Unless we are able to admit that we have a problem we can never get healed. This goes for the problem of victimization as well. Many with victim mentality have actually experienced victimization in one form or another. However God does not want us to stay victimized.
As long as we hold on to our “right ” to be a victim because of what some body has done to us we will live defeated lives. This goes for historical victimization as well.
Victim mentality is actually unforgiveness. When we hold the sins commited against us or against our ancestors in our heart we are in disobedience to the word of God. Jesus said plainly that if we do not forgive others their sins then neither will he forgive us ours.
Signs of having a victim mentality are: blaming others, self pity, always focused on the injustice, living in the past, condemning others and ourselves and not taking personal responsibility.
Even though we may have experienced victimization that does not mean that we have to continue to be a victim. God has given us tools in his word to be an overcomer.
Victim mentality starts with the thought life. We have got to see our self as scriptures tell us we are. The Bible says in Proverbs that as a person views themselves in the heart so they are. In other words we become what we tell ourself that we are. If we see ourself as a failure we will fail. If we see ourself in Christ as a victor then we will win.
In order to become a victor we must forgive past hurts and past sins. Let go of holding grudges and blaming some one or something else for our problems. We are not responsible for them but we are responsible before God for us.
When the devil starts to remind you of your past hurts tell him to take a hike in Jesus name. Tell him who you are in Jesus. The more you pray scriptures in Jesus name for yourself, the more God by his Holy Spirit, will work that into your heart. Before you know it you will be in your heart who God says you are. You will believe what the Lord says and you will live like it !
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.Romans 8:37
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1John 4:4
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
To be an overcomer we must over come! Overcome the victim mentality the devil throws at us and rise up and be healed!
When the enemy is ruling in the land or promise that the Lord had given to us then we must go out to battle for it. ( the enemy will oppose)
The Lord tells us in his word to not be afraid of the giants or strongholds.
Do not be afraid of the challenges! Remember the past victories that the Lord has given you! Deuteronomy 20:1
“Let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them.” Deuteronomy 20:3
When the Lord had given you a promise (his promises are yes and amen) then the Lord will fight for you to attain that promise. He goes before you into battle! The Lord is our Savior! He is our deliverer!
For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. Deuteronomy 20:4
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6
Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you! Joshua 1:3
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19
Remember that our high priest and mediator Jesus Christ is praying to the Father for us! We need not fear!
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
The Lord told Joshua to go and take the land. God said that he would be with him in spite of all the obstacles he was facing. The voice of our high priest tells us in his word to go forth into battle against our enemies without fear. He will go before us to defeat the giants and we shall be victorious!
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9
Joshua and his army obeyed God. They went fearlessly to battle.
They won the victory because they refused to listen to negative reports but rather they chose to believe God’s word.
They refused to consider how big the giants were because they knew how big their God was.
With bold faith, dedication and perseverance Joshua and his army fearlessly went to battle against tremendous odds.
The enemy is a thief and a squatter. He must be booted out of our territory!
It is only by trusting in the Lord’s ability to fight for us that we are guaranteed to have a successful outcome.
When we keep our eyes on Jesus and not the bigness of the problem, our promise is sure to come! Our enemy is forced to submit to God’s rule whether they like it or not.
Since our fight is not with flesh and blood but with spiritual wickedness opposed to us we must use God’s weapons to fight.
Our weapons are not human weapons. We cannot fight a supernatural phenomenon with our own devices. We cannot defeat the giants of infirmity, debt, lack, or affliction by our own ingenuity or intellectual prowess .
We take up spiritual weapons that are mighty through God to pull down the enemy’s strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4
We take up the sword of the Spirit to cut down the lies of the enemy. We take up the sheild of faith by trusting in God’s word.
We preserve in prayer and do not faint until the Lord brings the stronghold down. Ephesians 6:10-18
We will achieve the victory because we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us and gave himself for us. Romans 8:37-39
Rise up and put the sword of the Spirit to the devil’s throat. Make him bow down in submission to God’s word.
Our enemy has no choice but to back off when God is on our side. If God is for us then who can be against us? Romans 8:31.
Is the enemy reigning in your land? Then rise up in faith and pray.
Stand on the promises of God our Savior.
God has given his people the weapons of our warfare to fight the good fight of faith.
Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. Psalms 108:13
With the Lord fighting for us in the spiritual realm the enemy strong holds are sure to come down.
Rise up and take the land! The promises of God are yes and amen! For the Lord your God is with you!
The Bible says to take up the shield of faith in order to extinguish all the fiery (ignited, inflamed, angry, burning) spears, darts or missiles against you that are evil; hurtful, calamitous, diseased, derelict, corrupt, malicious, grievous and wicked. Ephesians 6:16
A Sheild is a protective covering against the blows, risks, and weapons of an enemy.
The Roman shield was called the scutum. It was a large rectangular curved shield made of sheets of wood that were glued together and covered with canvas and leather.
