Sometimes we question our sonship and what it is that we have been given as sons and daughters of the Creator. The world blatantly drowns out the message of the cross, and the enemies of the cross push the lie that the children of the Most High are weak and powerless. That is a lie. This lie has invaded the church. We have more authority then we recognize over principalities, powers, rulers, and spiritual wickedness. I took a picture underwater of a school of minnows swimming, and while almost all were swimming in the same direction, there was one minnow going the opposite way. We want to be Christians swimming in different directions as per the Holy Spirit rather than following the group. That is how we can be effective with our authority in a spiritual war. Once we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are given authority. Whether we use it or not is up to us. If we want to understand the spiritual realm we need to understand what we have authority over. We want to look into different aspects of authority, exousia, and the difference between beings with spirit, soul, and body, as compared to the periodic elements.
John 1:12 G3745 But as many as G1161 G2983 received G1473 him, G1325 he gave G1473 to them G1849 authority G5043 [2children G2316 3of God G1096 1to become], G3588 to the ones G4100 believing G1519 in G3588 G3686 his name; G1473
2983 LSJ Gloss:λαμβάνω to take
Dodson:λαμβάνω I receive, take (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.
Thayer:
1) to take
1a) to take with the hand, lay hold of, any person or thing in order to use it
1a1) to take up a thing to be carried
1a2) to take upon one's self
1b) to take in order to carry away
1b1) without the notion of violence, i,e to remove, take away 1
λαμβάνω
lambanō lam-ban'-o A prolonged form of a primary verb, which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively [probably objective or active, to get hold of; whereas G1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while G138 is more violent, to seize or remove ]) KJV Usage: accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).
1849 LSJ Gloss:ἐξουσία power
Dodson:ἐξουσία power, authority, weight (a) power, authority, weight, especially: moral authority, influence, (b) in a quasi-personal sense, derived from later Judaism, of a spiritual power, and hence of an earthly power.
Thayer:
1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases
1a) leave or permission
2) physical and mental power
2a) the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises
3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privi
ἐξουσία
exousia ex-oo-see'-ah From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influenceKJV Usage: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
5043 LSJ Gloss:τέκνον that which is borne
Dodson:τέκνον a child, descendent, inhabitant.
Thayer:
1) offspring, children
1a) child
1a) a male child, a son
1b) metaph.
1b1) the name transferred to that intimate and reciprocal relationship formed between men by the bonds of love, friendship, trust, just as between parents and children
1b2) in affectiona
τέκνον
teknon tek'-non From the base of G5088; a child (as produced) KJV Usage: child, daughter, son.
4100 LSJ Gloss:πιστεύω to trust, trust to
Dodson:πιστεύω I believe, have faith in I believe, have faith in, trust in; pass: I am entrusted with.
Thayer:
1) to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in
1a) of the thing believed
1a1) to credit, have confidence
1b) in a moral or religious reference
1b1) used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul
1b2) to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith
1bc) mere acknowledgment of some fact or event: intellectual faith
2) to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity
2a) to be intrusted with a thing
πιστεύω
pisteuō pist-yoo'-o From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ) KJV Usage: believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.
3686 LSJ Gloss:ὄνομα by name
Dodson:ὄνομα name, character, reputation name, character, fame, reputation.
Thayer:
1) name: univ. of proper names
2) the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one's rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.
3) persons reckoned up by name
4) the cause or reason named: on this account, because he suffers as a Christian, for this reason
ὄνομα
onoma on'-om-ah From a presumed derivative of the base of G1097 (compare G3685); a “name” (literally or figuratively), (authority, character) KJV Usage: called, (+ sur-) name (-d).
