Two very destructive sins are, feeling saved by our works, and, feeling unsaved by our works. Believers are saved by the grace of God and faith.
Phillipians 4:7 speaks of your heart. lest you be fearful, and your mind, lest you are doubtful. The Lord is working to keep Christians from those two crippling afflictions, which Christians bear while connected to the flesh and the old nature.
Hebrews 10:2 doesn't speak of feelings, as Chris has graciously tried to help you with, but instead, knowledge of sin, through the God given conscience. Christians often battle with presumptuous sins, Psalms 19:13 "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me". Were it not for salvation, your conscience wouldn't trouble you so much. Therefore, take heed to the wretchedness we share with Paul in Romans 7:25 and Romans 7:14. The flesh/old nature, constantly gnaws at our faith/trust, whereby God has saved us. Chris is correct in asking, was your trust in the Lord to have died for you real? Then, should, you say yes indeed, take "the shield of faith, Ephesians 6:16, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" and press onward to the day God takes away your flesh, and till then, the shield of faith, will guard your heart and mind. Because God is able 2 Timothy 1:12, and the believers hope/expectation is Psalm 17:15. Day by day, here a little, there a little, God changes believers to a likeness of his son, and will complete that transition only after we leave this lost world.
Two very destructive sins are, feeling saved/worthy by our works/choices, and, feeling unsaved/unworthy by our works/choices. Believers are saved by the grace of God and faith in the work He has done through His Son dying for sinners.
I feel that "to honour those in power" ( Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:17) means that they are to obeyed & respected because of their appointed position & authority. Even when Paul wrote those words in 'Romans', the govt. of the day was one of the most tyrannical, brutal of empires that ruled in that region, yet Paul called for our obedience to them.
Essentially, govts. are formed for the administration of the country's affairs & for the care of its citizens. They are to encompass all types of people with different backgrounds, religions, economic statuses, etc. & to serve them well. Sadly, most govts., even those created under Judeo-Christian bases & ethos, now don't give high regard to the Bible as the Bible can be confronting to these 'other' groups of people. Is this the correct thing to do? A definite, No. Rather than other groups or persuasions conform to biblical standards of living & justice, govts. have weakened & pandered to their demands. We will never see a 'Christian' govt - only when Jesus Christ comes to reign on Earth, will the World see a true & righteous govt. under God.
However, what should our response be? Given that we are to obey the laws, pay our dues, & give govts. due respect, we are not compelled to blindly obey what they might require of us that is clearly against God's Word. So in a sense, we have to pick & choose. In Acts 5:18-29, we see Peter & the apostles imprisoned for healing people - God's angel had opened the prison doors to release them & they went back to preaching - they were subsequently brought before the council & were questioned as to why they continued to preach Jesus; & they responded, "We ought to obey God rather than men." So there are clearly times when disobedience is necessary whenever Christians & the Gospel are restrained in their life & work.
Some countries discriminate & persecute Christians. We can be thankful to our govts. that we still receive water, electricity & education - a few refuse these to Christians.
Does God really want us to honor those in power knowing that they are so far from him they are against Christian's how can we honor such people just because they hold a high office
Thank you Dianne: I'll accept that as given. I do tend to speak (or write), with 'absolution' or rather, a firm conviction because I've had to deal with many of these issues myself, have had to study them & sometimes deliver a message on them. One has to have a firm conviction, yet if that is opposed (which is the proper thing to do at times), then the response needs to also be given from the Word with equal conviction, so that it may be properly considered. I have to admit that at times, an answer given me has stumped me & required me to search further in the Word.
Often, I've wished that folk would follow through with a 'why I believe my view is correct' based on critical examination of Scripture, but I know that time & knowledge may not be available to them. But I do enjoy searching the Scriptures with my brothers & sisters in Christ here on this Site - I think we are benefited in our study & consideration of them & one another's views. Blessings.
