CHARISMATIC HOUR (090321)
Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement
Topic: THE DEVIL HAS NO RIGHT IN YOUR LIFE
Texts: 1Pt.2:9,10, Eph.2:6.
It is common knowledge that the believer is in a battle with the forces of darkness (Eph.6:12). And one of the factors that determine the prognosis/prospect of a war is intelligence (ie information about an enemy).
The devils know this; and use it against believers. He (Satan) disseminates false information or impressions about his person or ability, hyping his power and sending fear into the lives of unwary believers; thereby mitigating their ability.
Our message shall come under the following points.
(A) The truth about the Devil (B) Two misconceptions of the Devil (C) The overcomers’ awareness.
- THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DEVIL
The Devil is a creature and so grossly limited in capacity/ability. He was originally created as a glorious, beautiful angel endowed with power, but when iniquity was found in him, the glory departed, though the wisdom and power were retained (Isa.14:12, Ezk.28:14,15, Rom.11:29).
By his fall, the erstwhile holy abilities turned into evil-working power by which he crafts evil-devices (wiles), lies to deceive, murders etc (Jn.10:10a, Eph.6:11). Therefore, the Devil is not as great as he is often presented.
- TWO MISCONCEPTIONS OF THE DEVIL
There are two misconceptions of interest that apparently accord the devil some honour/greatness. (i) Every evil done is touted to be by the Devil: giving the impression that he is omnipresent. This is erroneous. Rather, there are a host of fallen angels that owe allegiance to him, working with him (cons. Rev.12:4) (ii) He was described as the god of this world (2Cor.4:4) giving an impression that he is in legitimate control of this planet. But the word “world” was translated from a Greek word
‘aion’ (
pronounced ahee-on) which means age or era. So the term “god of this world (age)” has to do with the choice of the majority of people for his ways (Jn.3:19), and not the possession of authority to rule the geographic entity (earth). Therefore, Satan has no authority over the believer’s life/family.
- THE OVERCOMERS’ AWARENESS
Once one is saved, he has been lifted up and made to sit together in Christ Jesus far above principalities (Eph.2:6, 1:20,21). This positional awareness will make him effectively utilize the believers’ authority (Lk.10:19, Mk.16:17, Matt.18:18,19).
The Devil does not have any right over any believer at any time, except when the “believer” decides to yield to his ways (Rom.6:16, comp. Eccl.10:8).
We must therefore rise to take back what the enemy has taken or withheld from us through our ignorance: our health, children’s wellbeing, possession, businesses etc. We must also go about to free his captives and populate the Kingdom of God. Let us pray.
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