BIBLICAL THINKING & CONFESSION. Part 3 of 4.
Continued.
You will reveal the nature and extent of your faith by what you say, because what you say is your faith speaking. Your talking will reveal whether your faith is strong, weak, great, or small. Since you generally receive what you say (Mark 11:23; Proverbs 18:21), if your speech agrees with the Word of God, you will receive what He has promised. A true statement of faith always agrees with God's Word. In fact, the literal meaning of the Greek term which is translated "to confess" in the New Testament is "to agree with," or "to speak the same language." If you say what the Word of God says about your sins (I John 1:9), you receive forgiveness. In the same manner, if you say and believe what His Word says about your diseases (Psalm 103:3; James 5:14-15), you will receive healing. The Scriptures declare that "by his stripes ye were healed" (I Peter 2:24). God's Word states, furthermore, that you are to believe that you have received the answer to your petition when you pray (Mark 11:24). Thus, any statements you make that do not harmonize with what the Scriptures say will invariably nullify the Word of God on your behalf.
It is important to see that you will never rise above the level of what you say. Your condition or circumstances always tend to parallel your talking. Christians have been prayed for healing with identical illnesses, in which one would later receive the manifestation of his healing, while the other would not. As often as not the cause for failure was clear--either this individual's daily talking concerning his condition was not in agreement with God's Word, or else he did not maintain his statements of faith in the promises of God without doubting until the healing was seen. Some individuals who lack instruction in the scriptures concerning the importance of keeping their words in harmony with God's Word, even in the face of symptoms or contradictory circumstances, will ask, "But isn't it dishonest to say that I am healed when I still have my pain and symptoms?" Or they ask, "Isn't such talking just mental suggestion?"
No. On the contrary, it is never dishonest to say about your condition what the Scriptures tell you to say. It's never wrong to say you are standing on the promises of God and He will bring it to pass just as He said. It honors God when you believe Him over symptoms and circumstances that are contrary to your faith. When necessary, make sure you let people know, while you cannot see or feel your answer yet, you have it by faith as Jesus said and it has to come to pass. Mark 11:24. It is not mere suggestion, but faith in the promises of God's Word when you say that God has heard and answered your petition when you pray (Mark 11:24; I John 5:14-15). The reason God requires us to say, not what we feel or see, but what His Word promises us, is that our condition and circumstances generally remain on about the same level as our speech , for "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21).
Mental suggestion is nothing more than denial of the reality or presence of the disease. As such, it cannot heal you, nor can it keep you from dying prematurely, should you have some terminal illness. However, countless instances where all kinds of sicknesses and diseases have been healed through biblical heart faith in healing based upon one of the promises in the Word of God (such as Exodus 15:26 and 23:25; Psalm 103;3; James 5:14-15; I Peter 2:24; and III John 2), then holding fast until it comes to pass.
I always encourage people to believe and say what the Scriptures have to say about their condition or problem, in spite of what their feelings, symptoms, or the circumstances may imply to the contrary, for Satan's power to afflict or oppress increases or decreases in direct proportion to the nature of one's faith and staying in agreement with what God says. When an individual finds it difficult to understand how he can maintain faith in the promises of healing when he does not feel healed, and his symptoms seem to indicate the contrary, I remind him that after successful surgery, a patient's condition is medically cured, and although he is on the road to recovery, he never feels better for a few days after surgery, Nevertheless, he both believes and says what the doctors tell him about his condition, in spite of his contrary feelings, his pain and his symptoms. However, when the Heavenly Physician tells the average Christian to believe and say the same thing about his condition after prayer for healing, if his symptoms do not immediately improve, he will not only begin to say what he feels, but will also search the Scriptures for alleged proof-texts in an attempt to justify his sickness and pain.
God clearly tells us in His Word what He will do for us, and from that point on He deals with us on the basis of what we say and do about His promises. If, after taking some promise in His Word, we begin to express doubt or being negative concerning the situation, this will nullify His Word on our behalf. The importance of what we say is to be seen in Jesus' warning that "by your words you shalt be justified, and by your words you shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37).
Who do you think determines whether or not you can have the abundant life of health, prosperity, joy, victory, and fruitfulness which Jesus promised? Is it God? No. He tells you that with Him there is "no respect of person" (Romans 2:11), and that His promises and blessings are for every believer alike. Is it Satan? No. The Scriptures tell you to "resist the devil and he will flee from you," and that God has given His people power...over all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). Moreover, God admonishes Christians, "Neither give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4;27). This means that Satan can have no place in your life unless you grant it to him. No, he is not the one who determines whether or not you have a victorious and abundant life, or whether you suffer adversity and failure.
Is it your circumstances then which determine whether you will have victory or defeat? Again we answer, "NO," for your circumstances merely provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of your faith in the promises of God. Circumstances in themselves cannot cause victory or defeat, for Jesus promised that "if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible unto you."
Who then determines whether or not you enjoy the abundant life promised you? It is you yourself. Are you aware that as you begin each day it is you--and you alone--who will determine the nature of the day you will have, as well as its outcome? Are you aware that you have been given the choice of deciding whether or not you will be happy or sad, sick or well, worried or calm, victorious or defeated? I have never been able to understand why the majority of Christians will choose unhappiness, sickness, poverty, and trouble day after day--for these are the result of their own wrong thinking and talking about their circumstances. Yet God has promised to heal, protect, deliver, and provide all our needs abundantly, telling us again and again that the choice between blessing and adversity lies within our own grasp ("all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive," Matthew 21:22).
Every individual preconditions his life by what he thinks, believes and says. Insurance companies know, for example, that some people are poor insurance risks, because they are "accident prone." They fear that they may have an accident, then begin to express fears, and as a consequence they often experience what they believe and say. Most of the people who caught the flu last winter did so because they said that they would at the first sign of a symptom, saying, "I think I must be catching the flu." instead of believing the promises of God offered to us. Medical science informs us that a large percentage of all illness stems from emotional stress resulting from wrong attitudes, negative thoughts, and anxiety, as well as from negative speech concerning these things. Christians are often in poverty, or are financially burdened, because they are saying that they never really expect to get out of debt. Many Christians are sick and afflicted, some are neurotic, and others are suffering nervous collapse or heart failure, because they have never learned that "as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he," and that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." In Hebrews 3:1, Jesus is called the High Priest of our confession. This means that as our High Priest He can act in our behalf to save, bless, heal, protect, and deliver us, if we give Him a statement based on scripture, which is in harmony with the Word of God believing in our hearts.