That's not necessarily so. One can be so moved & engaged with the Holy Spirit that his prayers can become so vibrant & focussed. He may find himself using a gift of other tongues or his earthly language in such prayer. Also see 1 Corinthians 14:14-16, where the instruction concerns the use of other tongues - he can pray in the spirit (tongues) or he can choose to pray with understanding (using his own language or also having the gift of Interpretation of that tongue). And in the Church, interpretation must be given, whether in some utterance or in prayer, so that the Church might receive the Word & be blessed.
Proverbs 31:10 is the closest one that I can think of, minus the 'coral'. Job 28:18 speaks of wisdom being of more worth than rubies & the mention of 'coral' is there.
Regarding the behaviour of husbands to their wives, see: Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:25-29,33.
And for children's behaviour: Colossians 3:20; Ephesians 6:1-3; Proverbs 13:24.
Reading & understanding the whole Bible may help you to better understand the ways of God & the Devil & learn from it, but to use the armour of God as given in Ephesians 6:10-18 is your outline for full spiritual combat & defence that the Spirit of God equips every soldier engaged in Christian warfare.
The Apostle Paul, had a good look at a Roman soldier's outfit as they probably often marched through public places. Paul being the astute man that he was, saw the clear similarities of the soldier's armour so prepared to engage a visible enemy, to what the Christian should also wear as he battles the invisible enemy. And indeed, "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (man-made) but mighty through God (God-given) to the pulling down of strong holds" ( 2 Corinthians 10:4).
So Paul tells us to put on the WHOLE armour of God - any piece missing gives an opportunity to the enemy to score a strike. This armour suggests a close combat situation, unlike modern warfare where little of this is seen as battles are conducted over great distance. So we're reminded that the spiritual forces against us are nearby & ever ready to engage us in an instant.
a. loins (the waist area) strapped with Truth: Truth holds our body armour in place; we must keep Truth tightly fastened, cherish it & let it be our defence as we face the taunts & lies of the enemy.
b. breastplate (covering the chest) of Righteousness: we are made righteous only through Jesus Christ & so clothed with His Righteousness, our hearts are protected & kept secure in His Love.
c. footwear of Peace: not just the foot but also the leg are protected. Where Satan would love to cause us to stumble or render us lame in our warfare, our feet are so shod with the Peace & Joy of Christ's salvation that our forward march is both careful & considered as we approach an enemy full of anger & rushing about as a roaring devouring lion. We are a different enemy, where peace & joy rule our hearts & so we approach him.
I would suggest reading the NT for a better understanding, but Ephesians chapter 6 tells us about putting on the whole armour of God, I hope this is what your looking for.
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
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."
Avon hi look at 2 corinthians 4:1-4 good stuff remember also Ephesians 6:12 it is never a sense knowledge or headtrip. the bible is the only correct book on Spiritual knowledge and power, besides that people do not believe in sin, so their already perfect they think.
Philip christian parks on Ephesians 6 - 3 years ago
Finally, Apostle Paul warned Christians against their enemies of whom he described as "spiritual wickedness in high places" ( Eph. 6:12). This expression describes, and includes, generally all the myriads of demonic personalities without the distinction of hierarchic ranks.
This "wickedness" occurs in "high places". Since the word "places" is not in the Greek manuscripts, the King James Translators appropriately added it in italics for translative clarity.
The word "high" is an adjective translated from the Greek compound adjective root "" (transliterated "epouranios"; pronounced "ep-oo-RAN-ee-os") which combines two words:
1st, the Greek preposition "" (transliterated "epi"; pronounced "ep-EE"), meaning "over" or "upon";
2nd, the Greek noun "" (transliterated "ouranos"; pronounced "oo-ran-OS") translated "heaven" in the New Testament.
The Bible speaks of multiple heavens generally (e.g. Eph. 4:10; "all heavens"), and three heavens specifically (e.g. 2Cor. 12:2):
1st, The earth's atmosphere;
2nd, Outer space occupied by the sun, moon, planets, and stars;
3rd, The abode of JEHOVAH GOD.
Here, this "high places" wherein this "spiritual wickedness" exists identifies first, the earth's atmosphere, and second, the earth's celestial heavens, both described by Paul as "the whole creation [which] groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now" ( Rom. 8:22).
