Unpacking 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 2

 

In this Chapter the trio of missionaries, Paul, Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, continue to encourage the Thessalonian Church to stand firm in the face of trials and tribulation in the context of the second coming of Christs and the events that will happen that will usher in Christ’s second coming.

Note: In the body on this article the verses from 2 Thessalonians 2 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

The Great Apostasy
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

In verses 1 and 2 Paul and his companions (we ask you) are probably responding to questions from the Thessalonian Church about their first letter and concerning the second coming of the Lord and the Lord’s gathering of the Church to Himself – these days “the gathering of the Church” is commonly referred to in many Christian circles as the rapture (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV)

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

From the wording in verse 1 of our current chapter we can see that the second coming of the Lord is a significant two stage event. Firstly, He will gather His Church, both the dead in the Lord who will be resurrected and those that are still alive at the time.

And the second stage, after a period of time has passed from stage 1, of His second coming is when the Lord returns with His Church and heavenly hosts to establish the Messianic Kingdom on earth for 1000 years. This will happen after the Tribulation and when the 100 years is over, it will usher in the Great White Throne Judgement where Satan and his followers and all those that have not accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour and whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Hell) for eternity!

Revelation 20:6 (NKJV)

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

In verse 2 it is apparent that the Thessalonians had misunderstood the teaching on the second coming of Christ when Paul and his companions were with them in person. Some of the Thessalonians were thinking that the second coming had already taken place and that they had missed it and that they were now living in the Great Tribulation.

Paul is quick to assure them that Christ’s second coming had not yet taken place and told them not to be shaken, the word shaken here refers to a ship being tossed back and forth by s stormy sea, in mind or spirit as that day had not come!

3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

In verses 3 and 4 Paul tells them of two certain events and happenings that would need to take place before the Lords coming and the time of Great Tribulation. These two events are:
1. The falling away must come first.
2. And the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.

Ok, so let’s have a look at what the “falling away” is!

The term “falling away” here is a transliteration of the Greek word “apostasia” (pronounced ah-pos-tah-SEE-ah) from which we get our English word “apostasy”.
Its expanded meaning is: Apostasy, rebellion, defection, falling away, defection and revolt.

The Greek origin or root of the word “apostasia” is “aphistēmi” and means "to stand away" or "to depart from."

The concept of apostasy in the Old Testament is often related to the Hebrew word “meshubah”, meaning "backsliding" or "turning away," as seen in passages like Jeremiah 3:6. Israel had deserted God and taken to worshipping the idols of the nations around them – they are described as “backsliding” and “faithless.” What they had once believed in they had now turned their backs on – an apostasy of falling away

Jeremiah 3:6 (NKJV)

The Lord said also to me in the days of Josiah the king: “Have you seen what backsliding Israel has done? She has gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there played the harlot.

The word "apostasia" refers to a departure or defection from a previously held position, often in the context of religious faith. In the New Testament, it is used to describe a falling away from the truth or a rebellion against God. It implies a deliberate abandonment of faith or a turning away from previously held beliefs. In other words, in these terrible times many will turn away from their faith in Jesus and return to the sin of what they were before they were saved and condemn themselves to Hell.

Now let’s have a look at the second event that must take place before the Great Tribulation.

This is what Paul, and his companions call the “revealing of the man of sin or the son of perdition.”

Here the “man of sin” is the antichrist who is the embodiment if Satanic sin – you could call him the “Son of Satan” as he is Satan’s counterfeit Jesus. He will appear as being a man of peace! But he is just like Satan, a liar, a thief and a destroyer! Hence, he is also called “the son of perdition.

Perdition here is a transliteration of the Greek word “apóleia” (ah-PO-lee-ah) and its expanded meaning is: destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin. Its word origin is derived from the Greek verb “apollymi”, meaning "to destroy" or "to perish."

The term "apóleia" is used in the New Testament to denote a state of destruction or ruin, often with a focus on eternal or spiritual loss. It can refer to both physical destruction and the ultimate spiritual ruin of a soul.

So, here we can see that the antichrist will initially pose as a man of peace, yet we will eventually destroy the peace that he pretends to broker and bring destruction to the world in many different ways – this is the time of the Great Tribulation. His mantra will be peace, peace! Yet their will be no peace, only destruction! His promises are false and superficial, He is a liar just like his master who is Satan! His eternal destiny is in Hell with his master!

Jeremiah 6:14-15 (NIV)

14 They dress the wound of my people

as though it were not serious.

‘Peace, peace,’ they say,

when there is no peace.

15 Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?

No, they have no shame at all;

they do not even know how to blush.

So they will fall among the fallen;

they will be brought down when I punish them,”

says the Lord.

The Lawless One – verses 5 - 12

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?

In verse 5 the Thessalonians are reminded by Paul and his companions that he told them about the return of the Lord and the certain conditions that had to be in place before His return when they were with them in person. See Acts 17:1-10.

