THE BELIEVER AND HIS ENEMIES

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

 

THE BELIEVER AND HIS ENEMIES

Devotional Text: Matt. 5:43-47

Introduction:

Biblically speaking, the believer should not consider anyone his enemy, since the Holy Scripture opines that, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood (human beings), but against principalities and powers”…(Eph 6:12). However, for the fact that certain individuals or groups who hate the Christian faith or the person of the believer, in some cases, stand out as enemies, the believer, therefore, should take cognizance of their position, but should never regard them as foes or enemies.

GENERAL REMARKS

 (1)    The believer should love those who regard themselves as enemies,(vs. 44)

 (2)    He should bless them even when they curse him (vs. 44)

                                                    (3)    The believer should do good to those that hate him and regard themselves as enemies, (vs. 44)

                                                    (4)    He should equally pray for them, even when the wrongly persecute him (vs. 44)

THE BELIEVER AND THOSE WHO REGARD THEMSELVES AS ENEMIES

The believer, by biblical principle, should be a person of “no human enemy”, bearing in mind that Satan and his demons are the mastermind of every negative human action, and so, should recognize his real enemies, and accordingly employ spiritual weapons against them, instead of keeping malice against his fellow human, whom he should love and cherish. In this connection, therefore, the believer should overcome the temptation of:

(i)                  hating people who show-up as enemies,(Matt. 5:43-44)

(ii)                but should pray for them, instead of regarding  them as enemies, (vs. 44)

(iii)               he should equally do good to them, even when they display hatred, speak

 evil or persecute him, (vs. 44)

THE BELIEVER AND THOSE WHO CURSE HIM

The kingdom lifestyle of the believer is to bless. Emphatically, the believer should bless and not curse, (Matt. 5:44). Worthy of note is that God blessed humanity when He created them, (Gen. !:27-28). He did not curse them, even when they sinned, but only cursed the ground for their sake, (Gen.3:17). According the Apostle James, our tongue should not be allowed to become instrument by which a person made in the image of God should be cursed. (James 3:8-10). Therefore, the believer should know that:

(i)                  When he curses someone made in the image of God, he is equally cursing God, (vs. 9-10)

(ii)                The believer or anyone who curses demonstrates the fact of the presence

 of the “spirit of enmity’ in his life, (vs. 9-10)

(iii)               One who curses makes oneself the enemy of God and humanity, (vs. 9-10)

THE BELIEVER AND PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO DESPITEFULLY USE AND PERSECUTE HIM

Open evil-speaking against the believer portrays the fact of open enemies, as persecution is the evidence of a hard enemy or enemies of the believer. But, in all, the Holy Scripture urges the believer to pray for them and not against them (Matt. 5:44). In fact, the cited scenario calls for the special grace of God in the life of the believer, if he must overcome. To this end, therefore, the believer is called upon to:

(i)                  Submit himself to God, and accordingly resist the devil, instead of fighting

 the human person who speak evil or persecute him, (James 4:7)

(ii)                Overcome evil with good, instead of rewarding evil with evil, (Rom. 12:21)

(iii)               Pray like Stephen, for their forgiveness, instead of praying their death,

(Act 7:60; (Luke 9:51-58)

In conclusion, please recall that the believer, by principle and practice should have nobody as enemy, but should love and work for the good of all, despite misgivings. He should equally understand that cursing and fighting any human individual(s) in the name of enmity portray the character of the Evil One, the devil, whereas, blessing and loving people picture the character of God. So, the believer, by this, is biblically enjoined to be, and remain a person of zero enemies. LET THE CHARACTER OF GOD REIGN IN YOU.

THE BELIEVER AND OATH-TAKING

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BELIEVER AND OATH-TAKING

DEVOTIONAL TEXT: MATT. 5: 33-37; JAMES 5:12

Introduction:

The Christian faith, as the Bible reveals, strictly forbids all forms of oath-taking, and the believer should adhere to this sacred tenet without compromise. According to the Scripture, the believer should not swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, (Matt. 5:34). He should not swear by the earth, for it is the footstool of our Lord God, (vs. 35). He should equally not swear by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King, (vs. 35). Neither shall the believer swear by his head, that is, his person, for he cannot make one of his hair, white or black (vs. 36). But, the believer should always say the truth from his heart, without being compelled by any form of oath, for anything short of this, comes from the evil one, that is, Satan, the devil, (vs. 37).