The same Greek adjective, here translated "high places", also translates into the very positive expression, "heavenly places", four other times, and only in Ephesians (1:3 & 20; 2:6; 3:10).
Philip christian parks on Ephesians 6 - 3 years ago
Additionally besides the "principalities" and "powers", Apostle Paul warned Christians concerning the enemies which he described as "rulers of the darkness of this world" ( Eph. 6:12). The word "rulers" (note the plurality) translates from the Greek compound noun "" (transliterated "kosmokrator"; pronounced "kos-mo-KRAT-ore"), which literally means "world rulers". These rulers fall directly in the hierarchic chain of command under the authority of demonic principalities and powers.
"Kosmokrator" combines two Greek words:
1st, The Greek noun "" (transliterated "kosmos"; pronounced "KOS-mos") derives the English noun "cosmos," meaning the created universe in its entirety. "Cosmos" refers to the natural fallen world that presently exists under the curse. Here, "cosmos" describes:
+ The actual planet we call "earth" (Ac. 17:24);
+ The arrangement, order, and nature of the physical world ( 1Jn. 5:4);
+ The planet's human race ( Mt. 5:14, 16);
+ The world's affairs and the process of conducting them ( Jn. 8:23).
2nd, The Greek verb "" (transliterated "krateo"; pronounced "krat-EH-o") means these demonic personalities rule over their delegated dominions around the world much like dictators rule by decree over their nations.
Note that these "rulers" are especially sinister in nature for they rule "of the darkness" ( Eph. 6:12). Contextually, this darkness is spiritual in nature subjected to the rule of demonic personalities and describes:
+ spiritual ignorance and unbelief (e.g. Isa. 9:2; Mt. 6:23; 1Jn. 1:5-9; 2:8-11);
Philip Christian Parks on Ephesians 6 - 3 years ago
The "principalities" of which Apostle Paul identified in Ephesians 6:2 translates from the Greek noun root "" (transliterated "arche"; pronounced "ar-KHAY"), and derives the English element "arch - " meaning "chief", or the first, principal, and highest position.
The term "principalities" (plural) surely describe demonic archangels counterpart to "Michael the archangel" (Jude v.9). These demonic principalities hold the highest positions of power and authority immediately under Satan.
Satan, identified as "the devil" (v.11), is the chief principality of this world, for CHRIST titled him "the prince {Greek noun "archon"} of this world" ( Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).
Next Paul identified supernatural "powers" ( Eph. 6:12) as the enemies of GOD's people, and of whom we must resist. Here, the term "powers" translates from the Greek noun root "" (transliterated "exousia"; pronounced "ex-oo-SEE-ah"), meaning the demonic personalities described as "powers" wield delegated, unrestricted authoritative power. These powers fall directly in the hierarchic chain of command under the authority of demonic principalities.
Philip Christian Parks on Ephesians 6 - 3 years ago
In Ephesians 6:12, the word "wrestle" describes a contest of physical strength whereby the winner throws his opponent off his feet and pins him to the mat.
Contextually, this wrestling is spiritual rather than physical as verse twelve explains. It is a spiritual fight to the death! Paul often described the Christians' warfare exemplified by games of contest such as:
+ footraces-
( 1Cor. 9:24 & 26) "they which run in a race run all, I therefore so run"
( Gal. 2:2) "lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain"
( Gal. 5:7) "Ye did run well"
( Php. 2:16) "I have not run in vain"
+ gymnastic strength and endurance-
( Php. 3:14) "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD"
+ boxing-
( 1Cor. 9:26) "so fight I, not as one that beateth the air"
+ physical grappling-
( 2Tim. 2:5) "if a man also strive for masteries"
( 2Tim. 4:7) "I have fought a good fight"
(Jude v.3) "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints"
We face those negative thoughts every day, but we must always remember
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
" [1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
Last but not least
Ephesians 6:7-13
" [7] With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: [8] Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. [9] And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [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.
