Shutting Satan Out!
Read this closely and then let’s talk about it briefly okay:
Matthew 16
15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
Verse 23 – “Get thee behind me, Satan” – This is a scary statement and truth for all of us, isn’t it? Like Peter, one minute we can be in the Spirit and the Father revealing something profound to us, and the next minute we can be given over to Satan himself. LORD help us ! Jesus sure is able!
Why did Jesus rebuke Peter? What did Jesus say the reason was? – “thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (v23)
Savoring the things of God is a daily decision. To savor the Savior is to “seek His face continually” as the Word of God instructs (1 Chronicles 16:11). The man after God’s own heart answered the LORD’s call to seek His holy face:
“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” Psalms 27:8
After Peter failed, Jesus here gives us all the solution to waning, falling, becoming weak, compromising, falling away, or denying Him. He teaches us to “deny” ourselves and follow Him, losing our lives in this world to gain His life now and for eternity (Matthew 16:24-25). When and as we do, His divine power will raise us up into His blessed, overcoming victory (Isaiah 37:31; John 12:24-26; Romans 8:11; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). This is the Gospel of Jesus in our daily lives – death, burial, resurrection!
It is obvious that Peter was denying or setting self aside when God showed him that Jesus is the “Christ, the Son of the living God.” (v 16) Otherwise Jesus would not have said to him: “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (v 17)
In fact, the very thing our LORD rebuked Peter for was that Peter was seeking to prevent Jesus from going to the cross, which was necessary to accomplish His mission to redeem mankind, including Peter, you, and I. Paul says that false leaders today are the very “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19) Like Peter did, they “mind earthly things” and do not savor or count most important the things that be of God. Their refusal to preach the daily cross Jesus commanded all who would follow Him to take up, identifies them as “enemies of the cross of Christ.” If they do not repent before it’s too late, they will hear “Depart from me” on the Day when we all stand before Him to give account.
Are you preaching or preventing yourself and others from going to the daily cross?
THE MAN WHO DENIES SELF TO FOLLOW HIM WILL NOT DENY CHRIST. THE MAN WHO DOES NOT DENY SELF WILL DENY CHRIST.
EITHER ONE WILL CRUCIFY SELF OR SELF WILL CRUCIFY CHRIST RIGHT OUT OF THAT MAN’S LIFE!
Pride Always Precedes a Fall
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
Man, in his gross misunderstanding of his relationship with the Almighty, foolishly self-congratulates himself for something that we a sheer gift from and outside Source – God Himself.
It was pride in the heart of Lucifer that caused God to eject him from his heavenly abode (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:15; Luke 10:18). Perhaps pride in the heart of Peter rose up unchecked after the Father mercifully showed him the revelation that Jesus, is the Christ., the Son of the living God. For the “abundance of revelations” Paul the apostle was given a “messenger of Satan” to humble him (2 Corinthians 12:4-10).
“How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:4-10
One this is for certain – God chooses to reveal Himself to us out of His mercy and grace and in spite of us, not because of any goodness in man (Psalms 39:4-5; Romans 7:18). I don’t think we quite have a clue yet saints. Even Paul the apostle needed help being humbled. He’s also the one who stated:
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24
Many today seem to gloat over revelation shown them or even supposed revelation, acting as if they merit such. Like Peter in his early days of immaturity, they do not yet have a clue that such revelation is shown them to humble them in worship before the Messiah and not to be seen as something they received due to any merit of their own. Humility is instant upon deliberate repentance and yet, it is a process after conversion. Jesus taught us:
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become (denotes process) as little children (totally dependent upon God), ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3-4
Humility is a choice – both initially and perpetually. Did you note that Jesus teaches here that humility is essential to eternal glory?
Peter walked with Jesus for approximately three years and then denied Him. Why? Because He denied Christ in daily prayer. Yes, you heard me. Don’t jump on the messenger yet though friend. Read Mark 14 and track the events that led up to Peter denying Christ. Note that when the disciples were supposed to be praying, they fell asleep. The Bible teaches:
Little prayer, little power
Lotta prayer, lotta power
“Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38
Communing with the Father in prayer is the key to granting, sustaining, and perpetuating the child of God in His victory.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5
“CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS IS THE STRONGHOLD OF SELFISH PROUD ARROGANT INDEPENDENT REASONING OR THINKING. SUCH DEPRAVITY OF THINKING MUST MOMENT BY MOMENT BE CAST (SUNK OR EMPTIED) DOWN INTO THE DEATH PROVIDED TO US BY THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST.”
Do you want to get deeper into God’s Word? If so, send a reply requesting the “Moments with My Master” email that is sent out to edify Christ’s body.
Abiding
Modern Day Cult of Personality Exposed [podcast]
What is the Cult of Personality?
“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
Beware when you see any mere man enshrined, basically worshipped by his followers. This is all too common in today’s church world and sometimes it’s very subtle. When people begin putting what a mere man says above what God says in His Word, when they quote him instead of the Bible, you know you have a cult.
One source notes:
“A cult of personality, or a cult of the leader, is the result of an effort to create an idealized and heroic image of an admirable leader, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.”‘
CS Lewis has a cult following today, 100%. I’ve encountered it first hand. These people don’t care what you show them as far as the blatant falsehoods he spoke, and have soul tied their affections to him and will defend him no matter what.
