IN CHRIST IN DAYTONA

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WARFARE MANUAL - (page 3)

YE SHALL REAP IF YE FAINT NOT

Lets look at THE "STRUCTURE" OF A STRONGHOLD . . .

2Cor.10:3-5

"3For 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;) 5Casting 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;"

2Tim.2:3-4

3Thou thereforeG3767 endureG2553 hardnessG2553, (conflicts of military service) as a goodG2570 soldierG4757 (a warrior) of JesusG2424 ChristG5547.

4NoG3762 manG3762 that warrethG4754 (who serves [1Cor.9:7 ] in a military campaign) entanglethG1707 himself with the affairsG4230 of this lifeG979; that he may pleaseG700 him who hath chosenG4758 him to be a soldierG4758 (recruiter warrior).

Phil. 2:25 Paul called Epaphroditus his brother (80); companion in labour (4904); & fellowsoldier (4961) as well as apostle (652) and minister (3011). In Philemon 2 Paul called Archippus a fellowsoldier.

THE BODY OF CHRIST HAS TO HAVE A LEADERSHIP (WARRIORS) WHO SEES THEMSELVES AS THE APOSTLES SAW THEMSELVES! This is apostolic doctrine . . . and will break any strongholds!

The affairs of this life "enter in and choke the Word and it becometh unfruitful . . ." (Mark4:15-19)

THIS IS HOW THE APOSTLES SAW THEMSELVES . . . AND COMMANDED THEIR NEW RECRUITS!

1Tim.1:18-19

18ThisG5026 chargeG3852 I commitG3908 unto thee, sonG5043 TimothyG5095, accordingG2596 to the propheciesG4394 which wentG4254 beforeG4254 onG1909 thee, that thou by them mightest warG4754 (SERVE IN THIS MILITARY CAMPAGIN) a goodG2570 warfareG4752; (A GOOD CAREER OF SERVICE AND STRATEGY)

19HoldingG2192 faithG4102, and a goodG18 conscienceG4893; whichG3739 someG5100 having putG683 awayG683 concerningG4012 faithG4102 have madeG3489 shipwreckG3489:

The LORD would say this day:

"My people suffer because of the lack of knowledge of those who I have called as leaders, because they will not come up to the mark of where I have called them to be IN ME says the LORD; they wish to do and be as the traditions of men and not my Apostolic counsel which comes from my Word says the LORD. I am against you, those of you who think you can do as you please, and not fast and pray when I tell you, but rather concern yourselves with that which men look at and see . . . this is an abomination before me says the LORD; I will instruct you to change your ways, for this moving I do here in Daytona is of me says the LORD, and those who will not come up to the mark, will be removed from leadership, for I must have those who I can trust to be faithful in the little sanctuary at this time that I may exalt you to the fuller instruction to bring the REMNANT out, says the LORD."1Tim.4:1-2

"1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;"[refer to: 1Tim.1:4-6; 4:7; 2Tim.4:4; Titus 1:14-16; 2Pet.1:16 for that which TURNS THE MIND]

1Pet.2:11

"11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;"

MANS HEART

The battleground between the devil and man is his heart. Man's conscience, & soul. The Soul is made up of three areas which scripture calls the mind, will, and emotions. The mind of man is where he "imagines" or has an "imagination".

The Greek word here for imagination is :

G3053

λογισμός

logismos

log-is-mos'

From G3049; computation, that is, (figuratively) reasoning (conscience,
conceit):-imagination, thought. G3049

λογίζομαι

logizomai

log-id'-zom-ahee

Middle voice from G3056; to take an inventory, that is, estimate (literally or
figuratively):-conclude, (ac-) count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay,
number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).G3056

λόγος

logos

log'-os

From G3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic
(subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension
a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (that
is, Christ):-account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X
have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove,
say (-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me,
tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.G3004

λέγω

legoτ

leg'-o

A primary verb; properly to "lay" forth, that is, (figuratively) relate (in words
[usually of systematic or set discourse;
whereas G2036 and G5346 generally
refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 is properly
to break silence merely, and G2980 means an extended or random harangue]); by
implication to mean:-ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth,
say (-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.

The enemy desires to come to man and tell him what he wants him to believe, or basically we could say an "imagination". These spirit will tell a man a "doctrine" - or teaching. The Greek word revels this to be a SYSTEMATIC SET DISCOURSE. These are called by the Apostle . . . "high things" which seek to "exalt itself above the knowledge of God". If a man or woman does not bring the THOUGHT into CAPTIVITY to the obedience of the ANOINTED ONE - Christ, they may be opening themselves up to receiving a SEARING within their conscience.

The conscience is that part of man the Holy Ghost fellowships with and BEARS WITNESS WITH that you are a son or daughter of God. (Rom.2:15 of the heathen before the law)Romans 9

"1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart."

A "seducing spirit" is one who comes through the "empty" mind. The Greek for seducing is:G4108

πλάνος

planos

plan'-os

Of uncertain affinity; roving (as a tramp), that is, (by implication) an
impostor or misleader:-deceiver, seducing. Matt.12

"44Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first."

EMPTY

G4980

σχολάζω

scholazoτ

skhol-ad'-zo

From G4981; to take a holiday, that is, be at leisure for (by implication
devote oneself wholly to); figuratively to be vacant (of a house):-empty, give
self.

The seared conscience is the result of a wounded conscience. The mind usually STUMBLES at the instruction of the Lord in some form, and then the mind goes ON A HOLIDAY from the instruction of the Lord, and while on this holiday, he finds a "seducing" spirit, some tramp who has a systematic discourse already thought out to help fill this empty mind. As they are invited to dwell with the owner of the empty mind, they BURN THE HOUSE DOWN. Or they SEAR THE CONSCIENCE. The Holy Ghost will not live in a BURNT HOUSE!

The three doctrines are found in Rev.2:14-15, 20. The three are all poured out in the Philadelphia time frame, yet were developed in the Pergamos time frame. Pergamos meaning MARRIAGE. When Satan actually married the Body of Christ and formed the "church system, through fables (mythology) and turned their ears away from pursuing ZION, the real CALLED OUT. Thus, they began to pursue MYTHOLOGY, ". . . even denying the Lord that bought them. . ." (2Pet.2:1) and began to propagate harlot daughters, yet Jesus kills those children with death. . . spiritual separation from himself, see Rev.2:23 (better known as the DARK AGES).

The doctrine of Balaam. His name means to "wear out the people" or "cause to fail" which this relates to the STUMBLINGBLOCK.The doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The name means to "conquer the people".The doctrine of Jezebel. The name means "dwelling place". Zebulun is the root of this name. The tribe of Zebulun (Gen.49:13) became sailors. And Tyre / Tyrus was the avenue of attack through King Hiram's NAVY (1Kin.9:11,27; 10:11,22) Satan used to bring down King Solomon. Ezekiel prophesied to the demonic power residing in the Kingdom of Tyrus about such gold and merchandise being the Kings downfall, as the downfall of Satan himself. Thus showing how an evil power can work behind the scenes of a world government. Solomon fell because he had a supply of gold and fame, and he TURNED HIS HEART TOWARDS OTHER GODS. The gods of idolatry are all the same.

There are only two paths to walk by in the Earth.

The TRUTH

The LIE.

But the devil does not want to be FOUND OUT. All the pagan gods of Solomon were nothing more than the worship of the ZODIAC . . . which is MYTHOLOGY. 1Kings 11:1-11; READ (the fall) & 2Kings 23:1-27 READ verses 4-13 (the destruction of the fallen system) .

This was a type and shadow of our SPIRITUAL CONDITION and brought Israel into DIVISION AND BONDAGE. Today, the Lord wants us to leave this "spiritual division and bondage" and COME OUT OF BABYLON AND HER MAN MADE DOCTRINES OF BONDAGE. The only thing that will BREAK the power of the devil is the POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD IN OUR LIVES and not the commandments of men. Freemasonry is full of the mythology - the religion of the devil.

9. Freemasonry is the PASTOR TRAP. 87% of the FOUNDING FATHERS of America carried over from England the TRADITIONS of THEIR FATHERS. The denominations which had recently tried to REFORM the Catholic "church system". Freemasonry has always been widely accepted by all the leaders of the REFORMATION.

 

All their symbols attest to this fact. Begin to look in the spirit realm of the evil power behind the natural manifestations.

 

Freemasonry was birthed by the Catholic Church by Pope Urban II in 1096 with the first crusade. This is when they began to coin the phrase 'THE HOLY LAND'. Before the Knights of the Temple found gold, the Pope had no interest in that real estate. The "devil" caused them to have all the power of the first beast, and to make an IMAGE TO THE BEAST. (Rev.13:12-18) The image was that of Baal worship. The same god Solomon served (Molech) and attested to by the NUMBER of the gold of buying and selling!!! (1Kin. 10:14; Rev. 13:18; 666)

10. We must come together and gain more knowledge on how to war and fight in the Spirit realm and make the most of the TIME we have left. 15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

PHASE 1

What the Remnant of the Body of Christ needs at this time is to answer the call to come away, and join with this powerful nucleus which has already been birthed by the Lord. In order to accomplish this, we will have to crucify the flesh, and die to organizational names and doctrines which may seek to teach the doctrines of MYSTERY BABYLON. The Remnant hear the voice of the Shepherd. They know who they are. Jesus calls them BY NAME. As God begins to move us into intercession, He will lead us by the leadership gifts to form from the nucleus a Body of Christ that will become the SPECIAL FORCES for His Kingdom. As this group breaks the powers of darkness, many more will be set free to join and form THE REST OF THE BODY . . . " 1The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley (saints, this is the KEY OF DAVID - the burden of the valley of decision Is.22) which was full of bones, 2And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. 3And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. 4Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. 5Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: 6And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. 7So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. 8And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. 9Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. 10So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. 11Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. 12Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, 14And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD."

PHASE 2

15The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, 16Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: 17And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. 18And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these? 19Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand20And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes. 21And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, (or Spiritual MYSTERY BABYLON) whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: 22And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: (no more CATHOLIC AND PROTESTANT) 23Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, ( the houses of Jezebel ) and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God." Ezekiel 37

INSTRUSTIONS TO THE WARRING REMNANT: Ezekiel 11:13-21

"13And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

14Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 15Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the LORD: unto us is this land given in possession. 16Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, (harlot daughters) yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. (here to gain "little' strength of Sardis and Philadelphia Rev.3:2,8) 17Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, ( denominations) and I will give you the land of Israel. [the land = being IN CHRIST ]18And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. 19And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 20That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. ( 2Cor.6:14-18) 21But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD." [". . .their way upon their own heads . . ." see: Michah3:6-12 ]

Notice that Isaiah 11:10-16 says of this time period, that Judah and Ephraim will be in UNITY and will not envy nor 'vex" one another. Now that has to be the Spirit of God working when you are talking whole groups of believers to become disciple together!!

10And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign (sign) of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. 11And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. 12And he shall set up an ensign (sign) for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. 13The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. 14But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them. 15And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; (Freemasonry - group of people) and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, (seven headed beast / mythological system) and make men go over dryshod. 16And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt."