As many as take hold of Him, He gives exousia, jurisdiction, to be birthed children of God, believing in His reputation. If one believes on Jesus as Lord and Savior, that one is given exousia, delegated influence, as a potentate or magistrate as children of God. If a father births a child, that child can walk in the authority of the father. Therefore if we are children of God, and we believe on His name, we have the exousia of our father. Now we must realize a four year old does not command much authority, nor does a teenager. Those who command authority are those children who grow up in the ways of the Father. In other words they learn the business. Those children who do not learn the business do not command the right authority.
Colossians 1:12-13 (KJV)
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
We are delivered from the exousia of skotos, the jurisdiction of darkness; we changed our address when we believed. Darkness has authority. We have more authority. Doesn’t the Creator have more authority than the created usurper?
Colossians 1:14-18 (KJV)
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Colossians 1:16 G3754 for G1722 in G1473 him G2936 were created G3588 the whole, G3956 G3588 the things G1722 in G3588 the G3772 heavens, G2532 and G3588 the things G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth -- G3588 the G3707 visible G2532 and G3588 the G517 unseen; G1535 whether G2362 thrones, G1535 whether G2963 lordships, G1535 whether G746 sovereignties, G1535 whether G1849 authorities; G3588 the whole G3956 G1223 through G1473 him G2532 and G1519 in G1473 him G2936 have been created
2362
θρόνος
thronos thron'-os From θράω thraō (to sit); a stately seat (“throne”); by implication power or (concretely) a potentate KJV Usage: seat, throne.
2963 LSJ Gloss:κυριότης dominion
Dodson:κυριότης lordship, domination, dignity
(a) abstr: lordship, (b) concr: divine or angelic lordship, domination, dignity, usually with reference to a celestial hierarchy.
Thayer:
1) dominion, power, lordship
2) in the NT: one who possesses dominion
κυριότης
kuriotēs koo-ree-ot'-ace From G2962; mastery, that is, (concretely and collectively) rulers KJV Usage: dominion, government.
746
ἀρχή
archē ar-khay' From G756; (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concrete) chief (in various applications of order, time, place or rank) KJV Usage: beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.
We have been released by ransom. This tells us that there are thrones, lordships, sovereignties, authorities, and all were created by Jesus. Not just the positions, but the beings, the ones seen and the ones unseen. Jesus created these beings and positions, as well as humans who can have exousia. Jesus is their Creator as well as our Creator. We stand in representation as a potentate for our Creator. Who then submits to whom?
Ephesians 3:8-12 (KJV)
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
This is the mystery that was hidden, from before the age. What a complete surprise for the created beings to find out that we humans are created as superhuman magistrates. The angels desired to look into this mystery but they could not see it. Now, once we are sons of the Most High God with exousia, we make known this multifaceted wisdom of God to the archē and the exousia, the chiefs and magistrates of the celestial sphere. This tells us that there is a spiritual hierarchy, as there are chiefs and magistrates in the celestial realm. Backed by our Creator, we have jurisdiction over those who committed mutiny to submit to the created being, the satan. If Christians understood who and what the satan is they would not be intimidated.
Ephesians 6:11-13 (KJV)
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
We put on armor and take up a sword against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness. This is what we should look like to spirit beings. We all should view our image in a mirror and determine if we look like a threat to the enemy or not.
Colossians 2:9-15 (KJV)
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Colossians 2:15 G554 having divested G3588 the G746 sovereignties G2532 and G3588 the G1849 authorities, G1165 he made an example G1722 in G3954 an open manner G2358 triumphing over G1473 them G1722 by G1473 it.
554 Dodson:ἀπεκδύομαι I strip, divest, renounce.
Thayer:
1) wholly put off from one's self
1a) denoting separation from what is put off
2) wholly to strip off for one's self (for one's own advantage)
3) despoil, disarm
ἀπεκδύομαι
apekduomai ap-ek-doo'-om-ahee Middle voice from G575 and G1562; to divest wholly oneself, or (for oneself) despoil KJV Usage: put off, spoil.
