The Fulness of the Holy Spirit, March 4, 2007

The Fullness of the Holy Spirit

Sunday, March 04, 2007

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"15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them." (Luke 3:15-18, NIV)

"²³ After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. ²⁴ Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. ²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶ He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. ²⁷ When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. ²⁸ For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples ² and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” ³ So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. ⁴ Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” ⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. ⁷ There were about twelve men in all. ⁸ Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. ⁹ But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. ¹⁰ This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. ¹¹ God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, ¹² so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. ¹³ Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. ¹⁷ When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. ¹⁸ Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. ¹⁹ A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. ²⁰ In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power." (Acts 18:23-19:20, NIV)

"¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. ¹⁹ Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:15-20, NIV)

Introduction

As we have learned thus far in our study of the life of Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, after his baptism in water at the river Jordan and his baptism in the Holy Spirit, Jesus went throughout Galilee and Judea, preaching the good news about the Kingdom of God and openly confronting the kingdom of Satan. Everything He did in both public and private ministry was through the power of the Holy Spirit. He calls us to do the works that He did and we can only do that through the help of the Holy Spirit.

And so today, after dealing with the reality of the demonic world over the past three Sundays, I feel strongly and specifically that the Lord would have me to draw our attention to the words spoken by the one who was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus, the last and greatest Old Testament prophet, John the Baptist.

1. I need the help of the Holy Spirit to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

" ¹⁶ So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Galatians 5:16, NIV)

2. I need the help of the Holy Spirit to overcome the powers of darkness.

"¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12, NIV)

"¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests… " (Ephesians 6:18, NIV)

3. I need the help of the Holy Spirit to meet the needs of others.

"⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7, NIV)

Do you want to receive the fullness of the Spirit, including HIs gifts?

These Ephesian believers had heard John’s message about Jesus, but apparently not John’s promise about the baptism with the Spirit. Luke calls them “disciples.” They had been instructed by Apollos, a mighty Bible preacher, who clearly understood and articulated the personal work of Jesus Christ, including His death and resurrection. Apparently, though, Apollos had never experienced the fullness of the Holy Spirit, including His charismatic giftings, or at least did not know how to minister that fullness to others. Note that Paul did not tell these Ephesian believers that they needed to repent or be converted. They were already born of the Spirit, but had not yet been filled with the Spirit.

1. Come to Jesus with a thirsty heart.

"³⁷ On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. ³⁸ Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” ³⁹ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified." (John 7:37-39, NIV)

2. Come to Jesus with an obedient heart.

"¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. ¹⁹ Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:15-20, NIV)

3. Come to Jesus with a caring heart.

The gifts of the Spirit are not just about you! They are about helping you meet the needs of others!

"¹⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick." (Matthew 14:14, NIV)

4. Come to Jesus with a worshipful heart.

On the Day of Pentecost they worshipped God in Spirit inspired languages.

"⁵ Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. ⁷ Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? … ^.10 … we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” ¹² Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”" (Acts 2:5-12, NIV)

In 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks of “singing” in the Spirit.

"¹⁵ So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind." (1 Corinthians 14:15, NIV)

Note that more literal translations, including the New American Standard Bible and the King James Version, etc., specify Paul is describing singing with “the” Spirit (as in, “the Holy Spirit”) instead of singing with “his” human spirit alone. This is clearly supernatural in character.

5. Come to Jesus with an expectant heart.

"³⁷ On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. ³⁸ Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” ³⁹ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified." (John 7:37-39, NIV)

Paul urges us in 1 Corinthians 14 to pray earnestly for the “best” or “greater” gifts, then infers which gifts are best suited to which context. The best gifts are those which are best suited to meet the need at hand. If someone is sick in their body, for instance, prophecy is not better than healing…! Rather, Paul’s particular concern in 1 Corinthians 14 is to draw a distinction between what edifies in private and what edifies in public.

