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!
Romans Chapter 8 says that those who are in Jesus Christ, (that is those born again and, in his salvation,) are not condemned by God if they are not walking after the carnal nature but are walking in the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean to be condemned? In English it means to have disproval. To criticize something or someone strongly.
The Greek word is katakrima which means to come under penalty. To pass judgement against.
Romans Chapter 8 goes on to tell us that if we are minding carnal things rather than spiritual things then we are in enmity with God. In other words, if we are living for the flesh (the body, which is living for the passions and sensual appetites) temporal, worldly, or secular things then we are in a hostile opposing position with God. This makes us under condemnation. God disproves of us and our life styles!
Living in the flesh or carnal nature has grave consequences for the Christian. Romans 8 tells us that it produces death in us.
Jesus died to set us free from sin, but we must cooperate with that spiritual position that he has provided. Living by the carnal nature brings only death. What is death? Failure, sickness, poverty, demonic oppression, depression. Any thing contrary to the abundant life which Jesus died to purchase for us.
Romans Chapter 8 tells us that if we live under the law in order to gain God’s approval then we will fail miserably in our lives. Also, we will still be in enmity with God anyway because the law has no power to conquer sin. All the law does is expose our sin. “You lied. Bad you!”
Jesus came to give a better way. He said to his disciples that when he went away, he would send the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness. The flesh is weak and cannot keep the law. Only God can keep the law.
Did you know that if you are born again that God lives in you? Yes, he does but many Christians who are ignorant of this reality are living still under the law. They don’t understand that the same power that lived in Jesus Christ, that performed miracles and raised Jesus from the dead, actually lives in them!
Romans 8 tells us to walk in the Spirit and we will not fulfill the desires of the sinful body. Which is going to be thrown into the trash heap one day and we will get a new one that is not subject to sin!
What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? Well to walk is to take a journey. Our life in this world is a journey towards eternity! We are called to walk with God! Not walking in our own ways but walking in God’s way.
He hath showed thee, O man, what is good, and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do judgment and the love of mercy, and to humble thyself by walking with thy God? (Micah 6:8)
Holy Spirit who lives in us is our helper and teacher. We need to acknowledge Holy Spirit and depend on him for everything. Did you know that the Holy Spirit wants to help you? Yes, he does but you have got to ask him. He won’t impose on you.
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Luke 11:9
Romans Chapter 8 tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Don’t know how to pray effectively? Ask Holy Spirit. He will show you. Need comfort? Need revelation? Need wisdom? Need strength? Need provision? Just ask Holy Spirit and he will help you!
Jesus Christ provided for us a new covenant with a new and better way of living. The law can never conquer the sinful nature. The way to have victory over sin and the devil is life in the Holy Spirit!
If we walk with God on our journey to eternity we will not be under condemnation because we will not be fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. Rather we will be living our life under the control of the Holy Spirit!
Walking with God by the Holy Spirit is the abundant life promised to us by Jesus Christ.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24
Most of us know that the helmet of salvation is a covering for the head against onslaughts of the enemy but did you know that the head covering of a person symbolically represents who has athourity over them.
Head coverings while ascribed to women as an outward symbol of submission are also ascribed to men.
In Israel head coverings reveal what a person believes in. What truth they ascribe to.
Skull caps worn by many religious men in Israel are symbolic of certain sects or beliefs.
For instance the large black cloth kippa, are worn by ultra-Orthodox while a crocheted kippa represents basic traditional and small black kippot are worn by moderates.
Head coverings in western nations reveal the same thing. Rappers wear caps, sports people wear sports caps, and fedoras are won by the dapper.
The head covering one wears reveal who we are, what we believe in and whose athourity we are under.
The Roman helmet or galea was worn by soldiers as well as gladiators. It was a protection for the head against enemy attacks.
Often times these helmets had inscriptions on them which revealed what military unit they belonged to.
Paul tells Christians to put on the helmet of salvation. In other words be conscious of who you belong to. Salvation means to be delivered and set free. To be saved and rescued. Ephesians 6:17
The helmet of salvation signifies our submission to Jesus Christ, who is our captain and leader in the good fight of faith.
Jesus covers us in his salvation. His authority is over our mind. We now have the mind of Christ, being in him who is the head of all principality and power. The helmet of salvation is the spiritual covering that keeps the Christian safe from all demonically inspired attacks!
Put on the helmet of salvation. Be conscious of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the captain of your life!
In Matthew Chapter 25 Jesus is talking to his disciples about the kingdom of God which was to come.
The disciples were so exited that they thought this was going to happen right away. Jesus, however, tells them a parable about a man who sets his servants in charge of his estate while he goes away for a while on a journey.
In the story the Lord gives each of his servants some talents to put to use on his behalf while he goes away. Before he leaves, he gives his servants this one instruction. “Occupy till I come”.