Jesus made an open example of sovereignties and authorities stripping them of their sovereignty and authority. He triumphed over them. We are complete in Him. But what if they pretend to have higher sovereignty, archē, and authority, exousia then we have? What if we think they have power over us that they don’t truly have? This is what demons do in deliverance ministry, they make the person trying to extract them think they are bigger and stronger then they are. They are posers. But if they can fool Christians, then Christians don’t use their jurisdiction against them. Demons do not have a soul or a body. They want to inhabit a body, but of themselves, they are only spirit. Compared to humans who are spirit, soul, and body, we are a more complete being on the earth than demons.
Ephesians 2:2 (KJV)
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Ephesians 2:2 G1722 in G3739 which G4218 at one time G4043 you walked G2596 according to G3588 the G165 eon G3588 G2889 of this world, G3778 G2596 according to G3588 the G758 ruler G3588 of the G1849 authority G3588 of the G109 air, G3588 of the G4151 spirit G3588 of the one G3568 now G1754 operating G1722 in G3588 the G5207 sons G3588 G543 of disobedience;
Once we walked according to the age of the cosmos according to the ruler, archōn, of the exousia of the lower air. The ruler over the power of the air also energizes, energeō, or activates, the descendants of disobedience, apeitheia. Let’s break this down. What is the age of the cosmos; what age are we in? We are in the age of the man, the adam, which is now under the governance of the satan. We walked around all day long pressed down by the age which the satan has taken over. It would be like living in a house with a low ceiling, causing us to stoop and bend. The things that dictate this age are under the rule of the satan. We walked under this dominion before we became children of the Most High God.
After the fall of the adam, the satan became the archōn, the ruler over the magistrate of the lower air. There is a ruler of the lower air who now operates under the authority of the satan. We were born under this structure of power. We live under this structure of power until we realize as sons of the Living God that we don’t have to. We walked, pushed down, by this system. Once we grow up as sons and daughters of the Living God, we push against the ceiling until it breaks open. Also the archōn over the magistrate of the lower air activates the sons of rebellion. In other words, the satan who governs the ruler of the lower air also energizes the sons of rebellion. We walk oppressed by this hierarchy, until we take a stand as sons of the Most High. We then find out the ceiling was only paper thin, and as we tear it down we cause quite a commotion among the sons of rebellion.
What is this air that has a prince over it? The compounds that make up air are mostly nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (20%). Air includes several other gases that amount to about 1%. It is a composition of elements. Elements do not have spirit, soul, or body, as humans and animals do. They are not spirits as demons are. Yet elements are not inanimate, they have a vibratory pattern. That pattern is affected by its surroundings, as Masaru Emoto discovered with water and water crystals.
Outer space contains plasma of hydrogen and helium as well as electromagnetic radiation. Outer space does not have spirit, soul, and body, but it does have chemical reactions and interactions. It also has movements and vibrations.
All things have movement; atoms and molecules move. For example, a chair is not solid or stationary, yet we cannot see it’s molecular movement. We cannot see it’s true state with our naked eyes, therefore we think it is solid and stationary. While we think plants are simple living forms, we know that they too have vibratory patterns and they communicate in different ways. Yes, broccoli does cry.
“According to researchers at the Institute for Applied Physics at the University of Bonn in Germany, plants release gases that are the equivalent of crying out in pain. Using a laser-powered microphone, researchers have picked up sound waves produced by plants releasing gases when cut or injured. Although not audible to the human ear, the secret voices of plants have revealed that cucumbers scream when they are sick, and flowers whine when their leaves are cut [source: Deutsche Welle].
There's also evidence that plants can hear themselves being eaten. Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that plants understand and respond to chewing sounds made by caterpillars that are dining on them. As soon as the plants hear the noises, they respond with several defense mechanisms [source: Feinberg].
