Two Are Better Than One
Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are
better than one ; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if
they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when
he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie
together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one
prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not
quickly broken. KJV
I.
Two Shall Withstand Him . . .
a.
Isolation can
become a breeding ground for sin.
b.
To break
addiction and bondage you need others.
c.
Proverbs
27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man
sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. KJV
d.
Jesus was RARELY
alone except when He went to pray
i. Luke 5:16 And he
withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. KJV
ii. Matthew 14:23 And when he
had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and
when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the
midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the
fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. KJV
iii. Mark 1:35 And in the
morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a
solitary place, and there prayed. 36 And Simon and they that were with him
followed after him. KJV
e.
When Jesus WAS
alone was when Satan tempted Him
i. Mark 1:12 And
immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13 And he was there in
the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and
the angels ministered unto him. KJV
f.
When we are alone
we are often on the defense and the enemy chases us . . .when we are part of a
team it becomes the other way around
i. Leviticus 26:7 And ye shall
chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. 8 And five of
you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to
flight : and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. KJV
g.
Ecclesiastes
4:11 Again, if two lie together, then they
have heat: but how can one be warm alone? KJV
i. Sympathetic resonance
1.
sympathetic
resonance or sympathetic vibration is a harmonic phenomenon
wherein a formerly passive string or vibratory body responds to external
vibrations to which it has a harmonic likeness. The classic example is
demonstrated with two similar tuning-forks of which one is mounted on a wooden
box.
2.
The power of God/anointing
from one person can ignite the heart and passion of another who is in close
proximity.
a.
1
Samuel 19:15 And Saul sent the messengers again to
see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him. 16 And
when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a
pillow of goats' hair for his bolster. 17 And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast
thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal
answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee? 18 So David
fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had
done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth. 19 And it was told
Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah. 20 And Saul sent messengers
to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and
Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the
messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 21 And when it was told Saul, he
sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers
again the third time, and they prophesied also. 22 Then went he also to Ramah,
and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are
Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah. 23 And he
went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and
he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he
stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and
lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul
also among the prophets? KJV
i. Saul was going after David to kill him. When he came into close proximity with the
company or prophets the anointing on them was so strong that Saul also became
overcome by the Presence of God, to the point that he too began to prophecy.
ii. All three sets of messengers sent from Saul and then
Saul himself, with murder in his heart towards David, fell among the anointed
and began to prophecy!!
II.
Follow Me
a.
Matthew
4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me
, and I will make you fishers of men. KJV
i. Follow –
1.
NT:1205 deute
(dyoo'-teh); from NT:1204 and an imperative form of eimi (to go); come
hither!: KJV - come, follow.
a.
NT:1204 deuro
(dyoo'-ro); of uncertain affinity; here; used also imperative hither!; and of
time, hitherto: KJV - come (hither), hither [-to].
i. COME WHERE I AM!
2.
NT:3694 opiso
(op-is'-o); from the same as NT:3693 with enclitic of direction; to the back,
i.e. aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun): KJV -
after, back (-ward), (+get) behind, follow.
a.
NT:3693 opisthen
(op'-is-then); from opis (regard; from NT:3700) with enclitic of source; from
the rear (as a secure aspect), i.e. at the back (adverb and preposition of
place or time): KJV - after, backside, behind.
i. NT:3700 optanomai (op-tan'-om-ahee); a (middle voice)
prolonged form of the primary (middle voice) optomai (op'-tom-ahee); which is
used for it in certain tenses; and both as alternate of NT:3708; to gaze (i.e. with
wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from NT:991,
which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from NT:1492, which expresses
merely mechanical, passive or casual vision; while NT:2300, and still more
emphatically its intensive NT:2334, signifies an earnest but more continued
inspection; and NT:4648 a watching from a distance): KJV - appear, look, see,
shewself.
1.
ESSENTIALLY – SEE
ME AND BECOME LIKE ME
b.
