BexNotes: Welcome Home - PART 1

Recap

READ 1 Corinthians 13

Last week, "T" had spoken in my absence. I inquired as to highlights from their conversation and the EVERYONE mentioned the characteristics/attributes of love (i.e., compassion). Also, it seems that the Holy Spirit has been reiterating this point in other churches. (We have the SAME Spirit.) The main themes are as follows:

1. God is love. If we are children of God, we are born into love.
2. The fullness of love is completely humbling, because love is perfect.
3. We are totally incapable of truly loving in our own power.

I reminded everyone that we grow up into love. Do not get disappointed that you can't love perfectly. Ask for forgiveness, and ask for growth. Along with sanctification, God makes us more into the likeness of His son, more perfectly loving, over time. Let God work love in your heart!

The Spirit Realm

READ 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

In talking about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit last week, "T" and "L" discussed the gift of discernment of spirits. I clarified the following details:

1. The Role of God. God is God. He is ultimate and supreme. He has all authority in every created place. His power is incomparable. Jesus stole the power of sin and death by dying and rising again. He stole the keys to hell by descending, and his Name became glorified in Heaven, on the Earth, and under the Earth by his ascension (Eph. 4:7-9). At the end of time, He shall come back for the saints, wage war against the antichrist and throw Satan and his minions into Hell.
2. The Role of Satan. Satan was the most beautiful angel, named Lucifer. He was created by God to lead heaven into worship--giving praise, glory, honor, and attributing worth to God. Seeing himself as a leader, he desired to be a god himself. He set himself up to be worshiped, whereupon God kicked him and his followers out of Heaven and into the Earth--where they remain till Jesus returns. Satan is not omnipresent. He cannot be everywhere all at once. He and his demons have no real power, only the power of influence via deception, lies, fear, etc. (1 Pet. 5:8-10).
3. The Role of Humans. God created man in His own image (Gen. 1:26-30). When Jesus died and rose again, He gave us the right to be called sons and daughters of God (John 1:12). This position is higher than any angel, because we are heirs to God's Kingdom (Rom. 8:17). Because of his pride and desire to be worshiped and have position and power, Satan detests us and the role that is given to us by God's grace. Thus, he attempts to distract us from finding God and feeds us lies about ourselves, so we never become Gods. A battle rages in the spiritual realm for our souls.
4. The Role of Angels. Angels are God's creatures, warriors, messengers, worshipers. Like the human race, different angels have different functions. For example, the angel of the Lord went before the armies of Israel in the Old Testament and won the battle for the Lord; also, the archangel Michael will eventually be the one who throws Satan into Hell. Angels exist in the spirit realm of the world, battling for our souls and protecting us from the schemes of the enemy as well as physical danger (Psalm 91).
5. The Role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is set as a seal upon the hearts of the believer (Eph. 1:13). Just as a seal on a document can only be opened by the one bearing enough power to do so, likewise the Holy Spirit seals our hearts to be opened solely by God. He confirms that we are righteous and sons and heirs of God. His seal protects us. Therefore, it is impossible for believers to be possessed by demons.
6. The Role of Fear. Demons will often manifest themselves in the scariest form possible. Since God is love, and perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18-19), it is evident that demonic influence can be scary. They are also incredibly deceptive. They wield their influence to control humans, especially those who do not know the Lord.
7. The Name of Jesus. The Name of Jesus is the Name above all names. At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow in heaven and on Earth and under the Earth (Phil. 2:9-11). Demonic forces are subject to His authority, which He has given to us through the plan of God and by the Holy Spirit.

The spirit realm is very real, and it's good to be aware of what is going on--to always put on the full armour of God and to pray at all times. However, there is no need to be afraid, because Greater is He who lives in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..." -- Eph. 6:10-18 ESV