8-27-2022 Unholy Triumvirate

Ephesians 6:10-13, John 10:10

Apparently the Ephesians were having a hard time dealing with spiritual warfare, so Paul encourages them: Finally brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God that you might stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Therefore, take unto yourselves the whole armor of God that you might be able to stand in the evil day and having done all that you can do to stand, stand! (Eph. 6:1-13)

Jesus had been telling His disciples that He would have to go to Jerusalem, die and rise again.  Peter then took Jesus and said “Be it far from you, Lord.  This shall not happen to you.”  Then Jesus replied “Get behind Me, Satan.  You are an offence to Me for you don’t desire the things of God, but those of men (Matt. 16:20-23).”

Jesus recognized who it was that motivated Peter’s comments – Satan.  So He acknowledged exactly whom He was addressing.  Just as the devil entered Judas Iscariot’s heart to betray Jesus (Luke 22:1-4) he had, that quickly prompted Peter’s comments.  They sounded good – to keep Jesus safe, but it would have interfered with Jesus’ ultimate plan to save us from our sin.  Did Satan possess Peter?  Was Peter evil?  Of course not!  Just momentarily ‘misused’!  (get the picture?)

In John chapter ten Jesus tells us the parable of the Good Shepherd who takes care of His sheep.  In the parable Jesus cites one, anyone, who is NOT the shepherd, is he who sneaks into the sheepfold and comes to steal, kill and destroy – the sheep of the Good Shepherd.

Jesus tells us, clearly, that He (Jesus) IS the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).  He does take care of His sheep! 

Father spent years of my life showing me the reality behind this parable.  How often are we blinded until the Holy Ghost reveals to us exactly what is right before our eyes?  When He (the Holy Ghost) is come into our lives, He will lead us into all truth (John 16:13) and understanding -of the deep things of God (1 Corinth. 2:7-16).

Again, we don’t fight against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, powers and rulers of darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:11-18).  So, praying in the Spirit, we put on the armor of God, fervently seeking God so we can stand against the wiles of the devil.  Understand that praying in the Spirit is either or both praying in our God-given Spiritual language or praying in our ‘natural’ language focusing totally on the Lord.

First I want us to be on the same page about some of the words used in Ephesians six and John ten.

Principalities

The Greek word used for principalities in Ephesians is arche (G746) it is also basically a magistrate, power, principle or rule in respects to order, time, place or rank.  That is, it is one who has been given authority in a specified area. Think mayor, governor, president, king, etc.

Powers

The Greek word used for powers is exousia (G1849) which means authority, liberty, jurisdiction, right, strength in light of force or mastery.  Again, one who has overall authority, but not necessarily limited to a specific place.

Rulers of darkness of this world

The Greek word used here is kosmokrator (G2888) which stems from kosmos (G2889) or world and krateo (G2902) which is to take, keep, lay hold of or retain. Kosmkrator is a ruler and he rules the darkness or  akotos G4655) which stems from akia (G4639)which is shade or shadow.  Ergo, the phrase rulers of the darkness of this world.  More specifically, one who has authority which he exercises that authority secretly or through deception.

Wickedness in high places

Here, wickedness is the Greek word poneria (G4189), which is wickedness or iniquity which stems from poneros (G4190) which means evil, bad, grievous, harm, etc.   And ‘high places is epouranios  (G2032) which is celestial, sky, the heaven(ly).  Satan is the prince and power of the air (G109) (Eph. 2:2), or or we might say the ‘breeze’ (or spirits) that blows across the sky.  But, note again, not for the good of those subject to that authority.

John 10:10 declares that our enemy has three intents on his heart, so let’s take a look at steal, kill and destroy.

Steal

Luke 8:11 – steal the word from our heart.  Satan’s job is to do just that!  Steal the precious Word of God from our heart.  Actually his job is to keep us from getting God’s Word into our heart, but once God’s Word begins to settle in, the devil does his best to steal it away.  We may face problems which seem too difficult to overcome or we may even decide that the things of this world look better than the love of God.  Sound familiar (read Matt. 13:3-13)?

What can I say?  Klepto (G 2813) is a prime word which means to steal.  Suggest anything to you?  (hint – kleptomaniac?)

Kill  

Matt. 2:16-18 – Herod orders death of the children.  Satan’s attempt to keep Jesus from taking root in anybody’s heart was to destroy Him early in His earthly existence (within two years after His birth – Matt. 2:11-16).

John 13:2 – devil puts it into Judas’ heart to betray Jesus.  He brings the authorities to the mount to arrest Jesus.  Some may say Judas thought he would force Jesus’ hand as a king, but Satan intended to kill Jesus, thus stopping God’s plan for salvation.   

