias and Sapphire: Enacted with deceit toward the Holy Spirit, and they were quickly laid to rest. 

Acts 5:1-11

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Hymenaeus and Alexander: They put away their faith, and were delivered to the will of Satan by Paul to learn control over their blasphemous speech(Speak evil, slanderous, irreverent).

1 Timothy 1:18-20

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Hypocritical, vain, empty confessions: A stern rebuke from Jesus. Even unto those proclaiming to operate within a "Christian" ministry.

Matthew 7:21-23

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Let's consider from this final example below, that sometimes our choices may not just affect the individual but others as well. This "Jezebel" had been leading astray gullible, passive believers within a church to commit fornication and eating meats sacrificed to idols. These two actions are in direct contrast to Acts 15:28,29(read below), which was included within the instruction delivered unto the gentiles from the Apostles, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, to abstain from both of these practices. 

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

The zeal of the King of Kings for His own comes through in full view here. He is zealous for His church body, and any individual leading astray within the body of believers may have their season of time for repentance, but without repentance there can be harsh consequences for the individual, and threats toward those that followed "except they repent". The church as a whole was also rebuked for tolerating this Christian/Pagan mix of practices within it. 

Let's keep in mind Romans 8 and what we're called to be within the love of God, and any individuals leading others astray from this comes in stark contrast to the love of God and His deep zeal for His own. Clearly, as we'll read below, it's a dangerous path to tread.

A Self Proclaimed Prophetess: Confessing Christianity, but embracing iniquity and leading others to do the same. A stern chastisement and threat follows. 

Revelation 2:18-23

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

The debate continues with some whether these "children" are the followers of Jezebel since it's these very individuals that are receiving the warning, or the children through Jezebel's sexual fornication. If we keep the context flowing within the scriptures, the former is clearer than the latter. Jezebel and her followers were in threat of sickness, pestilence, and death. A severe judgment indeed for leading others astray! Christ LOVES His church and its members, and will defend it with retribution as needed toward an individual or group causing divisions or immorality among its members.

If indeed these "children" are the followers of Jezebel, this would not be the first time that Jesus called out a group of individuals under a parent/child type of terminology. Before this rebuke to the church, another group was already called out for following their "father", which wasn't God.  Read John 8:39-47. 

In the next study we'll dive further into the love of God and what's promised for His own through Christ, as well as study deeper into this zeal for His own, and what that means for the individual, churches, ministries, and world. 

As We Are Truly in Christ, There is No Condemnation

Rom 8:1-8

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Receive The Indwelling of God's Holy Spirit

Rom 8:9-11

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Led by the Spirit of God, They Are the Sons (Children) of God

Rom 8:12-17

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

No Matter the Circumstance, Hold Fast To The Promise of Redemption

Rom 8:18-25

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Understand That God is For Us, Not Against Us

Rom 8:26-34

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Consider the Unbreakable Bond within the Love of God

Rom 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.