Blessing or Curse :You Can Choose

Books byDerekPrince

Biography

AppointmentinJerusalem

DerekPrince:ABiographyGuides tothe Life ofFaith

Atonement:YourAppointmentwithGodTheEndofLife’s JourneyFaithtoLiveBy

GodIsaMatchmaker

God’sRemedyforRejectionTheGraceofYieldingHow

toFastSuccessfullyHusbandsandFathersTheMarriage CovenantRediscoveringGod’sChurchRulesof

Engagement

ShapingHistorythroughPrayerandFastingSpiritual Warfare

Thanksgiving,Praise&WorshipTheyShallExpel DemonsThroughthePsalmswithDerekPrince TransformedforLifeWarinHeaven

SystematicBibleExposition

TheSpirit-FilledBeliever’sHandbookPromisedLand Self-StudyBibleCourse

©1990,2000,2006byDerekPrinceMinistries–InternationalPublishedbyChosenBooks adivisionofBakerPublishingGroup

P.O.Box6287,GrandRapids,MI49516-6287 www.chosenbooks.com

PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybe reproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedin anyformorbyanymeans forexample,electronic, photocopy,recording withoutthepriorwrittenpermission ofthepublisher.Theonlyexceptionisbriefquotationsin printedreviews.

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataPrince, Derek.

Blessingorcurse:youcanchoose/DerekPrince. 3rded. p.cm.

Originallypublished:c1990.

ISBN10:0-8007-9408-7(pbk.)

ISBN978-0-8007-9408-8(pbk.)

1.Success—Religiousaspects—Christianity.2.

Blessingandcursing.3.BlessingandcursingintheBible. I.Title.

BV4598.3.P732006

248.4 dc222006014241

Unlessotherwiseindicated,ScriptureistakenfromtheNew KingJamesVersion.Copyright©1982byThomasNelson, Inc.Usedbypermission.Allrightsreserved.

ScripturemarkedKJVistakenfromtheKingJamesVersion oftheBible.

ScripturemarkedNASBistakenfromtheNewAmerican StandardBible®,Copyright©1960,1962,1963,1968,1971, 1972,1973,1975,1977,1995byTheLockmanFoundation. Usedbypermission.

ScripturemarkedNIVistakenfromtheHOLYBIBLE, NEWINTERNATIONALVERSION®1973,1978,1984 byInternationalBibleSociety.Usedbypermissionof Zondervan.Allrightsreserved.

ScripturemarkedTLBistakenfrom The Living Bible, copyright©1971.UsedbypermissionofTyndaleHouse Publishers,Inc.,Wheaton,IL60189.Allrightsreserved.

Toprotecttheprivacyofsomeoftheindividualsreferredto, namesofpersonsandplaces,andsomeotherdetails,have inafewcasesbeenchanged.

ImportantAfterwords

Notes

Foreword

Theauthorofthisbookwasmymentorandspiritualfather. Itwastheprivilegeofmywife,Bonnie,andmetoassistthis greatservantofGodandworkalongsideDerekPrinceas co-pastorsforeighteenyears.Overtheyears,westarted travelingasanapostolicteam.Derekwouldoftenhaveme holdtheevangelisticandhealingservices.

Ourliveshavebeeninfluencedandtransformedbythe profoundtruthsDerekPrincesharedwithus.Hewasour friendandseniorelder.Hestewardedthesetruthswith graceandintegrity,withjoyandhumor,andwithout religiosityorlegalism.

OnourfirstpilgrimagetoIsrael,BonnieandIshared dinnerwithDerekandRuthPrinceontheshoresoftheSea ofGalilee.HeinsistedonbuyingmeSt.Peter’sfish.Asthe steamingplattercameout,Derek,withaseriousface,told meitwascustomaryforpilgrimsontheirfirstjourneyto GalileetoeattheeyesofthisfishinhonorofSt.Peter.

Beingagooddisciple,Iimmediatelybitintothem.Itwasthe mostterriblestuffIhadevertasted.AsIwaswipingmy tonguewithsomewettowels,Ilookedup.Derekwas grinning.Helovedtoteasehisfriendswithpracticaljokes.

Overtheyears,Isawformyselfthepracticaloutworking ofthetruthssharedinthisbookinthelivesofcountless

peopleinAfrica,America,AsiaandEurope.

IrecallourmissiontriptoZambia.Wewereministering deepintheinteriorofAfrica,overlookingtheZambezi River,wherethousandsofareavillagershadgatheredto hearGod’sWord.Derek,RuthandIstayedinanearby ramshacklehousewithbigholesintheroof.Lizardswould oftendropthroughtheroofasDerekwouldinstructthelead pastorsandshareasimplelunchofsoupandbread.

Abigfieldhadbeenclearedclosetotheriver,andalarge crowdhadgatheredtohearthetruthssharedinthisbook. Andwesawwonderfulmiracles,affirmingthatmany experiencedgreatdeliverancesfromcursesthathadyoked themforgenerations.Inthelateevening,wewouldwalk backthroughthebushtoourlodging,carefullyholding kerosenelanternssoasnottostepontheabundant poisonoussnakesthatslitheredallaround.

AsthosehumbleAfricanpastorssaidfarewell,they thankedusandobserved,“Thelastnotableministryteamto visitusbeforeyourswasDr.DavidLivingstone’s.Thank youforthismessage.Nowweknowwedon’thavetobe afraidofthesorcerersandtheircurses.Thecursescanbe broken.Wehaveheardandseenthatthepowerofthe crosstriumphsoverall.”

InthosegreatapostolicjourneyswithDerekPrince,I sawthegreatnessoftheGospelmessage,thebreakingof

cursesandtheimportanceoftheblessing.Isawthatthese truthscantransformandhealfamilies,citiesandnations.

Wearetolayholdoftheblessingforourselves,ourchildren andournations,asdidJacobinthebookofGenesis.

WhenRebekahpushedJacobtothefrontofthelineto receivehisfather’sblessing,shewasonamissionfrom God.Jacobfeareddiscovery,buthismothersaid,“I’lltake thecurse.Youobeymyvoice.”Rebekahhadgonefrom barrentodoublyblessed.Sometwentyyearsafterhersons wereborn,thesecondofthosetwinsinheritedtheblessing ofafirstbornson.Accordingtotradition,Jacobshouldnot havegottentheblessing.Accordingtohisabilities,Jacob shouldnothavegottentheblessing.Accordingtotheword ofhisownfather,Jacobshouldnothavegottentheblessing.

ButthepowerofablessingthatcomesfromGodis strongerthananycursetheworldormancanbringdown! ThepoweroftheblessingthatcomesfromGodwill overtakeanypowerofdestructionorfailurechasingyou. ThefavorthatcameonJacobwastheblessingofGodon HisfriendAbraham,Jacob’sgrandfather.Thecovenant promisethatGodhadmadetoAbrahamwasaliveand active,evengenerationsafterAbrahamhaddied.That covenantandthosepromisesweretherootandforeshadow ofthepromiseandblessingthatcometoyouandme throughfaithinChrist.

Theshadowofthecrossfallingoveraperson’slifeis morepowerfulthananyothershadow.Jesustookthe cursesofsinanddeaththatwemightreceivetheblessings ofobediencetoHisWord.Inthecrossweareredeemed fromeverycurse.Ultimatelypoverty,failure,disease, violence,destructionandevendeathmuststopbeforethe shadowofthecrossthatJesusraisedupforourlives.

TheturmoilRebekahexperiencedcausedhertofearthat somethingterriblewashappening.ItdrovehertoGod,and shediscoveredthesecretofHisblessing.Thekeyto receivingtheongoingblessingwasobediencetothevoiceof God.

CenturiesafterHispromisetoAbraham,Goddelivered somethreemillionofAbraham’sdescendantsfromslavery anddeathinEgypt.HowdidHedoit?Hediditbythe powerofthebloodofalamb.Today,twothousandyears afterHisdeathandresurrection,thepowerofthecrossof Christstillprevailsinbreakingcursesandreleasingthe blessing.

BonnieandIpraythatyouwillbetouchedand transformedbymyfriend’sgreatteachingsonhowto recognizeandreleaseyourselffromcurses.Mayyouand yourfamilyalwayswalkintheblessings.Itis,asDerek wouldemphasize,becauseofthecross.

Introduction

Inthe1970sDerekPrincebegantounfoldforbelieversan astonishing,life-changingteachingfromtheBiblethatfew peoplehadeverheard.Itwasathoroughlyscripturaland God-blessedmessageaboutblessingsandcurses.

Thisstartlingrevelation whichhewouldcontinueto developandgainspiritualinsightaboutoverthenextthree decades hasprofoundlyinfluencedseveralgenerationsof theologiansandpreachers.Moreimportantly,ithasprovided asimplekeytoabetterlifeforhundredsofthousandsof Christiansallovertheworld.

DerekPrincemaynotbefamiliartoyou.Heisnota householdnameinChristiancirclestoday.Nevertheless,he standsasoneofthetrulyextraordinaryBibleteachersand theologiansofthetwentiethcentury.

ABritishcitizenborninIndia,PrincewasEton-educated andCambridge-trained(acontemporaryandacquaintance ofC.S.Lewisthere).Foratimepriortohisdramatic conversionexperience,heheldaprestigiousfellowshipin ancientandmodernphilosophyatCambridge.Butoncehis amazingintellectwassubmittedtoChristandilluminatedby theHolySpirit,hebecameaformidableforcefor communicatingthetruthsofScripture.Asaclassically trainedphilosopherandunabashedcharismatic,hewasthat

toorareconfluenceofacademicrigorandopennesstothe supernatural.TheWordandpower.TruthandSpirit.

Acrossthebetterpartoffivedecades,incountlesscities onsixcontinents,DerekPrincetaught,preached, encouraged,proclaimed,impartedandinspired.Andall alongthewayhewrote.Itwouldbedifficulttooverstate theimpactandinfluencethishumble,self-effacingteacher hashadaroundtheworld.

Intheautumnof2003DerekPrincediedinhisbeloved Jerusalem—hishomefornearlytwentyyears.Hewas88. Heleftbehindsomewonderfulgifts.Tothosewhohadthe privilegeofknowinghim,heleftaninspiringexample one ofyieldednesstoGod,lovefortheChurch,aheartforIsrael andaroaringpassiontoseeGod’speoplewalkinthe fullnessofthefreedomandauthorityChristpurchasedfor them.

Toallofusheleftanastonishingvolumeofteachingin books,articles,sermonsandletters.Younowholdinyour handsauniquefragmentofthattreasure.Inthisnewly revisedandexpandedversionof Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose,youwillfindahelpfulcorrespondingstudy guideattheendofeachchapter.

Weareconfidentthatasyouabsorbandapplythetruths youwillfindherein—whetheryouarestudyingaloneorasa group youwilldiscovertruthstohelpyouwalkingreater

freedom,blessingandheavenlyeffectivenessthanever before.

MayyoutrulyexperiencealloftheblessingJesusdiedto purchaseforyou.

Blessing or Curse StudyCourse

Wearedelightedtoincludeinthisnewthirdeditionof Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose astudycoursefor grouporindividualuse.Theselessons,whichappearatthe endofeachchapter,includereviewquestionsaboutthat chapter(withanswersattheendofthestudy),life applicationquestionsformeditationordiscussion,amemory verseandafaithresponse.

Wehavealsoaddedtestimoniestothebeginningofeach ofthethreesectionsofthebooktoencourageyou.

GettingReady

•Prayatthestartofeachchapter,askingtheHolySpirit toteachyou.

•Readthechapter.

•Onceyouhavefinished,tacklethestudy.Recordyour answersonaseparatesheetofpaper.(Itisimportant thatyourecordyouranswers;youwillusethemin laterstudies.)

•Readthememoryversealoudandlatercommititto memory.

•Speakthefaithresponse.

•Prayatthecloseofeachstudy,askingtheHolySpiritto confirmwhatyouhavelearnedandapplyittoyourlife.

MemoryVerseHelps

•Itiseasiesttomemorizeaverseonephraseatatime.

Readthephraseseveraltimes;thentrysayingitfrom memory.Dothisuntilyouhavethephrasememorized.

Gotothenextphraseandaddthattothepreviousone. Readbothtogetherseveraltimes;thentrysayingboth phrasesfrommemory.Dothisuntilyouhave memorizedbothphrases.Continuewiththerestofthe verse,phrasebyphrase.

•Writethememoryverseona3x5indexcard.Carry thecardwithyouorputitinaplacewhereyouwillsee iteveryday.Saytheverseseveraltimesaday.

•Usetheverseinprayerandmeditation.

Section1 Blessings andCurses

ThisdayIcallheavenandearthaswitnessesagainstyou thatIhavesetbeforeyoulifeanddeath,blessingsand curses.Nowchooselife,sothatyouandyourchildrenmay live....

Introduction

Itcouldbeyouandyourfamily.Orthefamilynextdoor. Orthepersonwhoworkswithyou.Whoeveritmaybe,his orherlifeisahistoryofdisappointments,frustrationsand eventragedies.Somehowthestoryneverends.

Conversely,weallknowfamilieswhoaresimilarin backgroundandsocialposition andyettroublenever seemstotouchthem.Theyarealmost“toogoodtobe true.”

Inbothcases,invisibleforcesareatworkthatdetermine eachperson’sdestiny,whetherforbetterorforworse.The Bibleidentifiestheserespectivelyas blessings and curses. Furthermore,itshowsushowtorelatetotheseforcesin suchawaythatwecanenjoythebeneficialeffectsofthe oneandprotectourselvesfromtheharmfuleffectsofthe other.

Ascripturalunderstandingofbothblessingsandcurses, andhowtheywork,willgiveyouatotallynewperspective onyourownlife,andananswertoproblemsthathave hithertoperplexedandfrustratedyou.

Thisteachinghaschangedmylife.Lookingbackon thepast,Ireallydon’tthinkI’dbealivetodayifI hadnotheededtheteachingsonself-inflictedand

WrestlingwithShadows

Tothesuperficialobserver,humanlifepresentsaconfused minglingoflightandshadow,arrangedaccordingtono recognizablepattern,governedbynodiscerniblelaws.

Acrossthisscenetwomenmaystartoutwalkingsideby side.Similarinbackgroundandability,theyareheadedin thesamedirection.Yetonewalksalmostalwaysinthelight ofsuccessandfulfillment.Theother,closebyhim,scarcely seesthelight.Heiscontinuallyovershadowedbyfailureand frustration,andhislifeissnuffedoutatanuntimelyage.

Neitherofthesemenunderstandstheforcesatworkin hislife.Thesourcesoflightandshadowarehiddentothem both.Probablytheyhaveneverevenconsideredthe possibilitythatbothlightandshadowmayhavetheirsource inpreviousgenerations.

TheBiblespeaksplainlyabouttheseforces.Infact,ithas agreatdealtosayaboutthem.Itcallsthemrespectively blessings and curses.

Letuslookcloser,foramoment,atthemanunderthe shadows.Hedoesalltherightthings:changeshisjobor placeofresidence;acquiresfurthervocationalskills;studies

allthelatestliteratureonpositivethinking.Perhapsheeven takesacourseonhowtoreleasesomemysterious “potential”withinhimself.

Yetsuccesseludeshim.Hischildrenarerebellious,his marriageunderstrain,accidentsandillnessesroutine.His cherishedgoalsslipthroughhisfingerslikewaterthrough thefingersofadrowningman.Heis“haunted”byasense ofinevitablefailure,whichhecanperhapspostpone,but neverovercome.

Allhislifehehasthesenseofstrugglingagainst somethinghecannotidentify somethingamorphousand elusive.Hefeelsattimesasifheiswrestlingwitha shadow.Nomatterhowhardhestruggles,hecannot pinpointthecauseofhisproblemorgetagriponit.Often hefeelslikegivingup.

“What’stheuse?”heexclaims.“Nothingevergoesright forme!Myfatherhadthesameproblems.Hewasa failure,too!”

Thepersonundertheshadowscouldjustaswellbea woman,ofcourse.Shehasmarriedyoungandstartedout withallsortsofplansforasuccessfulmarriageandahappy home.Shefindsherself,however,onaninvisibleteetertotter “up”onedayand“down”thenext.Physically,she goesfromoneproblemtoanother,alwaysonthevergeof health,butneverquiteachievingit.Hersonbeginstoabuse

drugsandthenherhusbandleavesher.Onedayshewakes uptotheshockingrealizationthatsheherselfhasbecome analcoholic.

Likethemanundertheshadows,thiswoman,too,didall therightthings.Shestudiedbooksonnutritionandchild psychology.Inherpursuitofsuccess,shegoadedherselfon fromoneefforttothenext eachonedemandingallthe strengththatshecouldmuster.Yetshewatchedother women,withlessmotivationorqualifications,achievethe goalssheherselfcouldneverattain.

Asyoulookcloseratthepersonundertheshadows, perhapsyouseesomethingthatremindsyouofyourself. Youfeelasifyouarelookingatyourownlife but somehowfromapointoutsideyourself.Withashock,you begintowonderifthecauseofyourproblemscouldbethe same:a curse going back to preceding generations. Oragain,itmaynotbeyourselfthatyousee,but someoneclosetoyou aspouseorafamilymemberora dearfriend.Youhaveoftenagonizedoverthispersonand longedforsomerayofhope,butalwaysinvain.Nowyou areconfrontedwithapossibleexplanationoftheshadows, whichisanewideatoyou.Couldtherootoftheproblem reallybeacurse?

Yourmindgoesbacktoeventsandsituationsinyourlife orthatofyourfamilythatneverseemedtomakesense.

Youtriedmanytimestodismissthemfromyourthoughts, butnevercompletelysucceeded.Yourealizethatyouneed toknowmore. Suppose I amthe one under a curse,you maysaytoyourself. What can I do? What could be its source?

Acursecouldalsobelikenedtoalong,evilarmstretched outfromthepast.Itrestsuponyouwithadark,oppressive forcethatinhibitsthefullexpressionofyourpersonality. Youneverfeelcompletelyfreetobeyourself.Yousense thatyouhavepotentialwithinyouthatisneverfully developed.Youalwaysexpectmoreofyourselfthanyou areabletoachieve.

