Keeping Our Homes Spiritually Clean, Casting Out Demons Part 5

 When we talk about keeping our homes spiritually secure we have to be overly cautious about not becoming religious.  Demons like religious people, remember Lucifer had sanctuaries, he knows how to distort things to make one overly zealous for works. This is not about works, but simply cleaning house. Yet if we plan on announcing that our citizenship is of the Kingdom of God, we are going to have to be prepared for a fight. Therefore anything we can do in our favor is beneficial. That means we can change what is ours to change.  We have to keep balanced and keep our perspective that we are not of this world, so we cannot change the areas that are not under our authority.  We can only change the areas that we can control. 

 If I were to move to another country, on a different continent, I would not be considered a citizen of that land, I would be a stranger or foreigner.  If I found a home to live in, and I put up an American flag in my front yard, the neighbors might think I was not excited to live in their country.  Then let’s say I started singing American patriotic songs and hymns, people might think it a little strange, but maybe they might think I was homesick or possibly those were the only songs I knew.  But what if I started wearing American patriotic shirts, and blasting American patriotic songs from my car and home? I think the people in the country I was living in would call me treasonous.  They would consider me an enemy of the country and probably watch my every move closely, making sure I didn’t do anything to harm the people of that country.  As an enemy of the country I live in I probably would suffer when I went to work, maybe not getting treated fairly, or actually being treated poorly.  Maybe I would get a cold shoulder from neighbors or people at the market.  Maybe officials in my city would try to catch me doing something wrong, such as speeding, while not catching the native people of that country.  I might feel a little picked on after a while. Once I made my declaration of my citizenship being in a different country I have officially set myself up as an enemy of the country I live in. 

Guess what? Once you declared yourself a citizen of the Kingdom of God, you became an enemy of the world Lucifer controls.  It should not be any surprise you are considered a traitor to this world, an enemy, and a threat to the citizens of Lucifer’s world.  Remember Lucifer has the lease on the age until Jesus establishes his kingdom and becomes King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Therefore we will suffer as strangers and foreigners here. We are picked on, pushed around and beaten down, but we are ambassadors of Christ and our message is for the citizens of the world. This means we have some diplomatic immunity.

2 Cor 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.KJV

Ambassadors from one nation that live in another nation are not subject to all the laws of the country which they live.  Diplomatic immunity extends to their homes, and sometimes to the places they visit.   We hear stories of diplomats that run up parking tickets and never pay, or go to bars and do some things that are illegal for the rest of the people in the country.  We are much the same here in this world.  We have to remember we may get picked on for being foreigners but if God sends us on an assignment, we are allowed to be there.  Therefore we have to have the perspective that we are in a fight, or a battle.  No matter where we go or what we do, there is someone waiting to trip us up.  But we have the authority as ambassadors to keep the enemy out of our homes, cars, and the places we are going to rescue the lost. Remember we are to be overcomers. 

Previously we have established that we are the children of Abraham because we believe on God.  This is the promise made to Abraham’s seed, we are allowed to possess the gates of the enemy.  All nations are blessed when the seed of Abraham lives therein.  We are in the land or age of Lucifer, he is our enemy, but we are given a place to possess.  Keep in mind that even though Abraham had moved around a lot, he did have to engage the enemy from time to time, we will too.

Gen 22:15-18 And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.KJV

Our first area of control is our own home, whether we own it or rent it, this is the space we are allowed to control and have authority over.  The Bible speaks of borders and coasts, but the same word is also translated landmark, in different translations it is used as boundary stones.  This is the idea that we have a space to call our own, even in the land of the enemy.

Spiritually, God placed a hedge around Job and his house, but God allowed an attack which proved that satan is stupid; while God got a better, stronger servant, Job, in the end. Here is what satan declares:

Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.KJV

Hedge OT:7753 suwk (sook); a primitive root; to entwine, i.e. shut in (for formation, protection or restraint):KJV - fence, (make an) hedge (up).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

There are hedges, fences, borders, and landmarks that show our space.

Borders, Coasts, Landmark OT:1366 gebuwl (gheb-ool'); or (shortened) gebul (gheb-ool'); from OT:1379; properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e. (by implication) a boundary; by extens. the territory inclosed: KJV - border, bound, coast,  great, landmark, limit, quarter, space.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Deut 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it.KJV

Deut 27:17 Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.KJV

We have a given space; we should not take or move the boundaries of someone else’s space. But we have a place of our own. Now how are we going to claim this space of ours as Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God?  Let’s think about a banner, or flag that declares our citizenship.

Banner OT:5251 nec (nace); from OT:5264; a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token: KJV - banner, pole, sail, (en-) sign, standard.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Ps 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah KJV

Isa 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.KJV

Isa 31:9 And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.KJV

One way that we declare our citizenship is with a flag or some kind of garden decoration outside the front of our home.  Some of us have special decorations for holidays.  This is the way we make our statement as to who we are of; this is a good thing, so expect a fight from the enemy.  But what should this banner say?  It should have the logos on it, the word of God.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.KJV

