For the flesh lusts against the Spirit,
and the Spirit againt the flesh."
Galatians 5:17
This week I shared with my Son, some disturbing news of a friend of his (to protect the innocent, I will call this friend "Kemp"). By Kemp's inordinate behavior and uncontrolled vices, he has single handedly pushed himself against the wall. Not only is this a disservice to his young family, but it also contributed to him being excommunicated as a Pastor and gifted Preacher. The overall impression of most who are aware, seems to think (by the arrogence of Kemp) that there was no lessons learned from his fiascos. Unfortunately, from years of him burning bridges among his relationships, there is little tolerence by most in stretching out a brotherly hand only to be disappointed by Kemp's inability to take charge over his battles.
Knowing Kemp's family, when I first heard the news, I allowed myself to think, (Lord forgive me) "he was destined to fall into divers temptation". Having preaching Sons myself, I feel a great sense of urgency in this young man's situation. I felt horrible for borderlining into self-righteous judging. If not by the grace of God this could be ME, my family, my sons, and our situation.
In EVERY believer's heart there is a constant struggle between the old and the new natures. The old nature is still active and loses no opportunity to employ its deadly weapons against newborn grace. On the other hand, the new nature is always watching to resist and destroy its enemy. Grace within us will employ prayer, faith, hope, and love to cast out evil. Grace puts on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:11)
These two opposing natures will never cease their struggle as long as we are in this world. We battle with ourselves from the Wicket Gate to the river Jordan. The enemy is so securely entrenched that it can never be totally driven out while we are in this body.
What adversary are WE fighting today? I want to tell Kemp and many others, do not be discouraged, fight on. God is with us. He is the healer of our wounds. Fight on, looking unto Jesus. Though the conflict is long and demanding, sweet will be the victory, glorious the promised reward:
From strength to strength go on;
Wrestle, and fight, and pray,
Tread all the powers of darkness down,
And win the well-fought day.
____Unknown
Keep Kemp, his family, church family, and his " Inner Fight" in your prayers.
7 comments:
Mother Vietta,
I feel your pain for this young man I will pray for him the bible states in Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
GOD Bless~~~
Son
Mother, I will keep this brother and friend of your son in believing prayer that God will bring him to a point of deliverance.
None of us are able to cast a judgmental eye towards this brother because just as you have said, but for the grace of God.
The truth is that there needs to be more people in each of our lives, who are willing to hold one another accountable for our actions towards the ministry and our families.
I am grateful that I have people like Keith Witherspoon, and now yourself, Pop, Kevin and Kraig, and most of all my wife Penny, to hold me accountable so that I will stay on the right course in life.
The psalmist Asaph said in Ps. 73, that when I saw wicked people getting away with their wickedness. My foot almost slipped, until the Lord allowed me to go into the sanctuary to see their end.
Unless we are careful, our feet can slip to a point that we fall back into a past life of sin.
Lance
We will definately keep him in prayer.
Scripture says, "When a man is overtaken in a fault, those of you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness. Considering thysef lest thy also be tempted"
It's interesting that you would bring this to our attention. I am in the process of preparing a message on this very subject.
The apostle Paul gives us a snippet of his own sruggle in Romans 7:15-25 to which the question is asked in verse 24 "Who will deliver me from this body of death? The answer: verse 25, Jesus Christ our Lord.
I also pray that God will srengthen and sustain our brother.
I have to agree with what has already been noted. And as Lance has said the operative word here is 'accountability'; and the willingness to be held accountable. Of course, this must come with a mentor and a disciple (Paul and Timothy) who are both resolute and committed to righteous living and integrity. If this is tainted and compromised, it wouldn't work when it is all said and done. Why do I say this? Because there are a lot of young ministers who have mentors who don't live lives of integrity. Living an unrighteous life has some become cool or even faddish. One of two things is happening with this brother (and I cast no judgment), either he has no person to whom he is accountable who is living a life of integrity. OR...he does have role-models all around him who live an upright life - and he
(for whatever reason) has not and will not submit to that authority.
Of course none of us can judge. I agree with you guys. It is because of God's grace that we are no consumed.
But I will say this. If this brother (whoever he is) does not humble himself, confess and repent...that is on him and him alone. AND the Bible says what will happen to this kind of an individual.
I can't say a whole lot more because I don't have all of the information. Maybe there needs to be a Part B or Part 2. I think some churches go too far. But then some churches don't do enough. What I mean by this is - some people just drop a Pastor as soon as he does something remotely wrong that they don't like. On the other hand, there are some congregations that understand the Pastor's mortality and, if he is dead wrong but repentant, they will work on a plan of restoration. I would like to know if this church has done this. Do they have a history of fighting pastors? Were the bridges he burnt in some way justified?
Truly we are lifting our young brother to the Lord in sincere and fervent prayer and plan to encourage him in every way.
It seems that he has fallen victim to a serious "virus" that tends to especailly attack those in ministry. That is the "believing your own press" disease. It is a very subtle but dangerous virus. Our adversary, satan the devil, will use his agents to fill our heads with an abundance of "positive press" and insure us that we are the best thing that ever happened. Now,all of that sounds real good but the problem comes when we make the awful mistake of beleving it. But,we have the medicine that will be effective in helping this young man regain his health and that medicine is "US". Through our love,encouragement,and support God will use us to help him in his recovery.Thank God for the household of faith and for people who sincerely care.God bless you my dear and thank you for making us aware of Kemps situation.
Wow mom...please forgive me. Lord, I have missed a couple of really good post. I have been extremely busy in my job and my calling and have not had time to puruse my fellow bloggers post and I know I am missing a lot.
I concur with you about the family. We must take the time to train our children in the home knowing that that is our primary responsibility. The church should partner with us but the primary duty is the home. Your grandson looks just like his dad. I know you are proud of him.
This fellow preacher/pastor who has strayed and seems to be unrepentant needs our prayers. I don't know who it is but this brother has the flaming darts of satan purtruding from his flesh and needs some godly people to warn him of the error of his ways.
Mom thanks for checking and I would never be mad at you without first letting you know why I am mad. That's not my style.
By the way, if you get time join some of your sons in the Facebook community. It is another social networking venue that allows you to make quick posts, so people know what you are up to and whats going on in your life. I love it because when I am really busy like I have been of late, it allows me to just post a quick note so people know what I am doing.
Lance, Spoon, McGhee, Kraig,Payne and others are on Facebook. Come and join us.
Love you and I am constantly praying for you and your family.
Son,
Tony
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