Matthew
4:20 And they straightway left their nets ,
and followed him. KJV
i. Those who followed Him at this point forsook all, they
literally walked away from an old life into a new life and quite literally
began to follow Jesus around. They were
WITH him, physically. There was time
spent with Him.
1.
Luke
5:11 And when they had brought their ships to
land, they forsook all, and followed him. KJV
a.
Whatever issues a
person may have, it would be more difficult to pursue the lust of the flesh and
sinful activity when a person of Holiness was with you 24/7
III.
Doing The Time
a.
Proverbs
18:1 Through desire a man, having separated
himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. KJV
b.
Proverbs
18:1 He that separateth himself seeketh (his
own) desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom. ASV
c.
Genesis
2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that
the man should be alone; KJV
i. Isolation is a bullseye for Satan to aim at in the
life of a man or woman of God
1.
Eve was alone
when Satan came and led her astray
a.
Where was Adam?
b.
Why didn’t Eve
call for Adam?
c.
Why didn’t they
both call for God?
d.
Often Church
leaders have far too much alone, unstructured, vulnerable time. Fellowship begats accountability,
accountability begats boundaries, boundaries begat safety and promote holiness.
e.
2
Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge
of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience
of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your
obedience is fulfilled. KJV
i. . . .casting
down . . .
1.
NT:2507 kathaireo
(kath-ahee-reh'-o); from NT:2596 and NT:138 (including its alternate); to
lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively): KJV -
cast (pull, put, take) down, destroy.
a.
1
Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of
God KJV
2.
. .
.imaginations . . .
a.
NT:3053 logismos
(log-is-mos'); from NT:3049; computation, i.e. (figuratively) reasoning
(conscience, conceit): KJV - imagination, thought.
i. What seems to be logical, the way we think, our
reasoning, intellect
1.
Intellect can
impede deep faith movements in our lives. We cannot see it, grasp it or explain
it so we “reason” it away instead of allowing ourselves to move forward in
faith
a.
2
Corinthians 5:7(For we walk by faith , not by sight:) KJV
b.
3.
. . .high thing
. . .
a.
NT:5313 hupsoma
(hoop'-so-mah); from NT:5312; an elevated place or thing, i.e. (abstractly) altitude, or (by implication) a barrier (figuratively): KJV - height,
high thing.
i. NT:5312 hupsoo (hoop-so'-o); from NT:5311; to elevate
(literally or figuratively): KJV - exalt, lift up.
4.
. . .exalteth .
. .
a.
NT:1869 epairo
(ep-ahee'-ro); from NT:1909 and NT:142; to raise up (literally or
figuratively): KJV - exaltself, poise (lift, take) up.
i. Isaiah 14:11 Thy pomp is
brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under
thee, and the worms cover thee. 12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer,
son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the
nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I
will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I
will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the
north:
ii. 14 I will
ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.15 Yet
thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. KJV
iii.
5.
. . .knowledge
. . .
a.
NT:1108 gnosis
(gno'-sis); from NT:1097; knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge:
KJV - knowledge, science.
i. NT:1097 ginosko (ghin-oce'-ko); a prolonged form of a
primary verb; to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of
applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus
clearly expressed): KJV - allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know
(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand
6.
. . .Bringing
into captivity . . .
a.
NT:164
aichmalotos (aheekh-mal-o-tos'); from aichme (a spear) and a derivative of the
same as NT:259; properly, a prisoner of war, i.e. (genitive case) a
captive: KJV - captive.
i. NT:164 aichmalotos (aheekh-mal-o-tos'); from aichme (a
spear) and a derivative of the same as NT:259; properly, a prisoner of war,
i.e. (genitive case) a captive: KJV - captive.
1.
Captive thoughts
are not allowed to roam where they would like but are directed by the power
that holds them captive . . .flesh not in control.
7.
. . .thought .
. .
a.
NT:3540 noema
(no'-ay-mah); from NT:3539; a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the
intellect, disposition, itself: KJV - device, mind,
thought.
i. NT:3539 noeo (no-eh'-o) or noieo (noy-eh'-o); from
NT:3563; to exercise the mind (observe), i.e. (figuratively) to comprehend,
heed: KJV - consider, perceive, think, understand.