Quick NT:2198 zao (dzah'-o); a primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively):KJV - life (-time), (a-) live (-ly), quick.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Word NT:3056 logos (log'-os); from NT:3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):KJV - account, cause, communication,  concerning, doctrine, fame,  have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason,  reckon, remove, say (-ing), shew,  speaker, speech, talk, thing,  none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Powerful NT:1756 energes (en-er-gace'); from NT:1722 and NT:2041; active, operative:KJV - effectual, powerful.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Sharper NT:5114 tomoteros (tom-o'-ter-os); comparative of a derivative of the primary temno (to cut; more comprehensive or decisive than NT:2875, as if by a single stroke; whereas that implies repeated blows, like hacking); more keen:KJV - sharper.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Sword NT:3162 machaira (makh'-ahee-rah); probably feminine of a presumed derivative of NT:3163; a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment: KJV - sword.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Dividing asunder NT:3311 merismos (mer-is-mos'); from NT:3307; a separation or distribution:KJV - dividing asunder, gift.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Soul NT:5590 psuche (psoo-khay'); from NT:5594; breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from NT:4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from NT:2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew OT:5315, OT:7307 and OT:2416):KJV - heart (+-ily), life, mind, soul,  us,  you.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Spirit NT:4151 pneuma (pnyoo'-mah); from NT:4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit: KJV - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare NT:5590.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Discerner NT:2924 kritikos (krit-ee-kos'); from NT:2923; decisive ("critical"), i.e. discriminative: KJV - discerner.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Thoughts NT:1761 enthumesis (en-thoo'-may-sis); from NT:1760; deliberation:KJV - device, thought.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Intents NT:1771 ennoia (en'-noy-ah); from a compound of NT:1722 and NT:3563; thoughtfulness, i.e. moral understanding: KJV - intent, mind.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Heart NT:2588 kardia (kar-dee'-ah); prolonged from a primary kar (Latin, cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle:KJV - (+broken-) heart (-ed).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The logos is living and active and more comprehensive than a two sided sword piercing to the separation of vitality and breath life and joints and marrow, and discriminates between deliberations and moral intents in the heart.

 

If the logos is that powerful, we want it declared because the benefits are that it can divide so minutely that everyone will have a reaction to it, either for or against God.  And every demon knows the word of God because the word of God is living and active. Words on a sign, banner, or page do not look like they are living and active in the natural realm, but they are in the spiritual. 

This is why the princes are afraid of the ensign, the logos is living and active, it is alive! God gives a banner to those who fear Him; every spiritual being can see it and read it. 

Ps 60:4-5 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.5 That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.KJV

There are many different references to this idea of marking or staking your boundaries in the Bible so how do we apply that with the word of God?  If you are fortunate enough to be building your house, you could put Bible verses on paper around and under the foundation.  If the home you are in is already built or you are renting it you could still put Bible verses around the outside of your home.  Popsicle sticks work well to push into the ground, also around the outside parameter of your property.  This is your spiritual marker, use whatever verses the Lord inspires you to use.  Remember not your words, or quotes from famous people, but the logos, the written word.

Here is another idea, if you are feeling that you are under spiritual pressure, you could play worship music in your home, even when you leave you could leave the radio playing a Christian radio station.  The word of God communicated through song is living and active.  What do you suppose demons do when they hear the word of God sung all day long? They probably find a new home.  As an ambassador I have the right to fill the airwaves in my home or car with psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs.  I can make a melody in my heart anywhere I go; I am an Ambassador for the Anointed One.

Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; KJV

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. KJV

You might have to get vocal in cleaning out your home.  Spiritually if you want to seal up the cracks that allow demons to enter, you may have to speak to cast them out.  You can do that you have diplomatic immunity, if you are controlling your mind and you are not allowing demons to control your actions, and you yourself are not allowing them in, you can cast them out. Besides the usual commands, you can also worship in your home.  That’s one thing that spiritually makes your home and property clean.  It is warfare to worship.  What if you play an instrument, such as guitar or piano and sing songs to God. Or you put on some music and sing, dance, praise, and worship God.  That is an act of war, treason to the god of this world.  This is you giving satan a black eye.  If you are not musically inclined, or have no Christian music, you can recite scripture out loud.  You can play an audio Bible in your home all day long. Why out loud? Because unless demons are in you, they cannot hear you when you think.  Loudly, boldly recite the living and powerful word of God.

Deuteronomy tells us the Jews were to put the word of God on the posts of their house and to teach these words.  Many people today use mezuzahs. We can do that or make or post our own sign, with the word of God.  This way anyone who enters our home has already been dissected by the logos.  

Deut 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.KJV

As Ambassadors we are representatives of Christ, so just a side note; if we are putting scripture up on our door post, but have a yard over grown with weeds, or dead grass, we might look like a contradiction to the unbeliever.  To the unbeliever we look religious but also we seem as if we don’t care about those who have to look at our home.  We would be wise to keep our property an aesthetic blessing to others if we are trying to make disciples. 

What you are doing is changing the spiritual atmosphere of your home, which is your right as an Ambassador.  If you have things that are offensive or that do not edify you in your home you may have to throw them out.  Just be led by the Holy Spirit to clean up and clear out what allows demons into your home.  Once I was channel surfing and stopped on a show that was talking about robots. In Japan they have been making human looking robots as well other kinds of robots such as baby seals.  The baby seals, which looked like stuffed animals, were given to people in nursing homes to care for as pets and the robot seals responded to words and touch.  The Japanese believe that there is a spirit in each of their robots.  This is probably not far off, as the robot does not have life of its own yet a demon can inhabit an object on its way to looking for a human host.  This is the reason for spiritual house cleaning.  Yet if your home is an offering to God, you will drive demonic activity away with the word of God in your home. 

Another thought is the idea of consecration.  We use anointing oil predominantly on people as the Bible tells us to when people are sick for healing or casting out demons but the Lord told Moses to anoint the tabernacle.  As a symbolic gesture we can anoint our homes to be holy.  That would suggest that those living in the home are striving for holiness as well.  Then if we took some oil, fragrant oil, and prayed over it as a symbol of our home being a holy dwelling of God, we could anoint our door mantle. 