"³¹ But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12:31, NIV)

" Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. ² For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. ³ But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. ⁴ He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. ⁵ I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified." (1 Corinthians 14:1-5, NIV)

· Pray for the ability to speak to God through a private prayer language in private. This gift is the only one of the nine examples Paul gifts that will directly edify you personally.

· Pray for the ability to speak to others prophetically in public, whether through words of wisdom, knowledge, tongues accompanied by interpretation, etc.

As you come this morning, understand that there is no need for any particular display of emotion. No need to deserve or merit these gifts, just to receive them.

Remember, you have come in faith to your Savior, Jesus. You have nothing to fear and you can do nothing wrong…!

"⁹ “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. ¹¹ “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”" (Luke 11:9-13, NIV)

Dealing with the Demonic III (Luke 4,31-37; 8, 26-39) February 25, 2007

The Gospel of Luke: Dealing with the Demonic III

Hillcrest Church, February 25, 2007

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" ³¹ Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. ³² They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. ³³ In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, ³⁴ “Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” ³⁵ “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. ³⁶ All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!” ³⁷ And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area." (Luke 4:31-37, NIV)

" ²⁶ They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. ²⁷ When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. ²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” ²⁹ For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. ³⁰ Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. ³¹ And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. ³² A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into them, and he gave them permission. ³³ When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. ³⁴ When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, ³⁵ and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. ³⁶ Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. ³⁷ Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. ³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." (Luke 8:26-39, NIV)

Introduction

Two weeks ago, we began our discussion of the last half of Luke chapter four by sharing a simple, yet powerful principle for dealing with the prevailing demonic influences in a the region where we live.

· The way I overcome any dominant spirit is by voluntarily walking in the opposite spirit.

o The way I overcome a spirit of pride and arrogance is by walking in a spirit of humility.

- When I walk in a spirit of humility, I experience an outpouring of God’s grace!

o The way I overcome a spirit of mammon (money) and materialism is by walking in a spirit of generosity and simplicity.

- When I walk in a spirit of generosity, I tap into heaven’s infinite resources; When I walk in a spirit of simplicity, I experience God’s peace.

o The way I overcome a religious and controlling spirit is by walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

- As I walk in the Holy Spirit, I become a better person (fruit) and I can truly help others (gifts).

Last week, we continued this discussion by sharing several things that we need to know and that we need to do when confronted with the demonic:

· Here’s what you need to Know:

o Demons are given to iniquity.

o Demons are limited in their ability.

o Demons hijack human personality.

o Demons often disguise their activity.

o Demons are not afraid of religiosity.

o Demons already know Jesus’ identity and recognize His authority.

· Here’s what you need to do:

o Remember Jesus’ unconditional victory.

o Exercise Jesus’ absolute authority.

o Walk in an attitude of genuine humility.

Today, I want to treat this subject for a third, and probably final time during this particular series of messages, zeroing in on one particular aspect of demonic activity in our lives, their assault on our homes and families.

As I do, I want to tell you again that there is no need to be afraid of this subject, neither is there any need to be fascinated or obsessed with this subject.

Through the absolute, unconditional, and total victory of Jesus during His earthly ministry, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, every believer is able to overcome every demonic power they confront and be victorious, as they walk with God, seek His will, and rely on His power!

Lessons from the Gerasenes

This episode is different from the others recorded by Luke in some interesting ways:

· It takes place in a predominantly Gentile region.

· It involves a very severe degree of demonic activity (“Legion” – many – perhaps 6,000)

This episode teaches us some important things about demonic activity:

· Demons can influence things other than human personalities (pigs and perhaps wind on lake previously)

· Demons sometimes speak the truth, but they are never to be trusted to tell all the truth!

· Demonic activity influences the human will, but cannot completely destroy it. (Man came to meet Jesus.)

· Demonic activity always results in some form of destruction and devastation:

o Shame (“no clothes”)

o Separation and alienation (“lived in the tombs,” “driven by the demons into solitary places”)

This particular episode graphically illustrates the ultimate outcome of demonic activity in our lives if deliverance and victory do not occur.

