Well people it is that
most exciting time of the month, the time that you have all been waiting for
the monthly blog post of the “I AM GOD”.
However, before we
proceed any further, I need to give a word of caution about that Ephesians 1
verses 15 – 23 prayer especially verse 17 all that jazz about ‘the Spirit of
Wisdom and revelation and eyes being opened etc. Shared in last month’s blog
post. First, let me bring to your
attention something that Joseph said to pharaoh in Genesis 41 verse 32 – ‘The
dream was doubled because the thing was established by God…’ In like manner, a
version of the Ephesians 1 prayer is also repeated in Colossians 1 verse
9-23. As Joseph said the thing is
established. If we agree to invite the
Holy spirit in our midst he will come. Ooo la la, the question is what will be
our reaction to His presence? Will we
allow Him to have His way? or will we want to continue our Agenda? When He turns up He changes things. I have
found two basic reactions in these scenarios:
·
Persons are not
sensitive to the move of the Holy Spirit.
They are sticking to their agenda irrespective.
·
In other
environments, you will hear words such as arrogance and ‘big words’ being
bandied about. As the late Dr. Myles Munroe, would say ‘It is not arrogance it
is confidence.’ Pastor Paul Enenche puts
it this way ‘Your invironment is
affecting the environment.’
In these circumstances,
I would say take Jesus’ advise to His disciples the people reject you, dust
your feet off and move along. Especially,
if you are like Raphleta and God is reminding you daily that you are redeeming
time and you don’t any to waste.
Let me leave you with a
little anecdote. I was in this prayer
meeting one Saturday morning. As usual I was not a part of anybody’s group
(follow the prophets of old, people had to go looking for them, when God turned
up for Isaiah read what he said in Isaiah 6).
I detected that a lot of gossiping was going on in the body. To say that
I was nonsensical would have been an understatement. I just went straight for the jugular. After
going through the first part of the prayer (hallowed be Your name etc.). ‘I
said Father in the name of Jesus cut off the Pastor’s wife from itchy ears.’ I
was not very diplomatic in those days.
You know I became
persona non-grata faster than the Cuban Ambassador under the Seaga
administration of the eighties. The
corollary to that would be the Muslim Ambassadors under the Trump
administration, personas non-grata. The
Bible said Jesus learnt obedience by the things He suffered, I have learnt my
lesson.
Let us get to the
matter at hand! It is the twelfth (12) month of blogging. It seems like yesterday night I took up a
book read it and started. It has been
challenging but fun, I have learnt some new skills along the way and still have
a far way to go. It is a continuum once
you are alive you will continue to learn when you stop learning you are ready
to die.
I can’t forget those
nights when I was at the Library typing, and I would type for thirty (30)
minutes and be so caught up in what I was doing only to realize that I have
lost thirty (30) minutes worth of typing when the computer automatically
rebooted,. I can’t count the number of times this has happened to me. That was
before Blogger automatically saved as you type.
How can I forget the
month of May when I typed everything, pressed a button and voilà seven (7) hours
of typing just disappeared. The
Librarians must be glad they are not seeing me very often these days they had
to be escorting me out of the Library. I
am leaving they are shutting the door or they are opening the door to let me
out. Dr. Cindy Trimm would say “Compete
against yourself and win.” The future is
very glorious and very bright.
APPRECIATION
I would also like to
thank some men of God who have made this blog as interesting as it is and who
have changed my life in one way or another.
·
Pastor E. A. Adeboye
from over there at Redeemed Christian Church of God in Nigeria HOLINESS – The Master Key of Master
Keys
·
Dr. Myles Munroe
(Deceased) – Bahamas Faith Ministries International – PURPOSE/KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP/IDENTITY/VISION – Purpose the original
intent for which a thing is made.
·
Dr. Mensa Otabil –
International Central Gospel Church in Ghana – IDENTITY/PROPHETIC PRAYING – It is not about the oil and
handkerchief it is about understanding the season you are in. The inheritance
of Judah. Understandeth thou what thou readest?
·
Pastor Kenneth
Copeland – Kenneth Copeland Ministries – THE
BLESSING OF THE LORD/LAWS OF PROSPERITY – Laws of Prosperity I think is my
signature blog to date because, people were shock at the information contained
therein and the presentation.
For
all those who I have drawn on their resources the Lord will bless you and I
pray you will all grow from strength to strength. As I grow in grace I will be calling on you
in the future.
THE NUMBER 12
The
number 12 is the number of government.