THE STRUCTURE OF THE UNSEEN REALM

Eph.3:9-11"9And 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: 10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:"

Why is it God's INTENTION (2443) to make known the manifold wisdom of Himself to the PRINCIPALITIES (746) and POWERS (1849) in the heavenly(2032) realm? There is a reason why and the Body of Christ needs to understand that reason. Greek for "principalities and powers" :

G746

Pρχή

archeτ

ar-khay'

From G756; (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concrete) chief (in various applications of order, time, place or rank):-beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule. G1849

dξουσία

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 influence:-authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.Greek for "intent" :

G2443

lνα

hina

hin'-ah

Probably from the same as the former part of G1438 (through the demonstrative idea; compare G3588); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):-albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare G3363. Greek for "heavenly" :

G2032

dπουράνιος

epouranios

ep-oo-ran'-ee-os

From G1909 and G3772; above the sky:-celestial, (in) heaven (-ly), high. G3772

ορανός

ouranos

oo-ran-os'

Perhaps from the same as G3735 (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension heaven (as the abode of God); by implication happiness, power, eternity; specifically the Gospel (Christianity):-air, heaven ([-ly]), sky.

One of the first things we need to understand is that THIS IS GOD'S WILL. This is IN THE WORD OF GOD. This verse is speaking of something we may not know, nonetheless, it is in there. We are all in this, whether we like it or not. Heb.3:1

"1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly (2032 ; SKY) calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;"

Heb.6:4 tells us that we "have tasted of the sky gift . . ." Heb.11:16 says, 16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: (SKY country 2032) wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."Heb.12:22-23

22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly (sky) Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, . . . "(3772 sky) . 2Cor.5:1; 1Cor.15:49 we will bear this image . . ." 49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." ( See also Acts 7:49 )1Pet.1:4

"4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven (3772 in the sky) for you,"1Pet.1:12 says the Holy Ghost was sent down from the sky ". . . by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; (3772) . . ." and ". . . Jesus Christ: 22Who is gone into heaven, (3772 sky ) and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." 1Pet.3:21-22

2Pet.1:16-18"16For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18And this voice which came from heaven (3772 the sky) we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount."1Jn.5:7

"7For there are three that bear record in heaven, (3772 the sky) the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

Closely related to 2032 and actually coming from 3772 is :G3770

οράνιος

ouranios

oo-ran'-ee-os

From G3772; celestial, that is, belonging to or coming from the sky:-
heavenly.

The Father of Jesus is called our "heavenly" Father. Or you could say our "sky God - sky Father". Matt.6:14; 6:26, 32; 15:13; 18:35;

Jn.3:10-13 in answering Nicodemus . . ."10Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of (sky) heavenly things? 13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from (the sky) heaven, even the Son of man which is in (the sky) heaven."

Personally, I think that Paul was telling us something when he spoke about this realm. This realm of the "sky". We as disciples of the Lord, as His new creations have power and authority over all the power of the enemy. The devil, even though having been "cast to the earth" has the ability to move from the sky realm to the earth realm. Rev.12:12-13

"12Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, ( sky 3772) and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. 13And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child."Job 1:7; 2:2

7And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."

Verse 2:7". . . 7So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job . . ."

Paul tells us in Eph.1:3 that 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in ( the sky ) heavenly places in Christ:"

And Paul further says where Father God did His work : Eph.1:20-21

"20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the ( sky ) heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, ( period of time ) but also in that which is to come:"Eph.2:6-7

"6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in ( the sky ) heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7That in the ages ( periods of time ) to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."

Paul says that our Father Sky God SET JESUS IN THE SKY and then He made us SIT TOGETHER WITH HIM IN THE SKY. Since we are together with Him, that means that we are seated FAR ABOVE ALL PRINCIPALITY AND POWER AND MIGHT AND DOMINIION and EVERY NAME that is named in this period of time and in the time to come. And our Father Sky God wants to show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through the medium of Christ Jesus.

Because of this, there is a warfare that goes on in this realm. Eph.6:12 tells us that it is the (SKY - HIGH) "PLACE". "12For 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 ( the SKY ) high places." The word that is used by Paul in 2Cor.10:5 when speaking of ". . .every HIGH thing that exalts itself . . ." above the knowledge of God, even refers to altitude and the SKY. Just look at the progression of the word study.

 

G5313

ψωμα

hupsoτma

hoop'-so-mah

From G5312; an elevated place or thing, that is, (abstractly) altitude, or (by implication) a barrier (figurative):-height, high thing. G5312

ψόω

hupsooτ

hoop-so'-o

From G5311; to elevate (literally or figuratively):-exalt, lift up. G5311

ψος

hupsos

hoop'-sos

From a derivative of G5228; elevation, that is, (abstractly) altitude, (specifically) the sky, or (figuratively) dignity:-be exalted, height, (on) high. Daniel 10:12-15

12Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. 13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. 15And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. . .

The Hebrew for Prince is as that for the Greek "principalities" :H8269

ψNΫ

sρar

sar

From H8323; a head person (of any rank or class):-captain (that had rule),
chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord, ([-task-]) master, prince (-ipal),
ruler, steward.

It is the prince that is the "spiritual power" behind the worldly kingdom. Kings are just the men who ascend the throne to represent that which rules. Michael and Gabrial are "invisible" messengers of the spirit realm (attested to by the visions) and Michael was a "chief prince".

Hebrew here for "chief" is :H7223

οBLΰψ οLΚΰψ

rishoςn rishoςn

ree-shone', ree-shone'

From H7221; first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun):-ancestor,
(that were) before (-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore
[-father] (-most), former
(thing), of old time, past.

He was the FIRST HEAD. This shows us rank and structure in the natural realm of worldly government and in this SKY Kingdom. The INVISIBLE realm where the battle takes places against us within our minds. As shown by Daniel ( Dan.9:3,16,23; 10:2-7 ) this realm BECOMES MORE REAL TO US as we venture out into it by fasting and prayer. In Matt.4 Jesus fasted 40 days and it is written that the devil came to Him to tempt Him, and to stop the work of God.Dan.10:20

20Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come."

This shows us that every worldly government has behind it a power that must be dealt with and fought. Mythology is not just fancy made up stories, but actual gods and demi-gods which are fallen angels and demons under the control of Satan. The enemy does not want us telling him how things will be run and so he uses the avenue of the flesh to shoot his arrows and try and bring us down so he can control the world and bring ruin to mankind.

Three times Jesus refers to Satan as "the prince (archon, ruler or governmental chief) of this world" (Jn.12:31; 14:30; 16:11). 12:31

"31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." This shows that what Jesus did in obedience to our Sky Father God, would put us in that SKY PLACE with Him and not the devil and his system. The word for "world" gives it away:

G2889

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]):-adorning, world.

The same word is used of the rulers of the nations ( Matt.20:25; At. 4:26 ). The Apostle Paul alludes to Satan as the governmental chief or ruler of the realm of evil supernaturalism, employing the same word archon ( "prince" ) that Jesus used to describe Satan's leadership over this evil world system- "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph.2:2). 2Cor.4:4 describes Satan as the god of this age of those who have their minds blinded. John says that we have the greater one on the inside, One greater than this worlds system (1Jn.4:4) even though the Apostle admits the whole system lies in the wicked one. (1Jn.5:19). Meaning that the system of the world being at this time in this realm under the control of Satan as long as men yield to his control. (see John 7:7; 14:27; 1Cor.1:21; 11:32; 1Pet.5:9; 1Jn.3:1,13). Rev.2:13 ". . .even where Satan's seat is . . ." reveals Satan's leadership as a governmental chief which extends to both the celestial (sky) and terrestrial (earth) spheres, and these two realms interact in the events that transpire upon the earth through the medium of mythology.

"Power" and "glory" of the "kingdoms of the world" were promised to Jesus if he would but bow and worship Satan. (Luke 4:5-7) It was no idle word that Satan uttered when he said to Christ: "5And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. " Anyone who is a friend with that system, is an enemy of God. James 4:4

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

Gods ways are above the ways of the devil. (Isaiah 55:8-9) "16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1Jn.2:16-17 Although we have authority over all the power of the enemy, the Kingdom we are to be concerned with is not of this worlds system. But is from ABOVE . . .the SKY REALM. Jerusalem is from ABOVE. "36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." (Jn.18:36) Therefore you are to "2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." Col.3:2-4.

WHAT OTHER SOURCES / SCHOLARS HAVE TO SAY :

Merrill F. Unger"Under their king (Matt.12:26) and supreme military commander, Satan's subjects and soldiers consist of "the principalities" (chief, not inferior spirits, five-star generals over various divisions of the host); "the powers" (subordinate generals and lesser officers); the "world-rulers of this darkness" (martial spirit, considered in their political rather than their military capacity, who rule, as spirit beings may, in and through human governmental agents in a sphere of darkness, descriptive of "the ethical character of their as away from God) and "the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (the mass of common soldiers comprising the demon hordes) Eph.6:12"

Edward J. YoungSays, correctly of the prince mentioned in Daniel, " . . .is not the king of Persia for the thought here is that of SPIRITUAL WARFARE. (See Rev.12:7) Furthermore, the earthly kings of Persia are designated by the words kings of Persia; Israel has an angelic "prince," Michael: hence it is expected that the prince of Persia should also be an angel."

To be sure, an evil angel (demon); and so powerful was he that he was able to hinder Daniel's prayer for three weeks, the answer to which was given "from the first day" that Daniel set his heart "to understand" and to chasten himself before God (Dan.10:12): but the angel dispatched with the revelation was intercepted by the hostile spirit of the kingdom of Persia and was not able to convey the vision to Daniel until the archangel Michael, special guardian of the interests of Israel (Dan.12:1), came to the assistance of the messenger.

Carl F. Keil aptly defines "the prince of the kingdom of Persia" as " a spirit-being; yet not the heathen national god of the Persians, but according to the view of Scripture (1Cor.10:20-21), the daimonion (demon) of the Persian kingdom, i.e., the supernatural spiritual power standing behind the national god . . ."

H.A. Ironside makes the significant observation that the prince is "not Cyrus himself, but an evil angel evidently, delegated by Satan to seek to influence the hearts of the Persian kings against the people of God."

Edward J. Young notes, "this spirit influenced the kings of Persia to support the Samaritans against Israel." At this very time, it will be recalled, efforts were being made by appeal to the Persian kings to frustrate God's purposes concerning the Jews. Sanballat and his henchmen sought maliciously in every possible way to stop the work of the Lord at Jerusalem. What is of the utmost importance is that what was transpiring upon the earthly scene (commonly considered to be simply the activity of human governmental leaders) was most intimately connected with, in fact was the result of, what was going on in the upper air.

The episode, as W.C. Stevens points out, "suggests to our minds that governmental organizations in Satan's interest exist IN THE SKIES corresponding to and interlocking with the governmental organizations of the earth."

The Apostle Paul assures us that ". . . we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

THE HEAVENLY DIVINE COUNCIL

For nearly the past two millennia, there has been a general misunderstanding of the way God governs the earth. As this study will establish, there is a heavenly council of spirit beings that currently rules over our world. Paul referred to this group of spiritual entities in the sixth chapter of Ephesians:

EPHESIANS 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NKJV)

This Scripture clearly tells us that there are evil spiritual powers in the heavens that rule over mankind and oppose God's people. This is a fact verified in many other biblical passages. However, due to scribal changes in the text and the doctrinal leanings of translators, this truth is generally not well understood by most believers. In this article, we're going to examine this vital information about the spiritual realm.

