Blessings to you who walk daily with God!
We are continuing to study Matthew 16:13-20. For previous lessons just scroll down.
May the Lord keep you covered within His embrace. May He strengthen your inward man by His Spirit. May He enlarge your capacity to receive knowledge of your Kingdom rights and benefits.
"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19
Keys
For several weeks we have focused on what we think these keys might be. Basically, they are given to bind things that are bad and loose things that are good.
My list consists of these Keys of Heaven:
Weapons
When the Word of God, The Name of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit are in operation together against the kingdom of darkness, they manifest the highest power and achieve victory!
What do we know about these weapons that are invisible to the earthly realm?
There is so much that can be said about spiritual warfare. As loving people of God, warfare may not be a topic we get excited about or even want to know about. But our loving Father does not see it that way. He doesn’t want to see His enemies’ schemes and lies dominating His children, especially since His Son shed His Blood so they would be free and in a position of authority.
Rules of Engagement —Resist the Enemy!
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus…endure hardship as a good soldier…no one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier…” 2 Timothy 2:1-4
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith… 1 Peter 5:8-9
“Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
All warfare, all weapons, all armor, all prayer, must be exercised through the strength of Jesus and the power of His might…not your might. In fact, “... whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17
“Blessed are you who do these things.”
Several weeks I ago I shared this with you:
While on a walk at a local park, I saw a Mom hand her keys to a child that had recently learned to walk. That toddler was so happy to have them. They must have been a bit heavy for her tiny hand to hold for there were a lot of keys on that key ring. The Lord spoke to my heart:
“That toddler doesn’t have a clue what she has in her hand. That’s the way it is with much of My church.”
Jesus always desired to please His Father, and so must we. If much of The Church is playing around as a toddler with the keys of Heaven, she is not pleasing the Father who wants His power and goodness released on earth.
Now, I’ve never seen a toddler in military combat. No, toddlers are being trained by their parents. And they are just beginning to go from eating baby food to adult meals. Here we see the importance of God’s government: the ministry gifts that equip the church, making disciples of those New Creations in Christ. What a glorious plan of God is The Church!
Armor For the Glorious Church—Fully Equipped to Dominate!
Ephesians 6:10-18
Herein is the power of God.
Put on the whole armor to stand against schemes of the devil; our true enemy who is not flesh and blood. Take up the whole armor of God to withstand him.
Six pieces of armor are listed that cover and protect the Believer. Remember, they are God’s armor and are completely effective when used properly.
The Armor
“…let us put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12
“…by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left…” 2 Corinthians 6:7
None of this armor can be seen in the natural realm, right? Can it be seen in the spiritual realm? If it can be seen in the spiritual realm, can the enemy see when one piece of the armor is beginning to dim, or worse, when it goes out like a bad light bulb?
If that is the case, the enemy would surely begin to attack that weak area and try to remove the rest of the armor. How important is it to have all six pieces working strong? Do they affect the others? And, can we have God’s armor on without having God’s word in our heart? Selah
The Belt of Truth
“Stand therefore (hold your ground), having tightened the belt of truth around your loins…”
Ephesians 6:14 Amp
“The truth will set you free.” This is the purpose of scriptural knowledge.
Kingdom truth…or the truth of the gospel is pure and powerful. When this knowledge is acted upon, the lies of the enemy melt like wax!
Kingdom truth is being increased (released) from Headquarters to The Church. It is called solid food. It will produce strong, mature believers who are skillful in the word of righteousness. See Hebrews 5:12-14
Meat is necessary to a developing Body. It provides more nourishment than milk.
His Word is truth. There’s power in His Word. There is power in truth.
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…”
Ephesians 1:13
Every word that God has spoken is true and can be relied on throughout eternity.
After all, you have based your eternal future on it!
Jesus overcame the enemy with “It is written.” God’s word is the substance that framed the worlds and is presently upholding all things. It is as powerful as God Himself!
Perhaps, God started His armor with the strength of the Belt of Truth because that is what the enemy targets first. If he can get a child to question what is written, or lie about what the Word will do, he can gain entrance. Remember how he deceived Eve?
“Did God really say…?” This, Beloved, is where we either stand, or totter and fall.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
“Stand therefore…having put on the breastplate of righteousness…” Ephesians 6:14
This breastplate is your right standing in God…or your right to stand before God. No human can attain this place by works because Jesus already bought it with His Blood. To try and gain approval by works is futile.
Justification — Just-As-If I Had Never Sinned!