Twelve (12) can be found in one hundred and eighty-seven (187) places in
God’s word. Revelation alone has twenty-two (22) occurrences of the number. The
meaning of twelve (12) which is considered a perfect number, is that it
symbolizes God’s power and authority, as well as serving as a perfect
governmental foundation. For example, Jacob (Israel) had twelve (12) sons, each
of which represented a tribe begun by a prince, for twelve (12) princes
total. Ishmael also had twelve (12)
princes.
Christ
called and chose twelve (12) men to bear witness to what he did and to spread
the good news of the gospel to the entire world.
There
were one hundred and twenty (120) people in the upper room on the day of
Pentecost Acts 1 verse 15.
Christ’s
bride in Revelation 12, the Church wears a crown containing twelve (12) stars.
The
New Jerusalem, which is made in heaven and brought to the Earth by God himself,
contains twelve (12) gates made of pearl which are each manned by an angel. The
twelfth blog is on Power and Authority by divine appointment.
REFLECTIONS
As
per usual, I like to give you an insight into why I choose my topics. I was listening to a man of God who mentioned
the subject. He was not teaching on the
topic but stated that all believers in order, to live a victorious Christian
life needs to know the difference between Power and Authority. Then he used those two (2) Greek words
dunamis and exousia suffice it to say I concurred with the gentleman and
decided to revise my knowledge.
Here
is the reason why?
In
the early Charismatic Movement, there were some basic doctrinal teaching. You
were exposed to certain Greek words such as charismata meaning gifts. Hence, the word charismatic because of the
emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Then there was pneuma – breath the word used for God breathing on Adam. The three (3) different types of love agape,
eros and fileo (in fact I am going to do a blog on this topic just to keep
focus. In addition, I had my list with
the different names for God walked around with it for years. I had sixteen (16) different names on my
list; Jehovah Shammah, Nissi, Rohi, Elohim, El Shaddai etc. Dr. Cindy Trimm
added a new one in recent times Jehovah Gibbor. So, you thought because it rolled off my
tongue so easily it is just overnight.
Sorry people I was confessing these scriptures while I was speaking to
myself in the mirror for years. Still do. As King David said to Solomon you
will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart. Then of course, we had
dunamis and exousia, power and authority. As per usual it does not seem to be a
very popular topic. I am saying if the
foundations be destroyed what will the
righteous do. Before we go any further
let us listen to this clip by the late Dr. Myles Munroe on the subject..
CRITICAL DEFINITIONS
I am
going to be detailed in these definitions because I want to emphasize the
all-encompassing nature of the words. We are into the big times as I have said
in a previous blog I am not yet steeped into Hebrew and Greek but, for these
words I have to make an exception. There
are too many cowboys and lone rangers. The church has become the wild, wild
church. We need to return to order.
Power – The Greek word for power in the Bible is dunamis
(doo’na-mis) and is used one hundred and twenty (120) times in the New
Testament. The word refers to strength,
power or ability. It is the root word of
our English words dynamite, dynamo and dynamic.
Strong’s #1411 dunamis – (doo’na-mis)
From
1410- force (literally or figuratively), specially, miraculous power (visually
by implication, a miracle itself), ability, abundance, meaning might (-ily, -y,
deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful)
work
We
will look at the meaning in the Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:
1.
Strength, power,
ability
1a. Inherent power, power residing in a thing by
virtue of its nature, or which a person exerts and puts forth
1b. Power for performing miracles
1c. Moral power and excellence of soul
1d. The power and influence which belong to riches
and wealth
1e. Power and resources arising from numbers
1f. Power consisting in or resting upon armies,
forces, hosts
Authority- Exousia used one hundred and four (104) times in the New
Testament.
Authority is the Greek
word exousia. It is especially used in terms of moral influence. Exousia can
also be thought of in terms of jurisdiction or dominion over a certain realm,
right, privilege or ability.
Strong’s #1849 – Exousia (ex-oo-see’-ah)
From 1832 (in the sense
of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency,
freedom, or (objectively) mastery /concretely, magistrate, superhuman,
potentate, token of control, delegated influence: -authority, jurisdiction,
liberty, power, right, strength.
Exousia in the Thayer’s Greek Lexicon
1.
Power of choice,
liberty of doing as one pleases
1a. Leave or permission
2.
Physical or mental
problem
2a. The ability or strength with which one is
endued, which he either possesses or exercises
3.
The power of
authority (influence) and of night (privilege)
4.
