Focus: 2 Timothy 4:18 - KJV
18. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:9-13
Evil works can be the effect of the direct attack of the enemy against one or the works of one’s hands. It is possible to be under the influence of the enemy while even assuming to be doing the work of the kingdom. Paul understood that evil works can truncate destiny and prevent one from making the heavenly kingdom. For instance, although the Lord commands that we pray for our enemies and bless them that despitefully use us, we may get aggravated to the point of wanting to avenge ourselves at times. When we do so, we move against the Lord and put ourselves in the danger of forfeiting the kingdom. There are many people whose ministry is to distract those on the right course with their own wiles knowing they are not meant for the kingdom destination. A fellow once narrated how he was badly treated by someone apparently senior in ministry and he was so vexed about it. Only for his leader to tell him to apologize to the offender. He grudgingly did but later heard the culprit say by himself that he knew he was not destined for heaven and was ready to pull others back also. Such people are numerous in the midst now.
Nonetheless, the Lord is faithful to guide us in His righteousness that we do not fall into the hands of the evil one to do the works of evil having done righteous things thus far, if we will pray for His help. Of course, without Him there is nothing we can do right. Hence, this morning, for us to avoid and overcome evil works, we need to cry to our helper to come to our aid so that we will not forfeit the heavenly kingdom. Christ, the all-knowing was deliberate in teaching us to pray to be delivered from evil.
SOLUTION: Make it a duty to include a point in your daily prayer like the Lord taught us to pray that you be delivered from evil. When you do so, be conscious of your actions and activities that you do not fall into evil by yielding to the tempter. Please eschew anger in all your doings.
The Lord will keep and preserve you from works of evil continually in Jesus’ name. He will ensure you gain the heavenly kingdom after your sojourn here on earth in Jesus’ name. Through your testimonies many more will know to eschew and avoid evil in Jesus’ name.