The good news is that Jesus is always victor…!

The most interesting fact of all is the specific command of Jesus given to this individual after he was set free.

"³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." (Luke 8:38-39, NIV)

"¹⁹ Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”" (Mark 5:19, NIV)

Demonic influence on families is very real, but it can be broken in Jesus’ name…!

How to Overcome Demonic Influence in our Families and in our Homes:

1. Recognize historical patterns of demonic influence.

2. Repent of any personal involvement in these things.

3. Renounce any attachment to family patterns of sinful behavior.

4. Remove any objects connected with such sinful behaviors.

5. Remain diligent in our study of God’s word and pursuit of God’s presence through prayer and worship.

6. Rejoice in the precious promises of God to redeem our families!

Dealing with the Demonic II (Luke 4,31-44) February 18, 2007.doc

The Gospel of Luke: Dealing with the Demonic II

Hillcrest Church, February 18, 2007

Text

" ³¹ Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. ³² They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. ³³ In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, ³⁴ “Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” ³⁵ “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. ³⁶ All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!” ³⁷ And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. ³⁸ Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. ³⁹ So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. ⁴⁰ When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. ⁴¹ Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ. ⁴² At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. ⁴³ But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” ⁴⁴ And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea. " (Luke 4:31-44, NIV)

Introduction

Last week, we began our discussion of the last half of Luke chapter four by sharing a simple, yet powerful principle for dealing with the prevailing demonic influences in a the region where we live.

The way I overcome any dominant spirit is by voluntarily walking in the opposite spirit.

· The way I overcome a spirit of pride and arrogance is by walking in a spirit of humility.

o When I walk in a spirit of humility, I experience an outpouring of God’s grace!

· The way I overcome a spirit of mammon (money) and materialism is by walking in a spirit of generosity and simplicity.

o When I walk in a spirit of generosity, I tap into heaven’s infinite resources; When I walk in a spirit of simplicity, I experience God’s peace.

· The way I overcome a religious and controlling spirit is by walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

o As I walk in the Holy Spirit, I become a better person (fruit) and I can truly help others (gifts).

If you are interested in more detail concerning this subject, go to my blog and click on,”My sermon notes,” and you will be taken to a web page where I have begun posting my notes and some additional research concerning the topics I deal with in my Sunday messages.

Today, I want to take us through the rest of this passage showing how Jesus deal with the demonic at Capernaum.

In order to deal with the demonic…

Here’s what you need to Know:

1. Demons are given to iniquity.

Evil, foul, unclean, “unholy,” “lying,” “infirmity,” etc..

NEVER GOOD, ALWAYS BAD…! (“spirit guides,” “white magic,” etc.)

2. Demons are limited in their ability.

"⁸ Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” ⁹ “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. ¹⁰ “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. ¹¹ But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” ¹² The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord." (Job 1:8-12, NIV)

"¹³ No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)

"⁸ Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9, NIV)

"⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, NIV)

Demon threw the man down, but came out WITHOUT INJURING HIM…! (Demon would have wanted to injure him, cf., “throws him in the fire…,” but, confronted with the power of Jesus, only had limited ability! (cf. Lester Sumrall – demon put my bed back where you found it…!)

3. Demons hijack human personality.

Demons can impact a person’s total personality (being) physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually (unclean).

"²⁴ “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ ²⁵ When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. ²⁶ Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.”" (Luke 11:24-26, NIV)

4. Demons often disguise their activity.

Man apparently not acting up when the synagogue service started…

"¹³ For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." (2 Corinthians 11:13-15, NIV)

"⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. ⁹ The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, ¹⁰ and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved." (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10, NIV)

" Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." (1 John 4:1-3, NIV)

"²⁰ If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. ²¹ At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. ²² For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. ²³ So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time." (Mark 13:20-23, NIV)

"⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines." (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, NIV)

5. Demons are not afraid of religiosity.

"¹¹ God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, ¹² so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. ¹³ Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. ¹⁷ When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. ¹⁸ Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. ¹⁹ A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. ²⁰ In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power." (Acts 19:11-20, NIV)

6. Demons already know Jesus’ identity.

"¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." (James 2:19, NIV)

They were there when it happened…! When the pigs ran over the brow of the hill, when death had to let Jesus go, etc.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Remember Jesus’ unconditional victory.

