Standing Firm in a World of Growing Darkness
The world around us seems to be growing darker by the day, and even some who once denied spiritual reality are beginning to wonder if there’s more going on behind the scenes. As believers, we know the answer — there is a very real spiritual war waging against the things of God, His Word, and His Church. Evil seems more coordinated and aggressive than ever, aiming to twist truth, undermine faith, and bring confusion to those who would stand for righteousness.
1. Recognizing the Battle
The enemy has always been strategic in his attacks. Just as he tempted Jesus in the wilderness by twisting Scripture and appealing to fleshly desires, he still tempts us today by distorting God’s Word and appealing to our human weaknesses. If we belong to Christ, we must resist these lies and refuse to bow to anything contrary to God’s will.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
The Apostle Paul warns that this battle isn’t against other people but against spiritual forces of evil. Our fight isn’t with those who don’t know Jesus but with the spiritual powers manipulating minds and culture. This awareness should encourage us to be vigilant in prayer and discerning of truth versus deception.
The enemy has always been strategic in his attacks. Just as he tempted Jesus in the wilderness by twisting Scripture and appealing to fleshly desires, he still tempts us today by distorting God’s Word and appealing to our human weaknesses. If we belong to Christ, we must resist these lies and refuse to bow to anything contrary to God’s will.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
The Apostle Paul warns that this battle isn’t against other people but against spiritual forces of evil. Our fight isn’t with those who don’t know Jesus but with the spiritual powers manipulating minds and culture. This awareness should encourage us to be vigilant in prayer and discerning of truth versus deception.
2. The Temptation to Conform
Many churches and believers are tempted to conform to the world’s standards rather than God’s Word. Today, Satan is actively working to persuade Christians to abandon the principles of Scripture for a counterfeit version of truth.
Some Christians now believe that biblical truths were only relevant 2,000 years ago, not today. We see the acceptance of practices and lifestyles that go directly against Scripture, from supporting aspects of the sexual revolution to calling the destruction of innocent life “healthcare.” The Bible warns us not to compromise, reminding us of our need to live as lights in the world:
“Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” — Ephesians 5:11 (NLT)
Paul further warns us in Romans 1:18-32 about the dangers of exchanging God’s truth for lies. As we choose to compromise with the world, we drift further from God’s purpose and are left without excuse.
Many churches and believers are tempted to conform to the world’s standards rather than God’s Word. Today, Satan is actively working to persuade Christians to abandon the principles of Scripture for a counterfeit version of truth.
Some Christians now believe that biblical truths were only relevant 2,000 years ago, not today. We see the acceptance of practices and lifestyles that go directly against Scripture, from supporting aspects of the sexual revolution to calling the destruction of innocent life “healthcare.” The Bible warns us not to compromise, reminding us of our need to live as lights in the world:
“Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” — Ephesians 5:11 (NLT)
Paul further warns us in Romans 1:18-32 about the dangers of exchanging God’s truth for lies. As we choose to compromise with the world, we drift further from God’s purpose and are left without excuse.
3. Living Counter-Culturally
As believers, we’re called to a higher standard. Our loyalty is not to earthly ideologies or political parties but to God’s Word. Jesus didn’t bow to Satan’s temptations, even when offered all the kingdoms of the world, and neither should we bow to the world’s demands to compromise. Jesus said we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), and it’s our responsibility to shine that light boldly, not dim it to blend in with darkness.
Our hope doesn’t come from a political party or social ideology. It comes from Jesus — the Lion and the Lamb. We are citizens of His Kingdom, called to stand apart, to love, and to uphold His truth:
Our hope as Christians doesn’t come from the right or the left…. It comes from The Way! Jesus is our king, and we vote in line with the Lion and the Lamb, not the donkey or the elephant!
As believers, we’re called to a higher standard. Our loyalty is not to earthly ideologies or political parties but to God’s Word. Jesus didn’t bow to Satan’s temptations, even when offered all the kingdoms of the world, and neither should we bow to the world’s demands to compromise. Jesus said we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), and it’s our responsibility to shine that light boldly, not dim it to blend in with darkness.
Our hope doesn’t come from a political party or social ideology. It comes from Jesus — the Lion and the Lamb. We are citizens of His Kingdom, called to stand apart, to love, and to uphold His truth:
Our hope as Christians doesn’t come from the right or the left…. It comes from The Way! Jesus is our king, and we vote in line with the Lion and the Lamb, not the donkey or the elephant!
"Our hope as Christians doesn’t come from the right or the left…. It comes from The Way! Jesus is our king, and we vote in line with the Lion and the Lamb, not the donkey or the elephant!"
4. Judging Righteously, Not Hypocritically
While we are called to love others, we’re also called to hold each other accountable. Paul emphasizes that we’re not to judge the world, as God will be their judge, but we are to judge those who claim to have faith in Jesus:
1 Corinthians 5:9–13 (NLT)
When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
It’s not about condemnation but about calling believers to live out their faith authentically. If we claim to follow Jesus, we must stand firm against the temptation to compromise with sin, especially when it’s celebrated in the culture around us.
While we are called to love others, we’re also called to hold each other accountable. Paul emphasizes that we’re not to judge the world, as God will be their judge, but we are to judge those who claim to have faith in Jesus:
1 Corinthians 5:9–13 (NLT)
When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
It’s not about condemnation but about calling believers to live out their faith authentically. If we claim to follow Jesus, we must stand firm against the temptation to compromise with sin, especially when it’s celebrated in the culture around us.
5. The Role of the Church in a Dark World
In a time where evil is increasingly visible, the Church is the dam holding back total darkness. We are here to share the Gospel and live as examples of holiness, standing firm until the return of Christ. Jesus prayed, “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” While we wait for His return, we are called to resist evil and share God’s love with the lost.
As we navigate this world, let’s cling to God’s Word as our ultimate authority, seeking to love others while holding fast to truth. We’re called to be light in the darkness, pointing people to Jesus and the unchanging truth of Scripture. May we stand as faithful citizens of God’s Kingdom, declaring His goodness and truth in a world desperate for hope. Let’s pray for wisdom and courage to live in a way that honors Him, even as the world grows darker around us.
In a time where evil is increasingly visible, the Church is the dam holding back total darkness. We are here to share the Gospel and live as examples of holiness, standing firm until the return of Christ. Jesus prayed, “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” While we wait for His return, we are called to resist evil and share God’s love with the lost.
As we navigate this world, let’s cling to God’s Word as our ultimate authority, seeking to love others while holding fast to truth. We’re called to be light in the darkness, pointing people to Jesus and the unchanging truth of Scripture. May we stand as faithful citizens of God’s Kingdom, declaring His goodness and truth in a world desperate for hope. Let’s pray for wisdom and courage to live in a way that honors Him, even as the world grows darker around us.
Posted in The Well - Devotions From High Pointe
Recent
Archive
2024
September
October
November