For some researchers, evidence of these complex communication systems -- emitting noises via gas when in distress -- signals that plants feel pain. Others argue that there cannot be pain without a brain to register the feeling. Still more scientists surmise that plants can exhibit intelligent behavior without possessing a brain or conscious awareness [source: Pollan]." https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/plants-feel-pain.htm
We also know that human hearts and brains have vibratory waves that communicate to others without using speech or actions. We may feel hostility when we walk into a room. We may feel love when we enter a home. Our love for someone else can be healing to them. A calm person can calm others just by their presence as the calm person’s heartbeat, while not heard or seen by others, will slow down the heartbeat and pulse of an agitated person.
The weather related elements have angels over them. We know angels are called by their function in the Book of Revelation. We also know from Enoch that these positions run the universe, whether the sun, moon, stars, planets, all are working together to keep accurate time and balance. Again these elements do not have spirit, soul, or body as humans do.
The elements are in subjection to our jurisdiction. They are not demonic entities, they are living molecular entities. They may have demons hanging around them, but they are chemical compositions forming plants, air, water, fire, earth, and aether, and any combination thereof. Remember when Jesus told us if the people didn’t praise him the rocks would cry out? Rocks have a vibration that can sing praises, just as the stars can sing praises. If plants can cry, they can sing as well.
As we have studied the subject of the apocalypse we understand that the entire creation is awaiting the apocalypse of the sons of God. When the sons of God are revealed on the Day of the Lord, the creation will begin it’s healing. However, prior to that time, during the tribulation, we know that the earth will rebel against men and cause many to die.
Romans 8:18 G3049 For I consider G1063 G3754 that G3756 [6 are not G514 7worthy to be compared G3588 1the G3804 2sufferings G3588 3of the G3568 4present G2540 5time] G4314 to G3588 the G3195 [2about to be G1391 1glory] G601 uncovered G1519 unto G1473 us.
19 G3588 For the G1063 G603 earnest expectation G3588 of the G2937 creation G3588 [2the G602 3uncovering G3588 4of the G5207 5sons G3588 G2316 6of God G553 1awaits].
20 G3588 G1063 For G3153 to vanity G3588 the G2937 creation G5293 was submitted, G3756 not G1635 willingly, G235 but G1223 through G3588 the one G5293 submitting it, G1909 upon G1680 hope;
3153 Dodson:ματαιότης vanity, purposelessness vanity, emptiness, unreality, purposelessness, ineffectiveness, instability, frailty; false religion.
Thayer:
1) what is devoid of truth and appropriateness
2) perverseness, depravity
3) frailty, want of vigour
ματαιότης
mataiotēs mat-ah-yot'-ace From G3152; inutility; figuratively transientness; morally depravity KJV Usage: vanity.
2937
κτίσις
ktisis ktis'-is From G2936; original formation (properly the act; by implication the thing, literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: building, creation, creature, ordinance.
5293 LSJ Gloss:ὑποτάσσω to place
Dodson:ὑποτάσσω I place under, subject to I place under, subject to; mid, pass: I submit, put myself into subjection.
Thayer:
1) to arrange under, to subordinate
2) to subject, put in subjection
3) to subject one's self, obey
4) to submit to one's control
5) to yield to one's admonition or advice
6) to obey, be subject
ὑποτάσσω
hupotassō hoop-ot-as'-so From G5259 and G5021; to subordinate; reflexively to obey KJV Usage: be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
The creation was put under subjection of moral depravity when the morally depraved one, the satan, took control of the world.
Romans 8:21 G3754 that G2532 even G1473 [3itself G3588 1the G2937 2creation] G1659 shall be freed G575 from G3588 the G1397 slavery G3588 G5356 of corruption, G1519 unto G3588 the G1657 freedom G3588 of the G1391 glory G3588 of the G5043 children G3588 G2316 of God.
22 G1492 For we know G1063 G3754 that G3956 all G3588 the G2937 creation G4959 groans together, G2532 and G4944 suffers distress together, G891 as far as G3588 the G3568 present.
4959 LSJ Gloss:συστενάζω to lament with
Dodson:συστενάζω I groan together.