"¹³ When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, ¹⁴ having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." (Colossians 2:13-15, NIV)

2. Exercise Jesus’ absolute authority.

"¹⁹ I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. ²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”" (Luke 10:19-20, NIV)

No “magic” in the name; but there is great “power” in the person…!

Relationship with the person brings power over demons (“Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are you”?”

3. Walk in an attitude of genuine humility.

"¹⁷ The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” ¹⁸ He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. ²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”" (Luke 10:17-20, NIV)

Respecting God’s sovereignty…! (He does not always give us victory, when,, where, and how we want it, but He has promised that in the end, we will prevail…!

"¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him." (2 Corinthians 2:14, NIV)

Dealing with the Demonic - Part 1 (Luke 4:31-37)

The Gospel of Luke: Dealing with the Demonic I

Hillcrest Church, February 11, 2007

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" ³¹ Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. ³² They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. ³³ In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, ³⁴ “Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” ³⁵ “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. ³⁶ All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!” ³⁷ And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area." (Luke 4:31-37, NIV)

Introduction

Throughout the life of Jesus, He encountered and dealt with the demonic. We may or may not experience as much overt demonic activity as He did, but the words of the Apostle Paul make it very clear that each one of us is in a struggle against the supernatural powers of darkness.

" ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:10-18, NIV)

Sometimes, we encounter them without seeing them, the way Daniel did when he set himself to fast and pray. His testimony bears out the fact that different geographic localities are dominated by spirits with different personalities.

" In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. ² At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. ³ I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. ⁴ On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, ⁵ I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. ⁶ His body was like chrysolite, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. ⁷ I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. ⁸ So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. ⁹ Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. ¹⁰ A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. ¹¹ He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. ¹² Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. ¹³ But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. ¹⁴ Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”… ²⁰ …he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; ²¹ but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince. ¹ And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him.)" (Daniel 10:1-11:1, NIV)

I do not know the names of the dominant demons here in Dallas (nor do I particularly need to or want to), but I am well acquainted with their character. In this first message on dealing with the demonic, I want to give you a single, simple, yet extremely important principle for dealing with the dominant spirits in the area where you live. Together, we are going to apply it to our lives in some very practical ways.

1. The way I overcome any dominant spirit is by voluntarily walking in the opposite spirit.

This can involve “turning the other cheek,” as Jesus put it.

"³⁹ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:39, NIV)

The Apostle Paul tells us that we can thus overcome evil by doing good in response.

"²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. " (Romans 12:21, NIV)

Jesus walked this out during the most difficult moments of His life on earth.

"²¹ To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ²² “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” ²³ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:21-23, NIV)

2. The way I overcome a spirit of pride and arrogance is by walking in a spirit of humility.

This is the first territorial spirit that I believe controls our geographic area.

The foundation for everything else we do to resist this spirit is to walk in mutual appreciation and humily.

"³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, NIV)

Simply put, pride is the refusal to acknowledge our need of God. Humility is the acknowledgement of our need of God.

When I walk in a spirit of humility, I experience an outpouring of God’s grace!

"⁶… God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”" (James 4:6, NIV)

3. The way I overcome a spirit of mammon (money) and materialism is by walking in a spirit of generosity and simplicity.

This is the second territorial spirit which grips North Dallas.