Ex 30:22-29 Moreover the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,24 And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:25 And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.26 And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,27 And the table and all his vessels, and the candlestick and his vessels, and the altar of incense,28 And the altar of burnt offering with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot.29 And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy.KJV

The idea here is symbolic not scriptural.  We cannot go around anointing our city with oil, this is not scriptural. We can anoint people with oil. Biblically speaking we cannot anoint things with oil in an attempt to “take this place for God” it is already His, but satan duped Adam and stole his lease of six thousand years.  People can be anointed with oil for many reasons in the bible, but the tabernacle is the only place that the Bible tells us was anointed.  Yet if your home is your place of worship, the place you meet with God, you can sanctify it, as an act of dedication. 

Sometimes I think we Christians are behind other religions in understanding and experimenting.  I’m thinking of Masaru Emoto’s water experiments. Positive messages result in beautiful water crystals while negative messages result in deformed and distorted water crystals.  They have experimented with large bodies of water, healing polluted water.  Now imagine what the word of God can do in a water crystal experiment.  What can the word of God do among the food we eat, or the vegetables we grow? http://www.life-enthusiast.com/twilight/research_emoto.htm

https://www.google.com/search?q=emoto+water&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS310&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=CiefT96hNYqo8gTF-7WzAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDkQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=653

With these ideas in mind, we are attempting to live a holy life so that demons cannot torment us.  We are cleaning up the inside (our minds) and the outside (our dwelling). The logos is so incredibly precise, it will cause division, it can cleanly divide what is impossible for us to do.  No one can separate soul and spirit in a laboratory.   Therefore reading the logos, memorizing the logos, sharing the logos and displaying the logos is a key in our fight as being overcomers.  

Repairing A Leaky Mind and Using A Filter; Casting Out Demons Part 4

We know that there are demons inhabiting the earth, and people; but keeping them out is a continual process.  This is something we just have to make part of our lives; therefore we have to adjust our thinking in accordance with the word of God to know what to think and how to think. Once we get good at thinking what the Bible says, it will be easier to overcome demonic influence in our lives.  But we will never be done with this battle until we get to heaven. This is another area we can be overcomers on earth.   

What if you had a leaky row boat? You might go out on the lake but you row for a while, then you would be bailing water, then you might row some more. You probably would not get too far. Yet if you went out every weekend in the same leaky boat, you would be used to the routine, row, bail, row, bail, row.  In much the same way, we get used to the way we do things.  Sometimes we think in circles like having a leaky mind, we let something in, then we think it is just the way it is.  Sometimes the thoughts we think are ours are not our thoughts at all.  Identifying our thoughts is a key to not letting in demons.  We have to learn to repair leaky thinking to keep demons out. One thought will lead to more thoughts which could be an opening for demons to enter your life. 

Once again the Greek is very specific, we have one word for mind but the Greek has many words for mind.  Let’s look at some of the words for mind and what we are to do with our mind.  We are told not to be carnally minded, not to think the things of the flesh.  In other words we should not have opinions of the flesh.   This is one way to repair a leaky mind.

Rom 8:5-10 For they that are after the flesh do mind (5426) the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.6 For to be carnally minded (5427)is death; but to be spiritually minded (5427) is life and peace.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.KJV

NT:5426 phroneo (fron-eh'-o); from NT:5424; to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience):KJV - set the affection on, (be) care (-ful), (be like-,  be of one,  be of the same,  let this) mind (-ed), regard, savour, think.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.

 NT:5427 phronema (fron'-ay-mah); from NT:5426; (mental) inclination or purpose: KJV - (be,  be carnally,  be spiritually) mind (-ed).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Carnally NT:4561 sarx (sarx); probably from the base of NT:4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul [or spirit], or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties [physically or morally] and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such):KJV - carnal (-ly,  -ly minded), flesh ([-ly]).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

One thing we have to do is to train our thinking.  We have to think the thoughts that are spiritual, not carnal.  If we are Spiritual then we have to ask the Holy Spirit if the way we are thinking about a situation is spiritual or carnal.  What we think about ourselves is also very important, do we think of ourselves as spiritual beings with power or as hopeless and helpless lumps of clay? Paul tells us we should think like Christ, have opinions like Christ.

Phil 2:5 Let this mind (5426) be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:KJV

Here is another way to repair our thinking, we are not to walk like Gentiles but be renewed in the spirit of our mind. In this case we have to adjust our feelings to align with the word. 

Eph 4:17-23 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind (3563),18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.20 But ye have not so learned Christ;21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind (3563);KJV

NT:3563 nous (nooce); probably from the base of NT:1097; the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning:KJV - mind, understanding. Compare NT:5590.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

But then Paul tells us to do something else, to put on the new man. He then gives us a list to guide us and also tells us to give no place to the devil.

Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:27 Neither give place to the devil.28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.KJV

Here again is another usage of the word mind, from this aspect Peter tells us, like Paul did, to have the same mind of Christ. If Christ suffered in the flesh then our moral understanding needs to be adjusted to endure hardship.

1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind (1771):for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; KJV

NT:1771 ennoia (en'-noy-ah); from a compound of NT:1722 and NT:3563; thoughtfulness, i.e. moral understanding: KJV - intent, mind.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Paul tells us to have humbleness of mind.  In this understanding we should not always strive to prove ourselves but being humble is how we are to think of ourselves.