Thayer:
1) to groan together
συστενάζω
sustenazō soos-ten-ad'-zo From G4862 and G4727; to moan jointly, that is, (figuratively) experience a common calamity KJV Usage: groan together.
4944 LSJ Gloss:συνωδίνω to be in travail together
Dodson:συνωδίνω I am in travail together.
Thayer:
1) to feel the pains of travail with, be in travail together
2) metaph. to undergo agony (like a woman in childbirth) along with
συνωδίνω
sunōdinō soon-o-dee'-no From G4862 and G5605; to have (parturition) pangs in company (concert, simultaneously) with, that is, (figuratively) to sympathize (in expectation of relief from suffering) KJV Usage: travail in pain together.
All of the creation experiences the same calamity, lamenting and groaning and simultaneously feeling pain as in childbirth.
Is it possible for the elements of creation to have a mini apocalypse when a son of the Most High God asserts his/her authority? Yes. Technically the elements would have an epiphany, a realization of the authority, magistrate, or potentate before them and would submit to that one. Isn’t this how Jesus walked on water? Isn’t this how Jesus calmed the storm? Isn’t this how Jesus walked through a crowd who wanted to kill him, unseen? Isn’t this how Jesus, in his resurrected body walked through walls? Isn’t this why Jesus told us that with a small amount of faith we could move mountains?
Mark 11:23 (KJV)
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
As sons we have authority over demons, children of wrath, and the elements. Isn’t this what happened with Moses an Aaron?
Exodus 7:10-12 (AMP)
10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did as the Lord had commanded; Aaron threw down his rod before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a serpent.
11 Then Pharaoh called for the wise men [skilled in magic and divination] and the sorcerers (wizards and jugglers). And they also, these magicians of Egypt, did similar things with their enchantments and secret arts.
12 For they cast down every man his rod and they became serpents; but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
Not only were the magicians able to duplicate the rod turning into a serpent, there were many rods that turned into serpents. It seems the magicians were exercising some authority over the elements of the rods. Yet Aaron’s rod/serpent swallowed all those other rods/serpents. Moses, Aaron, and all the magicians, did the same thing. Isn’t this what witches do today? Isn’t this how they curse the creation? Shouldn’t the sons of the Most High God subdue the evil coming from the children of wrath? Shouldn’t the children of the Most High God throw down a rod to swallow their rods?
We might not have understood Paul when he said that we were infants under the elements of the world and we were enslaved. We have to grow up in our positions as children of the Most High God. We have to break through the paper ceiling. When we were infants we were subject to the elements. We may have also been under the control of demons. We may have been under the oppression of the hierarchy of evil. We may have been burdened by the children of darkness. When we grow up we are to learn how to be superhuman, exousia, and take our position above these things.
Galations 4:3 G3779 So G2532 also G1473 us, G3753 when G1510.7.4 we were G3516 infants G5259 under G3588 the G4747 elements G3588 of the G2889 world, G1510.7.4 we were G1402 being enslaved.
4747 LSJ Gloss:στοιχεῖον one of a row
Dodson:στοιχεῖον a heavenly body, an element (a) plur: the heavenly bodies, (b) a rudiment, an element, a rudimentary principle, an elementary rule.
Thayer:
1) any first thing, from which the others belonging to some series or composite whole take their rise, an element, first principal
1a) the letters of the alphabet as the elements of speech, not however the written characters, but the spoken sounds
1b) the elements from which all things have come, the material causes of the universe
1c) the heavenly bodies, either as parts of the heavens or (as others think) because in them the elements of man, life and destiny were supposed to reside
1d) the elements, rudiments, primary and fundamental principles of any art, science, or discipline
1d1) i.e. of mathematics, Euclid's geometry
στοιχεῖον
stoicheion stoy-khi'-on Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4748; something orderly in arrangement, that is, (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)
KJV Usage: element, principle, rudiment.
