Dying to Self! What does this mean to a Christian?

 

What does the Bible say?

In the above two verses (John 3:30-31) John the Baptist is talking to his followers and is telling them that he is not the Messiah he is only the messenger, the one who was sent ahead to prepare the way for the Messiah. He goes on to say that now that the Messiah has appeared his God given job is done.

He goes on to tell them that that Jesus is greater than everyone and everything and that he (John) is nothing compared to the Messiah! Jesus is from heaven and John is from the earth – the one who comes from heaven is above all!

John has recognised that what he does and what he has done is nothing in comparison with what the coming Messiah will do, and he testifies to his followers that he was merely God’s messenger and a servant to Jesus Christ the Messiah!

In other words, because he had accepted that Jesus is the Messiah and his function was to prepare the way for Him, he lived his life on for Jesus and not for himself – this is the first prime example in the New Testament of a follower of Jesus dying to self to serve his Saviour!

The Apostle Paul is another prime example of a born again Christian (a true follower of Jesus) dying to himself and his own earthy aspirations in order to serve his Saviour and fulfil his God given purpose in life once he was born again!

Paul states quite clearly in the below scripture that he dies to self, daily, which tells us that dying to self should be an integral part of a born again Christians daily walk in Christ Jesus!

1 Corinthians 15:31 (AMP)

I assure you, believers, by the pride which I have in you in [your union with] Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily [I face death and die to self].

1 Corinthians 15:31 (KJV)

I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

We are to follow Paul’s example as he followed Christ’s.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

And again, in Galatians 2, Paul elaborates on his confession of dying to self and how he now lives for Christ alone and states quite emphatically that he considers himself to be crucified with Christ and no longer lives for his own earthly desires.

Galatians 2:19-21 (NIV)

19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

The above verses clearly tell us as born again believers in Christ Jesus that our old selves were crucified with Christ and that we are no longer to live in those sinful ways. We were saved by grace, and we now live by faith in Christ Jesus who died for us on the cross! We belong to Jesus!

And in the below verses from 5 Galatians, we are told that when we belong to Jesus, we have nailed our sinful passions and desires to His cross and have crucified them there with Him. And most importantly we are told that when we belong to Jesus we are to live by the leading of the Holy Spirit in every part of our lives!

Galatians 5:23-26 (AMP)

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.

25 If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]. 26 We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.

In Christ Jesus the born again Christian is a New Creation

The Bible clearly states that when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour we become born again and are new creations. Our old sinful selves have gone, and we are renewed by the Holy Spirit. We are no longer to live in sin as we did before as we have been cleansed of sin by the blood of Jesus and we have received a spiritual awakening from the Holy Spirit that brings us new life in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP)

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

When we become born again, we are to die to our old corrupt and sinful selves and live our lives following the example of Jesus in obedience to God’s Word – the Bible. The Bible teaches us how to live our lives and renew our minds and attitudes in order for us to become more Christlike.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

In Christ Jesus we are new men and women! And by following Jesus and reading and studying the Word and applying it to our lives, we become more and more conformed to Christ’s image. This is the sanctification process in which the Holy Spirit leads and guides us.

Colossians 3:9-10 (AMP)

9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self.

We are no longer slaves to sin and we should not live in a continuous lifestyle of sin.

When Jesus went to the cross and died for us, He took our sins upon himself in order for us to die to sin and live a life of righteousness (right standing with God) in Him!

1 Peter 2:24-25 (NIV)

24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

The Shepherd and Overseer of our souls is of course Jesus. We need always remember that we are not our own we belong to Him and always strive to become more and more like Him by following His ways, by being obedient to the teachings of the Bible, by being doers of the Word and not Just readers and by being continually filled with the Holy Spirit and being led and guided by him in ALL things!

In Christ Jesus we, as born again Christians, have died to sin and we are no longer to keep on sinning because we are now united with Jesus!

Romans 9:1-7 (NIV)

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Count the cost of following Christ.

If we do not die to self, we cannot call ourselves Christians and followers of Christ.

Luke 9:23-27 (NIV)

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

27 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

As born again Christians we are set apart from the world – our sinful selves!