GENERAL REMARKS

    (1)    The believer should not swear by any other oath, including the Bible, (James 5:12)

    (2)    The believer’s “yea”, should always be “yea”, and his “nay”, “nay”, (vs. 12)

    (3)    The believer should know that anything short of truth in his declaration brings condemnation (vs. 12)

    (4)    The believer, therefore, should not allow himself to be dragged into damnation by oath-taking (vs. 12)

THE BELIEVER AND OATH-TAKING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

The Scripture enjoins that oath should not be sworn at all.. “neither by heaven, nor by the earth”… Swearing by heaven implies swearing by the authority of the kingdom of heaven, and the authority of the kingdom of heaven is the Lord God Almighty, whose name should not be taking for trivialities or belittled for self-justification. And, the injunction not to swear by the earth, which is referred to as the footstool of the Lord, as well implies that He controls everything under the sun, and Has the full knowledge of everyone’s guilt or innocence, and does not require any oath for the discharge or conviction of anyone. Therefore, to swear by heaven or the earth is a degrading of the person of God, and abuse of His supremacy, thus, a grave sin against the Most High, which leads to outright damnation. To this end, the believer should learn to:

(i)       Speak the truth from his heart at all times, (Psalm 15:1-2)

(ii)     Resist the temptation that leads to oath-taking, (Matt. 5:33-34)

(iii)    Reject any call to swear by heaven or the earth, (vs. 35)

THE BELIEVER AND OATH-TAKING BY HIS PERSON

The Scripture also instructs the believer not to swear by his person (or head), since he cannot make one of the hair of his head, white or black, (Matt.5:36). To swear by one’s head is to evoke judgment or curses on self, as a way of declaring one’s innocence in a dispute. By implication, one under such an oath suffers the verdict of the judgment or curses of the oath, if guilty, but goes free if innocent. But, this is biblically wrong, as no one, except God, has the right to judge or justify self or others, where simple truth is required. By this, therefore, the believer should strictly refrain from:

(i)             Anything that compels him to swear by his person or head (Matt.5:36)

(ii)           Self –justification, in the name of oath-taking, which God forbids, (vs. 36)

(iii)          Being disobedient to God’s Word, which forbids swearing by one’s head, (vs. 36)

THE BELIEVER AND ANY OTHER OATH

“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no”, “no”, lest you fall into judgment”, (James 5:12 NKJV). Here is the crux of the matter, as the verdict of “no oath-taking” is before the believer, and this, by extension, include judicial and oath of office. To the believer, affirmative statement in judicial process (in court) could be permitted, but on no account should he swear by the Bible or any other oath. Also, the believer should understand that the oath of office sworn by political office holders is Satan’s subtle way of leading people into oath-taking, which the Word of God is against, and here the choice of the believer is paramount. Based on this, the attention of the believer is drawn to the biblical truth that:

(i)       Oath-taking leads to judgment, (James 5:12)

(ii)     Satan is the brain behind oath-taking, (Matt. 5:37)

(iii)    God desires simple truth, not oath-taking, (James 5:12)

In conclusion, please note that oath-taking is a serious violation of God’s word, and so, should not be treated with levity. A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE.

Church of:

THE BELIEVER AND REVENGE

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BELIEVER AND REVENGE

DEVOTIONAL TEXT: MATT. 5:38-39

Introduction:

The Lord Jesus Christ in His infinite wisdom shows in the Holy Scripture the futility of revenge in the administration of Moses, in the Old Testament era, and accordingly cites that the way forward for the believer, is the way of “no revenge”, when misgivings show-up. According to the EN English Dictionary, revenge is “any form of personal retaliatory action against an individual, institution or group for some perceived harm or injustice”. To Moses and his Old Testament stipulations, the said retaliatory action is most welcome, but Jesus in the Dispensation of Grace, says “no”,  (Matt. 5:38-39). Based on this, the believer of today is hereby enjoined to take advantage of the grace of God, to enable him live above retaliatory tendency.