4748 LSJ Gloss:στοιχέω to go in a line
Dodson:στοιχέω I walk I walk in, walk by.
Thayer:
1) to proceed in a row as the march of a soldier, go in order
1a) metaph. to go on prosperously, to turn out well
2) to walk
2a) to direct one's life, to live
στοιχέω
stoicheō stoy-kheh'-o From a derivative of στείχω steichō̄ (to range in regular line); to march in (military) rank (keep step), that is, (figuratively) to conform to virtue and piety KJV Usage: walk (orderly).
2889 LSJ Gloss:κόσμος order
Dodson:κόσμος the world, universe the world, universe; worldly affairs; the inhabitants of the world; adornment.
Thayer:
1) an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government
2) ornament, decoration, adornment, i.e. the arrangement of the stars, 'the heavenly hosts', as the ornament of the heavens.
1 Pet. 3:3 3) the world, the universe
4) the circle of the earth, the earth
5) the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family
6) the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ
7) world affairs, the aggregate of things earthly
7a) the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, etc, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ
8) any aggregate or general collection of particulars of any sort
8a) the Gentiles as contrasted to the Jews (Rom.
11:12 etc)
8b) of believers only, John 1:29; 3:16; 3:17; 6:33; 12:47 1 Cor. 4:9; 2 Cor. 5:19
κόσμος
kosmos kos'-mos Probably from the base of G2865; orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively [morally]) KJV Usage: adorning, world.
1402 LSJ Gloss:δουλόω to make a slave of, enslave
Dodson:δουλόω I enslave.
Thayer:
1) to make a slave of, reduce to bondage
2) metaph. give myself wholly to one's needs and service, make myself a bondman to him
For Synonyms see entry G5834
δουλόω
douloō doo-lo'-o From G1401; to enslave (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: bring into (be under) bondage, X given, become (make) servant.
When we were infants we were enslaved under the elements of the cosmos. The cosmos had authority over us as infants without exousia but once we know the Living God and we are known by the Living God, we do not return back to the elements.
If we were to line up positions and ranks to show authority in the world, starting on the left as lowest authority and on the right as highest authority we would put demons furthest left. Let’s say they rank as a 1. Humans without Jesus or the satan as their Lord would stand to the right of the demons, rank 2. The elements would stand to the right of the men not under any lordship, rank 3. The next position to the right of the elements would be the children of wrath, those under the lordship of the satan, rank 4. Furthest right would be the sons and daughters of the Most High God, rank 5. If we rank as a 5 why would we want to return to live as a rank 2? In this mix we have some angels with more authority and some with less authority. Ministering spirits are to minister to us, but archangels take orders from the Lord Jesus. The satan has a legal right to his authority, and while we can usurp the satans plans for us, we still live on earth in our physical bodies. The satan can set up situations that oppress us or hinder us. We can break those plans but we can’t dethrone the satan. Jesus is Lord overall, he is the just and righteous creator who gave man the cosmos to rule. Man lost his position as ruler to the satan, yet Jesus bought us with His blood and gave us exousia, delegated influence.
Notice that the elements are ordered and arranged as a military line. There is a balance between things that are measured and ordered. Even though the creation is under the subjection of moral depravity, instability, and is devoid of truth, the creation can be corrected. Not completely, because as we have studied there will be a day when the sons of the Living God are harpazo’d and more chaos will ensue on earth until we see the earth rebel and fight against those left on the earth during the tribulation. Paul goes on in verse 9.
Galations 4:9 G3568 But now, G1161 G1097 having known G2316 God, G3123 but rather G1161 G1097 having been known G5259 by G2316 God,…
1097 Dodson:γινώσκω I come to know, learn, realize I am taking in knowledge, come to know, learn; aor: I ascertained, realized.