6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

In verses 6 and 7 we are also reminded that it is the Holy Spirit that restrains the emergence of the antichrist (He who now restrains). The antichrist will be revealed in his time – when Satan “thinks” the time is right. One of the descriptions of Satan is that he is the ruler of this world.

John 14:30 (AMP)

I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of the world (Satan) is coming. And he has no claim on Me [no power over Me nor anything that he can use against Me];

Ephesians 2:1-2 (AMP)

And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God].

In Ephesians 2:1-2 we are told that lawlessness is still at work in the world today the evidence is blatantly obvious to those who are born again and the things of the world will only get worse. But there is coming a time when the Holy Spirit will stand aside (not taken out of the way as He will be drawing men to salvation during the Great Tribulation) and allow the antichrist to be revealed.

The fate of the antichrist has already been determined by God

8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

Revelation 19:20 (AMP)

20 And the beast (Antichrist) was seized and overpowered, and with him the false prophet who, in his presence, had performed [amazing] signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were hurled alive into the lake of fire which blazes with brimstone.

The Antichrist (the lawless one) will come in power

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

In verses 9 and 10 we are told that the “lawless one” comes in accordance with Satan’s plans and he will have the power to perform signs and deceiving wonders. Using these things, he will completely deceive the unsaved, all those who have not repented and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. He will also introduce and forcefully implement the mark of the beast – 666!

Revelation 14:11 (NKJV)

And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

The eternal resting place for these people (all unbelievers) is with Satan and his demonic forces in Hell where they will be in eternal torment!

Matthew 25:46 (AMP)

Then these [unbelieving people] will go away into eternal (unending) punishment, but those who are righteous and in right standing with God [will go, by His remarkable grace] into eternal (unending) life.”

11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

In verses 11 and 12 we learn that it is God Himself that causes the unbeliever to believe the lies of the antichrist so that they will be condemned because they revel in their sins and go from bad to worse. God sends the unbeliever “a strong delusion.”

Now the phrase "a strong delusion” is a transliteration of two Greek words, ”energeia” and “plané” (Ref from Strong’s).

Energeia (pronounced en-ER-gay-ah) is defined as supernatural energy, working, operation or activity. This denotes the working of the Holy Spirit amongst men.

Plané (pronounced plä-nā') is defines as a deception (as in a leading astray), to error, delusion and a sinful wandering.

This reminds me of what the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 1:28-32 (AMP):

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, 29 until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them.

This is certainly a picture of the reprobate world of today that denies God in every way. They will reap a whirlwind of destruction as did Sodom and Gomorrah as the world did in the days of Noah!

Jesus is coming soon are you ready? Do you know Him as Lord and Saviour. Do you follow Him in accordance with the teachings of the Bible? If you don’t you are hell-bent for Hell and eternal damnation and suffering!

Give Thanks to God and Stand Fast in your Faith

13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

In verse 13 Paul and his companions repeat what they told the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 1:3, as brothers in Christ they are obligated to give thanks to God for them. This is a stance that every Christian today should do, give thanks to God for each other – we are the body of Christ and need to be in unity with each other in the power of the Holy Spirit. In this way we will bring glory to Jesus! It is certainly worth the repetition and reinforcement!

This verse goes on to further tell has that we are God’s chosen ones – He chose us for salvation in Christ Jesus. We are His sons and daughters because He chose us, we did not chose Him! We are a chosen generation.

John 15:16 (NKJV)

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Why were we chosen?

Well verse 13 continues by specifically telling us we were chosen for salvation through sanctification – He sets us apart from the world – through the Holy spirit and by our belief in the truth. The truth being belief in Jesus and God’s Word who is Jesus! 

There are two key spiritual dynamics here which are essential for every Christian in their walk to spiritual maturity – belief in Jesus and belief in the Bible! We need Jesus as our Saviour in order to be reconciled to God and we need to know the Bible in order to grow to spiritual maturity in the power of the Holy Spirit! It is the leading of the Holy Spirit that gives us revelation from the Word. The Lord Himself says that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth!

John 16:13 (AMP)

But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].

In verse 14 we are told that the call for this salvation comes through the hearing the gospel, the Gospel Paul preached – Jesus Christ and him crucified.

1 Corinthians 2:2 (NKJV)

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

and the Gospel that will enable us to obtain the glory of Jesus.

1 John 3:2 (AMP)

Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory].

In verse 15 the missionary trio starts the verse by saying, “therefore”. This means that they want to draw our attention to what has already been said as it is because of this that we need to stand firmly in our faith in Christ Jesus.as we are taught in the scriptures.

The term “stand fast” is a command to us to not budge from our faith in Christ Jesus alone! He is our cornerstone, the rock of our salvation and apart from Him we can do nothing! He is the head of the Church.

Stand fast:
• Because the current distress and demonic sate of the world in which we live.
• Because of the coming judgment of this world in the fire of God’s wrath.
• Because of the strength of coming deception when the antichrist is revealed.
• Because of the glorious destiny that will be ours in Christ Jesus.

