“Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and
speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” Jude 1:8,9
In our study through the book of Jude we have been discussing the nature of people who pose a danger to the church even though on the surface they may seem like religious pillars. If you have missed any of the discussion segments, they can be found here.
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-1/
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-2/
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-3/
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/07/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-4/
http://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-5/
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-6/
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-7/
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/15/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-8/
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-9/
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-10/
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-11/
https://jelillie.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/pastor-wrinkles-hey-jude-pt-12/
Jude points out, one way the rebellion which characterizes the secret-slipper-inner manifests, is in treating the spirit world (even the dark spirit world) as a common thing that we humans are equal to. So we have movies like…
And television shows like…
While these Hollywood offerings have little to do with the church, a similar mindset has slipped into the church. I am concerned with some believers concentration on the Devil. I believe in a literal devil. I believe in spiritual warfare. I believe that there are many times when we are called to resist the Devil. But I believe that spiritual warfare is best fought in worship focused on the greatness of Jesus from a position of waiting on the Lord. I believe that the best way to resist the Devil is to submit to God.
Many brothers and sister are being led astray by a teaching that makes them believe that because they have been filled with the Spirit they now have the chops to “give the Devil a black eye.” But that is what the seven sons of Sceva did in the book of Acts.
A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. Acts 19:13-15
While the Holy Spirit who dwells in us is incomparably greater than the Devil who dwells in the world, He did not take up residence in us for the purpose of confronting the enemy. He entered into us so that we could be bold witnesses for Jesus (Acts 1:8). He entered into us for the purpose of causing healing and miracles to follow the preaching of the gospel.
Personally I am greatly encouraged by the knowledge that I don’t need to waste time focusing on the devil. I need all the time I have to worship Jesus!
Reinventing the We'll 