Don't be Fooled by the Imitator

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there 

shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable 

heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon 

themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:1

When God calls us and we accept His invitation into His kingdom, He equips us with everything we need to stand against the deceitful tactics of Satan and his army of demons that stand up against us to thwart our entrance or to pull us back out.

There is no reason for us to fear the deceit, ambushments, lies and yes, even the physical attacks that the enemy produces through the ones that allow him access.  God equips us with what we need but He also lets us know that though man may strike fear in our hearts, He is the one that we should fear, that we should reverence, that we should have a healthy respect for:

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.  Luke 12:4-5

Be encouraged to know that we as believers and soldiers in the army of God do not have to idly stand by and put up with the antics of the enemy.  There are specific counter strategies for overcoming spiritual wickedness in high places that are spelled out in the word of God.

First and foremost, we have to recognize Satan is an imitator.  "Imitation" means to copy or counterfeit something. 

The first step in overcoming wickedness is to 

recognize that Satan imitates every part of God's religious structure. 

Be on the lookout for imitations!

Use your God given discernment.  There is a special gift of the Holy Spirit called "discerning of spirits." It is an unusual ability given by God to immediately discern another person's spirit and know if they are good or evil. If you have this spiritual gift, use it in dealing with spiritual wickedness in high places.  If you do not have this gift, the Holy Spirit endows us with a certain measure of discernment which when used in conjunction  with the word of God allows us to see the imitating tactics of Satan.  

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

Beloved, we must grow up in God so that we can put your spiritual discernment to use.

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.  Hebrews 5:14

Through the word of God you can detect imitators.  God's word is very clear in 2 Peter 2 and the book of Jude regarding the tactics of the enemy.  He has listed the characteristics of those men with seducing spirits.  All believers are encouraged to:

*   "try the spirits" 

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.   1 John 4:1

To "try" means to "test" the spirits. If you test the spirits, it does not mean you are operating in unbelief. If the spirits are of God, they will pass the test!

*   Study the word of God  

In order to recognize the false doctrines of Satan's teachers, apostles, prophets, and ministers, you must know what is taught in the Word of God. Apostle Paul told Timothy:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

Even though Apostle Paul was a great spiritual leader in the early Church, the believers at the city of Berea checked everything he said by God's written Word:

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  Acts 17:11

To avoid being deceived by spiritual wickedness in high places, examine everything that is taught in light of God's Word.

*  Reject anything that is not found in the word of God  

I find this saying to be true:  if it’s not found, it’s not sound!  Satan establishes much spiritual wickedness in high places through so-called "special revelation of new truth." People will claim special dreams, appearances by angels, visions, voices, or other supernatural events. But Apostle Paul warned:

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  Galatians 1:7-8

Reject any teaching, doctrine, manifestation, or revelation that is not in harmony with God's Word. Do not accept any so-called prophecy that is not in right relation to the faith 

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;  Romans 12:6 

. . . and which does not come to pass 

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.    Deuteronomy 18:22 

Do not accept any revelation that leads you away from God and the truth of His Word 

If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.   Deuteronomy 13:1-3

The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.  Proverbs 21:16

*   Evaluate by Spiritual fruit.  

Because Satan imitates the power of God through supernatural manifestations of miracles, signs, and wonders, God has provided a special method of evaluating ministries. You are to evaluate the supernatural on the basis of spiritual fruit.

Jesus compared men to fruit trees. He said you would know both the real and the imitators by their spiritual fruit:

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  

Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.   Matthew 7:18, 20

Satan can imitate spiritual gifts and God's power, but he has no imitation for a holy life exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit which includes true...

...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance; against such there is no law.   Galatians 5:22-23

Evaluate ministries by spiritual fruit, not by supernatural manifestations of power.  This does not mean that we ignore, discount or disclaim the spiritual move of God in our life, but we view it in its proper perspective in accordance to the word of God.