We are no longer to live according to our old sinful nature because in Christ Jesus we have been set apart from our old, sinful ways. We belong to Jesus, body, soul and spirit! We are in the world but not of the world.

John 17:15-16 (NIV)

15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

Romans 12:1-2 (AMP)

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

My dear Reader, we can no longer live according to our old selves and according to the standards of the world, we cannot have any harmony with the world as friendship with the world means enmity with God! We must be fully submissive to God and resist the devil at ALL times.

James 4:4-7 (NIV)

4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble.”

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

We are to honour God with everything we are in Christ Jesus because we belong to Him!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Philippians 2:12-13 (AMP)

12 So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

Further scriptures on dying to self for your personal meditation and study.

These scriptures along with the ones in the main text are for life application. Be doers of the Word and not just readers. Reading and studying the Bible will benefit you nothing if you do not consciously and deliberately apply them to your life!

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Romans 6:3
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

Romans 6:11-14
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

1 Peter 4:1-2
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Matthew 20:25-28
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

You are not your own – You belong to Jesus!

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father
I pray that you would help me to live my life according to your will and not mine. I ask that you would help me not to live according to my old self but according to my renewed self in Christ Jesus. I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and keep be fully submissive to you and your Word. I ask that you protect me from the evil one and help me to live my life led by your Holy Spirit so that it will bring glory to Jesus. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for you reading and studying the Bible for yourself. I am flawed – the Bible is not!

The Person of the Holy Spirit: Who is He and What does He do?

The Person of the Holy Spirit – Who is He and what does He do?

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Let’s examine scripture and discover just who the Holy Spirit is.

Genesis 1: 1, 2 (KJV)

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Okay then, here we are told that God created the heavens and the earth and right there with Him at the very beginning is the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit). Now let’s jump forward a few thousand years to the New Testament and the book of John – not the Baptist, but John the beloved disciple of Jesus, the one who wrote the chapter.

John 1:1-5, 14 (NIV)

1 In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Here in John 1 and in the very first verse, John takes us right back to the beginning of the book of Genesis, Genesis 1 verse 1.

Now, what do these Genesis and John verses tell us? Simply this, they expose the full Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit – The Holy Trinity!

Just to summarise these verses quickly, we have ‘In the beginning’:

a. God (and the Word which is Jesus) – The Father.

b. Jesus (the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us) – The Son.

c. The Holy Spirit hovering over the waters – God’s Spirit and thus the Spirit of Jesus.

So, does this answer our original question? Who is the Holy Spirit? Yes, I think so!

The Holy Spirit is God, just as Jesus is God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity.

Just like there are three parts to an egg – yolk, white and shell, three parts but one egg!

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD!

2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)

The Lord is the Spirit

The apostle Paul in the verse above tells us that God is Spirit.

Now that we know who the Holy Spirit is, let’s see how He relates to us as believers.

Although the Trinity or the Godhead is one God, when He (God) relates to the world (us), He becomes three distinct persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

So, in the Trinity, God the Father is the supreme creator, Jesus the Son is our Saviour and the Holy Spirit is the power of God and thus Jesus in action, he is also our comforter and guide and He is also called the Spirit of Truth.

God sees believers as sinless as we belong to Jesus, and now, because Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, He has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us as our counsellor and to lead us in all truth to fulfil God’s purpose for us here on earth. He is alive within us – energizing and empowering our born-again human spirit. He is Jesus living within us!

John 14:16-17 (AMP)

16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know you.

In the above two verses Jesus is comforting the disciples as they are crestfallen and apprehensive about their future because He is leaving them to return to the Father. He tells them not to be dismayed because the Father will send the Holy Spirit to replace Jesus to be there guide in all things. The Holy Spirit is both the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Jesus – all three are the one true God – the Holy Trinity.

In verse 17 Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as a person – ‘him’ three times and ‘he’ once!

The Holy Spirit is a Person!

Everything the Holy Spirit does is for the Glory of Jesus and, with the Holy Spirit guiding us, everything we as believers do should also be to glorify Jesus! And again, in the below verses Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as ‘he’ or ‘him’ numerous times!