However, a statement of doubt or fear concerning our situation or need hinders His ministry on our behalf, and opens a channel of access for Satan to enter and oppress. "How are you today?" someone asks a fellow Christian as he enters the door of the church.
"Oh, I don't feel too well," he replies. "I must be catching a cold. It seems I always do at the first opportunity." It is as though he is determined to allow Satan to afflict him if at all possible. The question "How are you?" is merely a friendly greeting, not an invitation to inform the inquirer of your symptoms and problems, or to say that Satan has the victory over you.
The Scriptures show that sickness or health, prosperity or adversity, are directly related to what you say and believe. Therefore, it is important to know, especially when illness or other adversity strikes, that there are three factors to consider if Divine help is to be obtained: 1. What God says about our situation ("He heals all our diseases," Psalm 103:3). 2. What Satan says about the situation ("you are sick"; "you may die"; "don't be foolish and rely on prayer alone"; "this is serious--you better get to the doctor"). 3. What you say about your situation: what you say determines the outcome, for you have the choice of agreeing either with God or with your adversary, the devil.
In Revelation 12:10 Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren," who stands before the throne of heaven accusing us day and night. Jesus, on the other hand, is designated as our Advocate (I John 2:1), and the High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1), who pleads our case without ceasing before the Father. On what basis is Jesus pleading on our behalf? On the basis of two things: His blood, and our testimony. Satan, we are informed, is overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).
As our High Priest Jesus is pleading our defense against Satan's accusations. He pleads not only with His precious blood, but also with our testimony (what we say). Thus, when you say, "I don't feel well; I must be coming down with something"; when you say, "I'm afraid I cannot do this or that, as I don't believe I have the ability"; when you say, "I won't be able to afford it"; when you say, "I have prayed for my healing, but I am beginning to wonder if I will ever get well"; when you say, "I've tried and tried, but I just can't seem to overcome this problem"; when you say, "this situation seems impossible," or "there is no hope for a solution"; then you have joined your speech with that of your Accuser, Satan. Jesus Christ cannot act as your High Priest on the basis of such negative talking of doubt, fear, or failure. He can only act as the High Priest of a good confession, which must be in harmony with the Word of God. A negative statement simply gives your accuser the fiery darts with which to wound you, for you will find that you have been "snared by the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2).
The victorious life is based upon knowledge of four Biblical truths. A Biblical affirmation of these facts will compel Satan to acknowledge your authority and victory over him. This in turn will have the effect of breaking the enemy's power to bind, hinder, and oppress you. God expects us to say; 1. What we are in Christ. 2. Where we are in Christ. 3. What we possess in Christ. 4. What we can do in Christ.
1. Believe and say what you are in Christ (your standing).
What do the Scriptures say that we are in Christ? We are informed in II Corinthians 5:17 that "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Now, when we are told that "old things are passed away," and that "all things are become new," we are not to limit this merely to the passing away of our sins, for the atonement includes also the removal of our diseases and pains, as well as deliverance from anxiety, worry, poverty, oppression, and defeat.
Since God promises us that all things have become new, He expects us to state this fact--that we have been liberated and renewed in mind, body, soul, and spirit--for our circumstances and condition will never rise above the level of what we believe we are in Christ. The Scriptures declare that "you are complete in him" (Colossians 2:10), that you have been liberated from the "power of darkness" (Colossians 1:13), as well as from the effects of the curse (Galatians 3:13), and that you are now sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Galatians 4:67). The victorious life is based upon our continual statements in faith of our present standing in Christ.
2. Say where you are in Christ (your position).
Many Christians are living a life of oppression and defeat at the hands of the enemy, because they do not know where they now are in Christ--their position in Him. They believe they have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20); they believe they have died with Christ (II Corinthians 5:14); they believe that they have risen with Christ (Colossians 3:1); but they are unable to walk in victory as they should, triumphant over the powers of darkness, because they do not know that they have also ascended into the heavens with Christ, and are seated with Him "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (Ephesians 2:5-6, with 1:20-21).
God has not called us to contend with Satan for a place of victory, but to overcome him from our position of victory which we already have in Christ. Jesus tells us that He has given us authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:17-19), and that all power in heaven and earth has been given unto Him, which He in turn has committed unto us (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:17-20). Too many Christians today are like the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son who, ignorant of the significance of his position, says that he had nothing and that his wayward brother had greater rights and privileges than he. His father reminded him of his position as a son, and that all he had to do to obtain what he desired was to believe and say his position and claim his rights to whatever he desired. The prodigal son was more a son in actual practice than his elder brother, for he came to himself, rose up from his position of poverty where he was glad to eat the "husks," returned to his father, and was restored to his position as a son and heir. Believers today need to "come to themselves" and rise up from their position of defeat, where they are barely existing on the "husks" of religion, and return to their Father, once more claiming their position as the sons of God.
Victory will not be yours until you believe it and say that it belongs to you. until you accept by faith the declaration in God's Word that you have also ascended with Christ and are now seated with Him in a position of power and authority, Satan will continue to exercise his power over your life. Boldly state that you no longer need to contend with Satan for a place of victory, but that you shall overcome him from a position of victory at the throne of God. The Christian has this authority by virtue of his relationship to Christ, but we must believe and speak our authority over Satan before we can effectively command him to obey. By virtue of our heavenly position, we have been authorized to put a bold resistance in the Name of Jesus Christ against the powers of darkness, and we have been assured that they must obey!
3. Say what you possess in Christ (your inheritance).
Satan keeps most Christians in bondage, to some degree at least, because they do not know what belongs to them as the result of their inheritance in Christ. As a consequence they have allowed the Enemy to usurp their rights and privileges, and to rob them of their healing, health, joy, and peace.