Oragain,thatlong,evilarmmayhavetheeffectof trippingyouupasyouwalk.Yourwayseemsclearbefore you,butfromtimetotimeyoustumble—yetyoucannotsee whatitwasyoustumbledover.Forsomeuncannyreason, themomentsatwhichyoustumblearethosewhenyouare withinreachofattainingsomelong-soughtgoal.Yetyour goaleludesyou.

Actually,theword uncanny couldbelikenedtoared warninglight.Youexperienceeventsorsituationsforwhich youcanfindnonaturalorlogicalreason.Itseemsthatthere issomeforceatworkthatisnotcompletelysubjecttothe usuallawsofnatureorofaverages.

Thereisonewordthatsumsuptheeffectsofacurse:

frustration.Youreachacertainlevelofachievementin yourlifeandeverythinglookssetforabrightfuture.You havealltheobviousqualifications andyetsomethinggoes wrong!Soyoustartalloveragain,andreachthesamelevel asbefore,butonceagainthingsgowrong.Afterthis happensseveraltimes,yourealizeitisthepatternofyour life.Yetyoucannotseeanyobviousreasonforit.

Manypeoplehavesharedwithmethestoryofalifethat hasasimilarpattern.Theindividualdetailsmaydiffer,but thepatternisthere.Oftensuchpeoplesaysomethinglike, “Thesamethingalwayshappenedtomyfather.Ifeelasif I’mrelivinghisfrustrations,”or,“Icanhearmygrandfather sayingagainandagain,‘Thingsnevergorightforme.’”

Thispatternmayoccurinvariousareasofpeople’slives: business,career,healthorfinance.Nearlyalwaysithas somekindofnegativeeffectonpersonalrelationships especiallymarriageandfamily.Frequently,too,itaffectsnot justoneisolatedindividual,butalargersocialgroup.Most oftenthiswouldbeafamily,butitcanextendtoawider circle,suchasacommunityoranation.

Itwouldbemisleading,however,tosuggestthatacurse alwayscausesapersontofail.Apersonmayachievewhat appearstoberealsuccessandyetbeplaguedbyfrustration, neverenjoyingthefruitsofsuccess.

OnaministryjourneyinSoutheastAsiaImetan

intelligent,well-educatedfemalejudge,whowasdescended fromroyalty.SheknewJesuspersonallyasherSaviorand wasnotconsciousofanyunconfessedsininherlife.Yet shetoldmethatshewasnottrulysatisfied.Hersuccessful careerandherhighsocialpositionhadnotbroughther personalfulfillment.

AsItalkedwithher,Idiscoveredthatshewasdescended frommanygenerationsofidolworshipers.Iexplainedtoher that,accordingtoExodus20:3–5,Godhadpronounceda curseonidolworshipersdowntothethirdandfourth generations.ThenIshowedherhowtoreceiverelease fromthiscursethroughJesusherSavior.

Sometimescursesmaynothavetheirorigininprevious generations.Theymaybetheresultofdeedsoreventsin yourownlifetime.Oritmaybethatacursefromprevious generationshasbeencompoundedbythingsyouyourself havedone.Whateverthesourceofyourproblem,however, onethingiscertain:Youarestrugglingwithsomethingthat youcanneitheridentifynorunderstand.

Likethatjudge,you,too,mayhavetastedsuccess.You doindeedknowthesweetnessofit butitneverlasts!

Suddenly,fornoreasonyoucanexplain,youare dissatisfied.Depressionsettlesoveryoulikeacloud.All yourachievementsseemsoinsubstantial.

Youlookatotherswhoappearcontentinsimilar

circumstances,andyouaskyourself, What’s wrong with me? Why don’t I ever experience real fulfillment?

Perhapsatthispointyourreactionissomethinglikethis: Some of these descriptions really fit me. Does that mean there is no hope for me? Do I have to go on like this for the rest of my life?

No,thereishopeforyou!Donotbediscouraged.Asyou readon,youwilldiscoverthatGodhasprovidedaremedy andyouwillbegivensimple,practicalinstructionsonhowto applytheremedyinyourownlife.

Meanwhile,youwillfindencouragementinthefollowing lettersIreceivedfromtwopeoplewholistenedtomyradio Bible-teachingprogramonthetheme“FromCurseto Blessing.”Thefirstletterisfromamanandthesecond fromawoman.

IlistenedtoyourmessagesonthecurseandIfound outthatIhadbeenunderoneforyearsandnever knewit.Iwasneverabletobesuccessfulinlife, andconstantlysufferedfromfeelingsof homosexuality,thoughIneverfueledthefeelings intoaction.IhavebeenaChristianfor10yearsnow butbecauseofthecursewasneverabletogetas closetoGodasIwantedto.Ibecamevery depressed.

SinceIhavebeenfreedfromthiscurseIhavefelt sofreeinJesusandaliveinHim.Ihaveneverfelt soclosetoGod!

Thankyouforyourrecentbroadcastsoncursesandyour booklet“FromCursetoBlessing.”Mylifehasbeengreatly changedbythem.

FormostofmylifeIhavebeentroubledbyrecurring depression,andaltogetherforfiveyearsIhavebeenunder thecareofapsychiatrist.

ThisspringaladyprayedwithmeandformeandI renouncedallinvolvementwiththeoccult,suchastarot cardsandtealeaves.PraisetheLord,thebeginningofreal freedom!

ThenIheardyourbroadcastsonbeingunderacurse withoutreallyknowingitandprayedwithyouasyouprayed theprayerofreleasefromcurses.NowIamfree!

ItisasifadamhasbrokenandGodcanmoveinmy spirit.TheblockageisgoneandIhavegrownsomuch spirituallyinafewweeksthatIcanonlypraiseHimforHis blessing.SometimesIweepwhenIthinkaboutallHehas doneandisdoingforme,anditissucharelieftobeableto relax.

Truly,weworshipawonderfulGod!

Questions for the Study

1.WhatarethetwoforcesthattheBiblestatescan determinetheoutcomeofanindividual’swalkinlife?

2.Cansuccesseludesomeonewhoworkshard,gets advancedschoolingorthinkspositively?Ifso,whatis onemainreason?

3.Cancursesbegenerational?ReadDeuteronomy 28:45–46andExodus20:3–5.

4.Whatisonewordthatcansumuptheeffectsofa curse?

5.Doesacurseaffectonlythepersonlivingunderit?

6.Canapersonunderacursestillachievesuccess?

7.Sometimescursesmaynothavetheirorigininprevious generations.Whatelsemaycausethem?

8.Ifyoufeelyouareunderacurse,doesthismeanthere isnohopeforyou?

Life Application

1.Doyouseeyourself(orsomeoneyouknow)living underthecircumstancesdescribedinthischapter? Whatspecificallydoyouseethatmightindicatethata curseisinoperation?

2.Howhasthisaffectedthosearoundyou(oraroundthe person)?

3.Doyouseeanypossiblegenerationalcursesin operationinyourfamily?Ifso,whatspecifically?

4.Isthereanareaofyourlifeinwhichfrustrationisa recurringexperience?Ifso,whatisthatarea?

5.ThereishopeintheLord.Readthetwolettersof encouragementonpages21–22.

Memory Verse

“Behold,Isetbeforeyoutodayablessingandacurse:the blessing,ifyouobeythecommandmentsoftheLORD your GodwhichIcommandyoutoday.”

Deuteronomy11:26–27

Faith Response

Lord, because I desire to be blessed, I choose this day to obey Your Word and to live my life following the example You set for us.

Answers

1.Blessingsandcurses.

2.Yes,becausethereisacurseoverthatperson.

3.Yes.

4.Frustration.

5.No,itcanaffectafamily,acommunityoranation.

6.Yes,thoughheorsheisnotabletoenjoyit.

7.Deedsoreventsinyourownlifetime.

8.No,becauseGodhasprovidedaremedy.

Invisible Barriers

InpreviousyearsIspentmuchtimecounselingpeoplelike thosedescribedinthepreviouschapter.Butitwasoftena frustratingtask.Certainpeoplewouldprogressspirituallyup toapoint,andthentheyseemedtoencounteraninvisible barrier.Itwasnotthattheylackedsincerityordedication.

Infact,theyoftenseemedmoresincereanddedicatedthan otherswhomadebetterprogress.Theywouldacceptthe counselIgavethemandtrytoputitintopractice,butthe resultswere tosaytheleast disappointing,bothforthem andforme.

Afterdealingwithsuchacase,Iwouldfindmyself praying,“Lord,whyisitthatIcannotbetterhelpthis person?IstheresomethingIdon’tunderstand something morethatIneedtoknow?”Afterawhile,Irealizedthat Godwasansweringmyprayer.Hebegantodrawasidea veilandtorevealaworldofpowerfulforcesthatdonot operateaccordingtonaturallaws.Therevelationdidnot comeallatonce,butstepbystepasIdiscernedasingle threadrunningthroughaseriesofapparentlyunconnected incidents.

OnekeyincidentoccurredwhenIwasaguestspeakerin aPresbyterianchurch.Ihadcometotheendofmy preparedmessage,andwasuncertainhowtoproceed.AsI remainedstandingbehindthepulpit,Inoticedafamily father,motherandteenagedaughter onthefrontrowto myleft.Thethoughtcametome, There is a curse over that family.Thiswasnotrelatedtothethemeofmy message,ortoanythingIhadinmindatthattime.Yetthe impressionwouldnotleaveme:There is a curse over that family.

Finally,aftersomemomentsofhesitation,Isteppedout frombehindthepulpitandwentovertothefather.I explainedtohimwhatIwasfeelingandaskedifhewould likemetorevokethecurseandreleasethefamilyfromitin thenameofJesus.Herepliedimmediatelythathewould.It wasthefirsttimeIhadeverdoneanythinglikethis,andI wasquitesurprisedthatthemansoreadilyacceptedmy statement.OnlylaterdidIcometounderstandwhy.

Isteppedbackbehindthepulpitandsaidabriefprayer outloud,breakingthecurseoverthefamily.Iwasnot touchinganymemberofthefamilyasIprayed,butwhenI concludedwiththewords In the name of Jesus,therewas adistinct,visible,physicalreactioninthewholefamily.A momentaryshudderseemedtopassthrougheachofthemin turn.

AtthispointInoticedthatthegirl,whowasabout eighteenyearsold,hadherleftleginacastfromabovethe thightothebottomofherfoot.Iwentovertothefather againandaskedifhewouldlikemetoprayforhis daughter’slegtobehealed.Againherespondedvery positively,thenadded,“Butyouneedtoknowthatshehas brokenthesamelegthreetimesineighteenmonths,andthe doctorssayitwillnotheal.”

Today,suchastatement thatapersonhadbrokenthe samelegthreetimesineighteenmonths wouldsetoffan alarmbellinsideme,warningthatacursewasatwork.At thetime,however,Ididnotseeanyconnectionbetweena curseandsuchanunnaturalseriesofaccidents.Imerely pickeduptheleginitscast,helditinmyhandsandprayeda simpleprayerforhealing.

SomeweekslaterIreceivedaletterfromthefather, thankingmeforwhathadhappened.Hesaidthatwhenthey tooktheirdaughterbacktotheclinic,anewX-rayshowed thatherleghadhealed.Shortlyafterwardthecastwas removed.

Healsomentionedbrieflyaseriesofstrange,unhappy incidentsthathadaffectedthelifeofhisfamily,andthis explainedhisreadinesstoacknowledgetheneedforthe wholefamilytobereleasedfromacurse.

Inthemonthsthatfollowed,mymindkeptreturningto

thisincident.Ifeltthattherewassomethingsignificant abouttheorderinwhichtheHolySpirithadledme.First, Hehadrevealedthecurseoverthefamilyandhad promptedmetorevokeit.OnlythenhadHereleasedmeto prayforthehealingofthedaughter’sleg.IfIhadprayed forhealingwithoutfirstrevokingthecurse,wouldtheleg havebeenhealed?

ThemoreIponderedthis,themoreIwasconvincedthat therevokingofthecursewasanessentialpreludetothe healingofthegirl’sleg.Itwasaninvisiblebarrierthatwould havepreventedthehealingGodwantedhertoreceive.

Allthisseemedtotieinsomehowwithanincidentinmy ownlife.In1904mymaternalgrandfatherhadcommanded aBritishexpeditionaryforcesenttosuppresstheBoxer RebellioninChina.Hehadreturnedwithvariousspecimens ofChineseart,whichbecamefamilyheirlooms.In1970,at thedeathofmymother,someofthempassedbyinheritance tome.

Oneofthemostinterestingitemswasasetoffour exquisitelyembroidereddragons,whichfoundaplaceof honoronthewallsofourlivingroom.Theirblendofcolors mainlypurpleandscarlet wastypicallyOriental.They hadfiveclawsoneachfoot,which anexpertinformedme indicatedtheywere“imperial”dragons.And,becausemy grandfatherhadbeenveryclosetome,theybroughtback

memoriesofmyearlyyearsintheirhome.

Aboutthistime,Ibegantosensesomekindofopposition thatIcouldnotdefineoridentify tothesuccessofmy ministry.Itmanifesteditselfinvariouskindsoffrustrations, apparentlyunrelated,butwhichproducedacumulative pressureagainstme.Iencounteredbarriersof communicationthathadneverbeentherebeforewith peopleclosetome.OthersonwhomIhadbeenrelying failedtokeeptheircommitments.Asubstantiallegacyfrom mymother’sestatewasdelayedinterminablybyalawyer’s inefficiency.

EventuallyIsetasideaperiodforintensiveprayerand fasting.Quitesoon,Ibegantonoticeachangeinmy attitudetowardthedragons.Fromtimetotime,asIlooked atthem,aquestionwouldforminmymind:Who in the Bible is represented as a dragon? Ihadnodoubtabout theanswer:Satan.1

Thisquestionwouldbefollowedbyanother:Is it appropriate for you, as a servant of Christ, to display in your home objects that typify Christ’s great adversary, Satan? Again,theanswerwasclear:No!Myinnerstruggle continuedforawhile,butfinallyIgotridofthedragons.I didthisasasimpleactofobedience,withoutanyulterior motive.

Atthatperiod,IwasservingasaBibleteachertothe

Churchatlarge,speakingtogroupsofvariouskinds throughouttheUnitedStates.Myincome,whichcamefrom thehonorariaIreceived,wasjustsufficienttocoverthe basicneedsofmyfamily.ShortlyafterIgotridofthe dragons,however,myfinancialpositionunderwenta dramaticimprovement.Withoutanyspecialplanningonmy part,oranysignificantchangeinthenatureorscopeofmy ministry,myincomemorethandoubled.Alsomylongdelayedlegacyfinallycamethrough.

Ibegantowonderiftherewassomeundiscovered principlethatlinkedthisunexpectedimprovementinmy personalfinanceswiththehealingofthegirlwiththebroken leg.Inthecaseofthegirl,acurseoverherfamilyhadbeen aninvisiblebarriertohealing.Whenthebarrierhadbeen removed,healinghadfollowed.Inmycase,too,perhaps therehadbeenaninvisiblebarrier nottophysicalhealing, buttothefinancialprosperitythatprovedtobeanimportant elementinGod’splanformylife.

ThemoreIponderedthis,themorecertainIbecamethat thoseembroidereddragonshadbroughtacurseintomy house.Bydisposingofthem,Ihadreleasedmyselffromthe curseandopenedmyselfuptotheblessingGodhadplanned forme.

Thesechangesenabledmetobuyahome,whichwasto playadecisivepartinthesubsequentextensionofmy

ministry.Nineyearslater,Isoldthathouseformorethan threetimesasmuchasIhadpaidforit!Thismoneycame exactlyatatimewhenGodwaschallengingmetomajor newfinancialcommitments.

Thatexperiencewiththedragonsgavemenewinsight intothepassageinDeuteronomy7:25–26whereMoses warnedIsraelagainstanyassociationwiththeidolatrous nationsofCanaan:

“Youshallburnthecarvedimagesoftheirgodswith fire;youshallnotcovetthesilverorgoldthatison them,nortakeitforyourselves,lestyoubesnared byit;foritisanabominationtotheLORD yourGod.

Norshallyoubringanabominationintoyourhouse, lestyoubedoomedtodestructionlikeit.Youshall utterlydetestitandutterlyabhorit,foritisan accursedthing.”

Myembroidereddragonswerenotcarvedimages,but theycertainlywereimagesofafalsegodwhohadbeen worshipedformillenniainChina.Bybringingthemintomy home,Ihadunknowinglyexposedmyself andmyfamily withme toacurse.HowgratefulIwastotheHolySpirit foropeningmyeyestowhatwasatstake!

ThisledmetomakeasystematicstudyoftheBible’s teachingonbothblessingsandcurses.Iwassurprisedby

howmuchtheBiblehastosayaboutthem.Wordsfor bless or blessing occurabout410times excludinginstances wherethewordintheoriginaltextmerelyhasthemeaning of“happy”or“fortunate”(as,forinstance,inthe Beatitudes).Theword curse,invariousforms,occursabout 230times.ThiscausedmetoreflecthowlittleteachingI hadeverheardonthisthemeinalltheyearsofmyChristian experience.Infact,Icouldnotrecallhearingevenone messagethatdealtsystematicallywiththiswholesubject.

Asaresultofmystudy,Ibegantoteachaboutcursesin mypublicministry.EachtimeIdidthis,Iwassurprisedboth bythepowerfulimpactthisteachingproducedandbythe numberofpeoplewhoobviouslyneededtohearit.Tapes fromsomeofthesemeetingswerecirculatedtoother groups,andastonishingreportscamebacktome.Oftenit seemedthatthemessagehadtransformednotmerelythe livesofindividuals,butevenwholecongregations.

EventuallyIreleasedthreecassettesentitled“Curses: CauseandCure.”

Subsequently,onatriptoSouthAfrica,ImetaJewish ladywhohadcometoacknowledgeJesusasherMessiah.

Thislady whomIwillcallMiriam personallydescribed tomywife,Ruth,andmethemiracleshehadexperienced throughlisteningtothosethreetapes.