The spirit of mammon and materialism causes us to see everything through the lens of finances and material prosperity. When we are under the influence of this spirit, we value things more than people, and evaluate people, including ourselves, by what they have instead of who they are. When we are under its influence, what we want most of all for our children is financial prosperity and we tend to express our love and affection for them showering them with things that our money can buy, while we spend so much time making the money it takes to buy those things that we cannot afford to give them our time. Under the control of this spirit, we will ultimately wind up sacrificing things that money cannot buy for the sake of the almighty dollar.

Our sinful nature is inherently selfish. God’s basic agenda in our lives includes moving us from a mentality of self-centeredness to a mentality of servant hood.

Generosity goes against our natural, sinful tendencies and seems foolish to the natural mind, but Scripture promises special prosperity to the generous person.

"²⁴ One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty." (Proverbs 11:24, NIV)

When I walk in a spirit of generosity, I tap into heaven’s infinite resources.

"³⁸ Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”" (Luke 6:38, NIV)

When I walk in a spirit of simplicity, I experience God’s peace.

" ¹⁰ I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶ for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. ¹⁷ Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. ¹⁸ I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." (Philippians 4:10-18, NIV)

Simplicity is relative. The man who earns $10 million per year will probably take his wife to a different restaurant for Valentine’s Day than the man who earns $10,000 per year.

Adopting a lifestyle of simplicity does not mean taking on a spirit of poverty. It is simply the conscious decision to not only live within the limits of our means, but to go even further by scaling back to living well within our means so that we have significant resources to invest in relieving human suffering and financing kingdom expansion. It means refusing to engage in “conspicuous consumption,” i.e., spending money we do not have to buy things we do not need to impress people we do not know or even like…! It means renouncing a “lifestyle of consumption” where we feel compelled to buy new cars, new clothes, new houses, and other new “things,” when the “things” we already have meet our needs very well!

It is not always easy in our culture to live a lifestyle of simplicity, but it brings tremendous blessing!

"⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:6-10, NIV)

4. The way I overcome a religious and controlling spirit is by walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

This is the third controlling spirit in our area.

A religious spirit hates the move of the Holy Spirit and cloaks its malicious, destructive tendencies in religious garb.

This spirit hates the move of the Holy Spirit because it is a controlling spirit that seeks to dominate church life through religious and denominational politics, etc., and the sovereign move of God’s spirit is outside its control.

As I walk in the Holy Spirit, I become a better person (fruit) and I can truly help others (gifts).

"¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:17-18, NIV)

"²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)

The Year of the Lord's Favor III - Inheritances Restored (Blog Notes), January 14, 2007

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" ¹⁴ Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. ¹⁵ He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. ¹⁶ He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. ¹⁷ The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, ¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” ²⁰ Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, ²¹ and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”" (Luke 4:14-21, NIV)

" … ⁸ “ ‘Count off seven sabbaths of years—seven times seven years—so that the seven sabbaths of years amount to a period of forty-nine years. ⁹ Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. ¹⁰ Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan. ¹¹ The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. ¹² For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields. ¹³ “ ‘In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to his own property. ¹⁴ “ ‘If you sell land to one of your countrymen or buy any from him, do not take advantage of each other. ¹⁵ You are to buy from your countryman on the basis of the number of years since the Jubilee. And he is to sell to you on the basis of the number of years left for harvesting crops. ¹⁶ When the years are many, you are to increase the price, and when the years are few, you are to decrease the price, because what he is really selling you is the number of crops. ¹⁷ Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God. ¹⁸ “ ‘Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land. ¹⁹ Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live there in safety. ²⁰ You may ask, “What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not plant or harvest our crops?” ²¹ I will send you such a blessing in the sixth year that the land will yield enough for three years. ²² While you plant during the eighth year, you will eat from the old crop and will continue to eat from it until the harvest of the ninth year comes in. ²³ “ ‘The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. ²⁴ Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land. ²⁵ “ ‘If one of your countrymen becomes poor and sells some of his property, his nearest relative is to come and redeem what his countryman has sold. ²⁶ If, however, a man has no one to redeem it for him but he himself prospers and acquires sufficient means to redeem it, ²⁷ he is to determine the value for the years since he sold it and refund the balance to the man to whom he sold it; he can then go back to his own property. ²⁸ But if he does not acquire the means to repay him, what he sold will remain in the possession of the buyer until the Year of Jubilee. It will be returned in the Jubilee, and he can then go back to his property. ²⁹ “ ‘If a man sells a house in a walled city, he retains the right of redemption a full year after its sale. During that time he may redeem it. ³⁰ If it is not redeemed before a full year has passed, the house in the walled city shall belong permanently to the buyer and his descendants. It is not to be returned in the Jubilee. ³¹ But houses in villages without walls around them are to be considered as open country. They can be redeemed, and they are to be returned in the Jubilee. ³² “ ‘The Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the Levitical towns, which they possess.[Levites were not given any property. They lived off the generosity of the people through the institution of the tithe.]" (Leviticus 25:8-32, NIV)