Occupy in the Greek is pragmateuomai which means to keep busy.
During Jesus’ time Roman servants or slaves were the property of their owners. Many slaves were educated, and some were even doctors and others were businessmen.
Roman culture had influence even in Israel and that is why some of Jesus’ parables drew from Roman analogies.
Jesus talked about giving servants talents to use to further the estate of their Lord. This was a common practice of the Romans. A Roman slave could hold property and actually use it as his own. However, the property belonged to the Lord or Roman Citizen. All credit from the business of the estate while run by a slave or servant was credited to the Owner. The servant was responsible to gain interest for his Lord.
A servant could be trained in various business ventures like real estate, husbandry, or farming.
The servant was expected to get increase or profit from the business. A servant who failed to do this could be beaten or even killed.
Jesus likened his kingdom in the same way. He gives his servants each a certain amount of talents. A talent can be a natural aptitude or a skill. Not just monetary. In fact, the word talent is from the Latin. Jesus used a Latin term to explain a spiritual principal. A talent was a unit of weight. Today we use the word to convey a natural skill or gifting but in effect it is the same thing. With out a skill you will not be able to get monetary increase.
Notice how Jesus gives each person a different amount of talents. In other words, one is responsible for what they have and not for what they do not have.
What Jesus said in Matthew 25, is this. (my paraphrase) “I have given you a gift or gifts as my servant. Keep busy while I am away. Give to me when I return increase on the talent (s), I have given you.”
Are you being faithful with your gifts? Remember that the Lord rewards those who gain or add to those gifts that he has given. To the one who fails to use their gift(s) they are not rewarded when Jesus returns according to this parable.
For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. Matthew 25:29
Let us use all that the Lord had given us for his glory! Occupy or keep busy till he comes back!
Part of our spiritual warfare armor is the gospel boots. Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say concerning this part of our armor.
Ephesians Chapter 6 vs 15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
The KJV uses the Greek word hetoimasia which means preparation.
To be in a constant state of readiness or make ready for use.
In other words we must always be prepared to minister the gospel at all times.
How do we prepare? Scriptures tell us it is by studying the Bible.
2 Timothy 2 : 15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We need to know the Bible in order to answer people who ask us questions about our faith. Now we don’t have to go to theological school in order to do this. In fact, many times people just end up being indoctrinated with denominational interpretations that omit or add their own take or lean on scriptures anyway.
It is best according to any lawyer, good journalist, writer or historian to research all angles of interpretation in order to get a balanced view. Bias always resides in the mindsets of men.
Even God says that out of two or three witnesses is truth established. (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Our doctrinal lean should always line up with the Bible and not any man made versions of a scriptural doctrine.
We must know the truth in order to share the truth. How can we minister to an unsaved person Bible truth if we don’t know Bible truth?
The Bible tells us to be prepared at all times in order to present the gospel of peace to others. What is this peace? Peace with God through Jesus Christ the Savior.
The Gospel boots not only prepare us to present the gospel message but they are also used to wage war against the devil.
During Roman times the soldier wore a sandal called a Caligae. This sandal actually had nail like studs embedded in the sole. These boots or sandals were deigned to march for long periods of time but they were also used as deadly weapons. A solder could take off his shoe and club the enemy to death with it.
That is what the gospel boots do too. They take us into all the world to preach the gospel of peace and they are also used to clobber the devil with. Every time we minister the word of God to someone we are beating the day lights out of that old devil.
Put on those gospel boots today! Be prepared and ready to preach the good news! At all times, in all places and every where you go!
ROMANS 15: 29
And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
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.
Lately I have been noticing that more and more Christians on social media are using spamming methods in order to be heard. At first it seems like just a little annoying factor but if you examine this phenomena in light of scriptures you will find a very problematic heart attitude being exposed.
Philippians 2:4-8
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Paul tells us that even though Jesus was God in the flesh he did not make a big deal of it. Jesus did not stand on the streets shouting out who he was nor did he bulldoze past the religious leaders and hijack their pulpits.
Rather Jesus made himself of no reputation. That means that he just did what the Father told him to do and then left the outcome to the Father.
Another interesting thing I have noticed is how some ministries confined to their homes due to the “plague” are now in order to stay relevant coming up with all kinds of new sensational methods in order to keep their followers.
All of a sudden a preacher is now a talk show host, a motivational expert, and a political analyst. Well what do you expect them to do? After all their whole livelihood is based on donations to their ministries! You really can’t blame them! They have to live some how!
Jesus preached on the street corners. He had no where to lay his head. He did not always have money to buy food, (he had to eat raw grains of wheat from a field on the Sabbath! ) He was almost thrown off a cliff . Yet some of his modern day followers today live in mansions and have a million bucks in the bank! It is very competitive in Holywood!