Christians are rich spiritually, materially, and physically, but too few are aware of this fact. Instead, they believe that they are not to receive any of their inheritance now, not to benefit from it in the present life, but only in the world to come. Scripture, on the other hand, declares that the believer's inheritance belongs to him now. God promises that "all things are yours: whether...the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come.(I Corinthians 3:21-22). God has given us all things in Christ now, as joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:16-17). The Scriptures are filled with thousands of promises, whereby God had made provision for our every need, both spiritual and temporal, as well as for the accomplishment of the work he has commissioned His church to do. All these provisions and blessings are available to the extent that we are willing to press through by faith, believe and say that they are ours now.
It is tragic that Satan is able to keep Christians in such bondage because they have not been taught what really belongs to them as joint--heirs with Christ. If the tax appraiser comes to their homes and asks them to declare what goods and personal property they own, they have no difficulty in stating what belongs to them. If a thief tries to steal their car or wallet, they immediately challenge him, saying, "You cannot take that--it is mine!" And yet they will allow Satan, whom Jesus describes as a thief and robber (John 10:10), to rob them of their rights and privileges, and they will not lift a finger to stop him!
You must speak in faith that all those things which the Scriptures clearly state as belonging to you are actually yours now. Until you do, the Enemy will continue to keep you in spiritual, physical, and temporal bondage by robbing you of your inheritance and usurping your rights and authority.
4. Say what you can do in Christ (your empowering and ability).
Frequently we hear Christians saying what they cannot do. We hear them say, for instance... I'm afraid I can't do that, as I lack the training. I've tried, but I can't overcome this problem. I'm afraid to testify in public. I've tried and tried, but I haven't been able to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I just can't seem to receive my healing. I can't get out of debt, no matter how hard I try. I can't get along with my employer. I can't get out to the meetings this week. I get sick if I eat certain foods. I may have to leave the service early. I don't feel very good. I just can't get the victory in this matter. ...and so on. Sound familiar? It should, for this is all too often the way many Christians talk.
One thing is certain: you will never be able to do more than you are willing to believe and say that you can do in Christ, for "you are snared with the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2). To walk in victory, you should never say that you cannot do something, or that anything is impossible, for the Scriptures say that you should always say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). When Moses insisted on saying that he could not speak to Pharaoh, then he could not, and God was compelled to send Aaron his brother for him (Exodus 4). Peter began to sink when he said that he could not stand on the very water upon which he had been walking, and the Israelites perished in the wilderness because they said that they would (Numbers 14:1-2; 28-29).
It is a sin to limit God by speaking doubt as to your ability and power in Christ, for He clearly promises you that "these signs will follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18). Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do" (John 14:12), and He promised us, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed...nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matthew 17:20).
Change your negative thinking and talking to what God says, know, believe and act on the Scriptures as Jesus did, and nothing will be impossible unto you just as He said.
The Scriptures declare that you are snared by the words of your mouth (Proverbs 6:2), and that "by your words thou shalt be justified, and by your words you shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). So it is important that we guard our lips as well as our minds from giving expression to anything negative, which is an open invitation to the enemy to oppress or to overcome us.
The Six-fold Secret of a Biblical confession.
God deals with us on the basis of what we say or confess, according to Matthew 12:34-37. In Mark 11:23 Jesus promises us that we shall receive whatsoever we say. We are informed in Romans 10:10 that confession is the means by which we obtain possession of that which we believe, while Proverbs 18:21 declares that "death and life are in the power of the tongue. If we pray concerning a need and then express doubt as the outcome, we will receive nothing. If we speak sickness when certain symptoms occur, we will be sick. If you need deliverance from some form of financial distress, and then express anxiety, or begin to consider what you will do in case the money does not come, instead of resting in the confidence that God will supply your needs according to His promise (Philippians 4:19), you nullify God's promise on your behalf.
The Scriptures tell us that we can receive whatever we ask or say according to the word and will of God (1 John 5:14-15; Mark 11:23-24) therefore, if we desire to walk in victory 365 days a year, we must develop the habit of keeping our words and testimony in harmony with God's Word and what He tells us. Edited. Shared.
To be Continued.
God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
Continued.
You will reveal the nature and extent of your faith by what you say, because what you say is your faith speaking. Your talking will reveal whether your faith is strong, weak, great, or small. Since you generally receive what you say (Mark 11:23; Proverbs 18:21), if your speech agrees with the Word of God, you will receive what He has promised. A true statement of faith always agrees with God's Word. In fact, the literal meaning of the Greek term which is translated "to confess" in the New Testament is "to agree with," or "to speak the same language." If you say what the Word of God says about your sins (I John 1:9), you receive forgiveness. In the same manner, if you say and believe what His Word says about your diseases (Psalm 103:3; James 5:14-15), you will receive healing. The Scriptures declare that "by his stripes ye were healed" (I Peter 2:24). God's Word states, furthermore, that you are to believe that you have received the answer to your petition when you pray (Mark 11:24). Thus, any statements you make that do not harmonize with what the Scriptures say will invariably nullify the Word of God on your behalf.
It is important to see that you will never rise above the level of what you say. Your condition or circumstances always tend to parallel your talking. Christians have been prayed for healing with identical illnesses, in which one would later receive the manifestation of his healing, while the other would not. As often as not the cause for failure was clear--either this individual's daily talking concerning his condition was not in agreement with God's Word, or else he did not maintain his statements of faith in the promises of God without doubting until the healing was seen. Some individuals who lack instruction in the scriptures concerning the importance of keeping their words in harmony with God's Word, even in the face of symptoms or contradictory circumstances, will ask, "But isn't it dishonest to say that I am healed when I still have my pain and symptoms?" Or they ask, "Isn't such talking just mental suggestion?"
No. On the contrary, it is never dishonest to say about your condition what the Scriptures tell you to say. It's never wrong to say you are standing on the promises of God and He will bring it to pass just as He said. It honors God when you believe Him over symptoms and circumstances that are contrary to your faith. When necessary, make sure you let people know, while you cannot see or feel your answer yet, you have it by faith as Jesus said and it has to come to pass. Mark 11:24. It is not mere suggestion, but faith in the promises of God's Word when you say that God has heard and answered your petition when you pray (Mark 11:24; I John 5:14-15). The reason God requires us to say, not what we feel or see, but what His Word promises us, is that our condition and circumstances generally remain on about the same level as our speech , for "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21).
