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Paul was pleased with the church in Rome. They had obeyed the Lord and their zeal was well known. But the Apostle did not want them to get over confident, assuming that they could cruise on their past spiritual victories. He knew that spiritual victory can only be won, one battle at a time. So, despite their good spiritual record, evil would keep trying to invade their church and personal lives. Evil, of course, is not just a force of moral badness but the active work of Satan.
Therefore they needed to be wise, knowing the difference between good and evil, and able to make the right decisions. Spiritual maturity is developed by choosing to accept and do what is good, and to reject evil. The mark of the man and woman of God is that they wisely refuse to co-operate with Satan and his plans to deface the peace of God. Paul was confident that God would bring peace as He mobilised the church against the devil's dark kingdom. As Jesus said, "... I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it" (Matthew 16:18 NLT).
Two thousand years later we need to hear the same messages: 'where you have been obedient, well done' ... 'don't get over confident, another battle is round the corner' ... 'be discerning, work out where the evil is and do not get involved in it' ... 'God, who has brought you peace through His blood, is mobilising you to fight with Him against the devil' ... 'you can't do it on your own, you need the grace of the Lord Jesus to be with you'. So do not be arrogant about past battles won, or utterly despondent about battles lost. Let today be a new day of obedience, discernment, and victory in Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for the many times You have helped me to overcome temptation and to withstand evil attacks. I am sorry when I have presumed that I am beyond such conflicts because of my past spiritual victories; and assume that I will automatically win the next battle. Keep me alert to the evil all around me so that I can work obediently with You to overcome wickedness each day. Despite the evil around me, may I not be intimidated because I know that the God of peace is with me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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