Chapter 16- Perceiving our Position
(This is a rough draft chapter from my next book)
2 Corinthians 10:4
Amplified Bible (AMP)
4For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,
5[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),
I recently addressed the subject of strongholds in our lives and how they directly affect our progress. It’s imperative that we realize that each of us has been placed on this earth, by God, with a divinely inspired purpose and I believe without exception that God would desire for each of us to fulfill the destiny that he placed us on this earth to accomplish. I am further convinced that He would prefer to use YOU to accomplish that destiny than any other person! You are His FIRST choice to reach your world! However, it is abundantly clear that the devil desires to disrupt that destiny with distraction, division and death!
John 10:10
Amplified Bible (AMP)
10The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows).
In order to keep the devil from stealing our destiny and even the legacy that follows our lives long after we are gone, it is essential that we recognize our positional authority and how to combat the devil and his devices against us!
Our weapons are NOT physical!
Two things that are essential to understand right up front is that we are NOT fighting a physical enemy and as a result, our weapons to war against him are NOT physical weapons! Yes, it may appear that the battle is physical, but what we often fail to realize is that it has a spiritual root and as a result, attempting to combat it physically is completely unprofitable.
Many times the bondages that we face based upon the strongholds in our lives are tied directly to a soulish (mind, will or emotion) tie to something that transpired against us physically. Perhaps you were molested as a child, or beaten, or verbally abused. Maybe you were fired, or made fun of, or lied to, or cheated on, or wrongfully accused. Whatever the event was that caused there to be an open door for a stronghold to take root in your life, the catalyst was likely a physical event that had deeply emotional repercussions that triggered feelings of inadequacy, or bitterness, hatred, anger, insecurity or some emotional need to protect yourself from pain so you erect walls to protect yourself and keep others outside of an ability to hurt you like that again. As I have said before, the events and strongholds in our lives are likely as vast as the numbers of people reading this book BUT the root of what took place had similar purpose…
Derailment of destiny…
Our enemy, the devil, orchestrated those events in an attempt to derail destiny with a stronghold in your life that he would hope would keep you beneath your intended level of success for a lifetime. For many, those deep rooted strongholds do just that! Keeping people from ever being who God ordained them to be in this life!
So how do we fight an enemy that we don’t see? Well, the first step is in understanding that we don’t fight a non-physical enemy with physical weapons. I know that may seem elementary but more often than not, when confronted with difficulties and temptations we only see the physical attributes of the attack… aka, the person who is being used by the supernatural to accomplish something in the natural. Many times these people are operating under the bondage of their own stronghold…and most of the time our retaliation is physical and is directed toward the person that we view as the threat. However, if we listen to scripture and even see how Jesus handled situations, the perception of who/what we are battling against changes significantly with proper perception and focus on the real catalyst.
Mark 8:31-33
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Predicts His Death
31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!”he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
In this encounter in Mark chapter 8, Jesus recognizes that his own disciple is not hearing the voice of God as it pertains to what Jesus just told him and He confronts the spirit at the root of the issue that was coming against Jesus and His authority.
It’s interesting to me how Jesus rebukes Satan in this instance and not Peter. I believe, as we discussed previously, just as Jesus modeled using words to curse the fig tree and then used that example to show His disciples how to speak to “mountains” in their lives, that Jesus was modeling something here for his disciples as well. He could have told Peter, Shut up Peter you don’t know what you are talking about but I believe that He intentionally used this time to model for the disciples (and even for us knowing that this story would be historically told) how we can directly and authoritatively address the root of our problems which Ephesians 6 clearly states is not a physical enemy.
Ephesians 6:12
Amplified Bible (AMP)
12For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
We are not fighting a physical enemy and as a result our weapons are not physical weapons as is stated in our open scripture. When Jesus confronted Peter, He was in fact refuting the argument in Peter that was setting itself against the knowledge of God as just as 2 Corinthians chapter 10:4-5 instructs us. And this is also the first step that we must take when we confront Satanic strongholds and attacks. In those circumstances we have to start by determining what the truth of God’s Word says about our situation and thenrefute the argument that Satan brings up against what we know that God would want for us in a situation. Once we determine what God’s Word says about our circumstances, at that point we lead EVERY THOUGHT and purpose captive into the obedience of Christ. We literally align our thoughts and our lives with God’s Word as it pertains to our circumstance!
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Amplified Bible (AMP)
4For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,
5[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),
A perfect example of this would be how Jesus confronted Peter in Mark 8. He confronted the inconsistency with the Word of God by addressing not the physical (Peter) but the spiritual root (Satan) and commanded him (Satan) to get behind him, or in other words, Shut his mouth because God has a purpose and a destiny for Him to fulfill and He wasn’t going to be distracted by the interruption of the devil.