* Avoid every satanic influence  

God warned Israel to avoid every type of Satanic influence:

Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:   Numbers 33:52

In accordance with God’s word, we should destroy anything in our possession that has to do with witchcraft or the work of the devil. This would include idols, "lucky charms", potions, amulets, crystal balls, games, divining devices, and other similar items. This is what people did in the New Testament when they became believers:

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men, and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.  Acts 19:19

Destroy any evil literature and music that does not glorify God. Do not spend time in places where there is evil influence. The Bible records that God manifested Himself in special places such as the Old Testament temple and the upper room of a house on the Day of Pentecost.

It is equally true that Satanic power can be manifested in special places dedicated to evil. This would include places where evil imagery are shown, drinking and riotous behavior is occurring, seances are being held, worship of Satan is occurring. . .   anywhere sinful practices are going on. Avoid such environments, because Satan's power is especially strong there. We cannot pray the Lord's prayer, "Lead us not into temptation" and then put our self in such a place:

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.  1 Corinthians 10:20

Do not associate yourself with false leaders, teachers, prophets, ministers or apostles:

Abstain from all appearance of evil.  1 Thessalonians 5:22

* Expose the wickedness in high places  

Believers must not ignore this spiritual wickedness in high places. Pastors must preach the whole counsel of God in the face of deception: 

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;   2 Timothy 4:1-4 

False teachings of the occult and doctrines of demons must be identified. Believers are not to participate in the "unfruitful works of darkness" but rather should expose them through reproof.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11

*  Exercise the ministry of deliverance  

God's organization, the true Church, is more powerful than that of Satan. Jesus is the head of the church and believers are the body.

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.  Ephesians 1:22-23

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.  Ephesians 3:10

Jesus is the head of the Church. Believers are the body. If all things (including Satan and his religious structure) are under the feet of Jesus, . . .

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.  Ephesians 1:21-22

. . . then they are also under our feet because we are the body. "Under the feet" means they are under the power and authority which God has delegated to us. Jesus said He has given us power over "all the power of the enemy"

Behold , I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Luke 10:19

This includes spiritual wickedness in high places.

The church (body of Christ) is actually to demonstrate His power to these principalities and powers! We must exercise this ministry to bring deliverance from those in bondage to "spiritual wickedness." 

Part of winning is that we must use what God has given us to turn men from darkness to light and from the power of Satan and his kingdom to the Kingdom of God!

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.   Acts 26:18

 Biblical Studies


05/05/16
05/25/17
11/09/18
02/13/20

07/05/22

IF EVER There Was a Need for Intercessory Prayer

Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, 

seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

Intercessory prayer is praying for others. An Intercessor is one who takes the place of another or pleads another's case. When you pray this way, you are interceding.

"Intercession may be defined as holy, believing, persevering prayer whereby someone pleads with God on behalf of another or others who desperately need God's intervention." 

The Biblical basis for the New Testament believer's ministry of intercessory prayer is our calling as priests unto God. The Word of God declares that we are a 

holy priesthood  1 Peter 2:5, 

a royal priesthood  1 Peter 2:9, and

a kingdom of priests  Revelation 1:5

The basis for understanding this calling to priestly intercession is found in the Old Testament example of the Levitical priesthood. The priest's responsibility was to stand before and between. The priest stood before God to minister to Him with sacrifices and offerings. The priests also stood between a righteous God and sinful man bringing them together at the place of the blood sacrifice.  Though Job was not a priest, he ministered to God with blood sacrifices on behalf of his children in the advent they sinned.

And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.  Job 1:5

As the bible tells us, with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through His crucifixion, there was no longer a need for blood sacrifices.  The difference between the Old and New Testament ministries of the priest is explained this way:

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?  For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.  For He of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.  For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.  And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,  Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.  For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.   For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.  (Hebrews 7:11-19)

The Old Testament Levitical priesthood was passed on from generation to generation through the descendants of the tribe of Levi. "The Melchizedek priesthood" spoken of in this passage, is the "new order" of spiritual priests of whom the Lord Jesus is the High Priest. It is passed on to us through His blood and our spiritual birth as new creatures in Christ.