A blessing of comfort to the Church

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Paul, Silvanus and Timothy end this chapter in verses 16 and 17 by pronouncing a blessing upon the Thessalonian Church of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God the Father who love us with an everlasting love and provides us with everlasting live with Them through grace. God comforts us our hearts and establishes us in every good work, that He prepared for us before we were born in the flesh, we do in Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)

For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

Life application for today’s believers
1. Do not be afraid of what is happening in the world around us.
2. Do not be deceived by false prophets and teachers – test every spirit.
3. Watch out for false signs and wonders.
4. Always give thanks to God for all things and.at all times.
5. Give thanks to God for your brothers and sisters in Christ.
6. Stand fast in your faith in Christ Jesus. Without faith it is impossible to please God!
7. Make a habit of blessing your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
In the name of Jesus I pray that in the power of the Holy Spirit that you would help me to live my life in a manner that is worthy of your calling. I pray that you would help me to keep my Christian Walk blameless and to have an ever repentant heart. Help me Lord to stand fast in my faith in Christ Jesus. Help me Lord to be a blessing to my brothers and sisters in Christ and to put the needs of others before my own. 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. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Unpacking 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 1

 

The second letter to the Thessalonian Church, was written approximately 6-8 weeks after the first, although mainly attributed to Paul it was actually a collaborative writing between Paul and his two traveling missionary companions, Silvanus (sometimes known as Silas) and Paul’s young protegé, Timothy. This is evidenced in the very first verse of the letter which, in the manner of the day, opens by identifying the writer/s first and then identifying to whom the letter is written. In this case the Thessalonian Church.

Note: In the body on this article the verses from 2 Thessalonians 1 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

Greeting

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we are in fellowship with each other let us never forget to extend God’s love, grace, mercy and peace to each other in His name! Let us do this in all our dealings with each other, after all we are His children, and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ – God’s family! Let’s live worthy of our calling.

Thanksgiving for Faith and Perseverance

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

In verse 3 the writers state that they are ‘bound’ to thank God for them always. The word bound is transliterated form the Greek word ‘opheiló (pronounced o-fay'-lo) and its expanded meaning is: To owe, to be indebted, to be obligated to and ought to do.

This is something we ought to be doing today as a Church, giving thanks to God for our brothers and sisters in Christ as our faith and love grows in the goodness of God! Just as Christ loves His Church! Let’s imitate Christ in every way!

Romans 8:29 (NKJV)

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (AMP)

Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,

In verse 4 Paul, Silas and Timothy take pride in the fact that the Thessalonian Church are bringing glory to Jesus in the way they are living. They have remained patient and faithful all through the persecutions and tribulations that they have faced.

This is a great lesson that we, today’s Church, should learn and grab hold of as we see evil increase in the world around us. Through persecutions today’s believer should have the same patience and faith as the Thessalonians. Without faith it is impossible to please God. We need to look heavenward and rejoice as our redemption draws near.

It is no coincidence that patience and faithfulness are two facets of the fruit of the Spirit. Today we, as born-again Christians, need the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us in the truth of God’s Word! Jesus has much more to tell us through the Holy Spirit’s revelation of the Word to us, both corporately and individually!

Luke 21:28 (AMP)

Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.”

Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

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.

5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;

In verse 5 the writers tell us that the persecutions and trials we suffer are manifest evidence of God’s righteous judgement so that we may be considered worthy of His kingdom, worthy of having Jesus as our Saviour, worthy of His calling!

It is only in Christ Jesus that a Christian can overcome the world and overcome trials and tribulations. Our peace is found only in Jesus! Let’s be a Church and a Christian that holds steadfastly to the teachings of the Word and our faith in Christ Jesus alone.

John 16:33 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

We live in a fallen World but because we have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we are no longer of this world, we are new creations purchased out of the world by His blood.

John 17:17 (NKJV)

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

As children of God, we are joint heirs with Christ in His suffering so that we may also be glorified together with Him! We must live our lives worthy of the gospel.

Romans 8:16-18 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

As the Book of James tells us we should consider our trials and sufferings as joy as enduring faithfully through our sufferings produces endurance that will lead us into spiritual maturity and inner peace, the peace of Christ that is beyond our understanding!

James 1:2-4 (AMP)

2 Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

Philippians 4:7 (AMP)

And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,

In verse 6 we are told because of the righteousness of God those who trouble us will be repaid with tribulation by God, they will reap what they sow! And in verse 7 we are given the assurance that we will have rest with the Lord when He is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels when He returns.

The Judgment at Christ's Coming - God’s Final Judgment and Glory
8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

In verses 8-10 we get a stunning reality check about the second coming of Christ and the glorification of those that know Him – believers, and the severity of God’s final judgement on those that do not know Christ – unbelievers!

The judgement of the unbeliever is described in terms of fire and vengeance, and they will be punished with everlasting destruction which is eternity in Hell where they will be in constant torment!

Revelation 14:11 (NKJV)

And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

Praying for the Church
11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Since the Thessalonian Church was enduring persecution and tribulation, they needed prayer. Here, Paul and his companions recognise the need to pray for others and assured the Thessalonian Church that they are always praying for them. We too need always to pray for each other!