Thayer:
1) to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel
1a) to become known
2) to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of
2a) to understand
2b) to know
3) Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
4) to become acquainted with, to know
For Synonyms see entry G5825
γινώσκω
ginōskō ghin-oce'-ko A prolonged form of a primary verb; to “know” (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as shown at left, with others not thus clearly expressed) KJV Usage: allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) known (-ledge), perceive, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.
We know, understand, and perceive, the Most High God. Then the Most High God knows, understands, and perceives us. Once we have come to this knowledge we can start to mature as sons and daughters. Paul asks why we would turn back?
Galations 4:9....G4459 how G1994 do you return G3825 again G1909 unto G3588 the G772 weak G2532 and G4434 poor G4747 elements,…
1994 LSJ Gloss:ἐπιστρέφω to turn about, turn round
Dodson:ἐπιστρέφω I turn back to (a) trans: I turn (back) to (towards), (b) intrans: I turn (back) (to [towards]); I come to myself.
Thayer:
1) transitively
1a) to turn to
1a1) to the worship of the true God
1b) to cause to return, to bring back
1b1) to the love and obedience of God
1b2) to the love for the children
1b3) to love wisdom and righteousness
2) intransitively
2a) to turn to one's self
2b) to turn one's self about, turn back
2c) to return, turn back, come back
ἐπιστρέφω
epistrephō ep-ee-stref'-o From G1909 and G4762; to revert (literally, figuratively or morally) KJV Usage: come (go) again, convert, (re-) turn (about, again).
3825 LSJ Gloss:πάλιν back, backwards
Dodson:πάλιν again, further, on the other hand
again, back, once more, further, on the other hand.
Thayer:
1) anew, again
1a) renewal or repetition of the action
1b) again, anew
2) again, i.e. further, moreover
3) in turn, on the other hand
πάλιν
palin pal'-in Probably from the same as G3823 (through the idea of oscillatory repetition); (adverbially) anew, that is, (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjugationally) furthermore or on the other hand KJV Usage: again.
772 LSJ Gloss:ἀσθενής without strength, weak, feeble, weakly
Dodson:ἀσθενής weak, infirm, sick
(lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick.
Thayer:
1) weak, infirm, feeble
ἀσθενής
asthenēs as-then-ace' From G1 (as a negative particle) and the base of G4599; strengthless (in various applications, literally, or figuratively and morally) KJV Usage: more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak (-er, -ness, thing).
4434 LSJ Gloss:πτωχός one who crouches
Dodson:πτωχός poor, destitute poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad.
Thayer:
1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms
2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour
2a) lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches
2b) helpless, powerless to accomplish an end
2c) poor, needy
3) lacking in anything
3a) as respects their spirit
3a1) destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ's teaching and proved them selves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure)
For Synonyms see entry G5870
πτωχός
ptōchos pto-khos' From πτώσσω ptōssō (to crouch; akin to G4422 and the alternate of G4098); a beggar (as cringing), that is, pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used in a qualified or relative sense; whereas G3993 properly means only straitened circumstances in private), literally (often as noun) or figuratively (distressed) KJV Usage: beggar (-ly), poor.
Why would we want to turn backwards to the feeble destitute elements? We read that the creation is in pain until the revealing, the apocalypse of the sons of God, why do we want to be under the authority of the elements like infants? Do we really want to regress in our rank back to a 2? We don’t want to be under the rule of the elements, or demons, or the children of disobedience.
Galations 4:9…..G3739 in which G3825 again, G509 as at the beginning G1398 [2to serve G2309 1you want]?
509 LSJ Gloss:ἄνωθεν from above, from on high
Dodson:ἄνωθεν from above, from the beginning, again (a) from above, from heaven, (b) from the beginning, from their origin (source), from of old, (c) again, anew.
Thayer:
1) from above, from a higher place
1a) of things which come from heaven or God
2) from the first, from the beginning, from the very first
3) anew, over again
ἄνωθεν
anōthen an'-o-then From G507; from above; by analogy from the first; by implication anew KJV Usage: from above, again, from the beginning (very first), the top.
