(En Español)
Satan fears virtue. He is terrified of humility; he hates it. He sees a humble person and it sends chills down his back. His hair stands up when Christians kneel down, for humility is the surrender of the soul to God. The devil trembles before the meek because in the very areas where he once had access there stands the Lord, and Satan is terrified of Jesus Christ.
Who Truly Are You Fighting?
Before we launch into spiritual warfare, we should recognize that the immediate source of many of our problems and oppressions is not demonic but fleshly in nature. One aspect of our lives, our flesh nature, will always be targeted by the devil. These fleshly or carnal areas supply Satan with a ready avenue of access to undermine and then neutralize our walk with God.
It is only our exaggerated sense of self-righteousness that prevents us from looking honestly at spiritual vulnerabilities. As Christians, we know the Holy Spirit dwells within us, but we must also be aware of where we are tolerating sin if we will be successful in our war against darkness.
Therefore, be specific when you submit yourself to God. Do not rationalize your sins or defend your failures. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is a perfect shelter of grace enabling all men to look honestly at their needs. Accordingly, be honest with God. He will not be horrified or shocked by your sins. God loved you without restraint even when sin was rampant within you; how much more will He continue to love you as you seek His help to be free from iniquity?
Indeed, we must realize that many of our battles are merely the consequences of our own actions. To war effectively, we must separate what is of the flesh from what is of the devil.
Allow me to give you an example. My wife and I once lived in an area where a beautiful red cardinal kept its nest. Cardinals are very territorial and will fight off intruding cardinals zealously. At that time, we owned a van which had large side mirrors and chrome bumpers. Occasionally the cardinal would attack the bumpers or mirrors, thinking his reflection was another bird. One day as I watched the cardinal assail the mirror, I thought, "What a foolish creature; his enemy is merely the reflection of himself." Immediately the Lord spoke to my heart: "And so also are many of your enemies the reflection of yourself."
Before we develop more complex strategies, let us make sure that the real enemy is not our own carnal nature. Let us each inquire of the Lord, Are the things oppressing me today the harvest of what I planted yesterday?
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The preceding message was adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, The Three Battlegrounds, available at Arrow Bookstore for up to 64% off regular prices. It also is a chapter in pastor's online school, In Christ's Image Training (icitc.org). Next term begins July 7, 2017. More information.
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In Christ's Image Training
Level I Registration
extended through July 3, 2017
extended through July 3, 2017
Level I classes begin July 7, 2017
There
are qualities of heart that actually attract the pleasure of God. If we
possess unoffendable faith in our pursuit of Christ's likeness; if we
walk humbly with our God; if we position ourselves in the intercessor's
gap; and if we abide in Christ-centered unity with the local body of
Christ -- we will attract the pleasure of God, and when we awaken His
pleasure, His power soon follows. Sign up today for our next In Christ's Image Training course that begins July 7, 2017.
Registration extended through July 3, 2017 - www.icitc.org.
In Christ's Image Training
is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. It is
based on 45 years of seeking God, study and revelatory insights. These
are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian
walk.
The vision of attaining Christ's likeness
Possessing Christ's humility
Developing a strong prayer life
Becoming one with other Christ believers
The course
comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to
lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full
course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio),
but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly
lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the
training.Possessing Christ's humility
Developing a strong prayer life
Becoming one with other Christ believers
For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).
Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page, and Tuition page.
2) Choose an enrollment plan.
3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form before the end of the day, Monday July 3.
4) Submit the registration form - Class begins July 7, 2017.
2) Choose an enrollment plan.
3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form before the end of the day, Monday July 3.
4) Submit the registration form - Class begins July 7, 2017.
For more info, please see www.icitc.org.
Training also available in Spanish / Español
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