Let's start by looking at a controversial passage of Scripture from the farewell song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32. First, we'll examine the passage as it appears in most translations based on the traditional Hebrew text (the Masoretic Text, which was finalized between the 8th and 10th centuries C.E.):

DEUTERONOMY 32:7 "Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you: 8 When the Most High divided their inheritance to the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. 9 For the LORD's portion is His people; Jacob is the place of His inheritance. (NKJV)

However, there is a variant rendering of this passage. It's based on the third-century B.C.E. translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, the Septuagint, as well as Hebrew manuscripts of Deuteronomy found among the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran:

DEUTERONOMY 32:7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you. 8 When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when He separated the sons of men, He fixed the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the SONS OF GOD. 9 For the LORD's portion is His people, Jacob His allotted heritage. (RSV)

Here is this same passage as it was rendered by Sir Lancelot C.L. Brenton in his 1851 translation of the Septuagint into English:

DEUTERONOMY 32:7 Remember the days of old, consider the years for past ages: ask thy father, and he shall relate to thee, thine elders, and they shall tell thee. 8 When the Most High divided the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the bounds of the nations according to the number of the angels of God. 9 And His people Jacob became the portion of the Lord, Israel was the line of His inheritance. (Brenton's LXX)

The Greek phrase translated "angels of God" is aggelon theou; this interpretive phrase is found in nearly all the extant Septuagint manuscripts. However, several earlier manuscripts have instead huion theou, or "sons of God." This is a literal rendering of the Hebrew phrase beney 'elohim found among the Dead Sea Scroll copies of Deuteronomy 32:8.

The Septuagint translators plainly understood that the "sons of God" (beney 'elohim) spoken of in Deuteronomy 32:8 and elsewhere were spirit beings ("angels"), and rendered it that way several times (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7) in order to clarify the meaning. Thus the textual change from huion theou to aggelon theou.

The idea that the separation of mankind into 70 nations at the Tower of Babel was by and for the angelic "sons of God" is supported by the ancient Book of Jasher (Jos. 10:13; II Sam. 1:18):

JASHER 9:31 And they built the tower and the city, and they did this thing daily until many days and years were elapsed. 32 And God said to the seventy angels who stood foremost before him, to those who were near to him, saying, Come let us descend and confuse their tongues, that one man shall not understand the language of his neighbor, and they did so unto them. (pub. 1887, J.H. Parry & Company, Salt Lake City, Utah)

The paraphrased Aramaic translation of Deuteronomy 32:8-9 found in the ancient Targum called Pseudo-Jonathan supports the Septuagint rendering of verse 8, but also hints at the origin of the later alternate reading ("sons of Israel"):

DEUTERONOMY 32:8 When the Most High made allotment of the world unto the nations which proceeded from the sons of Noach, in the separation of the writings and languages of the children of men at the time of the division, He cast the lot among the seventy angels, the princes of the nations with whom is the revelation to oversee the city, even at that time He established the limits of the nations according to the sum of the number of the seventy souls of Israel who went down into Mizraim [Egypt]. (Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, translated by J.W. Etheridge)

The dispute over whether the Masoretic Text or the Septuagint represents the original is more than a scholarly argument among biblical text experts. The implication of the latter rendering of verse 8 is significant with regard to understanding how God governs the earth.

As the Targum explicitly brings out, Moses' mention of the separation of "the sons of men" refers back to God's division of Noah's descendants into 70 different nations, as recorded in the 10th chapter of Genesis:

GENESIS 10:32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, by their nations; and out of these the nations were separated on the earth after the flood. (NASU)

Chapter 10 of Genesis is the backdrop for Moses' statement in Deuteronomy 32:8 that God is responsible for the creation and placement of the nations (Heb. goyim). In fact, variations of the same Hebrew root word parad ("separate") are used in both Genesis 10:32 and Deuteronomy 32:8.

If Moses was indeed referencing God's separation of the nations according to Noah's offspring (specifically their physical separation at the Tower of Babel), it is important to note that Israel is not listed in the index of the 70 nations found in Genesis 10. The nation of Israel did not yet exist at that time. Therefore, the statement that God "set the boundaries of the nations according to the number of the children of Israel" clearly seems out of context here.

However, if we accept the rendering of Deuteronomy 32:8 found in the Septuagint and the Hebrew copies of Deuteronomy from Qumran (which is supported by the testimony of the Book of Jasher), we face the same dilemma that the Jewish scribes later faced. Did the Hebrew Scriptures at one time suggest polytheism in the religion delivered to the Israelites?

Ancient Hebrew language expert Michael S. Heiser has shown that there is good reason to accept the earlier version of this Scripture. In his article on this passage, he writes:

. . . What could possibly be meant by the textual option that created a correspondence between the number of the nations in Genesis 10-11 and heavenly beings?

Literary and conceptual parallels discovered in the literature of Ugarit, however, have provided a more coherent explanation for the number 70 in Deuteronomy 32:8 - and have furnished powerful ammunition to textual scholars who argued against the "sons of Israel" reading in MT. Ugaritic mythology plainly states that the head of its pantheon, El (who, like the God of the Bible, is also referred to as El Elyon, the "Most High") fathered 70 sons, thereby setting the number of the "sons of El" (Ugaritic, bn 'il ). An unmistakable linguistic parallel with the Hebrew text underlying the LXX reading was thus discovered, one which prompted many scholars to accept the LXX reading on logical and philological grounds: God (El Elyon in Deut. 32:8) divided the earth according to the number of heavenly beings who already existed from the time of creation.

. . . Understanding "sons of God" as the correct reading in Deuteronomy 32:8 in no way requires one to view Israelite religion as polytheistic. (p. 3, "Deuteronomy 32:8 and the Sons of God")

Ugaritic is an ancient near eastern language that is closely related to biblical Hebrew. Evidently, Ugarit developed a divine mythology based on antediluvian truths regarding the one true God and His government of the world through the angelic creation. Ugaritic literature contains many council scenes where the chief deity 'El presides over the council of his divine sons, who stand before him on the holy Mount of Assembly.

We see a very similar scene portrayed in the Bible at I Kings 22 and II Chronicles 18, where YHVH's prophet Micaiah describes a vision of the heavenly council that he had been given in regard to a question posed to him by Ahab, king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, king of Judah:

II CHRONICLES 18:18 Then Micaiah said, "Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and His left. 19 And the LORD said, 'Who will persuade Ahab king of Israel to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?' So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner. 20 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, and said, 'I will persuade him.' The LORD said to him, 'In what way?' 21 "So he said, 'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.' And the Lord said, 'You shall persuade him and also prevail; go out and do so.' 22 Therefore look! The LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these prophets of yours, and the LORD has declared disaster against you." (NKJV)

Here we see mention of the "host of heaven" (Heb. tzeva' hashamayim) which stands before YHVH. Clearly this is speaking of angelic beings, including those on the heavenly divine council. This vision seen by Micaiah shows that YHVH is in complete control of events. He only approves the course of action that suits His purpose, which in this case was to bring about the death of evil King Ahab (I Kings 22:20; II Chr. 18:19).

The "host of heaven" is spoken of in many Scriptures. Some Bible scholars attempt to downplay the true meaning of this phrase and imply that it speaks mainly of the stars in the sky. Contextually, however, it is evident that tzeva' hashamayim often refers to the realm of spirit beings in the heavens.

The New Bible Dictionary says this about the "host of heaven":

This phrase (tzeva' hashamayim) occurs about 15 times, in most cases implying the object of heathen worship (Dt. 4:19, etc.). The two meanings 'celestial bodies' and 'angelic beings' are inextricably intertwined. The LXX translation, using kosmos, stratia, or dynamis, does not help to resolve this. No doubt to the Heb[rew] mind the distinction was superficial, and the celestial bodies were thought to be closely associated with heavenly beings. . . . The Bible certainly suggests that angels of different ranks have charge of individuals and of nations; no doubt, in the light of modern cosmology this concept, if retained at all (as biblically it must be), ought properly to be extended, as the dual sense of the phrase 'host of heaven' suggests, to the oversight of the elements of the physical universe--planets, stars and nebulae. (p. 495, "Host, Host of Heaven")

Regarding the meaning of the related title "Lord of hosts" (Heb. YHVH tzeva'ot), the New Bible Dictionary states:

It is thought by some to have arisen as a title of God associated with his lordship over the 'host' of Israel; but its usage, especially in the prophets, clearly implies also a relationship to the 'host of heaven' in its angelic sense; and this could well be the original connotation. (p. 495, "Host, Host of Heaven")

The following Scriptures indicate that the "host of heaven" is more than just the stars in the night sky:

NEHEMIAH 9:5 . . . "Stand up and bless the LORD your God forever and ever! Blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise! 6 You alone are the LORD; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You." (NKJV)

Only living creatures can worship God. Clearly, the "host of heaven" here refers to sentient created beings which reside in the heavens.

JEREMIAH 19:13 "And the houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah shall be defiled like the place of Tophet, because of all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the host of heaven, and poured out drink offerings to other gods." (NKJV)

Here Jeremiah draws a parallel between "the host of heaven," to whom incense was burned and "other gods," to whom drink offerings were poured out. This grammatical construction in Hebrew is meant to show that both the "host of heaven" and the "other gods" were the same. They were "the gods of the nations," the angelic rulers assigned by God over the nations of the earth.

One of the most grievous sins of the ancient Israelites was their continual idolatry. Instead of worshiping the one true God, they instead worshiped the inferior "sons of God," the "host of heaven":

II KINGS 17:15 And they [Israel and Judah] rejected His statutes and His covenant that He had made with their fathers, and His testimonies which He had testified against them; they followed idols, became idolaters, and went after the nations who were all around them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them that they should not do like them. 16 So they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, made for themselves a molded image and two calves, made a wooden image and worshiped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. (NKJV)

II KINGS 21:3 For he [Manasseh] rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; he raised up altars for Baal, and made a wooden image, as Ahab king of Israel had done; and he worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. 4 He also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My name." 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. 6 Also he made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger. (NKJV)

The Bible shows that the "host of heaven" was on the scene during the creation of the earth. In Job 38:4-7, we see YHVH questioning Job in order to prove a point to him. During that interrogation, He asks Job where he was during the creation of the universe:

JOB 38:4 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, 5 Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? 6 On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, 7 When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (NASU)

This Scripture clearly indicates that the "sons of God" (beney 'elohim, also called "morning stars" here) were present at creation week. This fact is supported by the first chapter of Genesis:

GENESIS 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." (NIV)

This verse is often used by modern scholars to attempt to prove that the doctrine of the Trinity can be found in the Old Testament. Regarding this erroneous contention, The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary states:

The "us" in "Let us make man in our image" (Gen. 1:26; cf. 3:22; 11:6-7) refers to the "sons of God" or lesser "gods" mentioned elsewhere (6:1-4; Job 1:6; Ps. 29:1), here viewed as a heavenly council centered around the one God (cf. Ps. 82:1). In later usage these probably would be called "angels." (p. 1019, "Trinity")

Deuteronomy 32:8 is paralleled by a passage from Deuteronomy 4 that speaks of the allocation of the heavenly host:

DEUTERONOMY 4:19 "And beware not to lift up your eyes to heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, and be drawn away and worship them and serve them, those which the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven. (NASU)

The "host of heaven" here is said to be "allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven." The word allotted in Hebrew is chalaq, which literally means "apportioned" or "assigned." In a statement similar to Deuteronomy 32:8, we are told here that God has assigned "the host of heaven" to the peoples of the earth.

