Category: Discipleship Foundations

Chapter 52: Authority and the Fear of the Lord

The proper and timely use and display of authority inspires the fear of the Lord in people whose hearts are open to God. It has the opposite effect on those whose hearts are hardened. The following passage illustrates this.

And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.” 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? 5 “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’? 6 “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he got up and went home. 8 But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.  Matthew 9:2–8 (NASB95) —

The Jewish leaders for the most part were never convinced by the miracles Jesus performed. When he raised Lazarus from the dead, they determined to put both Jesus and Lazarus to death! (John 12:10)

How we react to and relate to authority often reveals a lot about the condition of our hearts and our openness to God.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and a cornerstone of character which assists people in turning away from evil. It enables us to properly assess God’s words and actions. The opposite of the fear of the Lord is a hardened heart, which is closed to God and his truth.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs 1:7 (NASB95) — 

By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.  Proverbs 16:6 (NASB95) —

Those who properly fear the Lord will not only recognize and submit to authority in their lives, but they will also use it in the right way.

The proper use of authority is always meant to bless those it governs.

In the home, the husband and father’s God-given authority and responsibility to lead is meant to provide loving guidance, protection, and provision for the wife and children. In the church, authority properly used functions in the same manner. At work and in the government, authority is meant to provide guidance, order, reward for those who do well, and punishment for rebels.

Where authority is absent or is rejected because it is administered corruptly, people tend to become independent and unrestrained, the fear of the Lord can diminish.

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 (NASB)

When a government properly represents God’s intention for it, whether the state, a church, at work, or in the home, it helps the fear of the Lord to take root, influencing behavior for the good.

For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Romans 13:3-4 (NASB)

Authority figures have a tremendous power of influence for good or evil. Those authorities who properly represent God influence people toward good. Those who misrepresent God can damage people spiritually.

Countless individuals and even entire families have given up on the church because of the failure of those in authority. Fathers who mistreat their children often damage their view of God the Father, whom they are meant to represent. If we have been damaged by the improper use of authority, Jesus wants to reveal to us the Father heart of God. He wants to lead us to churches where God’s authority is used benevolently.

On the opposite side of things, sometimes people try to diminish God’s intention for government by applying to the government commandments given to individuals. For example, I have talked with those who understand God’s commandment against killing (murder) to mean governments should not use capital punishment. The Bible makes it clear that governments are supposed to punish evil doers, even to the point of capital punishment, to maintain order, protect the innocent, and inspire obedience. This is why Paul referred to the “sword” of the government in the above passage.

In another place, Paul acknowledged this function of government in reference to his own legal predicament.

"If, then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar." Acts 25:11 (NASB)

The Bible asserts that there are crimes worthy of death, which are listed in the Law of Moses and include such things as rape, murder, and kidnapping. These are moral crimes against individuals and society. Individuals are not supposed to seek personal vengeance for such crimes today, even though revenge killings were allowed under the Old Covenant.

As individuals, we are to forgive those who commit crimes against us, but this does not relieve the government of its responsibility to represent God though the application of justice.

Governments which fail to do so violate God’s law going all the way back to the flood.

Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man. Genesis 9:6 (NASB)

When there is no justice, evil becomes even bolder and often gets the opportunity to commit similar crimes again.

Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil. Ecclesiastes 8:11 (NASB)

Those who reject the government’s responsibility to carry out God’s justice are in rebellion against God’s authority.

Without Christ, there is no real wisdom, and when well-intentioned governments refuse to use capital punishment in proper cases, out of supposed enlightenment, it is a rebellion against God’s order and will always have disastrous consequences. Sadly, governments sometimes misuse capital punishment, and there is the possibility of human error in judgment. Nevertheless, we should not “throw out the baby with the bath water” and eliminate capital punishment because of the possibility of our making a mistake. Using that line of reasoning, we would have to stop doing all manner of things.

Those in authority have a moral responsibility before God to use their authority to inspire the fear of the Lord in those they govern. If authorities, and this includes parents of small children, do not use their authority properly, they sin against God and those they oversee.

There is perhaps no quicker way to unleash unrestrained evil upon the earth than for authority to recede or collapse.

Parents who fail to properly discipline their children often sentence them to a very difficult school of hard knocks and demonstrate that they do not truly love their kids.

If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don't love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24 (NLT)

Those who have been given authority should challenge themselves to fully accept this responsibility in the fear of the Lord.

We parents should not recoil from applying the “board of education to the seat of learning” because we have a thinly veiled rebellion against authority in our own lives. If we were mistreated by someone who had authority over us, we may have vowed never to do that to someone we love. However, we should not fail to use our authority the way God intends.

Our culture works to condition us to detest authority and its proper use.

We should be careful not to buy into Satan’s lie that corporal and capital punishment are morally repugnant.

If we are going to live under the authority of Christ and His Word, we should strive to be under authority and properly use authority, just as the Roman centurion did.

But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 “For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 10 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.  Matthew 8:8–10 (NASB95) —

It take faith to submit to Christ’s delegated authority in others and faith to use that authority when and how we should. This responsibility should inspire the fear of the Lord in all of us. 

Click here to see the other articles in this series.

Questions for Further Study and Discussion
  • Why does a failure to apply God’s justice to evil doers usually release more evil upon the earth?
  • How can parents lovingly use their authority to inspire the fear of the Lord in their young children?
  • What will be the likely outcome for children whose parents are too harsh in applying discipline? When parents fail to discipline them?
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Chapter 53: Meditation on God’s Word

The Word of God is alive and powerful and deserves time and attention spent in meditation.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.  Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) —

Jesus said that his words are “spirit and life.”

The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.  John 6:63 (NLT) —

The words of the Bible were inspired by the Holy Spirit when they were written (2 Timothy 3:16). They become alive to us when the Spirit helps us to understand, believe, and act on them. God’s words impart God’s life to us.

[Jesus said,] “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”  Matthew 4:4 (ESV) —

God’s words have the power to change us from the inside out through a process Paul called the “renewing of the mind.”

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  Romans 12:2 (NLT) —

We participate in the process of transformation when we meditate on the Word and allow it to permeate our lives while asking the Holy Spirit to be our teacher by opening its meaning to us, imparting its life, and helping us to put it into practice.

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.  John 14:26 (NLT) —

God spoke the following to his servant Joshua when he was given the responsibility of leading Israel.

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Joshua 1:8 (NASB)

The Bible has the power to stir faith in our hearts.

Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.  1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NLT) —

The more we meditate on the Word, the more our faith will grow.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.  Romans 10:17 (NASB95)

God’s Word guides us on the path of life and reveals God’s mind and heart to us.

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.  Psalm 119:105 (NASB95) —

But we are unlikely to access the profound depths of God’s Word without meditating upon it. The Hebrew concept of meditation is nothing like what is advocated by various Eastern religions.

