How can we protect our faith from the "axes and hatchets" mentioned? Setting the Scene Psalm 74:5–6 paints a vivid picture: “They were like men wielding axes, to cut through a thicket of trees. And now they smash all its carved work with hatchets and picks.” In context the psalmist mourns enemies hacking at the sanctuary’s beauty—an image of ruthless assaults on what is holy. Today, hostile ideas, temptations, and pressures swing at the church and at personal faith in much the same way. Recognizing the Axes and Hatchets Today • Aggressive skepticism that denies the reliability of Scripture • Cultural currents celebrating what God calls sin • False teaching packaged as fresh spirituality • Weariness or compromise eroding a once-vibrant walk with Christ • Personal trials that stir doubt about God’s goodness Guarding the Foundation: God’s Word • Immerse in Scripture daily; a mind saturated with truth cannot be easily carved up. – “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • Memorize key passages, rehearse them aloud, and meditate on them through the day. • Study the whole counsel of God, not isolated verses, so interpretations stay anchored. – “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Fortifying the Walls: Christian Community • Commit to regular worship and fellowship; isolation makes faith an easy target. – “Let us not neglect meeting together… but let us encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Welcome accountability; trusted believers can spot small cracks before they widen. • Serve together. Shared mission welds hearts and guards against self-centered drift. • Remember strength in numbers: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Sharpening Discernment: Sound Doctrine • Contend earnestly for the faith handed down, resisting novel ideas that contradict Scripture. (Jude 3) • Test every spirit and teaching. (1 John 4:1) • Read solid commentaries, attend Bible-centered classes, and learn church history to recognize recycled errors. • Maintain a teachable spirit—humility keeps the edge keen, arrogance dulls it. Clothed in Armor: Spiritual Vigilance • Put on the whole armor of God each day. (Ephesians 6:10-18) – Belt of truth: honesty before God and others. – Breastplate of righteousness: practical obedience that shields the heart. – Shoes of the gospel: readiness to stand firm. – Shield of faith: extinguishing flaming lies. – Helmet of salvation: identity secure in Christ. – Sword of the Spirit: Scripture wielded in real-time battles. • Stay alert: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” (1 Peter 5:8) Daily Maintenance: Repentance and Worship • Offer body, mind, and schedule to God anew each morning. (Romans 12:1-2) • Keep short accounts; confess sin promptly so the enemy finds no foothold. • Cultivate thankfulness and praise—axes bounce off a heart filled with worship. • Practice Sabbath rhythms; rest restores joy and clarity. Conclusion: Holding the Line Axes and hatchets will keep swinging, yet the sanctuary of the heart can stand firm. Rooted in Scripture, strengthened by community, sharpened through discernment, guarded with spiritual armor, and renewed in daily worship, believers can watch the enemy’s blows glance off while faith grows ever stronger. |
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