8.
. . .obedience
. . .
a.
NT:5218 hupakoe
(hoop-ak-o-ay'); from NT:5219; attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance
or submission: KJV - obedience, (make) obedient, obey (-ing). ators,
Inc.)
i. NT:5219 hupakouo (hoop-ak-oo'-o); from NT:5259 and
NT:191; to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform
to a command or authority: KJV - hearken, be obedient to, obey.
1.
Acts
17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our
being; KJV
a.
. . .live . . .
i. NT:2198 zao (dzah'-o); a primary verb; to live
literally or figuratively): KJV - life
(-time), (a-) live (-ly), quick.
b.
. . .and move .
. .
i. NT:2795 kineo (kin-eh'-o); from kio (poetic for eimi,
to go); to stir (transitively), literally or figuratively:KJV - (re-)
move (-r), way.
c.
. . .and have our being . . .
i. NT:2070 esmen (es-men'); first person plural
indicative of NT:1510; we are: KJV - are, be, have our being, have hope, [the
gospel] was [preached unto] us.
ii. Exodus 3:14 And God said
unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM : and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent
me unto you. KJV
iii. God said of Himself “I AM that I AM” God is I AM and in Him WE ARE!!! If we are
without God, we ARE NOT – PERIOD.
ii. Sin takes root in the mind, alone time can allow the
mind to wander, and sin seeds instead of blowing across the mind actually take
hold and begin to grow . . .
1.
James
1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is
drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it
bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do
not err, my beloved brethren. KJV
IV.
Secret Battles Are Lost Battles
a.
2
Samuel 21:15 Moreover the Philistines had yet war
again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought
against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. 16 And Ishbi-benob, which was
of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three
hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought
to have slain David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote
the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying,
Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of
Israel . KJV
i. sons of the
giant . . .
1.
David was a giant
killer, this was his mark
a.
Just because you
can kill one giant alone on a field doesn’t mean you are anointed to kill them
all!
ii. David was a man of war – he took five stones along
with his staff onto the field to face Goliath.
We may have all of the tools to kill, the training to kill, the means to
kill but not the STRENGTH to kill. David
was tired. Ministry drains and beats up those who serve. Weariness brings
wounding, wandering. Had David been
alone on this battlefield, he would have died on this battlefield.
1.
Golaith was
killed on a field in front of two armies!
Many watched.
a.
Private battles
are often battles that are lost.
b.
The enemy comes
with a pack mentality, many coming against one, separate the weak, wounded, old
or young from the herd and when they are alone attack with all until dead.
2.
Of the few times
that the Scriptures teach that Jesus was alone He was usually either praying or
being tempted!
a.
Matthew
14: 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up
into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there
alone. KJV
i. Interesting to note is that at this point the
disciples were alone, without their leader, and it was then that a storm came
up THEM. At the point that Peter realized Jesus was coming, he chose to GO TO
JESUS rather than wait for Jesus to come to him.. Faith moves us in the right
direction . . .
1.
Matthew
14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed
with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night
Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they
cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of
good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord,
if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. KJV
3.
Several times
Scripture notes that Jesus was alone . . .but that at the same time His
disciples were with Him.
a.
Luke
9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his
disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I
am? KJV
V.
Pride Goeth Before
a.
Often this
passage is misquoted by saying “pride goeth before destruction, that is not how
the Word reads . . .
i. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth
before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. KJV
1.
Like a small
child that declares boldy “I can do it myself!” is the man who feels he does not
need others. Pride puffs up the leaven inside of us causing us to feel bigger
than we really are. . . leaven puffs up but the “puff” is nothing more than
air, nothing of weight, measure or volume, remember who is the prince of the
air
a.
Ephesians
2:2
b.
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course
of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that
now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our
conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of
the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as
others. KJV’
b.
