2 Timothy 2.4
“No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”
The Lord has enlisted us. He has claimed us and called us to himself, and he has sent us into the world as his people to do his work. The work isn’t easy; indeed, it is very challenging.
The good news, of course, is that Jesus has secured the ultimate victory, and his presence and power is with us as we engage the world. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16.33)
We will be effective and fruitful in the fallen world only if we abide in Christ. The evil one is maliciously active, and is always seeking to deceive and destroy. As Peter admonishes, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith…” (1 Peter 5.8-9).
When we try to operate on our own, we are no match for the enemy. But as John writes, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3.8). We are able to resist the enemy and stand firm in our faith because the Lord keeps us. The amazing reality is that the Lord does not remove us from the battle; rather, he equips us, empowers us, and sends us into the battle (Ephesians 6).
Tragically, those caught up in the lies and distortions of the fallen world are controlled and captivated by the power and authority of the evil one. Satan— the adversary—blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Cor 4:3-4), snatches the word of God from human hearts (Matt 13:4,9), deceives by miraculous signs and wonders (Matt 24:24; 2 Thess 2:9), and seduces through impulsive desires and pride (1 John 2:15-17). This is the system of the evil one.
It is into this world that the Lord sends us, and we are able to live and work and navigate the world with confidence because we know that the Lord keeps and protects us.
To repeat, the Lord has enlisted us. He has claimed us and called us to himself, and he has sent us into the world as his people to do his work.