Miriamhadbeenworkingasexecutivesecretaryfora

businessmanwhowaspresidentofhisowncompany.She haddiscoveredthatheremployerandalltheexecutivesin thecompanywereinsomestrangecultthatwasledbya female“guru.”

OnedayMiriam’semployerhandedheracassetteand said,“Herearesomeblessingsthatourguruhas pronouncedoverus.Pleasetypethem.”Asshebeganto type,Miriamrealizedthatthe“blessings”wereactually fortunetelling,withstrongoccultovertones.Sheexplainedto heremployerthatsuchthingswerecontrarytoherfaithin theLordJesusandtheBible,andaskedtobeexcused.Her employerwasgraciousandapologizedforhavingaskedher todosomethingagainstherconscience.

Almostimmediatelyafterthis,Miriambegantodevelop acutepaininbothhands.Herfingerscurledupandbecame absolutelyrigid.Shewasnolongerabletocarryouther tasksasasecretary.Thepainwassointensethatshecould notsleepinthesamebedasherhusband,becauseevery timeheturnedover,themovementofthebedcaused unbearableagonyinherfingers.X-raydiagnosisrevealed thatherproblemwasrheumatoidarthritis.

AChristianfriendofMiriam’sheardofherdistressand broughthermytapeson“Curses”tolistento.Miriamwasa rathersophisticatedlady,skepticalaboutsuchthingsas curses,whichsheassociatedwiththeMiddleAges.Shehad

wondered,however,iftherewasanyconnectionbetween herrefusaltotypethe“blessing”andthesubsequent problemwithherhands.Coulditbethattheguruhad pronouncedacurseonher?Sosheconsentedtolisten, feelingliketheproverbialdrowningman“clutchingata straw.”

WhentheyreachedthepointinthethirdtapewhereIled peopleinaprayerofreleasefromanycurseovertheirlives, thecassettejammed.Itwouldnotgoforwardorbackward, neitherwoulditeject!

“Obviously,then,Ican’tpraytheprayer!”Miriam responded.

Miriam’sfriendhadpreviouslytypedouttheconcluding prayerofrelease,however,andhadacopywithher.She insistedthatMiriamreadtheprayeroutloud.Onceagain Miriam’sskepticismasserteditself.Shecouldnotseehow readingwordsfromatypedsheetcouldhaveanyeffecton theconditionofherhands.

Eventually,however,Miriamyieldedtoherfriend’s insistence,andbegantoreadtheprayeroutloud.Asshedid so,herfingersuncurledandbecamefree.Thepainceased, andbythetimeshehadfinishedreadingtheprayer,shewas completelyhealed.Thewholeexperiencehadlastedonlya fewminutes.

LaterMiriamreturnedtoherdoctor,whohadtakenthe

firstX-rays.AsecondsetofX-raysrevealednotraceof arthritis.

Onefeatureofthisincidentisparticularlysignificant.The prayerofreleasethatMiriamread made no reference to physical healing.Herhandswerehealedsolelyasaresult ofprayingforreleasefromacurse.

Herewasfurther,dramaticevidencethatacursecanbe abarriertokeeppeoplefromreceivinghealing.Thesame hadbeentrueofthegirlwiththebrokenleg.Inmyown case,ontheotherhand,anunsuspectedcursehadbeen keepingmefromthelevelofprosperitythatGodhad intendedforme.

Ifacursecouldbeabarriertoblessingssuchashealing orprosperity,wasitnotpossible orevenprobable that manyotherkindsofblessingwerelikewisebeingwithheld forthesamereason?ItwasonthisbasisthatIsetmyselfto seektheanswerstothreerelatedquestions:

First,howcanwerecognizethatacurseisoperatingin ourlives?

Second,whatmustwedotorevokeacurseandrelease ourselvesfromitsconsequences?

Third,howcanweenterintotheblessingofGod?

Theresultsofmysearcharepresentedinthe

followingpages.

Questions for the Study

1.Trueorfalse:Onlythosepeoplewholacksincerityand dedicationfaceaninvisiblebarriertoprogress.2. Powerfulspiritualforcesdonotoperateunderwhat typeoflaws?

3.WhenDerekwasprayingoverthefamilyundera curse,whatspokenwordswereusedthatcauseda distinctphysicalreactionamongthem?

4.Trueorfalse:Revokingthecurseoverthisfamilywas notessentialforthehealingofthedaughter’sleg.

5.InDerek’sownlife,whatitemsbroughtintohis householdcausedafinancialcurseonhimandhis ministry?ReadDeuteronomy7:25–26.

6.WhywerethedragonsanabominationtotheLord?

7.InthestoryaboutMiriam’shealing,whatwastheone significantfeatureabouttheprayerofreleaseshe read?

Life Application

1.Haveyoufeltasifaninvisiblewallhasstoppedyou fromreceivingtheLord’sblessings?Afterreading chapters1and2,doyouhaveanyinsightastowhat

thatinvisiblewallis?

2.Doyouknowofanyitemsinyourhouseoronyour personthatmayhavebroughtacursetoyouoryour household?Areyouwillingtoremovethem?Whyor whynot?

Memory Verse

Happyisthemanwhofindswisdom,andthemanwho gainsunderstanding.

Proverbs3:13

Faith Response

Lord, my heart is to walk in the truth. Give me the faith to apply what I learn.

Answers

1.False.Oftenitisthemostsincereanddedicatedwho cannotprogress.

2.Naturallaws.

3.“InthenameofJesus.”

4.False.Thecursewasaninvisiblebarriertoherhealing.

5.Fourembroidereddragons.

6.Becausetheywereanimageofafalsegodthatis

7.Noreferencewasmadeforphysicalhealing,just releasefromacurse.

worshipedinChina.Also,thedragonintheBible representsSatan.

HowBlessings andCurses Operate

Theforcesthatdeterminehistoryfallintotwocategories: visibleandinvisible.Itistheinterplayofthesetworealms thatdeterminesthecourseofhistory.Aslongasweconfine ourattentiontothingsthatarevisibleandmaterial,wewill findourselvesconfrontedfromtimetotimebyeventsand situationsthatwecannotfullyexplainorcontrol.

Tothevisiblerealmbelongallthenormalobjectsand eventsofthematerialuniverse.Weareallfamiliarwiththis realmandfeelathomeinit,eventhougheventsoftendonot followthecoursewewouldwish.Formanypeople,the limitsoftheirawarenessdonotextendfurther.Yetthe Bibleopensadoortoanother,invisiblerealm,whichisnot material,butspiritual.Theforcesatworkinthisrealm exerciseacontinuousanddecisiveinfluenceoneventsin thevisiblerealm.

In2Corinthians4:17–18Pauldelineatesthesetwo realms:

Forourlightaffliction,whichisbutforamoment,is workingforusafarmoreexceedingandeternal

weightofglory,whilewedonotlookatthethings whichareseen,butatthethingswhicharenotseen. Forthethingswhichareseenaretemporary,butthe thingswhicharenotseenareeternal.

Thethingsthatbelongtothevisiblerealmaretransitory andimpermanent.Itisonlyintheinvisiblerealmthatwe canfindtrueandabidingreality.Itisinthisrealm,too,that wediscovertheforcesthatwillultimatelyshapeourdestiny, eveninthevisiblerealm.Paulmakesitclearthatsuccessin lifedependsuponbeingabletoapprehendandrelatetothat whichisinvisibleandspiritual.

Bothblessingsandcursesbelongtotheinvisible,spiritual realm.Theyarevehiclesofsupernatural,spiritualpower. Blessingsproducegoodandbeneficialresults;curses producebadandharmfulresults.Botharemajorthemesof Scripture.Asalreadypointedout,thetwowordsare mentionedintheBiblemorethan640times.

Twoimportantfeaturesarecommontoboth.First,their effectisseldomlimitedtotheindividual.Itmayextendto families,tribes,communitiesorwholenations.Second,once theyarerelated,theytendtocontinuefromgenerationto generationuntilsomethinghappenstocanceltheireffects.

Anumberofbothblessingsandcursesmentionedinthe Bibleinconnectionwiththepatriarchshavecontinuedto

workfornearlyfourthousandyearsandarestillatwork today.

Thissecondfeatureofblessingsandcurseshasimportant practicalimplications.Theremaybeforcesatworkinour livesthathavetheirorigininpreviousgenerations. Consequently,wemaybeconfrontedwithrecurrent situationsorpatternsofbehaviorthatcannotbeexplained solelyintermsofwhathashappenedinourlifetimesor personalexperiences.Therootcausemaygobackalong wayintime,eventhousandsofyears.

Themainvehicleofbothblessingsandcursesis words. Suchwordsmaybespokenorwrittenormerelyuttered inwardly.Scripturehasmuchtosayaboutthepowerof words.ThebookofProverbs,inparticular,containsmany warningsastohowwordsmaybeusedeitherforgoodor forevil.Herearejustafewexamples:

Thehypocritewithhismouthdestroyshisneighbor, butthroughknowledgetherighteouswillbe delivered.

Proverbs11:9

Thereisonewhospeakslikethepiercingsofa sword,butthetongueofthewisepromoteshealth.

Proverbs12:18

Awholesometongueisatreeoflife,but perversenessinitbreaksthespirit.

Proverbs15:4

Deathandlifeareinthepowerofthetongue,and thosewholoveitwilleatitsfruit.

Proverbs18:21

TheapostleJamesalsohasmuchtosayabouttheuseof words.Hepointsoutthatthetongueisasmallmemberof thebody,butthehardestofalltocontrol:

Evensothetongueisalittlememberandboastsgreat things.Seehowgreataforestalittlefirekindles!Andthe tongueisafire,aworldofiniquity.Thetongueissoset amongourmembersthatitdefilesthewholebody,andsets onfirethecourseofnature;anditissetonfirebyhell....

WithitweblessourGodandFather,andwithitwecurse men,whohavebeenmadeinthesimilitude[likeness]of God.

Outofthesamemouthproceedblessingandcursing.My brethren,thesethingsoughtnottobeso.

James3:5–6,9–10

Jamesusesvividimagerytoemphasizethetremendous powerthatwordshavetoaffectpeopleandsituations,either

forgoodorforevil.Itissignificantthathesinglesoutboth blessingsandcursesaswordsthatcanbechargedwiththis kindofalmostmeasurelesspower.

Wordsarenot,however,theonlychannelsthroughwhich thespiritualpowerofblessingsandcursesmaybe transmitted.Therearevariouswaysinwhich,attimes, physicalobjectsmaybecomevehiclesforthiskindof power.

InExodus30:22–33theLordgaveinstructionstoMoses formakingaspecialanointingoil,whichwastobeused solelyandexclusivelyforanointingtheTabernacleandits furniture,andalsothepriestswhoweretoministerinthe Tabernacle.InLeviticus8:1–12wereadhowthisoilwas applied.Inverses10–12theaccountconcludes:

AlsoMosestooktheanointingoil,andanointedthe tabernacleandallthatwasinit,andconsecrated them.Hesprinkledsomeofitonthealtarseven times,anointedthealtarandallitsutensils,andthe laveranditsbase,toconsecratethem.Andhe pouredsomeoftheanointingoilonAaron’shead andanointedhim,toconsecratehim.

Theword consecrate (or sanctify)inthispassagemeans “tosetaparttoGod,makeholy.”Thustheanointingoil becameavehicletoimparttheblessingofholinessbothto

theTabernacleanditsfurnitureandtothepriestswho ministeredinit.

LaterinIsrael’shistory,oliveoilwasusedtoimpart appropriateblessingtothekingswhoweretorulethe peopleonGod’sbehalf.FirstSamuel16:13recordshowthe prophetSamuelsetDavidapartasGod’schosenking: “ThenSamueltookthehornofoilandanointedhiminthe midstofhisbrothers;andtheSpiritoftheLORD cameupon Davidfromthatdayforward.”

TheoilpouredonDavid’sheadbySamuelbecamea vehiclethroughwhichtheblessingoftheHolySpiritwas releasedinhislifetoequiphimforhistaskasking.

IntheNewTestament,theemblemsusedintheLord’s SupperlikewisebecomevehiclesofGod’sblessingtothose whopartakeofthem.In1Corinthians10:16Paulsays:“The cupofblessingwhichwebless,isitnotthecommunionof thebloodofChrist?Thebreadwhichwebreak,isitnotthe communionofthebodyofChrist?”

Forthosewhopartakewithscripturalfaith,these emblemstransmittheblessingofGod.Paulspeaks specificallyof“thecupofblessing” thatis,thecupthat transmitstheblessingsofthenewcovenanttothosewho drinkfromit.

Itmustbeemphasized,however,thatinalltheordinances describedabovethereisnoroomfor“magic.”Theblessings

arenotinherentinthephysicalobjectsassuch.Theyare impartedonlytothosewhoapprehendthewillofGodas revealedinScripture,andwhothenbypersonalfaithand obediencereceivewhatisofferedtothemthroughthe physicalobjects.Withoutfaithandobedience,noblessing results.

Onthecontrary,in1Corinthians11:29,Paulsays concerningtheemblemsoftheLord’sSupper:“Hewho eatsanddrinksinanunworthymannereatsanddrinks judgmenttohimself.”Such,then,arethealternatives.Faith andobediencereceiveGod’sblessingthroughtheemblems; unbeliefanddisobedienceprovokeGod’sjudgment.Inboth casesalike,itisthephysicalobjectsusedintheLord’s Supperthroughwhichthespiritualpoweristransmitted, whetheritbeforblessingorforjudgment.

Numbers5:11–31describesanordinanceusedto determinewhetheraman’swifehasbeenunfaithfultohim ornot.Theappropriateprayersandsacrificesarerequired, butthefocusoftheordinanceisonacupofwater,into whichthepriestmixesdustfromtheflooroftheTabernacle andink,whichhescrapesfromawrittencurse.Thewoman isthenrequiredtodrinkthewater.

Ifsheisguilty,theoutworkingofthewrittencursewillbe manifestedinherphysicalbody:“Herbellywillswell,her thighwillrot,andthewomanwillbecomeacurseamong

herpeople”(Numbers5:27).Thatwillbethepunishmentfor hersin.Inthiscase,thecupofwateristhevehiclethrough whichthecurseistransmitted.

Ifthewomanisinnocent,ontheotherhand,shewillnot experienceanyharmfuleffects.Inthisway,Godwillhave vindicatedherrighteousness,andherhusbandwillnotbe freetobringanyfurtheraccusationagainsther.Her innocencewillhaveprotectedherfromthecurse.

Thevariousinstancesgivenaboveestablishoneimportant scripturaltruth:Incertaincircumstances,bothblessingsand cursescanbetransmittedthroughphysicalobjects.Onthe otherside,ifweturnourattentionfrombiblicalpracticesto allthevariousformsoffalsereligionandtheoccult,thereis virtuallynolimittothewaysinwhichphysicalobjectscan becomevehiclesofcurses.

InExodus20:4–5,inthesecondoftheTen Commandments,Godexplicitlyforbidsthemakingofany kindofidolorimageforreligiouspurposes,andHewarns thatthosewhobreakthiscommandmentwillbringjudgment notonlyonthemselves,butalsoonatleastthreefollowing generations:

“Youshallnotmakeforyourselfacarvedimage anylikenessofanythingthatisinheavenabove,or thatisintheearthbeneath,orthatisinthewater

undertheearth;youshallnotbowdowntothemnor servethem.ForI,theLORD yourGod,amajealous God,visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthe childrentothethirdandfourthgenerationsofthose whohateMe.”

Awiderangeofobjectscomesunderthisban.Inmyown case,whichIhavealreadydescribed,theembroidered Chinesedragonsexposedmetotheinvisibleinfluenceofa curse.ItwastruethatIhadnointentionofworshiping them.Nevertheless,theyrepresentedsomethingthathad beenanobjectofidolatrousworshipformanycenturies. Theyopenedachannelintomyhomefortheevilpowerof paganworshipthathadbeenpracticedformillennia.

Lookingbacklater,Inoticedoneparticulareffectthat thosedragonshadonme.Notmerelyweretheyabarrier thatkeptmefrommovingforwardintotheblessingof prosperity.Theyevenkeptmefromseeingthattheblessing wasactuallythere.OnlyafterIwasfreefromtheir influencecouldIdiscernbyfaithwhatGodhadpreparedfor me.

Sincethattime,Ihaveobservedthesameeffectinthe livesofmanypeopleunderacurse.Thecursenotonly keepsthemfromreceivingtheblessingGodisofferingto them.Italsokeepsthemfromrealizingthattheblessingis

theretoreceive.OnlywhentheHolySpiritshinesthelight ofScriptureintoourlivesdowebegintounderstandhow thedevilhasbeendeceivingandcheatingus.

Questions for the Study

1.Whatarethetwotypesofforcesthatdetermine history?

2.Trueorfalse:Thethingsthatbelongtotheinvisible realmaretransitoryandimpermanent.

3.Whatarethetwoimportantfeaturescommontoboth blessingsandcurses?

4.Whatisthemainvehicleforblessingsandcurses?

5.Trueorfalse:Onlywordsthatarespokenhaveany power.

6.WhichbookoftheBiblecontainsmanywarnings concerningthepowerofwordsforgoodorforevil?

7.Besideswords,aphysicalobjectcanbeusedincertain circumstancesasavehicleforblessings.Namean exampleofthisgivenintheBible.

8.Trueorfalse:Acursekeepspeoplenotonlyfrom receivingGod’sblessingbutfromrealizingthereisa blessingtoreceive.

Life Application

1.Blessingsandcurses,oncereleased,tendtocontinue fromgenerationtogenerationuntilsomethinghappens tocanceltheireffects.AsktheHolySpirittorevealto youifthereareanygenerationalcursesaffectingyou oryourfamily.Ifthereare,whatarethey?

2.GoovertheversesfromProverbsandJamesonpages 37–38dealingwiththeuseofwordsforgoodorevil. Doyouthinkyourlifehasbeenaffectedbygoodor evilwords?Whatspecificallyhashadanimpacton you?

3.Haveyoueverspokenwordsthatministereddeath insteadoflife?Ifso,takeafewmomentsandaskthe Lordtoforgiveyou.Ifyouareawareofspecific situations,namethem.