Those with pride
inside lack submission to God, lack of submission simply promotes self and
separates us from The Body of Christ. The consequences are dire . . .
i. Numbers 14:29 Your
carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you,
according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have
murmured against me, KJV
1. Romans 8:13 For if ye
live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the
deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of
God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of
bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we
cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that
we are the children of God: KJV
a.
Adopted means set
in a family, no longer alone, no longer in bondage, now we are under a
covering.
i. Psalms 68:6 God setteth
the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains:
but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. KJV
VI.
Combination Of Weapons
a.
Wars/battles are
fought in different places. Each terrain as well as each individual enemy and
battle requires different usage of weapons, as well as strategies. The greatest
battleship ever built is useless in the Sahara.. The same is true in the sprit
realm. There are different battles, different spiritual enemies/strategies and
different weapons to be used.
b.
2
Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after
the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but
mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down
imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge
of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is
fulfilled. KJV
i. . . .weapons . . .
1.
NT:3696 hoplon
(hop'-lon); probably from a primary hepo (to be busy about); an implement or
utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially offensive for
war): KJV - armour, instrument, weapon.
a.
Plural – denoting
not just ONE weapon but MORE THAN ONE WEAPON
ii. . . .warfare . . .
1.
NT:4752 strateia
(strat-i'-ah); from NT:4754; military service, i.e. (figuratively) the
apostolic career (as one of hardship and danger): KJV - warfare.
a.
NT:4754
strateuomai (strat-yoo'-om-ahee); middle voice from the base of NT:4756; to
serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with
its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations: KJV - soldier, (go to)
war (-fare).
iii. . . .carnal . . .
1.
NT:4559 sarkikos
(sar-kee-kos'); from NT:4561; pertaining to flesh, i.e. (by extension)
bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate: KJV -
carnal, fleshly.
iv. . . .but mighty . . .
1.
NT:1415 dunatos
(doo-nat-os'); from NT:1410; powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter
possible: KJV - able, could, (that is) mighty (man), possible, power, strong.
v. . . .pulling down . . .
1.
NT:2506
kathairesis (kath-ah'-ee-res-is); from NT:2507; demolition;
figuratively, extinction: KJV - destruction, pulling down.
vi. . . .strongholds . . .
1.
NT:3794 ochuroma
(okh-oo'-ro-mah); from a remote derivative of NT:2192 (meaning to fortify,
through the idea of holding safely); a castle (figuratively,
argument): KJV - stronghold.
a.
NT:2192 echo
(ekh'-o); including an alternate form scheo (skheh'-o); used in certain tenses
only); a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or
figuratively, direct or remote; such as possessions; ability, continuity,
relation, or condition): KJV - be (able, hold, possessed with), accompany,
begin to amend, can (+-not), conceive, count, diseased, do eat, enjoy,
fear, following, have, hold, keep, lack, go to law, lie,
must needs, of necessity, need, next, recover, reign, rest, return, sick,
take for, tremble, uncircumcised, use.
i. Generational curses
1.
Places the enemy
has maintained a hold for more than one generation that seems to be “genetic”
in nature but actually has a spiritual origin and fuel
ii. Addictions
1.
Cannot seem to
break free from sin, again and again repent and return to repent again with no
real forward movement
iii. Besetting sins
1.
Hebrews
12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us KJV
2.
Same as
addictions, less noticeable sins that will keep us from our destiny and
withhold blessings from our lives just as sure as out and out addictions, much
more command and accepted as “ok” within the bounds of Christianity
iv. Familiar spirits
1.
OT:178 'owb
(obe); from the same as OT:1 (apparently through the idea of prattling a
father's name); properly, a mumble, i.e. a water skin (from its hollow sound);
hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar): KJV - bottle, familiar
spirit.
2.
Deuteronomy
18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that
maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth
divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a
consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer KJV
a.
Dependence on or
use of demonology, the stars, etc for entertainment of daily living. Subtle
gateway into Satanism and witchcraft that most don’t even consider evil
v. Demon possession
1.
Legion
vi. Demonic oppression
c.