Self importance seems to lead Believers into using gimmick after gimmick. Raising money with sensationalism or manipulative tactics is becoming rampant on the internet.
I NEED TO BE RELEVANT!
Really?
Scriptures tell us that God so loved the world that he GAVE. Jesus did not come to take but to give. In fact, God gave his most precious Son so that whoever believes and receives him could inherit eternal life! (John 3:16)
God reveals his love for us by giving his Son. Scriptures tell us that if we abide in his love then God will abide in us. ( 1 John 4:16)
what is God’s love?
God’s love overcomes the world. ( Romans 8:37, 1 John 4:4)
God’s love does not fear in the time of trouble. ( 1 John 4:18)
God’s love lives by faith in God’s ability. (Galatians 2:20)
God’s love lays down one’s life for others. ( John 15:13)
God’s love reaches out to the unsaved. (Roman 5:8, Ephesians 2:4,5)
God’s love is humble. ( 1 Peter 5:6,7)
Gods love is patient and kind. It is not arrogant or boastful. (1Corinthians 13)
Gods love does not insist on having its own way. (1Corinthians 13)
It is a crazy time we live in where self importance is vying to be relevant!
Abide in God’s love !
Rest in God’s faithfulness!
Be still in his presence!
Wait on his timing!
Most of all humble yourself under God’s mighty hand for his word says:
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10
David walked wise before the Lord and he was blessed with God’s favor.
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him.Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them. 1 Samuel 18:14-23
That was until David fell into temptation.
And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look on. 2 Samuel 11:2
What happened to cause this change? Lets take a look at what it means to walk wisely with the Lord.
Wisely in Hebrew is ώâkal and it means to make or act circumspectly with intelligence, prudence and understanding, skillfully, considerately and self controlled.
What triggered David to sin and fall away from the Lord? What caused him to behave so foolishly?
Was it really his lust for Bathsheba or was it something even deeper?
The manifestation of our sin is only a symptom of a deeper heart problem that we have. So we need to take a closer look at our heart. Lets look at David’s sin a little deeper.
When David had all the women he could ever ask for why did he want this one? Being beautiful is not really why David was tempted. He was surrounded with beautiful women. He could have any virgin in the land and even in another land.
Was David’s sin really a pride issue? After all why should a Hittite have something that he didn’t? That guy is only a Hittite not a King like me! He doesn’t deserve a beautiful woman like that! I’m the king of Israel for goodness sake! That woman ought to be mine!
Wasn’t there someone else who said that?
Blinded by his gifting. Wanting more than he was given? Jealous because a mere mortal was given stewardship over the garden of God? Wanting to change the order of things? Who was God to tell him that he didn’t deserve a higher place?
I will ascend up high! I will walk on the mountain of God! I’m just as gifted as that guy! Why look at how beautiful I am?
Yes, I’m inclined to think that it was really pride that caused David to fall.
Pride comes in many forms but if there is one thing that will make us fall flat on our backsides its self exaltation.
Thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think! (Romans 12:3, Proverbs 3:7)
Envy is the rottenness of the bones. It will eat away at the heart like a cancer. (Proverbs 14:30)
Godliness with contentment is great gain the Bible tells us. (1 Timothy 6:6)
But I am so gifted! You might be inclined to say. I have a theology degree after all and not to mention a powerful anointing!
I deserve to be promoted! I worked hard to be where I’m at! Why should that guy have a higher position than me?
That’s just the point! Our gifts can blind us to our real position in the Kingdom of God. One of being a servant to the most high God!
Do you really think God needs us to get his work done? Do we see our importance as being essential in the big scheme of things?
When David walked wisely before the Lord he was blessed. When he submitted to doing God’s work God’s way he prospered.
That’s where the blessing lies! Being small in our own eyes and great in faith towards the one who deserves all the glory and the honor! Pride will always lead to a fall! (Proverbs 16:18)
Pride is the root of discontentment. Not being joyful in where we are at!
Sometimes it takes a fall like David had to make us see our foolishness. God is gracious however because when we recognize our sin and confess our pride to him, he will restore us. (1 John 1:9)
The Lord restored David and he wants to restore us too.
Then like David we can be content and say. “The Lord is my portion says my soul and my cup.” Psalms 16:5
Be content and walk wise before the Lord then you will be blessed in all you do!
James tells us that faith without works is dead being alone. (James 2:14-26)
Now Some people have a hard time with how faith and works operate together.
Some say that since salvation is free then all you have to do is receive it. You can live any way you want and still be saved.
This teaching is called antonianism doctrinally but in today’s world it’s called progressivism.
Not only is that doctrine scripturally unsound but it makes for a lot of false conversions with apostate world views.
