EFFECTIVE USE OF SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

TRETS: 26.7.2018

EFFECTIVE USE OF SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

2 Corinthians 10.3-5, Ephesians 6. 10-18

Life is not to be taken casually. “He who takes life casually will soon be made a casualty of life”. Everyone in life is in a battle front knowingly or unknowingly. The believer, in particular, is constantly engaging in spiritual warfare consciously or otherwise. However, fighting against the unseen forces of Satan and his demonic agents can neither be done in human capacity nor with secular weapons. It takes Strategic utilized Spiritual weapons to win the orchestrated spiritual battles of the enemy. Therefore, The Christian, as a soldier, is not just to see himself as being in the war front but must know his weapons distinctly and equally understand their individual utilization for the maximum result of victory. This exactly is Paul’s message to believers in our text today. He emphasizes our inevitable warfare against the enemy, He confirmed our undefeatable weapons and strategy;  and He assures us of our winning strategies and victory in battle.

Believer’s  Warfare against Satanic Coalitions. 2 Cor. 10.3, John 10.10, 1 Peter 2.11, James 1.14-16, Numbers 22. 1, 4-7, Num 25.1, Matt. 4.1-11,

As believers, our warfare against the devil is not just a “one-all” battle. It is multidirectional and perpetual, as we must expect are both internal and external onslaught.  The chief enemy of the believer is Satan, the Devil. He is not human but spiritual, yet he uses human elements to attack, oppose and war against believer. He has his cohorts and lieutenants in high wicked places supporting his mission against Christians in all ages and every nation. Remember that we wrestle not against flesh and blood though he may appear in human strategy (Eph. 6.12). Their focus is not against your person, but because you had decided for the Lord. The moment you repent of your sins and profess Christ as your Lord and savior, giving your life to him, the battle line is drawn. The overall goal of your enemy is “to kill, to steal and to destroy” (John 10.10). We must, therefore, earnestly contend against our own fleshly lust, passions and desires (internal); and we also confront wicked forces in high places (external). To overcome Satan, you must make sure you are born again, and be renewed from this prevailing negative practices in the world. Sin must have been conquered, Self must have been crushed and himself must have been crucified to the Lord. Satan plotted the destruction of Israel through Moab. He hired Balaam the false prophet to curse the people of God. When he failed, then he resulted in using seduction through the lust of the flesh and many of them died

Biblical Weapons and Strength in time of Conflicts.  Eph. 6. 10-18, 2 Cor. 10.4-6, 1 John 5. 4-5,

The Believer’s weapons are classified into two. There are the defensive weapons used to defend, shield and protect ourselves from the arrows of the enemy. These are helmet of salvation, girdle of truth, breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit i.e the Word of God. The second class is the offensive weapons used to attack the enemy and conquer in battle. In warfare, we are not only to protect ourselves from their attacks, we are also called to demolish all their strongholds and demonstrate ability to stand firmly in the days of adversity. These two classes of Christian weapons are integrated together and complement each other. A true Christian reads, believes and obey Gods word, and he is automatically preserved by God from dangers. Yet he claims those promises and speaks the Word at the devil, and the plots of the enemy literarily crumble.  These weapons are powerful because they are spiritual. The church becomes strong when we live righteously and demonstrate power over sin, Satan and the flesh. We must practically resist the devil through our obedience to God’s word (James 4.7). We must subject our thoughts and actions to the obedience of Christ and His will, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him (Titus 2.12). We must also watch our intentions and guide our eyes from every evil appearances that may corrupt us and make us defiled hence becoming vulnerable to Satan (I Thess. 5.22). However, watchfulness and prayer is the key offensive weapon against the enemy. A true Christian must be ready to pray earnestly to overcome the enemy claiming the words of God and throwing them at the devil as missiles. He must also be in readiness to avenge the devil and exercise authority through the Name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, the undefeatable power of God, and through the confidence in God’s presence.  Examples in scriptures of such missiles are Isa. 54.14-17 promise of protection from the enemy, Isa 41.11-14 preservation against the gathering of evil forces, Ps 119.165- Prayer for peace in the midst of troubles, Ps. 32.8 Prayer for guidance and direction in time of confusion, Numbers 23.23 Prayer to cancel the devices of Satan, 2 Sam. 15.31 Prayer in time of conspiracy. Prov.18.10- Power through His name, Isa. 43.2-Divine presence, the blood of the lamb Rev.12-11, His delegated authority over demons Luke 10.19.Deliverance from every curse Gal. 3.13. Remember, righteousness of life brings boldness in prayer. Christians in warfare must be ready to pray all forms of prayers – of praises, intercession, authority, power, and all form of prayers should be utilized to completely demolish the strong holds of the devil. The weapon of prayer is further enhanced with fasting. But we must ensure we have total faith in God for it is God the answers and not by power nor by might. (Mark 11.23, James 5.13-15)

Beneficial Winning Strategy of Christians in all Battles  Ephesians 6. 17-18Job. 11.13-19, Psalm 50.14-15, Job 22. 27-29,

