Resting in the finished work of Christ is the key to walking in victory. Regardless of how much we apply Biblical principles to our life, unless we have this main key to the kingdom of God, we will find failure at the end sooner or later.
What is resting in Christ’s complete work? It is a spiritual principle that is set right out in scriptures but missed by many of us.
One sure way to know that we are not resting in Christ is striving. That is to make great effort to achieve something.
When we find ourselves in this state we know right away that we are not resting. Then we must get immediately back to the cross.
Does resting in Christ equate to passivity? No indeed it does not! What resting in Christ does is to set our eyes on the victor for the victory and not on ourselves.
To rest in Christ is to set the Lord always before us. That is to acknowledge Jesus as our Captain. Our leader and victor over all difficulties that may come our way.
Paul knew this resting in Christ. He said that the life he now lived he lived by the faith of Jesus Christ. Paul knew that he was accepted in the beloved. How could Christ who loved us enough to give his very life for us not also supply us with all the things we need to live victorious in this life?
To rest in Christ is to rest in his finished work. He beat the devil! He conquered sin! Jesus rose victorious!
What is our part? To rest in this fact! When we do we can be assured that Christ who lives in us will complete all the work that is needed in our lives.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Resting in Christ is to abide in Christ. To accept what Christ says as true. To remain fixed in. To continue to dwell in. To remain in.
“If you abide in me,” Jesus said and his words or his teachings abide in you then you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7)
In other words all the things that we need will be given to us as we rest in Christ. To rest is to have complete faith in the Lord’s ability to perform his word. It is to nestle in his bosom with absolute confidence. Does the Lord not know what is best for each of us? Is his plan not the best plan?
Have faith in God!
Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Faith in the finished work of Christ gives us hope. We never have to be worried that Jesus will not come through. He has promised! If he loved us enough to give his life for us how much more would he not freely meet our needs? We have only to patiently wait. (Romans 8:32)
Resting in Christ is to set our eyes on Jesus who is the author and the finisher of our faith. He will prefect that which concerns us as we trust in him!
It is Christ who lives! Christ who has conquered! Christ who is Lord of all! We rest in these facts and abide in his love.
Jesus is all our righteousness! He is working all things out for our good as scriptures tell us. (Romans 8:28)
We are complete in him!
“And you are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:10
To be complete is to have all things without lacking. It is to be full and entirely in Christ! Can you see this by faith? IN CHRIST!
Jesus is the head of all principality and power. That means that because we are seated with him in heavenly places we are also positioned with him high above the rulers of this dark world. We are more than conquerors because we are in him! Let us rest in this knowledge!
Jesus is the name above every name. His victory is our victory. His completed work is our completed work because we are in him! Can you see this by faith? Then you are resting! Resting in assurity that Jesus Christ is the head. The chief and principle power of all in this life. If you are in him then you are secure. Rest in this reality.
It is finished Jesus said. Whether we are wrestling in prayer, serving, teaching or ministering we are always resting in Christ. Always confident that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us and gave himself for us.
Are you resting in Christ today? If not won’t you get back to the cross? The place of your victory is there! The work has already been done! (Romans 8: 37)
The Roman belt or the balteus was a part of the Roman soldier’s amour.
It was the belt that held the scabbard which in turn carried the soldier’s sword.
Scriptures tell us to be girded in our minds with the truth. Just like the scabbard our mind is called to carry God’s word so that at anytime we can pull it out and do battle against the enemy.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
Our mind is the carrier of God’s truth.
When God’s word is in our mind then we can have the mind of Christ.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16
A transformed mind by the scriptures becomes a heavenly mind that thinks on those things that are above and not on the things of this world. A heavenly mind is a girded mind.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
God has promised to bring all things to our remembrance when we need it.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26
A Holy Spirit controlled mind that is filled with God’s word is able to cast down imaginations and every thing that exalts itself against the word of God.
All contrary ideas and mindsets which conflict with scriptures are to be cast down. We reject them as lies.
We are then able by the sword of the Spirit to bring captive all thoughts in the mind or the balteus to obey Christ.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5
Be girded in the mind today and always with God’s truth as set out in scriptures. When the devil comes with his lies and deception you can defeat him. Standing on God’s word that is above every other word will bring the victory! Satan hates the truth and cannot stand up to it.
That is what Jesus always spoke to the devil’s lies with IT IS WRITTEN!
