It’s time to revolt. There
are times when we have to rise up, and take a stand against an enemy attacking
our thoughts. Have you ever noticed how positive the news is (or not)? Whether
written or viewed, the bias of the reporter usually intends to inspire fear motivation
in the reader/viewer.Even commercials rob us of our peace, inspiring us to buy
products out of fear. Memes and internet chatter make us fearful of everything
and everyone. The god of this world loves to keep humans off balance,
especially the Christians. Keeping people agitated makes it easier for
believers to be successfully attacked spiritually. What if we live our lives
differently? What if we revolt against all the fear based “news” and live our
lives in peace that passes understanding? How can we do that?
It seems
contradictory to say we have to fight to attain peace, but that is generally
true. In order to be overcomers and to live in peace, we have to fight the
enemy who runs this world. The example of the seven churches of Revelation
shows us there is no reward for whining about our condition but there are
rewards for those who are willing to engage the enemy. Success is based on our
level of willingness to fight. It’s time to rise up in revolt against the
enemies’ lies. It is time to rebel against the devil and his systems. It is
time for a revolution of love to be poured out from us into the world. It is
time for an insurrection against bondage and time for freedom in Christ. Ready
to roll?
While it is true that
we are the aliens, strangers, and foreigners here on earth, and that the devil
is doing what he can to subdue the Christians, there is a time for the
Christians to rise up, with all their God given power, and beat down the enemy.
Let’s establish who Jesus said is in control of the world.
John
12:30-32 Jesus
answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.31 Now is the judgment of this
world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.32 And I, if I be lifted up from
the earth, will draw all men unto me.KJV
John
14:30-31 Hereafter
I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath
nothing in me.31 But
that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me
commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.KJV
John
16:11 Of
judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.KJV
If Jesus said that
the devil is the prince of this world, then can I ask a simple question? Why do
we blame Yahweh/Jehovah for every bad thing that happens in the world? If your
god is the devil, then you are correct in accusing god of doing bad things to
good people. But if Yahweh/Jehovah is your God, the one who created the heavens
and earth, then your accusations are misdirected.
If someone does not
believe in Jesus Christ, their mind has been blinded by the god of this world. We
know the battle is in the mind, it starts in the mind long before it moves into
the body. It is our mind that needs attention so that we can live in peace. The
devil has a method and methodology of infiltrating the mind. Sometimes we are
bombarded with too many thoughts spinning out of control; sometimes we cannot
think one thought at a time.
2 Cor
4:3-5 But if
our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:4 In whom
the god of this world [165] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should
shine unto them.5 For we
preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants
for Jesus' sake.KJV
NT:165 aion (ahee-ohn'); from the same as NT:104;
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world;
specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future): KJV - age,
course, eternal, (for) ever (-more), [n-] ever, (beginning of the while the)
world (began, without end). Compare NT:5550.(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 god
of this age will not be ruling forever. Ages end, and as we have studied, the
heavens tell the story that that the devil’s rule is ending. We are here now while the devil still rules,
so how can we stay peaceful? How can we keep our mind guarded? Firstly, we have
to think, meditate, put on, the word of God into our mind. If we memorize
scripture in times of peace, in times of upheaval we will be able to rely on
the living and active word of God to control and reign in our thoughts.
Isa
26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.4 Trust ye
in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is
everlasting strength: KJV
For
starters, if we keep our mind on the Lord Jehovah we will be at peace. Also, if
we trust and lean on Him, not on ourselves, He will direct us.
Prov
3:5-6 Trust in
the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine
own understanding.6 In all
thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.KJV
Knowing
that greater is he who is living inside of us than the one who is in the world
is helpful. We know we can control our thoughts and that we are more powerful
over the barrage of thoughts and fear that attempt to rob us of peace.
1 John
4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is
he that is in you, than he that is in the world.KJV
Knowing
who you are in Christ is the key to your confidence. There are many schemes and
plans that devil uses to put us in bondage but we were made free. We are free
from sin, even if we are sinning we are free because Jesus paid that price.
That does not mean we should sin so grace can abound though.
Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye
became the servants of righteousness.KJV
Even when
we do things wrong we have the tools of repentance to get us back on track; we
once walked in disobedience, but not any longer. We were made alive when we
confessed Jesus as Lord.
Eph 2:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were
dead in trespasses and sins;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:3 Among
whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh,
fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the
children of wrath, even as others.KJV
We used
to fulfill the lusts of the flesh and the mind because the prince of the power
of the air “worked” on us until we broke down. However, for the believer in
Christ there is no condemnation. We might have to remind ourselves and the
devil of that.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no
condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit.KJV
Here are
the tools to keep us guarded and in peace. Let’s take apart 2 Corinthians
10:3-6 to find out the key to keeping our thoughts peaceful. Think the thoughts
of Christ. Slow your thoughts down and analyze each one. Does it line up with
the word of God? Here is what Paul tells us.
2 Cor
10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
We are
warring in our mind and spirit first, before we ever sin in the flesh. This
tells us that no matter what is happening in our flesh, we have to engage in monitoring
our thoughts. Catch the wrong thoughts first, and we will stop the sin in the
flesh. Stop the fearful thoughts, and then we will not act out of fear. Instead
we will have peace.
4 (For the weapons [33639]of our
warfare[4752] are not carnal, but mighty[1415] through God to the pulling down[2506]
of strong holds[3794];)
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.)
NT: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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
Our
apostolic walk is like military service and we have offensive weaponry that is
not of the flesh, but instead powerful through God to the demolition and
extinction of enemy fortresses. Remember, if you are a believer in Christ you
are walking around with a target on your back. I’m not sure why we think
becoming a believer is all cotton candy and popcorn, it is instead a fight, but
one that yields eternity in Christ. Verse 5 is the verse that tells us how we
can do this.
