In chapter 10 we see speaking boldly and showing divine power to demolish strongholds. 5"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."(NIV)
Our thoughts will manifest themselves in our actions. When they are surrendered to the authority of Christ, the strongholds are bound. 15b"Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, 16so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. 17But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."[c] 18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."(NIV)
God gives the vision for His work to be accomplished. It is His work, He shows us His vision for accomplishing and He accomplishes it through the work of the Holy Spirit.
In chapter 11 & 12 we see Paul talking about false Apostles. The father of lies will send his messengers in with deception that will undermine God's work. His plan is to seek, kill and destroy everything that is of spiritual value. He will pull you away from God and His people if we believe his ways and walk in them. Proverbs 21:16 tells us "A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead." These are people who do not know the Lord. God views the spiritually dead as those who are truly dead. The believers who die physically never really die, they make the spiritual transition into the presence of God. God appoints Hid people to different positions in the kingdom and those are the people who truly belong there as we carry out His will (assignment). During those assignments God reveals things that we need to share with His people and with that comes the power to carry out the task.
In chapter 13 we are to test ourselves. 5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?..11Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All the saints send their greetings.
Friday, December 5, 2008
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