4.Physicalitemsareoftenusedintheocculttotransmit curses.ReadExodus20:4–5fortheLord’swarningto usconcerningthistypeofdisobedience.

Memory Verse

Deathandlifeareinthepowerofthetongue,andthose wholoveitwilleatitsfruit.

Proverbs18:21

Faith Response

Jesus, I choose this day to be a channel of blessings and not curses. Help me speak words of life instead of words of death.

Answers

1.Visibleandinvisible.

2.False.Onlyintheinvisiblerealmcanwefindtrueand abidingreality.

3.Theireffectsareseldomlimitedtoanindividual;and bothhaveimportantpracticalimplications.

4.Words.

5.False.Powerfulwordscanbespoken,writtenor utteredinwardly.

6.Proverbs.

7.Anointingoilusedtosanctifyandtheelementsofthe Lord’sSupper.

8.True.

Moses’ListofBlessings andCurses

Somepeoplearehappytoacceptthefactthatblessingsare valid,butareskepticalaboutcurses,whichtheyassociate withsuperstitiouspracticesfromtheDarkAges.Such thinkingisunrealistic.Wecannotfocusexclusivelyonone aspectofoppositesbecauseitisacceptabletous,and simplyignoretheotherbecauseitisunacceptable.The oppositeofhotiscold;botharereal.Theoppositeofgoodis evil;botharereal.Injustthesameway,blessingsarereal andsoarecurses.

MyministrybringsmeintouchwithChristiansfrommany differentbackgroundsinmanydifferentlands.Ifindthat mostofGod’speopledonotknowhowtodiscernbetween blessingsandcurses.ManyChristianswhoshouldbe enjoyingblessingsareactuallyenduringcurses.Thereare twomainreasonsforthis:First,theysimplydonotknow howtorecognizewhatablessingandacurseis,orhowto discernthem;second,iftheyareunderacurse,theydonot understandthebasisuponwhichtheycanbereleased.

Godisthesoleandsupremesourceofallblessings, althoughtheymaycometousthroughmanychannels.

Curses,too,oftenproceedfromGod,butHeisnotthesole source.Lateron,weshalldealwithothersourcesofcurses.

ThecursesthatproceedfromGodareoneofHismain waysofbringingjudgmentontherebellious,theunbelieving andtheungodly.Thehistoryofthehumanraceprovidesa long,sadrecordoftheoutworkingofGod’scurses pronounceduponsuchpeople.

Overtheyearsithasbecomefashionabletosuggestthat thereisadichotomybetweentheOldTestamentandthe New.Accordingtothisinterpretation,theOldTestament depictsGodasaGodofwrathandjudgment;theNew depictsHimasaGodofloveandmercy.Infact,however, thetwoTestamentsareconsistentwitheachother.Each depictsGodasbeing,atoneandthesametime,aGodof mercyandofjudgment.

ThestoryofJericho,relatedinJoshua6,combinesthese twosidesofGod’sdealingsasvividlyanddramaticallyas anypassageintheNewTestament.Whilethecityof Jerichoperishedunderonesingle,comprehensivejudgment ofGod,theharlotRahab,withherentirefamily,emerged unscathed.Therecordindicates,furthermore,thatlater RahabbecamethewifeofSalmon,oneoftheprincesof Judah,andtookherplaceinthegenealogicallinefrom whichIsrael’sMessiah,Jesus,wastocome!(SeeMatthew 1:5.)

InRomans1:17–18PaulexplainsthattheGospelcontains thesupremerevelationofthesetwoaspectsofGod,His mercyandHisjudgment:“Forinit[theGospel]the righteousnessofGodisrevealedfromfaithtofaith....For thewrathofGodisrevealedfromheavenagainstall ungodlinessandunrighteousnessofmen.”

Ontheonehand,God’smercyoffersHisrighteousness, whichHeimpartstothosewhoreceivebyfaiththe substitutionarysacrificeofJesusontheirbehalf.Yet,atthe sametime,thissacrificeisalsotheultimaterevelationof God’swrath,pouredoutuponJesuswhenHebecame identifiedwithman’ssin.Christianswhoquestionthereality ofGod’sjudgmentonsinshouldponderafreshthe significanceofthecrucifixion.EvenJesuscouldnotmake sinacceptabletoGod,buthadtoendurethefulloutpouring ofHiswrath.

Furtheron,inRomans11:22,Paulagainpresentsthese twoaspectsofGod’sdealingssidebyside:“Therefore considerthegoodness[orkindness]andseverityofGod.”

ToobtainanaccuratepictureofGod,wemustalwayskeep bothaspectsofHischaracterbeforeus.Hisblessings proceedoutofHiskindness,butHisjudgmentsproceedout ofHisseverity.Bothareequallyreal.

InProverbs26:2Solomonmakesitclearthatthereis alwaysareasonforeverycurse:“Likeaflittingsparrow,

likeaflyingswallow,soacursewithoutcauseshallnot alight.”

Thisprinciplehasadoubleapplication.Ontheonehand,a cursecannottakeeffectunlessthereisacauseforit.On theotherhand,theconverseisalsotrue.Whereverthereis acurseatwork,thereisacauseforit.Inseekingtohelp peopleobtainreleasefromacurse,Ihavelearnedby experiencethatitisoftenhelpfulfirsttodiscoverthecause.

The68versesofDeuteronomy28,whicharedevoted solelytothethemeofblessingsandcurses,revealthe primarycauseofeach.Inverses1and2Mosesdealsfirst withthecauseofblessings:“Ifyoudiligentlyobeythevoice oftheLORD yourGod,toobservecarefullyallHis commandments...alltheseblessingsshallcomeuponyou andovertakeyou,becauseyouobeythevoiceoftheLORD yourGod.”

Moreliterally,thefirstpartcouldbetranslated:“Ifyou willlistenlisteningtothevoiceoftheLordyourGod....” Therepetitionoftheverb to listen givesaddedemphasis. Simplystated,theconditionsforenjoyingtheblessingsare: first,listeningtoGod’svoice;second,doingwhatHesays.

Throughoutalldispensations,thesehavebeenthe unchangingrequirementsforlivinginacovenantrelationship withGod.InExodus19:5,whenGodpreparedtoenterinto HisfirstcovenantwithIsraelatSinai,Hesaid:“Now

therefore,ifyouwillindeedobeyMyvoiceandkeepMy covenant,thenyoushallbeaspecialtreasuretoMeabove allpeople.”ThebasicrequirementsweretolistentoGod’s voiceandobeythetermsofHiscovenant.

UndertheNewCovenant,inJohn10:27,Jesussimilarly describedthosewhomHeacknowledgedas“Hissheep” thatis,Histruedisciples:“MysheephearMyvoice...and theyfollowMe.”Thebasicrequirementsarestillthesame: hearingtheLord’svoiceandfollowingHiminobedience.

HearingtheLord’svoicetakesusbeyondmerereligious professionorformalobservances.Nothingismoreunique anddistinctivethanaperson’svoice.HearingtheLord’s voiceimpliesanintimaterelationshipwithHiminwhichHe canspeaktoeachoneofus personally.

TheLorddoesnotspeakinthiswaytoourphysicalears ortoournaturalminds.HiscommunicationisSpirit-tospirit thatis,byHisSpirittoourspirit.Projectedinthisway, Hisvoicepenetratestotheinnermostdepthsofourbeing. Fromthereitsvibrationsarefeltineveryareaof personality.

TheLordmayspeakinthiswaythroughtheBible,orHe mayimpartawordofdirectrevelation.Merelyreadingthe Bible,however,isnotsufficientbyitself,unlessthewords onitspagesaretransformedbytheHolySpiritintoaliving voice.ItisonlyarelationshipofthiskindwithGodthattruly

qualifiesusfortheblessingsHehaspromisedtothose who hear and obey His voice.

Furtheron,inDeuteronomy28:15,Mosesstatesthe primarycauseofallcurses:

“ButitshallcometooftheLORD yourGod,to observecarefullyallHiscommandmentsandHis statuteswhichIcommandyoutoday,thatallthese curseswillcomeuponyouandovertakeyou.”

Thecauseofcursesisexactlyoppositetothatof blessings.BlessingsresultfromhearingGod’svoiceand doingwhatHesays.Cursesresultfrom not hearingGod’s voiceand not doingwhatHesays.Thisrefusaltohearand obeyGod’svoicecanbesummedupinoneword: rebellion notagainstman,butagainstGod.

InDeuteronomy28Mosesalsogivescomprehensivelists ofthevariousformsthatbothblessingsandcursestake. Theblessingsarelistedinverses3through13,thecursesin verses16through68.Anyonewhoseekstounderstandthis wholesubjectshouldstudythischaptercarefullyinits entirety.

Outofmyownstudies,Ihaveattemptedtomaketwo liststhatsumuptheblessingsandthecursesintheorderin whichtheyarementioned.Mysuggestedlistofblessingsis

asfollows:

Exaltation

Health

Reproductiveness

Prosperity

Victory

God’sfavor

Reproductiveness isnotacommonEnglishword,butitis intendedtodescribeaconditioninwhicheveryareaofa person’slifeisfruitfulandreproductive.Thiswouldinclude family,livestock,crops,businessandtheexerciseof creativetalents.AlltheseshouldreflectGod’sblessingin appropriateways.

Inhislistofcursesinverses16through68,Mosesgoes intomuchgreaterdetailthanwiththeblessings.Essentially, however,thecursesaretheoppositeoftheblessings.Here ismysuggestedsummary:

Humiliation

Barrenness,unfruitfulness

Mentalandphysicalsickness

Familybreakdown

Poverty

Defeat

Oppression Failure

God’sdisfavor

Earlier,inverse13,Mosesconcludeshislistofblessings withtwovividverbalpictures.Eachofuswoulddowellto considerhowthesepicturesmightapplyinourownlives.

First,Mosessays:“TheLORD willmakeyoutheheadand notthetail....”IonceaskedtheLordtoshowmehowthis wouldapplyinmylife.IfeltHegavemethisanswer:The headmakesthedecisionsandthetailjustgetsdragged around.

ItwaslefttometodecidewhichroleIwasplaying.Was Iactinglikeahead,incontrolofeachsituation,makingthe appropriatedecisionsandseeingthemsuccessfullycarried out?OrwasImerelyplayingthepartofatail,being draggedaroundbyforcesandcircumstancesIdidnot understandandcouldnotcontrol?

Todrivehismeaninghome,Mosesusesasecondphrase: “Youshallbeaboveonly,andnotbebeneath.”Thismight beillustratedbyameetingbetweentwoChristian acquaintances.

“Howareyoudoing?”thefirstasks.

“Underthecircumstances,”thesecondreplies,“I’mnot doingbadly.”

“I’mgladforthat,”thefirstoneresponds.“Butwhatever areyoudoingunderthecircumstances?”

TheseillustrationsofMosesconfrontuswithan opportunityforself-evaluation.AmIlivinglikeaheadora tail?AmIlivingundermycircumstances,orabovethem?

TheanswerswegivewillhelpustoseehowmuchofGod’s blessingweareactuallyenjoying.

Questions for the Study

1.OnereasonmanyChristiansendurecursesinsteadof blessingsisthattheydonotknowhowtodiscernthem. Nameasecondreason.

2.Trueorfalse:AllblessingscomefromGod,andsome cursescanalsocomefromGod.

3.TheOldandNewTestamentshowsusthatGodisa Godofboth and . ReviewRomans11:22.

4.Acursecannottakeeffectunlessthereisa forit.

5.Whatistheprimarycauseforallcurses?

6.Listtheformsthatblessingstake.

7.Listthecategoriesintowhichcursesfall.

Life Application

1.ReadDeuteronomy28:1–6andDeuteronomy28:15–19.Workingfromthelistofblessings,whichonesdo youseeevidentinyourlife?

2.Workingfromthelistofcurses,doyouseeanyof theminoperationinyourlife?Ifso,whichones?

3.Whatstandsinthewayofyourhearingandobeying theLord?

4.Whatcanbedonetoremovetheseobstacles?

Memory Verse

“Icallheavenandearthaswitnessestodayagainstyou,that Ihavesetbeforeyoulifeanddeath,blessingandcursing; thereforechooselife,thatbothyouandyourdescendants

Deuteronomy30:19

Faith Response

Answers

maylive.”

Today, Lord, I choose life and not death, blessings and not curses. I choose to hear and obey Your Word. I submit myself to You, God, and I resist the devil (see James 4:7).

1.Theydonotknowthebasisofhowtorelease blessings.

2.True.

3.Mercy,judgment.

4.Cause.

5.NothearingandobeyingGod’svoice inotherwords, rebellion.

6.Exaltation,health,reproductiveness,prosperity,victory, God’sfavor.

7.Humiliation,barrenness,mentalandphysicalsickness, familybreakdown,poverty,defeat,oppression,failure, God’sdisfavor.

SevenIndications ofaCurse

Throughpersonalobservationandexperience,Icompiled thefollowinglistofsevenproblemsindicatingthatacurseis atwork.WhenIcomparedmylistwiththatofMoses,in Deuteronomy28,Iwasimpressedbytheclose correspondencebetweenthem.

1.Mentaland/oremotionalbreakdown

2.Repeatedorchronicsicknesses(especiallyif hereditary)

3.Barrenness,atendencytomiscarryorrelatedfemale problems

4.Breakdownofmarriageandfamilyalienation

5.Continuingfinancialinsufficiency

6.Being“accident-prone”

7.Ahistoryofsuicidesandunnaturaloruntimelydeaths

Thepresenceofonlyoneortwooftheseproblemswould notnecessarilybesufficient,byitself,toestablish conclusivelytheworkingofacurse.Butwhenseveralof theproblemsarepresent,orwhenanyoneofthemtendsto recurrepeatedly,theprobabilityofacurseincreases

proportionately.Inthelastresort,however,itisonlythe HolySpiritwhocanprovideanabsolutelyaccurate “diagnosis.”

1.Mentaland/oremotionalbreakdown

ThecorrespondingphrasesfromDeuteronomy28are: madness, driven mad (28,34);1 confusion of heart or confusion of mind (28); a trembling heart or an anxious mind (65); anguish of soul or a despairing heart (65).

Theareasaffectedaredescribedastheheart,thesoulor themind.Inotherwords,theinnercitadelofhuman personalityhasbeenbreachedbyinvading,hostileforces. Suchpeoplenolongerhavefullcontrolovertheirown thoughtsandemotionsandreactions.Theymaybe “haunted”byaninnerspectercontinuallytauntingthem: “You’relosingcontrol....There’snohopeforyou.... Yourmotherendedupinamentalinstitution,andyou’llbe next!”

IhavebeenamazedtodiscoverhowmanyChristiansare goingthroughtheseinnerstruggles.Oftentheyarereluctant toacknowledgetheirproblemtoothers orevento themselves forfearthatthiswouldbeadenialoftheir faith.

almostinvariablyhavetheirrootsinsomeformofoccult involvement.Oftenthereisdemonicactivity.Inmostcases, however,itisnecessarytodealwiththeoccultinvolvement andtorevoketheresultingcursebeforethedemonscanbe drivenout.

2.Repeatedorchronicsicknesses (especiallyif hereditary)

ThecorrespondingphrasesfromDeuteronomy28are numerous:plague or plagued with diseases (21); consumption or wasting disease (22); severe burning fever (22); inflammation (22); incurable boils (27,35); tumors (27); scabs or festering sores (27); incurable itch (27); blindness (28); extraordinary, fearful, prolonged plagues (59); serious and prolonged sicknesses or severe and lingering diseases (59); every other kind of sickness and plague (61).

Thislistdoesnotnecessarilyindicatethateveryformof sicknessordiseaseisthedirectresultofacurse.Thereare, however,certainkeywordsthatoccur:plague, incurable, extraordinary, fearful, prolonged, lingering.These serveaswarningsignals.Theycreatewhatmightbecalled “theatmosphereofacurse.”Theysuggestevil,malevolent forcesatwork.

Thereisanothercommonmedicaltermthatisnot explicitlyusedinDeuteronomy28,buthasasimilar connotation.Itis malignant or malignancy.Theprimary definitionof malignant in Collins English Dictionary is “havingorshowingdesiretoharmothers.”Obviouslythis describesaperson,ratherthanamerephysicalcondition. Evenmorethanthewordsinthepreviousparagraph,it suggestsanevil,malevolentintelligenceatwork.Ouruseof suchatermindicatesanunconsciousrecognitionthatwe aredealingwithfactorsthatarenotpurelyphysical.

Anotherverysignificanttermusedinreferencetocertain typesofsicknessis hereditary.Itdescribesaconditionthat passesdownfromgenerationtogeneration.Thisisoneof thecommonestandmosttypicalmarksofacurseatwork. Forthisreason,wheneverIamaskedtoprayforsomeone whohasahereditaryphysicalproblem,Iamalwaysopento thepossibilitythatIamconfrontingtheeffectsofacurse.

Atabouttheageofsixty,afriendofmine,whoisa pastor,developedaconditiondiagnosedas hemochromatosis,adiseasethatcausesthepatientto producetoomuchironintheblood,especiallystoringitin thevitalorgans,namelytheliverandheart.Hisfatherhad diedofthesamediseaseatage67.Thedoctorpronounced ithereditary,incurableandlifethreatening.Everyweekhe hadtohavephlebotomy(old-fashionedbloodletting).

Aftermuchprayer,especiallybyoneoftheprayer groups,myfriendstoodbeforehiscongregationinaSunday morningserviceandmadeasimple,unemotionalaffirmation: “InthenameofJesus,Ireleasemyselffromeveryevil inheritancefrommyfather.”

Hewasimmediatelyandcompletelycured.Fiveyears havepassedsincethen.Hehasreceivednofurther treatmentandtherehasbeennorecurrenceofhisproblem.

Intheforegoingcomments,Ihavedeliberatelyrefrained fromsuggestingthatanyspecificsicknessisalways,or necessarily,attributabletoacurse.Inmanyofthe sicknessesmentioned,itwouldbehighlyprobablethata curseisatwork,but,withoutfurtherevidence,itwouldbe wrongtoassertthatthisisnecessarilyso.Thereisonlyone “expert”whosediagnosisisfinal,andthatistheHolySpirit. Wealwaysneedtobeconsciousofourdependenceon Him.