The Bible records that God's purpose in sending Jesus was for Him to serve as an intercessor:

And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him, and His righteousness, it sustained Him.  Isaiah 59:16

Jesus stands before God and between Him and sinful man, just as the Old Testament priests did:

For there is one God, and one mediator [intercessor] between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.   1 Timothy 2:5

 . . . It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.  Romans 8:34

Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.  Hebrews 7:25

Jesus brings sinful man and a righteous God together at the place of the blood sacrifice for sin. No longer is the blood of animals necessary as it was in the Old Testament. We can now approach God on the basis of the blood of Jesus which was shed on the cross of Calvary for the remission of sins. Because of the blood of Jesus, we can approach God boldly without timidity:

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus was an intercessor while He was here on earth. He prayed for those who were sick and possessed by demons. He prayed for His disciples. He even prayed for us when He interceded for all those who would believe on Him. Jesus continued His ministry of intercession after His death and resurrection when He returned to Heaven. He now serves as our intercessor in Heaven; seated on the right side of God.

But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?  And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.  Mark 14:61-62

As intercessors following the Old Testament priestly function and the New Testament pattern of Jesus, we stand before God and between a righteous God and sinful man. In order to be effective standing "between" we must first stand "before" God to develop the intimacy necessary to fulfill this role.

Moses is known as a great intercessor as found in this account in Numbers 14 in which is one of the greatest accounts of intercessory prayer recorded in the Bible. Moses was able to stand between God and sinful man because he had stood "before" God and had developed intimacy of communication.   God spoke with Moses as friend to friend and not through visions and dreams as He did with other prophets.

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?   Numbers 12:8

As New Testament believers we no longer sacrifice animals as in Old Testament times. We stand before the Lord to offer up spiritual sacrifices of praise 

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.   Hebrews 13:15

and the sacrifice of our own lives

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.   Romans 12:1

It is on the basis of this intimate relationship with God that we can then stand "between" Him and others, serving as an advocate and intercessor in their behalf.

Peter uses two words to describe this priestly ministry: "Holy" and "royal." Holiness is required to stand before the Lord 

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:  Hebrews 12:14

We are able to do it only on the basis of the righteousness of Christ not our own righteousness. Royalty is descriptive of the kingly authority which is delegated to us as members of the "royal family," so to speak, with legitimate access to the throne room of God.

Sometimes this priestly intercession is done with understanding. This occurs when you intercede for others in your own native language and you understand what you are saying:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.   1 Timothy 2:1-2

At other times, intercession is made by the Holy Spirit. It may be with groanings resulting from a heavy spiritual burden. It may also be in an unknown tongue. When this happens, the Holy Spirit speaks through you praying directly to God according to the will of God:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Romans 8:26

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.   1 Corinthians 14:2

We do not understand this type of intercession with our mind, but it is the deepest level of intercessory prayer and the most effective because it is made "according to the will of God." Our mind and will do not affect the prayers prayed by the Holy Spirit through us in an unknown tongue.

Intercession is obviously important because of the emphasis Jesus placed on it in His own earthly ministry. Its importance is also revealed in the Biblical record which is filled with the accounts of men and women who experienced powerful results through effective intercession.

Through effective intercession, we can go spiritually anywhere in the world. Our prayers have no limitations of distance as they can penetrate un-reached nations and cross through geographical, cultural and political barriers. We can affect the destiny of individuals and entire nations. We can actually help save lives and souls of men and women, boys and girls and extend the Gospel of the Kingdom of God around the world as we intercede in prayer!

We have much today for which to pray! Who and/or what are you praying for today?

(Biblical Studies)

12/28/15
02/15/17
07/23/20

07/01/22