John 16:7-15 (NIV)

7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

In Genesis 1:1 the Hebrew word for God in is ‘Elohim’ which is the plural form of the Hebrew singular word ‘Eloah’ which would imply that Moses, the writer of the Book of Genesis, was familiar with the Holy Trinity (because of his close relationship with God) as we know them today – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:1-2 (AMP)

1 In the beginning God (Elohim) created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.

In Deuteronomy 6:4 Moses (the writer of Deuteronomy) again uses the plural word ‘Elohim’ for God. Implying Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 6:4 (NIV)

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

The use of the word "one" in this verse is commonly interpreted to mean that there is only "one" God. However, from a Hebraic perspective, the Hebrew word אחד (ehhad, Strong's #259) can mean a "unit" within a unity – again today we call them the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

It is also interesting to note that in the same verse above Moses uses the term ‘The Lord our God, the Lord is one’ and the Hebrew word for Lord here is ‘Yaweh’ – #Strong’s 3068 (Jehovah). In the New Testament when the word ‘Lord’ is mentioned, it is always in reference to Jesus! So I think we can safely conclude that Moses was referring to God the Father and God the Son and that the Spirit of the Father and the Spirit of the Son are one – the Holy Spirit.

What does the Holy Spirit do?

1. Most importantly He will bring glory to Jesus!

John 16:14-15 (NIV)

14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

He will make known to us, His Church – those of us that are born again, all that He receives from Jesus.


2. He is the power of God.

The Holy Spirit is the creative, enabling, and empowering force of God. He was with God at the beginning as was Jesus.

In Genesis 1:1-2 above we are told that when God created the world the Holy Spirit was hovering over the waters. In some Bible translations it says the Holy Spirit was brooding, which gives us the picture that He was waiting to birth something and He was waiting for God’s command to do this!

Genesis 1:2-3 (AMP)

2 The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

God spoke and the Holy Spirit created whatever God spoke through Christ Jesus and to His (Jesus’) glory. Throughout chapter one of Genesis god speaks and everything was created in this way through Christ Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity working in perfect unity!

Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV)

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

3. The Holy Spirit gives us life and when we become born again, He lives within us, Christ in us the hope of glory – everlasting life in Christ Jesus!

Genesis 2:7 (AMP)
then the Lord God formed [that is, created the body of] man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being [an individual complete in body and spirit].

John 6:63 (AMP)

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh conveys no benefit [it is of no account]. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life [providing eternal life].

John 14:17 (NIV)
the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Colossians 1:27 (NIV)

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

4. He seals us as sons and daughters of God. In biblical times, a seal acted as a legal signature. 

Like signing a document would today. It validated the content of the document. The Holy Spirit acts as our seal for our adoption papers as God’s sons and daughters. He validates our position as sons and daughters of God – brothers and sisters of Jesus!

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV)

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

5. He empowers us the be God’s witnesses hear on earth – our testimony to others of having Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. 

Having the Holy Spirit in us means having power to be a witness. He gives us that power. We are to tell others about what Jesus did for us at Calvary, how he rose from the dead and reigns in victory!

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

6. He will convict the world about sin, righteousness and judgement.

John 16:8-11 (AMP)

8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world about [the guilt of] sin [and the need for a Savior], and about righteousness, and about judgment: 9 about sin [and the true nature of it], because they do not believe in Me [and My message]; 10 about righteousness [personal integrity and godly character], because I am going to My Father and you will no longer see Me; 11 about judgment [the certainty of it], because the ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged and condemned.

7. He will guide us into all truth and he will tell us of things to come.

John 16:13 (NIV)

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

8. He bestows upon us the gifts of the Spirit for us to use for the common good of the Church so that we can build up and edify each other.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (AMP)

4 Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 5 And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 6 And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good.

9. He enables and empowers us to live life in the Spirit and overcome the desires of the flesh which is sin. 

This is the freedom He bestows upon us in Christ Jesus! This is how we walk the path to maturity and are conformed more and more into Christ’s image!

Galatians 5:13 and16-18 (NIV)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

10. It is the Holy Spirit that enables us to produce fruit in keeping with repentance as evidence of our salvation. 

Without the Holy Spirit working in and through us we would be unable to produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Are we producing good fruit in our lives and living in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ Jesus!

Are the fruit of the Spirit evident in all we do and say!