Biblical meditation is not an emptying of the mind. Instead, it involves turning the scriptures over and over in our thoughts, much as meat is turned as it roasts upon a spit.

Meditation also contains the idea of muttering or talking out loud to ourselves as we think or perhaps recite the verses in the act of memorizing or recalling them from memory.

As we meditate prayerfully upon Scripture, the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts and gives deeper understanding.

The psalmist describes this process in the following passage.

Make me understand the way of Your precepts, So I will meditate on Your wonders. Psalms 119:27 (NASB)

The same author told his readers that wisdom and understanding come to the one who practices the spiritual discipline of meditation.

O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, Because I have observed Your precepts. Psalms 119:97-100 (NASB)

The Holy Spirit nurtures a love for God’s Word in our hearts.

The words of the Bible become a source of joy as the Holy Spirit causes them to come alive inside us.

When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.  Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT) —

When we meditate on God’s Word, it motivates us to obedience which brings blessings.

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalms 1:1-3 (NASB)

Jesus is the Living Word, the eternal Logos. We cannot afford to live without daily drinking from its depths and partaking of its sustenance. Jesus said:

People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.  Matthew 4:4 (NLT) —

If we regularly practice the spiritual discipline of meditation on God’s Word, we will grow spiritually and be continually led by God’s Spirit.

Meditating on God’s Word is one of the most basic spiritual disciplines a Christian must practice. We never get too mature to need to do this. Here are some suggestions for doing this.

  • Read the Bible daily. There are several ways to read the Scriptures. We can simply read through the Bible. We also can read and study it topically. Another method is to do “word studies” where we see how words are used in the Bible. Perhaps the most desirable way to study is devotionally. In this way of studying, we ask the Holy Spirit to teach us what he wants us to receive, believe, and do.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to be our teacher. He is the One sent by God to give us revelation and understanding. He is the One who inspires faith in our hearts and does transformation work in our lives. When he teaches us, the Word “burns” inside us, so to speak. (Luke 24:32)
  • Keep a journal where you can record questions and insights you have regarding what you read. You can also notate anything you believe God speaks to your heart. We might think that we will remember everything, but that is highly unlikely. In my case, I often make notes in my Bible in the margins.
  • Memorize verses and passages. This is a great aid in the meditation process. Think long and hard in a prayerful state of mind about what you read.
  • Ask God to show you how to apply what you read to your life. Ask the Spirit to help you obey what the Bible teaches.
  • Use Bible study aids to assist you in your study. A great one is to have a computer program that provides instant access to various versions and notes, allows you to do quick searches, and shows what the original Greek and Hebrew words mean. Other resources are commentaries, expository dictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, and books. The NIV and ESV Study Bibles pull together many of these resources into one location. Listen to teachings from trusted teachers and read books by good authors. Your pastor may be able to recommend some excellent books for you.

Click here to see the other articles in this series.

Questions for Further Study and Discussion
  • Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit causing the words of the Bible to “come alive” to you?
  • What have you found to be the most life giving way to read and meditate on the scriptures?
  • What Bible study aids do you find most helpful?
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Chapter 57: Sharing the Gospel

Sharing the gospel with others is our most powerful offensive spiritual weapon, and I list it as a spiritual discipline because it is something we should regularly do, even if we don’t “feel” like it.

Overcoming our reticence regarding the gospel is one of our greatest challenges.

Most people quite naturally talk about what is important, excites, or brings them joy. Jesus said:

The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. Luke 6:45 (NASB)

If our favorite sports team is doing well, we will probably tell others. If we discover some exciting hobby or pastime, we are likely to freely share it with others because our hearts are overflowing with pleasure, information, or excitement. Likewise, those who curse, complain, encourage, or praise as a regular habit also reveal what fills their hearts.

If we are afraid of what others think, say, or might do to us, we may opt to keep quiet about our allegiance to Jesus. This is what happened to Peter the night our Lord was put on trial. Paul exhorted us to overcome any fear or shame that might hinder our testimony.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 8So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for Christ. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News. 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (NLT)

When we hold back from sharing our testimony or the gospel message (our allegiance to Christ), there are two additional possibilities of what may be restraining us. Let’s look at these.

  1. Lack of confidence. We may not feel qualified or knowledgeable enough to engage people with the gospel. Fortunately, this can be overcome by study, practice, and reliance upon the Holy Spirit’s help.
  2. Lukewarmness. This may be the most insidious condition of all. It is when we no longer desire God above all else. We may still retain the vocabulary and habits of devotion, but not the heart. The bride of Christ should love her groom and be excited to talk about him with others. Most of us begin our discipleship journey with zeal, but life and circumstances and the distractions of life have a way of dampening our ardor. Jesus detests lukewarmness, which should prompt us to repent. (Revelation 3:16) Jesus told us to come to him with a repentant heart. He will work inside us to restore the fire of zeal in our souls.

Jesus spoke of lukewarmness is his parable of the sower and the seed.

The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, 19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.  Mark 4:18–19 (NLT) —

Sharing the good news about Jesus the Messiah is one of the most rewarding ways to spend our time. It glorifies God when we publicly identify with our Lord. It makes it possible for others to come into the family of faith and allows us to participate in the joy of heaven when a sinner repents.

The only treasure we take with us beyond the grave is what God has done in and through us – our works of obedience and faith and those we lead to the Lord.

Paul wrote:

Dear brothers and sisters, I love you and long to see you, for you are my joy and the reward for my work. So please stay true to the Lord, my dear friends. Philippians 4:1 (NLT)

Christians are designed and expected to reproduce themselves through sharing the gospel, just as all living things do.

Sharing the gospel can also be thought of as fishing for people.

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”  Matthew 4:19 (NLT) —

No one ever caught a fish without trying, except perhaps when a flying fish jumps into a boat. It is possible to lead a person to Christ almost by accident if they are ready enough. However, most fishing required time, effort, skill, and expense. If we are not willing to invest ourselves in the process, we will not likely catch many people. Here are some things we can do to get more involved in fishing for people.

  1. Pray for family, friends, associates, and neighbors who do not yet know the Lord. Ask God to prepare their hearts and bring people into their lives who will share the gospel. Be ready to be that person.
  2. Spend time with people. Call on neighbors. Ask people over to share a meal, coffee, dessert, etc. Take advantage of naturally occurring time spent together to develop friendships.
  3. Learn the art of conversation. People often reveal their needs when we talk, which can open a door to pray or encourage, or maybe even share our testimony or the gospel.
  4. Be patient. Do not think we have to “close the sale” too quickly. Wait for the right time and prompting of the Holy Spirit. If people think we are simply trying to put notches on our gospel gun, they will likely be offended.
  5. Make it your goal simply to love people whether or not they seem open to the gospel.