GENERAL REMARKS

     (1)     Jesus may have stopped the “law of revenge” because of its inability to solve man’s social problem, (Matt.5:38-39)

     (2)     He may have introduced the “grace of no revenge”, because it paves way for forgiveness and reconciliation, (vs. 39)

     (3)     Jesus may have, equally,  considered the abolition of the “law of revenge” because it is a two-side destroyer,(vs. 38)

    (4 )    He may have, on the other hand, brought to focus, the “grace of no revenge” because of its ability to reduce human social                                                                   problems,(vs. 39)

THE “LAW OF REVENGE” AND UNFORGIVENESS

No doubt, unforgiveness is the major sponsor of revenge. In fact, a retaliatory action is a strong indication of one’s inability to forgive. But, the believer should note that, “to err is human, but to forgive is divine”, and so, one who exhibits the sword of revenge is not in tone with the precept of the Christian faith. Thus, Jesus says, “you have heard that it had been said, “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth”. But, I say unto you, “do not revenge”… (Matt. 5:38-39), which implies that one who is offended should forgive, as well as be willing to pay necessary prices for peace and brotherly love  to reign. So, the believer should learn to:

(i)       forgive instead of revenge, (vs. 38-39)

(ii)     understand that one receives forgiveness from the Lord, only when one forgives others, (Matt 6:14-15)

(iii)    know that rewarding evil with evil is not a tenet of the Christian faith, (Rom. 12:21)

THE “LAW OF REVENGE” AND SOCIAL UPHEAVAL

Revenge breeds violent disturbance in society. Truly speaking, every misgiving carries some level of tension in society, but tensions are heightened when the option of revenge is taken, instead of seeking ways of resolving a problem. Here, the believer is reminded that he is a peace-maker (Matt 5:9), and not an instigator of violence, and so, should seek peace in every misgiving, instead of revenge, (Matt 5:39). This implies further that the believer should not allow self to be instrument of violent attacks or reprisal attacks in society, but should learn to live peacefully with all men, (Heb 12:14). In this connection, therefore, every believer is enjoined to always:

(i)       seek peace and pursue it, (Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:8-11)

(ii)     shun revenge and embrace brotherly love, (Rom. 12:10)

(iii)    reconcile instead of retaliation, (2 Sam. 3:21; Matt.5:39)

THE “GRACE OF NO REVENGE” AND LIVING TOGETHER

“Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”( Psalm 133:1) remains a Scripture that expresses the mind of God for people to live without misgivings and revenge, and further implies that God’s desire for the people is a no attacks, no revenge society, (Matt.5:39). But, both intra-community and inter- community clashes/attacks and reprisal attacks witnessed everywhere in the world show that humanity is online with the devil, whose mission is to steal, kill and destroy, (John 10:9). To this end, therefore, the believer is called upon to exercise restraint and avoid being part of the clashes that lead to revenge in society, and so, he should learn to promote:

(i)       what make people live together as brothers and sisters in society, (Psalm 133:1)

(ii)     things that make for peaceful co-existence in the community where he lives, (Heb.12:14)

(iii)    the ideals of no attacks, no revenge, wherever he finds himself, (Matt 5:38-39)                                       

In conclusion, the believer should know in concrete terms that he is an ambassador of Christ (11 cor.5:20), who is said to be  the Prince of Peace, and that there is no better way of representing Him except by doing what His Word says. MAY THE LORD HELP YOU TO LIVE A LIFE OF NO REVENGE, AMEN!

TH

THE BIBLE AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY (PART 1)

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

 

THE BIBLE AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY (PART 1)

Symptoms of Demon Possession and Demon Casting

Devotional Text: Matt. 8:28-32

Introduction:

Simply put, a symptom is an indication or sign of the presence of something in a substance or life. Therefore, by symptoms of Demon possession, the writer shows certain signs that depict the presence of demons in the life of a victim of demonic powers. Biblically speaking, demons possess people and live in their bodies, which they refer to as their house(s) (Matt. 12:43-44), and casting them out in deliverance signifies the manifestation of the Kingdom of God, (vs. 27-28)

GENERAL REMARKS

     (1)       Satan is the head of demonic kingdom, (Ezek. 28:14-19)

     (2)       Demons are fallen angels who sinned with Satan (2 Peter 2:4)

     (3)       They were about one third of the angels in heaven, (Rev. 12:4)

     (4)       They were cast down to this earth when they sinned (vs. 9)

SYMPTOMS THAT SHOW THE PRESENCE OF DEMONS IN THE LIFE OF SOMEONE

As deduced from the Scripture cited as the text of this lesson, two major signs of the presence of demons in the life of someone are aggressive behaviour (Matt. 8:28) and mindless unclean habit, (vs31). Another concrete sign of the presence of demons in the life of an individual is un-natural sexual drive, as was the case of Mary Magdalene, before her conversion, (Luke 8: 2). Also, demon possession could be noticed in certain religious individuals, manifesting prophetic utterances, (Act 16: 16-18). Other signs of demon possession include:

(i)        physical torments (Act 5: 16 ) and spirit of deaf and dumb (Mark 9:25)

(ii)      violent attitude and convulsion ,(vs. 25-26)

(iii)     uncontrollable attitude and restlessness, (Mark 5:2-5)

(iv)     cries out under anointing (Mark 1:23-26) etc

Furthermore, there are certain seductive influences in certain beautiful or handsome individuals with its concomitant “lust” that leads to incest and other forms of immorality that indicate the presence of seducing demons. At times, too, the cited seductive influence could unnaturally posses those who are not naturally beautiful or handsome, for the same purpose. A good example of this, is the case of Amnon and Tamar (2 Sam. 13:1-12). Also, for the fact that certain beauty and sexual desire are demonic, hatred immediately replaces the so called love after the act, (vs. 13-19)

JESUS’ METHOD OF CASTING OUT DEMONS

Principally, Jesus remarks that demons are cast out by the Spirit of God, and indicates the manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven, (Matt. 12:28). And, from this lesson, it becomes obvious that Jesus cast out demons by the Power of His Word. Thus, “when he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gaderenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted.  Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”  Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out send us into the herd of pigs.” He (Jesus) said to them, “go!” So, they came out and went into the pigs”… (Matt.8:28-32). Another Scripture that reveals that Jesus cast out demons by the Power of His Word shows that “He rebuked (word) the unclean spirit, and healed a child and delivered him again to his father” (Luke 9: 42). In this connection, therefore, it becomes established that:

(i)        Jesus cast out demons by the Power of His word and not by handing out religious ornaments,

like, apron, bangle, bead, etc. (Matt. 8:5-13;16)

(ii)      He rebuked and cast out demons by the same Power of His word and not by appeasing them through

 religious rituals, like animal sacrifices or exchange of gifts with the devil ,etc (Luke 9: 42)

(iii)     Jesus equally reveals that when demons are cast out by the Finger of God, it shows the Kingdom

of God is present, and at work, (Luke 11:20-)

THE BELIEVER AND THE AUTHORITY TO CAST OUT DEMONS

The believer’s authority to cast out demons strictly lies in the Name of Jesus. Thus, Jesus remarks … “these signs will accompany those who believe: In my Name, they will drive out demons”… (Mark 16:17). Here, it becomes important to let the believer know that the Name of Jesus produces the desired power in deliverance only when the person ministering deliverance is in the same character with Jesus, and by way of information, the character of Jesus is holy, and never compromises with sin. Furthermore, the believer should also note that the Name of Jesus in deliverance ministry is never used in a vacuum, but must be based on the Word of God, as a way of activating the Power in the Word,(Heb. 4:12). So, in deliverance work, it is important to remind God of His promises, as well as hit the devil with the “authoritative” or what is expressed as “ it is written” (Matt.4:4,7,11). Having cited the above, the believer should, as well take cognizance of the fact that the power to cast out demons requires personal consecration, and so, the believer who desires to be effective in casting out demons must be a man or woman of:

(i)        unshakable faith, (Matt. 17:14-20)

(ii)      fervent prayer, (vs21)

(iii)     devotional fasting, (vs. 21)

In conclusion, please be reminded that this lesson is an attempt to reveal certain basic symptoms of demon possession, as well as show biblical ways of casting them out of their victims based on the teachings and acts of Jesus in deliverance ministry, as it also points to Satan and his fallen angels as the mainstay of the problem, which the believer must deal with, without compromise. BE INFORMED

THE BIBLE AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY (PART 2)

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY (PART 2)

                                                Demonic covenant and initiation

Devotional Text: Ex. 23:31-33; Deut. 18:10-12

Introduction:

This part of the series on the Bible and Deliverance Ministry, which focuses on Demonic Covenant and Initiation, is an attempt to show why certain efforts in casting out demons proves too hard or impossible. In fact, a covenant with the demonic kingdom or an initiation into their cult gives demons the legal right to vehemently resist any attempt to cast them out of their victims or subjects. This is because in a covenant, an agreement is reached, while in initiation, a membership is conferred, and this take the exercise of one’s will and consent. So, in trying to cast out demons under such conditions, there must be the breaking of the covenant or the denouncing of the vows of initiation, without which every effort to cast out the demons involved would be effort in futility