Galatians 5:19-26 (NIV)

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

11. He enables us to receive the imputed righteousness of Christ so that God sees us as cleansed and free of sin. He sets us free from the law of sin and death and enables us to live a life free of condemnation in Christ Jesus for the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Life and it is He who will give us resurrection Life just as He brought resurrection life to Jesus after the crucifixion!

Roman 8:1-11 (AMP)

Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do [that is, overcome sin and remove its penalty, its power] being weakened by the flesh [man’s nature without the Holy Spirit], God did: He sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful man as an offering for sin. And He condemned sin in the flesh [subdued it and overcame it in the person of His own Son], 4 so that the [righteous and just] requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not live our lives in the ways of the flesh [guided by worldliness and our sinful nature], but [live our lives] in the ways of the Spirit [guided by His power]. 5 For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. 6 Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]; 7 the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, 8 and those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God.

9 However, you are not [living] in the flesh [controlled by the sinful nature] but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God lives in you [directing and guiding you]. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him [and is not a child of God]. 10 If Christ lives in you, though your [natural] body is dead because of sin, your spirit is alive because of righteousness [which He provides]. 11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.

12. He conforms us to Christ’s image as we allow him to lead us in all things and in all truth!

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

13. He will teach us all things and remind us of what the Bible says and teaches us! Of course. you must make it your mission to read and study the Bible constantly!

John 14:26 (AMP)

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

14. He intercedes on our behalf in our weakness when we do not know what to pray! Just ask the Holy Spirit to help you!

Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

15. He is our helper. 

It is by the infilling of the Holy Spirit that Jesus lives within us! Our Lord sent Him to us for this very purpose so that we can close fellowship with him and so that we can be empowered to live our lives in the Spirit as the Apostle Paul encourages to do in Romans 8 and Galatians 5.

John 16:7 (AMP)

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].

This is why the Apostle Paul commands us to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit and to follow the way of God’s agapé love and eagerly desire the spiritual gifts! When we do this God’s love is instilled within in all we do. It is God’s love in us through Christ Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit that covers a multitude of sins and becomes in us a powerful witness and testimony to the unsaved world!

Ephesians 5:18 (AMP)

Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.

1 Corinthians 14:1 (AMP)

Pursue [this] love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people].

1 Corinthians 16:14 (AMP)

Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].

16. He helps us in the process of sanctification as we walk our road to Christian maturity. 

To be “sanctified” means to be set apart as sacred. It means to be purified of sin and to spiritually mature to become more like Christ. This doesn’t happen overnight. It is a continual process for a Christian. We take off our old self and become a new person over time. We do become new once we are saved, but like a caterpillar, we undergo a metamorphosis during our walk with God.

1 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV)

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

17. The Spirit brings unity and oneness to the body. 

The Spirit unites others. It is the Spirit that unites the Father and Son in the Trinity and it is the same Spirit that unites the member of the church body. When the Holy Spirit is operating in a group of people, He unites them in love and the work of the Kingdom can be carried out.

Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV)

3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

The born again Christian should not be living their lives according to the flesh, but living live in the Spirit!

Throughout the New Testament we see the Holy Spirit direct people to do the will of God. He assists us in listening to God’s voice and, in faith, do what He is calling us to do. Be still and in prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to show you what God wants for you and what He wants you to do. Ask him, also to equip you as you carry out His will.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that you would help me to live my life in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Help me to know your Word and to do what it instructs in complete obedience. Help me to love as you love. Amen!

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!

Spiritual Warfare: Part 4 What are a Christian's Weapons of War?

 

Dear Readers

Spiritual Warfare Part 4 is the last article in a series of 4:

Part 1 Are Christians really at war?

Part 2 Know your enemy - know yourself!

Part 3 What are the enemy's tactics?

This article, Part 4 the last in the series, focuses on how we as born again Christians are empowered to fight back and overcome the enemy in Christ Jesus!

AS A BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN REMEMBER THESE THINGS IN YOUR DAILY SPIRITUAL BATTLE!

Jesus defeated Satan at the cross! Through him we have the victory over sin and death, but we have to fight the battle for our souls. It is our souls that Satan wants! We have to bring our souls under submission to the Spirit! The spiritual battle is to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

 

1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philppians 2:12-13 (AMP)

12 So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is]God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

In Jesus Christ we are more than conquerors.

