Matthew 12:15-30

 

Week 6 Memory Verse

 

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart

brings forth good things,

and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings

forth evil things. 

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,

they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 

For by your words you will be justified,

and by your words you will be condemned.”

 

Matthew 12:35-37



 

READ Matthew 12:15-30!

 

Jesus assures us in this passage that division can only bring downfall. There are so many areas of our life that require unity. I started thinking about how destructive division could be in a troop of soldiers. Lives would be lost if even one soldier didn’t have the same agenda as the others. Soldiers can’t wander the battlefield blindly. This lead me to think: "What makes a good soldier?" and "What are some things that are required in his heart/mind?"  Here is what I came up with:

 

WILLING TO FIGHT (eager)

Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb.

~Psalm 110:3

 

WILLING TO TAKE ORDERS (humble)

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

~Hebrews 13:17

 

BELIEVES IN WHAT HE IS FIGHTING FOR (passionate)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

~Galatians 2:20

 

FULLY ARMED (ready)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

~Ephesians 6:10-18

 

HAS HIS FELLOW SOLDIER’S BACK (committed)

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

~Galatians 6:10

 

 

Unity is a necessity for spiritual battle. Unity keeps peace. Unity brings strength. Unity conquers the enemy. And unity is pleasing to the Lord.

 

 

 

TIME OF REFLECTION:

Can you think of something that makes a great soldier? Write it down in your journal today and try to find a corresponding scripture.

 

Battle is not for the faint of heart. Do you have the heart of a warrior or is your heart divided? Take time to pray today. Ask the Lord to reveal your weaknesses, give you strength for the battle, and unity to serve in the exact place He has you (because He has put you there for a purpose).

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: NAOMI CHANCE is the wife of 16 years to Dale, and homeschooling mom to three children.  She serves as Ladies' Ministries Director and in the Media Department at Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, where her whole family is very active!

 

 

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