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       God’s word strictly forbids making covenant with demons or other gods (Ex. 23:32)

(2)       Making covenant with demons brings one into unexpected evil or snare, (vs. 33)

(3)       God’s word equally forbids initiation into any demonic cult, (Deut. 18:10)

(4)       An initiation into demonic cult is an abomination to the Lord, (vs. 12)

DEMONIC COVENANT BREAKING AND DEMON CASTING

Simply put, “covenant means agreement”, and this said agreement could be between two individuals or group of individuals. A covenant could also be between people of the same level of power or between those of different levels. At times, a covenant could be between spirits (demons) and human beings or between God and man. Therefore, by demonic covenant, the writer means that type of agreement that exist between certain individuals or group(s) with demons or demonic kingdom, possibly with certain terms that hold them together. In deliverance ministry, such covenant and the associated terms must be broken and relinquished, if the human victim of the covenant(s) would be delivered. This is because, in covenant(s), there is always a conscious exercise of the will of the personalities involved, which requires conscious breaking of the ties involved, before the parties involved in the covenant could be legally free to go or let go.  To this end, therefore, it becomes obvious that someone who had been in covenant with demons, but now desires to be freed, must:

(i)        exercise his will, like the prodigal son, to return to the Lord, (Luke 15:18-20)

(ii)      be willing to break every demonic ties involved in his covenant with demons, (2 Cor. 6:14-17)

(iii)     uncompromisingly adopt and remain in the New Creation realities, (2 Cor. 5:17)

DEMONIC INITIATION AND DELIVERANCE FROM DEMONS

According to the EN English Dictionary, initiation is, “a ceremony by which a person is introduced into any society”, as it also renders that an “initiate” is a “new member of an organization”.  And, all this indicates the exercise of personal volition or will. This implies that a demonic initiation confers on one the membership of a demonic fraternity through the exercise of one’s will, and so, for such an individual to be delivered from such an order, he must once again exercise his will out of the fraternity, by denouncing the demonic organization and every term of agreement, if the demons involved would go or be forced to go. This is one of the basic reasons why certain demons refuse to go or stay more than required during deliverance sessions. So, in any attempt to deliver someone from demonic powers, it becomes advisable to;

(i)        find out if such an individual is an “initiate” of any demonic cult, (Deu.18:10)

(ii)      ask such a person, if involved, to denounce and confess the sin to the Lord, for forgiveness and deliverance, (Acts 19:18-19)

(iii)     apply the Power in the Blood of Jesus (Rev. 12:11) as well as deploy the authority in the Name of Jesus, for forceful ejection of demons involved, (Mark 16:17)

FREEDOM FROM DEMONS AND NEW COVENANT

Freedom is the state of being free, probably after some time of being enslaved. In the Holy Scripture, Jesus reveals that sin is a major point of spiritual slavery (John 3:34), and this gives Satan and his demons the impetus to hold people bound. But, Jesus promises a complete and irrevocable freedom, (vs. 36). However, one who had been delivered from demonic powers needs to continue in the teachings of Jesus for the knowledge that leads to the cited freedom, (vs.31-32). This implies that an old order must give way for the new. So, for the purpose of this lesson, one who had had covenant with the demonic kingdom or had been delivered, should without delay translate into a new covenant with Jesus, if one must maintain one’s freedom. In this covenant;

(i)     sin is no longer permitted, (John 8:11)

(ii)   a new way of life becomes the order of the day, (2 Cor. 5:17)

(iii)  the Lordship of Jesus becomes supreme in everyday life, (Rom. 13:14)

In conclusion, please, note once again that demonic covenant and initiation are strong hindrances to demon casting, and so, require that such relationships with satanic kingdom be denounced, if freedom would be achieved for the victim or the person seeking deliverance. TO GOD IS THE GLORY!

THE BIBLE AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY (PART 3)

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

 

THE BIBLE AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY (PART 3)  

                                      The Christian and Demon Possession

Devotional Text: Luke 13:10-17)

Introduction:

In this part of the Sunday School lesion on the Bible and Deliverance Ministry, effort is made towards ascertaining if a Christian, who is said t be the temple of the Living God, can actually be demon possessed. To this end, if the investigation becomes positive, what then, constitutes demon possession in a Christian? If it becomes negative, how does one account for the series of demonic attacks on Christians? But, before the cited inquiry, it is important to state in concrete terms who a Christian is. Biblically speaking, a Christian is one whose life is quickened unto righteousness (Rom. 8:10-11), and is alive in his spirit, soul and body (I Thess. 5:23). And, by way of contrast, the Bible does not recognize a sinner as a Christian, since he is yet dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1-3), and does not possess the Spirit of Christ, (Rom.8:9).