Romans 8:37 (NIV)

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

The battle for our souls is not against people it is against the spiritual forces of darkness!

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

What are our weapons are not?

Let’s start this section by establishing what a Christian’s weapons of war are not. They are not conventional weapons that the armies of the world use today, guns, tanks, fighter planes, bombs etc. No, a Christian’s weapons are far more powerful and a lot more effective than those!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

We fight a spiritual war against a spiritual enemy! A war that has already been won by Jesus on the cross. The enemy, though, refuses to believe this and continually engages us in skirmishes that will be useless if we remain fully humble, fully repentant, fully forgiving and fully obedient to the Father’s will and immersed in the Word and living our lives in the power of the Holy spirit. In others words we are to be totally submitted to God in Christ Jesus|!

1 Samuel 17:47 (NIV)

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

Zechariah 4:6 (NLT)

Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

What are our weapons:

1. Prayer - cultivate a lifestyle of continual prayer, thankfulness and praise.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

If you're a believer who is fervently trying to live like salt and light in a dark world, you won't go for long without encountering spiritual warfare.

Obstacles and attacks will be hurled in your direction by the devil. God reminds us in His word to stay aware of Satan’s schemes, to live alert in this world, and to stay submitted close to Him.

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

God arms us with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to stand against the enemy’s lies. He equips us with strength, wisdom, and discernment through His own Spirit to stay strong in the spiritual warfare battle. He invites us to spend time in His Presence, through prayer and worship, pressing in to know Him more each and every day.

As we grow to know God’s Truth and what is real, we will also begin to know more of what is false. In prayer we are stronger to stand against the enemy in the powerful name of Jesus. He never leaves us to fend for ourselves in a dark world, but reminds us He is constantly with us through the infilling of the Holy Spirit, fighting for us, even when we cannot see.

Praying God’s words back to Him, is a powerful weapon against the forces of evil. It is Truth going out. It reminds us that God knows our ways and understands what we face today. It builds our faith and our trust in God. It guards our hearts and focuses our minds back on Him. It wins the battle.

1 Thessalonians 3:3 (NLT)

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

Psalm 121 (NIV)

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

    where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—

    he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel

    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—

    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,

    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—

    he will watch over your life;

8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going

    both now and forevermore.

2. Do everything in the name of Jesus

In our spiritual battle with the enemy it is vitally important that we know Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour and do and say everything in the name of Jesus.

It is only in His name that we have the victory. Look what happened to the seven sons of Sceva who didn’t know Jesus as Lord their personal Lord and Saviour and tried invoking the power of His name.

Acts 19:13-19 (NIV)

13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

3. Retain an attitude of humility in all you do and say when engaging the enemy

We need to walk in humility and in complete submission to God in our spiritual fight with the enemy. Never be overconfident, not even the Archangel Michael, the commander of the heavenly host, stepped out of line when dealing with Satan, he invoked the name of Jesus.

Jude verse 9 (NLT)

But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)

4. Continually walk in the Spirit.

When we are moving in the flesh it is impossible to please God - live life in the Spirit as Paul always encourages to do, especially in Romans 8 - the whole chapter!

Romans 8:5-8 (NIV)

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law,

nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

James 5:16b (AMP)

The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].

5. Keep the flame of the Spirit ever fervently burning inside of you.

Ask the Lord to continually fill you with His Holy Spirit!

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NLT)

19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

Ephesians 5:15-18 (AMP)

18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him. 19 Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, [offering praise by] singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 being subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.

6. Take up your authority in Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus gives us all power and authority to overcome the enemy byb the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 10:1, 8 (KJV)

1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Matthew 16:19 (NIV)

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Acts 1:8 (NLT)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

John 14:12-14 (NIV)

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to be imitators of Christ and even to do greater things. The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us in all truth!

7. Cultivate an ever repentant and ever forgiving heart.

We have already established that born again Christians do sin, King David was our example, and that this sin adversely affects our relationship with God.

It is therefore essential that Christians examine themselves daily and repent of any sin quickly and ask forgiveness in order to restore our relationship with God fully. And just as importantly we need to forgive others that sin against us.