God gives Christians both as individuals and as a corporate Church a high calling! This calling is to be conformed to His image and to bring glory, honour and praise to His name. In this way we will see Him glorified in us at His coming. As Paul and his companions pray that the Thessalonians may be counted worthy of this calling so must we, today’s Church, be like minded and pray for each other to be worthy of His calling.

It is only by God’s grace that the name Jesus can by glorified in us! Are you living your life in a manner that is worthy of your calling and salvation in Christ Jesus?

When we, today’s Church, are living our lives in full compliance to His Word and are continually being filled with and led by the Holy Spirit in everything we do and say, only then will we bring glory to Him and be glorified at His coming!

Life application for today’s believers

1. Always give thanks to God for our brothers and sisters in Christ especially for those that lead us by God’s calling.

2. Live in a manner that will bring glory to Jesus in everything you do and say and in the way you conduct your relationships with each other – your brothers and sisters in Christ.

3. Be patient and faithful when you go through trials and tribulations – testing times.

4. Allow trials and tribulations to build perseverance in you in Chrit Jesus.

5. Rest in the peace and knowledge that God will bring judgement to those that persecute you. No unrepentant sinner will escape God’s judgement and punishment.

6. Always pray for each other!

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
In the name of Jesus I pray that in the power of the Holy Spirit that you would help me to live my life in a manner that is worthy of your calling. I pray that you would help me to keep my Christian walk blameless and to have an ever repentant heart. Help me Lord to be a blessing to my brothers and sisters in Christ and to put the needs of others before my own. 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. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

What is Holiness?

 

Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV)

The two verses above from Hebrews 12 command us, as born again Christians, to do a number of specific things, and very powerful and important things they are for us to do throughout our Christian walk! They are:

1.  Make every effort to live in peace with everyone.
2.  Be holy as without holiness no one will see the Lord.
3.  See to it that we don't fall short of the grace of God.
4.  So that no bitter root will grow in us and cause trouble and defile others!

Now, number 2 on the list is the glue that holds our Christian walk together with the leading of the Holy Spirit. "Be holy as without holiness no one will see the Lord" is a key foundation on which we are to live our lives as true born again believers in Christ Jesus. After all, as the scripture says, if we do not have holiness we will not see the Lord!

But.......

What is holiness?

In the verses below we can see that it has always been God’s intention for His people to be holy because He is holy. The Lord tells us to consecrate ourselves and be holy.

To consecrate oneself means to dedicate oneself to a higher purpose, for a Christian today this means our purpose is to dedicate ourselves to God through Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to do the Father's will and the works he has predestined us to do in Christ Jesus and walk in them. 

This is NOT salvation by works as we are saved by Gods grace alone! It is the works that God has prepared for us to do because we are saved!

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV)

8 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.

The Apostle Peter quoted Leviticus 11:44 in 1 Peter 1:15-16 and thus we know without a shadow of doubt that this instruction still applies to Christians today!

Lev 11:44 (NIV)

I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.

1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

The Apostle Paul also tells us that we are called to live a holy life because it is His purpose for us through the grace we receive in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:9

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.

God call us to be a holy Church!

Holiness is a characteristic of who God is, and as such holiness should be of paramount importance to us as believers, because without it we will never see God!

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Before we can look at what the Bible teaches on being holy, let’s first understand what the word 'holy' means from the original Greek text of the New Testament.

Holiness in the verse above is from the Greek word ‘hagiotes’ meaning holiness or sanctity. Hagiotes is derived from the Greek adjective ‘hagios’ which means set apart (for God) for the specific purpose of being holy and sacred.

From this we can safely conclude that God expects us, as Christians, to set ourselves apart to be holy to Him. In fact, Hebrews 12:14 above states quite emphatically that the we won’t see the Lord unless we pursue holiness.

Also, as we endeavour to pursue holiness, we will experience a measure of pain as He chastises us for our own good, through the process of dying to self. That is giving up our old sinful lives and embracing the new creation we are converted to in Christ Jesus. We must all leave our sinful past behind!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

Nevertheless, this chastising process will yield within us the peaceable fruit of holiness and righteousness in Christ Jesus. God disciplines the ones He loves - we, the Church, His children!

Hebrews 12:6 (NKJV)

For whom the Lord loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives.”

Hebrews 12:9-11 (NLT)

9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?

10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

In other words, that which is holy belongs to God, and conversely whatever belongs to God is holy. We are sanctified and "set apart for a holy use or purpose" by God, and to find out what our use and purpose is in Christ Jesus we need to live life in the Spirit as it is the Holy Spirit that gives us revelation and guidance in the truth of the Word. In this way our lives and our lifestyles will bring glory to Jesus.

John 16:13-15 (NKJV)

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Christ in me, the hope of glory, be holy as He is holy!

