V-MAIL TO THE FRONTLINE

PART 14

WHO IS AFRAID OF WHOM?

“Then some of the traveling Jewish exorcist (men who are involved and adjure evil spirits) also took it on themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, I solemnly implore and charge you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches! Seven sons of a certain Jewish chief priest named Sceva were doing this. But (one) evil spirit retorted (to make a witty reply and turn it around to the speaker), Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you? Then the man in whom the evil spirit dwelt leaped upon them, mastering (overcoming) two (both) of them, and was so violent against them that they dashed out of that house (in fear), stripped naked and wounded. This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and alarm and terror fell upon them all; and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled and magnified”. (Acts 19:13-17 AMP.)
We clearly see why the demon makes the statement about how he knows who Jesus is because obviously the entire spiritual realm is well aware of God and His infinite authority. When a person is transformed into a new spirit and is filled with the Spirit of God, the dark kingdom also recognizes the power and anointing of God’s presence in them. The “I know” (γινώσκω) and the “I know about” (ὲπίσταμαι) reveals a purpose in using two different words to denote the demon’s recognition of the Divine Master and of the human agent, though it is not easy to convey the difference in a translation. It is the difference between an instinctive perception or recognition of a supreme power and the more intimate knowledge of a human agent. A divine mystery would invest Jesus, which the demon would feel, though he could not penetrate it. His knowledge of a man would be greater, in his own estimation at least. The difference may be given roughly, thus: “Jesus I recognize, and Paul I am acquainted with.” We also notice the demon Overcame them (κατακυριεύσας) “both of them” or mastered them (κύριος) which would imply that only two of the seven were involved in the exorcism. We understand how the enemy can overpower those who do not know God and who are not filled with His word but allow me to ask some personal questions here: Do you believe the kingdom of darkness knows who you are? Do you believe that you have authority over ALL the power of the enemy? Do you believe the devil is afraid of you and recognizes Jesus in you? Every frontline warrior should answer yes to these questions because we cannot live in abundant victory unless we know who we are and choose to abide in God’s presence!
There are many things connected with walking triumphant in God’s Divine Reality. One important factor to remember is that we have not been called to FIGHT demons all the time – we have been called to be FILLED with God! The closer we stay in God – the more victory we will have! This is a “spiritual” war not a 10 round boxing match! “For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh or using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood), but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds”. (II Corinthians 10:3,4 AMP.) NOW is the time to pray for wisdom, to build faith and cast out ALL doubt, because boldness and confidence in knowing and speaking God’s Word will ALWAYS change circumstances. We must take our prayer life to the next level with actually believing in what we are saying or it will just be religious noise. We cannot lay around in our carnality speaking to our mountains and expect to see signs, wonders and miracles. We cannot “afford” to speak negatively, tremble in fear and be half-dressed for battle because there is a “life and death” constant sacrifice and responsibility to live in God’s Divine Reality. We will never know Christ’s victory in it’s fullness until we stop reacting humanly to our circumstances. When you truly have authority over something you can stare it dead in the eye without worry, fear and anxiety and this is the confidence God’s remnant has in the face of war. Do we really trust God or do we think that sometimes He is busy doing other things and might forget about us? Why are we so quick to run to other solutions and answers? Do we believe that He allows us to be defeated sometimes for His own reasons? NO! God’s Word is true 100% of the time and will NEVER fail! Every thought, theory and philosophy that teaches against this – is from Satan!
It is not God’s will for the devil to walk on us! It is God’s perfect vision, destiny and demand that we walk on the devil because you and I represent GOD and HE is eternal perfection and infinitely victorious! Jesus sent out the twelve in (Mark 3:15), to preach and WALK in His Divine Reality just like He has sent us NOW into the “frontline”. “And to have AUTHORITY and POWER to heal the sick and to drive out demons”. The reason why the body of Christ hides behind their religious comforts is because they are not willing to surrender their allegiance to the default system and become completely committed to God’s triumphant lifestyle. We do not mind to sit around and listen to worship songs or hear an encouraging sermon, but how many that love to soak in His peace are really tearing down the strongholds of the enemy? “The seventy returned with joy saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name! And He (Jesus) said to them, I saw Satan falling like a lightning (flash) from heaven. 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”. (Luke 10:17-19 AMP.) How are you using this authority?

Attending a church service does not automatically make you a frontline warrior neither does it make the devil afraid of you. Wearing a “what would Jesus do” rubber band will not intimidate the demons unless you are allowing Jesus to live through you! True warriors are “sold out” for the cause! They know what they are fighting for and what they are fighting against. The problem with the body of Christ is that many who “profess” are not praying, fasting, confessing, studying, believing, demonstrating, or manifesting at all! Many believe this is the dirty job for “special” ministers – but this is God’s COMMAND to everyone who testifies that He is their Lord! “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give”. (Mathew 10:8)
When the “Christ in you” becomes so strong that your life is a constant “fruit producer” then God’s Divine Reality will be the word of your testimony! The blood of the Lamb has done the work and won the victory – it is now up to the follower of Christ to “walk it”! It is not our reputation or influence in this world that is important; it is the impact of Christ “IN US” that matters! In those early days He could not be present without it being known; and that is the thing that you and I need – THAT is the secret of the church’s power. It is the presence of Christ on the inside of you and me, and all of us together united in the “revelation reality” of His word! What we need is a mighty hope, a living hope; that is the risen Christ Himself! We need to go even beyond the resurrection to be able to say: It is Christ present NOW! Is the love and power of Christ being released in you today? Are you afraid of the devil or is he afraid of you???