Jesus says we should not judge things before the time! With that said, it is a great concern that the church has for the last60 yrs changed the gospel to read without conviction. The law and gospel are a natural phenomenon, that work very well while convicting man of sin, with the saving grace found in the blood of Christ. Man has denied it and still does. The blindness occurs, when we deny Christ. These things have not changed since the time of Adam and Eve. Man will live together as the wheat and the tares. The time it takes for the servants to bind the tares, is questionable. After their finished , you might be looking for the hand of God! If you are fortunate you will hear Him coming! Repent and be baptized! GOD IS IN CONTROL!
Amazingly with all of the sci-fy and superhero movies and games we view; people are not ready to take what The Church is teaching and preaching about the Rapture. Although Netflix does have a few movies (not exactly scriptural).
The Parable of the 10 virgins in the Gospels, Jesus is showing us to be ready every day, to go with Him. The "Oil" is the joy of the Holy Spirit who readies us for the Rapture.
We must be born again from above to be in tune to the signs. JOHN 3. It's just like with car insurance: there is basic liability that will NOT get your car replaced in a crash. Christians must have the full package. We're ready for everything the moment it happens. RIGHT NOW, get those you love ready to go with Jesus.
I believe with this pandemic, the powers above our government, are finding out how to keep people corralled. Shut up in homes; afraid to go to church; teach kids at home; etc.
If Biden is elected...I can only say expect our tax pain threshold to increase by leaps.
Our future is in New Jerusalem. It is not of this world! God is going to scrap this and restore earth to its 1st day condition.
2nd Peter Chapter 3 is not a fairytale. Like a star named Wormwood is on course for earth now. Revelation 8:11
NASA is tracking it but of course Network news fails to report it.
"They're already taking cash and coins and are lying about a shortage. RFID CHIPS will take the place of money; legal tender. They will make it so aggravating that people will take a Mark on the FACE or HAND. Flu shots are not RFID. See YouTube; people getting RFID's implanted in their HANDS.
I'm not on Facebook, so put it out there if you want to.
First there is to be a FALLING AWAY. With all the Churches closed by Congress, it's not a hard leap to realize the wandering away of millions of lukewarm Christians. Revelation 3:16, 20.
Get into the New Testament and KNOW what is coming at us next. Help at least 2 people to trust Jesus, be born again spiritually.
After the flood, the rebellious angels who went after Adams daughters; drowned.
Only 8 souls survived: Noah's family.
The evil ones had no bodies. Bodies Drowned. (There's a chapter where they rail on Satan for getting them killed.) With no bodies they became Demons.
In the New Testament, Jesus cast many out of afflicted peoples, body and soul. If you think..So What?... they can still get inside people who are not Born Again.
They wander until they find some kind of living thing to get inside. That statement is validated in Ephesians 6:11-12, Eph. 2:2, Isaiah 24:21-22 (some are imprisoned); some are in high places; Michael had to fight one so Gabriel could get a message to Daniel. Isaiah 14:16, satan isn't big & handsome. Ezekiel 28:23-19.
Satan has a will and he uses it to hurt people.
Often people blame God for the bad things that happen. If people today have idols in their lives (porn on the computer, gamble online, horoscopes, etc.) There are specialized demons that inhabit those things. We open the door they use to come inside our lives.
One even followed Paul around, hindering his meetings till he turned and cast it out of that woman! THEY ARE INVISIBLE!!! We never have drinks and smoke pot alone.
Maybe we should turn our focus away from nephalim in Genesis and lay our eyes on how to identify demonic activity in our lives, family, friends, mean neighbors, violent video games etc. ask yourself: what Fruit am I seeing?? Is someone depressed or suicidal? That's a spirit of death. Drugs, alcohol, pot=spirit of bondage. Learn these things. You could be praying to set clueless people FREE to follow Jesus.
Please think about this. Remember people who died way too early. Some of you commit to pray every day for Military who will be returning home soon, to find jobs miraculously, find new friends, be blessed for serving. Hold their lives Precious within your heart and spirit. Let's love Larger than just ourselves.
God is soverign. He rules all. Satan is the little g good of this world. God is Good. All powerful. All knowing. All present... Holy, righteous.. he allows stuff to happen but it doesn't happen unless he allows it!