Colossians 1:26-27 (AMP)

26 that is, the mystery which was hidden [from angels and mankind] for ages and generations, but has now been revealed to His saints (God’s people). 27 God [in His eternal plan] chose to make known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory.

God has selected us to be His servants and has called us to come out of this world, to be different and separate from the rest of the world. Jesus said,

John 17:14-16 (NIV)

14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 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.

The Christian must live in this present evil world, but his life must he different from the lives of the other people that are in the world – who are not born-again, who do not know Jesus as Lord and Saviour. In other words, our lives and the way and manner in which we live, must reflect God’s holiness

We, as born again believers in Christ Jesus, must come out from any of this world's ways that are sinful and evil out from the religious and spiritual "Babylon" that is this the whole world so that we will not share in their sins.

Revelation 18:4 (NIV)

4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:

“‘Come out of her (the world), my people,’[Jer 51:45)

so that you will not share in her sins,

so that you will not receive any of her plagues;

Making such a distinction and living by it is one of the many ways that God's true servants are different from the rest of the world.

Instead of being immersed in the lawless and sinful ways of the world, we should put our thoughts on better things:

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

This scripture makes is very clear that we should avoid filling our minds with entertainment that is sinful: void of (God’s) love, lustful, sexually illicit or that is filled with murder, hatred, evil and all other such things.

We often justify our sinful actions by saying things like: "It’s only a song — it's only make-believe, it's only a movie, that’s who I am."

On the contrary, the Bible says this:

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

We cannot call ourselves Christians and continue to walk in the ways of the world – we must walk in the way of the Spirit (be holy)! Christians need to be different from the rest of this world — to say no to sin, to evil and to wrong things as it is written:

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT)

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

God accepts as as we are but once we become born again he doesn't want us to stay in our sinful old self! He wants us to change and be conformed to the image of His Son - our Saviour, Lord and King - Jesus!

We will continue to be holy if we live a life of holiness. That is the way of obedience and conformity with God's ways and His Word. That is living life in the Spirit.

God wants a glorious Church without spot or blemish. Jesus gave his life for the Church in order to make her holy:

Ephesians 5:26-27 (NIV)

26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless

Prayer

Dear Father

In the name of Jesus I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to be holy just as you are holy. 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. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Should today's Church be casting out demons?

Dear Readers

Before you start reading the text of this article, please read and make sure you fully understand the significance of the following three scriptures.

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Scripture is relevant for all generations of believers! It is a living Word!

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

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

Right, thank you for doing that!  Now back to today's topic, "Should today's Church be casting out demons?"

Casting out demons! This is a topic that is rarely preached in today’s Church which, in my opinion, is such a pity as it formed a large part of the Lord’s ministry when He walked among us! Today’s modern Church has not done itself any favours by choosing to ignore such teachings as these, the ones that Jesus himself placed such great emphasis on!

Let’s examine why I make this statement by looking at what Jesus tells us in the scriptures, using at Mark 6 as a starting point.

Mark 6:7 & 12-13 (NIV)

7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.

12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

In Mark 16, Mark tells of the resurrection of Jesus and how “Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” But when they arrived at the tomb, they found that the stone had been rolled away and Jesus was gone. A ‘young man’ who was sitting in the tomb told the women to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen. This they did but Peter and some of the other the disciples didn’t believe them!

In verse nine Mark tells us that Jesus, after He had risen, first appeared to Mary Magdalene and for some reason he says of Mary, “out of whom he had driven seven demons (also related in Luke 8:2).” This was the first case of multiple demon possession recorded in the Bible. A significant event that both Mark and Luke felt, under the power of the Holy Spirit, that it should be recorded in the Gospels for the benefit of the Church.

To me the fact that demons being driven out of Mary Magdalene was so important that it is mentioned at the tomb of resurrection, right at the start of the Lord’s forty day ministry before His ascension to heaven, highlights the fact that this is something the Church should still be doing!

In verse 14 Mark tells us that, “Later (he doesn’t say how much later) Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.”

So, in this verse Jesus tells the disciples off for their unbelief! He then tells them to “go” and gives them what we call the great commission and included in His commission to those of us that believe, is, “In my (Jesus’) name they will drive out demons.”

Mark 16:15-18 (NIV)

15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 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.”

Looking at the above verses and focusing on today’s topic let’s note in particular verse 17 where Jesus tells us that those of us who believe will be accompanied by signs and wonders and one of these signs will be driving out demons! We have to believe in order to be effective in our obedience to the Lord!

The Lord’s instruction to those that believe, to cast out demons, is confirmed by the Apostle Matthew:

Matthew 10:1 (AMP)

Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority and power over unclean spirits (demons), to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

And by the Apostle Luke:

Luke 10:49-50 (NIV)

49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”

50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Verse 50 above confirms that ‘driving out demons’ was not only for the twelve disciples but for all those that believe in Jesus, including today’s believers.

Confirmation of this is also shown in the Book of Acts where we read of Phillip, a believer in Jesus, driving our demons and performing other such miracles. Although he was not an Apostle, he really was a true believer and was obedient to the Lord’s commands! Casting out demons is not just for the Apostles it is for every spirit filled believer!