Mental suggestion is nothing more than denial of the reality or presence of the disease. As such, it cannot heal you, nor can it keep you from dying prematurely, should you have some terminal illness. However, countless instances where all kinds of sicknesses and diseases have been healed through biblical heart faith in healing based upon one of the promises in the Word of God (such as Exodus 15:26 and 23:25; Psalm 103;3; James 5:14-15; I Peter 2:24; and III John 2), then holding fast until it comes to pass.
I always encourage people to believe and say what the Scriptures have to say about their condition or problem, in spite of what their feelings, symptoms, or the circumstances may imply to the contrary, for Satan's power to afflict or oppress increases or decreases in direct proportion to the nature of one's faith and staying in agreement with what God says. When an individual finds it difficult to understand how he can maintain faith in the promises of healing when he does not feel healed, and his symptoms seem to indicate the contrary, I remind him that after successful surgery, a patient's condition is medically cured, and although he is on the road to recovery, he never feels better for a few days after surgery, Nevertheless, he both believes and says what the doctors tell him about his condition, in spite of his contrary feelings, his pain and his symptoms. However, when the Heavenly Physician tells the average Christian to believe and say the same thing about his condition after prayer for healing, if his symptoms do not immediately improve, he will not only begin to say what he feels, but will also search the Scriptures for alleged proof-texts in an attempt to justify his sickness and pain.
God clearly tells us in His Word what He will do for us, and from that point on He deals with us on the basis of what we say and do about His promises. If, after taking some promise in His Word, we begin to express doubt or being negative concerning the situation, this will nullify His Word on our behalf. The importance of what we say is to be seen in Jesus' warning that "by your words you shalt be justified, and by your words you shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37).
Who do you think determines whether or not you can have the abundant life of health, prosperity, joy, victory, and fruitfulness which Jesus promised? Is it God? No. He tells you that with Him there is "no respect of person" (Romans 2:11), and that His promises and blessings are for every believer alike. Is it Satan? No. The Scriptures tell you to "resist the devil and he will flee from you," and that God has given His people power...over all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). Moreover, God admonishes Christians, "Neither give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4;27). This means that Satan can have no place in your life unless you grant it to him. No, he is not the one who determines whether or not you have a victorious and abundant life, or whether you suffer adversity and failure.
Is it your circumstances then which determine whether you will have victory or defeat? Again we answer, "NO," for your circumstances merely provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of your faith in the promises of God. Circumstances in themselves cannot cause victory or defeat, for Jesus promised that "if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible unto you."
Who then determines whether or not you enjoy the abundant life promised you? It is you yourself. Are you aware that as you begin each day it is you--and you alone--who will determine the nature of the day you will have, as well as its outcome? Are you aware that you have been given the choice of deciding whether or not you will be happy or sad, sick or well, worried or calm, victorious or defeated? I have never been able to understand why the majority of Christians will choose unhappiness, sickness, poverty, and trouble day after day--for these are the result of their own wrong thinking and talking about their circumstances. Yet God has promised to heal, protect, deliver, and provide all our needs abundantly, telling us again and again that the choice between blessing and adversity lies within our own grasp ("all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive," Matthew 21:22).
Every individual preconditions his life by what he thinks, believes and says. Insurance companies know, for example, that some people are poor insurance risks, because they are "accident prone." They fear that they may have an accident, then begin to express fears, and as a consequence they often experience what they believe and say. Most of the people who caught the flu last winter did so because they said that they would at the first sign of a symptom, saying, "I think I must be catching the flu." instead of believing the promises of God offered to us. Medical science informs us that a large percentage of all illness stems from emotional stress resulting from wrong attitudes, negative thoughts, and anxiety, as well as from negative speech concerning these things. Christians are often in poverty, or are financially burdened, because they are saying that they never really expect to get out of debt. Many Christians are sick and afflicted, some are neurotic, and others are suffering nervous collapse or heart failure, because they have never learned that "as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he," and that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." In Hebrews 3:1, Jesus is called the High Priest of our confession. This means that as our High Priest He can act in our behalf to save, bless, heal, protect, and deliver us, if we give Him a statement based on scripture, which is in harmony with the Word of God believing in our hearts.
However, a statement of doubt or fear concerning our situation or need hinders His ministry on our behalf, and opens a channel of access for Satan to enter and oppress. "How are you today?" someone asks a fellow Christian as he enters the door of the church.
"Oh, I don't feel too well," he replies. "I must be catching a cold. It seems I always do at the first opportunity." It is as though he is determined to allow Satan to afflict him if at all possible. The question "How are you?" is merely a friendly greeting, not an invitation to inform the inquirer of your symptoms and problems, or to say that Satan has the victory over you.
The Scriptures show that sickness or health, prosperity or adversity, are directly related to what you say and believe. Therefore, it is important to know, especially when illness or other adversity strikes, that there are three factors to consider if Divine help is to be obtained: 1. What God says about our situation ("He heals all our diseases," Psalm 103:3). 2. What Satan says about the situation ("you are sick"; "you may die"; "don't be foolish and rely on prayer alone"; "this is serious--you better get to the doctor"). 3. What you say about your situation: what you say determines the outcome, for you have the choice of agreeing either with God or with your adversary, the devil.
In Revelation 12:10 Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren," who stands before the throne of heaven accusing us day and night. Jesus, on the other hand, is designated as our Advocate (I John 2:1), and the High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1), who pleads our case without ceasing before the Father. On what basis is Jesus pleading on our behalf? On the basis of two things: His blood, and our testimony. Satan, we are informed, is overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).