Slave to sin. slave to righteousness. Be no slave to men. Ephesians 6:5-9
New International Version
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
Dear Diane, the fact that you care and are concerned enough to post a prayer request shows where your heart is. That's a good thing. Christians are not immune to temptation, sin, and spiritual strongholds, but should try to do everything in your power to break them. Paul was a strong Christian, but still described how he struggled with the fleshly temptations of sin. There are general Christian addition support groups through church like Celebrate Recovery that may offer helpful support. Ephesians 6:10-18
It is my belief that if you have become a Christian (Link and genuinely following Christ then by definition you are Christian and are saved by grace and can have confidence in your salvation. 1 John 5:13. Hebrews 4:16, Philippians 4:13. I believe following Christ is an active pursuit and we always have room to grow and mature and be more like Him.
We live in a fallen world that shows great contrast between good and evil. Ephesians 6:10-12. Satan is allowed to rule the world and there's plenty of evidence of that. 1 John 5:19
We are only on earth a short time and are given freewill to choose who we want to follow: Jesus or Satan. Most people choose Satan and his signature is lies. We see more lies and deception today than ever- a big one is the news media spreading complete lies that they know is untrue, but still they enjoy doing the work of the devil and they financially benefit from stirring up drama.
We have an election between a candidate that wants to mass-murder babies and give 8 year olds hormones to transition, vs. someone who is strongly against it, but strangely, many Christians have been deceived themselves into voting for mass murder- to destroy God's creation, somehow thinking it's a 'lesser evil', even though there is no greater evil than mass murdering babies- more than the holocaust just in the US and their hearts and souls cry out to God and God hears their cry and will seek justice. Many people have been deceived by the devil and don't even realize it.
If God didn't allow any problems and didn't allow us to be tested or to have a choice we might be robots in heaven. But that's not what earth is.
These are just my ideas to help answer your question. God bless you.
Two very destructive sins are, feeling saved by our works, and, feeling unsaved by our works. Believers are saved by the grace of God and faith.
Phillipians 4:7 speaks of your heart. lest you be fearful, and your mind, lest you are doubtful. The Lord is working to keep Christians from those two crippling afflictions, which Christians bear while connected to the flesh and the old nature.
Hebrews 10:2 doesn't speak of feelings, as Chris has graciously tried to help you with, but instead, knowledge of sin, through the God given conscience. Christians often battle with presumptuous sins, Psalms 19:13 "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me". Were it not for salvation, your conscience wouldn't trouble you so much. Therefore, take heed to the wretchedness we share with Paul in Romans 7:25 and Romans 7:14. The flesh/old nature, constantly gnaws at our faith/trust, whereby God has saved us. Chris is correct in asking, was your trust in the Lord to have died for you real? Then, should, you say yes indeed, take "the shield of faith, Ephesians 6:16, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" and press onward to the day God takes away your flesh, and till then, the shield of faith, will guard your heart and mind. Because God is able 2 Timothy 1:12, and the believers hope/expectation is Psalm 17:15. Day by day, here a little, there a little, God changes believers to a likeness of his son, and will complete that transition only after we leave this lost world.
Two very destructive sins are, feeling saved/worthy by our works/choices, and, feeling unsaved/unworthy by our works/choices. Believers are saved by the grace of God and faith in the work He has done through His Son dying for sinners.
Essentially, govts. are formed for the administration of the country's affairs & for the care of its citizens. They are to encompass all types of people with different backgrounds, religions, economic statuses, etc. & to serve them well. Sadly, most govts., even those created under Judeo-Christian bases & ethos, now don't give high regard to the Bible as the Bible can be confronting to these 'other' groups of people. Is this the correct thing to do? A definite, No. Rather than other groups or persuasions conform to biblical standards of living & justice, govts. have weakened & pandered to their demands. We will never see a 'Christian' govt - only when Jesus Christ comes to reign on Earth, will the World see a true & righteous govt. under God.