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:13
A mind filled with God’s word cannot be shaken regardless of the group think of this world system which is inspired by the evil one!
THE Latin word for sword is Gladius. This sword was used by Roman foot soldiers when in close proximity to the enemy. It was used to thrust at unprotected parts of the body while the shield was held up moving forward in battle.
Enemy exposed areas such as the throat, armpit, groin and main arteries were able to be thrust at with short stabs.
The Gladius was also used for blocking an opponent. A Roman soldier could block the enemy’s sword thereby leaving another Roman soldier adjacent to him to thrust the final blow.
The Gladius was also two edged. This gave it multi purpose. Not only could the Gladius be used for thrusting and blocking but the Gladius could also be used for slashing, or cutting. A Roman soldier was able to take opportune moments to slash at an exposed knee below the opponent’s shield or slash at an arm or neck which could end the fight in a moment’s time.
The Bible likens God’s word to a Gladius. This is because in the same way that the Gladius was used in direct confrontation with the enemy so is God’s word a weapon to be used against the onslaughts of the devil.
In battle the Christian moves forward by faith to engage in spiritual warfare. The shield is held in place. Not only to protect the soldier but to thwart off any opposition attacks. Then the Gladius or sword of the Spirit is to be thrust at the enemy.
With a trained Roman soldier the sword could enter the abdomen and kill the opposition. The abdomen was a prime area to attack. The Bible relays many incidents where a sword was used through the belly in war. The belly symbolizes life flow. Jesus said out of your belly or spirit will flow rivers of living water.
The sword thrust through the stomach could cause death within minutes or cause a prolonged death. Depending on the precise area of the wound. This is the same in spiritual warfare. Death to the enemy plan may take a short time or a prolonged time. This is why continued prayer and ministry of the word of God is important until the victory is won.
GOD’S word is two edged like the Gladius because it not only thrusts to kill but it divides. In other words it can rightly divide truth from error. When used by a trained soldier in Jesus Christ the sword of the Spirit is a powerful weapon. It destroys strongholds, casts down high things exalting themselves against God’s truth, rightly divides the word of God, cuts up deception, chops corruption into spam and is able to be thrust right into the flow of the enemy. Death will most certainly occur. The enemy will be defeated! It’s just a matter of time.
Hebrews 4:12 , For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Take up your Gladius today and go forth into battle in the power of our Lord’s might and strength! Wage war against the powers of darkness and fight the good fight of faith in Jesus name!
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Psalm 18 reveals how David received deliverance from the enemy.
Let’s examine this Psalm because there are some key points for us to learn about spiritual warfare.
In the beginning of the Psalm David begins by proclaiming his love for the Lord and acknowledging that it is the Lord who is his strength.
I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
In Ephesians chapter 6 Paul shows us that before we put on our armor we need to be standing from a position of the Lord’s strength.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
David does this by reminding himself of the greatness of his God.
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
David stands on God’s word in faith. The Lord who saved him from the lion, the bear and the giant is able to deliver him from this attack.
When we remind ourselves of how the Lord delivered us from past battles our faith rises. Remember when God came through last time? Remember that tough situation I was in? Jesus never let me down! He will deliver me now because I set my love upon him and he will take care of me!
By faith David sees himself surrounded by a fortress of God’s power and himself sitting up high above his enemies with God as his high tower.
He sees the Lord as his buckler warding off the enemy’s attacks. The Lord is his victory and Savior. A very present help in times of trouble.
David is now in a position of faith by acknowledging that the Lord is his strength. He delivered me before and he will do it again ! Then clothed in the full armor of God David calls upon the Lord to enter into the battle with him.
We can see that David is in a battle. He is being attacked by his enemies and he is in distress. (Extreme pain, sorrow and anguish)
So what does he do? David sees his deliverance taking place by faith. He knows that his prayers are being heard!
He sees the Lord like a mighty warrior coming to rescue him!
David knows that he is secure in the Lord even though the battle rages around him.
By faith David sees the Lord fighting for him in the heavenlies. He sees the Lord sending his angels to battle the powers of darkness on his behalf.
The Lord enters into David’s battle and by his power brings light into the darkness.
From heaven the Lord gives command and scatters the enemy with his arrows of justice!
The Lord brings deliverance because of his love and mercy towards David.
He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.
David declares his victory! You have delivered me in the day of trouble Lord! You gave me your strength to make it through this battle!
