Conflict and the Kingdom Deanna just went through a horrific health issue. She now is on a very restrictive diet. We were aware of coming conflict when we started the Prayer and Healing School. Engaging the enemy means conflict. Paul experienced this. Acts 14:19-20 But some Jews arrived there from Antioch and Iconium; and having persuaded the people and won them over, they stoned Paul and [afterward] dragged him out of the town, thinking that he was dead. But the disciples formed a circle about him, and he got up and went back into the town; and on the morrow he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. Forming a circle around him means they were praying for him. Paul not only taught the joy and peace of the kingdom of God (Rom. 14:17), its power (1 Cor. 4:20), and its present authority to cause the believer to triumph over evil (2 Tim. 4:18; Rom. 16:20). He also taught that “kingdom people” experience trial, suffering, and not always an “instant victory” (2 Thess. 1:5). Triumph and victory may characterize the attitude of each citizen of the kingdom of God, and Holy Spirit-empowered authority is given to be applied to realize results. Yet, God did not promise life without struggle. The “dominion” being recovered through the presence of the King within us and ministered by the Holy Spirit’s power through us is never taught by the apostles as preempting all suffering. A simple reading of Job teaches very clearly that Satan is behind most attacks. Especially when people give him place and power as illustrated by the mob. This is a critical lesson to be learned. Expect some opposition. The devil has a right to use whatever opening he is given. Projecting kingdom life any other ways leads to distortions as: 1. There is something wrong with my faith. 2. Why didnt God do something? 3. Whatever happens must be God. The Bible teaches that suffering, trial, and all order of human difficulty are unavoidable; but God’s Word also teaches that they may all be overcome. The presence of the King and the power of His kingdom in our lives make us neither invulnerable nor immune to life’s struggles. But they do bring the promise of victory: provision in need, strength for the day, and healing, comfort, and saving help. SFB Lord, please give me your discernment so I may rightly interpret life events. In a test or trial it means you simply stand on what you have learned. Paul said it well, Ephesians 6:10-24 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with thefirm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readinessproduced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. Lift up over all the [covering] shield ofsaving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spiritwields, which is the Word of God. Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 14:06:56 +0000
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