However, what should our response be? Given that we are to obey the laws, pay our dues, & give govts. due respect, we are not compelled to blindly obey what they might require of us that is clearly against God's Word. So in a sense, we have to pick & choose. In Acts 5:18-29, we see Peter & the apostles imprisoned for healing people - God's angel had opened the prison doors to release them & they went back to preaching - they were subsequently brought before the council & were questioned as to why they continued to preach Jesus; & they responded, "We ought to obey God rather than men." So there are clearly times when disobedience is necessary whenever Christians & the Gospel are restrained in their life & work.
Some countries discriminate & persecute Christians. We can be thankful to our govts. that we still receive water, electricity & education - a few refuse these to Christians.
Often, I've wished that folk would follow through with a 'why I believe my view is correct' based on critical examination of Scripture, but I know that time & knowledge may not be available to them. But I do enjoy searching the Scriptures with my brothers & sisters in Christ here on this Site - I think we are benefited in our study & consideration of them & one another's views. Blessings.
Regarding the behaviour of husbands to their wives, see: Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:25-29,33.
And for children's behaviour: Colossians 3:20; Ephesians 6:1-3; Proverbs 13:24.
Reading & understanding the whole Bible may help you to better understand the ways of God & the Devil & learn from it, but to use the armour of God as given in Ephesians 6:10-18 is your outline for full spiritual combat & defence that the Spirit of God equips every soldier engaged in Christian warfare.
The Apostle Paul, had a good look at a Roman soldier's outfit as they probably often marched through public places. Paul being the astute man that he was, saw the clear similarities of the soldier's armour so prepared to engage a visible enemy, to what the Christian should also wear as he battles the invisible enemy. And indeed, "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (man-made) but mighty through God (God-given) to the pulling down of strong holds" ( 2 Corinthians 10:4).
So Paul tells us to put on the WHOLE armour of God - any piece missing gives an opportunity to the enemy to score a strike. This armour suggests a close combat situation, unlike modern warfare where little of this is seen as battles are conducted over great distance. So we're reminded that the spiritual forces against us are nearby & ever ready to engage us in an instant.
a. loins (the waist area) strapped with Truth: Truth holds our body armour in place; we must keep Truth tightly fastened, cherish it & let it be our defence as we face the taunts & lies of the enemy.
b. breastplate (covering the chest) of Righteousness: we are made righteous only through Jesus Christ & so clothed with His Righteousness, our hearts are protected & kept secure in His Love.
c. footwear of Peace: not just the foot but also the leg are protected. Where Satan would love to cause us to stumble or render us lame in our warfare, our feet are so shod with the Peace & Joy of Christ's salvation that our forward march is both careful & considered as we approach an enemy full of anger & rushing about as a roaring devouring lion. We are a different enemy, where peace & joy rule our hearts & so we approach him.
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
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."
This "wickedness" occurs in "high places". Since the word "places" is not in the Greek manuscripts, the King James Translators appropriately added it in italics for translative clarity.
The word "high" is an adjective translated from the Greek compound adjective root "" (transliterated "epouranios"; pronounced "ep-oo-RAN-ee-os") which combines two words:
1st, the Greek preposition "" (transliterated "epi"; pronounced "ep-EE"), meaning "over" or "upon";
2nd, the Greek noun "" (transliterated "ouranos"; pronounced "oo-ran-OS") translated "heaven" in the New Testament.
The Bible speaks of multiple heavens generally (e.g. Eph. 4:10; "all heavens"), and three heavens specifically (e.g. 2Cor. 12:2):
1st, The earth's atmosphere;
2nd, Outer space occupied by the sun, moon, planets, and stars;
3rd, The abode of JEHOVAH GOD.
Here, this "high places" wherein this "spiritual wickedness" exists identifies first, the earth's atmosphere, and second, the earth's celestial heavens, both described by Paul as "the whole creation [which] groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now" ( Rom. 8:22).
The same Greek adjective, here translated "high places", also translates into the very positive expression, "heavenly places", four other times, and only in Ephesians (1:3 & 20; 2:6; 3:10).