For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me!
Notice that David reveals how the enemy came upon him to attack him. In the day of his calamity. A moment of weakness. A time when he took his eyes off the Lord! That is when the enemy attacked.
Satan like a roaring lion seeks to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) He knows our weakness but we know the strength of our God!
David knew the Lord’s faithfulness and in the time of trial the Lord would be his stay. The Lord would not let him down!
When we are in the Lord’s righteousness and our hearts are made right with him we can rejoice and praise God for his faithfulness to us too!
For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?
Then after the trial was over David was set back up again and blessed even more. He was given more wisdom concerning spiritual warfare. David’s understanding was now enlightened.
David tells us that the Lord teaches his hands to war. He strengthens him for the battle. One more battle won means another victory in Jesus! The Lord will show us how to do spiritual warfare for each battle we face in life.
David’s faith then grew even more after the battle. With my God I can run through a whole troop of the wicked. I can jump right over any wall of hindrance!
God’s word will perfectly be fulfilled when put to the test! Our God is an awesome God!
David then shares his testimony with us.
My God delivered me and strenthened me in the day of trouble!
The Lord has set me above my enemies ! I am seated with Christ in heavenly places! That is my position of strength! (Ephesians 2:6)
The Lord has given me the ability to get through those rough places by his mighty power!
David then in a position of renewed faith attacks his enemies. He prays against the evil one’s plans and schemes! He routes them out and commands them to flee. He stomps on the head of the serpent and crushes his stronghold!
David knows that God’s authority is greater than the evil one and his henchmen.
Then David subdues his enemy. He binds them up in fetters. Their power in now broken. David is in the Lord his head and all his enemies are the tail. They are defeated completely!
David then praises the Lord for his goodness and rejoices in the God of his salvation. The enemy is now under his feet.
When we make the Lord our strong tower and fortress of defense like David the Lord will train our hands for war and strengthen us for battle. He is faithful to his word and will always give us the victory as we put our trust in him !
I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Are you in a battle today? Remember that the battle you face belongs to the Lord. Call on him to save you. Ask Jesus to gird you with his strength and fill you will his mighty power to overcome!
The Lord will not fail you! Look how he has brought you to victory so far!
Ephesians 3:21,22
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages.
Scriptures tell us that if we ask anything in his name if it is according to his will then he hears us. (1 John 5:14,15)
If he hears us then with confidence we can be assured that we have the request in which we have petitioned. (John 14:14)
That means in essence that if we know God’s will in a matter then we can be confident or know that our prayer is answered when we petition for it.
God’s Kingdom though not of this world is a government. Ruled by a King with a court over his subjects. A King is also a judge. One who presides over all petitions to the court. (Psalms 84:10-12, Philippians 4:6, Daniel 7:9,10, Hebrews 4:16)
When a person or subject of the Kingdom of God (better yet a group of persons) come together before the court of God in heaven and they bring forth a petition or request for the King to grant it is done in the same way a petition is put forth in an earthly government.
The king or magistrate first of all examines the document. Does the request coincide with a legal precedent ? (Nehemiah 9, Exodus 34:6, Acts 4)
Does the request line up with any scriptural principle? (John 15:7,8)
If so then is there a legal precedent for the case?
Does the petition line up with scriptural protocol? (John 15:7,8)
If so then the prayer request is guaranteed to be answered.
In an earthy government the petition has a waiting time and requires patience. (Psalms 40:1-3, Psalms 27:14 Hebrews 6:15, )
In order to get equity or relief for the petition request one must wait for government to go through a process.
Sometimes there may be opposition to a request. The opposition may want to examine the petition looking for any loopholes or president case that is in opposition. Maybe even look to see if the petitioner has any legal requirements left undone so that the request can be hindered or delayed.
( Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:5, Psalm 66:18, James 4:3)
The opposition then explains to the court why the request should not be granted.
Then if there is found to be an unfulfilled legal requirement the court may deny the request if the legalities are not dealt with.
Many times people want to blame God for unanswered prayer when the problem actually lies with them.
For example if I pray and have unforgiveness in my heart my prayer will not be answered. I must forgive even if it’s my enemy. I must be reconciled to my brother or sister too. (Matthew 6:12, Mark 11:25)
There are several reasons laid out in scriptures why petitions are not granted from God’s court.