3.Barrenness,atendencytomiscarryorrelated female problems

ThekeyphraseherefromDeuteronomy28is:“Cursed shallbethefruitofyourbody”oryourwomb(18).This cursemayaffectanyofthevariousorgansorfunctions involvedinprocreation.RuthandIhaveministeredto

hundredsofwomenwhoseinfirmitiescameunderthe headingof“femaleproblems.”Theseincluded:inabilityto conceive;atendencytomiscarry;failuretomenstruate; irregularmenstruation;debilitatingmenstrualcramps; frigidity;cysts,tumorsorothergrowths;orstructural defectsaffectinganyofthevariousorgansconnectedwith thereproductiveprocess.Quiteoftenthiskindofcurse affectswholefamilies,withtheresultthatall,oralmostall, thefemalesinafamilymaybeafflictedwithproblemsof thiskind.

RuthandImakeitaprinciplenottoministertosuch peoplewithoutfirstinstructingthemonthenatureand causesofcurses,andthenprayingwiththemforrelease.In manycasesthishasproducedhealingandwholenessinthe affectedareasorfunctions.Sometimesitprovessufficient merelytorevokethecurse,withoutanyspecificprayerfor healing.

Thefollowingletterillustratestheresultsthatcanfollow whenthecurseofbarrennessisrevoked.

MyhusbandandIhadbeenmarriedfortwelve yearsandhadnotbeenabletohavechildren.

Medicaltestsrevealedthattherewasnothing physicallywrongwithus.

OnJuly7,1985,weattendedameetingin

Amsterdamatwhichyouwerespeaking.Youtaught onhealing,andalsoreasonswhypeoplearenot healed.Asyoubeganspeakingoncursesover families,theLordspoketomyheartthatthiswasa probleminmyfamily.Asyouledeveryoneina prayerfordeliverancefromanycurseovertheir lives,Ifeltadefinitesenseofreleasefrombondage.

WhenIcametotheplatform,youaskedmeto fetchmyhusbandforprayeralso.Thenasyou prayedforus,youpronouncedthatthecurseover mylifehadbeenbroken,andasRuthlaidhandson mywomb,shespokethatIwouldbe“neitherbarren norunfruitful.”Thewholecongregationwasasked tostandandjoininprayerforus.Followingthat meeting,myhusbandandIbothfeltstronglythatthe Lordhadheardourprayers.

Abouttwoandahalfyearslater,inanotherpublic meetinginEngland,thiscouplecameuptoshowusthe beautifulbabyboywhowasthemanifestationofthe blessingthathadreplacedthecurseofbarrennessovertheir lives.

Theconnectionbetweenmenstrualproblemsandacurse isbroughtoutinanotherletter,datedDecember22,1987, fromaChristianladyinherthirtiesservingtheLordin

SoutheastAsia:

In1985Iborrowedasetoftapesthathadbeen recordedinSingapore,amongwhichwasthe messagebyDerekPrinceon“Blessingsand Cursings.”Afterlisteningtothismessageonenight inmyroomIstoodinthedarknesstosaytheprayer ontheendofthetapeeventhoughIwasnotaware ofanythinginparticular.Ijustthought, If there is something, I want to be free fromit.

Ididn’timmediatelybecomeawareofany change,althoughsomethingdidhappen,the significanceofwhichdidn’tstrikemeuntillater.The Lordpromptedmeshortlyafterthistomakeanote inmydiarywhenIhadmyperiod.Thiswas somethingIhadneverdonebeforeasI’dnothad regularperiodssincethetimetheyfirstbeganatage thirteen.Thereforetherehadbeenlittlepointin keepingarecord.Myperiodsinfacthadbeenso irregularthatI’devengonesixoreightorten monthsatatimewithouthavingoneatall.

I’dbeentodoctorsaboutthisinmytwentiesand hadbeengivenmedication(withoutresult)andmuch unwiseandungodlyadvice.

Ihadprayedaboutmyconditionbutnottoo seriously—possiblybecauseIwassingle—butIhad beentoldthatIwouldexperienceacertainamount ofdiscomfortandirregularityinmymetabolismdue

tohormonalimbalanceuntilthisconditionwas corrected.

Onlisteningtothetapeagainafewmonthslater,I wasstruckbyDerekPrince’sstatementthat “almostall,ifnotall,menstrualdisordersarearesult ofacurse.”IrealizedasIreachedformydiaryand checkedthedatesthatI’dbeenperfectlyregular (28-daycycles)sinceprayingtheprayerinAugust 1985.IwasamazedtorealizeIwashealedandthat ithadbeentheLordwhohadpromptedmetowrite downthedatesofmyperiods.

AsIreflectedonmylife,questioningwhere“the curse”couldhavecomein,sincenocursecanalight withoutacause,Irememberedhowthroughoutmy highschoolyears(ages13–17)menstruationwas generallyreferredtoas“thecurse”bymeandmy peers.Surelythatconfirmsthat“deathandlifearein thepowerofthetongue”(Proverbs18:21).

SincethattimeinAugust’85Ihaveregularlykept arecordandfoundmycycletobeconsistently27–29days.Also,myweightwhichpreviously fluctuatedhasremainedstable.

Itisimportanttonoticethat likeMiriaminchapter2 thisladydidnotprayforphysicalhealing.Shesimply releasedherselffromacurse,andhealingfollowedasa

consequence.

Inthisareaoftheprocreativefunctionsthereisanother commonindicationofacurseatwork:aninfantbornwith theumbilicalcordwrappedarounditsneck sometimes morethanonce.Quiteoften,ofcourse,thiscanresultina stillbirth thuscausingdeathwherethereshouldbeanew life.

4.Breakdownofmarriage andfamilyalienation

Oneeffectofthecurseinthisareaisdescribedin Deuteronomy28:41:“Youshallbegetsonsanddaughters, buttheyshallnotbeyours;fortheyshallgointocaptivity.”

Countlessparentsinthepresentgenerationhave experiencedthiscurse.Theyhaveseentheirsonsand daughterstakencaptivebyarebellioussubculturedevoted todrugs,sex,satanicmusicandeveryformoftheoccult.

InMalachi4:5–6theprophetpaintsagrimpictureof conditionsintheworldjustbeforethisagecloses:

“Behold,IwillsendyouElijahtheprophetbeforethe comingofthegreatanddreadfuldayoftheLORD. Andhewillturntheheartsofthefatherstothe children,andtheheartsofthechildrentotheir fathers,lestIcomeandstriketheearthwitha curse.”

Malachidepictsanevilforceatwork,alienatingparents fromchildrenandproducingabreakdownoffamily relationships.UnlessGodintervenes,hewarns,thiscurse thatisdestroyingfamilylifewillbeextendedtothewhole earth,bringingdisasterinitstrain.

Malachihasputhisfingeronthemosturgentsocial problemofourcontemporaryculture.Weneedtoseeitas theoutworkingofacurse,whichisresponsibleforthe agoniesofstrife-tornhomes,brokenmarriagesand disintegratedfamilies.Perhapsthemostaccuratewordto describetheforceresponsiblefortheseresultsis alienation.Itcomesbetweenhusbandsandwives,parents andchildren,brothersandsisters,andallotherswhoshould beunitedbythebondsoffamily.Itsgoalisthedestruction ofthefamily.

NeverthelessforthosewhowillacceptGod’scounsel, thesituationisnothopeless.Thereisaremedy.Firstwe mustfacethefactthatacurseisatwork.Thenwemust takethestepsindicatedbyScripturetorevokethecurseand releaseitscaptives.Ihaveseenfamiliestransformedand restoredbythesemeans.

5.Continuingfinancial insufficiency

TworelatedphrasesfromDeuteronomy28are:“Cursed shallbeyourbasketandyourkneadingbowl”ortrough (17);“youshallnotprosperinyourways”oryouwillbe unsuccessfulineverythingyoudo(29).

Thefulloutworkingofthiscurse,however,ismost graphicallypresentedinverses47–48:

“BecauseyoudidnotservetheLORD yourGodwith joyandgladnessofheart,fortheabundanceof everything,thereforeyoushallserveyourenemies, whomtheLORD willsendagainstyou,inhunger,in thirst,innakedness,andinneedofeverything.”

Mosesherepresentstwooppositealternatives.Verse47 describesGod’swillforHisobedientpeople:to“servethe LORD yourGodwithjoyandgladnessofheart,forthe abundanceofeverything.”Thenivrendersthis:to“serve theLordyourGodjoyfullyandgladlyinthetimeof prosperity.”

Verse48describesthecursethatwillcomeonGod’s peopleiftheyaredisobedient:to“serveyourenemies,

whomtheLordwillsendagainstyou,inhunger,inthirst,in nakedness,andinneedofeverything.”Considerwhatis depictedinthisverse:hunger,thirst,nakednessandneedof allthings.Combineallfourelementsintoonesituation,and theresultcanbedefinedinasinglephrase:absolute poverty.

Takentogether,verses47and48pointtoasimple conclusion:Prosperityisablessingandpovertyisacurse.

Overthecenturies,however,atraditionhasdeveloped withintheChristianChurchthatpovertyisablessing.

CertainlyGodhasgreatcompassiononthepoor,and Christiansshouldhavethesameattitudeandbewillingto makegreatpersonalsacrificesontheirbehalf.ButScripture neversuggeststhatGod inflicts povertyasablessingupon Hisbelievingpeople.

Inthisrespect,therevelationoftheNewTestament harmonizeswiththatoftheOld.In2Corinthians9:8Paul sumsuptheabundanceofGod’sprovisionforChristians: “AndGodisabletomakeallgraceaboundtowardyou,that you,alwayshavingallsufficiencyinallthings,mayhavean abundanceforeverygoodwork.”

InthisonetersesentencePauldoublesandredoubleshis wordstoemphasizethegenerosityofGod’sprovisionfor Hispeople.Theword abound or abundance occurstwice. Theword all oritsequivalent occursfivetimes:all

grace... always ... all sufficiencyin all things... every goodwork.SuchisthemeasureofGod’sprovision.It transcendsmeresufficiencyandliftsustoalevelof abundance,wherewehavesomethingoverandaboveour ownneedsandcanministertotheneedsofothers.

Itwouldbeunscriptural,however,tointerpretpovertyand abundancebythematerialisticstandardsofcontemporary Westerncivilization.InJohn6:38Jesusrevealedthe motivationofHislifeonearth:“ForIhavecomedownfrom heaven,nottodoMyownwill,butthewillofHimwhosent Me.”Themotivationofthedisciplemustbethesameas thatoftheMaster:to do God’s will.

Itisfromthisperspectivethat“poverty”and “abundance”mustbedefined.Povertyishavinglessthanall youneedtodoGod’swillinyourlife.Thegreaterthegap betweenwhatyouneedandwhatyouhave,thegreaterthe degreeofpoverty.Abundance,ontheotherhand,ishaving allyouneedtodoGod’swill andsomethingovertogiveto others.God’sabundanceisnotprovidedforustosquander oncarnalself-indulgence,but for every good work,thatis, sharingwithotherstheblessingsofgracethathaveenriched ourownlives.

Whenpovertyandabundanceareinterpretedinthisway, itfollowsthatthereisnoabsolutestandardthatcanbe appliedtoallChristians.Thestandardforeachbeliever

mustbedeterminedinrelationto the will of God for his or her life.

Theseconclusionsaboutpovertyandabundanceneedto befurtherqualifiedintwoways.First,wemustrecognize thatfaithtoappropriateGod’sabundanceiscertaintobe tested.Theremaybeperiodswhenwehavetocontent ourselveswiththebarestsufficiency.Suchperiods, however,shouldbetemporary.Onceourmotiveshavebeen purifiedandourfaithhasstoodthetest,GodwillreleaseHis abundanceinthemeasurethatHecantrustustousefor Hisglory.

Second,wemustrecognizealsothatthereisahigher levelofwealththanjustthematerial.WhenMosesturned hisbackonthewealthandluxuryofEgyptandsettledina remotecornerofadesert,thewriterofHebrewssaysthat heesteemed“thereproachofChrist greater riches than thetreasuresinEgypt”(Hebrews11:26,emphasisadded). Mosesdidnotsettleforpoverty.Heexchangedmaterial richesforrichesofahigherorder.

Inthesamewaytoday,thereisthekindofChristianwho renouncedmaterialwealthdeliberatelyinordertoserveGod inasituationwherewealthwouldbeanencumbrance.

Oftenthisisaprerequisiteforidentifyingwiththepoorand oppressedoftheearth.InProverbs13:7Solomoncontrasts suchapersonwithonewhoseonlywealthismaterial:

“Thereisonewhomakeshimselfrich,yethasnothing;and onewhomakeshimselfpoor,yethasgreatriches.”

TherearealsomanyChristiansinourdaywhoare enduringafflictionandpersecutionforChrist’ssake.They maybedeprivedofeverythingthatcouldbedescribedas materialwealth,butinitsplacetheyareheirstowealthofa higherorder.

Nevertheless,thisdoesnotalterthebasicnatureof persistentmaterialpoverty.Wherethisisnotthedirect outcomeofcommitmenttoChrist,itisnormallyamarkofa curse,whetheritaffectsanindividual,afamilyoralarger socialgroup.

6.Being“accident-prone”

Thisphrasedescribesapersonwhoisunnaturallyprone topersonalaccidents.Deuteronomy28containsnospecific mentionofthis,althoughitishintedatinthephrase“you shallgrope...asablindmangropesindarkness”(29).

Onecharacteristiceffectofthiscursemightbeseenin whatarecalled“freak”accidents.Thegirldescribedin chapter2,whohadbrokenthesamelegthreetimesin eighteenmonths,wouldbeanobviousexample.

Totakeanotherexample,somepeoplearegooddrivers, yettheyhaveanabnormallyhighnumberofautomobile

accidents.Inmostcases,perhaps,itmaybethefaultof“the otherdriver.”Nevertheless,theaccidentsstillhappen.A typicalcommentthatidentifiesthiskindofpersonwouldbe, “Whydoesitalwayshappentome?”

Herearefurtherexamples,chosenmoreorlessat random,oftypesofaccidentsthatmightindicateacurseat work:breakingananklethroughsteppingoffacurb; breakingatoothonasoftpieceoffruit;shuttingacardoor onafinger(hereagain,itmaybe“theotherperson”); slippingonastairandfallingheadlongdownawholeflight, withmultipleinjuries;swallowingafishboneandchokingon it;aninsectintheeyecausingsomerareinfection;being struckinthefacebyastonethrownupbyapassingcar;a surgeon’serrorontheoperatingtableresultinginpermanent disability...thelistcouldbeendless.

Italmostseemsthatthereisaninvisible,maliciousforce workingagainstsuchpeople.Atcriticalmoments,ittrips them,orcausesthemtostumble,orimpelsthemtomakea rash,unpremeditatedmove.Typically,suchapersonwill exclaim,“Idon’tknowwhatmademedothat!”Aremark ofthiskindisveryrevealing.Itindicatesthatthepersonis awarethathisactionsarenotentirelyunderhisowncontrol, butareaffectedbyanamelessinfluencehecannotidentify andagainstwhichhehasnowayofprotectinghimself.

Therecognitionofthistypeofproblemisnotpurely

subjective.Itcanbedeterminedbystatisticalanalysis.Some insurancecompaniesusethiskindofanalysistoidentify peoplewhowouldbeunusuallyhighrisksforinsurance. Theysettheirpremiumsaccordingly.

7.Ahistoryofsuicides andunnaturaloruntimely deaths

Thereferencestounnaturaloruntimelydeathin Deuteronomy28aretoonumeroustoitemize.Acursethat takesthisformaffectsnotjustasingleindividualbuta largersocialunit,suchasafamilyortribe.Normally,too,it continuesfromonegenerationtoanother.Manydifferent cultureshaverecognizedaforceatworkinhumanhistory thatpursuesthemembersofafamilyoraclanrelentlessly untilitfinallydestroysthem.TheancientGreeksgaveitthe statusofa“goddess,”whomtheynamedNemesis.Other cultureshaveuseddifferentterminologies.Beneaththe paganovertonesisanobjectivereality.

Quiteoftenpeoplewhoareaffectedbythistypeofcurse experienceastrongforeboding.Theysensesomethingdark andevilintheroadahead,buttheydonotknowhowto avoidit.Atypicalcommentmightbe:“Well,ithappenedto myfather,andIsupposeI’mnextonthelist.”

Onecommonsymptomofacurseofthiskindisthat

peoplesetdatesfortheirowndeaths.“IknowI’llneverlive toseeforty-five,”theymaysay.Or,“Allthemeninmy familydieyoung.”Theyimply,iftheydonotactuallysay, thatthiswillbetheirfate,too.Theyhaveakindofnegative faiththatembracesdeath,butrefuseslife.

Theabovelistofsevenindicationsofacurseisbyno meansexhaustive.Otherscouldbeadded.Youhave probablyreadfarenoughbynow,however,totakestockof yoursituation.

Variousreactionsarepossible.Youmay,forexample,no longerhaveanydoubtaboutthenatureofyourproblem. Youhaveclearlyidentifiedoneormoreindicationsofa cursethatapplytoyourlifeortothatofyourfamily.

Alternatively,youmayhaveanuneasysensethatacurse isatwork,butyoucannotpinpointthepreciseformthatit takes.Youfeellikethekindofpersondescribedinchapter 1.Youhavesensedthedarkshadowfromthepast,butyou donotknowitssource.Oryouhaveseenthatlong,evilarm atworkinvarioussituations,butitoperatesbehindaveil thatyouhavenotbeenabletotearaside.

Ineithercase,youwillbeaskingyourself, How could such a thing happen to me? What is the source of my problem?

ThismeansthatitistimeforyoutomoveontoSection2:

“NoCursewithoutaCause.”Thissectionexplainsmanyof themostcommonsourcesofacurse.Ifyoucanonce discoverthecauseofyourparticularproblem,youwillbein amuchbetterpositiontodealwithiteffectively.