Introduction

Two weeks ago, I began this series of three messages on the Year of the Lord’s Favor, the Year of Jubilee. As I told you then, I believe this is a word from the Lord for our congregation. I want to encourage you to do everything you can to attend every Sunday, especially next Sunday, when I will preach on lost inheritances being restored, and two weeks from today when I will take the entire service to share with you the vision the Lord has given me for our congregation.

First we learned that during the Year of Jubilee every debt was cancelled. Last Sunday, we celebrated the fact that every Jewish captive was set free.

Those first two components to Jubilee also took place every seventh year during what was known as a “Sabbath” year. During the Jubilee Year every piece of property was given back to the family that originally owned it. In other words, during the Jubilee Year, every lost inheritance was restored…! (The only exception were the houses in the walled cities – they could not be redeemed unless they belonged to a Levite, because the Levites were given no property in the land, rather, the Lord was their inheritance or “portion,” and they lived off the obedience of the people in respect to the tithe and the offering.)

In order to fully understand this third dynamic and appreciate how its principles apply to our lives today, I need to give you a little background…

· Land was divided equally among the tribes, according to their size. (God cared for everyone and made provision for all of their needs!)

God was just in doing this because everything belonged to Him and He had given the peoples living in the land over four hundred years to repent of their atrocious sins, including child sacrifice.

· Different geography meant different destinies; different destinies meant different enemies; different enemies meant different challenges and different methodologies; different challenges and different methodologies meant different victories; different victories meant different destinies. Though their destinies were different, they were all wonderful…!

· Ideally, families were the primary means by which each child was prepared to find and fulfill their destiny, but ancestral sins sometimes caused the loss of the family heritage.

1. Before I was born, God established a wonderful destiny for my life.

God revealed this to Jeremiah corporately.

"¹⁰ This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”" (Jeremiah 29:10-14, NIV)

But, God also revealed this to Jeremiah personally.

" ⁴ The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” ⁶ “Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” ⁷ But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. ⁸ Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. ⁹ Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth." (Jeremiah 1:4-9, NIV)

David believed the same thing:

"¹ For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. ² You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. ³ You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. ⁴ Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. ⁵ You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. ⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. ⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. ¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” ¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. ¹³ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, ¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. ¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! ¹⁸ Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you." (Psalm 139:1-18, NIV)

Why did God give Israel the right to conquer these peoples? Because His patience had run out on their iniquity and because He owns everything and can give anything He wants to anyone He chooses at any time He desires. It all belongs to Him…!

"¹² As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. ¹³ Then the Lord said to him, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. ¹⁴ But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. ¹⁵ You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. ¹⁶ In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.”" (Genesis 15:12-16, NIV)

"¹ Of David. A psalm. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;" (Psalm 24:1, NIV)

The only inheritances that were restored were to the Israelites, not to the pagan peoples living in the land…! God had originally established the boundaries of the habitation of every nation, but those pagan peoples had forfeited their birthright through continued and extended idolatry and iniquity so God was giving the land to the Israelites…!