The "host of heaven" are the same spiritual "principalities," "powers," and "rulers" Paul speaks of in Ephesians 6:12. These heavenly "powers" are mentioned many times in the New Testament:

MATTHEW 24:29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken." (NKJV)

MARK 13:24 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken." (NKJV)

LUKE 21:25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken." (NKJV)

ROMANS 8:38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV)

I CORINTHIANS 15:24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign till He has put all enemies under his feet. (NKJV)

EPHESIANS 1:20 Which He worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at His right hand in the heavens, 21 far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. (NAB)

EPHESIANS 3:8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10 that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, (RSV)

COLOSSIANS 1:15 He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. (NAB)

COLOSSIANS 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (NKJV)

COLOSSIANS 2:13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He [God] made you alive together with him [Christ], having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through him. (NASU)

1 PETER 3:22 [Christ] who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. (NKJV)

In Hebrews 2:5, the author indirectly establishes the current rulership of our world by powerful angelic beings:

HEBREWS 2:5 It is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. (NIV)

By saying that God will not subject the coming world to the rule of angels, the author implies that the current world is being ruled by spirit entities.

Chapters 1 and 2 of the book of Job show two instances of the divine council composed of the sons of God (the beney 'elohim) gathering in heaven for a meeting of the council:

JOB 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7 And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it." (NKJV)

JOB 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it." (NKJV)

What we see described here appear to be accounts of the "sons of God" (beney 'elohim) coming to regularly scheduled meetings of the divine council. Satan also came to these meetings, but from the text we cannot tell if he is one of the members of the council, or if he simply appeared to bring a petition before the council. Other Scriptures seem to indicate, however, that Satan may be a high-ranking member of the divine council given charge over the kingdoms of the world (e.g. Luke 4:5-7).

A couple of other Scriptures mention the divine council in passing:

JOB 15:7 "Are you the first man that was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills? 8 Have you listened in the council of God? And do you limit wisdom to yourself? (RSV)

JEREMIAH 23:16 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. 17 They keep saying to those who despise Me, 'The LORD says: You will have peace.' And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they say, 'No harm will come to you.' 18 But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see or to hear His word? Who has listened and heard His word?" (NIV)

Psalm 82 is the most detailed description we have of a meeting of the heavenly divine council which was given rulership over the 70 nations of the earth:

PSALM 82:1 {A Psalm of Asaph.} God has taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods He holds judgment: 2 "How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah 3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." 5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 I say, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; 7 nevertheless, you shall die like men, and fall like any prince." 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for to thee belong all the nations! (RSV)

In this psalm, we see God take His place as the leader of the divine council. The psalmist records that, during this meeting of the council, God criticizes the "gods" ('elohim) for their unfairness and wickedness in carrying out the responsibilities He has assigned to them. Asaph tells us that the sin and rebellion of the 'elohim have shaken the foundations of the earth. He records God's warning to these divine spirit entities, that their fate for corruption and disobedience will be to "die like men" (Heb. 'adam). Since clearly all men will "die like men," attempting to apply this Scripture to human rulers, as some scholars do, is illogical. Asaph ends the psalm by exhorting God to judge the earth and its divine rulers, because all nations truly belong to Him and not to them.

Psalm 82:7 refers to the governing 'elohim as "princes." This designation connects these council members to whom rulership of the nations was given (Deu. 32:8) with another passage of Scripture found in Daniel:

DANIEL 10:5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. . . . 12 Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. (NKJV)

The Scripture above gives us an intriguing glimpse into the order and activities of the spiritual realm. Gabriel was sent by God to give Daniel insight into what would happen to his people (the Jews) in "the latter days." However, this mighty angel was delayed for three weeks because "the prince of the kingdom of Persia" contested God's command. This prince of Persia clearly was not human; he was the divine council member who had authority over the nation of Persia.

Indeed, if Michael (who is described in Dan. 12:1 as the great prince who stands over the people of Israel) had not helped Gabriel, God's message to Daniel might not have been delivered.

DANIEL 10:20 Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I am through with him, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I am to tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth. There is no one with me who contends against these princes except Michael, your prince." (NRSV)

After conveying his message to Daniel, Gabriel states that he must return to again do battle with "the prince of Persia." Furthermore, he states that he will also have to combat "the prince of Greece" after he has finished with "the Prince of Persia." The picture portrayed by this brief narrative is one of opposition to God's will by the spirit beings of the council who have been given rule over the nations.

The book of Daniel mentions the fate of some of the "host of heaven" under the coming Antichrist:

DANIEL 8:10 And it [the little horn] grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host [Yeshua, cf. Eph. 1:21; Col. 2:10; I Pet. 3:22]; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. (NKJV)

We see from Daniel 8 that the Antichrist will come against these spiritual powers and "cast down some" of them and "trample them." It's likely that the remainder will join his end-time rebellion against God.

Just as Psalm 82 speaks of the eventual fate of these heavenly princes, the prophet Isaiah tells of their coming punishment in a couple of passages:

ISAIAH 24:19 The earth is broken asunder, the earth is split through, the earth is shaken violently. 20 The earth reels to and fro like a drunkard and it totters like a shack, for its transgression is heavy upon it, and it will fall, never to rise again. 21 So it will happen in that day, that the LORD will punish the host of heaven on high, and the kings of the earth on earth. 22 They will be gathered together like prisoners in the dungeon, and will be confined in prison; and after many days they will be punished. (NASU)

As Isaiah 24:21 shows, the "host of heaven" ruling from "on high" are differentiated from the kings ruling on the earth below. Let's look at another prophecy of their doom:

ISAIAH 34:1 Come near, you nations, to hear; and heed, you people! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, the world and all things that come forth from it. 2 For the indignation of the LORD is against all nations, and His fury against all their armies; He has utterly destroyed them, He has given them over to the slaughter. 3 Also their slain shall be thrown out; their stench shall rise from their corpses, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood. 4 All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled up like a scroll; all their host shall fall down as the leaf falls from the vine, and as fruit falling from a fig tree. 5 "For My sword shall be bathed in heaven; indeed it shall come down on Edom, and on the people of My curse, for judgment." (NKJV)

Like the "host" of the nations that come against the Messiah will be slain, the "host of heaven" (Heb. tzeva' hashamayim) who rule these earthly nations will also be defeated. The sword of the Eternal, wielded by the Messiah, will "drink its fill in the heavens" as well as on the earth.

We are told in Isaiah 34:4 that "the host of heaven shall be dissolved" (Heb. namaqu, literally "waste away," "decay"). In Zechariah 14:12, the same Hebrew root word maqaq is used to describe the fate of those who come against Jerusalem at the end of the age.

There is a similarity between Isaiah 34:4 and II Peter 3:10-12 that deserves some attention. Peter speaks of an end-time fire in the heavens, which will melt and dissolve the elements:

II PETER 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements [stoicheia] will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements [stoicheia] will melt with fire! (RSV)

The Greek word stoicheia, translated "elements" in the passage above, is understood by many scholars to refer to heavenly spirits. This understanding can be seen in several passages written by the apostle Paul:

GALATIANS 4:1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; 2 but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. 3 So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe [ta stoicheia tou kosmou]. (RSV)

GALATIANS 4:9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits [stoicheia], whose slaves you want to be once more? (RSV)

COLOSSIANS 2:8 See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe [ta stoicheia tou kosmou], and not according to Christ. (RSV)

COLOSSIANS 2:18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. 20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe [ton stoicheion tou kosmou], why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? . . . (RSV)

The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters has this to say about the "elements" as spiritual powers:

A number of interpreters, perhaps even a majority, have concluded that ta stoicheia tou kosmou refers to spiritual powers of some sort. . . . The earliest extant extrabiblical Jewish evidence for the stoicheia being associated with both spirits and stars is later than the first century (second and third centuries A.D.), but it is well attested and may very well represent beliefs contemporaneous with Paul (cf. Lohse, 99 n.41). The Testament of Solomon, a Jewish-Christian work usually dated to the third century A.D., but possibly containing material dating to the first century, testifies to a belief in star spirits called stoicheia. Seven bound spirits appear before Solomon and reveal their identity: "We are the stoicheia, rulers of this world of darkness [kosmokratores tou skotous, cf. Eph 6:12] . . . our stars in heaven look small, but we are named like gods" (T. Sol. 8:2-4). (pp. 231, 232, "Elements/Elemental Spirits of the World")

If we understand the usage of stoicheia by Peter to be the same as Paul's usage in the Scriptures cited above, we can see that Peter was simply reemphasizing what the prophet Isaiah had said about the fate of the spiritual powers aligned against God. Isaiah stated the "host of heaven" would be dissolved; Peter said that these same "elemental spirits" would be dissolved by fire.

YESHUA'S RELATIONSHIP TO THE DIVINE COUNCIL

In the tenth chapter of John's Gospel, Yeshua answers the Jews' question regarding his identity:

JOHN 10:24 Then the Jews surrounded him and said to him, "How long do you keep us in doubt? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand. 29 "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. 30 I and My Father are one." 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, "Many good works I have shown you from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?" 33 The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy, and because you, being a man, make yourself God [theon]." 34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods [theoi]" '? 35 If He called them gods [theous], to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36 do you say of him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? 37 If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in Him." (NKJV)

The passage above starts with the Jews asking Yeshua if he was the prophesied Messiah (v. 24). He answered by saying that he had already told them he was, and they didn't believe him (v. 25a). Yeshua goes on to say that the works he had performed before them in the Father's name were a testimony to his identity (v. 25b). Next he differentiated between those blinded Jews and the sheep his Father had given him (vv. 26-29). Yeshua finished his comments to the Jews by proclaiming that he and his Father were "one" (v. 30).

This answer prompted the Jews to charge him with blasphemy and prepare to stone him (vv. 31-33). In verses 34-36, Yeshua addressed the charge that the Jews had leveled against him, namely that he had blasphemed by proclaiming himself to be "God." The Greek word theon is the equivalent of the Hebrew 'elohim.

Based on Yeshua's answer to the Jews, why were they planning to stone him? Did they think that he, a man, had proclaimed himself to be God the Father? Or did they understand his claim in a way that was different from the common Trinitarian understanding of today?

Rather than assume that we know, let's allow the Jews themselves define for us what they took Yeshua's claim to be:

JOHN 19:6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him." 7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God." (NKJV)

Clearly the Jews understood Yeshua's claim to be that he was an 'elohim, one of the divine sons of God. Carefully notice Yeshua's specific reply to the charge of blasphemy. He first references the members of the divine council, who were called "sons of God" in the Old Testament (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; etc.), by quoting from Psalm 82:6 (v. 34). Then Yeshua asked the Jews, "Why do you say I'm blaspheming just because I've proclaimed myself to be the Son of God, when the Father Himself in the Scripture calls the members of the divine council gods ('elohim)?" (vv. 35-36).

