RESIST NOT EVIL
Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil:
We can learn a lesson the easy way--instantly keeping the commandment and being blessed, or
we can learn it the hard way--rebelling against the commandment and being cursed--even unto death if we do not stop.
When the rebellion has been long, one may not even be aware that that particular issue is the reason that they are withering up--THEY CAN MISDIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM FOR YEARS ON END!
I heard a preacher say that Satan first gets a toehold, and then a foothold, and then a stronghold.
"I do not like this situation. . ." [Resist not evil.] "But they need to know. . ."
(Tempter: Yes, you are right; you should not have to take that.)[Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.] "I will do this. . ."
Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.[You are disobedient.] "And this. . ."
Looking lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled[Why call ye me Lord, Lord and do not the things I say?] "This is killing me. . ."
For the wages of sin is death.[You are disobedient.] "What can make me feel better?"
[Obedience will.] "Eating gives me temporary relief." [My little children, keep yourselves from idols.] "I feel so far from God."
Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.[You are disobedient.] "I am spinning out of control; I cannot stop eating."
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins."This is terrifying (the flames lick high). I must get under control. . . I will observe someone normal and put bounds on myself." "I feel better. I must now be vigilant in this area."
Go and sin no more lest a worse thing come upon thee."I feel like I am God's woman." [I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.] ". . .Look at that. They. . ."
Resist not evil.[Turn your attention to this area of your life.] "They need to know. . . "
(Tempter: Yes, you are right; you should not have to take that.)[You continue to rebel against the commandment.] "I have troubles, what shall I do?" [Proclaim peace.] "I proclaim peace." [And undo all the ultimatums.] "This is tough."
. . .by reason of use have their senses exercised . . .[If ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so?] "The atmosphere is changing."
. . .thine health shall spring forth speedily. . ."It matters not what they do."
. . .do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again. . .[Be thou perfect.] "Others expect me to be perfect even when they are not--and they should. All that I have to do is lay hold on my Lord and be pliable and malleable and yielded to his word." Resist not evil. . . . "The commandment can be kept."
[1-7-13]