DCLM Higher Everyday 3 November 2022 — Escape re-entangled
DCLM Higher Everyday 3 November 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Escape re-entangled
TOPIC: ESCAPEES RE-ENTANGLED
TEXT: 2 PETER 2:18-21
19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
MEMORY VERSE: “For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them” (2 PETER 2:21).
MESSAGE:
“If repentance is neglected for an instant, one can lose the power of the Resurrection as he lives with the weakness to tepidity and the potential of his fall,” Saint John Chrysostom pointed out.
The Christian life is a life of consistent walk with God. If one allows some negative factors to preoccupy him or her, backsliding can set in. This was the case of Demas who was a close co-worker with Paul. Hear what Apostle Paul said of him, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica…” (2 Timothy 4:10).
Also Read: DCLM Higher Everyday 2 November 2022 — Do you believe in destiny?
Indeed, Jesus paid the price for our redemption from the power and bondage of sin and Satan. However, our salvation remains conditional, valid only “if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end” (Hebrews 3:14).
So, even occasional neglect of communion with God exposes the most pious Christian to temptation and possible fall. Restoration from backsliding may be difficult as the devil will do everything to resist it.
QUOTE: Our salvation remains conditional.
CHALLENGE: Avoid going downhill by staying off the slope.
PRAYER: Father, please keep me close to Thee, despite multiple challenges.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