Col 3:11-13 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind (5012), meekness, longsuffering;13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.KJV

NT:5012 tapeinophrosune (tap-i-nof-ros-oo'-nay); from a compound of NT:5011 and the base of NT:5424; humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty:KJV - humbleness of mind, humility (of mind, loneliness (of mind).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Paul says that once we were enemies in our minds, if we can be enemies in our minds then we have another way to be leaky in our mind.  This idea is that in the deepest parts of our mind and thoughts we were against God.

Col 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind (1271) by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled KJV

NT:1271 dianoia (dee-an'-oy-ah); from NT:1223 and NT:3563; deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its exercise: KJV - imagination, mind, understanding.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Paul says we can have a sound mind, so it must be possible to be unsound.  Sometimes we may not control our thoughts, making us unsound.  This truly is the state of everyone who does not believe on Christ, their minds are unsound because as we have seen thus far, it is by the Holy Spirit that we can have a sound mind.  This is a discipline, which indicates we have to work to achieve. 

2 Tim 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (4995).KJV

NT:4995 sophronismos (so-fron-is-mos'); from NT:4994; discipline, i.e. selfcontrol: KJV - sound mind.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Here is a group of people John tells us will be thinking alike. In this particular case we don’t want to be of the same opinion as these folks.

Rev 17:13 These have one mind (1106), and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.KJV

NT:1106 gnome (gno'-may); from NT:1097; cognition, i.e. (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.):KJV - advice,  agree, judgment, mind, purpose, will.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Paul suggests to Timothy to remind the people not to quarrel.  We can help adjust our thinking, by leaving ourselves reminders of how to think and what to think on.  Leaving scripture verses around the house can be a wonderful way to put yourself in remembrance of God’s word.

2 Tim 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance (5279), charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.KJV

NT:5279 hupomimnesko (hoop-om-im-nace'-ko); from NT:5259 and NT:3403; to remind quietly, i.e. suggest to the (middle voice one's own) memory: KJV - put in mind, remember, bring to (put in) remembrance.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Here Luke reports that the people of Berea received the word of God with willing minds.  They did not argue or contend; they wanted to hear and know what the Apostles were teaching. 

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind (42888), and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.KJV

NT:4288 prothumia (proth-oo-mee'-ah); from NT:4289; predisposition, i.e. alacrity: KJV - forwardness of mind, readiness (of mind), ready (willing) mind.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Now that we know that there are different ways to correct our minds’ to adjust our thinking, we have to ask ourselves what steps we take to control our mind and our thoughts. Paul tells us this is not a flesh and blood battle. 

2 Cor 10:3-6For 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;)

Weapons NT:3696 hoplon (hop'-lon); probably from a primary hepo (to be busy about); an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially offensive for war):KJV - armour, instrument, weapon.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

WarfareNT:4752 strateia (strat-i'-ah); from NT:4754; military service, i.e. (figuratively) the apostolic career (as one of hardship and danger):KJV - warfare.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Carnal NT:4559 sarkikos (sar-kee-kos'); from NT:4561; pertaining to flesh, i.e. (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate:KJV - carnal, fleshly.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Mighty NT:1415 dunatos (doo-nat-os'); from NT:1410; powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible: KJV - able, could, (that is) mighty (man), possible, power, strong.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Pulling down NT:2506 kathairesis (kath-ah'-ee-res-is); from NT:2507; demolition; figuratively, extinction:KJV - destruction, pulling down.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Strongholds NT:3794 ochuroma (okh-oo'-ro-mah); from a remote derivative of NT:2192 (meaning to fortify, through the idea of holding safely); a castle (figuratively, argument):KJV - stronghold.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Here Paul says our armor for military service, or apostolic service, is not fleshy but powerful to the destruction of fortifications.  This means that it is possible to control our thinking and our thoughts because of the Spirit in us.  Then Paul goes on, this is what we do.

2 Cor 10:5 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;

Casting down NT:2507 kathaireo (kath-ahee-reh'-o); from NT:2596 and NT:138 (including its alternate); to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively):KJV - cast (pull, put, take) down, destroy.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Imaginations NT:3053 logismos (log-is-mos'); from NT:3049; computation, i.e. (figuratively) reasoning (conscience, conceit):KJV - imagination, thought.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

High thing NT:5313 hupsoma (hoop'-so-mah); from NT:5312; an elevated place or thing, i.e. (abstractly) altitude, or (by implication) a barrier (figuratively):KJV - height, high thing.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Exalteth itself NT:1869 epairo (ep-ahee'-ro); from NT:1909 and NT:142; to raise up (literally or figuratively):KJV - exaltself, poise (lift, take) up.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Knowledge NT:1108 gnosis (gno'-sis); from NT:1097; knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge: KJV - knowledge, science.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Bringing into captivity NT:163 aichmalotizo (aheekh-mal-o-tid'-zo); from NT:164; to make captive: KJV - lead away captive, bring into captivity.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Thought NT:3540 noema (no'-ay-mah); from NT:3539; a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself: KJV - device, mind, thought.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Obedience NT:5218 hupakoe (hoop-ak-o-ay'); from NT:5219; attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance or submission: KJV - obedience, (make) obedient, obey (-ing).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Demolish reasonings and every elevated thing that lifts itself up against the knowing of God and lead away captive every thought and intellect to the compliance or submission of Christ.

