Arguments and High Things Part 2

 

After our most recent post, I had the opportunity to consider some biblical references that shine additional light on the topic.

 

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh)  but mighty in God for PULLING DOWN STRONGHOLDS, casting down arguments and EVERY HIGH THING that exalts ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ". The capitalized words speak of an assignment, influence and assault brought to impair the Lord's attempt to lead the Christian into obedience in Christ; to refine us to the place where we are "ready to punish all disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled". (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

 

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places". (Ephesians 6:12). Another reference showing Satan, and his kingdom, assaulting our souls.

 

"When a strong man, FULLY ARMED, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him, and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoils". (Luke 11:21,22). Just prior to these verses, Jesus is discussing His "casting out demons by the finger of God".  Jesus cast demons out of folks who had been overcome by them. So shall believers (Mark 16:17). Jesus also directed Satan to be removed from His presence when He recognized the assault or influence to serve Himself as opposed to serving the Father. So must we believers.

 

I am NOT advocating hours of prayer against the adversary but as the Lord reveals it to us, remove him -  his and his kingdom's assignment to influence and assault your soul - in the name of Jesus Christ! Jesus has every intention and capability to fully arm us!

 

Remember, God himself has given us a will to freely choose whom we will serve. Once the Satanic assignment to motivate us to serve our selfish will has been removed, we must decide to follow Him. Much easier once the torment has been removed.

Arguments and High Things

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. "

 

God on earth now is represented by His Spirit, the Holy Spirit. Humans are soulish beings, driven by our minds, emotions and wills. We live in a physical house: our bodies. The individual who is willing to receive the Lord's salvation in Jesus Christ, having been born again or born from above, is a new creation. New because our spirit, having been made alive by the Holy Spirit, is now able to communicate with God. He now has access to us by His Spirit. It is in the soul where we make our decisions, even the initial decision to receive Christ!  The Holy Spirit inspires our souls to be willing to receive!

 

Arguments are mental reasonings based upon an understanding of a given topic. Arguments are formed in our soul. We should understand that both God and Satan are after our soul. God for salvation of it, Satan for destruction. High things, in my understanding, are Satan's assault against our soul: torment and temptation to produce carnal arguments. Satan uses this assault to tempt us to form arguments, which we use to continue in or fall into fruitlessness. We must understand Satan's assault. We will understand if we study our bible steadfastly and attend a church that creates an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to minister: a church that reveres the Word of God, especially New Testament principles and practices.

 

If we will speak to this mountain (the high thing which stands between us and becoming a fruitful branch in Christ Jesus; the high thing which represents Satanic assault and temptation against our souls) and doubt it not in our hearts, but believe, we shall have! (Remember! We have a decision to make! Our soul is where we make the decision. Our spirit is where God dwells if we have been born again. God's Spirit in us changes not because He changes not. His Spirit in us is the Standard to live by!) With Satan's torment and temptation exposed and cast down, we (the soul) will be free to follow the Holy Spirit as He shows us how to be one with the Father and Son who are One, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ!

Gaius and Diotrephes

3 John 1-12; Ephesians 4: 11-13

This book of John starts off with John rejoicing in Gaius, who has a testimony amongst the brethern that he "walks in the truth".   Gaius faithfully "does" for the brethern and for strangers (seemingly missionaries as they went forward for His name's sake).   John says "we ought to receive such (missionaries) that we may become fellow workers for the truth". 

John then contrasts Gaius and his willingness to receive and do, with Diotrephes, writing that "Diotrephes loves to have the pre-eminence among them".  He does not receive John's ministry nor does he receive other brethern, expelling from the church those who wish to receive them.  Diotrephes in his pre-eminence is acting foolishly by not receiving John's - and others' - ministries. Certainly the apostle's, and others', ministry in Christ would be for Diotrephes and his church's benefit; their equipping and edification in Christ!

This attitude holds back the body of Christ. Denominationalism is notorious for listening only to those of their fellowship.  Diotrophes' attitude appears unveiled.  He sounds rude and controlling.  Others nicely say "no, thanks".   Either way, their carnal authority is holding back the body of Christ from "coming into unity in the faith, and of knowledge of the Son of God; to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4: 11-13).