Questions for the Study

1.Trueorfalse:Thepresenceofoneortwoproblems indicatingacursedoesnotnecessarilymeanthatoneis underacurse.

2.Twokeywordsfor Mental and/or emotional breakdown are and .This typeofcurseusuallyhasitsrootsinthe_________.

3.Under Repeated or chronic sicknesses,whatarethe mostcommonandtypicalmarksofacurseatwork?

4.Trueorfalse:Barrennessusuallyaffectsonlyasmall numberofwomeninafamily.

5.Under Breakdown of marriage and family alienation,whatisthemostaccuratewordtodescribe theforceofsuchresults?Itsgoalisthe of thefamily.

6.Under Continuing financial insufficiency,we discoverthat isablessingand isacurse.ReadDeuteronomy28:47–48.

7.Trueorfalse:Povertyandabundanceshouldbejudged bythestandardsofWesterncontemporaryculture.

8.Onecharacteristicofbeingaccident-proneishaving accidents.

9.Trueorfalse:Under History of suicides and unnatural or untimely deaths,apersonoften experiencesastrongfeelingofforeboding.

10.Mostpeopleunderthiscursehavea faiththat death,but life.

Life Application

1.Writedownnamesofknownfamilymembersfrom bothparents’sideswhohaveexperiencedoneofthe abovecurses.

2.Aftercompletingthislist,lookforgenerational occurrencesinyourfamily.

3.Doyouseeanyindicationofthesecursesoperatingin yourlife?How?

4.AsktheHolySpirittohelpyoudiscoverthecauseof thisproblem,soitcanbedealtwitheffectively.

Memory Verse

Godisabletomakeallgraceaboundtowardyou,thatyou, alwayshavingallsufficiencyinallthings,mayhavean abundanceforeverygoodwork.

Faith Response

Lord, I desire to be set free fromany curses over my life. I will do whatever it takes to be delivered fromthem and walk in the freedomYou purchased for me.

Answers

1.True.OnlytheHolySpiritcanprovideanaccurate diagnosis.

2.Confusion,depression;occult.

3.Hereditaryproblems.

4.False.Itusuallyaffectsalloralmostallofthewomen.

5.Alienation;destruction.

6.Prosperity,poverty.

7.False.Thestandardisdeterminedinrelationtothewill ofGodforeachbeliever’slife.

8.Freak.

9.True.

10.Negative,embraces,refuses.

Section2

NoCurse withoutaCause

Introduction

Theoperationofblessingsandcursesinourlivesisnot haphazardorunpredictable.Onthecontrary,bothofthem operateaccordingtoeternal,unchanginglaws.Itistothe Bible,onceagain,thatwemustlookforacorrect understandingoftheselaws.

InProverbs26:2Solomonestablishesthisprinciplewith respecttocurses:“Acursewithoutcauseshallnotalight.” Behindeverycursethatcomesuponus,thereisacause.If itseemsthatweareunderacurse,weshouldseekto determineitscause.Thenweshallbeinapositiontotake appropriateactionagainstit.Thiswillalsosilencethat naggingquestion,“Whydothingslikethisalwayshappento me?”

Thissectionlaysbarethecausesofthemaincursesthat commonlyafflictourlives.Afterreadingit,youwillbe betterabletounderstandandapplyGod’sremedy,whichis unfoldedinthefollowingsection.

Myfamilyonmyfather’ssidewasunderabad cursethathadtobebroken.Thecursehadkilled threechildreninourfamily.Myolderbrother’s oldestchildwaskilledinacarwreck.Mysecond childwasalsokilledinacarwreck.Myyounger brother’sthirdchildfelloffahorseandwaskilled whenherheadhitarock.Myyoungersister’sfourth childwasdiagnosedwithaninoperablemalignant braintumor.Becauseherfatherwasstationedinthe AirForce,shecametolivewithmewhilereceiving medicaltreatment.Ibrokethecurseoverherand sheisaliveandwelltoday.Ihaveprayedprayersof releaseuntiltherecouldn’tbeademonbraveenough tocomewithinablockofourhouse!

False Gods

Intheprecedingchapterswehaveestablishedtwo importantfactsconcerningcursesthatproceedfromGod. First,theyareoneofthemainwaysinwhichHebrings judgmentontherebelliousandtheungodly.Second,the basiccauseofsuchcursesisthefailuretohearGod’svoice anddowhatHesays or,inonesimpleword, disobedience.

Disobediencecantakemanyforms.Itisnatural, therefore,toask,Whataresomeofthemainformsof disobediencethatparticularlyprovokeGod’scurse?

TheBibleleavesnodoubtabouttheanswer.Theformof disobediencethatmostsurelyandinevitablyprovokesGod’s curseisthebreakingofthefirsttwooftheTen Commandments,whicharestatedinExodus20:1–5:

AndGodspokeallthesewords,saying:

“IamtheLORD yourGod,whobroughtyououtof thelandofEgypt,outofthehouseofbondage.

“YoushallhavenoothergodsbeforeMe.“You shallnotmakeforyourselfacarvedimage any

likenessofanythingthatisinheavenabove,orthat isintheearthbeneath,orthatisinthewaterunder theearth;youshallnotbowdowntothemnorserve them.ForI,theLORD yourGod,amajealousGod, visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthechildrento thethirdandfourthgenerationsofthosewhohate Me.”

WhatarethetwosinsGodspecifieshere?Thefirstis acknowledginganyothergodbefore orbesides the Lord.ItisnotenoughtoacknowledgetheLordasthefirst orgreatestofallgods.WemustacknowledgethatHeis the only true God.ThereisnootherbesidesHim.

InIsaiah45:21theLorddeclareswithgreatemphasis: “ThereisnootherGodbesidesMe,ajustGodandaSavior; thereisnonebesidesMe.”

Thesecondsin,describedinthenextcommandment,is themakingofanyartificialrepresentationofGodand offeringworshiptoit.InRomans1:20–23Paulanalyzes whatisinvolvedinthebreakingofthesetwo

commandments:

ForsincethecreationoftheworldGod’sinvisible qualities hiseternalpoweranddivinenature have beenclearlyseen,beingunderstoodfromwhathas beenmade,sothatmenarewithoutexcuse.

ForalthoughtheyknewGod,theyneitherglorified himasGodnorgavethankstohim,buttheirthinking becamefutileandtheirfoolishheartswere darkened.Althoughtheyclaimedtobewise,they becamefoolsandexchangedthegloryofthe immortalGodforimagesmadetolooklikemortal manandbirdsandanimalsandreptiles.

NIV

Thosewhoacknowledgefalsegodsandpracticeidol worshiphavedeliberatelyrejectedtheclearrevelationof Godavailabletothemthroughcreation.Instead,theyhave chosentoworshipidolsthatbecomeprogressivelydebased.

First,theytakehumanform,butfromtheretheydescendto birds,thentoanimalsandfinallytoreptiles.Thisexactly describesthepracticeofancientEgypt.Threeoftheirmain godswerethevulture,thejackalandthecobra.

Ourhumanmindsareslowtounderstandtheawful wickednessofidolworship.ThetrueGod,revealedfirstin creationandthenmorefullyinScripture,isholy,awesome, glorious,omnipotent.TorepresentHiminthelikenessof anycreatedbeing whetherhumanoranimal istooffer

Himadeliberateinsult.ItisacalculatedprovocationofHis wrath.

Letmeillustratethisbyacrudeexample.Suppose someoneweretofindacockroachcrawlingonthefloor,

photographitandthendisplaythephotographoverthetitle Derek Prince.Iwouldsurelyinterpretthisasaninsult aimeddeliberatelyatme.Howimmeasurablyworseisthe insultofferedtoGodbythosewhogiveHisnamenot merelytothenoblestofHiscreatures,buteventothemost debased!

God’sjudgmentonthebreakingofthesefirsttwo commandmentsbearsthecharacteristicmarkofacurse:It continuesfromgenerationtogeneration,atleastasfaras thefourthgeneration.Insomenationsandsomecultures, thepracticeofworshipingfalsegodsgoesbackover hundredsandeventhousandsofyears,compoundingthe effectmanytimesover.

Apersonwhocomesfromsuchabackgroundisheirtoa cursethatmaybecomparedtoaweedplantedinhislife, linkinghimtosatanicforcesoutsidehimself.Thisweedhas twokindsofroots:onelongtaprootgoingstraight downward,andotherlesspowerfullateralrootsstretching outinvariousdirections.Thetaprootrepresentsthe influenceofancestorswhoworshipedfalsegods.The lateralrootsrepresentotherinfluencestowhichtheperson hasbeenexposedinhisownlifetime,eitherthroughvarious sinshehascommittedorthroughhisownattachmentto falsegodsorinvariousotherways.

Beforehecanenjoytruelibertyandthefullnessofthe

newcreationinChrist,thisweedmustbecompletelypulled out,withallitsroots.Themostimportantroot,andtheone hardesttodealwith,isthetaprootthatlinkshimtomany generationswhohaveworshipedfalsegods.Nothingbutthe supernaturalgraceandpowerofGodcaneffectively removealltheseroots.ButthankGod,thereishopeinthe promiseofJesusinMatthew15:13:“EveryplantwhichMy heavenlyFatherhasnotplantedwillbeuprooted.”

Thesinsthatbringthisgenerationalcurse,however,do notstopshortatthemoreobviousformsofidolatry.They includeasecond,widerrangeofpracticesthatarenot necessarilyopenlyidolatrous,orevenreligious.Because theirtruenatureisconcealedbydeceptiveterminology,they areappropriatelydescribedas occult (derivedfromaLatin wordmeaning“hidden”or“coveredover”).Theseoccult practiceshavealwaysheldapowerfulfascination1for fallenman,nevermoresothaninthepresentgeneration.

Twoofthestrongestcravingsofhumannaturearethe desireforknowledgeandthedesireforpower.Uptoa certainpoint,manisabletosatisfythesecravingsfrom naturalsourcesandbynaturalmeans.Ifheisnotfully satisfiedbywhatheobtainsinthisway,hewillturn inevitablytosupernaturalsources.Itisatthispointthathe easilybecomesentrappedintheoccult.

Thereasonforthisisthatthereareactuallyonlytwo

availablesourcesofsupernaturalknowledgeandpowerin theuniverse:eitherGodorSatan.Everyformof supernaturalknowledgeorpowerthatdoesnotproceed fromGod,therefore,necessarilyproceedsfromSatan.If derivedfromGod,itislegitimate;ifderivedfromSatan,itis illegitimate.

SinceGod’sKingdomistheKingdomoflight,His servantsknowwhomtheyareservingandwhattheyare doing.Ontheotherhand,sinceSatan’skingdomisa kingdomofdarkness,mostofthoseinhiskingdomdonot knowthetrueidentityoftheonewhomtheyareserving,or thetruenatureofwhattheyaredoing.

Itwasthiscravingforillegitimateknowledgethat promptedman’sfirsttransgressionintheGardenofEden. Godhadsetaninvisibleboundarybetweenhimandthetree ofknowledgeofgoodandevil.Whenmancrossedthis boundary,hefoundhimselfinSatan’sterritoryandbecame acaptiveofSatan.Eversincethen,thesamekindof cravingforillegitimateknowledgeorpowerhascontinually luredmenintoanareawhereSatanisabletotakethem captiveathiswill(see2Timothy2:26).Asalreadystated, thegenericnameforthisareaistheoccult.

ThosewhotrespassinthisareaareseekingfromSatan thesupernaturalknowledgeorpowerthatGoddoesnot permitmantoseekfromanyothersourcebutHimself.In

sodoing,theyare,infact,acknowledgingSatanasagod besidestheonetrueGod,andarethusbreakingthefirstof theTenCommandants.Inthiswaytheyareexposing themselvestothecurseGodhaspronouncedonallwho breakthiscommandment acursethatextendsasfaras thefourthgeneration.

Thisconclusionissoimportantthatitneedstobe reemphasized:All who become involved in the occult are exposing themselves to the curse pronounced on those who break the first commandment.

InvariouspassagestheBibledescribestheactofturning tofalsegodsas“spiritualadultery,”andcondemnsitasan evengreatersinthanphysicaladultery.Understoodinthis way,thewarningsgiveninthebookofProverbsagainst involvementwithan“immoralwoman”—oranadulteress— applytoinvolvementintheoccult.InProverbs5:3–6this immoralwomanisdepictedasalluringandfascinatinginher initialapproaches,yetcausingfinalruintothosewhomshe seduces:

Forthelipsofanimmoralwomandriphoney,and

hermouthissmootherthanoil;butintheendsheis bitteraswormwood,sharpasatwo-edgedsword.

Herfeetgodowntodeath,herstepslayholdofhell.

Lestyouponderherpathoflife herwaysare

unstable;youdonotknowthem.

Thefinalstatementisparticularlyilluminating:“Herways areunstable;youdonotknowthem.”Nolimitcanbesetto theformsofdeceptionpracticedintheoccult.Assoonas oneisexposed,anotheremergesinitsplace.Itis,therefore, impossibletogiveacompleteordefinitivelistofthevarious typesofoccultpractices.Itis,however,possibletoidentify andbrieflydescribethefollowingthreemainbranches: witchcraft,divinationandsorcery.

Witchcraft isthe power branchoftheoccult.Itsrootis exposedbyabriefstatementin1Samuel15:23:“For rebellion isasthesinofwitchcraft”(emphasisadded).

Witchcraftisanexpressionofman’srebellionagainstGod. Itisman’sattempttogainhisownendswithoutsubmitting toGod’sLaw.Itsdrivingforceisadesiretocontrolpeople andcircumstances.Togainthisenditmayuseeither psychologicalpressuresorpsychictechniques,ora combinationofboth.

Therearethreekeywordsthatexposetheactivityof witchcraft:manipulate, intimidate, dominate.Domination isitsultimatepurpose.Manipulationandintimidationare alternativewaysofachievingthispurpose.Whereverpeople useverbalornonverbaltacticstomanipulate,intimidateand dominatethosearoundthem,witchcraftisatwork.

Initssimplestform,witchcraftismerelyanexpressionof thecorrupt,rebelliousnatureoffallenhumanity.InGalatians 5:19–20,intheKingJamesVersion,itislisted with idolatry among“theworksoftheflesh.”Thereare probablyfewpeoplewhohavenotresortedatsometimeor othertowitchcraftinthisform.

Thisisonlythetipoftheiceberg,however.Itis characteristicofSatanthatheexploitsthis“workofthe flesh”asanopeningforsupernatural,demonicpowerthat emanatesfromthekingdomofdarkness.Throughthis opening,hemovesinandtakescontrolofmenandwomen, makingthemtoolsofhisevilpurposesandslavesofhis kingdom.Theresultiswitchcraftpracticedasanoccultart, operatingprimarilythroughspellsandcurses.

Theothertwoformsoftheoccult—divinationand sorcery aremotivatedbythesamebasicdesire:tocontrol peopleandcircumstances.

Divination isthe knowledge branchoftheoccult, offeringmanydifferentformsofknowledgethatcannotbe obtainedbypurelynaturalmeans.Initscommonestform,as fortune-telling,itofferssupernaturalknowledgeofthe future.Italsoincludesallfalseformsofreligiousrevelation thatclaimasupernaturalsource.

Sorcery operatesthrough material objects orthrough otherwaysofimpactingthephysicalsenses,suchas drugs

or music.InRevelation9:21thewordfor sorceries is directlyderivedfromtheGreekwordfor drugs.In2

Timothy3:13Paulwarnsthatatthecloseofthisage“evil menandimpostorswillgrowworseandworse,deceiving andbeingdeceived.”Thewordtranslated impostors means literally“enchanters.”Chanting orincantation has alwaysbeenatechniqueofsorcery.Thecontemporarydrug culture,withitsaccompanimentof“heavymetal”rock music,isavividexampleoftwoformsofsorceryworking together.

Thefollowingisabrieflistofvariouscategoriesunder whichthe“tools”ofsorcerymaybeclassified:

Anyobjectsassociatedwithidolatrousworship,whether paganorprofessingtobeChristian.

Anyobjectsrepresentinganykindoffalsereligionorcult orsatanicpractice.

Anyobjectsuponwhichapractitioneroftheocculthas invokedsupernaturalpower.(Evenifthispoweris ostensiblydirectedtowarda“good”purpose,suchas healing,itssourcemakesitthechannelofacurse.)

Anyobjectsthataretheexpressionofsuperstition,such ashorseshoes,“lucky”coins,figuresof“saints”andso on.

Thefollowingaresomespecificformsoftheoccult

prevalentinourcontemporaryculture:

1.Thepowerbranchoftheoccult

Acupressure,acupuncture,astralprojection,hypnosis, levitation,martialarts(thosethatinvokesupernatural spiritualpower),mindcontrol,minddynamics,parakinesis, table-tipping,telekinesis,“touch”healing,witchcraft.

2.Theknowledgebranchofthe occult

Astrology,automaticwriting,“channeling,”clairaudience (hearing“voices”),clairvoyance,crystalballs,diagnosingby colortherapyorapendulum,divining,ESP,handwriting analysis,horoscopes,iridology,kabbala,mediums,mind reading,numerology,omens,palmreading,phrenology, séances,tarotcards,tea-leafreading,telepathy,“witching.” Also,allbooksthatteachoccultpractices.

Alsoincludedunderthisheadingareallfalsereligionsor cultsthatclaimsupernaturalrevelationbutcontradictthe Bible.Distinguishingbetweentrueandfalseinthisrealmis likedistinguishingbetweenstraightandcrookedinthe naturalrealm.Oncewehaveestablishedastandardofwhat isstraight,weknowthatanythingdepartingfromthat standardiscrooked.Itmakesnodifferencewhetherit variesbyonedegreeorbyninetydegrees.Itiscrooked.

Inthespiritualrealm,theBibleisthestandardofthat whichis straight thatis, true.Anythingthatdepartsfrom theBibleis false.Whetheritdepartsbylittleormuchis relativelyunimportant.Someofthesubtlestdeceptionsare thosethatappeartodifferonlyalittlefromtheBible.