As our High Priest Jesus is pleading our defense against Satan's accusations. He pleads not only with His precious blood, but also with our testimony (what we say). Thus, when you say, "I don't feel well; I must be coming down with something"; when you say, "I'm afraid I cannot do this or that, as I don't believe I have the ability"; when you say, "I won't be able to afford it"; when you say, "I have prayed for my healing, but I am beginning to wonder if I will ever get well"; when you say, "I've tried and tried, but I just can't seem to overcome this problem"; when you say, "this situation seems impossible," or "there is no hope for a solution"; then you have joined your speech with that of your Accuser, Satan. Jesus Christ cannot act as your High Priest on the basis of such negative talking of doubt, fear, or failure. He can only act as the High Priest of a good confession, which must be in harmony with the Word of God. A negative statement simply gives your accuser the fiery darts with which to wound you, for you will find that you have been "snared by the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2).
The victorious life is based upon knowledge of four Biblical truths. A Biblical affirmation of these facts will compel Satan to acknowledge your authority and victory over him. This in turn will have the effect of breaking the enemy's power to bind, hinder, and oppress you. God expects us to say; 1. What we are in Christ. 2. Where we are in Christ. 3. What we possess in Christ. 4. What we can do in Christ.
1. Believe and say what you are in Christ (your standing).
What do the Scriptures say that we are in Christ? We are informed in II Corinthians 5:17 that "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Now, when we are told that "old things are passed away," and that "all things are become new," we are not to limit this merely to the passing away of our sins, for the atonement includes also the removal of our diseases and pains, as well as deliverance from anxiety, worry, poverty, oppression, and defeat.
Since God promises us that all things have become new, He expects us to state this fact--that we have been liberated and renewed in mind, body, soul, and spirit--for our circumstances and condition will never rise above the level of what we believe we are in Christ. The Scriptures declare that "you are complete in him" (Colossians 2:10), that you have been liberated from the "power of darkness" (Colossians 1:13), as well as from the effects of the curse (Galatians 3:13), and that you are now sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Galatians 4:67). The victorious life is based upon our continual statements in faith of our present standing in Christ.
2. Say where you are in Christ (your position).
Many Christians are living a life of oppression and defeat at the hands of the enemy, because they do not know where they now are in Christ--their position in Him. They believe they have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20); they believe they have died with Christ (II Corinthians 5:14); they believe that they have risen with Christ (Colossians 3:1); but they are unable to walk in victory as they should, triumphant over the powers of darkness, because they do not know that they have also ascended into the heavens with Christ, and are seated with Him "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (Ephesians 2:5-6, with 1:20-21).
God has not called us to contend with Satan for a place of victory, but to overcome him from our position of victory which we already have in Christ. Jesus tells us that He has given us authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:17-19), and that all power in heaven and earth has been given unto Him, which He in turn has committed unto us (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:17-20). Too many Christians today are like the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son who, ignorant of the significance of his position, says that he had nothing and that his wayward brother had greater rights and privileges than he. His father reminded him of his position as a son, and that all he had to do to obtain what he desired was to believe and say his position and claim his rights to whatever he desired. The prodigal son was more a son in actual practice than his elder brother, for he came to himself, rose up from his position of poverty where he was glad to eat the "husks," returned to his father, and was restored to his position as a son and heir. Believers today need to "come to themselves" and rise up from their position of defeat, where they are barely existing on the "husks" of religion, and return to their Father, once more claiming their position as the sons of God.
Victory will not be yours until you believe it and say that it belongs to you. until you accept by faith the declaration in God's Word that you have also ascended with Christ and are now seated with Him in a position of power and authority, Satan will continue to exercise his power over your life. Boldly state that you no longer need to contend with Satan for a place of victory, but that you shall overcome him from a position of victory at the throne of God. The Christian has this authority by virtue of his relationship to Christ, but we must believe and speak our authority over Satan before we can effectively command him to obey. By virtue of our heavenly position, we have been authorized to put a bold resistance in the Name of Jesus Christ against the powers of darkness, and we have been assured that they must obey!
3. Say what you possess in Christ (your inheritance).
Satan keeps most Christians in bondage, to some degree at least, because they do not know what belongs to them as the result of their inheritance in Christ. As a consequence they have allowed the Enemy to usurp their rights and privileges, and to rob them of their healing, health, joy, and peace.
Christians are rich spiritually, materially, and physically, but too few are aware of this fact. Instead, they believe that they are not to receive any of their inheritance now, not to benefit from it in the present life, but only in the world to come. Scripture, on the other hand, declares that the believer's inheritance belongs to him now. God promises that "all things are yours: whether...the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come.(I Corinthians 3:21-22). God has given us all things in Christ now, as joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:16-17). The Scriptures are filled with thousands of promises, whereby God had made provision for our every need, both spiritual and temporal, as well as for the accomplishment of the work he has commissioned His church to do. All these provisions and blessings are available to the extent that we are willing to press through by faith, believe and say that they are ours now.
It is tragic that Satan is able to keep Christians in such bondage because they have not been taught what really belongs to them as joint--heirs with Christ. If the tax appraiser comes to their homes and asks them to declare what goods and personal property they own, they have no difficulty in stating what belongs to them. If a thief tries to steal their car or wallet, they immediately challenge him, saying, "You cannot take that--it is mine!" And yet they will allow Satan, whom Jesus describes as a thief and robber (John 10:10), to rob them of their rights and privileges, and they will not lift a finger to stop him!
You must speak in faith that all those things which the Scriptures clearly state as belonging to you are actually yours now. Until you do, the Enemy will continue to keep you in spiritual, physical, and temporal bondage by robbing you of your inheritance and usurping your rights and authority.
4. Say what you can do in Christ (your empowering and ability).
Frequently we hear Christians saying what they cannot do. We hear them say, for instance... I'm afraid I can't do that, as I lack the training. I've tried, but I can't overcome this problem. I'm afraid to testify in public. I've tried and tried, but I haven't been able to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I just can't seem to receive my healing. I can't get out of debt, no matter how hard I try. I can't get along with my employer. I can't get out to the meetings this week. I get sick if I eat certain foods. I may have to leave the service early. I don't feel very good. I just can't get the victory in this matter. ...and so on. Sound familiar? It should, for this is all too often the way many Christians talk.
