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.”
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Abiding
Putting God First [podcast]
If God’s Word isn’t important to you, it’s because He isn’t important to you.
If anything comes before the LORD in your day, you are an idolater.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3
GOD’s WORD cannot get into you if you aren’t into it.
“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
Jesus commanded:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
As you seek God, putting Him first, you are not going to be able to prevent, to stop His blessings coming upon your life. 100%
Memorize this promise from your Savior, today.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
What putting Christ first looks like:
Prayer.
“Early will I seek thee.” Psalms 63:1
Read. Study.
“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:12
The Bible is far from just amazing information (Psalms 119:98-100; 2 Peter 1:3-4, etc.). More important than vital information coming from our Maker, God’s Word is your spiritual food and without it, without daily ingesting it, you will famish, fall, and ultimately perish.
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2
Read that again: The only way to “grow” is to “desire” and to devour the Word of your great God and King Jesus. He made you to know Him (John 17:3).
The only way to keep, to guard your heart before the LORD, is to keep it full of God’s Word.
“Keep (guard, till the soil of) thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
In fact, like Job, we must make the spiritual food of God’s Word more important than the food that fuels and keeps healthy our physical body.
“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12
“He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart RETAIN my words: keep my commandments, and live.” Proverbs 4:4
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1
Find. Eat. Rejoice.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
YOUR PRAYER: Father please unite my heart to fear Thy name. Forgive my sins of spiritual adultery, of self-idolatry. Here and now I renounce my own ownership on my life. It’s Your life LORD. Reign on the throne of this heart and cut away, circumcise any and everything of iniquity in my heart and life. You must increase but I must decrease, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Victory Over “Evil Concupiscence” and Every Sexual Sin [podcast]
“Flee fornication”
“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:15-20
“Concupiscence” appears 3 times in God’s Word and speaking of having a secret desire for that which is forbidden, namely in sexual lust.
“But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.” Romans 7:8
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” Colossians 3:5
“Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:” 1 Thessalonians 4:5
Revelation 19:7-9
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”
Colossians 3:1-6
“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. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:”
Memorize Colossians 3:3
“Submerge yourself deeper and deeper into Jesus until you sink out of sight.”!! Unknown
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
Read Psalms 51 and Romans 6 each morning.
PRAYER: Holy Father, please forgive my many sins. Please touch this vessel all the way to the core of who You made me to be. Do Your work in this life You gave. Please unite my heart to fear Thy name and purify this heart O LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Return of Jesus and Being Ready
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Abiding
The Simplicity of Real Fellowship [podcast]
Satan thinks he has Stolen the Fellowship of the Saints
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12
Exhorting God’s People “Daily”
“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
“Feed my sheep”
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17
Simplicity in Fellowship
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42
They “continued steadfastly in …
- “the apostles doctrines”
- “fellowship”
- “breaking bread”
- “prayers”
“Great podcast. Thank you. As I was listening I was thinking about all the many churches we have attended through the years. And the one thing missing was love for Jesus. Everything was robotic. Hands raised in singing but no hearts raised. All scripted. You follow the script then go home. No honesty about their lives! All fake. Nothing more than a religious gathering. The disciples of old turned the world upside down because of their love for their Savior! They were willing to die for Him and they did! All these fake Christians do is wear outward religious garb and somehow think Jesus doesn’t know – as in Matthew 23. How refreshing it is to be around people who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind! (Mat 22:37). Even if it is mostly online and as they live their daily lives. At least it is all about Jesus and not self! And I want to be with people who are Christ-centered not self-centered!” Karen Cochran
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please do Your work in this vessel that is Yours. Help me to love You more and to live to serve others as You did LORD Jesus. Make me holy as You are holy. Let this life be crucified and raised up by You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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