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
"I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me…” John 17:23
Our Glorious Champion is seated at the right hand of God. This wonderful Almighty Deliverer and Intercessor has deposited His Spirit within us that we should be free of condemnation and sin consciousness. He has made us accepted and complete in Him to come boldly before the throne of grace without any shame or guilt.
When the enemy tries to steal your right standing in God, speak what Jesus has done for you. These are your Kingdom rights and benefits bought with His blood.
The Power of the Breastplate
“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith;
“but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.” Romans 9:31-32
Right standing with God protects your New Creation Man. See it as covering your chest, and protecting your back. It is far more powerful than a policeman’s bullet-proof vest.
When the enemy tries to steal your identity, hound you with past failures and inadequacies as a Christian, remember who Jesus is! Read your Who Am I scriptures on the Resource page. It will not only make the devil’s lies about you melt like wax, but you are putting on God’s armor.
Feet Shod with the Preparation of The Gospel of Peace
“Stand therefore…having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news) of the Gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15 Amp
Soldiers in combat wear special military boots specifically designed for protection during training and combat. But your shoes are supernatural Kingdom Shoes. They’re empowered by the Holy Spirit to protect your walk!
“I say then: walk in the Spirit …” Galatians 5:16
They protect your feet against rocks, thorns, snakes, and mines set by the enemy. They will keep your feet from getting caught in a snare. They are “power shoes” that give you lift and ability to advance the Gospel of peace.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7
When the enemy comes to block or hinder you from making progress to accomplish your divine calling, this armor provides supernatural resilience to keep you moving forward. Open your mouth and declare boldly:
“If God is for me who can stand against me?” See Romans 8:31
Next Lesson:
The Shield of Faith-The Helmet of Salvation-The Sword of the Spirit
Prayer
The Author of our salvation gave us the Keys of Heaven and specific instructions in how to triumph over the enemy. Put on all the armor of God so you will be continually in a standing position of authority and boldness to intercede and pray out God’s plans.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit…” Jude 20
Your state needs your voice and God’s blessings. Pray for your cities and counties. Bind the bad…release the good! Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The Church—The Lost—Elected Officials
We are continuing to study Matthew 16:13-20. For previous lessons just scroll down.
May the Lord keep you covered within His embrace. May He strengthen your inward man by His Spirit. May He enlarge your capacity to receive knowledge of your Kingdom rights and benefits.
"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19
Keys
For several weeks we have focused on what we think these keys might be. Basically, they are given to bind things that are bad and loose things that are good.
My list consists of these Keys of Heaven:
- The Word of God
- The Name of Jesus
- The Holy Spirit
- Weapons
Weapons
When the Word of God, The Name of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit are in operation together against the kingdom of darkness, they manifest the highest power and achieve victory!
What do we know about these weapons that are invisible to the earthly realm?
- They are spiritual.
- They are not carnal or fleshly.
- They are for use in warfare against the kingdom of darkness.
- They are mighty in God.
- They bind spiritual forces that seek to kill, steal and destroy.
- They can stop all fiery thoughts and evil images.
There is so much that can be said about spiritual warfare. As loving people of God, warfare may not be a topic we get excited about or even want to know about. But our loving Father does not see it that way. He doesn’t want to see His enemies’ schemes and lies dominating His children, especially since His Son shed His Blood so they would be free and in a position of authority.
Rules of Engagement —Resist the Enemy!
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus…endure hardship as a good soldier…no one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier…” 2 Timothy 2:1-4
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith… 1 Peter 5:8-9
“Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
All warfare, all weapons, all armor, all prayer, must be exercised through the strength of Jesus and the power of His might…not your might. In fact, “... whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17
“Blessed are you who do these things.”
Several weeks I ago I shared this with you:
While on a walk at a local park, I saw a Mom hand her keys to a child that had recently learned to walk. That toddler was so happy to have them. They must have been a bit heavy for her tiny hand to hold for there were a lot of keys on that key ring. The Lord spoke to my heart:
“That toddler doesn’t have a clue what she has in her hand. That’s the way it is with much of My church.”
Jesus always desired to please His Father, and so must we. If much of The Church is playing around as a toddler with the keys of Heaven, she is not pleasing the Father who wants His power and goodness released on earth.
Now, I’ve never seen a toddler in military combat. No, toddlers are being trained by their parents. And they are just beginning to go from eating baby food to adult meals. Here we see the importance of God’s government: the ministry gifts that equip the church, making disciples of those New Creations in Christ. What a glorious plan of God is The Church!