Yeshua's response, including the reference to Psalm 82:6, was intended to convey the understanding that Yeshua, the Son of God, had preexisted his mortal appearance and was one of the members (in fact, the foremost member) of the divine council addressed in Psalm 82. Yeshua here was proclaiming himself to be an 'elohim (divine); he was NOT saying that he was the 'Elohim, the Most High, God the Father.

CONCLUSION

The world is currently ruled over by angelic principalities and powers that God gave authority over the nations. Just as the nations over which they rule, these mighty spirits have often chosen to go against the will of God. In choosing not to submit to God's authority, they have become the enemies of God and His chosen people. Eventually, the rebellion of these wicked spirits will lead to their judgment and punishment. The Messiah, the ruler of the sons of God on the divine council, will triumph over them at his second coming and will rule the nations according to the will of God.

There are many forms or ways of praying. This aid has been provided to help you become more knowledgeable of these forms. We all must pray the way we feel the Holy Spirit leading us to pray. Agape Body of Christ (the Church of the Living Dead) has an intercessory prayer group at this time, which meet together to pray AGAINST FREEMASONRY and intercede over the work here in Daytona. For those interested in becoming a part of this group, check the Daytona CALANDER HERE. Great things happen when God's people pray!

 

PRAYER - what is it?

"Prayer is your personal communication with Father God through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus is the mediator of everything we say to the Father. This is one major role of the priestly ministry of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

Hebrews 7:25

"25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."We are not able in our own selves to save us. Jesus does everything for us within the Body of Christ. The Father has put Jesus the Son in charge of everything that happens in the Kingdom of God, for it is His Kingdom, He is the Head of the Body.Eph.1:20-23

"20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."

Col.1:12-23

"12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

"15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For 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: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18And 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. 19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;"

Prayer must function in accordance with God's Word for it to work.

"We must line up with the Word. What the Word says to do, we must do to be effective. We are what the Word says we are. We must believe this to be effective. We can do what the Word says we can do. We must know this to be effective in the Spirit realm. Why? Because God's Word is Spirit and Life, and is alive (quick) and powerful."

John 6:63

"63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

Heb.4:12

"12For 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."

"Since prayer is constructed of words, it is very important that those who are using the avenue of prayer to know the power of those words."

This words of the Readers Digest are not as powerful in the Spirit realm as the Word of God because they are not anointed. God's Word is ANOINTED. When you speak God's Word, you speak with His authority. God has given us (disciples) His Word and Name to use against the power of the enemy.Luke 10:19

"19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

Col.3:17

"17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

"Knowing your power and authority through the Word is really the beginning of knowing 'how to pray' to the Father in Jesus Name and with the Holy Ghost."

We have power through the Word of God. Of course, you only have as much authority as you have FAITH. Faith is the element which the enemy will see you lack in, and thus, he will begin to exercise his control over you. Faith must be present in us for God to help us. God has to see your faith.Heb.11:6

"6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."Since faith is such a vital element to our success in prayer, we must have it in abundance to do great things for God. How do we get more faith?Romans 10:17

"17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."The Greek tense of the verse here is "continually hearing". Over and over. We must hear the Word preached. We must confess the Word out loud. Saying the Word out loud is hearing the Word. As we begin to confess the Word in prayer, we build our spirit's up. Our soul stays clean and fresh. There is no room for the enemy to come in and steal the Word that has been sown in our hearts. So this brings us to confession.

CONFESSION - a form of prayer.

Matthew 10:32-36

"32Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36And a mans foes shall be they of his own household."The word "confess" here in the Greek is:

 

G3670

Ώμολογέω

homologeoτ

hom-ol-og-eh'-o

From a compound of the base of G3674 and G3056; to assent, that is,
covenant, acknowledge:-con- (pro-) fess, confession is made, give thanks,
promise. G3674

Ώμο

homou

hom-oo'

Genitive case of Ώμός homos (the same; akin to G260) as adverb; at the
same place or time:-together.

G3056

λόγος

logos

log'-os

From G3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic
(subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension
a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (that
is, Christ):-account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X
have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove,
say (-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me,
tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.

Homologeoτ is where we get the English word "homo-genize" which means: "Of the same kind or nature;

consisting of similar parts or elements"

We are to take our words and make them the same kind or nature as Gods Word consisting of similar parts or elements. We are to mix up what we say over and over with Gods Word making what we say, that which He says. As we speak His Word, our tiny words are to be the SAME as His Word elements. Thus, the power of the Holy Ghost (His anointing) makes our words, His Word.

"You could say then, that confession is the acknowledgment; the giving of thanks; saying what God says in His Word about me and my circumstance, over and over until they become one."

When we practice this form of prayer, the scripture says that many of our own household may become our enemies. The enemy does not want us to confess Jesus out loud or His Word. The enemy is disturbed by the pure Word of God. It burns the ears of the enemy. This is why it is such a powerful tool against him in battle when taking back what he has stolen from us; God's people. The enemy does not want us to fuse our words with Gods powerful anointed Word. This fusion in the Spirit realm is the same as "critical mass" in the natural world. Our words actually become FUSED WITH GODS WORDS !! Can you see this happening? As your faith is spoken. As you line up with Gods Word, FUSION IN THE SPIRIT REALM TAKES PLACE! The devil then has to obey what you say, for the authority of God (His Word) has become your own words! The will put the enemy to flight! This is the power of the sower in the parables of Jesus. The sower sows the Word. You begin to speak Gods Word all the time in your life, and your prayer life really begins to multiply. Jesus is the High Priest (after the order of Melchisedec) of our profession Heb.3 :1. Profession here is the same Greek word as above. Heb.4:2 uses a different word though. I speak of "mixed".G4786

συγκεράννυμι

sugkerannumi

soong-ker-an'-noo-mee

From G4862 and G2767; to commingle, that is, (figuratively) to combine or
assimilate:-mix with, temper together.

Here, the Word actually tells us in very DETAILED language from the Holy Ghost, that we are to literally MIX our speech; "commingle" it with what God's Word says about the circumstances in our lives. When you mingle something you ". . . combine or join in a mixed mass; to intermix. You associate or unite, as with social ties, to join in company." (Webster) Deut.32:30

"30How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?"

Lev.26:8

"8And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. 9For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you."This principle of "putting the enemy to flight" was established in the Old Testament. We have a better covenant with better promises now IN CHRIST. So we know that we have a better chance of putting the enemy to flight!! Amen? We must "join in company" or fellowship with the Holy Ghost by our speech!Heb.8:6

"6But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises."

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF INFIRMITIES

Once a disciple has learned their authority in the confession of Gods Word. Next, the disciple should know what happens in those times when prayer seems to be "hitting a wall" and not much is happening, or knowing just what to say seems "difficult". This is when the act of "fusion" comes into play. Seeing that we are born again of incorruptible seed, we depend on the Holy Ghost to step in during these times of "infirmity" and take over for us. The whole plan of God has built within it, directions to follow for success over the flesh. 1Peter 1:22-23

"22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." Since we are born again of the Word of God, we must be TOTALLY dependent upon the Word for our answers during times of difficulty. The Holy Spirit baptizes us into the Body of Christ. Remember Jesus' Words are Spirit and Life. (Jn.6:63)1Cor.12:13

"13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."

"Life without the influence of the Holy Ghost is IMPOSSIBLE. When we are born again, we are born of the Spirit of God."

John 3:3-5

"3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born? 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Romans 8:9

"9But 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."

"It is a gospel fact, that disciples MUST have the Holy Spirit dwelling in their bodies or they are not disciples of Christ. It is the Spirit of God that FUSES our spirit with His Spirit, making us branches of the vine."

John 15:1-2

"1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

Ephesians 1:13-14

"13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."During times of infirmity we depend upon the Holy Spirit who dwells in us to lead and guide us as He does on a regular basis. Jesus said, that His sheep know his voice (John 10) and many sheep, are not experienced in being the "sheep of Jesus" and have to learn how to listen to His voice. He speaks by His Word. His Word is Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to lead and guide us as sheep need to be led and guided. John 14:15-18

"15If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

"Now, this indwelling of the Spirit of God is proof that we are the property of God and His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus baptizes those who are His in the Holy Ghost. This experience brings upon the disciple the power of God in the form of weaponry for battle against the onslaughts of the enemy. We are told to "wait" on God in order to receive this baptism. This fire baptism from Jesus is the "promise of the Father" and will insure us of knowing His voice."

See Luke 24:49; Acts 1:1-14; Eph. 6:10-18; Galatians chapter 5We want to take an extensive look into the eighth chapter of Romans.Romans 8:14-17

"14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."Just listen to the Word of God. Those who are led by the Spirit of God THEY are the sons of God. How do we KNOW? The Spirit Himself BEARS WITNESS WITH OUR SPIRIT that we ARE the children of God. The Holy Ghost is the one who tells us that we are SAVED and Spirit filled. This is why we must keep the communication line open between us. The PRAYER LINE. We must stay in touch with God through the Holy Spirit. We must have a clean conscience, which will assure knowing Gods voice in our lives.1 John 3:19-22

19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."

What does it mean to be "led by the Spirit?" Simply this, that when God says something in His Word, and we meditate upon it, the Holy Spirit engrafts (fuses) that Word into our spirit, soul, and body. This engrafted Word is able to save our souls. James 1:21

"21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."

As we depend upon the Holy Ghost and the Word of God to bring forth what we need, we just ask Him to help us in the time of need. John 14:26

"26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

John 15:26-27

"26But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning."

John 16:13-15

"13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you."

"The Holy Ghost is the revealer. When we ask Him to help He will show us and bring to our remembrance. Whatever the Holy Ghost hears, that shall He speak. Who is telling Him? Jesus. Jesus points to the Father, and the Holy Ghost points to Jesus. When we don't know how to pray, we must depend upon the Holy Ghost in us, and His leading.

Jesus is telling Him what we are to do. He gives it to us in our spirits. He BEARS WITNESS with our spirit."

We have to be sensitive to this WITNESS.Romans 8:26-27; v.34

"26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.* 27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. . . 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."

* These "groanings" are rather, released from us by 'other tongues'. To be discussed under "Binding and Loosing".The word helpeth is broken down into three Greek words by the Holy Ghost. These definitions will show us how He has FUSED Himself into our spirits.

 

G4878

συναντιλαμβάνομαι

Sunantilambanomai

soon-an-tee-lam-ban'-om-ahee

From G4862 and G482; to 1. take hold of 2. opposite together, that is, 3. co-operate
(assist):-help.

1. G4862

Sun

soon

A primary preposition denoting union; with or together (but much closer than G3326 or G3844), that is, by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, addition, etc.:-beside, with. In compounds it has similar applications, including completeness.

2. . G473

Anti

an-tee'

A primary particle; opposite, against, that is, instead or because of (rarely in addition to):-for, in the room of. Often used in composition to denote contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence, etc.

3. G2983

Lambanoτ

lam-ban'-o

A prolonged form of a primary verb, which is used only as an alternate in
certain tenses; to take hold of (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]):-accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).

"To take hold of a circumstance with you, against the problem, and remove it according to the plan and will of God for your life."

This will only happen for those who have the Holy Ghost on the inside.

