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 7th
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.