The power of rule or
government (the power of him whose will must be submitted to by others or
obeyed
4a. universally
4a1 authority over mankind
4b. specifically
4b1 the
power of judicial decisions
4b2
of authority to manage domestic affairs
4c. metonymically
4c1 a
thing subject to authority or rule
4c2
one who possesses authority
4c2a
a ruler, a human magistrate
4c2b
the leading and more powerful among created beings superior to man, spiritual
potentates
4d. A sign of the husband’s authority over his wife
4d1
the veil with which propriety required a woman to cover herself
4e the sign of regal authority, a crown.
We will look at another
video on power and authority.
EXPLANATION OF POWER AND AUTHORITY
The biblical
description of power relates primarily to God and man. Power is an inherent
characteristic of God ( Rom 1:20 ). It is the result of his nature.
Power is always a derived
characteristic for man, who receive power from God ( Deuteronomy
8:18 ; Isaiah
40:29 ; Micah 3:8 ; Matthew
22:29 ; 1
Cor 2:4 ; Ephesians
3:7 ), from political position ( Esther
1:3 ; Luke
20:20 ), from armies ( 1
Chronicles 20:1 ), and from other structures
that provide advantage over others.
When humans perceive that their power is
intrinsic to themselves, they are self-deceived ( Lev
26:19 ; Deuteronomy 8:17-18 ; Hosea
2:7-9 ; John
19:10-11 ).
Jesus as the God-Man
demonstrated both the intrinsic and derived aspects of power.
Jesus proclaimed His
power and authority derived from the Father ( John 5:27 ; 17:2 ; 5:16-23 ). Jesus demonstrated
that his power was derived from his authority as the Son of Man and that the
two were an inseparable testimony to his divine nature ( Matt
9:6-7 ; Luke
4:36 ; 9:1 ).
Power in the New
Testament is used to describe the unseen world. The angelic realm is described
as "powers" or "authorities" ( Romans
8:38 ; Ephesians
3:10 ; 6:12 ; Col
1:16 ; Colossians
2:10 Colossians
2:16 ).
The Apostle Paul speaks
to the living of the Christian life as an empowerment from God. The believer's
union with Christ delivers him or her from the power of sin (cf. Rom. 6-8) and
introduces him or her to the "power of Christ's resurrection" ( Philippians
3:10 ).
Salvation and holy
living provide the Christian with a spirit of power for witness (2 Timothy 1:7-8 ).
"Power" in Romans 1:16 renders the
Greek word dunamis [duvnami"]. It is often noted that the gospel is the
"dynamite of God" because the English word "dynamite" is
derived from dunamis [duvnami"]. Such an observation, however, is not a
valid use of etymology. Dynamite was not in existence during the Apostle Paul's
time. He had no such image in his mind. For the Apostle Paul, the gospel
dunamis [duvnami"] was the dynamic of God's power conveyed
through God's message. When presented to the world, the gospel dynamically
works salvation in those who believe. The Apostle Paul develops the motif of
divine power as the key to Christian living by noting that unless the believer
is empowered, it is impossible to please God (Rom. 6-8; 1 Cor 15:56-57 ).
The Apostle Peter also
utilizes the concept of power to image the Christian life as an empowerment
from God. Second Peter 1:3 states that "His divine power has given us
everything we need for life and godliness." The context views this power
as channeled through knowledge and virtue. The apostle Peter does not view this
power as passive, but as the foundation and motivation to pursue a circle of
virtues ( 1:5-9 ) that produce and evidence productive Christian living.
The concept of authority
seldom appears in the Old Testament. It is used predominantly in the New
Testament, where the word exousia [ejxousiva] functions in at least four ways.
First, authority is the
freedom to decide or a right to act without hindrance. He sits in the heavens
and does as He pleases Psalm 115 verse 3. All such authority begins with God, for there
is no authority except from God ( Romans
13:1 ). God has the right to mold the clay as
he wishes ( Romans 9:21 ) and to set times and dates ( Acts 1:7 ).
Believers have the
right to become children of God ( John 1:12 ), and they have freedom with respect to the law ( 1
Co 8:9 ).
While authority is
valueless without the power to make it effective, we can make a fine distinction
between the two concepts. This first understanding of authority, then, is
distinct from power and refers primarily to a prerogative.
Second, the concept of
authority refers to the power, ability, or capability to complete an action.
Jesus was given the authority to forgive sins ( Matthew
9:6-8 ) and to drive out spirits ( Mark 6:7 ). Jesus gave seventy-two disciples the authority to
trample on snakes and scorpions ( Luke
10:19 ). Simon sought power to grant the Holy
Spirit ( Acts 8:19 ).