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.KJV

Readiness NT:2092 hetoimos (het-oy'-mos); from an old noun heteos (fitness); adjusted, i.e. ready:KJV - prepared, (made) ready (-iness, to our hand).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Revenge NT:1556 ekdikeo (ek-dik-eh'-o); from NT:1558; to vindicate, retaliate, punish:KJV - a (re-) venge.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Disobedience NT:3876 parakoe (par-ak-o-ay'); from NT:3878; inattention, i.e. (by implication) disobedience:KJV - disobedience.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Obedience NT:5218 hupakoe (hoop-ak-o-ay'); from NT:5219; attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance or submission:KJV - obedience, (make) obedient, obey (-ing).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

And being prepared to vindicate or retaliate against all inattention when your compliance is fulfilled.

The summation of what Paul tells us is that it is possible to train our mind to think on the things of the spirit.  Then we are to understand that when we are battling spiritual forces, demons, principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, we are stronger and mightier so that we can demolish the demonic fortress that sets up residence in our mind. We also throw down every imagination and thought that tries to contradict the knowledge of God and then we bring the thoughts captive and align them to the obedience of Christ.  Then Paul tells us to go on the offense, fighting the demonic influences that try to make us disobedient, once we are obedient.  This is a fight.

In daily life we have to get good at stopping every thought and deciding whether it is godly or ungodly.  Let’s say you go to the store and the cashier is grumpy and you think the cashier is mean. Is that the right way to think? What if you are at a Bible study where two groups of people line up on different sides of an issue, if you would support one side over the other you may think that those other people are stupid. Is that the right way to think?  What if you look in the mirror and you see a big pimple on your nose, and you think that you look like a loser, is that the correct way to think?

Now what if you are watching television, channel surfing, and you accidently stop on a channel that has something sexual in nature going on, you may hear a voice in your head saying, ‘oh it’s only a little kissing’ while clearly there is more happening. You should now be in battle mode.  Now I have to point out that some people are more sensitive to certain things than others.  For instance, someone that has had a pornography addiction will have to war harder against these thoughts than someone who had a different set of struggles.  Therefore we can’t make blanket rules for everyone; each individual is responsible for themselves to be overcomers. 

Once we get good at capturing every thought we will find that the window or door the demons used to get into our lives gets smaller and smaller.  However we have to catch our imaginations as well as our thoughts. For example, you are relaxing one day and you start remembering then imagining your high school sweetheart. Remembering is fine, imagining is a bad idea; pretty soon you might feel the urge to look for that person on the internet.  Then you start thinking about how bad your life situation is and you again start imagining what life would be like with your old flame.  On and on the imaginations continue until you convince yourself to leave your family and find your old flame for a new life.  Sounds like a Hollywood script.  Did you cast down the first imagination? That would be the problem.  The devil is always looking for inroads to ruin your life; you have to take control of your thinking.  Tell the demons to shut up, curse them, cast them out.  Then recite scripture back to yourself, such as what Paul says.

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.KJV

Here is how I know we can be overcomers in our minds; Hebrews tells us that the word is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of our heart. If the word of God can cut between soul and spirit, and joints and marrow, then it can discern our thoughts and intents. 

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.KJV

The better way, the way to pursue godliness is to walk in love.  If we are thinking with a filter of love for God and love for our brethren, then we will be a step ahead of every mental battle we face.  First loving God, the Bible tells us that God knows those that are his because of our love for Him. This is the answer to Matt 7:23, He knows who are His because we love Him.

1 Cor 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.KJV

Matt 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.KJV

The first filter we put on is love for God, the second is love for our neighbors.  We have to learn to love the unlovable.  That does not mean stay in an abusive situation; that does mean separate yourself, but love an abuser from afar.  Also we should be especially good to the household of faith.

Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.KJV

That also doesn’t mean there aren’t abusers in the household of faith, be wise. But we can love each other without being victims if we remember there are no perfect people.

1 John 3:16-18 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.KJV

Here we see that if we don’t have charity or love, we are nothing and nothing we do matters in this life.  All things will fail or cease but not love.  If we walk in love, if we think in love, if we use love, agape, as our filter in life, to run everything through, thoughts, deeds, or ideas, before we act, we will never fail.

1 Cor 13:1-8 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: KJV

Charity NT:26 agape (ag-ah'-pay); from NT:25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast: KJV - (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Just a side note the love-feast was an actual feast that the poor and the rich had together, sharing all food in common at the expense of the wealthy.  The love-feast took place before communion, or the Lord’s Supper.  This was the breaking of bread and was meant to be an encouragement to all believers, sharing all they had in common. That is agape. However due to abuses and distortions, the churches eliminated the love feast by the 7^th century. These were to be assemblies of Christian Fellowship. 

The idea of having a love filter is that we have something to line our thoughts and actions up with.  The devil hates agape because it is the opposite of everything he is.  The devil distorts love, confusing it with lust; but true agape is a powerful ministry tool.  When we truly love people, we give them something they may never find anywhere else.  That draws people to God.  This is why Paul tells us that agape is a more excellent way. We have gifts to use from the Holy Spirit, but love is seen and known above all else.  And without it we are just obnoxious noise.  Now that we are working on our thoughts, we have to secure our property to keep demons out, next week.

Gifts and Power of the Holy Spirit for the Believer, Casting Out Demons Part 3

Dr David Livingstone, Scottish Missionary 1813-1873.

People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger now and then with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and the soul to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice.