Another hindrance to answered prayer is unbelief. Interesting enough but some people pray even though they don’t really expect an answer. They have no understanding of who it is they are actually praying to. (Isaiah 33:22, Psalms 75:7, Revelation 20)
Scriptures tell us to HAVE FAITH IN GOD. ( James 1:6,7, Matthew 11 and 21:22 Philippians 4:6,7 Hebrews 10:22 )
That means if we come before God with a request we must believe that he is going to answer. A judge of a court has power to make a court order.
Another denial to a prayer request is asking outside the will of God.
How can I know if it is God’s will ? The Bible sets out all legal presidents.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7
Examination of motive is best done before putting forth a petition before God’s court. Why do we want the petition to be granted? (James 4:2)
For God’s glory and purpose or for our selfish motive? (James 4:3, 1 Peter 3:12)
The opposition or devil does not want our prayer requests to be fulfilled. He is our adversary. Scriptures tell us he can hinder our prayers. He is like any prosecutor lawyer trying to find something on you. It’s what he does. (1 Chronicles 21: 1, Zechariah 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 2)
Another important factor to consider is another person’s will.
When interceding on behalf of another person this takes great patience as God has a lot of work to do in getting that person to a place of receptivity to receive from him. (2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:18)
This is why we must continue in prayer with perseverance. Sometimes even fasting. There is a spiritual war going on to keep that person from getting what we are praying for. A lot of legal precedents need to be dealt with. (Luke 11:9,10 Luke 18, Acts 1:14, Ephesians 6:18, I Thessalonians 5:18, )
The good news is that Holy Spirit is working to convince the person of their need. We must keep praying and never give up as the Bible exhorts us! (Psalms 27:14, Psalms 37:7)
In getting our prayers answered there is legal protocol. One of the best ways when petitioning any court is to have a lot of signatures on a petition. That is why the prayer of agreement is so powerful. The prayer of agreement is like having a petition of signatures on a legal document. In this case it is an oral document. ( Matthew 18:19, 20, James 5:16, 2 Chronicles 7:14)
When we line up with God’s will then we can be guaranteed that our request is being answered. All we have to do is to wait patiently on the Lord. (Psalm 40)
For this purpose Jesus Christ came: to destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:8
That was the whole purpose for God to manifest in the flesh, die on the cross and rise from the dead according to the Bible.
It is important to understand what exactly happened at the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ according to the Bible. By getting a better understanding we are then able to enter into fully our covenant with God provided for us by the Lord Jesus Christ. By that I mean understanding what Jesus actually did and what that means for the Christian in regards to position in the kingdom of God.
When Jesus destroyed the works of the devil at the cross he in effect stripped him of his power and authority.
The Bible tells us that Satan is the god or ruler of this world system but he is not ruler over the Christian who has been delivered from the power of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:13)
In other words even though Satan rules this world system he does not rule the born again person. Satan’s greatest weapon is deception. He is a trickster. If he can keep the Child of God ignorant of the fact that he has been defeated he keeps his position of ruler over them.
Without revelation of what Jesus Christ really accomplished at the cross and faith in that fact the Christian can live a whole life time of bondage under the dominion of the evil one.
Yes, even though the Christian is born again, blood bought and a part of Jesus Christ’s body the ignorant Christian can live defeated, sick, poor, and in bondage.
The Bible makes that fact perfectly clear.
MY PEOPLE are destroyed for lack of knowledge. HOSEA 4:6
Now let’s look at what the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ accomplished by manifesting in the flesh. Keep in mind that this is Bible doctrine. Written as plain as the nose on your face.
Unfortunately their are whole churches that don’t believe or teach this. You have to decide for yourself if you want to believe the Bible or the doctrine you were taught by others who do not teach the complete victory wrought by Jesus Christ according to scriptures.
Now let’s look at what it means to destroy the devil’s works.
To destroy in the Greek is luō. That means to break, dissolve, loose free from, to put off.
In other words Jesus broke the power over, closed down the operation of, released from captivity and made the devil to submit to through relinquishing control of.
Now most Christians believe this to some degree but they don’t delve into it deeper.
In order to have a complete understanding we have to under stand what exactly was put off!
What are the works of the devil? Not only that but we have to come to the realization that this defeat was complete. Not just some of the devil’s works were broken over the Christian but ALL!
You might ask yourself, well if this is true why am I sick, poor, depressed and defeated?