One thing is certain: you will never be able to do more than you are willing to believe and say that you can do in Christ, for "you are snared with the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2). To walk in victory, you should never say that you cannot do something, or that anything is impossible, for the Scriptures say that you should always say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). When Moses insisted on saying that he could not speak to Pharaoh, then he could not, and God was compelled to send Aaron his brother for him (Exodus 4). Peter began to sink when he said that he could not stand on the very water upon which he had been walking, and the Israelites perished in the wilderness because they said that they would (Numbers 14:1-2; 28-29).
It is a sin to limit God by speaking doubt as to your ability and power in Christ, for He clearly promises you that "these signs will follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18). Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do" (John 14:12), and He promised us, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed...nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matthew 17:20).
Change your negative thinking and talking to what God says, know, believe and act on the Scriptures as Jesus did, and nothing will be impossible unto you just as He said.
The Scriptures declare that you are snared by the words of your mouth (Proverbs 6:2), and that "by your words thou shalt be justified, and by your words you shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). So it is important that we guard our lips as well as our minds from giving expression to anything negative, which is an open invitation to the enemy to oppress or to overcome us.
The Six-fold Secret of a Biblical confession.
God deals with us on the basis of what we say or confess, according to Matthew 12:34-37. In Mark 11:23 Jesus promises us that we shall receive whatsoever we say. We are informed in Romans 10:10 that confession is the means by which we obtain possession of that which we believe, while Proverbs 18:21 declares that "death and life are in the power of the tongue. If we pray concerning a need and then express doubt as the outcome, we will receive nothing. If we speak sickness when certain symptoms occur, we will be sick. If you need deliverance from some form of financial distress, and then express anxiety, or begin to consider what you will do in case the money does not come, instead of resting in the confidence that God will supply your needs according to His promise (Philippians 4:19), you nullify God's promise on your behalf.
The Scriptures tell us that we can receive whatever we ask or say according to the word and will of God (1 John 5:14-15; Mark 11:23-24) therefore, if we desire to walk in victory 365 days a year, we must develop the habit of keeping our words and testimony in harmony with God's Word and what He tells us. Edited. Shared.
To be Continued.
God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
❤️BIBLICAL THINKING & CONFESSION. Part 3 of 4.
Continued.
You will reveal the nature and extent of your faith by what you say, because what you say is your faith speaking. Your talking will reveal whether your faith is strong, weak, great, or small. Since you generally receive what you say (Mark 11:23; Proverbs 18:21), if your speech agrees with the Word of God, you will receive what He has promised. A true statement of faith always agrees with God's Word. In fact, the literal meaning of the Greek term which is translated "to confess" in the New Testament is "to agree with," or "to speak the same language." If you say what the Word of God says about your sins (I John 1:9), you receive forgiveness. In the same manner, if you say and believe what His Word says about your diseases (Psalm 103:3; James 5:14-15), you will receive healing. The Scriptures declare that "by his stripes ye were healed" (I Peter 2:24). God's Word states, furthermore, that you are to believe that you have received the answer to your petition when you pray (Mark 11:24). Thus, any statements you make that do not harmonize with what the Scriptures say will invariably nullify the Word of God on your behalf.
It is important to see that you will never rise above the level of what you say. Your condition or circumstances always tend to parallel your talking. Christians have been prayed for healing with identical illnesses, in which one would later receive the manifestation of his healing, while the other would not. As often as not the cause for failure was clear--either this individual's daily talking concerning his condition was not in agreement with God's Word, or else he did not maintain his statements of faith in the promises of God without doubting until the healing was seen. Some individuals who lack instruction in the scriptures concerning the importance of keeping their words in harmony with God's Word, even in the face of symptoms or contradictory circumstances, will ask, "But isn't it dishonest to say that I am healed when I still have my pain and symptoms?" Or they ask, "Isn't such talking just mental suggestion?"
No. On the contrary, it is never dishonest to say about your condition what the Scriptures tell you to say. It's never wrong to say you are standing on the promises of God and He will bring it to pass just as He said. It honors God when you believe Him over symptoms and circumstances that are contrary to your faith. When necessary, make sure you let people know, while you cannot see or feel your answer yet, you have it by faith as Jesus said and it has to come to pass. Mark 11:24. It is not mere suggestion, but faith in the promises of God's Word when you say that God has heard and answered your petition when you pray (Mark 11:24; I John 5:14-15). The reason God requires us to say, not what we feel or see, but what His Word promises us, is that our condition and circumstances generally remain on about the same level as our speech , for "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21).
Mental suggestion is nothing more than denial of the reality or presence of the disease. As such, it cannot heal you, nor can it keep you from dying prematurely, should you have some terminal illness. However, countless instances where all kinds of sicknesses and diseases have been healed through biblical heart faith in healing based upon one of the promises in the Word of God (such as Exodus 15:26 and 23:25; Psalm 103;3; James 5:14-15; I Peter 2:24; and III John 2), then holding fast until it comes to pass.
I always encourage people to believe and say what the Scriptures have to say about their condition or problem, in spite of what their feelings, symptoms, or the circumstances may imply to the contrary, for Satan's power to afflict or oppress increases or decreases in direct proportion to the nature of one's faith and staying in agreement with what God says. When an individual finds it difficult to understand how he can maintain faith in the promises of healing when he does not feel healed, and his symptoms seem to indicate the contrary, I remind him that after successful surgery, a patient's condition is medically cured, and although he is on the road to recovery, he never feels better for a few days after surgery, Nevertheless, he both believes and says what the doctors tell him about his condition, in spite of his contrary feelings, his pain and his symptoms. However, when the Heavenly Physician tells the average Christian to believe and say the same thing about his condition after prayer for healing, if his symptoms do not immediately improve, he will not only begin to say what he feels, but will also search the Scriptures for alleged proof-texts in an attempt to justify his sickness and pain.
God clearly tells us in His Word what He will do for us, and from that point on He deals with us on the basis of what we say and do about His promises. If, after taking some promise in His Word, we begin to express doubt or being negative concerning the situation, this will nullify His Word on our behalf. The importance of what we say is to be seen in Jesus' warning that "by your words you shalt be justified, and by your words you shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37).
