This chapter from the book Titus Ten starts with a quote from Edmund Burke who says, “the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing”. He states that “more often than not it is not what a man does, but fails to do, that causes the greatest harm”. He concludes that there’s an epidemic of passivity among men today.
As he points out, this is nothing new, and it goes all the way back to the beginning in the garden of Eden, where apparently Adam stood by passively as Satan tempted and deceived eve with the fruit. God gave Adam dominion over the garden and yet he failed to exercise the authority God had given him, and mankind has paid the penalty for that mistake ever since.
If we take a look at just the last few decades in America, we can see multiple times when the forces of darkness and Satan’s deceptions have infiltrated our society and degraded it with all types of immorality.
Where were the good men, the righteous and godly men, our pastors, when prayer was taken out of our schools? Or what about when abortion was legalized? Or how about when gay marriage was legalized and elevated to the same status as heterosexual marriage? And currently, the abuse of children, through affirmation and medical procedures that mutilate their bodies as they try to change who God made them to be?
This ties into the statement we’ve been talking about recently, that what one generation tolerates, the next will embrace. We’re living with the truth of that statement, and we can see the slow creep of immorality as one generation tolerates some type of sin, then the next generation fully embraces it and takes it to the next level.
This was a very convicting chapter for me personally, and it should be a challenge to all men, to take an honest look at where we’ve been passive in our lives and allowed the enemy entrance to do what he does best…steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10)
In Luke chapter 9, Jesus sent his disciples out with power and authority to carry out what he called them to do, and he’s given us that same power and authority.
“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.”
Luke 9:1-2 ESV
And in Matthew 28 Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…”
Matthew 28:18 ESV
So Jesus has all authority, and we walk and operate under his authority, in complete submission to him.
As the author points out, “He is our king, and we have the right and responsibility to act, and rule under the king, on behalf of the king, and for the king”.
The author also states an important key:
“you cannot be over the things God wants you to be over unless you’re under the things God wants you to be under. You cannot lead yourself, your family, your church, or any other area of life, unless you are being led by the spirit of God. You must get yourself in a proper position of humble submission, receiving your orders from King Jesus, and then walking in obedience to whatever he calls you to do. And if you live under the authority of Jesus, and under the control of the spirit, your expression of authority will always manifest the life of God”.
Amen. And I would add that, anything that manifests the life of God will bring glory to him.
In Ephesians, the apostle Paul told us what we’re up against, but also showed us that God has given us the tools to be victorious. He says:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
And Peter also reminds us to stay on guard when he says,
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV
So, we stand against the enemy by the power of the Spirit and the truth of His Word. And we recognize that we’re unable to do this in our own strength.
Answering the call to move away from a life of passivity to a life of action walking in Christ’s authority may not be easy, but is necessary if we desire for God to use us to impact our families, churches, communities, and this world for his kingdom. We can’t afford to take the easy way out.
As the author states, “godly men don’t do what is easy, they do what is right”.
Jesus has called us to live OUT what we believe IN.
Do we believe in Jesus and what he’s done for us? Do we believe He has all authority and has given us authority as well? Do we believe he will empower us through the Holy Spirit to walk in that authority? If we do, then, let’s ask the Holy Spirit, who is our Helper, to lead us in this with wisdom and discernment, and give us the strength and boldness to truly live this out for His glory.
Father God, I humbly ask that you would empower us with Your Spirit, to be the protectors of our children and families, to be leaders and examples of godly character in our churches, our places of work, our community, and our social circles. Fill us with boldness to stand up for what is right and godly when we see the enemy at work, trying to deceive and bring destruction, wherever that may be. Thank you, father, that you’ve chosen us to partner with you in advancing your kingdom here on this earth. Let your will be done, in Jesus' name, amen.
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