Did you ever stop to examine yourself? Are you really in the faith? The first thing to know is if you are really born again. How do you know?
YOU KNOW. (1 John 5:13)
If there is any doubt then you need to go to the Lord, confess your sin, repent which is turn from your sin (breaking God’s laws) and turn to the salvation and Lordship of Jesus Christ. Ask forgiveness for sin and ask him to make you his child. (Luke 13:3)
Then if you know you are born again, are you putting faith in God’s word or in your circumstance? Without faith it is impossible to please God. according to the Bible.
Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seekhim.”
This is a fact whether we like it or not. It is a fact whether we disregard it or not and it is a fact even if we don’t believe it.
According to the Bible we must believe that Jesus is God. Sovereign over all things. We also must believe that HE WILL reward our seeking him for the victory. (Hebrews 11:6)
Don’t think that Satan is not going to put up a fuss. He has squatted for a long time in people’s lives. He doesn’t like to give up territory without a fight.
This is another thing. In order to receive our victory we have to battle for it sometimes! The Bible tells us that we do not wrestle with flesh and blood! We wrestle with demonic powers that oppose the kingdom of God.
The Greek is palē for wrestle and it means more than simply to struggle. It actually means a hand-to-hand combat with an opposing enemy. The spiritual forces of evil residing in the heavenly places or spiritual realm.
How do we wrestle? (Ephesians 6) Through prayer and standing in faith. We must decide who we want to believe. God’s word or the devil’s deception.
Its called fighting (contending, struggling, striving) the good fight OF FAITH. (1 Timothy 6:12)
Now let’s take a look at what Mr. Devil’s works exactly are.
Satan’s deeds or his actions and labour are as follows.
He is a big fat liar. He is a slanderer. A false accuser. He is a thief and a destroyer. He is a deceiver. Satan is diabolically evil.
These facts are all in the Bible.
The good news is that Jesus Christ exposed the devil and stripped him of his power and authority. He then gave the keys of the kingdom to his church. That is you and me.
Now the tables are turned. Jesus gave his church authority over ALL the works of the devil. Not some but ALL. Either All is All or it is not. (Luke 10:19, Revelations 13:11)
ALL compasses All Satan’s works.
All the devil’s lies, deception, sickness, disease, poverty, depression, fear, even death.
Death cannot hold the Christian anymore. Death is simply a translation into the spiritual realm of God’s light or heaven. If you miss the rapture you still get raptured! In the twinkling of an eye you are translated into glory!
Hebrews 2:14 tells us that through Jesus Christ, death was destroyed. The devil has no more power of death over the Christian.
Another Greek word for destroy is katargeō; To render useless, entirely idle, abolish Cease, do away with, none effect, loose free of to put down, vanish and make void.
Now keep in mind that there are prequisites for living in victory as a Christian.
This means that our lives must line up with the scriptures. We sow what we reap or in other words we harvest what we plant. That’s a spiritual principle in the kingdom of God.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption. Galatians 6:7,9
For example if I stuff my face on goodies I can get fat. Maybe even get really sick. Even die!
Using this example I mean that if our life is lining up with the flesh then we are agreeing with the devil and by doing that we will reap the consequences of our actions.
If we lie or steal or operate in Satan’s works we are agreeing with him and have no covering of protection because as scriptures tell us we can be turned over to the devil until we repent. (1 Corinthians 5:5)
What about grace? My answer to that is that grace will give a certain amount of time to repent. There is however the time when reaping will occur. There is no getting away from that fact.
What about sickness? My answer to that is what scriptures tell us. We reap what we have sown. Bitterness, anger unforgiveness all make us sick. Not only do we know this from a scientific perspective but it’s also in the Bible.
Can we get healed? Yes. God is merciful but he expects repentance from us or as scriptures say a worse thing can occur. (John 5:14)
Do you see the point I am making?
Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil. It is up to us to now line our lives up in obedience to his word, the Bible. Then we can stand in faith to receive all those benefits that Jesus Christ died for to give us!
Eternal life is the biggest gift. Granted. However Jesus Christ took away all the works of the devil. Not just some. Now it’s up to us to receive all that Jesus has obtained for us as we seek him.
It is not God’s will that any should perish according to the Bible but do they perish? Yes they in fact do! 2 Peter 3:9
Why? Because some will not receive the salvation provided for them.