"Kosmokrator" combines two Greek words:
1st, The Greek noun "" (transliterated "kosmos"; pronounced "KOS-mos") derives the English noun "cosmos," meaning the created universe in its entirety. "Cosmos" refers to the natural fallen world that presently exists under the curse. Here, "cosmos" describes:
+ The actual planet we call "earth" (Ac. 17:24);
+ The arrangement, order, and nature of the physical world ( 1Jn. 5:4);
+ The planet's human race ( Mt. 5:14, 16);
+ The world's affairs and the process of conducting them ( Jn. 8:23).
2nd, The Greek verb "" (transliterated "krateo"; pronounced "krat-EH-o") means these demonic personalities rule over their delegated dominions around the world much like dictators rule by decree over their nations.
Note that these "rulers" are especially sinister in nature for they rule "of the darkness" ( Eph. 6:12). Contextually, this darkness is spiritual in nature subjected to the rule of demonic personalities and describes:
+ spiritual ignorance and unbelief (e.g. Isa. 9:2; Mt. 6:23; 1Jn. 1:5-9; 2:8-11);
+ spiritual deception in false doctrines (e.g. Ac. 26:18; 1Cor. 4:5-6; 1Thes. 5:4-5; 1Pet. 2:9);
+ evil lifestyles (e.g. Jn. 3:19; 12:46; Rom. 13:12; Eph. 5:11);
+ the evil realm of Satan and demons (e.g. Lu. 22:53; Eph. 6:12; 2Pet. 2:4; Jude v.6).
Note, these "rulers" are Satanic in nature and either influence or possess their target humans "taken captive by him at hi ( 2Tim. 2:26).
The term "principalities" (plural) surely describe demonic archangels counterpart to "Michael the archangel" (Jude v.9). These demonic principalities hold the highest positions of power and authority immediately under Satan.
Satan, identified as "the devil" (v.11), is the chief principality of this world, for CHRIST titled him "the prince {Greek noun "archon"} of this world" ( Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).
Next Paul identified supernatural "powers" ( Eph. 6:12) as the enemies of GOD's people, and of whom we must resist. Here, the term "powers" translates from the Greek noun root "" (transliterated "exousia"; pronounced "ex-oo-SEE-ah"), meaning the demonic personalities described as "powers" wield delegated, unrestricted authoritative power. These powers fall directly in the hierarchic chain of command under the authority of demonic principalities.
Contextually, this wrestling is spiritual rather than physical as verse twelve explains. It is a spiritual fight to the death! Paul often described the Christians' warfare exemplified by games of contest such as:
+ footraces-
( 1Cor. 9:24 & 26) "they which run in a race run all, I therefore so run"
( Gal. 2:2) "lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain"
( Gal. 5:7) "Ye did run well"
( Php. 2:16) "I have not run in vain"
+ gymnastic strength and endurance-
( Php. 3:14) "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD"
+ boxing-
( 1Cor. 9:26) "so fight I, not as one that beateth the air"
+ physical grappling-
( 2Tim. 2:5) "if a man also strive for masteries"
( 2Tim. 4:7) "I have fought a good fight"
(Jude v.3) "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints"
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
" [1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
Last but not least
Ephesians 6:7-13
" [7] With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: [8] Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. [9] And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [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.
The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
The Parable of the 10 virgins in the Gospels, Jesus is showing us to be ready every day, to go with Him. The "Oil" is the joy of the Holy Spirit who readies us for the Rapture.
We must be born again from above to be in tune to the signs. JOHN 3. It's just like with car insurance: there is basic liability that will NOT get your car replaced in a crash. Christians must have the full package. We're ready for everything the moment it happens. RIGHT NOW, get those you love ready to go with Jesus.
I believe with this pandemic, the powers above our government, are finding out how to keep people corralled. Shut up in homes; afraid to go to church; teach kids at home; etc.
If Biden is elected...I can only say expect our tax pain threshold to increase by leaps.
Our future is in New Jerusalem. It is not of this world! God is going to scrap this and restore earth to its 1st day condition.
2nd Peter Chapter 3 is not a fairytale. Like a star named Wormwood is on course for earth now. Revelation 8:11
NASA is tracking it but of course Network news fails to report it.