Having understood the efficacy of our Spiritual weapons, our strategy in battle is very crucial as it determines how soon the door of victory is opened. Careful self-examination is the first step in winning life’s battle. Effective uses of our weapons make us to have results much faster but contradictory lifestyle and omissions will hinder our victory. (i) The power of praises. Our praises glorifies God. When we praise Him in time of trouble, we act in faith showing Him as giving the solution already. This speeds up God’s intervention in our challenges ( Jehoshaphat and Judah in  2Chron. 20.20-24), (ii) power of personal prayer of faith (1 Chron. 4. 9-10),  (iii) power of prayer combined with personal vows and seed sowing (1 Sam. 1. 11), (iv) power of agreement prayer (Matthew 18.18-19, Acts 12. 1, 5-110), (v) power of Apostolic authority (Acts 3.6), (vi) prayer in  congregational agreement (Acts 4.31). Prayer in unknown tongues and manifestation of the gifts of the spirits (1 Corinth 12. 7.) and Power in the Blood of Jesus Rev. 12. 11. When we effectively use these weapons with authority in Christ, prison doors shall be opened, chains shall be loosed, yokes shall be broken, storms shall be silenced, bitterness shall be turned to sweetness and poverty shall give way to prosperity in our lives in Jesus name 

DESIRING AND PRAYING FOR PERSONAL REVIVAL

MIRACLE AND REVIVAL PROGRAM. JULY  20, 2018. THE GOD OF ABUNDANCE SEMINAR DAY 1

DESIRING AND PRAYING FOR PERSONAL REVIVAL
Psalm 85.6, Ezekiel 37. 1-10

Will you not revive us again Oh Lord! The writer of this Psalm had seen the era of the mighty works of God and had heard of God’s power through signs and miracles in Israel. But now he compared the deplorable conditions of Israel and its leadership to the good old days when they enjoyed the supernatural from God. He came to the conclusion that God is the only One who can change the situation by His mighty power. The same happens in our lives today and in our church and community. Many things we see shows and prove that we need revival.

When a Christian becomes cold and lukewarm in his service to God becomes mechanical, he needs revival. When his joy begins to turn into depression in the course of time and at the space of present predicaments, when our love begins to decrease due to disappointments in life, when his prayer life becomes choked with the activities of his busy life and he finds it difficult to prayer again, when his service for the Lord is losing excitement and it becomes monotonous without the grease of joy for Gods work, when his desire for the word and the strong meat of God’s word is disappearing and his quiet time has become just a mere formality. When his faith in God is giving way to the fear of man and every little challenge becomes a trouble to the believer, then there is need for revival. When righteous living becomes difficult and there is no more thirst for God's word or His will, there is need for revival. God have to do something in you before he can do something through you. God needs a man like Moses, Elijah, Nehemiah, Peter, Paul etc to bring back the message of revival to his children and to change the world today. Will he find you faithful? We need revival.

Pathetic Conditions that Requires personal  revival Ps. 74. 1-11, Ps 141.7, 2 Chron 15.3, Ephesians 2. 12,

Israel saw the wilderness experience in their lives and they knew they could die without help if they failed to cry for revival. They had fallen into the hands of the enemies and they can see the reproach upon them. They were described in many ways in scriptures which shows their deplorable conditions. We also today can check up our lives and see if these conditions and characteristics are in our lives (i) spiritual lethargy, Lukewarmness, coldness (Rev. 3.16), Spiritual Deadness (Rev 3.1), Deafness ( Jere. 6.17), Hopeless in troubles (Job 7.6), helpless under untold yoke and burden (Rom. 7.24), Sicknesses and diseased (1 Cor. 11.30)

Price for Personal Revival  Isa. 57.15, 2Tim. 2.21,  Joel 2. 12-13, 15-16.

We have a price to pay when we are pursuing revival. We cannot sit down and expect the sudden change. We must be determined that we will identify the causes of these degradation and choose to respond to God’s voice. The following are some of the basic steps we need to take for a true revival to begin.

(i)Repentance and Righteousness with complete humility (Matt. 18.3), (ii) Hate Sin and not love the world (1 John 2.15), (iii)  Conscience void of offence towards God and towards man  (Acts 24.16), (iv) Holy and pure in heart and life (1 Peter 1.15-16), (v) Filled and be baptized with the Spirit of God (Luke 24.49, Acts 1.8), (vi) Close fellowship and relationship with God in lifestyle and communion (Ps. 63.1, Ps. 84.2), (vii) Receive instructions daily from God and not depend on the flesh and are fully surrendered to God (Ps. 32.8), (viii) Have conviction of God’s purpose and plan for the church and for his works in Calling Sinners to repentance every opportunity, (ix) Must be a man of prayer closet and surrendered to God in prayer and preaching (Ezek. 22.30)

Prayer for personal revival Hab 2.3, Ezekiel 37. 10, Acts 4.24-31, Joel 2. 18-27, Ezek. 22.30

No man is greater than his prayer life. He that would be revived by God must renew his altar of prayer. It is when our prayer comes from the heart and changes our life that true revival can begin. God is looking for a man who will come into communion with him to change the world for Him. Moses, Ezekiel, Daniel and Peter could achieve this revival in their time because they gave themselves to prayer and supplication. We cannot get anything that will change and transform souls of men without heart-felt prayer to God. When our prayer touches heaven. Then there will be renewal, resurrection, restoration and recovery of every thing we had lost. This will come through the effectual fervent prayer of the people of God this night.