"²⁴ “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. ²⁶ From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. ²⁷ God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’" (Acts 17:24-28, NIV)

2. Before I was born, God chose certain relationships would come into my life.

As God told different tribes and clans to settle in different places, He was deciding who their neighbors would be.

· Family

· Neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc.

My destiny involves overcoming certain enemies, but also developing certain friendships and relationships. In order to fulfill that destiny, I must learn to walk out these relationships in a godly manner.

When crossing Jordan, inheritances were given to families, not individuals…!

“…the initial division of the land was explicitly to the clans and households within the tribes, in such a way that each received land according to size and need (Nu. 26:52–56; Jos. 13–21)^[1] “

"⁵² The Lord said to Moses, ⁵³ “The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. ⁵⁴ To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed. ⁵⁵ Be sure that the land is distributed by lot. What each group inherits will be according to the names for its ancestral tribe. ⁵⁶ Each inheritance is to be distributed by lot among the larger and smaller groups.”" (Numbers 26:52-56, NIV)

Restoration of property to original owners implied restoration of original relationships.

3. Before I was born, God provided for all of the needs I would have in my life.

" ²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. " (Matthew 6:25-34, NIV)

" In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. ² Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. ³ He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. ⁴ Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken. ⁵ All the nations may walk in the name of their gods; we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever." (Micah 4:1-5, NIV)

Restoration of land implied a restoration of the means of production and a restoration of a certain measure of prosperity God had intended for each family from the beginning.

4. Before I was born, God decided to redeem all of the failures I would experience in my life.

My sin separates me from God and causes me to lose my spiritual destiny (my spiritual inheritance.)

God will help me rediscover His plan if I will turn toward Him and walk in His grace.

Conclusion

The wonderful reality of jubilee is why we choose to serve God faithfully and whole-heartedly. (Love-slave concept)

² “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. ³ If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him. ⁴ If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. ⁵ “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ ⁶ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life." (Exodus 21:2-6, NIV)

" ¹² If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, in the seventh year you must let him go free. ¹³ And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. ¹⁴ Supply him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to him as the Lord your God has blessed you. ¹⁵ Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today. ¹⁶ But if your servant says to you, “I do not want to leave you,” because he loves you and your family and is well off with you, ¹⁷ then take an awl and push it through his ear lobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life. Do the same for your maidservant. ¹⁸ Do not consider it a hardship to set your servant free, because his service to you these six years has been worth twice as much as that of a hired hand. And the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do." (Deuteronomy 15:12-18, NIV)

Remember – Jubilee works both ways:

· To experience redemption from my failures, I must be willing to extend redemption toward others in their failures.

· To be forgiven, I must forgive.

· To be restored, I must restore.

· To experience provision, I must provide. (Slave owners were told not to send their freed slaves away empty-handed.)

· If I want my debt cancelled, I must be willing to cancel the debt of others.

· If I want to be free, I must be willing to set others free. (and, not send them away empty-handed…!)

· If I want to recover my lost destiny, then I must allow others to recover their lost destiny…!

Selfishness is at the root of all sin, that’s why God takes it so seriously and why He wants so desperately to move us from self-centeredness to other-centeredness (fundamental qualification of all good shepherds, illustrated by a godly relationship with their families, etc.)

Are there some things that, once lost, can never be restored completely again? To put it another way, can God’s plan for our life ever change?

God’s plan may well change in its particulars, but not in its underlying principle…!

Ultimate fulfillment of Jubilee and restoration of all things will come with the return of Jesus Christ when the trumpet will sound, etc.

Invitation

God has made His decision to offer me Jubilee. Now it is up to me to respond in repentance, faith, humility, and obedience.

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^[1]D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary : 21st Century Edition, Rev. Ed. of: The New Bible Commentary. 3rd Ed. / Edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), Le 25:8.