Although it was lightweight the shield was large enough to cover the entire soldier. This made it difficult for an enemy to penetrate. Not only that but the shield had a metal round piece of material called an umbo in the center.
The umbo was used to deflect blows from the enemy by making a punching motion towards the blow.
Attacks were prevented from penetrating by pivoting the shield about the body to resist the oncoming blows from an enemy.
Genesis 15:1 “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield,and thy exceeding great reward.”
God says in his word that he is a shield and a buckler to those who put their trust in him.
In other words the Lord protects us from enemy attacks if we trust him to be our shield in times of trouble.
Faith in God thwarts all enemy attacks against us. When we put our trust in the Lord as our deliverer then he delivers us.
The Lord tells us in Genesis 15:1 I am thy shield. I am your protector and defense.
The Lord also tells us in his word that he is our shield. We are saved by his help. Deuteronomy 33:29
The Lord says that he is our shield that goes before us in battle. 1 Samuel 17:41
He is our shield of salvation. 2 Samuel 22:36
The Lord will compass us about like a shield. Psalm 5:12
The Lord will break the arrows of the blow by his shield. Psalm 76:3
His truth is our shield of defense. Psalm 91:4
He is our help and our shield. Psalm 119:9
The Lord is our hiding place. Our shield as we hope in his word. Psalm 119:14
Have faith in God. Trust him in times of trouble. He will surround you as a sheild of defense. No weapon formed against you will alight. The Lord is your protector. He is your sheild!
Psalm 144:1, 2
Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
The Bible tells us to be strong IN THE LORD and stand in his mighty power . We are then told to put on the full armour of God in order to stand against the trickery of the devil.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10
That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5
Paul uses the analogy of the Roman armour because in his day the Romans had an advanced system of warfare.
The Romans perfected a light, full torso armour which provided protection for vital areas. With this armour they could advance towards the enemy being protected from any retaliatory weapons.
In the same way soldiers in the Lord’s army need to be dressed in spiritual military armour in order to battle the powers of darkness.
The breast plate of righteousness is one part of the armour of God.
The Roman soldier’s breastplate was called a cuirass. It was molded to fit over the chest with another part for the back.
The breast plate was protection for the vital organs. One being the heart.
The breastplate of righteousness is to be worn to protect the heart.
In Hebrew the Old Testament word for heart heartlêbâb, lêb, lêbâb, is the intellect, emotions, and understanding.
In Greek the New Testament word for the heart is kardia which also refers to the mind. (thoughts, feelings)
The breastplate or protection for the mind is a breastplate of righteousness. In other words the Christian mind must be protected by the Lord’s righteousness.
What is righteousness?
In the Old Testament righteousness tsedâqâ is moral virtue and justice.
The New Testament defines righteous dikaiosunē as equity or justification.
To be justified dikaioō is to render innocent, to free.
The heart or mind must be covered in righteous, (rendered innocent )to be protected from enemy onslaughts.
This is done by putting on the breast plate of righteousness. Being conscious of our justification provided by Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us to keep or guard nâtsar our heart. lêb
That is to put a watch over our mind like a prison guard or gate keeper. To watch over.
With the breast plate of righteousness our minds are guarded from enemy attacks.
When the devil came to Jesus to tempt him with lies Jesus referred to the word of God as his defense. “It is written.”
Out of the heart or mind are the issues or source of our life. Proverbs 4:23
As we put on the breastplate of righteousness we can see ourselves clothed in Jesus Christ’s righteous. Our minds filled with God’s word will keep us from the trickery of the devil.
Negative thinking contrary to the Bible are arrows of the evil one. The purpose of the evil one is to kill, steal, an destroy.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. john 10:10
Scientific Studies confirm the Bible. A mind not guarded can result in negative effects.
Keep your heart with all diligence! Put on the breastplate of righteousness! Be a watchman over your thoughts! Then you will be sure to walk in victory!
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:7
“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 5:8
What is not commonly delivered to the Christian message today is the very Biblical truth of suffering or affliction. When the message of suffering is presented it is relayed as a common ailment which Christians must endure because they belong to Jesus Christ. Just because we belong to Jesus is the admonition.
However according to the Bible our suffering or affliction have a clearly defined out come. In other words suffering has a purpose which results, if endured patiently, in a victorious end.
2 Corinthians 2:14 tells us that our light affliction (burden, persecution, anguish, trouble, tribulation) which is temporary or for a fixed determined time, is WORKING FOR US.
That is our temporary affliction is accomplishing a purpose.
What is that purpose? Our afflictions are working for us a far more exceeding (super eminence beyond measure) weight of glory.
So our light affliction is working for us a beyond measurable weight (abundant authority, dignified honor) of glory .
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
This means that our suffering or affliction is working out for us something good in the end but also scriptures tell us that our suffering and afflictions will work for the benefit of others too.