5 Casting[2507] down imaginations[3053],
and every high thing[5313] that exalteth[1869] itself against the knowledge[1108]
of God, and bringing into captivity[163] every thought[3540] to the obedience [5218] of
Christ;
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
NT:163aichmalotizo (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.)
NT:164 aichmalotos (aheekh-mal-o-tos');
from aichme (a spear) and a
derivative of the same as NT:259; properly, a prisoner of
war, i.e. (genitive case) a captive:KJV - captive.(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: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.)
NT:3539 noeo (no-eh'-o)
or noieo (noy-eh'-o); from NT:3563; to exercise the mind
(observe), i.e. (figuratively) to comprehend, heed:KJV -
consider, perceive, think, understand.(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: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.)
Violently
demolishing thoughts and reason and elevated barriers that rise up against the
knowing of God, and making a prisoner of war every perception and idea to the
compliance and submission of Christ. This is it; this is the way we take back
our peace. This is also the way we edify and build ourselves up. Catch every
thought, every one, not some, not most, but every single thought, and subject
it to the scrutiny of the obedience of Christ.
6 And having in a readiness to
revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.KJV
Always be
ready to take revenge on all disobedience. Whatever does not comply with the
knowledge of Christ, whatever does not align with the Bible, throw out of your
head. Let’s read this in the International Standard.
2 Cor
10:3-6 Of course, we are living in the
world, but we do
not wage war in a world-like way. 4 For the weapons of our warfare
are not those of the world. Instead, they have the power of God to demolish
fortresses. We tear down arguments 5 and every
proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God, taking every
thought captive in order to obey the Messiah. 6 Once your
obedience is complete, we will be ready to reprimand every type of
disobedience.ISV
We can
make every thought obedient because we have the mind of Christ. That is part of
what we have with the Holy Spirit indwelling us.
1 Cor
2:14-16 But the
natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned.15 But he
that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.16 For who hath known the mind of
the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.KJV
1 Cor
2:16 For who
has known or understood
the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have
the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold
the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa
40:13.] AMP
If we
have the mind of Christ, then we can keep putting the scripture in our mind in
place of wrong thoughts because the word of God is a discerner of the thoughts
and intents of our heart. Let’s explore how we can work to enter into rest.
Heb
4:9-16 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.10 For he that is entered into his
rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.11 Let us labour therefore to enter
into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
We will have peace when we are not trying to do what we want, or trying
to leave God out of a part of our lives. We have to work to be able to rest. We
have to fight to be free; we have to revolt against the world systems.
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.
The logos is written or spoken
words, also thoughts; so the thoughts and words of God are alive and energized.
God’s words are sharper than a double edged sword that penetrates and separates
breath life and spirit and joints and bone marrow. God’s word critically
discriminates thoughts, deliberations, and intents within your hearts’ thoughts
and feelings. Your heart has thoughts according to neuro-cardiologists.
Therefore we have a brain with thoughts and a heart with thoughts. The word of
God told us this long before we ever had the technology to understand it, yet
the words of God divide and separate the thoughts and intents that we have.
13 Neither
is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are
naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.14 Seeing then that we have a great
high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold
fast our profession.15 For we
have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.16 Let us therefore come boldly unto
the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time
of need.KJV
I think of the words
of Gandalf in the movie The Hobbit to
the Dwarves in Goblin Town; “Take up arms, Fight, Fight!” We have a sword, so we may as well use it. If
we do, we can enter into peace and rest. If we don’t allow the fear of the
world to enter into our hearts, if we live with the word of God in our mind, we
can combat anything the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air,
has for us. What is there to fear? The devil doesn’t have the power over death
and hell any more. Sometimes we just have to shout the word of God, like a Kiai,
which is meant to intimidate the enemy, shout the words of God.
God sees
it all, all our feelings, all our thoughts, all our struggles. Jesus suffered
like us. He was also tempted just like us, except he did not sin or allow
himself to sin. Because he suffered like us, we can approach the throne of
grace and receive mercy in time of need. Especially in times of need, we have
to put on the words of God, into our mind, into our heart, into our every
thought.
Heb
2:13-16 And
again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which
God hath given me.14 Forasmuch
then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise
took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the
power of death, that is, the devil;15 And
deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to
bondage.16 For
verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of
Abraham.KJV
Jesus now has the keys
to hell and death, the devil lost that to Jesus because Jesus was sinless. While
on earth, people get oppressed by the devil, therefore we have to use the
living and powerful words of God to cut the oppression out of us.
Acts
10:38-40 How God
anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about
doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with
him.39 And we are witnesses of all
things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they
slew and hanged on a tree:40 Him God
raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; KJV
As we
know, sometimes the simple things are the most effective, and that is a
strategy of the enemy, to make things look complicated.
2 Cor
11:2-4 For I am
jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband,
that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.3 But I
fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so
your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.4 For if he that cometh preacheth
another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit,
which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye
might well bear with him.KJV
We cannot
allow the devil to corrupt our minds from the simplicity of Christ. Jesus said
we should be of good cheer since he overcame the world.
John
16:33 These
things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye
shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.KJV
We can
have peace if we revolt against the fear inspired thoughts the devil tries to
oppress us with. We have to fight this mental battle so that we can have peace.
We have to stop every thought to see if it is against the words of God, or if
our thought agrees with the words of God. It’s time to revolt against the enemy,
and not allow him to steal our peace. This battle can only be fought by us, so take
up arms, fight, fight!
