Obstacles to Disciple Making Part 2
Please allow me to introduce myself I'm a man of wealth and taste I've been around for a long, long year Stole many a man's soul to waste...
"Sympathy for the Devil" - Rolling Stones
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.
1 Peter 5:8 - The Message, in memory of Eugene Peterson
What are some obstacles to a life of disciple making? Last week, I pointed out that we have an adversary. In Christ, we have been awakened, and thus thrust into a conflict. I don't imagine the devil and his agents are just going to sit and watch us build up Christ's good Kingdom.
This week, I want to point out an obstacle that is unique for a couple reasons. First, at least in this world, it is an essential part of us. Second, this part of us shares a kinship with the devil. It is our flesh. The source of our sinful desires. It is the part of us that says, consciously and unconsciously, "I just have to have that regardless of what God has said about it."
In Romans chapter 8, Paul writes that the mind set on the flesh, or another way of saying it might be, a person who's being is governed by desire, this person is hostile toward God. Can't submit to God's will; is not even able to do so. Every morning I wake, my flesh is a problem. .
To compound the problem, because this rebellion defines the devil, it is this part of us with which he is best conversant. It's like how Sauron has a certain access to Frodo when he carries the ring on his person. Into Eve's flesh, the devil plunged the hook; the ear in Judas to which he whispered, "You need to have this sort of power. Why should you have to deny yourself this? It's outrageous!"
...but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire (flesh) and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:14,15
Entangled in sin, making disciples will be the last thing on your mind.