Is it God’s will for you to be in health and prosper? Yes, according to the Bible.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2-5
Again it is up to us to believe, repent and receive.
Another spiritual principle. All 3 must be adhered to for salvation, deliverance and restoration to occur. It’s in the Bible.
Satan is always looking to kill, steal and destroy. It’s what he does. It’s up to us to put him in his place. Under our feet. It is also up to us to believe God’s word above any other word. If God said it then it’s TRUE. For he cannot lie.
( Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18)
Jesus Christ came to destroy All the works of the devil. Our part is to enforce by God’s power in us (the Holy Spirit) that victory. We have been given the keys to the Kingdom of God!
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober watchful Put up a watch Guard your heart
James 4:7 Submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and resist the devil. He will flee.
Ephesians 6:12 We wrestle through prayer and preaching the pure unadulterated word of God.
1 John 4:4 Greater is the Holy Spirit in his elect that the devil in this world
Ephesians 4:27 Do not yield to the devil. Put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil and having done all to stand!
God desires his people to be worshipers in spirit and in truth. That means to bow down in the heart through surrender. To adore or praise the Lord for who he is and what he does according to truth which is laid down in scriptures.
The logos is who was manifest in the flesh. Jesus is his word.
Worship in the Greek means to bow down prostrate and adore God. (proskuneō)
There is however another form of worship which the Bible tells us about.
That worship is called service. ( latreia)
Sometimes these words are confused when translated into English so let’s take a look at the type of worship called service talked about in scriptures.
In Romans 12:1
This scripture uses the word latreia or service in the Greek in regard to worship. Let’s break it down.
Through God’s mercy yield your body (whole person) in surrender (quickened alive by the Spirit) as a sacrifice (to give up in exchange for another) holy (set apart consecrated for use) and pleasing to God. Which is your reasonable (based on justification for) service or divine worship.
In Philippians 3:3 the word divine worship is translated latreia or service.
We are those which worship in spirit. (We worship through sacrificial service in the Holy Spirit.) and have no confidence in the flesh or human ability.
Romans 1:9
I serve with my spirit in the gospel (Latreia)
Hebrews 9:14 says we have passed from dead works (deeds performed under the law through human endeavors and strength)
In order to serve or latreia worship. Which means sacrificial giving up of one self for another.
Hebrews 12:28 Tells us to serve well. That is by pleasing sacrificially with respect and reverence in that service.
While the Lord does want us to adore him through the lips of our mouth he does make it perfectly clear in his word that lip service is not enough. (Matthew 15:8)
What do I mean by that? By explanation it is that singing songs, falling prostrate on our face, kneeling or any other bodily form of worship is in and of itself not the whole equation. Lip service without action or deeds is really only an expression of worship but not action of worship.
Roman 12:1 explains worship as a service. A sacrificial laying down of our life for another.
Who is that other? God of course but in service to God we are called to serve others, sacrificially.
A living sacrifice unto God gives up all their rights in order to serve others. For their betterment. Just as Jesus laid down his life for us without cost he desires that kind of sacrificial service from his people.
In conclusion, true worshipers don’t just give lip service. True worshipers serve others by the Spirit enabling them. For the benefit and well being of others.
The Bible says that Satan is a thief. He will try to steal your blessings, your calling, your destiny and whatever else he can get his hands on. Mathew 6:19,20
How does he do this? The main way is exactly what he tried to do to Jesus during his temptation in the wilderness. Get your eyes off of God’s word and onto your self and your circumstances. (Matthew 4)
As long as we are like the disciples looking at the storm we will be afraid. As long as we look at how big the giants are in our life we will be afraid. (Luke 8 & Numbers 13)
Satan’s demons will try to make us question God’s love for us. They will steal our faith and our victory if we give them just one inch.
So what happens if I waver? What happens if I have listened to Satan’s lies? What happens if I let my guard down and got a demonic punch in the gut? Is there hope for me?
Peter walked with Jesus. He knew him intimately and yet he took his eyes off of the miracles and the intimacy he had with Jesus and put his eyes on the persecution coming for him. He faltered. He failed. He blew it. (Luke 22)
Peter needed a breakthrough. What does it mean to get a breakthrough?
Breakthrough in warfare means an offensive military assault that penetrates and carrys beyond enemy lines.
Breakthrough also means an act of moving through or over an obstacle.