SPEAKING UP FOR CHRIST IN UNUSUAL PLACES

TRETS: JULY 12, 2018

SPEAKING UP FOR CHRIST IN UNUSUAL PLACES

Mark 16.15, Matthew 10.32-33, Acts 8.4,

To speak for Christ is to confess Christ everywhere we go, in secrete and in public. It means, to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ, and our dependence on him for salvation, and our attachment to him, in every proper manner. We must never be ashamed neither of the person, the character, the doctrines, nor the requirements of Christ. If we are; if we deny him in these things before men, or are unwilling to express our attachment to him in every way possible, then it is right that he should disown all connection with us, or deny us, before God. However, unusual places are the places where we go by providence and by divine rearrangement. Some of these places include Palaces of kings and governors, market places, before our boss in work places etc. Note, that our presence at such unusual places nay not necessarily be to our pleasure.  But whichever way it is, we are called to confess Christ and defend the faith everywhere.

Charge and the Pattern of Speaking for Christ everywhere. Matt 28.19-20. Mark 16.15, Matt.10.32, Lu 12:8; Ro 10:9-10; Re 3:5

Believers everywhere are called and charged to speak for Christ in every places they go. To speak for Christ is to defend our Christian faith and to use every opportunity at our disposal to preach the gospel. This is what our calling and commission entails. Confessing Christ begins by giving our lives to him and speaking out of the crowd to declare that we are sinners and needs forgiveness. This is the primary confession of everyone who wants to be with Christ forever. However, believers must be firm in their conviction that Christ is the Lord and be ready to speak for this everywhere. The manner by which we must speak for Christ includes:. (i) Confessing our Sins before Him at Salvation, (ii) Contending for the faith in Christ (Jude 3), (  ii) manifesting purposeful mind against worldliness and worldly pollutions and corruptions (iv) Preaching Christ always against false doctrine and error, (vi) when you maintain your stand as a Christian in spite of the opposition of bribery and sharp practices, (vii) In times of Persecutions when we bear the pain and reproach without denying our master. In all these occasions, the mission of a believer is to maintain a purposeful character that will draw others to the Saviour. We must not allow any situation to overwhelm us and make us succumb to the pressure of the world and to Satan.

Courageous People who spoke for Christ everywhere.  1 Cor. 4.5-11,

Speaking for Christ in unusual places can only be possible when a believer had given everything he is to Christ completely.  Paul the Apostle declared that he and all his team members were able to speak for Christ in spite of the reproach and persecutions in his time. We also see some other examples in the scriptures which include (i) (iii) The woman of Samaria at the well spoke for Christ by preaching to all Samaria (John 4. 27-30), (iv) Peter and John spoke for Christ preaching the gospel in spite of threatening and beatings by the Jews (Acts 4. 14-21), (v) Paul and Silas were imprisoned and yet spoke for Christ. The Philippian jailor and his house were saved (Acts 16.25-32).  Paul the Apostle when he spoke in judgment before King Agrippa (Acts 26. 24-31),

Consequences of Preaching and Speaking for Christ everywhere  John  4. 39-42, Acts 5. 26-29, Acts 26.28, Dan. 3. 23-30,

Great manifestations of God’s power, signs and miracles follows when we speak for Christ and present Him purposefully to the people. Though these people may not be expecting to hear such message at such times and places, yet when we courageously pass the message across, it hits the heart of the hearers like a hammer and breaks them down for the Spirit’s conviction of their sins. The Jews couldn’t deny the penetration of God’s words in their time but to declare “ye had filled Jerusalem with your doctrine”. If we can be bold like them, and speak for Christ like them, God will use us to bring Salvation to our communities.  Agrippa declared that Paul almost persuaded him to be Christian (Acts 26.28), through the courage of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, king Nebuchadnezzar became astonished and he reversed the satanic decree in the land.

When we speak for Christ always, we shall confirm the faith of the weak, we shall bring others to the Lord, we shall bring joy to our communities, we shall have evil decrees and manipulations reversed in our land, we shall have peace in our hearts, our churches shall increase and disciples shall be multiplied. Signs and wonders shall return to the church and revival shall fill our communities. However, we cannot have such courage to speak without prayer, without fire, without purging away the worldly attachments from us, without burning away the encumbrances of the world from our minds, and without complete consecration of our lives, hearts, times and being to the Lord. We must pray back this consecration into our lives tonight so we can see our signs again.