Acts 8:5-8 (NIV)

5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

In many cases “driving out demons” is synonymous with healing! When we truly believe we can do, in the power of the Holy Spirit, the great things that Jesus did and He himself says we (whoever believes) can even do greater things.

John 14:12 (NIV)

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.

Is casting out demons relevant in today’s Church for today’s believer?

Let’s have a look at what the Bible says and who Jesus is and what He did in this regard, starting briefly with some basic fundamentals and progressing from there. Let’s follow Jesus and become imitators of Christ!

Jesus is the Word that became flesh – human!

John 1:1-5 (NIV)

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.

In the above verses we are told that the Word was with God right from the beginning and that He (Jesus) was with God at the beginning as well – thus unifying Jesus and the Word as one! Everything was made through Jesus and that He is the light and life of the world. Darkness (sin) will never overcome Him!

In John 1:14 we are told that the Word (Jesus) became flesh and walked among us.

John 1:14 (NIV)

The 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.

Now, wherever Jesus went, His ministry was followed be miracles, signs and wonders. Many of these manifestations of the Spirit working through Jesus involved casting out demons. In fact, casting out demons was such an important part of His ministry, that He gave those that believed in Him the authority to do the same. We have read this in many of the scriptures above.

Now the question I have asked in this section is, “Is casting out demons relevant in today’s Church for today’s believer?”

My answer is, “Yes it most certainly is!”

Why? Because the world has become a lot more populated than it was 2000 years ago and as such it has also become a lot more evil. We are already in such times as it was in the days of Noah – deeply disturbing and evil times – men choose not to believe in God – The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit – The Holy Trinity!

Matthew 24:37-39 (NIV)

37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

Genesis 6:5-8 (NIV)

5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Today it is the born-again believer in Christ Jesus that has found favour with the Lord – we are collectively His Church.

Now, if demonic activity and influence over humans was so prevalent when our Lord walked the earth and it was the same in the days of Noah, it stands to reason that it is even more so today. Just take note of the evil that is all around today’s world and how few of the world’s population are truly saved and are thus children of the devil – most of them without even realising it!

Is everybody demon possessed? No! Is every Christian under the attack of the enemy? Yes, especially in our thought life – the devil’s favourite battleground is the mind of man! Can man be influenced to do evil by the devil and his demons? Yes, he certainly can! Anyone who is not truly born-again from the heart belongs to the devil!

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

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.

John 8:44 (NIV)

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Take every thought captive!

2 Corinthians 10:5-6 (AMP)

5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, 6 being ready to punish every act of disobedience, when your own obedience [as a church] is complete.

Because of these factors the Church today needs to stand up and ‘drive out demons’ as Jesus expects us to. He has given us this authority as His Church, we need to realise that as the Apostle Paul says, our fight is not against flesh and blood!

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.

Jesus has not changed, He expects us to do the things He did and even greater things! God does not want a passive Church that rolls over and shows its belly whenever the devil reveals his ugly face! He wants a Church that aggressively engages the enemy in spiritual warfare and casts out demons! It is part of the ‘Great Commission!’

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

John 14:12 (NIV)

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.

Ephesians 5:1 (AMP)

Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

How do we cast out demons?

The only answer to this is to say, in the Name of Jesus, the same way the Apostles and other believers of the time did!

Demon possession is a topic that many Christians avoid like the plague and many others go ‘over the top’. For many it is a tricky and very scary subject. Many Christians avoid the topic by saying things like, “You can’t look for a demon behind every bush.” And because of their fear and apprehension of the topic they do nothing at all. But there is Biblical proof that Jesus and His disciples did cast out demons and He definitely gave His authority to the Church to do so as well and thus we should be doing so right now! The times are still evil! Jesus didn’t give His Church His authority for nothing!

When I look at the sinful state of the world today, I personally conclude that there could very well be a demon behind every bush influencing man, and possessing many, to become more and more evil by the day just as in the days of Noah. Let’s be warned by the scriptures, Church! Let’s be aware! Let’s be ready to fight the good fight!

I see mass murders, wars whereby men slaughter thousands upon thousands of other men and innocents, people stealing and robbing, gang wars and drug dealing, human trafficking, and every other despicable acts of man’s inhumanity to man.

I firmly believe that the evil in man’s heart, the acts of warped minds and suchlike, is brought about by man’s sinful nature, the evil that lies in our hearts in our disobedience to God’s Word – the Bible - and made worse under the influence of the devil and his demonic spirits and forces that gain footholds in our lives through our willful sin and disobedience to God and His Word! The Church is full of people who call themselves born-again but still willfully sin!

Let’s have a look at a Biblical example of Jesus casting out demons!

Mark 5:1-11 (NIV)

They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

Now, in the above verses we see that Jesus was approached by a man with an impure spirit. The characteristics of this man’s demonic possession were:

• He was inhumanly strong.

• His mind was tortured.