Who do you think determines whether or not you can have the abundant life of health, prosperity, joy, victory, and fruitfulness which Jesus promised? Is it God? No. He tells you that with Him there is "no respect of person" (Romans 2:11), and that His promises and blessings are for every believer alike. Is it Satan? No. The Scriptures tell you to "resist the devil and he will flee from you," and that God has given His people power...over all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). Moreover, God admonishes Christians, "Neither give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4;27). This means that Satan can have no place in your life unless you grant it to him. No, he is not the one who determines whether or not you have a victorious and abundant life, or whether you suffer adversity and failure.
Is it your circumstances then which determine whether you will have victory or defeat? Again we answer, "NO," for your circumstances merely provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of your faith in the promises of God. Circumstances in themselves cannot cause victory or defeat, for Jesus promised that "if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible unto you."
Who then determines whether or not you enjoy the abundant life promised you? It is you yourself. Are you aware that as you begin each day it is you--and you alone--who will determine the nature of the day you will have, as well as its outcome? Are you aware that you have been given the choice of deciding whether or not you will be happy or sad, sick or well, worried or calm, victorious or defeated? I have never been able to understand why the majority of Christians will choose unhappiness, sickness, poverty, and trouble day after day--for these are the result of their own wrong thinking and talking about their circumstances. Yet God has promised to heal, protect, deliver, and provide all our needs abundantly, telling us again and again that the choice between blessing and adversity lies within our own grasp ("all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive," Matthew 21:22).
Every individual preconditions his life by what he thinks, believes and says. Insurance companies know, for example, that some people are poor insurance risks, because they are "accident prone." They fear that they may have an accident, then begin to express fears, and as a consequence they often experience what they believe and say. Most of the people who caught the flu last winter did so because they said that they would at the first sign of a symptom, saying, "I think I must be catching the flu." instead of believing the promises of God offered to us. Medical science informs us that a large percentage of all illness stems from emotional stress resulting from wrong attitudes, negative thoughts, and anxiety, as well as from negative speech concerning these things. Christians are often in poverty, or are financially burdened, because they are saying that they never really expect to get out of debt. Many Christians are sick and afflicted, some are neurotic, and others are suffering nervous collapse or heart failure, because they have never learned that "as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he," and that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." In Hebrews 3:1, Jesus is called the High Priest of our confession. This means that as our High Priest He can act in our behalf to save, bless, heal, protect, and deliver us, if we give Him a statement based on scripture, which is in harmony with the Word of God believing in our hearts.
However, a statement of doubt or fear concerning our situation or need hinders His ministry on our behalf, and opens a channel of access for Satan to enter and oppress. "How are you today?" someone asks a fellow Christian as he enters the door of the church.
"Oh, I don't feel too well," he replies. "I must be catching a cold. It seems I always do at the first opportunity." It is as though he is determined to allow Satan to afflict him if at all possible. The question "How are you?" is merely a friendly greeting, not an invitation to inform the inquirer of your symptoms and problems, or to say that Satan has the victory over you.
The Scriptures show that sickness or health, prosperity or adversity, are directly related to what you say and believe. Therefore, it is important to know, especially when illness or other adversity strikes, that there are three factors to consider if Divine help is to be obtained: 1. What God says about our situation ("He heals all our diseases," Psalm 103:3). 2. What Satan says about the situation ("you are sick"; "you may die"; "don't be foolish and rely on prayer alone"; "this is serious--you better get to the doctor"). 3. What you say about your situation: what you say determines the outcome, for you have the choice of agreeing either with God or with your adversary, the devil.
In Revelation 12:10 Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren," who stands before the throne of heaven accusing us day and night. Jesus, on the other hand, is designated as our Advocate (I John 2:1), and the High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1), who pleads our case without ceasing before the Father. On what basis is Jesus pleading on our behalf? On the basis of two things: His blood, and our testimony. Satan, we are informed, is overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).
As our High Priest Jesus is pleading our defense against Satan's accusations. He pleads not only with His precious blood, but also with our testimony (what we say). Thus, when you say, "I don't feel well; I must be coming down with something"; when you say, "I'm afraid I cannot do this or that, as I don't believe I have the ability"; when you say, "I won't be able to afford it"; when you say, "I have prayed for my healing, but I am beginning to wonder if I will ever get well"; when you say, "I've tried and tried, but I just can't seem to overcome this problem"; when you say, "this situation seems impossible," or "there is no hope for a solution"; then you have joined your speech with that of your Accuser, Satan. Jesus Christ cannot act as your High Priest on the basis of such negative talking of doubt, fear, or failure. He can only act as the High Priest of a good confession, which must be in harmony with the Word of God. A negative statement simply gives your accuser the fiery darts with which to wound you, for you will find that you have been "snared by the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2).
The victorious life is based upon knowledge of four Biblical truths. A Biblical affirmation of these facts will compel Satan to acknowledge your authority and victory over him. This in turn will have the effect of breaking the enemy's power to bind, hinder, and oppress you. God expects us to say; 1. What we are in Christ. 2. Where we are in Christ. 3. What we possess in Christ. 4. What we can do in Christ.
1. Believe and say what you are in Christ (your standing).
What do the Scriptures say that we are in Christ? We are informed in II Corinthians 5:17 that "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Now, when we are told that "old things are passed away," and that "all things are become new," we are not to limit this merely to the passing away of our sins, for the atonement includes also the removal of our diseases and pains, as well as deliverance from anxiety, worry, poverty, oppression, and defeat.
Since God promises us that all things have become new, He expects us to state this fact--that we have been liberated and renewed in mind, body, soul, and spirit--for our circumstances and condition will never rise above the level of what we believe we are in Christ. The Scriptures declare that "you are complete in him" (Colossians 2:10), that you have been liberated from the "power of darkness" (Colossians 1:13), as well as from the effects of the curse (Galatians 3:13), and that you are now sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Galatians 4:67). The victorious life is based upon our continual statements in faith of our present standing in Christ.