When we do this, we shut the door on Satan, and he is unable to influence and manipulate us. Unconfessed sin leaves the door open for Satan to infect our souls. We all need to say sorry for the things we do in the flesh that are contrary to His Word just as we need to say sorry to others that we have wronged!

James 5:16 (AMP)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].

Matthew 18:21-22 (AMP)

21 Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven.

8. Be slow to anger and swift to bless in love and be full of compassion for others always.

Do everything in love!

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

James 1:19 (NLT)

19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

Psalm 103:8 (NIV)

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

9. Be in humble obedience to and under submission to Jesus and His Word. 

Don’t be a people pleaser – be a Jesus pleaser!

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV)

3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

James 4:7

7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:6 (AMP)

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time

10. Be always dressed in the full Armour of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17

This is a key passage of scripture that is essential for all born again believers to know and implement in order to be a relevant and an effective spiritual warrior in the Kingdom of God. It is important for us to examine the verses in some detail.

In his writing of these verses I think we need to understand that Paul would have been very familiar with the Roman soldier dressed in full battle armour, after all he was escorted by Roman soldiers on more than a few occasions.

He also knew that no Roman soldier would ever dream of going into battle without putting on his full battle armour. The Roman soldier was probably the best protected soldier of the time and his armour was designed to be effective against most enemy weapons of the time.

In the table below we can examine each part of the Armour of God that Paul mentions:

Verse(s) (NIV) – 10 - 13

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Commentary:
In these four verses Paul is giving us a pre-battle pep talk. He knows what battles we’re going to face in our daily walk because he’s been there and done it. He’s been whipped, stoned, left for dead, bitten by a poisonous snake and for good measure, whipped some more.

He knows we’re facing a spiritual battle and he tells us to be prepared and make sure that we clothe ourselves in God’s protection – the Armour of God. When we do this, we will be able to stand firm and strong in the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit. We will then be fully equipped to defeat the enemy in our daily walk!

Verse 14 (KJV)

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Commentary:
On a Roman soldier it is the belt that holds the other pieces of body armour in place and it is on the belt that the sword is hung. When a Roman soldier had finished putting on his body armour, he would gird his loins with a belt as described above. This meant that he was now ready for service and to go into battle. So what Paul is saying here is that we need to gird ourselves to do battle with the belt of truth which is our integrity and right standing (being born again) in Christ Jesus and our walking in the Spirit.

The breastplate of a soldier’s armour does as it says it covers the breast; the area between the waist and the shoulders. It protects the soldier’s vital organs and most significantly it protects the heart. For the soldier of the flesh the breastplate is made of iron. For us, the spiritual soldier, our breastplate is made of our righteousness in Christ Jesus, our righteousness protects our hearts and minds from the attack of the evil one!

We all know that the Devil constantly attacks our hearts and minds with lies, accusations and reminders of our past sin. If we do not clothe ourselves with the breastplate of righteousness the Devil’s lying arrows will penetrate our hearts and render us null and void. Be aware of who you are in Christ Jesus and come boldly into His presence and he will fill you with his Holy Spirit who will cement your righteousness in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Don’t try and take on the enemy without first praying and then being led by the Holy Spirit with all your armour on!

Verse 15 (NIV)

15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Commentary:
Now, keeping the Roman soldier in mind, what did he wear on his feet when marching and going into battle? He wore heavy duty, hobnailed boots called Caligae – no Roman soldier marched or went into battle without them! They were the strongest footwear going – military Doc Martens!

For the battle shoes of the Church, the spiritual soldier, we need to put on the peace that comes from the Good News of the Gospel in Christ Jesus so that you will be fully prepared. Our spiritual shoes (our peace in Christ Jesus) allow us to step freely and without fear while we turn our full attention to the battle at hand.

They aid in our movement and defence. The peace God gives us will propel us onward to proclaim the true peace, which is available only in Christ Jesus. The peace that surpasses all understanding. We need to prepare ourselves to follow the Lord no matter what.

Verse

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Commentary

The shield not only defends the Roman soldier’s whole body but also His armour. The shield of faith has a very specific function, which the Bible makes abundantly clear: it will quench all the fiery darts of the evil one and all his wicked followers. Not some, not most but all of them.

