Acts 5:39 “But if it is of GOD, you cannot overthrow it — lest you even be found to fight against GOD!”
Pulling Punches!
Who can tackle battles which have yet to begin? Only those engaging wars on the fields within their mind.
Fueled by imagination and one’s own elective Pride, so such struggles
come to life — becoming “missions”.
Yet wasted are those times because no foe exists; no one’s gauntlet has been thrown nor a line been drawn in sand!
For already has the battle been won without your help…so make sure you are not fighting with HIS SON!
As HIServant reminded to be discerning and wise so that shadow battles don’t consume my life,
Whitney
Devotional: 2 Corinthians 10:3 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.”
Pulling Punches is defined as holding back criticism, restraining an attack or limiting a response to another.
So whenever we regularly entertain arguments and conflicts / battles within our thoughts, we err.
It’s one thing to plan ahead for a difficult conversation.
But to frequently “play out” our payback or revenge on someone else in our imaginations…
…well! Isn’t that a harmful waste of Time?
At the least, they’re periods where instead of helping / sharing with others, we’re “plotting” with great focus a version of “getting even”.
And that’s what the Pharisees in Acts 5:33 were doing. The disciples stood steadfastly for CHRIST.
But after hearing their faith, verse 33 reads, “When they (the Un-Pharisees) heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.”
These supposed men of GOD imagined grave evil against the LORD’s disciples.
Gamaliel sternly rebukes his fellow Pharisees for their intentions, bent on revenge.
And in like manner, yet pulling my own punches from excessive self rebuke, we must entertain no such vain imaginations!
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in GOD for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments…
…and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of CHRIST…”
So GOD trains and corrects us directly and through the words of others, doesn’t HE?
So this pair of verses has a two-fold meaning. First, don’t fight against GOD by elevating yourself.
Don’t mentally prepare battles which go against HIS character of forgiveness…
…and don’t entertain selfish ambition under the disguise of “my own GODLY progress”.
Therefore! Bring every thought captive and direct all your plans through the guidebook of HIS WORD!
Amen and amen!
2CJC 