1John 4:4

"4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."The Lord Jesus wants to take hold of things which hinder His Kingdom from manifesting, and remove the obstacles so His Kingdom can come forth in our lives. This leads us to the prayer of "binding and loosing".

BINDING AND LOOSING - exercising your authority on Earth.

The reason Jesus came to Earth, was to bring to us the Kingdom of God and the will of the Father. The Word of God is the Fathers Will. The New Testament is the Will and Plan of God for our lives. Jesus taught us this authority which we are to adapt into our living styles in today society. Jesus totally "liquidated" and "dissolved" the power of the devil.

1John 3:8

"8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

The Greek word for "destroy" in this verse is:

 

G3089

λύω

Luoτ

loo'-o

A primary verb; to "loosen" (literally or figuratively):-break (up), destroy,
dissolve, (un-) loose, melt, put off. Compare G4486.

 

The life of the Saviour is our pattern. All disciples are to mold their lives after Jesus. Even the Scriptures tell us as much.

1Peter 2:21-25

"21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."

"Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18 deals with offenses. It is offense that causes the Kingdom of God to be thwarted in our lives. Offenses are the "rocks & thorns" which choke the Word of God and keep IT from becoming fruitful in our lives."

Let's look at the passage:

 

Matthew 18

"1At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh! 8Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 11For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the congregation: but if he neglect to hear the congregation, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."It is the responsibility of leadership and all members of the Body to help remove those things which offend and that can possibly "choke the Word" in a disciples life in this form of prayer. We are to bind the works of darkness and loose members of the Body of Christ to be free to walk in love. Anything we bind on earth "will be as having been bound in heaven". (The proper Greek rendering) And anything we loose on earth "shall be as having been loosed in heaven". We must be cautious as to what we "sow" into the lives of our brothers and sisters. The power of the tongue creates a harvest. We must FIRST BIND THE STRONGMAN !! (Matt.12:29)James 3:1-12

"1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3Behold, we put bits in the horses mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh."

Psalms 45:1

"1My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Mark 4:13-33

13And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? 14The sower soweth the word. 15And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the words sake, immediately they are offended. 18And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. 20And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

21And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? * and not to be set on a candlestick? 22For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. 23If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

26And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

30And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 31It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: 32But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. 33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it."

*The candle is the Word in our Spirits and Souls (the heart) to reveal or manifest things in our lives.

"Speaking the Word is sowing the Word."

Praying and confessing the Word is sowing the Word. We will receive a harvest. The earth in the parable is the heart. The rocks and thorns are offenses that the enemy puts into the message in order to bring forth his purposes while the Word is being sown.

 

Proverbs 18:20-21

"20A mans belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."What is the power of the tongue?Proverbs 20:27

"27The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly."

What are the "inward parts" of the belly? [Belly in O.T. usage is "heart/ spirit".]

Man is made up of spirit, soul, and body. Inwardly, man has a "heart".

Peter reveals this while instructing the sisters: 1Peter 3:4

"4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

"Man's heart is made up of two areas called the Spirit and Soul."

Hebrews 4:12

"12For 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."

Thoughts originate in the mind, and the mind is in the soul. Intentions are in the will, and the will is in the soul and spirit. Our will is the place we are one with the Holy Spirit. [We will look further at this study when looking at the tabernacle.] For now, we must see that the Spirit and Soul of man is the heart. Man's will is the "door" between his Soul and Spirit. Once IN CHRIST these two areas of mans heart are no longer DIVIDED by the hostile mind (See Col. 1:21) As we begin to pray with the Spirit of God, He directs us as to how to handle offense in our lives and the lives of others.

"The power of the tongue is the heart. That which motivates the tongue to speak is what resides within the heart."

Jesus taught His disciples this basis foundational principle in

Matthew 12:33-37

"33Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

Proverbs 6:2

"2Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth."

As we totally depend upon the Holy Ghost to speak and pray, we should have good success (Josh.1:8-9). After having received the Baptism in the Holy Ghost a disciple has weapons which are not of this natural realm as Paul explained in 1Corinthians chapter two. In chapter 14, verse 2 (same book) Paul explains that we "pray mysteries" which come from God while praying in the Spirit. He further explains in Ephesians 6 verses 10-18 that we are "endued with power from on high" like Jesus told us in reference to the Promise of the Father in Luke 24:49. (See 1Jn.2:25).

All the time while praying in other tongues / praying in the Spirit, we "build ourselves up" and this "keeps us in the Love of God". Jude 20-21.

UNDERSTANDING THE STRATEGY OF "ORDER" - a Word study by Apostle Steve Smith

28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."
1Corinthians 12:28

 

God has placed within His Body, order. 1 Cor.14:40 says, 40Let all things be done decently and in order."

I. THE ORDER OF HELPS

A. Defining the two terms "order" and "helps."
1. The meaning of helps in the Greek is:
G484 antilepsis

Pντίληψις

antileτpsis

an-til'-ape-sis

From G482; relief:-help.

2. Basically, those who help
the leadership ministry as helpers and are perfected and directed by the leaders of the Body, actually provide relief for the leadership. As this is accomplished, not only does the leadership become stronger due to the relief and rest which has been provided, but the Word of God spreads to a greater extent, and it is the Word of God which brings salvation and results within the lives of the believers.

a. Illustration: The Greek widows.

1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:1-7

b. Immediately we see the leadership ministry needing relief due to the number of problems which had arisen among the people which would draw the leaders away from the ministry of the Word of God.

B. The meaning of order.

1. Order here in the Greek is:
G5010 taxis

τάξις

taxis

tax'-is

From G5021; regular arrangement, that is, (in time) fixed succession (of rank
or character)
, official dignity:
-order.
G5021 tasso

τάσσω

tassoτ

tas'-so

A prolonged form of a primary verb (which latter appears only in certain
tenses); to arrange in an orderly manner, that is, assign
or dispose (to a certain
position or lot)
:-addict, appoint, determine, ordain, set.

2. Those who have been called by God and gifted in the ministry of helps actually have a "rank" in the kingdom of God. God has a divine arrangement of His Body, and ALL THINGS are to take place "decently" and in order. Many times the leadership ministry can "see" who has the gifts and the leaders appoint those people to fulfil a particular task God has provided. Illustration: Paul and Timothy. 14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." 1 Tim.3:14-15

3. Decently here is the Greek word:
G2156 euschemonos

εσχημόνως

euscheτmonoτs

yoo-skhay-mon'-oce

Adverb from G2158; decorously:-decently, honestly.
G2158 euschemon

εσχήμων

euscheτmoτn

yoo-skhay'-mone

From G2095 and G4976; well formed, that is, (figuratively) decorous, noble
(in rank):
-comely, honourable.

C. How to behave thyself.

1. The meaning of behave here is:
G390 anastrepho

Pναστρέφω

anastrepho

an-as-tref'-o

From G303 and G4762; to overturn; also to return; by implication to busy
oneself, that is, remain, live:
-abide, behave self, have conversation, live,
overthrow, pass, return, be used.



As we see these words which the Holy Ghost has chosen to give to us so we can understand what kind of character to have among ourselves, we begin to see that God is concerned about the details of our lives.





II. THE DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing." Phil.3:12-16



A. The prize is only given to those who strive lawfully.

1. 5And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." 2Tim.2:5 And again in 1Cor. 9:25 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

2. To strive here in 1Cor.9:25 Paul gives us the word for "agony."
G75 agonizomai

Pγωνίζομαι

agoτnizomai

ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee

From G73; to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to
contend with an adversary), or generally (to endeavor to accomplish
something):-fight, labor fervently, strive.


3. Those who have more authority in the spirit realm
against devils, and have more victory in their lives will be those who go through the agony more often and pay the price of faithfulness.
In Mark 10:46-49 we can see the disciples being an extension of Jesus.

46And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 48And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 49And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man,
saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

Many times, being of service is nothing more than repeating to others just what Jesus has already said. As Jesus promotes you, the enemy will try and defeat you, thus causing some kind of agony within your reach. You must defeat him with the Word of God.

B. God promotes those who are faithful and understand authority.

1. The faithfulness of God
1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ,
and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.1Cor.4:1-2

Just what does it mean to be faithful? And what is a "steward." 17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church." 1Cor.4:17

Faithful here is:
G4103 pistos

πιστός

pistos

pis-tos'

From G3982; objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful:-believe (-ing, -
r), faithful (-ly), sure, true. Someone who can be "counted on" to perform a certain task.

G3982 peitho

πείθω

peithoτ

pi'-tho

A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify
or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence
or authority), to rely on
(by inward certainty):-agree, assure, believe, have
confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.

The Apostle Paul is saying that stewards must be someone who the leadership can rely on to perform assigned tasks and perform their gifting within the Body of Christ.



2. Notice that Paul tells us that it is REQUIRED of the steward to be faithful.

Steward here is:
G3623 oikonomos

οkκονόμος

oikonomos

oy-kon-om'-os

From G3624 and the base of G3551; a house distributor (that is, manager), or
overseer, that is, an employee in that capacity; by extension a fiscal agent
(treasurer); figuratively a preacher (of the Gospel):-chamberlain, governor,
steward.

So, you could say, that even those in the choir, (for instance) could be stewards of the praises of God. Those who are leading the congregation in praise to God who are overseeing the task of leading and encouraging others to praise God themselves. This is where the ministries to the street people fit in.
Ushers,
are those who not only may preach from time to time, but are overseeing the congregation at the request of a Pastor.
Those who serve communion
are overseeing the task of serving the "elements" of the Supper to the Body of Christ.

Required here is:
G2212 zeteo

ζητέω

zeτteoτ

dzay-teh'-o

Of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specifically (by
Hebraism) to worship (God)
, or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life):-be (go)
about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means).
Compare G4441.

G4441 punthanomai

πυνθάνομαι

punthanomai

poon-than'-om-ahee

Middle voice prolonged from πύθω puthoτ, a primary word, (which
occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses);
to question, that is, ascertain by
inquiry
(as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from G2065, which
properly means a request as a favor; and from G154, which is strictly a demand
of something due;
as well as from G2212, which implies a search for something
hidden;
and from G1189, which involves the idea of urgent need); by implication
to learn (by casual intelligence):-ask, demand,
enquire, understand.

The Holy Spirit here is actually saying that He is looking and seeking for those who are faithful.

9For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars." 2Chr.16:9

Father God is looking by the Spirit of God for those faithful to His Son.

C. Authority as taught by Jesus Christ

1. The authority of the kingdom of God, is not same as the worlds authority.
That authority taught by Jesus, is the exact opposite.

20Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. 24And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. 25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

a. When the mother asked for authority, a division between the brethren was the result. Promotion comes from God alone, and not from man, nor through the methods of man, such as "association." Those who practice the ways of the Gentiles are not in harmony with scriptural authority.

b. Jesus clearly pointed out that those who desire "positions" within His group are missing it. He said, "...it shall not
be so among you..."

2. Is God against being "chief" or "great" in His kingdom? No. But if you desire that "position" you need to know the meaning
of these terms: minister & servant.

a. Minister means:

G1249 diakonos

διάκονος

diakonos

dee-ak'-on-os

Probably from διάκω diakoτ (obsolete, to run on errands; compare
G1377); an attendant
, that is, (generally) a waiter (at table or in other menial
duties); specifically a
Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon or
deaconess):-deacon, minister, servant.

