AWAKE, ARISE, AND TRIUMPH
Friday – January 8, 2021, Tevet 24, 5781
GIFTS – PART SIXTY-TWO
ARMOR OF GOD – PART FOUR
Greetings and welcome to all who join this blog, the Friday Bible Study titled “Gifts” and currently focused on the Armor of God. Please take a moment and share this teaching as widely as possible to expand the reach of this Ministry and the Truth. Now let’s prepare to dive into our study of the Armor of God. This is a wonderfully encouraging and instructive teaching. We are not designed or provided for by God, as His children, to have defeat of any kind in our lives. This includes not only our finances and our bodies but every area of life. Wow, what a Father, what a Savior, what a Comforter! We have an obligation to think about this, examine the Scripture, and examine ourselves for we see the curse running rampant in Christians lives. As you will recall I have not jumped right to the “Armor of God” Scriptures but we are taking the time to explore the context of those verses. We have started a list of what is required in our lives for the armor of God to work as designed. We found that obedience is essential, as is honor, walking in love (agape), being in an attitude of thanksgiving, and proving all the Word, all we believe. Now, let’s review a part of the primary text for this study from the sixth chapter and then we will slide back to the fifth chapter.
Ephesians 6:12-13 (KJV)
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Many times, even seasoned Christians will get their eyes on a person or a group and put their focus them, however that is the opposite of what the Scripture teaches. Every person on the planet is being influenced by spiritual forces. In the case of unsaved evil forces are influencing them with little to no resistance. They are also at work to influence the redeemed even more so. They already have the sinner so they are working overtime to get the saved in a ditch. They know where our weaknesses are, they have been working in our families for many generations. They want us to focus on people over whom we generally have no or little authority rather than on them over whom we have total authority. Each person chooses to be influenced or not by evil spirits by accepting or rejecting the thoughts and opportunities these spirits present. Last week I presented the following passage and more or less skipped over it but the Holy Spirit has prompted me to return and examine it in detail. This Book of Ephesians is written to believers.
Ephesians 1:1 (KJV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Now, let’s give this passage our full attention, yes, full attention. No eyerolling and put away that haughty thought that this has nothing to do with you for sure.
Ephesians 5:3-5 (KJV)
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let’s start with the word ‘fornication’. I think for many people our minds immediately go to sex outside of marriage but is that the whole of it? The origin of this word finally translated as fornication are the words porneia and porneuō according to Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. It is not the least bit difficult to see how we get our word pornography (the explicit display or activity of sexual organs). It is estimated that up to half of all Church going men including Pastors are viewing porn on a regular basis. Let’s take a further look at the definition of ‘fornication’ from the Greek. to act the harlot, indulge in unlawful lust (of either sex), practice idolatry, or commit (fornication) according to Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. One may protest that they are not a sex worker, I do not use a sex worker, nor do I have sex outside of marriage. What about spiritual fornication? When we turn aside from the Word of God to other words we have entered into fornication or adultery with the god of this world. Even if we are deceived by the enemy and espousing a teaching at variance with Scripture, we are guilty of fornication, guilty of idolatry. Like wooden or stone idols, a person, a thing, or any activity, we put ahead of God, as well as the traditions of men and the doctrines of demons are not only without power but take us out of fellowship with God (not relationship). All of these are sin in the sight of God and are analogous to a wife turning to another lover.
Lord willing, I will pick up right here next Friday.
2 Chronicles 20:20b (KJV)
20 … Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
Until our next publication, as a Bible Teacher and Prophetic Voice I speak this blessing over each and every one of you, receive it, believe it, and speak over yourself and your family by faith in Jesus name!
Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)
24 The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
26 The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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