Football,
baseball, soccer – each are different games but essentially require the same
goal and teamwork to accomplish the mission, which is in each case to move a
ball from one place to another despite all opposition from the opposing
team. Each team has one goal, one
combine focus and each team though many in number move fluidly as one to
accomplish the feat. The goal is to win,
to move that ball to a predetermined place that scores points which lead to
winning.
i. Now think of each player, same goal, likely same
training on the same field by the same coach, though different in skill level,
technique and strength. Satanic demons
operate the same way. Heaven even has
hierarchies of beings/hosts/angels. We
do not often think of either Heaven or Hell as being organized like a team and
sent forth with purpose! But the Bible is clear on the matter . . .
1.
Colossians
1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in
heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones
, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him,
and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. KJV
a.
. . .thrones .
. .
i. NT:2362 thronos (thron'-os); from thrao (to sit); a
stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or
(concretely) a potentate: KJV - seat, throne.
b.
. . .dominions
. . .
i. NT:2963 kuriotes (koo-ree-ot'-ace); from NT:2962; mastery,
i.e. (concretely and collectively) rulers: KJV - dominion, government.
1.
NT:2962 kurios
(koo'-ree-os); from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun)
controller; by implication, Mr. (as a respectful title): KJV - God, Lord,
master, Sir.
c.
. .
.principalities . . .
i. NT:746 arche (ar-khay'); from NT:756; (properly
abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications
of order, time, place, or rank): KJV - beginning, corner, (at
the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle,
rule.
1.
NT:756 archomai
(ar'-khom-ahee); middle voice of NT:757 (through the implication of
precedence); to commence (in order of time):
2.
KJV - (rehearse
from the) begin (-ning).
a.
You can see
clearly the idea of principalities released in a timed fashion, not all at
once, like a coach would watch the game and at key times/points in the game
move key players around both on and off the field.
d.
. . .powers . . .
i. NT:1849 exousia (ex-oo-see'-ah); from NT: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: KJV - authority,
jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
ii. The prophets came, then John came, then Jesus came . .
.
1.
Prophets had
great power
2.
John was the
greatest born among women
3.
Jesus was The
Total Fulfillment of the law and prophets, given all power from God both in
Heaven and on earth.
iii. Galatians 4:4 But when the
fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made
under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive
the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit
of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.KJV
iv. Matthew 28:18 And Jesus
came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in
earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even
unto the end of the world. amen. KJV
v. Ezekiel 21:7 I will
overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose
right it is ; and I will give it him. KJV
vi. Romans 16:25 Now to him
that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of
Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret
since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest , and by the scriptures of
the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known
to all nations for the obedience of faith: KJV
vii. Matthew 3:3 For this is
he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in
the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight KJV
VII.
More Than One
a.
In Heaven And On
Earth
i. Romans 8:38 For I am
persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor
powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor
any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is
in Christ Jesus our Lord. KJV
ii. Ephesians 1:21 Far above
all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is
named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath
put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to
the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. KJV
iii. Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who
am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach
among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see
what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world
hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent
that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known
by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose
which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: KJV
iv. Ephesians 6:12 For we
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having
on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation
of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the
helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me,
that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make
known the mystery of the gospel, KJV
v. Again, see the different weapons for different purposes. Look at what we wrestle against, not just one
thing but several, and look at the
armament He has given for us to fight with!
vi. Colossians 2:10 And ye are
complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom
also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting
off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried
with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of
the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead
in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together
with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting
of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of
the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and
powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. KJV
vii. 1 Peter 3:22 Who is gone
into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers
being made subject unto him. KJV
b.
More than one
stronghold
i. Each “team” has a field where they play, an area they
fight, each team “beat” in their own way, each stronghold differs slightly from
the others though the end goal of its existence is the same . . .
1.
John
9:6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the
spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said
unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.)
He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. KJV
2.
John
9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his
parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man
sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in
him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of
the world. 6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of
the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And
said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation,
Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. KJV
c.