Break through can mean a sudden advancement in knowledge or success.
When we get into unbelief and look at our troubling situation we in effect are denying the word. Just like Peter did. We are saying, “I don’t know you.”
That sounds harsh doesn’t it? But it’s TRUE. When we don’t believe that Jesus is the great I am, that he is exalted above all, has the power to defeat sin and every demonic power against us we in effect are denying him.
Scriptures say that those who KNOW their God will do great and mighty exploits. (Daniel 11:32)
To be victorious over the devil and his deception we must believe that Jesus is who he says he is. LORD OVER ALL. (Philippians 2)
Lord over the wind and the sea. Able to command the very powers of the air to be still. Able to lift us above our circumstance and into heavenly places with him. Seated with him in his athourity and power far above demonic powers. (Ephesians 2)
When we turn our eyes back on Jesus Christ the God of the breakthrough will release for us a breaking forth into a new level of faith. A new level of intimacy with him so that we may know him and the power of his resurrection. (Philippians 3)
When we fellowship with his suffering, for he has being tempted like us and harangued by the devil like us he is able to come to the rescue and secure those who are tempted like he was. (Hebrews 2:18)
God the Father broke through death for Jesus because he put his trust completely in the Father. (Acts 17)
Circumstances looked pretty glum for Jesus but he knew who his Father was. He knew the fellowship of intimacy he had with the Father. Jesus knew that the Father would not forsake him.
Jesus got his breakthrough into resurrection life. The Father beat death. He cast down Satan’s power and overthrew Satan’s kingdom. He destroyed the power of sin, death and the grave. (2 Timothy 1)
What does it mean for us get a break through? (2 Samuel 5:20)
When the powers of darkness attack we turn our eyes on Jesus the author and finnisher of our faith. We then call on the Lord to come to our rescue! Help Lord I’m being shaken in this boat! The storm is raging about me BUT I know you are greater! I know you will come through for me. I put my eyes on you! I look to your greatness! You are Lord over this storm in my life! You will speak it to be still!
Breaking through to the Lord is seeking Him for the victory. Ex. 19:21
When we seek God in prayer for a breakthrough he will rend open the heavens to give us a breakthrough.
Jesus is our victor. His victory becomes our victory!
We will break forth by his Holy Spirit power into his light. With a new understanding. A new revelation of his grace.
We will breakthrough into a fresh manifestation of his presence! Into a new beginning with greater victory from faith to faith and from glory to glory. (Roman’s 1:17, 2 Corinthians 3:18)
The God of the breakthrough will always be available to those who call upon him to save them out of all their trouble. (Psalm 18:6)
A curse is a verbal invocation to bring harm, or evil to another. A curse is a proclamation invoking power to make desired harm.
To bless is to verbally prophecy or speak good things into a person’s life or situation.
Both blessing and cursing while invoked or uttered by people are carried out by either God or the demonic realm.
When God’s people are obedient to him he blesses them by releasing his favor and goodwill but when God’s people are in rebellion they come under a curse. It is not God who does the cursing because God does not commit evil. Disobedience simply puts man outside God’s hedge of protection and that removal of blessing will allow evil things to occur in one’s life. (Isaiah 1:19,20 Deuteronomy 11)
Jesus made it clear that his people were not to curse or in other words not to invoke ill will on another person because cursing is speaking evil on another and that means invoking demonic powers to be released into another person’s life. God’s people are not to use demonic powers to deal with our enemies.
On the other hand when we bless our enemies who are doing evil to us we are asking God through benediction or prayer to change them and give them opportunity to repent. If they do not repent then coals of fire will be upon them or in other words they are in danger of eternal damnation. ( Romans 12:20 Mathew 5:44)
When Jesus spoke to the fig tree and commanded that it bear no fruit what he was doing was prophesying not cursing. (Matthew 11:12-25)
Since the fig tree represented Israel, Jesus was prophesying the outcome of the result of Israel rejecting him. While the disciples thought he was pronouncing a curse he actually was prophesying. (Mark 11:12,25)
The prophets in the old testament prophesied judgments that were a result of Israel’s rebellion but the evil which occurred came about by evil people. God himself did not harm his people but because of Israel’s sin he turned them over to their enemies.