When we learn to see that every physical confrontation and attempt to derail us has a spiritual root, then we intentionally will war against those enemies from a different perspective! Coming to this realization helps us to properly perceive our position and fight spiritual things with spiritual weapons. When that happens, our approach to our battles becomes much different and as a result, our victories much more assured!
Our Authority
John 14:13-14
King James Version (KJV)
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Perceiving our position helps posture us to walk in our authority. When it comes to speaking on the subject of our authority in Christ, I think this scripture in John 14 is AMAZING!
I’d like to preface what I am about to say with a little history. The Bible is written in 3 languages-Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. Most of the New Testament was written in Greek which is one of the most specific and exacting languages on the planet.
In English, we might have one word Love to describe the many facets of what we intend to convey. We may say, God loves us, I love my brother, I love my car and I love my wife… Each of these times the word Love is intended to convey a different thing… However, in the same example, the Greek language has at least four words specifically indicating what form of love they are intending. Agape (Unconditional Love), Eros (Passionate/Sensual Love), Philia (Friendly/Brotherly Love) and Storge(Natural affection-Family Love). With this understood, depending on the scripture, we may read the English word Love in the bible but the intent of the word in the Greek is completely understood when read because of the specific word that was chosen.
The reason I point this out is because I am going to reference the Ancient Greek language as it pertains to the word Ask in John 14:13-14 above.
Whatsoever ye shall ask… and If ye shall ask…
According to Strongs Greek Lexicon, the Ancient Greek word translated “Ask” twice in this scripture is the Strongs Greek word #154 (aiteo) which according to www.Kypros.org/cgi-bin/lexicon is interpreted “Ask/Demand” in Ancient Greek.
For me, when I saw this use of the word ask, it changed my interpretation of this particular scripture as it pertains to our authority and what Jesus was attempting to convey. If I change the word Ask to its Greek word Aiteo then the scripture would read like this…
John 14:13-14
King James Version (KJV)
13And whatsoever ye shall aiteo (demand) in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14If ye shall ataio (demand) any thing in my name, I will do it.
This is not typically taught from our pulpits but it does not contradict scripture in the least, it only places our perspective on what we have been commissioned to do and the authority that we have been commissioned to walk in over the devil back in our laps as opposed to asking God to do something that He commanded us to do! When we come to this understanding, it empowers us to act and reiterates what Jesus says and examples in other scriptures throughout the gospels instead of asking Jesus to do something that we have been commissioned to do ourselves in His name by taking authority over the devil.
When Jesus confronted the spiritual root of what Peter was saying and said, Get behind me Satan He was not asking the devil to do anything or asking God to do anything for Him….He was DEMANDING it because He understood that He had authority over the devil! It’s a simple concept, Jesus understood the authority that He had over Satan and He demonstrated that authority for our example so that when we were given authority in His name, we understood how to exercise it!
We see this again exampled when Jesus is confronted in Matthew chapter 8 by two men possessed by demons.
Matthew 8:28-34
Amplified Bible (AMP)
28And when He arrived at the other side in the country of the Gadarenes, two men under the control of demons went to meet Him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce and savage that no one was able to pass that way.
29And behold, they shrieked and screamed, What have You to do with us, Jesus, Son of God? Have You come to torment us before the appointed time?
30Now at some distance from there a drove of many hogs was grazing.
31And the demons begged Him, If You drive us out, send us into the drove of hogs.
32And He said to them, Be gone! So they came out and went into the hogs, and behold, the whole drove rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the water.
33The herdsmen fled and went into the town and reported everything, including what had happened to the men under the power of demons.
34And behold, the whole town went out to meet Jesus; and as soon as they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their locality.
Jesus didn’t argue with the demons in these men, He used His authority and casted the demons out of the men. He told them what they were going to do because He could!
I’m certain that some are reading this right now and saying, Yeah, but He was God in the flesh and the devil submitted to that authority because he had to but I’m not Jesus…and, honestly, I would agree with this line of thought if not for a couple factors that change who you are and what your authority over the devil is as well!
In John 14:13-14 when Jesus says to demand (aiteo) what you will in MY NAME He is referencing an authority that we have been given by Jesus over the devil. As we addressed previously, He purchased that authority for us His blood! Many Christians do not understand the depth of that authority but our lack of understanding or exercise of it does not mean that it is any less ours by inheritance. Christ purchased it for you!