• He self-harmed.

• He lived amongst the dead and roamed about night and day – he had trouble sleeping and finding rest for his tortured soul!

• He recognised that Jesus was the Son of God. Satan and his cohorts know who Jesus is and that they are under His authority!

James 1:19 (AMP)

You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]!

When Jesus asks the demoniac his name, we discover that the impure spirit was accompanied by many other demons – multiple demon possession, the impure spirit being the spokesperson or leader of the pack! The impure spirit tells Jesus that, “We are many.” For when Jesus gives them permission to go into the pigs, we see that the whole herd of about 2000 pigs runs into the sea and are drowned. So, there could very well have been 2000 demons in one person!

After this the demon possessed man was healed and in his right mind.

Luke 8:34-36 (NIV)

34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.

There are many other examples of Jesus, the Apostles and other believers casting out demons as well. Why don’t you do a little Bible study for yourself?

Luke 10:17 (NIV)

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

John 20:30-31 (AMP)

30 There are also many other signs (attesting miracles) that Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name.

So, now that we have examined scripture it is plain to see that there is only one way in which we, as born-again Christians, can cast out demons and that is in the Name of Jesus. “Demon come out in the name of Jesus!”

A single command, “Come out!” from Jesus brought instant results, and on one occasion, a whole legion of demons fled at His command.

We don’t have need to shout and scream, chop the air with our hands or shake the person wildly, just simply look the person in the eye and commanding with all the authority that Jesus has given us, “Demon come out in the name of Jesus!” 

Prayer and fasting are also a part of our spiritual warfare manifesto as born again believers – we should make prayer and fasting a part of our Christian lifestyle – be ready for spiritual warfare at all times!

Matthew 17:21 (AMP)

[But this kind of demon does not go out except by prayer and fasting.]”

A lifestyle of prayer and fasting keeps a born-again believer spiritually trained and constantly ready for battle!

How do we know if someone is demon possessed?

When you are filled with the Holy Spirit and living life in the Spirit, your spirit will discern what is an evil spirit in another person and what isn’t, that is why the Apostle Paul tells us to follow the way of love and eagerly desire the spiritual gifts – the gift of the discerning of spirits is one of them. The key to anything we do as a born-again Christian is having the agapé love of God for others!

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (AMP)

13 Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. 14 Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].

The Bible tells us that demon possessed people show certain symptomatic and unnatural tendencies in behaviour and actions. Let’s take a look at these.

1. At times they are unable to control themselves.
The evil spirit will sometimes speak through the person in a voice that is not their own or often they will prevent a person from talking at all. Nervous actions such as eye ticks, lack of eye contact with other people, body twitches and even excessive burping – I am speaking from my own experiences in casting out demons. Demons can come out with cries and screams!

Matthew 9:33 (NIV)

And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

Mark 1:23-26 (NIV)

23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

2. A demon possessed person can often manifest different personalities.
Demons have evil and destructive, even self-destructive, personalities and these personalities can be made manifest in their victims.

Mark 5:7 (NIV)

He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!”

3. A demon can speak through a possessed person in a voice or voices that are not the person’s own. Like the demoniac in Mark 5.

4. A demon possessed person will often have unusual strength.

Acts 19:15-16 (NIV)

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.

5. A demon possessed person, under the demon’s influence, will often show suicidal and self-harm tendencies.

Mark 9:21-22 (NIV)

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

A word of caution:

Not every illness, especially mental illness, is caused by demonic possession, the Bible in the Book of Matthew is very clear about this. There are those that are demon possessed and those that have mental illness (lunatic). As I have mentioned before, not everybody will be demon possessed but many, even those that know Jesus, can be influenced and tempted to do evils things – those things that are contrary to the Word of God!

Matthew 4:24 (KJV)

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic (mental illness), and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

This is why it is so important for born-again Christians to be continually Holy Spirit filled, living life in the Spirit and operating in the Gifts of the Spirit in the agapé love of God (doing everything in love) so that the divine leading of the Holy Spirit can show us the difference.

Having said this, the Church has to be actively aware that demonic possession is just as prevalent today (and probably more so) as it was in the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth. We cannot just sit back and ignore the Lord’s teaching on this subject just because we find it unpleasant or scary or we don’t believe it is for today – it is for today! Jesus instructs us to heal the sick and cast out demons!

The key to a born-again Christians protection from the devil lies in their submission to God and their humility in serving God, in serving our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and being Jesus to an unbelieving world!

James 4:7 (AMP)

7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].

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,

In Christ Jesus we have the victory!

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to minister the full Gospel to others at all times and without compromise. I ask that you help me overcome my unbelief and my timidity and to act in boldness of the Spirit at all times and to be obedient to your all your commands including driving out demons and healing the sick. I ask this in the name of Jesus, my King, my Lord, my Saviour. 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!

Daily Bread

This article was written by my good friend and brother in Christ, Tony Kettle, and is published with his permission on my blog site as a guest writer.

