STOP TOLERATING THE ENEMY IN YOUR LIFE

Jesus rebuked the church in Thyatira for tolerating the enemy within their community (Revelation 2:20). Because they had refused to address the issue, they were giving the enemy freedom to operate in their lives.

When you see a problem and refuse to address the problem—you become the problem.

Think about how many problems in life remain because you see them and choose not to address them. How different would things be if you made up your mind to evict the enemy and no longer tolerate his attempts to kill, steal and destroy?

Where are some places we tolerate the enemy?

CONCERNING SIN

When you see sin in your life or the life of a loved one and choose to ignore it, excuse it or dismiss it, you’re tolerating the enemy. Sin always destroys. There is never a reason to tolerate even the smallest sin. Take it all to Jesus and let it be crucified at the cross.

CONCERNING YOUR IDENTITY

When you are living less than the calling and identity of Christ upon your life and accept it as normal, you’re tolerating a lower level of living that is beneath who you are in Christ.

CONCERNING PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH

When you see sickness in your life or family and choose to accept it as “it is what it is,” you’re missing out on the full provision Christ makes available to us for our well-being. Yes! Total healing and complete restoration are God’s will for your life.

CONCERNING YOUR FINANCES

When you withhold from God and shy away from generosity, you’re making room for the enemy to eat away at your resources. God’s desire for you is to be blessed!

Here’s the deal. When you see the enemy at work, ask yourself, “why haven’t I addressed this yet?” Then make up your mind to stop tolerating it.

How do you do this?

James 4:7-8 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to GOD, and he will draw near to you.”

The remedy is simple. If the enemy is at work, the first thing that you need to do is to submit to God. Come surrender fully to Him and His lordship. Then resist the devil. Tell him to flee and throw out his lies and deceit by going to the truth of God’s Word. Then draw close to God in prayer and devotion.

My friend, you need not go one more day outside the freedom and blessings our Savior has made available. Stop tolerating the enemy.

I look forward to seeing you this weekend.

Pastor

PS… IT’S SUPER BOWL WEEKEND so feel free to come sporting your favorites team’s jersey or colors. Even if they are not in the playoffs. Don’t miss this weekend!