1398LSJ Gloss:δουλεύω to be a slave
Dodson:δουλεύω I am a slave, am subject to, obey I am a slave, am subject to, obey, am devoted.
Thayer:
1) to be a slave, serve, do service
1a) of a nation in subjection to other nations
2) metaph. to obey, submit to
2a) in a good sense, to yield obedience
2b) in a bad sense, of those who become slaves to some base power, to yield to, give one's self up to
δουλεύω
douleuō dool-yoo'-o From G1401; to be a slave to (literally or figuratively, involuntarily or voluntarily) KJV Usage: be in bondage, (do) serve (-ice).
Do we really want to be slaves as we used to be? Before we knew, ginōskō, the Living God, and he knew us, we were slaves to everyone. Remember the magicians that Moses and Aaron dealt with? Before knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior we didn’t have exousia, jurisdiction, so magicians would have more authority than men do. Firstly, regular men, who are not saved, have authority over demons. Secondly, men who make an allegiance with the satan have some power in the name of satan over the elements. This is why the magicians could make snakes from rods. They had the authority over demons and elements. Yet the children of the Living God have the power of a potentate over men, children of wrath, demons, and the elements. We rank as a 5.
If we understand this, we will understand the miracles that he disciples did, the twelve, the seventy, and then later after the day of Pentecost as the apostles went out with the good news. Our rank and position as sons of the Most High is not below anyone. We have been told in churches that miracles died with the apostles, but that is simply not true. We have been given exousia, jurisdiction, in the world. Paul also tells us not to let anyone rob us.
Colossians 2:8 G991 Take heed G3361 lest G5100 [2anyone G1473 4you G1510.8.3 1there shall be G3588 G4812 3robbing] G1223 through G3588 the G5385 fondness of intellectual pursuits G2532 and G2756 empty G539 deception, G2596 according to G3588 the G3862 tradition G3588 G444 of men, G2596 according to G3588 the G4747 elements G3588 of the G2889 world, G2532 and G3756 not G2596 according to G5547 Christ!
How will people be robbed? Through intellectual pursuits, empty deception, through traditions of men. By these things we are brought back under bondage of the elements of the world, not through Christ, the Messiah. The deception of the enemy is to tell the world that there is no God. If that doesn’t work for some the deception is that God is mean and angry. If that doesn’t work for some then the deception is that the Creator is distant and doesn’t love us. Eventually people can’t understand the Father or the Son. Our churches should be unraveling these lies.
The disinformation the prince of the power of the air pushes on the world has worked in the church also. We start out excited about our new relationship with Jesus, we learn about the Holy Spirit and we start to learn and grow. Then someone comes along with a tradition, and tells us that we have to do these traditions and rituals. Someone else comes along with empty deception and says that you can’t heal the sick. Then another person comes along and says you must go through this school or that class before you can know the Bible. Pretty soon the new disciple is right back under the bondage of the elements and not Christ. Paul’s words were written two thousand years ago, but they fit our time today quite well.
Witches use demons and the elements for their curses and their powers to bind the rest of the world. We have to take our superhuman jurisdiction and subdue them. We can also speak life into the elements, the air, the earth, the water, the plants. We have more authority than the demons and children of wrath do. Remember this is why satan alighted like a burning flame back to earth when the seventy went out, he had to reorganize his principalities, powers, and rulers. He had to come up with a strategy to subdue this movement.
We are not powerless, feeble worms, under the shoes of the enemy, his people, and his spirit beings. We have power, authority, jurisdiction, superhuman mastery, as a potentate who is not in subjection to the rules and authority in the kingdom of the enemy. We rank as a 5. We need to learn our Father’s business so that we can take our rightful place on the earth. We are the spiritual watchmen, gatekeepers, and military, for our Lord. We will have to learn diligence to subdue and overcome all the snakes, scorpions, and all the dunamis of the enemy.