Examples of this are when Joseph was in prison. What was an affliction and suffering in some respects was also a training experience for Joseph. In the end it worked out that Joseph gained favour and was elevated to a position of leadership. He represented God’s Kingdom in Pharoah’s kingdom.
Our afflictions in life are in reality training ground for our purpose in the Kingdom of God. Even our mistakes teach us valuable lessons.
Joseph was a bit of a braggart. His gift of favor was envied by his brethren. They wanted to get rid of him but in the end God worked it out for his good. Joseph’s life ended up bringing glory to God. (Acts 7:10, Genesis 37,38,39)
Paul suffered much affliction and persecution. However his experiences brought not only an increase in the gospel but much of the New Testament to Christians for the last 2000 years.
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel. Philippians 1:12
Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2: 10
Peter made some mistakes. Even denying the Lord. However his life experience resulted in the furtherance of the gospel and writing parts of the New Testament as well.
It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. Psalm 119: 71
The Bible is filled with stories about afflictions resulting in victory. Paul tells us to endure the hardships we face in life like a soldier in the army.
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3
A solder doesn’t concern himself with worldly affairs. A soldier fights in battle. A soldier knows he is appointed to endure hardships for the sake of his country.
How much more Jesus Christ’s soldiers in the Kingdom of God ?
Paul tells us that we are to rejoice in our sufferings not for the sufferings in and of themselves but because we know that our afflictions are working out a purpose in the Kingdom of God. (Colossians 1:24, 2 Corinthians 6:4)
David tells us that the righteous suffer many afflictions but the Lord delivers the righteous out of them all. ( Psalms 34:19)
As we are appointed (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 2 Timothy 1 :8) to suffer afflictions in this life we are also appointed to be delivered!
Are you experiencing trouble? Affliction? Persecution? Suffering?
Then rejoice for God is going to work it all out for your good! He is training you, teaching you valuable lessons, getting you ready for your purpose in this life!
Be patient in affliction scriptures tell us. Don’t be moved by them!
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 1 Thessalonians 3:3
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. Romans 12:12
Endure like a soldier! Have faith in God! Fix your eyes on Jesus!
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 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.
The Bible tells us to “fight the good fight of faith.” (1 Timothy 6:12)
According to the Greek translation this scripture actually means ; to contend for with your adversary and labor fervently in your battle for good, virtuous, honest and moral convictions of the truth concerning Jesus Christ for salvation.
The Lord is telling us to lay hold of or seize eternal values. To strive to attain God’s abundant life.
In another scripture we are told that we wrestle with the evil darkness of this world who we are called to resist steadfast in the faith. (Ephesians 6:12, 1 Peter 5:9)
In other words the Lord wants his people to oppose the darkness and wage war against the gates of hell. We have been given according to scriptures everything that pertains to life and godliness. All we need to accomplish this command is laid out for us in the word of God. (2 Peter 1:3)
The weapons of our warfare according to scriptures are not natural human weapons. They are mighty powerful Holy Spirit empowered weapons! These weapons are used to pull down demonic strongholds which Satan tries to build up in the mind.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
The mind is where the real battle is. When Satan can create a false narrative by using circumstance then he is able to bring disillusionment, fear and unbelief.
In order to counter act Satan’s deception we are told in the scriptures to take up our mighty Holy Spirit empowered weapons and fight.
What are these weapons? In Ephesians Chapter 6 the Lord tells us to gird ourselves with truth. God’s word, the Bible is the truth. All his promises are yes and amen! (2 Corinthians 1:20)
We are told to put on righteousness like a breast plate. We are made right or justified by the blood of Jesus if we have been born of God. We are called to wear that victory acquired for us as a sign of godly status! Let the devil know who we are in Jesus Christ! Redeemed! Bought and paid for by the blood of the lamb!
When we do fail we can ask God to forgive us. The blood of Jesus will continually forgive us as long as we acknowledge our sin and turn from it. (1 John 1:9)
When our feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace what that means is that we are always prepared, always ready to give an answer for our faith in Jesus Christ. Always ready to bring the good news of reconciliation between God and man where ever we go. (1 Peter 3:15)
Preaching the gospel is a powerful weapon against the evil one. Declaring the word of God into the darkness of this world brings God’s light and faith to all who have been given ears to hear.
The shield of faith is important to withstand Satan’s attacks. When those fiery arrows are sent to try to destroy us we can stand on God’s word. What the Lord has promised he is able also to perform. (Romans 4:21)
Then with the sword of the Spirit we can make an offensive attack against the evil one.
Has God really said? IT IS WRITTEN !
The sum of Your word is truth,And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting. (Psalm 119:160)
You can’t do that! IT IS WRITTEN !
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13.)
You are not important! IT IS WRITTEN !
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)
Then finally we turn always to prayer. Presenting our needs to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ the Son.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.(Hebrews 4:16)
Fight the good fight of faith! Lay hold and seize on to eternal life, for in Jesus the Savoir abundant life is manifest to all who believe and to all who receive.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.(John 1:12-17)
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!
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)
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