Have we shared our faith lately? Can we think of anyone that we personally led to Jesus? We will never win the lottery if we never enter it. We will never lead another person to faith if we never share the gospel. If we have reproduced ourselves through the gospel, how long has it been? Do we need to stir ourselves up again? Today is as good a time to start as any. Why not pray right now that God will open a door for you, and then be ready to share. Here is an admonition written by the apostle Paul.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV)

Peter also encouraged us to be vocal about our allegiance to Christ.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

We can make sharing the gospel part of our lifestyle by deciding to prioritize it.

This will require us to become gospel “fluent” by spending time in the study of the key elements of a proper presentation of the gospel. We will look at this in another section. We also need God’s anointing and power that come via the baptism in the Spirit. Jesus warned his disciples not to attempt being his witness until this took place.

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”  Luke 24:49 (NLT) —

Those first disciples needed this infilling, and so do we. In a future lesson, I will share how to receive this most amazing promise of the Father. In fact, I have written a book on this subject, which is available on Amazon, entitled, Promise of the Father.

Click here to see the other articles in this series.

Questions for Further Study and Discussion
  • What are the key elements of your personal testimony?
  • What do you understand to be the difference between sharing our testimony and the gospel?
  • Do you feel like you are competent to effectively share the gospel?
  • Have you ever led another person to faith in Christ?
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Chapter 61: Irrefutable Evidence

Evidence is what we see, hear, or otherwise apprehend directly and personally, not secondhand or by hearsay, which helps to demonstrate the truth of some assertion. Evidence must be something objective and external to us, rather than inward feelings or conjecture. It is something that can stand up in court. Evidence does not cause something to happen. It proves that something did happen.

The Bible says that the evidence of the baptism in the Spirit is speaking in tongues and prophecy.

This lesson is limited to the evidence of speaking in tongues, since that is more common than prophecy as an initial evidence. When we observe someone speaking in tongues, we have irrefutable evidence that he or she received the baptism in the Spirit. If the person does not speak in tongues, but says he knows he has received the baptism in the Spirit by faith, even though it may be true, we cannot corroborate his statement because we have no evidence.

 Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Unfortunately, we often read into the scriptures our own prejudices and experience. This is called eisegesis, as opposed to the proper task of exegesis, which is extracting from the Bible what it means. While it sounds very noble to claim that we do not practice eisegesis, we all are influenced by our own experience, traditions handed down to us, and a priori beliefs. Only the Holy Spirit can properly interpret the Bible since he is the Author or Inspirer.

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27 (NLT) —

It is a misguided endeavor to limit our interpretation of the Bible to what scholars determine was the human author’s intention and meaning when he wrote, especially when it comes to prophecy, since we are told that it was the Holy Spirit “carrying them along” (2 Peter 1:21) when they spoke and wrote, often about things regarding which they had limited understanding at best.

This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. 12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. 1 Peter 1:10–12 (NLT) —

Knowing that we all tend to approach Scripture from the frame of reference of what we already think, have experienced, or have been taught, we should be careful when interpreting those things that are outside of our own experience.

Humility keeps us open to receive more from God and does not insist that truth conform to our own theology or experience.

Another big obstacle is bad doctrine. Some Bible teachers have done a great disservice to the body of Christ by disseminating false teaching regarding the baptism and gifts of the Spirit. Overcoming such indoctrination is often quite a challenge, especially if we love, respect, and trust our previous instructors.

Just because someone knows a lot about the scriptures in general does not mean he or she understands everything.

While a bachelor can teach on marriage from the Bible, a married person will probably have much more insight and wisdom about life as a couple from having experienced marriage firsthand. A person may know what the Bible teaches about the new birth, but until we have personally experienced it, we cannot properly understand it. Likewise, well-intentioned Bible teachers have taught on the baptism and gifts of the Spirit without ever having received or experienced them, often because they have rejected that they are for today.

Jesus said we must obey the Word to understand it.

Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.  John 7:17 (NLT) —

Spiritual strongholds are lie-based logical arguments we embrace that block us from believing God’s revealed truth and receiving the attached blessings.

We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NLT) —

If we are taught and embrace a lie about the baptism or gifts of the Spirit, it sets itself up in our minds to keep us estranged from one of God’s biggest blessings – the Promise of the Father. Sowing lies is one of the devil’s primary strategies to hinder people from first coming to Christ and then, after we become Christians, to keep us from advancing in our faith and devotion to Christ. Overcoming lie-based strongholds requires us to embrace God’s truth, even when it opposes our previously held beliefs.

Traditions of men cannot be allowed to stand between us and God’s blessings.

The Record from Acts

Luke’s record of how the Holy Spirit worked through the early disciples of Christ in the years following his resurrection is found in Acts. We should allow the record to speak for itself instead of superimposing our own understanding and traditions on top of the Bible’s clear testimony.

Unfortunately, over time, unexperienced truth can be lost and buried like old ruins.

Thankfully, God has restored much to the church regarding the baptism in the Spirit over the last century beginning at Azusa Street, continuing through the Latter Rain Movement, and the Charismatic Renewal. In addition, over the past decades, God has restored our understanding and experience of apostles and prophets, two of the most neglected components of the Five-Fold or Ascension Gift Ministries described in Ephesians 4:11-12.

The first example of people being baptized in the Spirit is found in Acts 2.

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2  And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3  And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)  

The word Luke used in the above passage to describe what happened to the disciples is that they were “filled” with the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his followers that they would be “baptized” in the Spirit.

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5  for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4-5 (ESV)

We should not be confused by the overlapping terminology. The “filling” recorded in Acts 2 was the ‘baptism” promised in Acts 1. The important thing for us is that this was another experience with the Holy Spirit, different from the new birth. This baptism in the Spirit filled those men and women to overflowing with the power and boldness of the Holy Spirit, to equip them for preaching the Gospel and ministering in Christ’s name.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (ESV)

Speaking in tongues is the supernatural overflow of this filling or baptism in the Spirit.

Jesus taught that we speak out of whatever fills our hearts.

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 (ESV)

We all talk about the things that excite us. If we are football fans, we love to speak about football. If we are fans of cooking, we share recipes. If we love nature, we talk of the outdoors. If we are filled with God’s Spirit, we will talk about Jesus. In some cases, we do so in other languages inspired by the Spirit of God.

When we overfill a pitcher of water, the overflow comes out of the spout. When God overfills us with his Spirit, the excess spills out in various ways, usually in verbal form. Our mouths are sort of a pressure relief valve.

Paul wrote the following.

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, Ephesians 5:18-19 (ESV)

Why should it surprise us that people begin speaking and singing when filled with the Spirit? The only real surprise is that we can and often do express our joy and excitement by speaking in unknown languages.

Here are some more examples from Acts.