More Than One Demon
i. Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this
kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. KJV
1.
There it is –
plain as day “THIS KIND” meaning there is more than “this kind” out there that
must be dealth with!
ii. Mark 5:1 And they came over unto the other side
of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when he was come out of
the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean
spirit, 3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no,
not with chains: 4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and
chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken
in pieces: neither could any man tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was
in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. 6
But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, 7 And cried with a
loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most
high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man,
thou unclean spirit. 9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered,
saying, My name is Legion: for we are many
KJV
1.
In this we see
a.
Hierarchy
b.
Many working
together as a team to the same end
c.
A MAN ALONE AND
SEPARATED FROM THE PACK AND LEFT TO A HORRIBLE END
2.
Legion
a.
NT:3003 legion
(leg-ee-ohn') or legeon (leg-eh-ohn'); of Latin origin; a "legion",
i.e. Roman regiment (figuratively): KJV - legion.
i. Wikipedia - Legions were formations numbering about
5,000 heavy infantry recruited from the
ranks of Roman citizens only, transformed from
earlier mixed conscript and volunteer soldiers serving an average of 10 years,
to all-volunteer units of long-term professionals serving a standard 25-year
term
iii. 1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the
unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither
fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of
themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 And such were
some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. KJV
1.
Some who are gay
dress like men, some like women
2.
Some who are addicted
to drugs
a.
Meth
b.
Cocaine
c.
Pot
d.
Beer
e.
Nicotine
VIII.
What Works
a.
Prayer, fasting,
reading, accountability
i. All these work, but know when to use each or all!
IX.
Separated From The Fellowship
a.
Pack animals work
just like the football team, each animal has a unique position within the pack
and a job to do for the ultimate goal of killing another animal. Before the kill, the target is separated from
the herd, from the fellowship, from the strong.
b.
When we are separated
from others physically or spiritually we become the target of attack, one set
up for the kill
i. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to
steal, and to kill , and to destroy : I am come that they might have life, and
that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good
shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. KJV
1.
Interesting that
Jesus is speaking of sheep
a.
Sheep have no natural
defense mechanism, they defend solely on the Shepherd to protect them
b.
Those that say they
do not need to go to Church fall into the category of a sheep with no shepherd,
without that covering and protection they are fair game
i. Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the
stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children,
tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the
sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; KJV
ii. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion , walketh about, seeking whom he
may devour: KJV
1.
I once heard that
lions that are too told to hunt and too weak to fight, the ones that have lost
all of their teeth, roar loudly to scare prey into the jaws of those that are
waiting to pounce and kill . . .
X.
Targets For Separation
a.
WE MUST PROTECT THAT WHICH IS VULNERABLE!
b.
Those that are alone
i. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so
much the more, as ye see the day approaching. KJV
ii. John 13:30 He then having received the sop went
immediately out: and it was night. KJV
1.
Judas did not make a
deal for Christ while in the midst of the other disciples, he found the time to
be alone and Satan found him in his alone time!
c.
Those that are young
i. 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice , lest being lifted up
with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. KJV
1.
Spiritually immature
a.
1
Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto
spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you
with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither
yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you
envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For
while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
KJV
b.
Hebrews
5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need
that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God;
and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every
one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a
babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who
by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. KJV
2.
Prideful
a.
Proverbs
29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold
the humble in spirit. KJV
b.
Joseph was a bit
arrogant and because of his boisterous telling of his dream without wisdom he
separated himself from his brothers. His
pridfefulness led his brothers to hate him to the point they wanted to kill him
and actually did sell him.
i. Genesis 37:5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he
told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. 6 And he said unto them,
Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: 7 For, behold, we were
binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright;
and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. 8
And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou
indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams,
and for his words. KJV
3.
No accountability
a.
Samson versus David
i. It could be said that, while they were not necessarily
young, Samson died among his enemies and David died at home among his friends
and the difference would be their accountability, that difference made the
difference in their lives and ultimately their legacies and deaths.
ii. Samson was not noted to have any close friends or people who
held him accountable or even walked with him other than a few minor mentions of
his parents.
iii. David was noted as repeatedly submitting to God, to Nathan
the prophet and also had a strong friendship/brotherhood bond with Johnathan.
