United in Christ

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Romans 8:7

D.L. MOODY
Jesus Christ, the purest being who ever came to this Earth to save mankind, was crucified. I believe if Gabriel should come down from heaven with all the glory of that upper world and try to save men, they would try to blacken his character inside of a week. The ungodly do not like the godly. The impure do not like the pure. There is enmity still. Men may make petty objections, and discuss as much as they like, but there is the fact. God’s prediction is fulfilled. The serpent shall have its head bruised, and every one of us should do all he can to bruise it. Our worst enemy is sin.

ERWIN LUTZER
Satan does not have a divided kingdom. Could you imagine if Satan began to cast out his own demons? Obviously, his kingdom would be weakened, and his kingdom would fall. You just don’t have that kind of division in the evil world.
When Jesus died, He disarmed all principalities and powers and made a show of them openly triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). Jesus took away Satan’s armor. How did Jesus do that? He invaded the kingdom of darkness in a rescue mission saying, “I’m going to turn these captives under condemnation to restoration.” Because of Jesus, we are not condemned but restored—reconciled to God.
A divided kingdom can’t stand, at least not very long. This is also true of our churches. Our fellow believers in the pews are not our enemy. We are fighting a spiritual battle with unseen weapons. The devil and his own are united, so also the church must be united against a common enemy.

PRAYER
Father, in our spiritual battle, unite your church for your glory.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why are we sometimes quick to judge and slander others, even believers?

What does being united with other believers look like in your context?