"They're already taking cash and coins and are lying about a shortage. RFID CHIPS will take the place of money; legal tender. They will make it so aggravating that people will take a Mark on the FACE or HAND. Flu shots are not RFID. See YouTube; people getting RFID's implanted in their HANDS.
I'm not on Facebook, so put it out there if you want to.
First there is to be a FALLING AWAY. With all the Churches closed by Congress, it's not a hard leap to realize the wandering away of millions of lukewarm Christians. Revelation 3:16, 20.
Get into the New Testament and KNOW what is coming at us next. Help at least 2 people to trust Jesus, be born again spiritually.
Only 8 souls survived: Noah's family.
The evil ones had no bodies. Bodies Drowned. (There's a chapter where they rail on Satan for getting them killed.) With no bodies they became Demons.
In the New Testament, Jesus cast many out of afflicted peoples, body and soul. If you think..So What?... they can still get inside people who are not Born Again.
They wander until they find some kind of living thing to get inside. That statement is validated in Ephesians 6:11-12, Eph. 2:2, Isaiah 24:21-22 (some are imprisoned); some are in high places; Michael had to fight one so Gabriel could get a message to Daniel. Isaiah 14:16, satan isn't big & handsome. Ezekiel 28:23-19.
Satan has a will and he uses it to hurt people.
Often people blame God for the bad things that happen. If people today have idols in their lives (porn on the computer, gamble online, horoscopes, etc.) There are specialized demons that inhabit those things. We open the door they use to come inside our lives.
One even followed Paul around, hindering his meetings till he turned and cast it out of that woman! THEY ARE INVISIBLE!!! We never have drinks and smoke pot alone.
Maybe we should turn our focus away from nephalim in Genesis and lay our eyes on how to identify demonic activity in our lives, family, friends, mean neighbors, violent video games etc. ask yourself: what Fruit am I seeing?? Is someone depressed or suicidal? That's a spirit of death. Drugs, alcohol, pot=spirit of bondage. Learn these things. You could be praying to set clueless people FREE to follow Jesus.
Please think about this. Remember people who died way too early. Some of you commit to pray every day for Military who will be returning home soon, to find jobs miraculously, find new friends, be blessed for serving. Hold their lives Precious within your heart and spirit. Let's love Larger than just ourselves.
Mishandled
New International Version
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
It is my belief that if you have become a Christian (Link and genuinely following Christ then by definition you are Christian and are saved by grace and can have confidence in your salvation. 1 John 5:13. Hebrews 4:16, Philippians 4:13. I believe following Christ is an active pursuit and we always have room to grow and mature and be more like Him.
God bless...
John 14:27 (ESV)
Rev 19:11
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
Romans 8:38-39
Ephesians 6:10-20
Peace - Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
Confidence - 2 Timothy 1:7
Joy - Psalm 94:19
Trust - Psalm 56:3, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
Strength - Isaiah 41:10 ((ESV)
Nearness of God - Psalm 73:28 (ESV)
We live in a fallen world that shows great contrast between good and evil. Ephesians 6:10-12. Satan is allowed to rule the world and there's plenty of evidence of that. 1 John 5:19
We are only on earth a short time and are given freewill to choose who we want to follow: Jesus or Satan. Most people choose Satan and his signature is lies. We see more lies and deception today than ever- a big one is the news media spreading complete lies that they know is untrue, but still they enjoy doing the work of the devil and they financially benefit from stirring up drama.
We have an election between a candidate that wants to mass-murder babies and give 8 year olds hormones to transition, vs. someone who is strongly against it, but strangely, many Christians have been deceived themselves into voting for mass murder- to destroy God's creation, somehow thinking it's a 'lesser evil', even though there is no greater evil than mass murdering babies- more than the holocaust just in the US and their hearts and souls cry out to God and God hears their cry and will seek justice. Many people have been deceived by the devil and don't even realize it.
If God didn't allow any problems and didn't allow us to be tested or to have a choice we might be robots in heaven. But that's not what earth is.
These are just my ideas to help answer your question. God bless you.