2. Say where you are in Christ (your position).
Many Christians are living a life of oppression and defeat at the hands of the enemy, because they do not know where they now are in Christ--their position in Him. They believe they have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20); they believe they have died with Christ (II Corinthians 5:14); they believe that they have risen with Christ (Colossians 3:1); but they are unable to walk in victory as they should, triumphant over the powers of darkness, because they do not know that they have also ascended into the heavens with Christ, and are seated with Him "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (Ephesians 2:5-6, with 1:20-21).
God has not called us to contend with Satan for a place of victory, but to overcome him from our position of victory which we already have in Christ. Jesus tells us that He has given us authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:17-19), and that all power in heaven and earth has been given unto Him, which He in turn has committed unto us (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:17-20). Too many Christians today are like the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son who, ignorant of the significance of his position, says that he had nothing and that his wayward brother had greater rights and privileges than he. His father reminded him of his position as a son, and that all he had to do to obtain what he desired was to believe and say his position and claim his rights to whatever he desired. The prodigal son was more a son in actual practice than his elder brother, for he came to himself, rose up from his position of poverty where he was glad to eat the "husks," returned to his father, and was restored to his position as a son and heir. Believers today need to "come to themselves" and rise up from their position of defeat, where they are barely existing on the "husks" of religion, and return to their Father, once more claiming their position as the sons of God.
Victory will not be yours until you believe it and say that it belongs to you. until you accept by faith the declaration in God's Word that you have also ascended with Christ and are now seated with Him in a position of power and authority, Satan will continue to exercise his power over your life. Boldly state that you no longer need to contend with Satan for a place of victory, but that you shall overcome him from a position of victory at the throne of God. The Christian has this authority by virtue of his relationship to Christ, but we must believe and speak our authority over Satan before we can effectively command him to obey. By virtue of our heavenly position, we have been authorized to put a bold resistance in the Name of Jesus Christ against the powers of darkness, and we have been assured that they must obey!
3. Say what you possess in Christ (your inheritance).
Satan keeps most Christians in bondage, to some degree at least, because they do not know what belongs to them as the result of their inheritance in Christ. As a consequence they have allowed the Enemy to usurp their rights and privileges, and to rob them of their healing, health, joy, and peace.
Christians are rich spiritually, materially, and physically, but too few are aware of this fact. Instead, they believe that they are not to receive any of their inheritance now, not to benefit from it in the present life, but only in the world to come. Scripture, on the other hand, declares that the believer's inheritance belongs to him now. God promises that "all things are yours: whether...the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come.(I Corinthians 3:21-22). God has given us all things in Christ now, as joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:16-17). The Scriptures are filled with thousands of promises, whereby God had made provision for our every need, both spiritual and temporal, as well as for the accomplishment of the work he has commissioned His church to do. All these provisions and blessings are available to the extent that we are willing to press through by faith, believe and say that they are ours now.
It is tragic that Satan is able to keep Christians in such bondage because they have not been taught what really belongs to them as joint--heirs with Christ. If the tax appraiser comes to their homes and asks them to declare what goods and personal property they own, they have no difficulty in stating what belongs to them. If a thief tries to steal their car or wallet, they immediately challenge him, saying, "You cannot take that--it is mine!" And yet they will allow Satan, whom Jesus describes as a thief and robber (John 10:10), to rob them of their rights and privileges, and they will not lift a finger to stop him!
You must speak in faith that all those things which the Scriptures clearly state as belonging to you are actually yours now. Until you do, the Enemy will continue to keep you in spiritual, physical, and temporal bondage by robbing you of your inheritance and usurping your rights and authority.
4. Say what you can do in Christ (your empowering and ability).
Frequently we hear Christians saying what they cannot do. We hear them say, for instance... I'm afraid I can't do that, as I lack the training. I've tried, but I can't overcome this problem. I'm afraid to testify in public. I've tried and tried, but I haven't been able to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I just can't seem to receive my healing. I can't get out of debt, no matter how hard I try. I can't get along with my employer. I can't get out to the meetings this week. I get sick if I eat certain foods. I may have to leave the service early. I don't feel very good. I just can't get the victory in this matter. ...and so on. Sound familiar? It should, for this is all too often the way many Christians talk.
One thing is certain: you will never be able to do more than you are willing to believe and say that you can do in Christ, for "you are snared with the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2). To walk in victory, you should never say that you cannot do something, or that anything is impossible, for the Scriptures say that you should always say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). When Moses insisted on saying that he could not speak to Pharaoh, then he could not, and God was compelled to send Aaron his brother for him (Exodus 4). Peter began to sink when he said that he could not stand on the very water upon which he had been walking, and the Israelites perished in the wilderness because they said that they would (Numbers 14:1-2; 28-29).
It is a sin to limit God by speaking doubt as to your ability and power in Christ, for He clearly promises you that "these signs will follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18). Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do" (John 14:12), and He promised us, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed...nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matthew 17:20).
Change your negative thinking and talking to what God says, know, believe and act on the Scriptures as Jesus did, and nothing will be impossible unto you just as He said.
The Scriptures declare that you are snared by the words of your mouth (Proverbs 6:2), and that "by your words thou shalt be justified, and by your words you shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). So it is important that we guard our lips as well as our minds from giving expression to anything negative, which is an open invitation to the enemy to oppress or to overcome us.
The Six-fold Secret of a Biblical confession.
God deals with us on the basis of what we say or confess, according to Matthew 12:34-37. In Mark 11:23 Jesus promises us that we shall receive whatsoever we say. We are informed in Romans 10:10 that confession is the means by which we obtain possession of that which we believe, while Proverbs 18:21 declares that "death and life are in the power of the tongue. If we pray concerning a need and then express doubt as the outcome, we will receive nothing. If we speak sickness when certain symptoms occur, we will be sick. If you need deliverance from some form of financial distress, and then express anxiety, or begin to consider what you will do in case the money does not come, instead of resting in the confidence that God will supply your needs according to His promise (Philippians 4:19), you nullify God's promise on your behalf.
The Scriptures tell us that we can receive whatever we ask or say according to the word and will of God (1 John 5:14-15; Mark 11:23-24) therefore, if we desire to walk in victory 365 days a year, we must develop the habit of keeping our words and testimony in harmony with God's Word and what He tells us. Edited. Shared.
To be Continued.
❤️
God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
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