7/12/24

Recently a well-known pastor stepped down from his pastorate for an "indiscretion" that he was involved with. Stepping down was the right thing to do. However, his well-known ministry is now lacking. The cause is not the stepping down but the sin. It can happen to anyone who is not on the alert. Satan's desire is to destroy any and every impactful witness for God. If you are not under attack by Satan then you need to look at the effectiveness of your ministry. Paul while in prison wrote a letter to Timothy and warned him of Satan's attack. This attack can be anything from busyness that keeps you from worshipping and missing the assembling together of saints to a sexual sin that ruins a ministry. In this letter Paul says, ‭2 Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

He warns Timothy to be sober. The word sober has both the meaning of restraining from consuming wine to watching intently.

We are to be clear-minded not being consumed in thought by any substance or worldly activities that cause us to not focus on God. When we do this we will see the hardship or affliction that Satan attempts to place on us and in our way. With trust in God and a clear focus, we will be able to avoid Satan's sin, continue on in the ministry, and do the work of evangelizing (sharing the gospel).

Satan will attack with a vengeance but with a focus on God you can know as Paul does and shares in ‭ ‭2 Timothy 4:17-18 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Keep sober and focused on God. He will be with you and protect you.

Love Bro. Scott