A Curse without a cause will always return to the sender the Bible says. David prophesied that the curses of his enemies would fall back on their own heads. He declared that those who set nets for him would fall into it themselves. Simply because this is a spiritual law. Evil returns to its perpetrator. Touching God’s anointed will result in evil befalling the attacker.
(Proverbs 26:2)
Negative words in actuality are curses. That is why God said that life and death are in the power of the tongue. When we speak evil of another person we are pronouncing a curse in their lives and bringing judgment on ourselves.
(Proverbs 18:21)
When someone does us wrong we do good to them and pray for them to repent because if they do not repent their actions or words will return to them. Since God wants all to repent we are called to pray for them to have opportunity to repent.
Now we most certainly can pray for an evil action to be thwarted. God’s people are called to stand up for justice and take authority over evil. We can bind or render powerless evil devices. We can command in Jesus name all evil plans and schemes to be stopped but we are not to invoke evil on the person directly. We pray for them to repent.
(Mathew 18:18, Luke 10:19)
However sometimes people will not repent even if we pray and the evil they do may return to them. If we witness this happen we are to pray that God’s chastisement leads them to repentance. (Hebrews 12:6-11)
In psalm 69 David cries out to God when he is attacked by his enemies. He says that his enemies have no cause to attack him and because he is innocent concerning them he declares that the evil done to him would return to them. This of course is a prophecy as well about the Lord’s suffering and the results which occur to those who reject him.
When Jesus said to the Jewish nation that he would bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel he was talking about a spiritual law. This same law applies to the Christian. Those who bless you will be blessed but those who do evil to you if they do not repent that evil will return to them. ( Genesis 12:3 Galatians 3:14-29)
That is why Jesus asks us to intercede for our enemies like he did to the Father. Unless our enemies repent they will end up being cursed which could result in eternal separation from God. (Luke 13:3-5)
Ignorance of Satan’s devices according to the Bible will give him access in our lives to kill, steal and destroy. It is not true that once we get saved then God will automatically keep us safe from demonic attacks.
The Lord Jesus specifically says that MY PEOPLE are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Hoses 4:6
2 Cor. 2: 10,11 tells us that in order for Christians to not be taken advantage of by Satan then we need to know how he operates.
To “take advantage of” means to have power over …have a hold…to prey on
If we are ignorant of Satan’s schemes…plots…plans …operations, then he will take advantage of us. Christians who are ignorant of Satan’s devices can become victim to his attacks.
So what are some of Satan’s schemes? The Bible reveals many and you will have to read the Bible for yourself to find out all of them but I will show you a few main ones.
Just prior to Paul mentioning Satan’s ability to deceive us if we are ignorant he reveals something important. He says that forgiveness was needed for some one so Satan would not have an advantage.
Being unforgiving is one way that the door will open to demonic activity operating in our lives. Not only that but holding on to grudges will keep us out of heaven. Jesus said that if we do not forgive others then he will not be able to forgive us. If our sins aren’t forgiven then we cannot go to heaven.
Another device Satan uses is hindrance. Unless we are on guard and watchful unto prayer, Satan will come and try to put a wrench in anything we do. We need to be in the Spirit at all times.
Satan hindered Paul from his ministry assignment the Bible says . Once Paul was on to what Satan was up to then he prayed and the doors opened for him to carry on his assignment but nevertheless Satan gave it a shot to try and stop Paul’s outreach ministry. 1 Thess. 2:18
Another advantage Satan uses is our weakness. Satan knows how to hit below the belt so we need to know what our weakness is and ask God for his help in that area. Otherwise Satan will have a hey day with us. He will move on that weakness to try and bring destruction.
Another tactic the devil uses is enticement to lure us away from what God wants us to do and direct us through our weakness to disobey God to further our own agenda.
This can be seen in 1 Chronicles 21:1 where Satan rose up against David and enticed him to sin.
How do we stay safe against the satanic agenda? By being guarded in our minds. That is keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Walking in forgiveness towards others at all times. Forgiveness is an act of the will and we operate in forgiveness by not retaliating but rather giving ourselves to prayer.
Keep alert ! Be on the watch for Satan is always seeking to devour. Know who your enemy really is and take authority over him in Jesus name when he tries to have any place!
Give no place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27
Sin will open a door for Satan to prey on us. Giving Satan place is translated in the Greek as giving the devil a home or room of occupancy.
Let us also call on the Lord Jesus to help us in our weak areas. He will always make a way of escape out of our temptations if we ask for one!
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