Matt. 27:19-24 – “give us Barabbas”.  To assure Pilate that all the people of Israel wanted Jesus to die, Satan aroused the crowd.

Matt. 27:48-54 – physical death of Jesus on the cross.  This is why Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified on the cross.  Satan thought he had won!  Jesus was dead.  Yet Jesus gives us the promise of eternal life through His resurrection on the third day!  Hallelujah!

Kill?  Thuo (G2380, is to kill, slay or sacrifice.  Think about this from Satan’s viewpoint.  Then Jesus’.  In case you are having difficulty – Satan’s intent was to kill, Jesus’ intent was eternal sacrifice so we could live.

Destroy

1 Peter 5:8 – devour

Apollumi (G622) is to kill, destroy, mar, die, perish, etc.  Webster’s defines destroy as to eliminate organic existence, demolish, annihilate.  Can we add ‘obliterate’?  Peter tells us that Satan also wants to devour us.  Not just ‘kill’ us, but totally destroy us or any evidence of our existence.  Think about it.  How many people today believe that God does not exist?  God told Moses “I AM that I AM” (Exod. 3:14).  God always was, is and will always be (Rev. 1:8).  How many reject this truth, even as an idea?  When people don’t believe in God, Satan has fulfilled his goal of total annihilation (eternal death)!

Did you catch the progression of this passage?  Steal – kill - destroy? 

The unholy triumvirate

Are we getting the idea on how Satan operates?

Now, let’s take a look at our ‘unholy triumvirate’ and see how they fit into the scheme of things.

What do I call the unholy triumvirate – the spirits of:  manipulation, control and predator

Manipulate

Webster’s says that to manipulate is deal with hands, to skillfully manage or utilize, control or play upon, to change by artful (sly), unfair or insidious means.

This spirit works things around to its own liking.  What does it want?  Who?  How?  What? when?  Where? Get the drift?  It wants anything and everything to go its way.  To please what it wants.  And to use any and all means necessary to accomplish this.  It wants to be ‘king of the world’ and do nothing to gain it.  That is except to manipulate the things or people to gain what it desires.  It beguiles people showing a pretense of friendliness.  One gets more of what they want with a lump of sugar than a pile of poop.  This spirit is friendly (as long as things go its way) and even likeable.  Again, as long as things go its way, it’s a happy camper.  If you remember the Popeye cartoon and his buddy Wimpy.  Wimpy’s catch phrase “I’ll gladly pay you tomorrow for a hamburger today.”  Wimpy never intended to pay up!  But he was such a sweet, pleasant, likeable, rotund guy, who could refuse him?

Remember the phrase “beware of the wolf in sheep’s clothing’?  How about “all that glitters is not gold”?  Pyrite is just a cheap imitation of that precious metal. 

We need to ask God for discernment so we can know that with which we deal!

Control

Webster’s  says that control is to check, test or verify by evidence or experimentation, exercise direct influence over, have power over or rule.

The spirit of control is what drives the manipulating spirit.  He lies underneath and behind what is obvious.  Control doesn’t mind if we spot the manipulator.  He’ll lay low for a season then rise up and then change his approach to continue his work.  Control orchestrates then the manipulator implements.  They go hand in hand, but they are separate.

Predator

And Webster’s defines a predator as one that preys (upon), destroys or devours.  The predator’s ultimate goal is to destroy with his coup d’etat being to keep souls away from God.   After all, what is the ultimate destruction?  Burning in the fires of eternal hell.  Think about feline predators.  Ooh, I guess all cats (of any size) are actually predators in this sense.  They scout out their prey, stalk it waiting for the right moment, then pounce!  The cat’s goal is dinner, to literally and totally devour its prey.  The predator spirit operates in the same manner.  It scouts out its victim, stalks it, but then, it seduces the intended prey with that which will get its attention.  For the predator spirit, the goal is not immediate death, just to keep the attention of the victim by focusing on false promises until literal death does come in.  And that, of course, leads to the ultimate death (eternal separation from God).

And the predator spirit completes this triumvirate by prompting the spirit of control to do his thing.  Hiding in the shadows watching as things unfold.

 

Consider that these spirits can influence our lives through obsession or possession. 

According to Webster, obsession is persistent, preoccupation with an unreasonable idea or feeling.  Or, basically, anything that takes up too much of your time and/or attention. 

Possession, again according to Webster’s, is the act of having or taking control or occupying without regard to ownership.  Something owned or occupied.  An individual’s normal personality being taken over by another.

So basically the difference between obsession and possession is influencing as compared to actually taking over.  Influencing is external pressure where taking over becomes internal occupancy.