GENERAL REMARKS

       (1)       The Christian is the temple of the Living God, where the Holy Spirit lives, (2 Cor. 6:16)

       (2)       The Holy Spirit possesses the spirit of a Christian, and so, demons cannot possess the spirit of a Christian, (vs. 16)

(3)       Demons can bewitch or afflict the soul, that is, the mind, will, emotion, and the body of a Christian, if given the access,

(2Cor. 11:3-4; Gal. 3:1-2)

(4)       Demons can equally afflict the body of a Christian, but cannot touch the spirit, (Luke 13:10-17)

THE CHRISTIAN AND AFFLICTION BY REASON OF SIN

As already indicated, the Holy Scripture reveals that the Christian cannot be demon possessed, but could suffer affliction from demonic kingdom, and that, this said affliction can become successful where the Christian yields to sin or allow demons unwarranted access to his life. And, when the reason for the affliction of the Christian is sin, the right step for the affected Christian is to quickly repent and return to God, since there is no other way out. For, it is biblically obvious that when God is not on the side of the Christian, Satan assumes full power to steal, kill and destroy, (John10:10). Therefore, to deny Satan the access that leads to demonic affliction, the Christian should not yield to;

(i)        the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21), demonic medium and practices,(Deut. 18:10-12)

(ii)      sacrifice offered to demons (I Cor. 10:20), false spirit, false Christ and false gospel, (2Cor. 11:3-4).

(iii)     deceit  (Acts 5:3) and demonic teachings, (I Tim. 4:1-5).

THE CHRISTIAN AND AFFLICTION BY REASON OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

The Scripture also reveals that a Christian can equally suffer affliction by reason of his righteous stance in the Lord. A good example of affliction by reason of righteous stance, is the woman cited in the main text of this lesson, whom Jesus referred to as a daughter of Zion, who suffered satanic affliction for eighteen years, (Luke 13:10-17). The whole story of the life of  Job, equally shows that he suffered affliction from Satan and his kingdom by reason of his righteous stance in the Lord (Job 1:1-11; 2:1-8), which lingered so long that his wife (vs. 9-10) and friends (Job 2:11-13; 42:7-9), where thrown into confusion. But, the Lord, in His faithfulness delivered him at the appropriate time, as well as blessed him beyond measures, (vs. 10-16). This confirms the biblical truth that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them from them all, (Psalm 34:19). In this connection, therefore, the Christian should note that;

(i)        God’s deliverance will surely come the way the righteous when his affliction

 is by reason of his righteous stance in the Lord, (vs. 19)

(ii)      not every affliction of the Christian is by reason of his sin, (vs. 19)

(iii)     it is good for the Christian to always examine himself when he is afflicted to find out if the affliction is by reason

 of sin or by reason of his righteous stance in the Lord, to enable him adjust or stand still for God’s deliverance, (vs. 19)

THE CHRISTIAN AND FREEDOM FROM AFFLICTION

Now that it has become biblically obvious that a Christian filled with the Spirit of God cannot be possessed by demons, but could suffer affliction from them, and that the said affliction could come by reason of the Christian allowing sin into his life or by reason of his righteous stance in the Lord. What then, should the Christian do, as they come? And, why then is, freedom from affliction necessary? In answer to questions raised, the Christian should face the fact of affliction, but should never allow sin become the point for his affliction, as this makes him a captive of Satan, and could lead to his final destruction, (John 10:10). And, for the reason why freedom from affliction is necessary, the Christian should understand that God does not want His people to be, or remain in bondage, but desires their freedom, (Psalm 34:19). Based on the foregoing, the Christian should take to heart that;

(i)        God allows certain afflictions to test His people, (Job 1:1-22; 2:1-8)

(ii)      affliction by reason of sin signifies God’s wrath and not test, (I Cor. 10:6-10)

(iii)     God delivers and blesses one who remains faithful during affliction, (Job 42:10-16)

In conclusion, let it be noted that “all things work together for good, to them that love God”… (Rom.8:28). So, when you face affliction by reason of your righteous stance, know with certainty that it will work out your good. PLEASE, BE FAITHFUL TILL THE END