The present system the churches of the world promote, comes to Christendom through the Roman Catholic Church. But we know that this system is fallen. God never wanted any man to rule by force. Their system is known as a Pastoral system, with the Pope at the top of the "pyramid" shaped organization.
The Apostle Paul warned us about this action within the Body of Christ.




17And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church... 28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." Acts 20:17; verses 28-31

b. The church leaders are to function
as a Body. The Apostle Paul taught that the leadership ministry feeds the sheep as the human body is fed and receives nourishment. A street preacher should want to be in unity.

11And he gave some, apostles;
and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Ephesians 4:11-16

Therefore, it is imperative that the members of the Body respond to their leadership as the Apostle Paul instructed in 1Cor.12.

3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14For the body is not one member, but many. 15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.19And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

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

III. STEWARDSHIP STYLES IN THE SCRIPTURES

Lets look at the ARMOURBEARER

1Samuel 14:7-14

6And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. 7And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. 8Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. 9If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. 10But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us. 11And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves. 12And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. 13And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him. 14And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow."

H5375 nawsaw'

ΰNάπ δρπ

naςsρaς naςsaςh

naw-saw', naw-saw'

A primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literally and
figuratively, absolutely and relatively:-accept, advance, arise,
(able to,
[armour], suffer to) bear (-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain,
desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on,
help, high, hold up, honourable (+ man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry,
magnify, X needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up),
spare, stir up, + swear, take (away, up), X utterly, wear, yield.

H3627 keliy'

ιμΔkΐ

kelςy

kel-ee' From H3615; something prepared, that is, any apparatus (as an implement,
utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):-armour ([-bearer]), artillery, bag, carriage, +
furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, X one from another, that
which pertaineth, pot, + psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, +
whatsoever.

 

The armourbearer was a young person (a male in this case) in training who would someday be a warrior themselves.

The armourbearer was a disciple of the Masters training.

What ever the leader did, (the armourbearer watched and sometimes participated in the activity) so did the armourbearer.

1 Samuel 16:18-21

18Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. 19Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. 20And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. 21And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

 

Even the great King David, SERVED AS AN ARMOURBEARER before he was exalted by God to be King over Israel. All those who wish to be great in the kingdom of God must serve under another of a like calling. In order to get David to start "thinking" like a King, he had to start hanging around one, serving one, studying one...seeing how Kings "act" and how not to act.

David was anointed by Samuel to be King. But he was not yet King.

David was faithfully serving as the Kings armourbearer but he was not yet the King.

David was awarded the opportunity to show himself (that he was to be the next King for he knew why he was anointed) the man who would be King when he faced the problem for the one he was serving.

David slew Goliath. This one action as armourbearer, showed the nation of Israel that David was not only learning his job as an armourbearer but he was certainly anointed, and knew the Lord closely, in a way that only he understood producing great faith in order to kill the giant.

B. Lets look at the Old Testament "minister."

The word here for minister is:

H8334 sharath'

ϊψLά

shaςrath

shaw-rath'

A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively to
contribute to:-minister (unto), (do) serve (-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on.

There were many famous "ministers" in the Old Testament. Joshua, Gehazi, & Elisha.

All of these had one thing in common, they served a prophet.

Lets look up some of the passages to see the details.

Ex.17:10,12; 23:13; 33:11; Num.11:28; Josh.4:10; Jud.2:8; 2Ki.4:12, 25; 5:20; 8:4; 2Ki.3:11;

As the ministers served their leaders, they were allowed to see God in action in the life of that leader. This type of ministry style is long-term, and develops faith and patience within the individual who is the minister. The two most needed elements of a foundation is faith and patience, for without them, you cannot inherit the promises of the kingdom of God.

12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Heb.6:12

 

IV. KEYS TO TEAMWORK

What the New Testament says concerning helps / leadership.

Hebrews 13:7

7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."

Hebrews 13:17

17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

Remember to submit to and obey those who rule over you.

Lets look at the meaning of the words submit, obey, and rule.

The Holy Spirit wants us to be "orderly" among ourselves as to how we behave and treat others within the Kingdom of God.

The meaning of submit here, is:

G5226 hupeiko

πείκω

hupeikoτ

hoop-i'-ko From G5259 and εnκω eikoτ (to yield, be "weak"); to surrender:-submit
self.

G5259 hupo

πό

hupo

hoop-o'

A primary preposition; under, that is, (with the genitive) of place (beneath),
or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative) of place
(whither [underneath] or where [below]) or time (when [at]):-among, by, from,
in, of, under, with. In compounds it retains the same genitive applications,
especially of inferior position or condition, and specifically covertly or
moderately.

Certainly the Holy Spirit is NOT saying that the leadership is better than yourself as to the state of quality, but rather as a parent to a child. The child is "under" the training of the parent until they can be a leader themselves which is shown in their duty as an "apprentice" a minister or "servant" to that leader. We are given this example from God Himself concerning His Word to us as a people.

1Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.... 19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, . . .(Gal. 4) 23But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Gal.3

Paul is using the same Greek word here for under as he is in Hebrews and he clearly points out the family relationship within his teaching. Your leaders are "under" God even as yourself, yet they will give an "account" for you. 1Cor.12:18 says, 18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him."

The word for obey is:

G3982 peitho

πείθω

peithoτ

pi'-tho

A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify
or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence
or authority), to rely
(by inward certainty):-agree, assure, believe, have
confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey,
persuade, trust, yield.

Yes, this is one of our words again. So obeying is not a problem? Right?

It would be great if that were true, but that's not always the case. That which causes us to not obey is division. { Division can be seen as "bad" or "good" depending on the circumstances. When the church class (or cell group) gets so big that you can no longer provide adequately for the people then it must divide into smaller groups. This is good and shows growth. However, if a rebellious member is not acting according to the Word, and is being divisive then there could be a problem.} Division comes when people don't agree.

Submission is not agreement.

People many times think that they are being "submissive" when they agree with what the Pastor and Leadership ministry is doing, or asking them to do. Then the real test of "their submission" comes. The Pastor or Leadership ministry personnel ask that particular person to do something they do not agree with. When someone does not agree they just plain don't want to. Now, a person who is submissive will do it anyway, even though they do not agree. And they will do it with a good attitude. This is real submission!

The word in Hebrews 13:17 for rule here is:

G2233 hegeomai

½γέομαι

heτgeomai

hayg-eh'-om-ahee

Middle voice of a (presumed) strengthened form of G71; to lead, that is,
command (with official authority); figuratively to deem, that is, consider:-
account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think.
It is not the same word as used in Mark 10:42-43 42But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: " The word for rule here is:

G757 archo

Tρχω

archoτ

ar'-kho

A primary verb; to be first (in political rank or power):-reign (rule) over.

This cannot be a term describing God's kingdom for only Jesus is FIRST. And He wants His leaders to have the character of a human shepherd . Alpha which is the term "first" of Jesus in His divinity as God. It is not a requirement for the leaders to try and fulfill. Only He is "archo" the first and He is the Last.
Paul uses another term for the rule of Elders.

17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward." 1Tim. 5:17-18

G4291 proistemi

προΐστημι

proisteτmi

pro-is'-tay-mee

From G4253 and G2476; to stand before, that is, (in rank) to preside, or (by
implication) to
practice:-maintain, be over, rule.

This gives us the idea of a presiding person. One who is watching and making sure that everything would takes place in a scriptural and pleasing manner before the Lord. One who teaches on a regular basis, a "feeder" of the sheep. Seeing that the New Testament refers to Elders in the plural form, this is also saying that there are more than one who fill this office.

 

 

 

Notice:

The term rule is never at any time to be interpreted as someone who rules by force and brings people into their control making them through manipulation of their "office" do tasks or become a certain kind of disciple. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated at AGAPE BODY OF CHRIST and should be brought to the attention of the Pastor.

Some other passages of scripture on the term "rule" are:

Matthew 2:6 speaking of Jesus our example.

6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." Rule here is :

G4165 poimaino

ποιμαίνω

poimainoτ

poy-mah'ee-no From G4166; to tend as a shepherd (or figuratively supervisor):-feed
(cattle), rule.

G4166 poimen

ποιμήν

poimeτn

poy-mane'

Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd (literally or figuratively):-shepherd,
pastor.

Eph.4:1111And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"

Pastor is a Latin word for the Greek word poimen. All pastors are shepherds just as Jesus the Chief shepherd.

1 Peter 5

1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over Gods heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Understanding the Elder and the Bishop.

The two terms are different but they refer to the same leadership position.

The Greek word for Elder is:

G4245 presbuteros

πρεσβύτερος

presbuteros

pres-boo'-ter-os

Comparative of πρέσβυς presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior;
specifically an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial
council) or Christian "presbyter":-elder (-est),
old.

The word simply means someone who is old or older than the rest.

The Greek word for Bishop is:

G1984 episkope

dπισκοπή

episkopeτ

ep-is-kop-ay' From G1980; inspection (for relief); by implication superintendence;
specifically the Christian "episcopate":-the office of a "bishop", bishoprick,
visitation,
overseer.

The difference in the two terms is seen in FUNCTION. A presbyter is just an older man who functions as an OVERSEER, one who is a superintendent of the congregation.

The passages which explain this are in Acts 20:17, 28

17And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18And when they were come to him, he said unto them... 28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

G1985 episkopos

dπίσκοπος

episkopos

ep-is'-kop-os

From G1909 and G4649 (in the sense of G1983); a superintendent, that is,
Christian officer in general charge of a (or the) church (literally or
figuratively):-bishop, overseer.

G1983 episkopeo

dπισκοπέω

episkopeoτ

ep-ee-skop-eh'-o

From G1909 and G4648; to oversee; by implication to beware:-look
diligently, take the oversight.
From 1Pet.5:2

Taking the lead (oversight) is a spiritual gift listed in Romana12.

Not all Elders (older people) are gifted leaders of oversight.

8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness."

Ruleth here in Romans 12:8 is:

G4291 proistemi

προΐστημι

proisteτmi

pro-is'-tay-mee

From G4253 and G2476; to stand before, that is, (in rank) to preside, or (by
implication) to practice:-maintain,
be over, rule. (see page 15)

Yes, this is the same word used in 1Tim.5:17

Those who are ruling the congregation do so through the Spirit of God and His gifting. This is why the followers are to obey without making their task difficult. If you make it hard for them you are actually abusing the Power of God in the Person of the Holy Spirit.

V. THE REQUIREMENTS FOR LEADERSHIP

1Timothy 3 (read)

Here the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul gives qualities which He wants to see in His leaders.

The desire for good work within the church.

The word Bishop is Latin for the Greek word episkopos (overseer). He says that the overseer must be several things. The word must here is:

G1163 dei

δεs

dei

die, deh-on'

Third person singular active present of G1210; also δεόν deon which is
neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally;
it is (was, etc.)
necessary (as binding):-behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need (-ful), ought,
should.

Must be blameless.

G423 anepileptos

Pνεπίληπτος

anepileτptos

an-ep-eel'-ape-tos

From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G1949; not arrested, that
is, (by implication) inculpable:-blameless, unrebukeable.

Must be the husband of one wife.

