Interval 1 – Mile 4
Fruit Continued: Exercise
our authority when we discern fruit
Last week we covered the scriptures below regarding exercising
our authority when fruit has been exposed to us through the discernment of Holy
Spirit:
o
Colossians 2:13-15 Recognize what Jesus Christ did for us
on the cross and through the resurrection.
When He disarmed the principalities and made a public spectacle of them,
He took the keys of authority from the enemy that Adam had given up in sin and
gave us that authority back – just as it had been first given in Genesis
1:28
o
James 4:7 Our authority is based on
our submission to God. Then and only
then can we resist the devil and he will FLEE from us.
o
Acts
16:16-18 This is a very important example of discerning fruit and its
source. The slave girl was speaking
truth, but Holy Spirit had revealed to Paul that her knowledge was coming
through divination. If Paul had given
acknowledgment to what she was exclaiming he would have also given
acknowledgment to the source of the divination.
This was what was causing him agony (research the Greek for “troubled,
annoyed” depending on your translation).
Finally he responded by taking authority and ending the spectacle. **Note his stand resulted in severe
consequences for him and the other disciples with him. Often we must be prepared for the
consequences when we stand up to the enemy.
We cannot operate in fear.
This week we
continued with our discussion of taking authority with an in-depth
discussion of the remaining scriptures.
·
Luke 4:1-13 Several points were made
during our discussion. Jesus who was
operating under the full influence and power of Holy Spirit allowed the enemy
time to make his case known. Each time
Jesus listened then immediately responded with the Word.
o
In Ephesians we are reminded that the only
offensive weapon we carry in our armor is the sword of the Word of God. Three times Jesus demonstrated to US
that this is our weapon of authority when dealing with the enemy.
o
We are also reminded that the enemy left only to
wait until a “more opportune and favorable time.” (Amplified version)
o
What does this tell you, an Ezer warrior, about
temptations, authority and victory?
·
Matthew 12:22-32 A blind and dumb man was brought to
Jesus and Jesus cast out the demons that were binding him. The surrounding crowds were stunned and all
began to ask whether this was indeed the Son of David. Pharisees abounded in the crowd and were
totally dismayed at the impact Jesus was having on large crowds. Immediately they attempted to discredit him.
o
Who was most upset at what was transpiring with
Jesus’ activities and the impact that it was having on the masses?
o
Therefore, who is planting the seeds of doubt in
the crowd as to who Jesus was? After all
the enemy knew who He was, but as always he was working to deceive the masses.
o
What happens when seeds of doubt are planted in
your mind?
o
Why would Jesus take this moment to educate us
about the strongman? What is He teaching
us?
§
Distraction is a strategy of the enemy.
§
Doubt is a fast growing root in our soul (mind,
will and emotions) that can overpower a weak spirit which is not being fed
daily.
§
The strongman is the stake holder in the
spiritual battle to push the soul into leadership in our triune being (spirit,
soul, body). In a spirit filled
believer, walking in intimacy with Holy Spirit, the spirit influenced by Holy
Spirit directs the soul which then directs the body. However, when we fail to advance into
spiritual maturity and intimacy with Holy Spirit, there is a battle between
soul and spirit which leaves us vulnerable to attacks. Remember free will resides in the soul and
thus will either be directed into good choices through our spirit and Holy
Spirit or bad choices by worldly influence.
Seeking discernment from Holy
Spirit in how to take action
Everything we have discussed up to
this point has been based on the fundamental truth that only through the wisdom
and counsel of Holy Spirit can we discern what God is asking us to do in a
particular situation. One thing that is
clear, we are not to act in judgment, rather we are to act in love bringing
truth into the situation. There are
times when we are called to be silent and simply intercede, but there are also
times when we are called to act.
Think back to a time when you knew
Holy Spirit was prompting you to take action.
Did you follow the prompting or not?
What was the result for you spiritually later?
Utilizing our intimacy
to glean knowledge which leads to action which leads to change
Moving under the direction of Holy
Spirit always has a purpose. We may not
understand at that moment or ever why He asked us to do something. But if we are trusting Him and moving under
the direction of Holy Spirit, every action, every word has a purpose. As a reminder, read Genesis 50:20 and Romans
8:28-31.
Praying like Elijah 1 Kings 18:20-46
This awesome story takes place in
a time when persecution was high – Elijah was the last prophet of the Lord
alive. Talk about isolation! Yet he stood in confident faith as to who
Yahweh is and that His word is true. His
confidence was so strong that he mocked the prophets of Baal who outnumbered
him over 400:1! Two aspects here: one is
acting boldly in confidence; two is continuing to petition when at first you do
not see the results. (verses 41-46)
When have you been asked to be
bold in your faith? What were the
results?
When have you persisted even
though the results were not immediately manifesting?
Next week: Making agreements with
erroneous thinking
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