While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45  And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46  For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God... Acts 10:44-46 (ESV)  

And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. Acts 19:6 (ESV)

When Peter and John visited Samaria on the heels of Philip’s preaching the gospel there for the first time, they laid hands on the new believers because, even though they had believed and been water baptized, they had not yet been baptized in the Spirit. How did the apostles know? The most reasonable explanation is because they had not yet spoken in tongues.

When Peter and John prayed, something so remarkable happened that Simon the Magician begged to be given the power associated with laying on of hands. Most probably he heard the people begin to speak in tongues, just as happened the other times people were baptized in the Spirit in Acts.

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15  who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16  for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17  Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18  Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19  saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:14-19 (ESV)
Conclusion

The record of Acts clearly shows us that the first disciples received the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and prophecy. This irrefutable evidence allowed Peter to argue successfully that he had to water baptize the Gentile Cornelius, since God obviously demonstrated his acceptance of him by giving him the baptism in the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

There was no difference between what happened to the first disciples on Pentecost and what happened to Cornelius and the others later.

For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47  “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ... Acts 10:46-48 (ESV)

We should desire and expect no less for us who live today. God is the same, the promise is the same, and the need is the same.

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”  Acts 2:38–39 (NASB95) —

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You can read more about the baptism of the Spirit and the gifts in Pete's book, Promise of the Father, which is available on Amazon. Click here for the link.
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Chapter 88: Having Done All, Stand

Standing our ground is perhaps the most important aspect of spiritual warfare.

For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.  Ephesians 6:13 (NET)

Paul uses an analogy from ancient warfare when he wrote that we should put on spiritual armor by faith, which is described in the passage following the above verse. Even though he lists each piece of armor in Ephesians Chapter Six, we should not think of it as individual pieces acquired separately.

Every aspect of our armor comes as a package when we receive Christ.

We simply need to recognize what we have and consciously arm ourselves with the same. This is the same as “putting on Christ,” which is mentioned elsewhere. (Romans 13:14 and Galatians 3:27) We are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10), having all that we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3) In other words, God does not dispense grace or gifts piecemeal. Rather, he gives us all things in Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,  Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)

Understanding that Christ is our spiritual armor enables us to stand against the enemy.

Standing firm positions us to experience God’s fighting on our behalf. During Jehoshaphat’s rule, when Israel faced a vast horde of enemy soldiers, God instructed his people to trust completely in him.

You will not fight in this battle. Take your positions, stand, and watch the Lord deliver you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t be afraid and don’t panic! Tomorrow march out toward them; the Lord is with you!’ ”  2 Chronicles 20:17 (NET)

Ultimately every battle is the Lord’s.

When David faced Goliath, he proclaimed (prophesied) that God would defeat the giant.

And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”  1 Samuel 17:47 (NLT)

David had to fight, but he understood that really the battle was being waged by God himself, who gave David the victory. The rest of the army of Israel stood back in fear, but David stood firm in faith. His stand of faith resulted in his being willing to enter battle with the giant enemy warrior.

Standing firm results from our knowing that God is with us to give us the victory.

Somewhere along the line, David wrote the beautiful song we know as Psalm 23. Perhaps it was before his pivotal defeat of Goliath.

David understood that his strength was found in God’s presence.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  Psalm 23:4 (NASB95)

Moses was able to stand up against Pharaoh because he too knew that God was with him.

But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.”  Exodus 3:11–12 (NLT)

It took a while for Moses to be convinced, but eventually he came to believe that God was indeed with him, which enabled him not only to confront Pharaoh but also to lead Israel for forty years through the desert.

If God is with us, it is enough for us to stand up against any force of evil and fulfill our calling.

Standing against the wiles and onslaught of the enemy also requires courage on our part. The devil seeks to convince us that God has abandoned us, and we are on our own.

Faith in God’s faithfulness allows us to shield our hearts against these lies.

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Ephesians 6:16 (NLT)

Jesus guaranteed that the enemy cannot ultimately harm us.

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.  Luke 10:19 (NASB95)

But this promise does not preclude that we may suffer threats and harm to our physical bodies through persecution.

The tests and trials of life are used by Satan to make it appear that God cannot be trusted.

These contradictions to God’s benevolent promises to keep us from all evil, are tests of our ability to stand by faith in his faithfulness. Jesus withstood these contradictions, and so must we.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.  Hebrews 12:1–3 (NLT)

Sometimes God grants us a magnificent deliverance in answer to our faith. Other times he may allow us to suffer contradiction, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate our courage and faith in the face of adversity.

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. 39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.  Hebrews 11:32–40 (NASB95)

Whether we experience glorious victory over the things that challenge our faith, or God allows us to suffer contradiction, we must stand by faith.

When we make up our minds to give God thanks in every circumstance because we fully believe that he will work all things out for our good and his glory, we become overcomers by faith.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Whether we receive the object of our faith in this life or not, we overcome because of our faith stance.

Such faith glorifies God because it is God-centered rather than man-centered.

Standing by faith is rooted in the conviction that God is loving, faithful, and always with us. Our part is to remind ourselves of these things by remembering to pray, study the Word of God, share the gospel with others, and worship. This allows us to be fully clad in God’s protective armor, which protects every part of our being from head to foot. As we learn to stand on the promises of God, his Word becomes a spiritual sword in our hands by which we can defend ourselves and inflict damage on the enemy of our souls.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—  Ephesians 6:14–18 (NKJV)

The belt of truth holds everything in place through our conviction that every word of God is true. The breastplate of righteousness guards our heart from the onslaught of condemnation. Our feet or walk with God is protected and strengthened as we fearlessly share our faith with others. Our faith acts as a shield to protect our hearts from Satan’s fiery darts of doubt and fear. The helmet of salvation guards our minds with the hope (firm conviction) of God’s complete faithfulness. Knowledge of God’s Word put into practice enables us to properly defend ourselves and even attack. Finally, prayer is how we stay in a proper attitude of complete reliance upon God for ourselves and others.

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Chapter 87: Discipleship as Spiritual Warfare

Discipleship is a form of spiritual warfare called force multiplication.

Jesus commissioned the church to go and make disciples and duplicate itself in others who will be able to multiply our efforts and carry on when we are not present or after we physically die.

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV)

God’s first commandment after creating Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply. Our Lord never rescinded that command. It applies both to biological reproduction and discipleship. The devil hates all forms of reproduction and tries to convince people to refrain from having children at all or at least very few. He even works to convince people that it is to their advantage to abort children in the womb for a variety of reasons. Satan tries to convince people that children are an inconvenience, too expensive, or barriers to pursuing our personal goals. Rather than viewing children negatively, God sees all children as precious and the key to the future.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 (NLT)

His desire is for the earth to be filled with people who will become part of his eternal family. He wants us to be part of that process by winning people to Christ through the gospel and discipling them to do the same.

Even some in the church have also been affected by a negative view toward spiritual reproduction.