Particularlydangerousarereligionsthatmisrepresentthe

Person,thenatureortheredemptiveworkofJesusChrist. TheNewTestament,forexample,presentsJesusas“God manifestintheflesh,”butJehovah’sWitnessesteachthat Hewasacreatedbeing.Again,Islamrejectstheclaimof JesustobetheSonofGod,anddeniesthatHeeveractually diedonthecross.YettheatoningdeathofJesusistheonly basisonwhichmancanclaimforgivenessofsins.

Thefollowingaresomeofthemanyfalsereligionsor cultsthatareactivetoday:Anthroposophy,BlackMass, ChildrenofGod,Christadelphians,ChristianScience, Freemasonry,InnerPeaceMovement,Jehovah’sWitnesses (DawnBibleStudents),Mormons(ChurchofJesusChrist ofLatter-DaySaints),NewAgeMovement,Religious Science,Rosicrucianism,Scientology,SpiritualFrontiers Fellowship,Spiritualism,Theosophy,UnificationChurch (Moonies,OneWorldCrusade),UnitarianChurch.

Also,Easternreligionsorcults,suchasBaha’i,Buddhism, Confucianism,DivineLightMission,gurus,HareKrishna, Hinduism,Islam,Shintoism,TranscendentalMeditation, yoga.

3.The branchofthe occultoperatingthroughphysical objects, etc.

Amulets,ankhs(anankhisacrosswitharingatthetop),

birthstones,charms(e.g.,forwartremoval),crystalsused forhealing,hallucinogenicdrugs,“heavymetal”rock recordsorcassettes,hexsigns,“lucky”symbols(e.g., invertedhorseshoes),Ouijaboards,paganfetishesor religiousartifacts,planchettes,talismans,zodiaccharms.

God’sestimateofthosewhoareinvolvedinthekindsof practicelistedaboveisstatedplainlyinDeuteronomy18:10–13: Letnoonebefoundamongyouwhosacrificeshis sonordaughterinthefire,whopracticesdivination orsorcery,interpretsomens,engagesinwitchcraft, orcastsspells,orwhoisamediumorspiritistorwho consultsthedead.Anyonewhodoesthesethingsis detestabletotheLORD,andbecauseofthese detestablepracticestheLORD yourGodwilldrive outthosenationsbeforeyou.Youmustbeblameless beforetheLORD yourGod.

Noticethatthosewhoengageintheseoccultpractices areclassedinthesamecategorywiththosewhosacrifice theirchildreninfiretopagangods.UndertheLawof Moses,themandatorypenaltyforallsuchpracticeswas death.

Itisimportanttorecognizethat books canbechannelsof occultpower.WhentheprofessingChristiansinEphesus wereconfrontedthroughtheministryofPaulwiththereality ofSatan’spower,theirreactionwasdramatic:

Manyofthosewhobelievednowcameandopenly confessedtheirevildeeds.Anumberwhohad practicedsorcerybroughttheirscrollstogetherand burnedthempublicly.Whentheycalculatedthe valueofthescrolls,thetotalcametofiftythousand drachmas.2

Acts19:18–19,NIV

Theonlyappropriatewaytodealwithsuchoccult materialistodestroyitcompletely—byfireorbywhatever meansmaybemostsuitable eventhoughthevalueofthe materialdestroyedmaybeverygreat.

Ithasalreadybeenpointedoutthattheoccult,likethe “immoralwoman,”isconstantlychangingitsways.Nofinal orexhaustivelistofoccultpracticescaneverbeoffered.

OvermanyyearsIhavesoughttohelppeoplewith problemsthathadnotbeenresolvedbythetypeof counselingorministrynormallyofferedbythemajorityof churchestoday.SofarasIcouldtell,thesepeople’s problemswerenotduetolackofsincerityorearnestness. Infact,theyoftenseemedtobemoreearnestandsincere

thanmanyregularchurchgoerswhomanifestednoobvious problems.

InthecasesinwhichIdidsucceedinhelpingsuch people,Ialmostinvariablydiscoveredsomerootof involvementwiththeoccultintheirbackgrounds.Oftenthey themselvesdidnotseethisasapotentialcauseoftheir problems.Yetoncetheoccultrootwasexposedanddealt with,itwasusuallycomparativelyeasytoresolvetheother, moreobviousproblems.

Asimplebutvividexamplecomestomymind.Inahome prayermeeting,Ifoundmyselfnexttoayoungmaninhis earlytwenties.Wehadnotmetbefore,butIfeltledtoask him,“HaveyoureceivedtheHolySpirit?”

“Yes,”hereplied,butthenaddedratherwistfully,“butI don’tspeakintongues.”Clearlyhefelttherewassomething lackinginhisexperience.

Withoutdiscussinganyfurthertheissueoftongues,I askedhim,“Didyouevervisitafortune-teller?”

Hereflectedforamoment,andthensaid,“Yes,once, whenIwasaboutfifteen.ButIonlydiditasajoke.Ididn’t reallybelieveinit.”

“Butstill,”Ipressedhim,“youdidactuallyhaveyour fortunetold?”

“Yes,”heacknowledgedratherreluctantly,andthen

addeddefensively,“butIdidn’tmeananythingbyit.”

“Wouldyoubewillingtoconfessthatasasin,”Isaid, “andaskGodtoforgiveyouandreleaseyoufromits consequences?”

Whenheagreedtothis,Iledhiminasimpleprayer,in whichheconfessedhisvisittothefortune-tellerasasinand askedGodtoforgivehimandreleasehimfromits consequences.Then,withoutafurtherwordofexplanation, IputmyhandonhisshoulderandaskedGodtoreleasethe HolySpiritwithinhim.Instantly,withouthesitationor stammering,hebegantospeakclearlyandfluentlyinan unknowntongue.Inafewmomentshewaslostinthe presenceofGod,oblivioustoallthatwasgoingonaround him.Theinvisiblebarrierinhislifehadbeenremoved!

Sincethen,Ihavereflectedmanytimesonmybrief encounterwiththatyoungman.Hisproblemwasnotlackof earnestnessorsincerity.Itwasafailuretorecognizethe natureofhisactinvisitingthefortune-teller.Hedidnot understandthatinGod’ssighthehadbeenguiltyofspiritual adultery.

SupposeIhadaskedhim,“Didyouevercommitadultery withamarriedwoman?”Hewouldneverhavereplied, “Yes,butIonlydiditasajoke....Ididn’tmeananything byit.”

Countlessmultitudesofpeopletodayareinasimilar

situation.Manyofthemarechurchgoers.Yet,through ignorance,theyhavetrespassedintheareaoftheoccult andhavebecomeinvolvedinasinthatisworsethan physicaladultery.Untiltheyrecognizethetruenatureof whattheyhavedone,theymustcontinueundertheshadow ofthecurseGodhaspronouncedonallwhoturnawayfrom Himtofalsegods.Furthermore,thesameshadowmay continuetorestoverthelivesofthenextfourgenerationsof theirdescendants.

Whenconfrontedwiththeseissues,Christianssometimes respond,“ButIdidn’tknowthatIwasdoinganything wrong.”Myreplyistopointoutthatin1Timothy1:13–15 Pauldescribeshimselfasthechiefofsinnersforsinshe committed“ignorantlyinunbelief.”Ignorancedoesnot absolveusfromtheguiltofoursins,butitmaydisposeGod toshowusmercyifwerepentandturntoHim.

Allofus,withoutexception,needtoconsidercarefully howtheseprinciplesmayapplyinourlives.Inthefirsttwo oftheTenCommandmentsGodhaspronouncedHis judgmentontwospecificsins:turningtoanyfalsegod besidestheonetrueGod;andmakingandworshipingany artificialrepresentationofGod.Thesetwosinsincludethe wholeareaoftheoccult.God’sjudgmentonthosewho committhem,aswehaveseen,extendstothefour generationsfollowing.

Conversely,anyoneofthefourgenerationsprecedingus, byhavingcommittedthesesins,couldbethecauseofa curseoverusinourgeneration.Eachofushastwoparents, fourgrandparents,eightgreat-grandparentsandsixteen great-great-grandparents.Thismakesatotalofthirty persons,anyoneofwhommightbethecauseofacurse overourlives.Howmanyofuswouldbeinapositionto guaranteethatnoneofourthirtyimmediateancestorswas everinvolvedinanyformofidolatryortheoccult?

ThankGodHehasprovidedawayofreleasefromany cursethatmighthavecomefromthissource!ThankGod wecanavailourselvesofHisprovision!Inthefinaldayof reckoning,Godwillnotholdagainstusthefactthatour ancestorsbroughtacurseuponus,butHewillholdusguilty ifwerefusetoavailourselvesoftheprovisionHehasmade forustobereleasedfromsuchacurse.

Questions for the Study

1.AccordingtoProverbs26:2,behindeverycursethat comesonusisa .

2.Trueorfalse:Onceweknowthecauseofacurse,we arestillnotabletoremoveit.

3.Theformofdisobediencethatwillmostsurelyprovoke acursefromGodisthebreakingofthe

oftheTenCommandments.

4.Trueorfalse:ItisenoughtoacknowledgetheLordas thefirstorgreatestofallthegods.

5.Thesecondsinismakinganyartificialrepresentation ofGodandoffering toit.

6.Inthebreakingofthesecommandments,thecurse continuesforhowmanygenerations?

7.Theword occult isderivedfromaLatinwordmeaning or .

8.Trueorfalse:Twoofthestrongestcravingsofhuman naturearethedesireforknowledgeandforlove.

9.TheBibledescribesturningtofalsegodsas anddescribesitasanevengreatersinthan

10.Whatarethethreemainbranchesoftheoccult?

operatesthroughmaterialobjectsand is thepowerbranch.

11.Trueorfalse:Ifonecommitsasinnotknowingitwas asin,Godwillnotholdthatpersonaccountable.

Life Application

1.Haveyouoranyoneinyourfamilyworshipedidolsor falsegods?Ifyes,listthenamesofthefalsegods.

2.Readthelistsofthedifferentformsoftheocculton

pages78–79.Haveyoueverparticipatedinanyof these?Ifyes,writedowntheonesyouhavebeen involvedwith.

Memory Verse

Likeaflittingsparrow,likeaflyingswallow,soacurse withoutcauseshallnotalight.Proverbs26:2

Faith Response

Lord, I declare that You are the only true God. There is no other god besides You. You are my source for wisdomand strength.

Answers

1.Cause.

2.False.

3.Firsttwo.

4.False.Heisthe only trueGod.

5.Worship.

6.Four.

7.Hidden,coveredover.

8.False.Forknowledgeandforpower.

9.Spiritualadultery,physicaladultery.

Various MoralandEthicalSins

TheprimaryformofdisobediencethatprovokesGod’s curseisstatedinExodus20:3–5:acknowledgingand worshipingfalsegods.Inaddition,theOldTestamentalso revealsalargenumberofsecondaryformsofdisobedience uponwhichGodhaspronouncedacurse.Inthiscategory,in Deuteronomy27:15–26,Mosesliststwelvemoraland ethicalsins,allofwhichprovokeGod’scurse.

EarlierinthischapterMoseshadinstructedIsraelto carryoutasolemnceremonyaftertheyhadenteredthe landofCanaan.OnthetwoadjoiningmountainsofEbaland Gerizimtheyweretooffersacrificesandsetuplargestones withallthewordsoftheLawwrittenonthem.Withthese wordsinplainview,halfofthetribeswouldfirstinvokea blessingonallIsraeliteswhowereobedient.Thentheother sixtribeswouldinvokeacurseonallwhoweredisobedient. Toboththeblessingandthecurse,allthepeoplewere requiredtorespond,“Amen!”1

Inthisway,GodordainedthatIsrael’soccupationof Canaanwouldconfrontthemwithtwodiametrically oppositealternatives:ablessingforobedienceoracursefor

disobedience.Betweenthesetwowasnomiddleground. Nootheroptionwasopentothem.Fromthenonward, everyIsraelitewhoenteredCanaanwouldeitherenjoy God’sblessingorendureHiscurse.

Thesetwoalternativesarepresentedwithstarkclarityin thehistoryofIsrael,andsubsequentrecordsconfirmtheir outworking.Nevertheless,thesealternativesarenot confinedtoIsrael.Theyapplyequallytoallwhowouldenter intoacovenantrelationshipwithGod.UndertheNew Covenant,justasundertheOld,Godoffersthesametwo alternatives:eitherblessingforobedienceorcursefor disobedience.OnegreatdelusionamongChristians,which Satancarefullyfosters,isthatthereissomethirdpossibility, whichisneitherobedience,withitsblessings,nor disobedience,withitscurses.NeithertheOldTestamentnor theNewoffersanysuchoption.

ThetwelvecursespronouncedontheIsraelitesfrom MountEbalweredetailedandspecific.Thefollowingisa suggestedsummaryofthemainkindsofconductcovered bythem:

Acknowledgingandworshipingfalsegods.

Disrespectforparents.

Allformsofoppressionsandinjustice,especiallywhen directedagainsttheweakandthehelpless.

Allformsofillicitorunnaturalsex.

Thefinalcursecoveredallformsofdisobediencetothe Law.

Asalways,theprimarycauseofGod’scurseisanyform ofinvolvementwithfalsegods.Thisisfollowedby disrespectforparents.Therequirementtorespectour parentsisrestatedandreemphasizedintheNew Testament.InEphesians6:1–3Paulreaffirmsthefifthof theTenCommandments:

Children,obeyyourparentsintheLord,forthisis right.“Honoryourfatherandmother,”whichisthe firstcommandmentwithpromise:“thatitmaybe wellwithyouandyoumaylivelongontheearth.”

Countlesspeopletoday—includingmanyChristians—are unawarethatdisrespectforparentsbringsGod’scurse.I couldnotestimatethenumberofpeopleIhavedealtwith personallyonthisissue.ThankGodthatIhaveseena wonderfulchangeforthebetterinthelivesofthosewho haverecognizedthissin,repentedofitandchangedtheir attitudetowardtheirparents!

Onthistheme,itisappropriatetoquoteapassagefrom mybookonmarriage, God Is a Matchmaker.

Paulpointsoutthattheprecedingfour commandmentshadnopromiseattachedtothe

keepingofthem.Buttothisfifthcommandment, relatingtoparents,Godaddedaspecialpromise: “Thatitmaygowellwithyou.”Atthesametime, thepromiseimpliesacondition:Ifyouwantittogo wellwithyou,youmustbecarefultohonoryour parents.

Conversely,ifyoudonothonoryourparents,you cannotexpectittogowellwithyou.

Bearinmindthatitispossibletohonoryour parentswithoutagreeingwiththemonallpointsor endorsingeverythingtheydo.Youmaydisagree stronglywiththeminsomematters,yetmaintaina respectfulattitudetowardthem.Tohonoryour parentsinthiswayisalsotohonorGodHimself, whogavethiscommandment.

Iamconvincedthataproperattitudetoward parentsisanessentialrequirementforGod’s blessingonanyperson’slife.InalltheyearsIhave dealtwithChristiansinteaching,pastoring, counseling,andotherrelationships,Ihavenevermet onewhohadawrongattitudetowardhisparents andenjoyedtheblessingofGod.Suchapersonmay bezealousinmanyareasoftheChristianlife,active inthechurch,energeticinministry.Hemayhavea placeinheavenwait-ingforhim.Yetthereisalways somethinglackinginhislife:theblessingandfavor

ofGod.

IhaveseenmanyChristians,ontheotherhand, whoseliveswererevolutionizedwhenthey acknowledgedawrongattitudetowardparents, repentedofitandmadethenecessarychanges.I rememberonemanwhowasconvictedofalifetime ofbitternessandhatredtowardhisfatherAlthough hisfatherwasalreadydead,thismanjourneyed hundredsofmilestothecemeterywherehisfather wasburied.Kneelingbesidethegrave,hepoured outhishearttoGodindeepcontritionand repentance.Hedidnotrisefromhiskneesuntilhe knewhissinwasforgivenandhewasreleasedfrom itsevileffects.Fromthatpointon,thewholecourse ofhislifechangedfromfrustrationanddefeatto victoryandfulfillment.

ThenextformofconductinthelistofDeuteronomy27is oppressionandinjustice,especiallyagainsttheweakandthe helpless.Therearecertainlymanyexamplesofsuch behaviorinourcontemporaryculture,butnoneismorelikely toprovokeGod’scursethanthedeliberateabortingofan unborninfant.Whoismorehelplessandincapableofselfdefensethanababyinitsmother’swomb,ifitsownparents donotprotectit?

Howstrangethatpeoplewhoareactiveinthefight

againstracialprejudiceandinjustice—andrightlyso— actuallycondoneandpromotethepracticeofabortion! Strange,too,thatpeoplewhowouldneverthinkofraisinga handinviolenceagainstasmallchildfeelnocompassion towardanevensmallerchildinitsmother’swomb. Somehowthesubstitutionoftheword fetus for infant dulls people’sconsciences.Yetthechangeinterminologyinno wayaffectstherealnatureofsuchanact.

Someonehasasked,“Whathopeisleftforasocietyin whichmotherskilltheirownbabies?”God’sattitudetoward abortionisnotaffectedbyachangeinterminology.He classifiesitquitesimplyas“murder” anddealswithit accordingly.Innationafternationaroundtheworldtoday, millionsoflivesarebeingblightedbythecursethatfollows thisact.

Thefinalformofcurse-provokingconductinthelisttaken fromDeuteronomy27istheabuseandperversionofthe sexualrelationship.SomeChristians,unfortunately,have formedtheimpressionthatsexissomehowunclean, somethingthatcannotbeavoidedbutneverthelessneedsan apology.Yetthebiblicalpictureisjusttheopposite.Sexis partoftheCreator’soriginalplanforman,somethingsacred andbeautiful.ForthisreasonGodhassetstringent boundariesaroundthesexualact,toprotectitfromabuse andperversion.Theseboundariesaremarkedoutbythe

cursespronouncedinverses20through23ofDeuteronomy 27.

Theforbiddenfactsherelistedcoversexwithvarious personsrelatedeitherbybloodormarriage,andanyformof sexwithanimals.TheactsforbiddenintheBiblealso includeallexpressionsofhomosexuality.InLeviticus18:22 Goddeclares:“Youshallnotliewithamaleaswitha woman.Itisanabomination” alsotranslated“detestable.” ThisisthesamewordusedinDeuteronomy18:12to describevariousformsofoccultpractice.

