The bible says that we as the children of the Most High have been given the authority "to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." But not all of God's children have the authority to do as the bible promises. Why? This means that such authority is available for all believers but not all believers possess this authority. Scripture clearly states that NOTHING WILL HARM YOU. But why are so many Christians attacked, defeated, and harmed?
Luke 10:19 (AMP) Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.
Our God is a God of order. You must realize the order of authority and submission before you yourselves can obtain spiritual authority. Satan thrives in chaos and confusion. Where there is confusion, the enemy is present. If one is out of order with Kingdom principles, then one does not have authority and power and one can shout "Get out in the Name of Jesus!" all day long and the enemy will laugh in your face.
Many pray beseeching God to deliver them out of their troubles. The bible commands us to pray when we are in trouble. But we must first know the proper order when resisting the devil. Without proper obedience to God's Word, we will be fighting in vain.
James 4:7 (NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The context of James chapter 4 is that the author is rebuking the church for being worldly as it fights, quarrels, and is like an unfaithful wife. Why are these things happening? These things are happening because the devil has a strangle hold on the church. What are the instructions James is giving for the church to be set free and have authority and victory?
Many Christians today are fighting, quarreling, unfaithful, and are very worldly in their sins. Many are praying and many are being prayed for but there seems to be a lack of victory.
What are the instructions?
James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
First order, SUBMIT TO GOD! Other translations can be "be subject to God" and/or "subject yourselves under God's authority. When we first submit to God's Word and authority walking and keeping HIS commandments, then we can RESIST the devil and he will flee. We not only submit to God's Word but to the pastors that God assigns us. If you treat your pastors like carpenters and disrespect them, you will prevent your own breakthroughs in life. When Jesus went to His hometown, they did not honor HIM and thus HE could not do major miracles. They had dishonored HIM. Dishonoring HIM was their lack of faith.
Many Christians must repent for slandering God's authority such as pastors and other servants of God. Next, come near to God. We need to start praying, reading, and worship. A relationship with God is not a 10 second prayer before a meal. Just because some of you think you hear God's voice does not mean you are having a relationship with HIM either.
Wash your hands sinners and purify your hearts double minded people! So many people have divided hearts toward God. Many Christians are cheating on God every day. Grieve and mourn or in other words, REPENT and ask for a spirit of repentance! Humble yourselves! Fast and pray and give HIM an offering of yourselves by fasting and praying.
James 4:11-12 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
Christians need to stop gossiping and slandering one another. Scripture says if we speak against our brethren, we speak against the law and judge it. We are thus playing God. We are then piling up our sins. This is why so many Christians do not have authority over the devil. It is their lack of submission to God's Word and authority. Such Christians only bring judgment on themselves and as they pray for deliverance, no answer comes. They must repent and submit to God first.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
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