Several examples come to mind.  Satan did not enter into Peter, but clearly influenced his judgment as Jesus was telling the disciples that He must die (Matt. 16:21-23). Scriptures say that Satan did enter into Judas as he conspired, against Jesus, with the church counsel (Luke 22:3-4).   Later, Paul encountered  the woman with a diving spirit.  This gal was harassing Paul until he finally turned around and commanded the spirit to leave her (Acts 16:16-18).  There was also the crazed demonic at the Gergesenes where Jesus commanded the spirits (legion) to come out of the man and allowed them to enter the pigs (Matt. 8:28-22).  And then there were the ‘sons of Sceva’ who tried to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus who Paul preached.  The demon said “Jesus I know.  Paul I know.  But whoooo arrrre you?” the brothers were unsuccessful and the possessed man sent them out naked and bleeding (Acts 19:13-16). 

I mention these situations so you understand demons can be violent or subtle and one clearly needs to walk in the authority and power of Jesus before tackling any such situation.

Also understand, some people believe in God and angels and some don’t.  Some people believe in the devil and demons and some don’t.  A person is entitled to his/her belief, but just because one rejects the existence of spiritual beings doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.  In fact, one of Satan’s biggest covers is that people don’t believe that he exists.  Nor that they believe in God!  What one doesn’t believe in can’t hurt, right?  Denial is Satan’s biggest cover.  It gives him the freedom to do what he wants, where he wants or when he wants – because people a) don’t believe he is or b) don’t believe or trust in God (the Father) for protection.

This enables the predator spirit to activate the controlling spirit who puts the manipulating spirit into action.  All too often, we jump on the person who is influenced or actually possessed by these spirits forgetting that we don’t fight against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

The victory is in Christ Jesus who has overcome the world (John 16:33).  For all things are put under His feet (Eph.1:22-23).  And He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).  God so loves us that He gave His only begotten Son to stand the gap so we could have eternal fellowship with Him (John 3:16).

Amen

 

8-13-2022           Jesus to the Rescue

Hebrews 12:1-29

I had another entry in the works for this time, but as I read this chapter in Hebrews, Father changed ‘my’ plans.  Listen closely to what Paul tells the Hebrews.

I’ve paraphrased some of the verses for easier reading as well as made comments (in blue).

1          Therefore, because we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let’s set aside all our burdens and sins which easily weigh us down, let us patiently run this race before us.

Paul tells us that we have ‘things’ to do as we walk with our Lord!  Basically, it’s not just jumping on the slide and enjoying the ride!  So let’s not get ‘antsy’ and jump ahead of the ball game.  Rather, patiently, follow the Lord’s lead.

2          Let us look to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith because He gave up the joy He knew to endure the cross, the despising and the shame and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3          Consider that He endured that which came against Him and the sinners that we don’t become wearied or faint in our own minds.

4          For we have not shed our blood striving against sin.

Jesus is not just our ‘hope’ of salvation, but our promise.  He left heaven to come to here on earth as one of us and to give Himself on the cross so we don’t have to worry about how we are going to access eternal life.  So just because things don’t always go the way we want, hang in there, press through whatever we face for He is with us (Heb. 13:5).  We didn’t shed our own blood to attain salvation.

5          Have you forgotten the exhortation that has spoken to us as little children?  My son, don’t despise the chastening of the Lord nor faint when He rebukes you.

6          The Lord chastens those whom He loves and scourges every son whom He receives.

7          When you endure the chastening, God treats you as a son.  For what father doesn’t correct his son?

8          Therefore, if we are not chastised, which we all experience, we are not partakers.  We are bastards and not sons.

9          More so, we reverenced our fathers who corrected us, isn’t it better to obey the Father of Spirits and live?

10        Truly, they corrected us for their own pleasure, but God corrects us for our benefit that we may be partakers of His holiness.

11        Now, nobody enjoys correction for at the time for it is grievous.  Nonetheless, after we have received it, we receive the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

12        Therefore lift up those drooping hands and feeble knees.

13        And set your feet on the straight path so rather than continuing on the wrong path, you might be healed.

Father is our heavenly Father for a reason.  We are His children and as long as we act like little children, He interacts with us accordingly.  Our earthly dads correct us as to how they see fit.  My wife, more than once, had to remind me to make sure the punishment (for our children) was appropriate for the ‘crime’!  God reprimands us to get us back on track so we don’t continue down a wrong pathway. Our earthly dad punished us, yet we still obeyed what he said – or suffered more consequences.  So, if we considered our earthly dad with honor and respect, why do we “dis” our heavenly Father when He corrects us?  Why is God so mean!  It was just a ‘little’ sin!  When we get away with one ‘little’ sin, we figure we can get away with more and try to do so – ignoring the consequences.  Yes, God is longsuffering, but He does have His limits!  And let’s be honest.  Who out there ever liked punishment?  But, like I said, God is doing what is necessary to keep us on the right path so we can live a good life!  By the way, a ‘bastard’ is an illegitimate child (born out of wedlock) and is one who doesn’t really enjoy the benefits of family.  Hmmmm.