On the other hand there are others who say that in order to be saved you must obey the law. You must keep the Sabbath, keep the ten commandments, fast and pray until your flesh has been abased, eat certain foods, don’t eat certain foods and a whole bunch of other do this and that or don’t do this or that.
It’s in fact actually laid out perfectly simple to those with eyes to see how faith and works go together.
Faith in God according to scriptures requires action in order to have the manifestation of the free gift. That action is laid out to us in the Bible.
Scriptures tell us that, Salvation is free. Healing is free and Deliverance is free.
However in order to receive the free gift one must do something.
What must one do? Follow the instructions given in the Bible!
Believe, repent and recieve.
Acts 16:31 Mark 1:5 Acts 3: 19-21 John 1:12
Whoever comes to God MUST BELIEVE that he is. (Hebrews 11:6)
Is what? Is God. Is the great I Am. Is able. Is willing. Is faithful. Is all powerful. IS What he says he is.
AND must believe that he will reward those who seek him. In other words the seeker will get what is sought after.
Believing in God is the first prerequisite to receiving from God.
To believe according to scriptures is not just to know about from an intellectual perspective but to know from a heart that has been converted by God.
Believe (pisteuō in the Greek) means to have faith in, complete trust in.
No one can seek God unless drawn by the Holy Spirit according to the Bible. God is not in the thoughts of those who love their sin. (John 6: 44, Psalms 10:4, 1 John 3:8)
To actually trust in God requires knowing him. Knowing that he will do what he says he will do.
Faith is GIVEN the Bible tells us. (Roman’s 12:3) It is not something one can drum up on their own. (2 Thessalonians 3:2)
So we believe because we have been given faith. Why are we given faith? Because we are drawn by the Holy Spirit.
Then once we believe we need to repent. What does it mean to repent? To turn from sin or a lifestyle against God’s word as set out in the Bible.
Repent (in the Greek metanoeō) means To think differently, have a change of heart, to reconsider, to feel morally convinced of wrong doing.
Repentance is also GIVEN according to scriptures. Some people don’t realize that even repentance is given by God. (2 Timothy 2:25, Revelation 319)
The ability to give up sin comes from a heart devoted to God who loves God so much that they are willing to give up all selfish behaviors in order to please the Lord. (Psalm 51:10, Titus 2:14, 2 Corinthians 7:11)
Then the last part of the equation is to receive. As many as received him to them he gave power to become the sons of God. (John 1:12)
This principle of receiving relates not only to salvation but also to healing, deliverance, provision and every victory over the darkness.
The spiritual principle of believing repenting and receiving must all be adhered to in order to get the rewards of what is being sought after.
Let’s look at this concept from a human perspective using an example.
I am OFFERED a free gift let’s say in a giveaway from an advertising agency for a product.
In order to qualify for the free gift I first of all need to sign up for it. By signing up for the free gift I am believing under contract law “good faith” in the agency otherwise I would not sign up.
If I thought that the agency was a scam I would not sign up. It’s the same in the kingdom of God. If I don’t believe I won’t get the free gift.
Then once I sign up the agency says to me that in order to get the free gift I have to fill out a survey.
This means I actually have to do something. In this case it’s a survey. In God’s kingdom its repentance. I need to stop sinning.
Now that’s a choice but also an action.
The good part is that if I choose to turn from my sin and obey God he will give me the POWER to perform! (John 1:12)
So this is the good part! I don’t have to do this alone because God gives me the Holy Spirit as a helper. To help me perform. ( John 14:26)
That would be like an agent helping me along in filling out the survey because its complicated.
After I fill out the survey then I will get the free gift.
If I don’t fill out the survey then I will not get the free gift.
It’s the same concept in the kingdom of God.
If I don’t repent and give up my sin then I am not going to be forgiven. I do not qualify for any free gift. Salvation, healing or any other of God’s blessings.
In the same way if I believe in “good faith” that the agency will follow through and give me the free gift if I fill out the survey with the help of the agent then I qualify for the free gift and am able to receive it.
As scriptures tell us IF we are willing that is if we believe that God is able to do overly and abundantly above all that we ask or think and IF we are obedient that is follow all his instructions THEN we can be blessed with his abundance. (Isaiah 1:19)
Faith without works or following the Lord’s instructions to believe, repent and receive is dead without works or action.
Scriptures tell us that the devils believe in God and they tremble because they know they cannot be forgiven. They are still in their sins. No repentance has been given to them. (James 2:19)
That means that it is useless to believe like the devils believe because not only do the devils not have relationship with God but because the devils have belief without repentance they can never have a part in the kingdom of God.
It is the same with people. Without action accompanying our faith or belief it is useless. Meaning brings no profit at all.
Faith must always be accompanied by works or action, (Believe, repent and receive)to be genuine faith.
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!
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