Armor For the Glorious Church—Fully Equipped to Dominate!
Ephesians 6:10-18
Herein is the power of God.
Put on the whole armor to stand against schemes of the devil; our true enemy who is not flesh and blood. Take up the whole armor of God to withstand him.
Six pieces of armor are listed that cover and protect the Believer. Remember, they are God’s armor and are completely effective when used properly.
The Armor
“…let us put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12
“…by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left…” 2 Corinthians 6:7
None of this armor can be seen in the natural realm, right? Can it be seen in the spiritual realm? If it can be seen in the spiritual realm, can the enemy see when one piece of the armor is beginning to dim, or worse, when it goes out like a bad light bulb?
If that is the case, the enemy would surely begin to attack that weak area and try to remove the rest of the armor. How important is it to have all six pieces working strong? Do they affect the others? And, can we have God’s armor on without having God’s word in our heart? Selah
The Belt of Truth
“Stand therefore (hold your ground), having tightened the belt of truth around your loins…”
Ephesians 6:14 Amp
“The truth will set you free.” This is the purpose of scriptural knowledge.
Kingdom truth…or the truth of the gospel is pure and powerful. When this knowledge is acted upon, the lies of the enemy melt like wax!
Kingdom truth is being increased (released) from Headquarters to The Church. It is called solid food. It will produce strong, mature believers who are skillful in the word of righteousness. See Hebrews 5:12-14
Meat is necessary to a developing Body. It provides more nourishment than milk.
His Word is truth. There’s power in His Word. There is power in truth.
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…”
Ephesians 1:13
Every word that God has spoken is true and can be relied on throughout eternity.
After all, you have based your eternal future on it!
Jesus overcame the enemy with “It is written.” God’s word is the substance that framed the worlds and is presently upholding all things. It is as powerful as God Himself!
Perhaps, God started His armor with the strength of the Belt of Truth because that is what the enemy targets first. If he can get a child to question what is written, or lie about what the Word will do, he can gain entrance. Remember how he deceived Eve?
“Did God really say…?” This, Beloved, is where we either stand, or totter and fall.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
“Stand therefore…having put on the breastplate of righteousness…” Ephesians 6:14
This breastplate is your right standing in God…or your right to stand before God. No human can attain this place by works because Jesus already bought it with His Blood. To try and gain approval by works is futile.
Justification — Just-As-If I Had Never Sinned!
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
"I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me…” John 17:23
Our Glorious Champion is seated at the right hand of God. This wonderful Almighty Deliverer and Intercessor has deposited His Spirit within us that we should be free of condemnation and sin consciousness. He has made us accepted and complete in Him to come boldly before the throne of grace without any shame or guilt.
When the enemy tries to steal your right standing in God, speak what Jesus has done for you. These are your Kingdom rights and benefits bought with His blood.
The Power of the Breastplate
“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith;
“but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.” Romans 9:31-32
Right standing with God protects your New Creation Man. See it as covering your chest, and protecting your back. It is far more powerful than a policeman’s bullet-proof vest.
When the enemy tries to steal your identity, hound you with past failures and inadequacies as a Christian, remember who Jesus is! Read your Who Am I scriptures on the Resource page. It will not only make the devil’s lies about you melt like wax, but you are putting on God’s armor.
Feet Shod with the Preparation of The Gospel of Peace
“Stand therefore…having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news) of the Gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15 Amp
Soldiers in combat wear special military boots specifically designed for protection during training and combat. But your shoes are supernatural Kingdom Shoes. They’re empowered by the Holy Spirit to protect your walk!
“I say then: walk in the Spirit …” Galatians 5:16
They protect your feet against rocks, thorns, snakes, and mines set by the enemy. They will keep your feet from getting caught in a snare. They are “power shoes” that give you lift and ability to advance the Gospel of peace.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7
When the enemy comes to block or hinder you from making progress to accomplish your divine calling, this armor provides supernatural resilience to keep you moving forward. Open your mouth and declare boldly:
“If God is for me who can stand against me?” See Romans 8:31
Next Lesson:
The Shield of Faith-The Helmet of Salvation-The Sword of the Spirit
Prayer
The Author of our salvation gave us the Keys of Heaven and specific instructions in how to triumph over the enemy. Put on all the armor of God so you will be continually in a standing position of authority and boldness to intercede and pray out God’s plans.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit…” Jude 20
Your state needs your voice and God’s blessings. Pray for your cities and counties. Bind the bad…release the good! Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The Church—The Lost—Elected Officials