We may prefer the convenience and comfort of relating to our spiritual “clique” instead of accepting the challenge to go out into the world to “catch” people and disciple them. Obviously, this something for which we should repent.

The psalmist wrote:

Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. 5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.  Psalm 127:4–5 (NLT)

An arrow extends the ability of the archer to inflict damage on the enemy.

Children, both natural (if they become disciples) and spiritual, extend and expand our impact in spiritual warfare.

US Army Special Forces operate behind enemy lines to carry out guerilla operations and to train and equip indigenous guerilla fighters to continue warfare after they leave the area. This is a fine example of force multiplication which parallels Christian discipleship.

If we fail to make disciples, when we physically die, who will be left to carry on the work? The church will cease to exist without the continuous making of new disciples. But we are not to be concerned with merely continuing to exist. Our job is to participate with God in growing the church and expanding the kingdom of God through evangelism and disciple making.

Parents and spiritual leaders are charged with teaching children and disciples how to love God, love people, make disciples, and successfully negotiate this thing called life.

Disciple making simply means that we teach others to live and serve God as we do.

Whatever we prioritize will likely be adopted as being important by our disciples. If we only pay lip service to some aspect of the Christian life, it will likely be viewed as non-essential by those we influence.

Special forces operators are some of our most elite and best trained soldiers. When they make disciples, they make them in their own image.

The better the trainer, the better will be the disciple.

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.  Luke 6:40 (NKJV)

The more joyfully committed the disciple maker, the more committed will be the disciple. We can train people to be full of joy in their service to God or to become dour legalists.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.  Matthew 23:15 (NKJV)

We cannot escape the law of sowing and reaping when it comes to discipleship. We can only give away what we have. We can only reproduce after our own likeness. God is calling us to commit to becoming the best disciples possible and duplicate ourselves in our followers.

The longest lasting action in spiritual warfare is making disciples.

The goal of evangelism is to add people to God’s family. The goal of discipleship is to multiply workers who bring people into God’s family and continue to multiply workers.

God’s plan is for his kingdom to expand and fill the earth, and this can only happen through making disciples. It is not enough for us to find eternal life for ourselves. This would be equivalent to viewing our time here on the Earth as being only for our own personal enjoyment, without regard to our commission to be fruitful and multiply. God wants us to accept the commission to make disciples and then ask him to assist us in carrying it out.

I believe we should earnestly ask God to give us disciples. If we have young children in our home, we should ask God to help us do the best job we can to teach them to be disciples of our Lord. This means we should also ask the Lord to help us to be the best disciples and disciple makers we can be. Jesus taught quite a lot on what is required for his disciples, most of which is extremely challenging. In fact, it is quite impossible to be a disciple without the help of the Holy Spirit.

The first step of using discipleship as an act of war is to make the decision to become a committed follower of Christ.

This requires us to evaluate our willingness to accept the associated costs.

Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.  Luke 14:31–33 (NLT)

Once again, as we face the challenge of discipleship, we must turn to the Holy Spirit for help. The Christian life was never meant to be lived on our own. We are dependent beings designed to be led and empowered by God.

When those who look to us for leadership see that we are willing to pay the cost associated with discipleship, it will encourage them to do the same.

If we are unwilling, we will likely produce disciples afflicted with the same lack of commitment.

We will only be able to teach others to obey Christ in those areas where we obey him.

Disciples learn more by what we do than from what we say, if our words are not backed up by actions. Paul wrote;

Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.  1 Corinthians 4:16 (NASB95)

Paul modeled discipleship in a multitude of ways.

But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it.  2 Timothy 3:10–11 (NLT)

This is how we pass on to others what we have. We cannot give away something we do not have. Unless we live as a disciple, we will not be able to make disciples.

Jesus told us that continuing faithfulness to his Word makes us his disciples.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:31–32 (NLT)

Therefore, it is an act of spiritual warfare to read, study, meditate upon, and put into practice Christ’s teachings, since that is the essence of discipleship. This fits perfectly with the Great Commission in which Jesus taught us to teach others to keep his commandments. We can only teach others to keep what we keep.

Paul wrote to Timothy:

Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.  1 Timothy 4:13–16 (NASB95)

The more closely we attend to our own walk with Jesus, the better we will be at making disciples.

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Chapter 86: The Binding and Loosing Authority of the Church

God has given to the church authority for binding and loosing. The Greek word that is translated “church” in the New Testament is “Ekklesia.” The Greeks understood this was a community that set policy and determined governance. New Testament translators usually use the words “congregation” and “community” as proper English words to communicate its meaning. It certainly did not mean a hierarchically structured organization with vast land holdings and wealth, which is the direction things went after Emperor Constantine.

The modern conservative church has trended toward becoming insulated from society, being a kind of enclave or doctrinal fortress to which people are invited to enter. The liberal church, on the other hand, lost its identity in the pursuit of becoming like the world. This brings us to what some call the missional church, which is doctrinally conservative and sees itself as sent to the world to fulfill the Great Commission. It views itself as a training center for developing disciples or followers of Christ and as an “apostolic” sending agency to send those disciples out into the world to gain converts in whom they will reproduce themselves.

All members of a missional church are taught to see themselves as agents of change in their own families and areas of influence, especially those who have children. A small percentage will be called to the “religious” sector of society as church ministers and leaders. Most of the members of missional churches will understand themselves as sent to become engaged in all sorts of secular arenas, including education, government, business, media, and the arts. They seek to allow their “light to shine” in their communities, clubs, at the gym, at work, or wherever they interact with others.

No matter which area of society we are called to serve, our role remains the same – to be Christ’s representatives and wield influence for the kingdom of God.

Our Lord told Peter that the church has the power to bind and loose or release.

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”  Matthew 16:19 (NASB95)

In another place, while speaking about church discipline, our Lord taught…

“Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”  Matthew 18:18–20 (NASB95)

We know that Jesus gave Peter “keys” of authority to unlock the door into God’s kingdom.

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”  Matthew 16:18–19 (NASB95)

Jesus did not build his church upon Peter, the little stone, but upon himself, the rock, the chief cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22 and Acts 4:11)

Peter’s confession of faith in the chief cornerstone was the doorway into membership in the church. The key that unlocked the door was the gospel.

Peter was granted the privilege of preaching the gospel first to the Jews gathered in Jerusalem on that first Pentecost. He also unlocked the door to the Gentiles when he preached to Cornelius and his family and friends. Peter mentioned this privilege when he recounted to the leaders in Jerusalem what took place in the house of Cornelius.

After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.  Acts 15:7 (NASB95)

The preaching of the gospel unlocks the door into the kingdom of God, which the legalistic Jewish leaders had kept locked, according to Jesus.

“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering.”  Luke 11:52 (NASB95)

The preaching of the gospel “looses” or releases captives and sets them free.