A quick search on “what CS Lewis said about the Catholic church”…
“As an Anglican, C.S. Lewis shared many beliefs with the Catholic Church, including the Real Presence in the Eucharist, the necessity of confession, and a belief in Purgatory. However, he explicitly rejected papal authority, the concept of papal infallibility, and certain Marian doctrines.
Shared Beliefs
Lewis held a deeply sacramental and traditional view of Christianity, which aligned closely with Catholic theology:
The Sacraments: He regularly went to confession to a priest and viewed the Eucharist as central to the faith.
The Afterlife: He famously argued that “our souls demand Purgatory”, writing that we would naturally want to be cleansed of our sins before standing in God’s presence.
Devotion: He had a high view of saints and appreciated traditional liturgical practices.”
The same is true for modern day celebrities such as Candace Owens. On a recent live broadcast where she interviewed a man, he showed her live on air, that she was wrong about several things and kindly asked her to apologize several times. Regrettably, Candace was unwilling to apologize, and most of her cult followers backed her up, cheered her on.
She was called to account for false info and didn’t apologize when asked to.
Her followers cheered her on, never stopping to question things.
Their hearts are set on her not Christ (Colossians 3:1-4).
No matter WHAT she says, they believe it.
Wow.
Jesus says:
“I receive not honour from men. … 44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” John 5:41, 44
By saying this, Jesus condemns putting trust in any mere man.
Jesus makes it clear here that anyone who puts their heart affections in a mere man or woman, is unable to believe on the LORD Jesus Christ for eternal life.
“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. 7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:6-7
“4:6 He first explains that in speaking about the Christian ministry and the tendency to follow human leaders (3:5-4:5), he used himself and Apollos as the examples. The Corinthians were not forming parties around Paul and Apollos alone, but also around other men who were then in their church. However, out of a sense of Christian courtesy and delicacy, Paul transferred the entire matter to himself and Apollos so that by their example the saints would learn not to have exaggerated opinions of their leaders or to gratify their pride by the formation of parties. He wanted the saints to evaluate everything and everyone by the Scriptures.
4:7 If one Christian teacher is more gifted than another, it is because God made him so. Everything he has, he received from the Lord. In fact it is true of all of us that everything we have has been given to us by God. That being the case, why should we be proud or puffed up? Our talents and gifts are not the result of our own cleverness.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.” John 8:37
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25
“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5
“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22
“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 139:4-5
“A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.” Jeremiah 17:12
“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. 15 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. 16 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
1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5
“that no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
“2:5 Paul knew that there was the utmost danger that his hearers might be interested in himself or in his own personality rather than in the living Lord. Conscious of his own inability to bless or to save, he determined that he would lead men to trust in God alone rather than in the wisdom of men. All who proclaim the gospel message or teach the word of God should make this their constant aim.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” Psalms 17:2
“Sentence” here means verdict.
Prayer of Repentance to be Restored to the LORD: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ and by His precious blood He shed to make me one with You, I come to you—in my sinful state. LORD, I openly acknowledge that I have departed from You and sinfully rebelled against You in the sin of idolatry. Right this moment, if never before, I call upon You, Holy Father, asking You to forgive my sins, to change my life, to break me to the core of my being. I fully believe that Jesus Christ is God Almighty, that He came in the flesh, lived a sinless life as the very only begotten Son of God, died on the cross for the sins of mankind, was buried, rose again from the dead, and is soon going to return! I love You my LORD Jesus and from this moment forward, I am all Yours! I will follow You according to Your Word and Holy Spirit. Please fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me every day of my life that You grant! In Jesus’ name, amen!
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The Cross and the Throne of Grace [podcast]
“Hid with Christ in God”
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4
The safest place in the universe is in the cross of Christ: “your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).
Our place of protection is in the love walk with the LORD where we express our love for Him in obedience to Him. Jesus commanded that we deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Him. We are full of troubles and so it should be easy to relinquish all to Him!
“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1
In Christ alone is our rest from the toil of this life.
“Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalms 17:4
“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. 15 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. 16 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
“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
Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please bring me to the end of sinful self. Rebuke and remove the foolishness of this heart! I love You LORD and thank You that I am crucified with You today and that You are raising up this life for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“I Will Uphold Thee with the Right Hand of My Righteousness” [podcast]
One source notes:
“‘I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness’ is a famous promise from the Bible found in Isaiah 41:10 (KJB). It is a comforting verse offering reassurance against fear, with ‘the right hand of my righteousness’ symbolizing God’s divine power, justice, and support.”
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
Help Me Jesus!
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. … For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10, 13
“When we are in the fire of affliction it’s easy to feel afraid and wonder if God is there. Many of the great men of the Bible became discouraged and broken. But the secret was they took it to God in all honesty! In Job 3 he expressed a desire to die. But yet he said in Job 19:25 ‘For I know my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:’ David said in Psalm 56:9 ‘When I cry into thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.’ And we know Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, etc. all had moments of despair and suffering, but the Lord continued to uphold and encourage them. Their faith did not waver even in the midst of doubt and confusion!” Karen Cochran
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? 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. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39
“in thy presence is fulness of joy”
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11
“at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”
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