INTRODUCTION
The Previous message (Part V), examined one of the principles of how to rely on the Lord ‘s Strength to guide one’s heart and conduct when we face opposition or trials – “Faith in God’s salvation”. It explained that to resist the force of evil passions, requires an understanding that “God is a Spirit” and ‘faith’ is a “fruit of the Spirit” of God in you; believe on the God’s salvation as your strength, rely on the sufficiency of His grace and submit all ‘weapons’ of human power to your “born again” spirit.
This message examines the principle of ‘Trusting in God’s Power’. It teaches on trusting in God’s Word as power, rejoicing in the His Strength and sowing to His Spirit of Joy to overcome the flesh.
1. TRUST IN GOD’S WORD AS POWER
Brethren a key principle for resisting opposition by the force of evil strength or evil passions is to trust in God’s Word which is life and strength. God is a Spirit and so is His Word; and it is POWER! We are called to live “by every word that [proceeds] out of the mouth of God”. The Word of God is “powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword” and accomplishes that which God pleases and prosper the one that receives it. (Matthew 4:4; Hebrew 4:12; Deuteronomy 8:3: Isaiah 55:11).
God’s word is the spiritual arsenal that can enhance one’s faith when faced with opposition. It is “the sword of the Spirit”, a powerful weapon to combat all attacks emanating from evil passions. (Ephesians 6:17). It is a nourishing spiritual food to uplift the spirit to sustain in opposition. Believers therefore should endeavour to read and listen to the word of God, declare them and do them.
2. DECLARE GOD’S WORD BY FAITH
Believers must be conversant with God’s Word and declare it by faith and invariably it sharpens the spirit of faith in you. If you are “born again”, the Holy Spirit of God, lives in you. (John 14:16-17; 7:37-39). And as explained by Jesus, “It is the spirit that [gives life]; the flesh [profits] nothing: the words that [Christ speaks] unto you they are spirit, and they are life”. (John 6:63; Romans 8:2).
This means that you must believe that there is Spiritual power in your utterances and the word that you shall declare, “are spirit, and they are life”; they have a creative and redemptive power to diffuse adverse situations. One should thus demonstrate trust in God’s power by invoking His word from the holy scripture or commanding your heart’s desire through the power of your born-again spirit.
God’s word and power declared by you is also the authority upon which you may lay claim to His promises to ask what you will, and it shall be done for you. And “whatever [you] shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”. This is so because the power of Christ lives in you and “ALL power is given unto Christ in heaven and in earth”. (John 15:7; Matthew 16:19; 18:18; 28:18; John 6:63).
2.1. DO NOT SPEAK IN THE FLESH
Brethren, you must take heed not to speak in the flesh because God’s power does not operate in the flesh. Any speaking through, wrath, malice, unforgiveness, revenge, jealousy, envy etc. is from fleshor death (not words of life) and yields nothing. Although it may be from the scripture or faith declarations, flesh-speaking does not move God but subjects one under the force of evil.
Therefore, it is pertinent that every word spoken by a believer by prayer and supplication in time of trouble, be words of life that bring encouragement, hope, peace, love, and grace. This is what is to trust on the Lord, as your strength! (Philippians 4:6-7).
3. TRUST AND REJOICE IN GOD
Opposition can be so trying that it can consume the flesh to bring low mood which, may dampen one’s spirit and undermine one’s faith and trust in God’s strength. Some may justify the feeling of sadness in trials saying, “I am only human”. But if you truly trust in God’s strength, your flesh (i.e. being human) need not overcome you because it is subject to God’s spirit that lives in you when you were saved.
Therefore, when faced with opposition, do not dwell on the challenging situation which manifest in the flesh or on what is seen (2 Corinthians 4:18). Rather focus on the Lord’s power and rejoice in Him, knowing that He can accomplish all things. “[God] wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on [Him]: because he trusteth in [Him].” (Isaiah 26:3-4). So, sow not to the flesh by grieving, but sow to the spirit of “Joy of the Lord”, being of “good cheer”. Herein is your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10; John 16:33; Romans 8:37).
4. SOWING TO THE SPIRIT OF JOY IN TRUST
When challenged one must sow to God’s Spirit that lives in us in order to yield the “fruit of the spirit of Joy” as opposed to the flesh (Galatians 5:22). This means to “trust in Him at all times … pour out your heart before him: [for] God is a refuge for us” and a shield; and because your heart trusts in him, He will help you. Trust in the assurance that by his Grace and Power, “all things will work together for your good according to his purpose. (Psalm 28:7; 62:8; Romans 8:28).
4.1. REST YOUR TRUST ON GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
Brethren, you should note that in sowing to the Spirit of Joy, your trust should not be in what you can accomplish by way of your love or faithfulness to God , but rather on God’s “loving devotion” and His “great faithfulness” to afford us His salvation by Christ. (Psalm 13:5; Lamentation 3:21-23).
Through Christ, God used His own Spirit to save us from sin, flesh and death. This should be our source of comfort to endure troubles, to rest our flesh in hope of His mercy, and to boast of His power by rejoicing in our hearts. For “the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble”. (Psalm 16:9-11; 37:39; Acts 2:26)
My people of God, endeavour to endure opposition and trials for “we must endure many hardships to enter into the kingdom of God (i.e. to subdue our flesh to the spiritual). The trials endured upon trust in God help to shape our “spirit man”. (Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4:16-17). “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (James 5:11).
The next message will examine the principle of dispelling fear when we face trials.
PRAYER
Almighty father, thank you for your word.
We praise you O God for your righteousness and judgement. Your Word is accomplished, and your command stands!
Dear Father, teach us to trust in you, with an understanding that “a mighty man is not delivered by much strength” and that “an horse is a vain thing for safety”.
Bring the counsel of the wicked over thy children to nought and render their schemes ineffective.
O Lord let thy mercy be upon us, according as we hope in thee. (Psalm 33)
I make this prayer in Jesus name.
Have a blessed week!
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG), 08/08/2019
