Possessing the gates of the enemies (2)
By Bishop Taiwo Akinola
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure ….. think on these things ~ Philippians 4:8.
Introduction: It is quintessential to biblical Christianity that we all become exact in the spiritual art of warring and possessing the gates of our enemies. And, as pointed out in the immediate past edition of this column, the believer must govern his mind in a military way against the brute forces of negative thoughts, negative imaginations and fear. By all means, we must keep Satan out of the lobes of our minds.The reason for this is not far-fetched. One major instrument Satan uses to erect his fortresses, and hence entrench himself in the lives of men, is negative thoughts. Negative thoughts remove happiness, and release negative emotions such as worry, depression, fear and so on. And, when fear comes, all doors of goodness are shut (John 20:19).Contrariwise, positive thoughts generate positive emotions such as courage, excitement, joy, faith and timeless victory. Furthermore, real peace precipitates on good thoughts and it generates an emotional state of mind where nothing is missing or broken irreparably.In particular, thoughts that are hinged on the Word of God have both power and capability to subdue all forms of negative thoughts if we give it a right of way in our heart (Romans 8:6).It is all-time important, therefore, that we embrace the truth of God’s Word to govern our emotions in order to enjoy the incredible peace that only God gives (John 14:1). And, primarily, such liberating truth is derived from a clear understanding of God’s Word and the accomplished works of Jesus Christ.From Colossians 1:12-17, we understand that all things were created by Jesus Christ, and for Jesus Christ. This is the strong truth every member of the body of Christ should fully internalize because it is by the reason of this truth that our position of victory in Christ Jesus is firmly secured. Certainly, no one is as privileged as God’s covenant children.Flowing from the scripture above, the following three things happen to God’s children simultaneously:Firstly, a power is working within us that cannot submit to the devil, principalities, might, and every name that is named including such horrid names like barrenness, confusion, cancer, tribulations, debt and death. This was what Paul affirmed when he said, in Romans 8:37, ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us’. This same truth is painted with sacred vividness in Ephesians 1:15-22 and Ephesians 3:10-20.Secondly, we are raised above all things, and all things are put under our feet. This is the truth that unravels the mystery of our dominion in Christ, whereby we carry an impartation for mastery that puts all things under our control, now. And, for this fact, anything that attempts to lord it over you must be stretching its luck too far!Thirdly, by certain mysteries of godliness, we are made to be one with Christ. We died with Christ when He died on the Cross. We were raised up with Him, and are now seated together with Him in heavenly places, far above all powers of the adversary. Yes, these mysteries are too deep to be fully comprehended by ordinary mortal minds, but they are stated facts from heaven, and are fully embraced by all well-informed believers as a mainstay of our dominion rights in Christ.Meanwhile, without fear of stating the obvious, I must insist that we cannot afford to ignore or toy with our sacred position in dominion, because anyone that refuses to dominate will certainly be dominated upon by circumstances he may not understand and cannot control.As believers in Christ Jesus, we are called to tirelessly dominate over all adversaries until all things are put under our feet and all enemies are vanquished. But, your faith is an essential companion in your exercise of dominion. It is your faith that releases the unprecedented capabilities required to fully possess the gates of the enemies.
Exercising Faith In Possessing the Enemy’s Gate
Faith is very decisive to the results you attract in spiritual warfare. It is a spiritual virtue to live by (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17).Real faith is an unconditional confidence in the integrity of God, and a total reliance upon His Word. It is not a head feeling, but a heart-assurance and a sure covenant anchor that ties you to covenant blessings, and does not allow you to drift away from your positions of victory, no matter the storms of life or the assaults from the gates of hell. Your faith is your sure shield in times of siege and spiritual conflict.Whatever you’re going through at any material time – seemingly difficult or even impossible situations – hinge your faith on God as your valid insurance against shame and failure (Hebrews 10:22). You will need it in due course, please keep your faith close to your heart.Meanwhile, your ‘faith’ is not faith unless it is the only thing you are holding on to. Your joy, boasts, enthusiasm and boldness should rest upon God and not on your possessions or personal merits.Moreover, in whatever situation you find yourself, just hope in God. We cannot live without it, for as oxygen is to the body, hope is to the soul. Hope is also a gift like faith or love. And, since it is of God, hope enables one to find a way to make things right in spite of obstacles.Finally, my brethren, reach out with your sword, today (2 Corinthians 6:7). Stand on your ground of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8). Be patient and endure as you obey the Lord (2 Timothy 2:3). Your obedience will approve you for victory any day before the Lord, in Jesus Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!
Bishop Taiwo Akinola is the Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church,Sango Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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