Matthew 6:11 (ESV - emphasis added)

“Give us THIS day our DAILY bread,”

Have you ever wondered why Jesus, when He prayed what we know as the Lord’s Prayer, referred to the supply of bread as being a “daily” event? He was probably alluding to the time of the Exodus from Egypt, when the Israelites complained to Moses that they were hungry (Exodus 16:2-3) and God provided them with manna:

Exodus 16:4 ESV - emphasis added

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a DAY’S portion EVERY DAY, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.”

Significantly, Jesus took the matter further in declaring:

John 6:31-35, 47, 49-51 ESV - emphasis added

31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

47Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.””

These were highly controversial words in view of the prevailing ‘legalistic’ religious culture - in fact the Jews regarded them as blasphemous (John 6:41-42). But Jesus frequently ‘pushed the envelope’ against ‘legalism!’

John 6:41-42 (ESV)

41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

Jesus identified Himself as the “Bread of Life” and this has a wider implication - because He is also THE WORD OF GOD.

John 1:1-2, 14 (ESV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Revelation 19:13 (ESV)

He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.

In the original Greek, the English term “word” is “logos”, which basically means “the expression of a thought” and is applicable to both the Person of Jesus and the WRITTEN Word of God.

John 17:17 (ESV)

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Colossians 1:25-26 (ESV)

of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 (ESV)

4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Revelation 1:1-3 (ESV)

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

This is why the written Word of God - the Bible - is regarded as spiritual “bread”:

Matthew 4:4 ESV - brackets added for distinction only.

“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread (physical food) alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (spiritual food).’””

Therefore, it is pertinent, in terms of biblical typology, to visualise manna - the original “bread from heaven” - as representing the Word of God. Consider this in the light of certain passages in Exodus 16:

(a) The manna was to be collected each day. The only exception was that on the sixth day the people were to collect twice as much manna, as the next day was the Sabbath when they were not allowed to do any work (Exodus 16:4-5).

We, as believers, need to read, and meditate on, the written Word of God EACH day. We really need to see it as our “DAILY bread!”

(b) Except for the sixth day, nobody was allowed to keep any of the daily supply of manna until the following day. If they did, it would deteriorate, breed worms and stink (Exodus 16:19-20).

I believe the lesson here for us as modern-day believers is that we should be committed in our study of God’s Word. If we neglect to make this a daily practice and only do it occasionally, God’s Word could become ‘stale’ in our hearts. It needs to be ‘fresh’, day by day.

There are obviously other aspects of Exodus 16 that can provide wonderful insight and input for Christians today, but I don’t want to make this article too cumbersome. Nevertheless, there is one particular question I would like to pose - why did the Israelites complain that they were hungry when they had numerous flocks and herds of livestock with them.

Exodus 12:38 (ESV)

A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.

Various scholars have suggested that, as a result of the years of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites had become so conditioned and influenced by Egyptian customs that they had largely forgotten their own heritage. The Egyptians worshipped animals, so even after they left Egypt, the Israelites possibly either did likewise with their livestock, or regarded them as a source of income - of wealth - to be traded - not eaten! Remember, they eventually built a golden calf:

Exodus 32:4 (ESV - emphasis added)

“And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden CALF. And they said, “These are your GODS, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!””

I believe this scenario points to an important spiritual lesson for today’s Christians: Egypt typifies the “world” (Greek “kosmos”) and if we allow ourselves to be ‘captivated’, ‘entranced’ by ‘worldly’ things, our Christian ‘walk’ and commitment will be adversely affected as Israel’s was when they bowed down and worshipped the golden calf and engaged in worldly revelry, drunkenness and debauchery.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

James 4:4 (ESV)

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Interestingly, the term “manna” literally means “what is it?”, because this is what the Israelites asked when they first saw it on the ground.

Exodus 16:15 (ESV)

When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.

Manna is also described in scripture as the “grain of heaven” and the “bread of angels”

Psalm 78:24-25 (AMP)

24 And He rained down manna upon them to eat

And gave them the grain of heaven.

25 Man ate the bread of angels;

God sent them provision in abundance.

Furthermore, as a source of food it was obviously very tasty:

Exodus 16:31 9ESV)

“Now the house of Israel called its name manna. It was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.”

Again, this correlates closely with the way in which the Word of God is described:

Psalms 19:9-10 (AMP)

“…The judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”

Psalm 119:103 (ESV)

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

Let us ensure that we faithfully partake of our “daily bread” - the Word of God - as our long-term spiritual ‘nourishment’ depends on it!

Revelation 2:17 (AMP - emphasis added)

“He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], TO HIM I WILL GIVE [THE PRIVILEGE OF EATING] SOME OF THE HIDDEN MANNA…”

Prayer
Dear Father
Thank you for Jesus, my Lord and Saviour. I thank you that He is the Word and the Bread of Life. Give me this day, Lord, my daily bread. Help me Lord to make time to ready and study your Word for myself and to not just really on what others read and teach. Teach me your ways, O Lord, and continually fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may grow in faith and bring glory to Jesus! Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!