4.
The Circle of Death
is what continues when there is no accountability and pride, each leads to the
other and on and on the process goes until death is reached in one way or
another. Either the spirit man will
“die” in repentance, the ministry will
die in failure or the flesh man will die period.
d.
Those that are weak –
spiritually immature
1.
Refuse to grow deeper
in The Word and Walk with God
2.
Spiritually lazy,
relying on revelation from others and anointing from the corporate body to lift
them up
3.
Roots are planted and
grown among rocks
4.
These people can seem
to get by day to day but are spiritually out of shape and cannot endure a
battle, temptation or opposition, often moving from one church or ministry to
another because they refuse to “do the work”
ii. Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into
temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak . KJV
iii. Romans 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he
considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old,
neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of
God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And
being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. KJV
1.
Had Abrahams faith
been weak the nation of Israel would not have been born of him, and would have
come from another. Gods will WILL be
done, but what a blessing Abraham would have missed had he not been as strong
in The Lord as he was at this time in his life
iv. Acts 19:14 And there were seven sons of one
Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit
answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the
man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and
prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. KJV
v. 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days
perilous times shall come. For men shall
be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection,
trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are
good, Traitors, heady, highminded,
lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness , but
denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they
which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away
with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of
the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist
the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
vi. 9 But they shall
proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs
also was. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose,
faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which
came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured:
but out of them all the Lord delivered me. KJV
vii. Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity
against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the
flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if
any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be
in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of
righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead
dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your
mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. KJV
viii.
Matthew
13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and
understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and snatcheth away that which was sown in his
heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received
the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with
joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while:
for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he
is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the
word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the
word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good
ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth
fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. KJV
e.
Those that are “old”,
respectfully
i. Have forgotten the power of God that once moved in The Body
of Christ
1.
Genesis
18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am
waxed old shall I have pleasure , my lord being old also? 13 And the LORD said
unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a
child, which am old? 14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time
appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah
shall have a son. 15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was
afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. KJV
ii. Live in the memory of what once was instead of what now is
and what can be in the future
1.
Ezra 3:12 But many of the
priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had
seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their
eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: KJV
a.
Haggai 2:9 The glory of this
latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and
in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts. KJV
iii. No longer bears fruit or leads
1.
1 Samuel
3:1
And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli . And the word of the
LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2 And it came to
pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to
wax dim, that he could not see; 3 And
ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God
was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; KJV
2.
1 Samuel
3:13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever
for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and
he restrained them not. KJV
3.
1 Samuel
4:15 Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were
dim, that he could not see. 16 And the man said unto Eli , I am he that came
out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there
done, my son? 17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the
Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and
thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
18 And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell
from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he
died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years. KJV
4.
iv. Feels void of purpose, that all is lost and the best days
are behind us
v. Feels unappreciated which moves ministry from being done
unto The Lord to being done for pat on the back
vi. Genesis 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within
herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure , my lord being old
also? 13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying,
Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? 14 Is any thing too hard for
the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time
of life, and Sarah shall have a son. 15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed
not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. KJV
XI.
Safety In Numbers
a.
Circle of cattle,
weak, old, young in the middle, foes face horns and hooves and cannot penetrate
the ring to get to the vulnerable on the inside of the ring. This is seen on National Geographic also with
elephants.
b.
Hebrews 10:5 Not forsaking the
assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one
another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. KJV
c.
Mark 6:7 And he called unto
him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them
power over unclean spirits; 8 And commanded them that they should take nothing
for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their
purse: 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. KJV
d.
Leviticus
26:8 And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of
you shall put ten thousand to flight : and your enemies shall fall before you
by the sword. KJV
e.
Matthew
18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on
earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of
my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together
in my name, there am I in the midst of them. KJV
f.