Jesus spoke about this when he launched his public ministry at the synagogue in Nazareth by reading from the Isaiah the prophet.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, 19 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”  Luke 4:18–19 (NASB95)

The gospel is an authoritative proclamation that releases the authority of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to save people and set them free.

Paul said that the gospel liberates or “looses” people from bondages that the Law can never accomplish. (Acts 13:39)

The church is authorized to proclaim the gospel’s power to loose people from sin, sickness, disease, demonic oppression, legalism, addictions, fear, and even death.

As Christ’s representatives, we can heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead; although, I have not personally witnessed the last one. Nevertheless, the Bible says we have such authority to loose.

Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”  John 11:43–44 (NKJV)

We also have authority to bind. Normally, I associate binding with restraining or restricting the devil’s activity.

Jesus told us that before we can liberate someone who is experiencing demonic oppression, we must first bind the “strongman.” Jesus said…

But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. 29 For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.  Matthew 12:28–29 (NLT)

We have Christ’s authority to bind demonic activity which is enforced by the Spirit of God.

Before I expel a demon, I first bind its activity and restrict it from acting in any sort of distracting way. I believe we also have the authority to bind the effects of disease, generational curses, addictions, recurrent sin, etc. based on Christ’s victory over these things.

We are authorized to proclaim that these things were defeated at Calvary and have no right to rule over us any longer.

Here is an example from Paul’s letter to the church in Rome.

For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.  Romans 6:14 (NASB95)

It is very important for us to understand that our authority to bind and loose is linked to what God has already done in heaven.

We bind and loose based on what God has already declared bound and loosed in his Word.

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”  Matthew 16:19 (NASB95)

Our ability to bind and loose is based on Christ’s victory on the cross and through his resurrection, by which he disarmed the power of Satan, sin, sickness, death, and the flesh.

We also can declare God’s judgments upon the enemy and his representatives.

However, we must make sure that we are led by God’s Spirit when doing so, such as when Paul declared a judgment on Elymas the magician.

But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, 10 and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord? 11 “Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.  Acts 13:8–12 (NASB95)

We also have the authority to declare people’s sins remitted or forgiven through the gospel, as Peter did at Solomon’s portico.

Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21 whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.  Acts 3:19–21 (NASB95)

We also have the authority to announce the retention of people’s sins when they refuse the gospel, as Paul did.

Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 “For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’ ” 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.  Acts 13:46–51 (NASB95)

God did not make us mediators through whom sins are absolved or retained, as is commonly taught in the Roman Catholic Church regarding priests. Instead, we have the privilege of pronouncing forgiveness to those who accept the gospel and judgment to those who reject it.

ome believe the church is called to rule spiritually over earthly governments by calling them into alignment with God’s kingdom purposes. For example, if a nation, such as ours, promotes abortions, which are murder and a form of child sacrifice to the demons, we should pray that government leaders will repent to adopt laws that conform to God’s kingdom. Whether or not we have authority to bind demonic powers over governments is disputed. Some believe we can do that; while others think that doing so is outside of our domain. What we can agree upon is that we represent Christ and his authority and kingdom here on earth. As such, we can bind and loose as directed by God’s Spirit and authorized in the Bible. Let us continue to pray that God will show us more clearly how we are to use our binding and loosing authority to further God’s kingdom here on earth. May his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

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Chapter 85: Participating in Christ’s Victory by Faith

When God brought Israel to the boundary of Canaan, he invited them to participate in the promised victory. When Israel stepped out in faith to attack the pagan Canaanites, they discovered that God helped them to succeed.

Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, 2 “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. 3 “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. 4 “From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. 5 “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.  Joshua 1:1–5 (NASB95)

The first generation who escaped Egypt refused to accept God’s invitation to take the promised land by faith. They were afraid that God would not be with them; so, they never experienced the victory that could have been theirs and died in the desert.

God designed faith to produce obedience by which we experience his grace.

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,  Romans 1:5 (NKJV)

True faith acts as if it believes that God is faithful to his promises. Intellectual faith leads to lip service with no follow through. That is why James wrote that our faith can be seen by our actions.

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.  James 2:18 (NKJV)

If we take God’s faith challenge and do what he commands, we will experience God’s grace enabling us to succeed.

The Canaanites were formidable enemies who threatened Israel’s safety. It took courage and faith in God to face and overcome them. God told Joshua…

Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.  Joshua 1:6–7 (NASB95)

Courage is evidence of faith.

It gives us the ability to face our enemies and our fears with the confidence that God is with us. It is vital that we stand by faith or we may find ourselves overthrown by fear.

…If you will not believe, Surely you shall not be established.  Isaiah 7:9 (NKJV)

When Gideon was asked to lead Israel against a seemingly overwhelming army, God told him…

“…I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”  Judges 6:16 (NLT)

If God is with us, who can be against us. (Romans 8:31) We understand that he who lives within us is greater than any enemy we may face. (1 John 4:4) We rely on Jesus’ promise that nothing can ultimately harm us.

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.  Luke 10:19 (NASB95)

When Joshua defeated five of the kings of Canaan, he had them brought before him and made them lie upon the ground. It was customary for conquering kings to place their feet upon the necks of those he conquered, but in this case Joshua (who was a type of Christ) had his soldiers do the deed.

When they brought these kings out to Joshua, Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the chiefs of the men of war who had gone with him, “Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So they came near and put their feet on their necks. 25 Joshua then said to them, “Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.” 26 So afterward Joshua struck them and put them to death, and he hanged them on five trees; and they hung on the trees until evening.  Joshua 10:24–26 (NASB95)

This foreshadowed how Jesus allows his church to participate in his victory over Satan.

When our Lord died on the cross and rose again, he effectually and legally defeated Satan and put him to an open shame.

In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.  Colossians 2:15 (NLT)

Afterward, Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father, where he sits waiting for his enemies to be made his footstool.

“For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” ’ 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”  Acts 2:34–36 (NASB95)

This means that Satan is legally defeated, but his final humiliation at the hands of the church waits for God’s perfect timing.

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.  Romans 16:20 (NASB95)

This may not be completed until the Second Coming, resurrection, and final judgment, at which time the Bible says that we will receive what is called the “adoption” or full sonship, including authority to judge angels. (1 Corinthians 6:3) However, as we wait for that day, we are charged with extending Christ’s rule through the preaching of the gospel, making disciples, healing the sick, casting out demons, raising the dead, and exercising Christ’s spiritual authority through the power of the Spirit. This also includes being involved in secular activities and politics as representatives of Christ.

If we do not involve ourselves in the everyday affairs of secular government, by default we cede that area to the devil and his minions, who are more than willing to fill the vacuum.

Jesus told us to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-14) and a lamp set on a stand (Luke 8:16) for all to see. This involves more than simply ministering to like-minded people within the walls of the local church. It includes becoming an answer to our Lord’s prayer that workers be sent into the harvest.

Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”  Matthew 9:36–38 (NASB95)

As people hear, believe, and respond to the gospel, the kingdom of God is extended. As we use Christ’s authority to heal, deliver, and set the captives free, the kingdom of God comes in an experiential way.

But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.  Matthew 12:28 (NASB95)

As we go outside the walls of the church to let our light shine and bring good news, more and more people will come under the influence of our Lord’s kingdom. The goal is for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. It is God’s plan for his glory to cover the earth (Habakkuk 2:14) after he pours out his Spirit upon “all flesh,” as prophesied by Joel.

It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. 29 “Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.  Joel 2:28–29 (NASB95)

God includes his church in his plans and will use us to accomplish what he promised.

The wisdom of God will be revealed through the church.

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.  Ephesians 3:10–11 (NLT)

It is our responsibility and privilege to contend for what God has given to us, just as Israel contended for the promised land.

Paul told Timothy to fight the fight of faith.

Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  1 Timothy 6:12 (NASB95)

Eternal life is a gift purchased by the blood of our Lord Jesus. Nevertheless, we must take hold of it and receive it by faith.

We have a responsibility to seek and lay hold of what has been freely given to us.

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:12–14 (NASB95)

Even though our Lord Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, we must do our part by “wrestling” with spiritual wickedness.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

Christ’s victory must be enforced by his representatives who carry his authority and are empowered by God’s Spirit.

God gave Joshua and the Israelites all the land on which they set foot in warfare mode. Those who refused to fight did not share in the victory. In fact, that initial disobedient generation died in the wilderness because of the disobedience caused by their unbelief.

Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, “As I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.  Hebrews 4:1–3 (NASB95)

Because God’s purpose is to mature us as sons and daughters, he ordained that, even though Christ completed the work of salvation, we only get to experience it through the obedience of faith.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:8–10 (NKJV)

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.  Philippians 2:13 (NKJV)

In spiritual warfare, we contend by faith for what Christ already won.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.  Philippians 3:12 (NKJV)

In many cases, we can discern the areas in which we are responsible to God to possess by faith. God’s gifts to us are our assignments, as is the case with children. What he gives us becomes our responsibility to steward and govern.

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Questions for Further Study and Discussion
  • What gifts has God given to you for which you are responsible to him to use in a way that will bring him glory and extend his kingdom?
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Chapter 83: Introduction to Spiritual Warfare

Warfare is as old as humanity. The clash started in Genesis when Satan introduced deception to bring about mankind’s rebellion against God. Soon after, Cain killed Abel out of jealousy and spite. Since then, there have been two lines of people, the elect and the reprobate.

In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. 7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened;  Romans 11:5–7 (NASB95)

Down through the ages, those descended from the enemy have persecuted the chosen of God.

And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.  Galatians 4:28–29 (NASB95)

The Bible teaches us that pride and covetousness are the roots of all strife. (Proverbs 13:10 and James 4:2) Satan was not content to be a highly privileged and honored created being. He wanted to displace God on his throne.

How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ 15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.  Isaiah 14:12–15 (NKJV)

This passage ostensibly refers to the King of Babylon, but it apparently goes beyond that to speak of the “shining one,” Lucifer. This is one of those cases, as happens in prophecy, when there is more than one meaning – the obvious and narrower one and the more hidden one. In this passage, if we accept it as a reference to Satan, we learn several things.

  • He fell from heaven. (Luke 10:18)
  • He was a shining one, meaning an angel. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
  • He tried to move beyond his appointed position and take the throne of God, which is located above the firmament, in which are located the stars, according to Genesis 1:16-17. Coveting a position above what God has given us is a common source of rebellion. E.g. Korah in Numbers 16.
  • The throne of God is located “on the farthest sides of the north…above the heights of the clouds.” This fits with its being located above the firmament, as described in Isaiah 40:22.
  • God judged Satan and will eventually assign him a place in the “lowest depths of the pit,” which perhaps will be the lake of fire. Currently he is still engaged in resisting God and trying to steal his glory and people.

Satan’s ongoing rebellion is the origin and context of all spiritual warfare.

We should keep that in mind whenever we discuss the topic or find ourselves embroiled by it.

Rebellion is contagious, and a third of the angels were swept away in the deception. The following passage is accepted by many scholars to refer to Satan’s fall.

Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. 4 And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.  Revelation 12:3–4 (NASB95)

Stars are somewhat mysterious. At times they seem to represent living beings, as in the passage above. At other times, they seem to be simple luminaries. Jesus is also called the Morning Star. Perhaps the Lord will give us more understanding before he comes again. In his letter, Jude wrote about angels who rebelled.

And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.  Jude 6 (NLT)

Because rebellion is based in pride and a deception originating from the “father of lies,” it appeals to our sinful pride and covetousness.

Jesus is the opposite of Satan. Instead of trying to usurp God’s throne, Jesus emptied himself of all privilege and position to assume the role of a humble servant.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Philippians 2:5–8 (NASB95)

When Jesus died for our sins on the cross, he defeated Satan and took back the authority Adam ceded to Satan through his sinful disobedience and rebellion against God. Now all authority in heaven and earth belongs to our Lord. (Matthew 28:18)

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.  Colossians 2:13–15 (NLT)

When Roman generals defeated an army, they would lead the survivors into Rome in a parade or procession to be shamed and eventually executed. This is what our Lord did to Satan and his minions.

One of the ways we can engage in a very high form of spiritual warfare is to submit our will to the Lord Jesus. This is the essence of what it means to be saved. We believe in the efficacy of what Christ accomplished on our behalf, and we confess that he is Lord.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”  Romans 10:9–11 (NLT)

In this case, faith might better be called allegiance. Satan was disloyal to God. Jesus was completely true, all the way to death. When we declare allegiance to Jesus, we join him in engaging in the reclamation of mankind under the proper rule of God.

However, God did not remove Satan from the earth. He left him here so that God’s people could be tested and learn the art of spiritual warfare.

These are the nations that the Lord left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan. 2 He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle.  Judges 3:1–2 (NLT)

God uses our struggles against spiritual wickedness to help us grow into mature overcomers to prepare us for sharing in Christ’s glorious eternal rule.

For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.  Romans 8:16–17 (NLT)

As children of God, we are destined for the throne as co-rulers with Christ.

It is only fitting that God prepares us for such an exalted position by allowing us to overcome spiritual wickedness by faith in Christ’s authority and victory during our time here on earth.

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.  1 John 5:4–5 (NLT)

The stakes are extremely high – our spiritual reward. Our enemy is implacable and unrelenting. There is no escape from this battle. We either surrender or overcome.

Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.  Luke 14:31–33 (NLT)

If we surrender to the enemy of our souls, we give away incalculable reward in heaven. Conversely, we can participate in the cosmic struggle at the potential cost of losing all that we have here on earth in exchange for all we will gain from our Lord in heaven.