Third, the word
"authority" is used with reference to delegated authority in the form
of a warrant, license, or authorization to perform.
Fourth, by a natural
extension of meaning, exousia [ejxousiva] sometimes denotes the sphere in which authority
is exercised. God has established spheres of authority in the world, such as
civil government.
When Pilate learned
that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction or authority, the governor sent him
to Herod ( Luke 23:7 ).
Rulers and kings have
their spheres of influence ( Romans
13:1 ), as does Satan ( Colossians
1:13 ), but Christ has been placed above all
realms of authority ( Ephesians
1:21 ).
More often exousia [ejxousiva] refers to the power employed by rulers or others
in high positions by virtue of their office, such as civil magistrates ( Titus 3:1 ). This use of authority indicates a social relation
between at least two individuals where one is the ruler. The subordinate in the
relationship accepts the ruler's orders, not by external constraint but out of
the conviction that the ruler is entitled to give orders and that it is the
duty of the subject to obey and recognize the authenticity of the ruler's
position and orders.
From a theological
perspective the fourth use of authority is most significant. The question of
authority is a fundamental issue facing every person, especially the believer.
Its significance cannot be overestimated. Every person has an authority in life
that he or she submits to as a subordinate, not by constraint but by
conviction. Furthermore, God has created human beings to live under his
authority. When they choose to live under a different rule, that of self or an
idol, they sin. This is, in a simple summary, the teaching of Genesis 1-3. That
portion of Scripture illustrates the human tendency, moved by pride, to seek
independence from external authority and to establish self as the final authority
in life.
The testimony of
Scripture is that God has established three fundamental spheres of authority
within which he delegates authority to individuals. These spheres are civil
government, the home, and the church. The believer is obliged to obey those
holding authority in those realms. Citizens are to submit to the governing
authorities ( 1 Peter 2:13-14 ).
Children are to obey
parents ( Ephesians
6:1-2 ). Believers were to honor spiritual
authorities such as apostles who demanded compliance on the basis of their
commission from the Lord. There are exceptions. When a person in authority
violates the trust granted by God, the source of all authority, the subordinate
is free, indeed mandated, "to obey God rather than man" ( Acts 5:29 ). The apostle Peter provides the clearest example of
what is called civil disobedience. In his epistle he encourages disciples of
Christ to submit to governing authorities ( 1 Peter
2:13 ). In the book of Acts, however, when the
governing authorities commanded Peter to cease preaching, he disobeyed ( Acts 5:29 ).
The issue facing
contemporary Christians is how God exercises his authority in the spiritual
realm, that is, the church. In the Old Testament, the answer was clear. God
exercised his authority through prophets, priests, and kings. At the time of Christ,
the disciples submitted to the lordship of God the Father through obedience to
Jesus. Christ, then, delegated authority to the apostles, who directed the
affairs of the primitive church. When Christ comes again, he will reign from a
new throne in the new city.
Evangelical theology appeals to the authority
of Scripture because it views the Bible as the written Word of God, pointing
beyond itself to the absolute authority, the living and transcendent Word of
God. God exercises authority over the church through the Scriptures, which
impart authoritative truth. The Bible issues definitive directives. It offers
an authoritative norm by which all doctrine and principles must be shaped for
both individual believers and the church. The Bible is a record and explanation
of divine revelation that is both complete (sufficient) and comprehensible
(perspicuous); meaning, it contains all that the church needs to know in this
world for its guidance in the way of salvation and service.
CONCLUSION
In
concluding, it is clear that, the gifts and callings of
God are without repentance Romans 11 verse 29 but one wonders what could lead
to a scenario like that expounded in St. Matthew 7 verses 21 - 23.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name
done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I
never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The entire chapter speaks to relationship. Takes us back to the fact that we should keep
The Sermon on the Mount very close to our heart. In fact, we should do a ‘Sermon on the Mount ‘check
at least once per month. St. Matthew 7
concluded with the people being astonished by Jesus’ doctrine for He taught
with authority not like the
religious fellows of the days.
Of course, the Centurion was another person who
understood this authority, he just told Jesus send the word and his servant
would be healed St. Matthew 8 verse 8. Satan is a legalist and this is clearly
shown in the story of the seven (7) sons of Sceva in the book of Acts 19 verse
13 – 15. Jesus and Paul are hooked up
but who are you hooked up to?
Seek after power but seek to exercise that power with
the right authority. Before you seek the
gifts get to know the GIVER of the
gifts. God is after relationships…
Once again, this is me Lillene’s baby girl coming to
you from up here in the true north.
À bientôt!