14        Be peaceable with all men, in all holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

Ooooh!  Live in peace AND be holy?  Holiness is being set apart from the world, not necessarily physically but in spirit and in actions (don’t do as the world does) for when we don’t live for the Lord, we live for ourselves or our enemy (the world).  Such a person will NOT see the Lord!  He is not loyal and runs at the first sign of danger (John 10:11-14).  He is not a son.  Just a hired hand!

15        Being careful not to fail the grace of God unless the root of bitterness rise up within you and you be defiled.

When we stray from God, the bitterness of this world can get us ‘down’ and then we stand in danger of becoming just as bitter as the world.  When we wallow in bitterness, we become like the seed on stony ground and will most likely drift away from the Lord (Matt. 13:3-9).  Who is the prince and power of the air in the world (2 Corinth. 4:4, Eph. 2:1-3, Rev. 12:7-10)? 

16        Unless any of you become a fornicator or profane person such as Esau, who sold his birthright for something to eat.

17        Understand that the blessing of the first-born was held from him for even though he sought it with tears, he found no place of repentance.

18       You aren’t come to the mount that you might be touched and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness and darkness and tempest.

Our enemy and the enemy of this world, of course, is Satan.  He comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).  Esau is used as an example here because he didn’t respect God enough to keep the blessings due the first-born son, but sold them for some food to satisfy his natural body.  God doesn’t bring us to His mount (salvation) just to destroy us, but rather to save us!  And as God is no respecter of persons, neither does He respect “crocodile tears” (fake, pretend)!

19       For the sound of the trumpet and the voice of words that entreated Israel, God would no longer speak to them.

20        For they could not endure what was commanded.  So much so that even if an animal touched the mountain, it should be slain.

When man disrespects God, God eventually gives him over to his own desires (Rom. 1:28) which will lead to his own demise.  And more so, even the things around him are affected!

21        And the sight (on the mount) was so terrible even Moses said that he was exceedingly fearful and quaked.

22        But you are come to the mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem which is inhabited by an innumerable company of angels.

23       To the general assembly, the church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and before God who judges all, and to the spirits of just men who have been made perfect.

As with Moses, when we come into the presence of our Lord (our prayer times), we need to keep God in utmost respect.  Our prayer time is likened unto Moses on the mount as God spoke with him through the burning bush (an angel).   

Jesus IS the first-born of all who confess and believe in Him (Rom. 8:29).  We stand before God, who judges all things, those who have preceded us into the kingdom, that is those who have obediently abided in God’s love.  So when we enter into eternity, we aren’t just going next door to visit with our neighbor.  We ae going before all the angels of God and all those saints who have gone before us.  Think, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, relatives and friends throughout the ages, who have already gone to be ‘with the Lord’.  Not just men of renown, but everyone who has trusted in the Lord!   

24        And to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant and to the blood of sprinkling, which speaks of better things than that of Abel.

Jesus intercedes for us, as He offers us better things than Abel because He shed His own blood for us on Calvary!  Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin (Heb. 9:22).  The blood of animals was shed over the millennia for us yet Jesus shed His own blood to cleanse us from our sin!

25        That you don’t refuse Him that speaks.  For those who refused Him, when He spoke on the earth, did not escape.  Then more so then we who turn away as He speaks from heaven.

Jesus came to this earth @2000 years ago and showed us how we should be living and what we should be doing and there were those who rejected Him then and are dead (in their sins).  God gave Israel a choice at the foot of the mount “Who is on the Lord’s side” and Israel was punished for their sin (Exod. Chapt. 32).  Now Jesus, being resurrected and ascended, speaks to us from heaven and if we reject Him, how should we live?

26       His voice once shook the earth, but He has now promised that not only the earth, but heaven as well.

27        And this Word signifies that the things made shall be shaken shall be removed, but those which cannot be shaken shall remain.

When He walked on this earth @2000 years ago, Jesus shook the earth.  When He spoke to the people, lives changed and came into life.  When He returns, not only will the earth be impacted, but then even the heavens shall be shaken as well!  Many will be destroyed but those whose trust is in Jesus are on  solid ground shall remain (eternally).  Being true and faithful to our living God is most important to our eternal existence.

28        Therefore, let us, who receive a kingdom which cannot be moved, have grace, in which we serve God acceptably with reverence and fear.

In Christ Jesus, we cannot be shaken, so let us live in God’s grace, respecting Him.  So let us live our lives because we know He is God and creator of all things.  He invites all who have received Him into our lives into His kingdom.  And we have come to know Him – personally!

29        For our God is a consuming fire!

Think about it!

Amen