Warfare portals pt9

Dear beloved: In today's and the following sessions we will look at how to keep the victory that we have gained through confession, repentance, and renunciation. It is important that we keep the high ground that we have taken back from the enemy, otherwise we will be like the house in Matthew 12:43 where the demon brings back with him seven other spirits and the last state of the man is worse than the first. Paul declared to the Galatians in Gal.5:16 But I say walk in the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. v17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not be able to do the things that you please. v18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. The Galatians were trying to go back to the bondage of the law after being set free from it, and Paul told them to walk in the Spirit of the Holy Spirit and grace. What precisely does it mean to walk in the Spirit?

Each and every day on this earth we have choices to make that either allow us to serve Jesus or serve Satan and his kingdom. Every decision we make reflects our desire to either walk in darkness or walk in light. Walking in the Spirit involves three legs, it is like a three legged stool: if any of the legs gets knocked out, the stool falls over. As long as the three are in place, the stool is very sturdy and nothing can knock it over. The three are 1. Commune with God through prayer and worship, 2. Let God speak to us through His written word, dreams, and visions, and 3. Fellowship with the saints of like mind. The first, speaking to God, is accomplished through prayer and worship of Him. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing; v18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. And again in Phillipians 4:6 be anxious for nothing, but in all things through prayer and supplication (plea for mercy) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Again in 1 Corinthians 14:15 What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also; I shall sing with the spirit, I shall sing with the mind also. And in Psalm 34, David says it like this, v1 I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. v2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear it and rejoice. v3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

The second part is that God speaks to us, through His written word, audible word, dreams and visions. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study (be diligent) to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord and He answered Me, and delivered me from all my fears. v17 the righteous cry and the Lord hears them, and delivers them out of all their troubles. And in Isaiah 58:9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; You will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am'. In John 10:27 Jesus says of Himself, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." And in Joel 2:28, And it will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. And in Job 33:14 Indeed God speaks once, or twice, yet no one notices it. v15 In a dream, a vision of the night, when sound sleep falls on men, while they slumber in their beds, v16 Then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction. And so for those who want to hear from God, they shall, for He will give you the desires of your heart.

And the third part of walking in the Spirit is the fellowship of the saints. Paul says in Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, v25 not forsaking our own assembling togther, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day (end day) drawing near. And again in Titus 3:14 And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful. And at the close of each of his letters, Paul encourages and exhorts as he does in 1Corinthians16:19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. v20 All the brethren greet you. Greet each other with a holy kiss. Ephesians 5:29 No one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes it and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church. v30 because we are members of his body. ...Tomorrow and the following days we'll look at other ways we can seal the victory as we walk in the Spirit. God bless you this day, in Christ, Jim