Speech to students at Cambridge University (4 December 1857)

I think David Livingstone’s perspective is good, he had a hard time in Africa and he did not waiver in his faith.  There are many things that come against believers in Christ.  Sometimes they are demonic in nature.  Christians can have demons, I know that this can be a controversial subject but we have to think this through without being emotional.   Have you ever known of a Christian to lie, cheat, steal, physically hurt someone, emotionally abuse someone or over use alcohol?  Sure you have, there are plenty of people like that in our very churches.  One of the problems we have is trying to help these people get free yet it seems like they continue to make the same mistakes over and over.  If we are not ministering to the root of the problem we are not setting people free.  How we do that, is what we need to look at, but first we need to look at a few more verses on our power.

Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power [dunamis] of the Holy Ghost.KJV

Rom 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power [dunamis] of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.KJV

1 Cor 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power [dunamis]:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power [dunamis] of God.KJV

1 Cor 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power [dunamis].KJV

We can have joy and peace if we recognize that the power we have gives us hope.  Signs and wonders follow those that believe and preach.  If we know the kingdom of God is in power, then it would seem logical to walk in that power, as Jesus told us that the power was coming on the day of Pentecost.  Once we have the infilling of the Holy Ghost we have power.  Yet having power does not guarantee a smooth life. In fact it seems to bring more trouble to the disciple.

2 Cor 1:8-10 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength[dunamis], insomuch that we despaired even of life:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; KJV

2 Cor 4:5-12 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power[dunamis] may be of God, and not of us.8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.KJV

2 Cor 12:7-12 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength [dunamis] is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power [dunamis]of Christ may rest upon me.10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds[dunamis].KJV

What is this thorn in the flesh, Paul says it’s a messenger of satan.  What is a messenger of satan? It is an evil spirit.  Paul went to God, trying to get it to depart but God was willing to allow it to stay, isn’t that reminiscent of Job?  God says His grace is sufficient, meaning God’s grace will see him through.  With dunamis inside Paul, he could withstand the messenger of satan.  This is the life of an overcomer.  If there is nothing to overcome, what reward would there be to the church, as Revelation describes? Overcomers are facing hard things every day, this is why the overcomer is saved from the coming wrath, because they live it today.  Not to get too far off the subject, we should look at one verse that uses the preposition ek, meaning out of.

NT:1537 ek (ek) or ex (ex); a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote): KJV - after, among,  are, at, betwixt (-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+abundantly above), for (-th), from (among, forth, up),  grudgingly,  heartily,  heavenly,  hereby,  very highly, in, ...ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since,  thenceforth, through,  unto,  vehemently, with (-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

1 Thess 1:10 And to wait for his Son from [ek, out of] heaven, whom he raised from [ek out of] the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from [out of] the wrath to come.KJV

We are not going to go through “the wrath”; he takes us out of the wrath to come just as he was taken out of heaven, and then out from among the dead.  This is why we have to have something to overcome now, otherwise what would we be overcoming?  This also is why there is power in preaching, so that the Kingdom of God is shown in power to the non believing people.  With all that in mind, the thing we want to focus on is the dunamis in the church, and casting out demons among Christians.  Paul tells us how this power works in the church.

1 Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

That should put everyone’s mind at ease, no one is cursing when they speak by the Spirit, instead this is one way we can say Jesus is Lord.  It is also the way we know if someone is truly ministering by the Holy Spirit and not a wolf in sheep’s’ clothing, using trickery to deceive the body of Christ.

1 Cor 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

Paul points out that there are differences of gifts, or differences of offices, or differences of the way these things work but it is all working through the Holy Spirit. God is in it all.

1 Cor 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

The demonstrating of the Spirit or the exhibition of the Spirit is given to everyone for profit. This is why we want to utilize what God has given to us because it is profitable; there is something good that comes from manifesting the gifts of the Spirit. Here is a list, maybe not all inclusive, but certainly useful for everyone who may be in need. Now as we have seen in past studies, the Greek is a very specific language and we lack the detailed translation in English so that we get confused over what we read. We have two words in the Greek here in the text for another.  Let’s look.

Another NT:243 allos (al'-los); a primary word; "else," i.e. different (in many applications): KJV - more, one (another), (an-, some an-) other (-s, -wise).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:243 allos, allee allo  another, other  a. absolutely: Matt 27:42  b. as an adjective: Matt 2:12 c. with the article: ho  allos the other (of two), Matt 5:39 (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Allos =Another of the same kind (denoting mumerical distinction). The second of two where there may be more. (EW Bullinger’s Companion Bible; Zondervan Bible Pulishers, fourth printing; All rights reserved; appendex 124, pg.160)

 Another NT:2087 heteros (het'-er-os); of uncertain affinity; (an-, the) other or different: KJV - altered, else, next (day), one, (an-) other, some, strange.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2087 heteros, hetera, heteron, the other; another, other  1. to number, as opposed to some former person or thing   a.  without the article, other: joined to a noun Matt 12:45 and Luke 11:26  b. with the article, the other (of two): Matt 11:16 2. to quality; another i. e. one not of the same nature, form, class, kind; different Rom 7:23; 1 Cor 14:21  (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Heteros= Another of a different kind ) usually denoting generic distinction). The “other” of two where there are only two.  (EW Bullinger’s Companion Bible; Zondervan Bible Pulishers, fourth printing; All rights reserved;appendex 124, pg.160)

One word for another, allos, means second of several, while the other word, heteros, means different than the first. Allos is the same of several such as several eggs in a carton, when someone asks for “another” egg you would hand them an egg from the carton not a slab of ham.  Heteros is different, such as in a family that consists of a Father and a Mother, both are parents but they are different, one is male one is female. Let’s put that together here.