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.  Matthew 19:29 (NASB95)

Many Christians wish to avoid any sort of direct confrontation with the enemy of our souls. The only way we can do this is by compromising our testimony through sin or by holding back from sharing the truth of the gospel.

If we persist in maintaining our testimony before the world and share the truth in love, it is guaranteed that we shall encounter resistance from the enemy.

Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT)

Persecution is a form of spiritual warfare through intimidation.

The enemy seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. He begins quite often by mockery. If this does not work, he will likely step things up to false accusations and intimidation through threatened or actual force. The last step is usually persecution that involves suffering and even death, if we persist in holding on to our convictions and testimony. Before Saul’s conversion, this is what he did to the church.

Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.  Acts 26:10–11 (NLT)

However, if we endure, we will overcome.

And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.  Revelation 12:11 (NLT)

When we first decide to become a disciple, it is important for us to count the cost.

Jesus made it clear that following him is costly. The Holy Spirit will give us the strength to continue when the going gets tough, if we decide up front to trust him to do that. He will give us the words to say when they are needed.

When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.  Matthew 10:19–20 (NLT)

God will strengthen us so that we can endure. None of us are expected to stand by our own strength. It is the power of the Lord that enables us to overcome.

‘Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you.’  Deuteronomy 3:22 (NASB95)

Jesus has already won the war, and God works with us as we confront the enemy as part of God’s mopping up operation in which Christ’s victory is enforced and his kingdom extended. He teaches us to war (Psalm 144:1) and enables us to overcome in the power of his might.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Ephesians 6:10 (NASB95)

In the following chapters, we will reference some concepts we already covered and look at some specific principles of warfare that will help us to bring glory to God and joy to us.

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Questions for Further Study and Discussion
  • Have you ever experienced spiritual warfare?
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Chapter 84: Our Identity in Christ

The reason we can be effective in warfare against Satan and his legions is because of our identity in Christ.

God created us to be sons, heirs, and co-rulers with Christ.

And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.  Galatians 3:29 (NASB95)

Adam was defeated by Satan’s wiles, but God foresaw this and eternally planned that his one and only Son, our Lord Jesus the Messiah, would take our guilt and shame upon himself in order to satisfy the debt incurred against God’s righteousness and bring us into God’s family, with all the attendant privileges, not the least of which is that we are now representatives of God’s kingdom.

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.  Ephesians 1:4–6 (NLT)

King David wrote that we have been made a little lower than God.

Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! 6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,  Psalm 8:5–6 (NASB95)

All this is because of what Christ did for us through his death and resurrection.

When our Lord died and rose again, he disabled or disarmed Satan, preventing him from being able to rule over us any longer against our will.

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.  Colossians 2:13–15 (NLT)

Satan still exists, but his power to oppress individuals who are submitted to God is severely limited now. The authority that Adam ceded to him in the garden was wrested away from him at the resurrection. As a result, all authority now resides in our Lord. (Matthew 28:18) Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father, waiting for his enemies to be made his footstool.

“Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34 “For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” ’ 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”  Acts 2:33–36 (NASB95)

Amazingly, because we are now one with the Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17) and “in Christ,” we are seated with him there.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,  Ephesians 2:4–6 (NASB95)

From that privileged place and position of authority at God’s right hand, the church already co-rules with Christ in a limited fashion, being his representatives on the earth, who can use his name and authority, which is backed up by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This does not mean we can do whatever we like. The secret to our success is our willingness to walk in step with God’s Spirit, speaking and doing what he directs.

Jesus told his disciples that Satan has fallen.

“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! 19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. 20 But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”  Luke 10:18–20 (NLT)

Satan’s defeat is assured, having been once for all accomplished by our Lord at the resurrection, but God in his wisdom and love has ordained that our enemy’s final crushing will be at the hands of the church. God, as a loving parent, is training and preparing us to co-reign with him for eternity. He wants us to grow up in all things, including warfare.

Abba Father is not a doting parent who does everything for his child, thus robbing him or her of any chance to mature. Instead, our Lord expects us to become mature sons and daughters who represent him well.

One of the great end time prophecies links to one of the first messianic promises in Genesis. In the garden, just after Adam and Eve threw away everything by choosing to follow Satan instead of God, the Lord spoke to the serpent these amazing words of hope.

And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”  Genesis 3:15 (NLT)

 We now know that this was a veiled promise that God would raise up a Messiah from Eve’s descendants who would render a death blow to Satan, which Jesus did on the cross. What is not so apparent, but which the apostle Paul clearly understood, is that God has included us, the church, in carrying out that victory.

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.  Romans 16:20 (NASB95)

We are fully identified with Christ through the new birth.

Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:13 (NLT)

Our spirits are joined to the Holy Spirit in a spiritual union that is difficult to grasp with our minds but is nevertheless real. (1 Corinthians 6:17) What is true of our Lord is also true for us, except that we are not God.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,  1 Corinthians 2:12 (NASB95)

However, as David revealed to us, because of our Lord, we are just a little lower than God. We are above angels, not because we are inherently superior. It is quite the opposite. We are but dust, earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7), that God has filled with his Spirit and elevated to the throne!

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.  1 John 3:1–2 (NASB95)

While we reside here on earth, we are Christ’s representatives, carrying with us the authority of Christ backed by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 5:20) Even though “nothing by any means can harm us” (Luke 10:19), we are still mortal and subject to physical death until the resurrection shall free us at last. (1 Corinthians 15:53)

Even though our destiny is to crush Satan, our current reality is that we may physically die in the battle. Our ability to overcome rests mainly on our position of authority and power in Christ and secondarily on our willingness to expend our lives in service to him.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. 12 “For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”  Revelation 12:10–12 (NASB95)

The final crushing of Satan is reserved for the very end when Jesus shall return with his saints. We shall participate in this final victory, which will remove our and God’s enemy at last.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.  Colossians 3:1–4 (NASB95)

When Jesus returns our transformation into glorified sons and daughters in Christ’s image will be complete. (1 John 3:2) As glorified immortal beings, we shall participate in Satan’s final crushing.

In the meantime, we are to function as sons and daughters of the king, his representatives who carry the authority and power of the kingdom wherever we go.

May the church shake off her fear and ignorance and arise to fulfill her destiny! And as we experience the authority of Christ flowing through us to displace the enemy by the power of the Holy Spirit, let us never forget that everything stems from who we are in Christ. Our victory rests upon our identity as redeemed children of the Most High. Our joy rests in the knowledge that our names are written in heaven! (Luke 10:20)

Click here to see all the articles in this series.

 

Questions for Further Study and Discussion
  • How hard is it for you to see yourself seated with Christ at the Father’s right hand?
  • Have you ever exercised the authority Christ has given to us to heal and cast out demons?
  • Where do you find the most joy!
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