Must be vigilant. Meaning:

G3524 nephaleos

νηφάλεος, νηφάλιος

neτphaleos neτphalios

nah-fal'-eh-os, nay-fal'-ee-os

From G3525; sober, that is, (figuratively) circumspect:-sober, vigilant.

G3525 nepho

νήφω

neτphoτ

nay'-fo

Of uncertain affinity; to abstain from wine (keep sober), that is, (figuratively)
be discreet:-be sober,
watch.

Must be sober. Meaning:

G4998 sophron

σώφρων

soτphroτn

so'-frone

From the base of G4982 and that of G5424; safe (sound) in mind, that is, self controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):-discreet, sober, temperate.

Must be of good behavior. Meaning:

G2887 kosmios

κόσμιος

kosmios

kos'-mee-os

From G2889 (in its primary sense); orderly, that is, decorous:-of good
behavior, modest.

Must be given to hospitality. Meaning:

G5382 philoxenos

φιλόξενος

philoxenos

fil-ox'-en-os

From G5384 and G3581; fond of guests, that is, hospitable:-given to (lover
of, use) hospitality.

Must be apt to teach. Meaning:

G1317 didaktikos

διδακτικός

didaktikos

did-ak-tik-os' From G1318; instructive ("didactic"):-apt to teach.

G1318 didaktos

διδακτός

didaktos

did-ak-tos' From G1321; (subjectively) instructed or (objectively) communicated by
teaching:-taught, which . . . teacheth.

G1321 didasko

διδάσκω

didaskoτ

did-as'-ko

A prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δάω daoτ (to learn); to
teach (in the same broad application):-teach.

The Holy Spirit again says that not only will the spiritual gift of "ruling" be present in the individual, but also teaching. Romans 12:7 "... 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;..." Again, the same Greek word here in Romans as a spiritual gift from the Holy Ghost must be present in the one who is an overseer.

Must not be given to wine. Meaning:

G3943 paroinos

πάροινος

paroinos

par'-oy-nos

From G3844 and G3631; staying near wine, that is, tippling (a toper):-given
to wine.

Must not be a striker. Meaning:

G4131 plektes

πλήκτης

pleτkteτs

plake'-tace

From G4141; a smiter, that is, pugnacious (quarrelsome):-striker.

Must not be greedy. Meaning:

G866 aphilarguros

Pφιλάργυρος

aphilarguros

af-il-ar'-goo-ros

From G1 (as a negative particle) and G5366; unavaricious:-without
covetousness, not greedy of filthy lucre.

Must be patient. Meaning:

G1933 epieikes

dπιεικής

epieikeτs

ep-ee-i-kace'

From G1909 and G1503; appropriate, that is, (by implication) mild:-gentle,
moderation, patient. (See page 12 in the O.T. minister section)

Must not be a brawler. Meaning:

G269 amachos

Tμαχος

amachos

am'-akh-os From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3163; peaceable:-not a brawler.

G3163 mache

μάχη

macheτ

makh'-ay

From G3164; a battle, that is, (figuratively) controversy:-fighting, strive,
striving.
Fighting with people in any way, fists or words.

Must not be covetous. Meaning:

G866 aphilarguros

Pφιλάργυρος

aphilarguros

af-il-ar'-goo-ros

From G1 (as a negative particle) and G5366; unavaricious:-without
covetousness, not greedy of filthy lucre.
This is the third time the Holy Ghost has mentioned this quality that must be in the personality of every Elder / Overseer / Pastor.

1Tim.3:4

The Household of the Elder / Overseer / Pastor is very important. The Holy Ghost sees that the way our home is will be they way we treat His family, the church. Jesus taught this principle when teaching on money.

 

10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another mans, who shall give you that which is your own?

13No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Jesus here is asking that if you cannot take care of that which belongs to someone else, how will you do it if you have something of your own?

Paul is stating the same principle only in reverse. If you cannot take care of your own family, how are you going to do it with Gods house?

The children must be in subjection. Meaning:

G5293 hupotasso

ποτάσσω

hupotassoτ

hoop-ot-as'-so

From G5259 and G5021; to subordinate; reflexively to obey:-be under
obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be
(put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.

The children are obedient, and when they are not, the leader makes them be obedient. All children have problems and need to be corrected. The proper leader sees that this is done somehow. A leader who never attempts to train and correct their children are not qualified for this position.

All gravity of verse 4 means:

G4587 semnotes

σεμνότης

semnoteτs

sem-not'-ace From G4586; venerableness, that is, probity:-gravity, honesty.

G4586 semnos

σεμνός

semnos

sem-nos' From G4576; venerable, that is, honorable:-grave, honest.

G4576 sebomai

σέβομαι

sebomai

seb'-om-ahee

Middle voice of an apparently primary verb; to revere, that is, adore:-
devout, religious, worship.

Gravity here is actually saying that we are to be honest with our children and honorable. We should have an attitude of reverence and adoration towards them, love, as if it would seem a "form" of worship, as in lifting them up in respect.

 

Not a novice. Meaning:

G3504 neophutos

νεόφυτος

neophutos

neh-of'-oo-tos

From G3501 and a derivative of G5453; newly planted, that is, (figuratively)
a young convert
("neophyte"):-novice. This word is the combination of two words that lead us to understand Jesus in the parable of the sower.

G3501 neos; neoteros

νέος, νεώτερος

neos neoτteros

neh'-os, neh-o'-ter-os

A primary word, including the comparative (second form); "new", that is, (of
persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively regenerate:-new, young.

AND

G5453 phuo

φύω

phuoτ

foo'-o

A primary verb; probably originally to "puff" or blow, that is, to swell up; but
only used in the implied sense, to germinate or grow (sprout, produce), literally or figuratively:-spring (up).

5And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:.... 16And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the words sake, immediately they are offended." Mark 4:5, 16-17

Paul give a reason for rejecting the young converts as leaders.

"...lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil."

Paul had seen this early in his ministry before he even had written to Timothy.

Acts 12:25And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.... 5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister (Chapter 13:5 & 13) 13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. (chap. 15)

37And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

Later in the Apostle Paul's ministry we see how he thinks differently about John Mark.

11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry." 2 Tim.4:11

4. 1Tim. 3:77Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

Good report here is:

G3141 marturia

μαρτυρία

marturia

mar-too-ree'-ah

From G3144; evidence given (judicially or generally):-record, report,
testimony,
witness.

If the people around you do not know you are a Christian, then you don't have a good witness, and should not be serving a public position such as an Elder / Overseer / Pastor. Many people suffer persecution and are hated by the world, yet this is not a bad witness. If you are suffering for something you did to cause trouble, that is a bad witness. The Apostle Peter explains it this way:

1Peter 4:

3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:.... 12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:... 14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other mens matters. 16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf..... 19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

"THE HARNESS OF THE LORD"

Come with me down an old country road which leads to a large fenced in field. Inside his field is where wild horses are kept by a certain individual who will be introduced shortly.
The fence which is a barrier to keep the horses in is also there for their protection to keep evil out. Now, there was not anything "special" about this fence. It was just an old barbed wire fence. The horses could easily jump the fence if they wanted to. There was no one around to make sure the horses stayed in the field. Just the old barbed wire fence.

One day, a rebellious horse got tired of being trained. The trainer had tried to "break" this horse, so he could at least be ridden. This horse would have none of it. This horse even started grumbling among the other horses. "I don't even like the food here in this field," he said. "I heard from another horse (one who had already jumped the fence) that the grass just over the fence a few yards away was a lot better eating than what was here in this field and given to us by the trainers. A couple of young horses who didn't know any better started listening to this rebellious horse and they said, "Hey, what are we waiting for, let's go!" So over the fence they went. That was just what they wanted. To be free again, and able to eat what ever they wanted. They didn't want to wear that old harness anyway. They didn't like having it in their mouth. They didn't like always being told what to do by the trainer. They didn't like not being able to run and jump as they pleased. They were free!!


The day came when it was real hot, and the rebellious horses who had jumped the fence were real thirsty, they had not had a drink for days....they remembered the field. There was a really big watering trough in the middle of the field that the trainer always kept full of cool water. "Let's go!" they said. When they got there, the gate was open and the trainer was doing his usual duties. He turned around, and was surprised to see the wild horses who had jumped the fence. He led them to the water. As they were drinking with the other horses, the old rebellious horse asked the others, "Who are you?" You see, he had been gone so long, he didn't recognize any of those drinking with him. One horse said, "The others have all gone through their training, and have been moved into the stalls down the road." "How do you know that?" the rebellious horse said. "I know, because I stay there too, and all of the horses who are not rebellious and can be trained live there. The food is better, you have your own room which is shady when it's hot, and warm when it's cold. I only come out here to exercise." The old rebellious horse told the other ones who jump the fence with him not to believe this stupid old horse, because he really knew that the trainer had evil intentions and was wanting to sell them to the glue factory. (At least, that's what the old rebellious horse told him a long time ago.) And then it happened!!! Clipity - clop, clipity-clop, the horses heard the horse shoes a long way away. What that? Then the horse who told of the stalls told them they wear special shoes too, but only when they do the special service. As the noise increased all the horses watched as they seen the disciplined horses PULLING THE KINGS CARRIAGE!! They were beautiful. Their manes were combed, and they were all clean and shiny! They wore the mantle of the King. They were perfectly TRAINED, and followed every command. "You see!" said the horse, I wasn't lying! You are just rebellious, and won't follow orders. The trainer really does love us, and has our best interest at heart.

Only the most disciplined horses get to pull the KINGS CARRIAGE. How about you? Are you willing to go through the training it takes to become the best helper in Daytona? Or in this country? You can. If you really want too! But you must submit yourself to regular training and be willing to pay the price of faithfulness. Are you willing?

Father God is training by His Spirit, those who will come out of Babylon and begin to lay "foundation" for the remnant, Zion. We cannot use the foundation of Babylon any further.
Listen to Jer.51:24-33:

" 24And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD. 25 Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain. 26And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate for ever, saith the LORD. 27Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillars. 28 Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion. 29And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant. 30The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in their holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken. 31One post shall run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, to show the king of Babylon that his city is taken at one end, 32And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted. 33 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; The daughter of Babylon is like a threshingfloor, it is time to thresh her: yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come. " Brothers and Sisters, the time of her harvest is at hand!! For the harvest is separation from Babylon! Devils "dance" in Babylon. (see Isaiah 13:21; "saytrs" Rev.18:1-4) God wants the leaders of the Body of Christ to show forth unity which is of Him. We must "go the extra mile" and pull together as the remnant is born here in Daytona. Gossip travels very fast. We want those "outside of us" to say only good. This is, as shown above, one of the "qualifications" for leadership. Paul wanted the men he worked with to hold the "mystery of the Gospel" in a PURE CONSCIENCE. As we seek the Lord, let us open our hearts and ask Him to purge us of anything we might have said against those who are on our team. We will always come against the powers of darkness, let us not come against the brethren. 1Cor.1:10-13 says, "10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"

If you will do a unity study in your own timeyou will see that God wants His people united as one Body. We must separate ourselves from sin, and that is the purging process. The strength of any ministry is in their ability to sacrifice in every area of their lives. Even in pride. Pride will stand in the way of a river of blessings. 2Cor.12

"7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christs sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."