1 Cor 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another [allos, another of the same kind] the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another [heteros, another of a different kind] faith by the same Spirit; to another [allos, another of the same kind]the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another [allos, another of the same kind] the working of miracles [dunamis]; to another [allos, another of the same kind] prophecy; to another [allos, another of the same kind] discerning of spirits; to another [heteros, another of a different kind]  divers kinds of tongues; to another [allos, another of the same kind]the interpretation of tongues:

To read this with the proper detail it would read: For to one person is given by the Holy Spirit the word of wisdom, another manifestation is the word of knowledge given by the same Holy Spirit.  To another person is given faith by the Holy Spirit and another manifestation is gifts of healing given by the Holy Spirit. Another manifestation is working of miracles and another manifestation is prophecy and another manifestation is discerning of spirits. To another person is given the manifestation of divers kinds of tongues and another manifestation is the interpretation of tongues. Heteros refers to the person in the Church who is the one using the gifts or manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Allos refers to the manifestations the Holy Spirit gives. The manifestations of the Holy Spirit are the eggs in the carton; they are all the same Spirit and power. 

What Paul is communicating in using these two greek words for another is that he is distinguishing between people (when heteros is used it is refer to another person) in the Corinthian Church, and (when allos is used it is) another gift of the spirit. There may be one person using wisdom and knowledge, as led by the Spirit, while a different person may be led to use faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, and discerning of spirits.  And a different person may be led by the Spirit to utilize several types of tongues and interpretation of tongues. This does not mean you can only have one or two, or just some of the gifts of the Spirit.  In this case it seems to be an example that you can use whatever you are directed to use.  This infers that people have to have a personal relationship with the Holy Ghost to know what he would have you do. Notice that the word miracles is the Greek word for power, dunamis, miracle working power that came on the day of Pentecost. One Spirit, the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost is the director in these gifts.  For context let’s look at this passage in The Message.

1 Cor 12:8-11 The variety is wonderful: wise counsel, clear understanding, 9 simple trust, healing the sick, 10 miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. 11 All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

The Spirit decides who gets what, and when, for the time of need.  Remember the demonstrating or manifesting of the Spirit is for profit, someone gains from your obedience to the Holy Spirit.

1 Cor 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.14 For the body is not one member, but many.KJV

All of these gifts work by the Holy Spirit and are divided to everyone in the church as needed, as the individual ministering also may need at a particular time.  In other words those endued with power from on high in the church all have the ability to minister and the Holy Spirit will give each minister what he/she needs.  A person ministering is not “taken over” by a force and made to do things, the minister is the one who wills to minister and does. This means that the minister must have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, and must know the voice of the Holy Spirit.  That does not mean a new Christian can’t use the gifts of the Spirit, or that only people who are approved by men can minister the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Anyone who wishes to be used by the Holy Spirit can be used to minister to the body of Christ, it simply depends on the will of the one ministering. The Holy Spirit is the one who directs the gifts; the person is the agent of the Holy Spirit.

Now we can look at the miracle working power we have in this section of scripture.  One of the gifts, manifestations, or workings of the Holy Spirit is the discerning of spirits.  What does that mean?  Through the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to see spiritually in a situation, or within a person, to uncover what spirits are at work. We do not “look” with the five senses at what the spiritual manifestation is and then decide using logic what demon must be at work in the situation, we’re letting the Holy Spirit reveal it to us.  In casting out demons, Jesus sometimes asked the name of the leader, but we may not need to, the Holy Spirit knows the names of the demons that need to be extracted. 

Within the Church, people can have demons; the reason is that in some part of their life they have not made Jesus Lord.  Usually there is an underlying reason, hurt or shame that holds someone back.  That means if there is someone who self medicates with alcohol they have not dealt with the reason they drink, which allows that demon to continue to reside there.  If someone wants that demon to leave they can tell that demon to leave them, which is the best way to get rid of that demon.  However if the person does not really want that demon to leave, that demon won’t leave.  

If we remember the Apostle Paul, he may have had some physical ailments, some historical records indicate he was a short bald man who may have had an eye sight issue, but what we saw in 2 Cor 12 was that an angel or messenger of satan came to punch him with a fist so that he would not become haughty, that is the somewhat literal interpretation of that verse. If satans evil messengers came to punch Paul, could they still do that today? Sure, therefore in casting out demons, there may be some demons that are allowed by God (as in Paul’s case with the messenger of satan) so that the individual can be an overcomer, utilizing God’s grace.  This is why Paul then says he glories in infirmities and persecutions, etc.  He is happy to suffer so that he can rejoice that he has the power to overcome.  I know I seem to be hitting this hard but it is because I believe we have seen a lot of distortions in the church.  If you are not healed, then you need to learn to overcome, simple.  You may never be healed, or you may even die, but will you glory in your suffering?

With the understanding in mind, that even if we are ministered to we may not be healed or set free, let’s look at how we are to minister healing, which could be either for sickness or casting out demons. 

Mark 11:12-14 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.KJV

Mark 11:20-21 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.KJV

I once had a self proclaimed psychic try to accuse Jesus because he cursed a fig tree.  I handed him my pocket New Testament and asked him to find that for me, he spent about a half hour reading my Bible but couldn’t find it.  At that time I had only been a Christian for about nine months or so but I knew how to share this with him if he had ever found it, which he never did and he dropped the conversation.  Yes Jesus cursed the fig tree, and the funny thing is it dried up from the roots up, not top down like trees are supposed to.  This was a teaching moment for everyone including us.  Jesus knew the season for figs to be harvested was not then, but all he found were leaves, no buds.  If there are buds of figs in the proper season, there will be figs to harvest at the right time, but all that he found were leaves, no buds, which you can eat even though they are not mature.  My Grandparents all had fig trees in Brooklyn.  If there were no buds, there would not be any figs, but guess what, Jesus spoke to the tree, not to the Father about the tree, not to the farmer about the tree, he spoke to the tree.  Something to remember is to speak to the problem.  When the disciples were surprised, Jesus went on to teach them.

Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

1. Have conviction and reliance in God

Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain,

2. Speak to the problem. Whosoever means any one. Jesus does not say only those approved by men.

Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea;

3. Tell the problem what to do and where to go, give good directions.

and shall not doubt in his heart,

4. Do not doubt what the Holy Spirit is leading you to say and do.

but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass;

5. Believing is a noun and a verb, a verbal, a word that is a noun formed from a verb .  You have to actively believe, and simply believe.

he shall have whatsoever he saith.

6. You shall have whatever you say, not think, or consider, but whatever you speak out, as directed by the Holy Ghost.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

7. Praying and commanding are two different things, now Jesus says when you pray, believe.

Mark 11:25-26 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.KJV

8. When you pray also forgive.

You may wonder why I have taken the liberty to add the Holy Spirit into this section.  Firstly the Church had not been established at this time, and the disciples could have the Holy Spirit on them but the Holy Spirit was not directing the church yet, Jesus was preparing them for it.  Jesus was telling them what to do at that time, and later he told them that the Holy Spirit would guide them, starting on Pentecost.  When ministering to someone it is imperative to be led by the Holy Spirit, otherwise you might end up like the seven sons of Sceva.  You are not infinite in your knowledge or understanding, the Holy Spirit is, so let the Holy Spirit do the leading. 

In practical application, first make sure the person wants deliverance and confesses Jesus as Lord. Then ask the Holy Spirit what is wrong, don’t ask the person, don’t let the person go on and on about their ailments, just simply tell the person you are ministering to that you don’t want to talk about it, you just want to hear from God.  We established a few weeks ago that the Holy Spirit will tell you and show you what you need to know.  Therefore if you see a picture in your mind, ask what it is.  If you hear the Holy Spirit say something you don’t understand ask what you are to say.  I am visual and see pictures but they don’t always make sense, so I have to ask what it is that I am seeing.  When I first began ministering to people the process was slower as I was learning to listen and obey, but as time went on I heard and saw at the same time and knew what to do quicker.  Interestingly if I am ministering with someone else they usually see and hear at the same time, but what they see by way of the Holy Spirit is usually different.  That is because the Holy Spirit knows how to communicate to each of us so that we can understand.  And yet both ministers come to the same conclusion. 

Then speak to the problem, the demon, or the tumor, or to the spell of witchcraft, whatever it is speak to it. If the Holy Spirit shows you a spirit of slumber say “you spirit of slumber I command you to….” Remember give it good directions, whether to leave and…, be bound and …, kneel before Jesus, whatever the Holy Spirit says.  Say it with confidence, loud and bold, you are not asking you are telling, commanding, there is no discussion here.  There is no such thing as taking no for an answer because there is no answer to be given, you do the commanding, because you said so.  How many of us cringe at that from our childhood arguments with our parents? Now that attitude is coming in handy, isn’t it? Stand up straight, throw your shoulders back puff out your chest and be in charge, you are receiving the revelation, not the demon, not the sickness, and not the one you are ministering to. You are the one with the dunamis, which is why you are there.  You may consider not ministering around unbelievers, or Christians who don’t believe as they probably will be inspired by demons to interfere.  Like Jesus did when he raised the young girl from the dead, he put the unbelievers out of the room.  Mark 5:38-ff, Luke 8:50-ff. You can do the same.

Now when you are praying, not commanding but praying, you are to believe as well but this time you are asking the Father for something.  Maybe you are praying over someone that they find a job, or are comforted, or if you get no direct revelation for ministering, you pray.  Once I remember a girl who wanted prayer, but no one could get any revelation on what to minster to.  Finally someone asked her what she wanted to be ministered to for, and as she started to speak the revelation hit everyone.  She was a smoker who had been ministered to before. She only had the use of the top third of her lungs as the bottom two thirds were hard and damaged.  The problem was God did not give us the go ahead to minister and heal her because she refused to quit smoking.  She wanted to keep smoking and be healed.  God told us to tell her that we would pray for her to have the strength to quit and then she would be healed.  Whether she quit smoking or not I don’t know but this was a good lesson for me that not everyone gets healed when they ask.  Also God had already told her through the previous people ministering to her that she had to quit smoking and she didn’t. This would be an example of someone having to make an effort on their own and God would meet their need when they made the effort. 

Remember also to forgive.  You forgive when you pray, the people who need prayer should forgive also.  Many times people are bound by demons or sickness because they have unforgiveness.  Forgive, forgive, forgive.  Paul tells us that we are of the body of Christ and that there are diversities of ministry but that there is a better way.

1 Cor 12:27-31 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles[dunamis], then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles[dunamis]?30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.KJV

Even though we have divine power to cast out demons, heal the sick, or raise the dead, all of these things work better when we walk in love.   The reason it is more excellent to walk in love is that all the gifts of the Spirit will flow from love and compassion.  It is the energy behind what Jesus did on the cross for us, it is the energy that motivates us to enjoy and endure suffering; love is the better way. In the next blog we’ll discuss walking in love and controlling your own mind; that’s how we keep demons out.