You are not demanding God do something when you are demanding in Jesus name, you are demanding of the devil according to your authority! Jesus is not talking about praying in John 14, He is talking about taking the authority that He has given you and His expectation that you exercise that authority over the devil!
Matthew 28:18-20
Amplified Bible (AMP)
18Jesus approached and, [a]breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
19Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them [b]into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you [c]all the days ([d]perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. [e]Amen (so let it be).
Jesus said ALL AUTHORITY in heaven and earth has been given to him…then He goes on to say that He is with US always. Now, check out what Jesus says that those who believe in Him shall do in His authority.
Mark 16:15-20
Amplified Bible (AMP)
15And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole [a]human race].
16He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [[b]from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned.
17And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;
18They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.
19So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God.
20And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it).
The very first thing that Jesus says we shall do in His name is exercise authority over demons (vs 17). Which is what He exampled to us throughout His ministry. Jesus regained the authority over the devil for us and then commissioned us to exercise His authority over the devil as we demand that he (the devil) submit to that authority in this earth.
This directly relates to the scriptures that we referenced earlier when 2 Corinthians 10:5 said to bring every thought captive into the obedience of Christ… This is the authority that we are commissioned to exercise in every area of life, including our thoughts!
What so many have failed to realize is that we are given very specific authority over all the power of the devil because of what Christ has done for us! This is why we have the authority.
Ephesians 1:18-23
Amplified Bible (AMP)
18By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
19And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
20Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],
21Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.
22And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church],
23Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
In Ephesians Chapter 1 it is understood that we are the body of Christ who can know and understand the immeasurable and unlimited greatness of his Power IN US AND FOR US (vs 19) as was demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, and that furthermore every name and every power is under His feet (vs 23).
If we are His body and He is the head as is outlined in the above scriptures, then that would also infer that every power and name is also under OUR authority. Ephesians 2 further emphasizes this point.
Ephesians 2:1-7
Amplified Bible (AMP)
1AND YOU [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins
2In which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God].
3Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature], obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings]. We were then by nature children of [God’s] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.
4But God–so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,
5Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved ([a]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation).
6And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us [b]joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
7He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
Two things to point out in this set of scriptures, verses 1 and 2 outline what we addressed initially in this chapter that our battles are not physically rooted but that even we were under the control of spiritual strongholds when we acted out in our sinful nature. And secondly, who we are completely changed once we came into an understanding of who we are in Christ.
Verse 6 says, He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joing seating with Him]. This joint seating literally means that we have been given the SAME authority over the devil and every name that is beneath the name of Jesus as we exercise our authority in His name!
It’s like a joint bank account, whatever money is in the account is available to whoever is jointly named on the account. We have been given that joint account with Christ and literally have the same authority in this earth to take authority over the devil that He has because we have been Raised with Him (vs 6) and are seated with Him!
This is why we can DEMAND (aiteo) in His name! To further illustrate, similarly a commissioned deputy can exercise every authority that the sheriff can exercise even though they are not technically the sheriff because he has commissioned the officer. As a result, there is no authority that the Sheriff has that his deputy does not have authority to place a demand upon behind his badge!
Like the Deputy Sheriff, we too have been commissioned by Christ! Mark chapter 16 is also referred to as The Great Commission and it is by the very nature of the word what Jesus was doing when He commissioned us to continue to walk in His authority in the earth.
John 14:12
Amplified Bible (AMP)
12I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.
If we don’t know who we are in Christ, then we are not likely to exercise the authority that will keep the devil at bay in our lives and any additional weapons that we come to understand how to use, will be useless because we don’t even know that we have the freedom to use them!
This is why recognizing our authority is the first and most essential aspect of understanding our weapons. If we don’t know that we can fight and have the authority to demand the devil to submit to us in Jesus name, then how could we possibly walk in freedom? It is in the initial understanding of who we are and the authority that we possess that all the other weaponry at our disposal is exercised to its fullest potential.
In the next chapter, we will further elaborate on how we war against the devil using the offensive and the defensive armor that we have at our disposal!
Colossians 1:12-13
American Standard Version (ASV)
12 giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;
13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son
Aaron, I need to print out your post and stick it on my wall. Well done.
Thx for the props Clair… God Bless!
Great word and an amazing followup for …Strongholds. Your a great man of God Pastor Aaron, and I continue to learn so much from you! God bless, Peter
As I was coming down to the end of the chapter I was giving “thanks” in my heart for all the Lord has done for us, then there was the scripture…..12 giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;
Love this chapter Aaron…..thank you for helping us all to “see”!