The shield moves with the attack no matter what direction it is coming from. This is the kind of faith that Moses had when he confronted Pharaoh to let Israel go. It is the kind of faith that Elijah had when he confronted the prophets of Baal, the faith David had when he fought Goliath, the kind of faith Jesus has and that he gives to us today through the Holy Spirit! Without faith it is impossible to please God – Heb 11:6.

Verse 17 (NIV)

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Commentary:
The Roman soldier’s helmet was made of iron and was strong enough to withstand several hefty sword or spiked battle club blows. It covered the whole head and the back of the neck with just slits for the eyes and for the mouth. It even had an iron piece to protect the bridge of the nose and the cheeks.

Satan's favourite target is our mind. We have often heard it said that our minds are the devil’s playground. Satan's weapons are lies and false accusations. The enemy wants to make us doubt God and our salvation.

The helmet of salvation protects our minds from doubting the truth of God's saving work in us.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV)

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

The Roman soldier’s sword was light and short and ideal for hand-to-hand combat where short, stabbing motions were required. It was not only a weapon of offence but was also ideal for defence as well.

The believer as a spiritual soldier needs to be prepared to go head to head and toe to toes with the devil at all times.

The sword of the Spirit – the Bible, the Word of God, is not only a weapon of offense in the armour, but also a tool for defence. Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all weapons the enemy uses against us. With the Sword of the Spirit, God's word, the Church is equipped to deal with them all. We need to trust in the truth of God's Word.

Have confidence in the value of God's word and develop a hunger and desire to know it and study it. When Jesus went head to head with the devil in the dessert –Matt 4:10-11 – he used the Word to defeat him and resist temptation. We need to be prepared to battle the enemy in the same way. By the Word of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 4:10-11

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Heb 4:12 (KJV)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Verse 18

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Commentary:
And last but not by any means least, prayer! Every believer and the Church corporately, need to be constantly in prayer. Praying in the Spirit in tongues and praying in the Spirit in our understanding.

Praying the Word into our lives and into the lives of others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, Eph 6:12, and so we always need to be in the Spirit – walking in the Spirit. The battle is won in the heavenly realms. Prayer is an integral part of our worship of God – it should never be neglected. Praying in the Spirit in our understanding and praying in the Spirit in tongues always!

Matt 18:18 (KJV)

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

11. Be available and be ready to serve others in true humility.

Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”

I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Matthew 20:26-28

25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

12. Love others as God loves you – agapê love, love that is given freely and is unconditional, love that expects nothing in return!

1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)

Do everything in love.

1 John 4:8-10 (NIV)

8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:20-21 (NLT)

20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers

In Mark 12 Jesus tells us, when asked by the religious leaders, what the most important commandment is – it is love in two directions:

Mark 12:28-31 (NIV)

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

When we are loving God with every fibre of our being as in verse 30 above, and when we are loving our neighbour as God loves us, we are walking in the Spirit and there is nothing left in us for the enemy to get his claws into and to entice us to sin!

Love, God’s agape love, is therefore our greatest weapon of warfare against the enemy! But make no mistake he will still be turning his guns on you, so beware!

13. Our authority in Christ Jesus

This is probably the most important weapon in a Christian’s armoury. The authority given to us by God himself when we are in Christ Jesus – born-again!

The one who holds absolute authority in heaven and on earth is of course Jesus. This was given to him by the Father.

Matthew 28:18 (NLT)

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

As Jesus carries all authority, he can delegate this authority to his Church. Use this authority because Jesus gave it to us and he expects us to use it!

Luke 9:1-2 (NLT)

One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Mark 16:17-18

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Live life in the Spirit (Rom 8), always be led by the Holy Spirit and continually be filled with the Holy Spirit and he will guide you in all truth. Love others as Jesus loves you. Be faithful to God in all you do!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father

I pray in Jesus' name that you would give me wisdom to know and understand the enemy. I thank you that Jesus on the cross gave me victory over the evil one. Help me, Lord, to always be dressed in the Armour of God to ward off the fiery darts of the enemy. I declare this day that in Christ Jesus I have the victory over the spiritual forces of darkness. Jesus is light of my salvation! Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!