Todaymanyoftheseboundariesdesignedtoprotectthe sanctityofsexarebeingdeliberatelysetaside sometimes eveninthenameofChristianity.Yetnoargumentsbased on“situationethics”or“thenewmorality”(whichisbyno meansnew)canaffectorchangethelawsofGodthat governhumanbehavior.Allwhoindulgeinsexual perversionexposethemselvestothecurseofGod.

ItissignificantthatthislistofactsthatprovokeGod’s curseinDeuteronomy27isfollowedimmediatelyin Deuteronomy28bythecompletelistofblessingsfor obedienceandcursesfordisobedience.ItisasifGodsays:

“Beforeyoudecidewhethertoobeyornot,youhadbetter givecarefulconsiderationtotheconsequences.Sohere theyare!”

Questions for the Study

1.InDeuteronomy27:15–26,Mosesliststwelve and sinsthatwillprovokeacurse fromGod.

2.Trueorfalse:Theconditionforblessingsandcursesis differentundertheNewTestamentthanitisunderthe OldTestament.

3.“Honoryourmotherandfather”isthefirst commandmentwitha .

4.Trueorfalse:Youcanhaveawrongattitudetoward yourparentsandstillenjoytheblessingsofGod.

5.Anotherformofmisconductis and ,especiallyagainsttheweakandhelpless.

6.Trueorfalse:Becauseweliveinamodernsociety,we arenolongerunderthelawsthatgovernsexual immorality.

Life Application

1.Haveyoueverdisrespectedyourparents?Ifso, acknowledgethissintoGodandaskforforgiveness.

2.Haveyouevertakenadvantageoftheweakand helpless?Ifso,acknowledgethespecificsituation beforeGod,askHimtoforgiveyouandthenspeaka wordofblessingovertheone(s)youtookadvantage

3.Haveyoueverparticipatedinanyillicitsexual relationships?Ifso,repentoftheserelationshipsand askGodtoforgiveandcleanseyou.

4.Haveyoueverbeenonthereceivingendofoppression andinjusticeordisrespectbyyourchildrenorothers?

Memory Verse

Faith Response

Lord, I will not compromise what Your Word says is truth nor will I justify my wrongdoing. I desire to walk in righteousness.

Answers

1.Moralandethical.

2.False;itisthesame.Obediencebringsblessingsand disobediencebringscurses.

3.Promise.

4.False.

5.Oppression,injustice.

6.False.

Anti-Semitism

AboutfourthousandyearsagoGodmadeachoicethathas affectedallsubsequenthistory.Hewaslookingforaman whowouldmeetHisconditionssothathemightultimately becomeachannelofGod’sblessingtoallnations.Theman HechosewascalledAbram(laterrenamedAbraham).

God’spurposeinchoosingAbrahamisunfoldedin Genesis12:2–3.Characteristically,blessingandcurseare closelyconnected.Godpronouncesfourpromisesof blessinguponAbraham:

“Iwillblessyou.”

“Youshallbeablessing.”

“Iwillblessthosewhoblessyou.”

“Inyouallthefamiliesoftheearthshallbeblessed.”

Interposedinthemidstoftheseblessings,however,isa curse.

“Iwillcursehimwhocurses1you.”

Theadditionofthiscurseservesanimportantpractical purpose.AnypersononwhomGodpronouncesHisblessing istherebyautomaticallyexposedtothehatredand

oppositionofthegreatenemyofGodandHispeople:Satan. Paradoxicalasitmayseem,theblessingofGodprovokes thecurseofSatan,channeledthroughthelipsofthose whomSatancontrols.Forthisreason,whenGodblessed Abraham,HeaddedHiscurseonallwhowouldcurse Abraham.ThismeantthatnoonecouldcurseAbraham withoutincurringthecurseofGodinreturn.

InGenesis27:29,whenIsaacblessedhissonJacob,he alsoextendedtohimthesameprotectionthatGodoriginally providedforAbraham:“Cursedbeeveryonewhocurses you.”Later,underdivinecompulsion,Balaamuttereda propheticrevelationofIsrael’sdestiny,whichwasexactly oppositetohisoriginalintentiontocurseIsrael.Partofthis revelation,recordedinNumbers24:9,echoedthewords alreadyspokenconcerningAbrahamandJacob:“Blessedis hewhoblessesyou,andcursedishewhocursesyou.”

Takentogether,theseScripturesmakeitclearthatboth theblessingandthecurseoriginallypronouncedon Abrahamwereextendedtohisdescendants,Isaacand Jacob,andthenontotheirsucceedinggenerations,whoare todayknowncollectivelyastheJewishpeople.

GoddidnotmakeitimpossibleforHisenemiestocurse Abraham,Isaac,Jacobandtheirdescendants,butHedid ensurethatnoonecoulddoitwithimpunity.Fromthattime onward,noonehasevercursedtheJewishpeoplewithout

bringinguponhimselfafarmorefearfulcurse:thatof almightyGod.Incontemporaryspeech,theattitudethat provokesthiscurseofGodissummedupinasingleword: anti-Semitism.

Itwouldtakeafull-lengthbooktotracetheoutworkingof thiscurseinthehistoryofindividualsandnationsfromthe timeofthepatriarchsuntilourday.Sufficeittosaythatin nearlyfourthousandyears,noindividualandnonationhas evercursedtheJewishpeoplewithoutbringingupon themselvesinreturntheblightingcurseofGod.

ThestoryofNabilHaddadprovidesavividcontemporary illustrationofbothaspectsofGod’spromisetoAbraham:on theonehand,thecurseonthosewhoreviletheJewish people;andontheotherhand,theblessingthatresultsfrom blessingthem.NabilisaPalestinianArab,borninHaifainto awell-knownArabfamily.Subsequently,heimmigratedto theUnitedStates,wherehebecameasuccessful businessman.Healsohadapowerfulpersonalencounter withtheLordJesusChrist.Hereishisstoryinhisown words:

MynameisNabilHaddad.IamaPalestinianArab borninHaifain1938toChristianArabparents.

Irememberthatfrommyearliestchildhood,Iwould alwaysgotobeddepressed.Ibecamedeterminedtofinda

waytobehappy.Iknewmyparentslovedme,butthat didn’tchangemyunhappiness.IbecameconvincedthatifI couldbecomerichandsuccessful,thenIwouldbehappy. Thatbecamemygoal.

In1948,thefightingbetweentheArabsandtheJews began.OurwholefamilymovedtoLebanon.Inthelate 1950sIcametotheUnitedStatesforcollege.

So,inAmerica,Isetouttoachievemygoalofbecoming richandsuccessfulthrougheducationandbusiness.Over thenextfewyears,Imarried,becameanAmericancitizen, startedafamilyandbecameafranchiseeofMcDonald’s restaurants.BytheageofthirtyIwasamillionaire.

However,thedepressionhadnotleftme.Istartedseeking materialthings cars,trips,recreation,anythingthatmoney canbuy—tomakemehappy.Nothingworked.

Finally,Ibegantoaskquestions:WhoisthisMan Jesus?WhoisthisOnethatpeoplestilltalkabout 2,000yearsafterHisdeath?WhoisthisOnethat somepeopleevenworship?

IopenedtheBible,wantingtoseewhatthisJesus hadsaidaboutHimself,andaPresencefilledthe room.Some-howIknewthatJesusistheSonof God.IspentmostofthenextyearreadingtheBible andtalkingtomyfriendsaboutJesus.ButstillIwas depressed.Duringthistime,Isoldmynine

McDonald’srestaurantsforafewmillionand startedanewbusiness.Thingsstartedtogosour.I becamemoredepressed.IbegantoquestionGod again.

“Why,Lord?BeforeIknewthatJesusisYour Son,Iwasdoingfine.Noweverythingisgoing wrong!”

Godreplied, What have you done with the revelation that Jesus is My Son? Nothing in your life has changed. Even Satan knows that Jesus is My Son.

“WhatdoYouwantmetodo,Lord?”

Repent, and receive Himinto your life.

Ifoundsomeonewhocouldshowmehowto pray.IrepentedandaskedJesusintomyheart.A fewmonthslater,IwasbaptizedintheHolySpirit. NowIhadtheanswer. I no longer went to bed depressed. Butmylifewasstillnotright.My businesscontinuedtogodownhill.AgainI confrontedtheLord.

“Lord!”Isaid.“Youtrickedme.BeforeIknew anythingaboutYourSonJesus,Iwasdoingallright. ThenyoushowedmeHeisYourSon,andthings startedgoingwrong.ThenIreceivedHimintomy life,andnowI’mlosingeverything!”

I’ma jealous God, Hereplied. Your business is

your god, your Rolls Royce is your god, your position is your god. I’mgoing to take all these false gods away fromyou to show you who the true living God is. But I will restore you.

Withintenmonths,Iwasbankrupt.

AlittlelaterIwenttoFortLauderdalefora seminarcalled“Curses:CauseandCure”taughtby DerekPrince.Ilearnedthatmanyareasofmylife wereunderacurse financial,physical,notenjoying mychildren, etc. Irememberedthesamekindsof problemsinmyfather’slifeandinthelivesofother familymembers.

Onthethirdday,whenDerekledthefewhundred peopleinaprayertobesetfreefromcurses,Istood up.Peopleinfrontofme,nexttome,andbehindme hadphysicalmanifestationsofrelease.Butmy releasedidnotoccuratthemeeting.Thenextday, foreightstraighthours,Iwasbeingreleasedfrom curseswithpainfulvomitingofthingsthatwere attacheddeepinsidemybody.WhenIaskedthe LordwhatIwasbeingdeliveredfrom,Heshowed mewitchcraftandmanyotherspecificproblems.

FormonthstheLordcontinuedtoshowme additionalareasofcurses.EachtimeIrepentedand claimedmyreleaseonthebasisofJesusbecominga curseforme.

OnedayasIwasworshiping,Isaid,“Howgreat Youare!Youcreatedtheuniverse and everything in it!”TheLordaskedmeifIreallybelievedthat.I said,“Yes,Lord.”

Hesaid, What about the Jewish people? You still hold resentment in your heart against them.

Irememberedhowmywholefamilyhadalways cursedtheJews.Iwastrainedto hate themfrom myearliestyears.Now,inthepresenceoftheLord, Isaid,“Irenounceanyresentmentinmyheart towardtheJewishpeople.Iforgivethem!” Immediatelysomethingchangedinsideofme.

ShortlyafterthisIsawthatGodinHisWordhad toldAbraham,thefatheroftheJews,“I’llbless thosewhoblessyouandcursethosewhocurse you”(seeGenesis12:3).ThenIrealizedthatmy financeshadnotbeenunderablessing,butundera curse acurseofinsufficiency.Ihadneverbeen abletomakeenoughmoneytomeetmyneeds.Even ifImade$250,000,Iwouldneed$300,000.Later, whenImade$500,000,Iwouldneed$700,000to covermyexpenses.

Since1982,whenIwasreleasedfromthecurse ofanti-Semitismandthecurseofinsufficiencythat wentwithit,myincomehasalwaysexceededmy expensesandmyneeds.AndIamableto give

liberally totheworkoftheKingdomofGod.

Godhasalsohealedmybodyandmyemotions.I amtotallyfreefromdepression.IcantrulysayIam walkinginvictory.Mytestimonyhashelpedmany otherstobedeliveredfromthecurseandtolive underGod’sblessing.

ThelessonofNabil’slifeisclear:No one can afford to hate or curse the Jewish people.Thislessonwasnever moreneededthanitistoday.Bothsociallyandpolitically, anti-Semitismisoneofthemostpowerfulforcesatworkin ourcontemporaryworld.Yetultimatelyitspellsdisasterfor allwhoallowthemselvestobecontrolledbyit.

Unfortunately,throughoutmanycenturies,theprofessing ChristianChurchhasoftenbeenguiltyofpropagating flagrantanti-Semitism.YettheChurchoweseveryspiritual blessingsheclaimstothosewhohavebeenhervictims:the Jewishpeople.WithouttheJews,theChurchwouldhave hadnoapostles,noBibleandnoSavior.

Hereisonemainreasonforthepresentlukewarm, powerlessconditionofsomuchofChristendom especially inEuropeandtheMiddleEast,whereanti-Semitismismost deeplyentrenched.ThestoryofNabilHaddadpointstothe solution:openacknowledgmentofanti-Semitismasasin, followedbyrepentanceandrenunciation.Thiswillresultin adeep,innerchangeofhearttowardtheJewishpeople,and

arecognitionofthemeasurelessspiritualblessingsthe ChristianChurchhasreceivedthroughthem.

Onthisbasis,wecanthenentreatGodtoremovethe darkshadowofthecurse,whichatpresentrestsuponmajor sectionsoftheChurch,andtoreplaceitwithHisblessing.

Questions for the Study

1.InGenesis12:2–3,howmanypromisesofblessingdid GodpronounceonAbraham?

2.Trueorfalse:GodprovidedprotectionforAbraham fromSatanbyinterposingacurseinthemiddleofthe blessings.

3.TheScripturesmakeitclearthattheblessingsandthe curseoriginallyannouncedtoAbrahamhavebeen passeddowntothe people.

4.Trueorfalse:NoonehasevercursedAbraham,Isaac, Jacobortheirdescendantswithoutbringingonhimself amorefearfulcurse.

5.Bothsociallyandpolitically isoneofthe mostpowerfulforcesatworkinourcontemporary culture.

6.Trueorfalse:TheChristianChurchoverthecenturies hasprotectedtheJewishpeople.

7.Tobreakthecurseofanti-Semitism,onemust

Life Application

1.Whatdidyoulearnaboutanti-Semitismthatyoudidnot knowbefore?

2.HasthischapterchangedhowyouthinkaboutIsrael andtheJews?Inwhatway?

3.HaveyouevercursedIsraelortheJews?Ifso,takea fewmomentstorepentandaskGodtoforgiveyou.

Memory Verse

PrayforthepeaceofJerusalem:“Maytheyprosperwho loveyou.”

Psalm122:6

Faith Response

Lord, I bless Israel in Your name and I speak a word of peace to Jerusalem.

Answers

1.Four.

2.True.“Iwillcursehimwhocursesyou.”

3.Jewish.

4.True.

5.Anti-Semitism.

6.False.TheChurchhasoftenpropagatedanti-Semitism.

7.Sin,repentance,renunciation.

Legalism,Carnality,Apostasy

InJeremiah17:5GodpronouncesHiscurseonanotherkind ofsin,which,likeanti-Semitism,isatworkinmanysections oftheChurch:“ThussaystheLord:‘Cursedisthemanwho trustsinmanandmakesfleshhisstrength,whoseheart departsfromtheLord.’”

Inthiscontext asinmanyotherpassagesofScripture theword flesh doesnotdenotethephysicalbody.Rather,it denotesthenatureeachofushasreceivedbyinheritance fromourcommonancestor,Adam.Adamdidnotbegetany childrenuntilhehimselfhadtransgressedGod’s commandment.Theessentialmotivationofhistransgression wasnotsomuchthedesiretodoevilasitwasthedesireto beindependentofGod.

ThisdesireisatworkineveryoneofAdam’s descendants.Itisthedistinctivemarkofthe“flesh.”Inthe fieldofreligion,itseekstoperformrighteousactswithout dependingonthesupernaturalgraceofGod.Nomatterhow gooditsintentions,thefinalproductwillalwaysbean “Ishmael,”notan“Isaac.”

TheadjectivethatScriptureappliesregularlytotheflesh

is corrupt.Althoughitcanproducemuchthatisdesignedto impressthemindandthesenses,itisalltaintedby corruption.Theoutcomeofallitseffortsisdescribedin Hebrews6:1as“deadworks,”fromwhichGodrequiresus torepent.

ThekindofpersondescribedinJeremiah17:5isnota strangertoGod’sgrace.Thisisindicatedbytheclosing phrase:“whoseheartdepartsfromtheLord.”Ifhehad neverknowntheLord,hecouldnotbesaidto“depart”from Him.ApersonofthiskindhasexperiencedGod’s supernaturalgraceandpower,butthenturnsbacktorelying onhisownnaturalability.Hisconductrevealsthathehas moreconfidenceinwhathecandoforhimselfthaninwhat Godcandoforhim.Hehas,infact,“snubbed”God.Itis thisattitudethatcallsforthGod’scurse.

Thenextversedescribestheoutworkingofthecursethat suchapersonbringsuponhimself:“Forheshallbelikea shrubinthedesert,andshallnotseewhengoodcomes,but shallinhabittheparchedplacesinthewilderness,inasalt landwhichisnotinhabited.”

WhatavividpictureofapersonunderGod’scurse!He findshimselflivingin“parchedplaces”and“asaltland.”All thatsurroundshimisbarrenanddreary.Refreshingmay cometoothersallaroundhim,butinsomemysteriouswayit alwayspasseshimby.Heisdoomedtobarrennessand

frustration.

ThecurseofJeremiah17:5–6isatworkinthelivesof manyindividuals,butitalsoappliestoamuchwiderarea.It isonerealbutinvisiblecauseofthebarrennessand ineffectivenessofmanysectionsofthecontemporary ChristianChurch.Almosteverymovementofany significanceinChristendomcantraceitsorigintoa powerful,supernaturalworkofGod’sgraceandGod’s Spirit.Itistothis,aboveallelse,thatthesemovementsowe theimpacttheyhavemadeonhistory.

Yet,today,many perhapsmost ofthesemovements nolongerplacemuchemphasisonthegraceofGodandthe poweroftheHolySpirit.Theyhaveturnedbacktorelying onthebestthattheycanaccomplishbytheirownefforts. Theyare“trustinginman”—thatis,inthemselves—and “makingfleshtheirstrength.”Surely,butimperceptibly, “theirhearthasdepartedfromtheLord.”Theyhave, perhaps,achievedreligiousandintellectual“respectability,” butinsodoingtheyhaveforfeitedGod’sfavor.Initsplace, theyhavebroughtuponthemselvesthedarkshadowofthe cursepronouncedinJeremiah17:5.

Toputhumanabilityintheplaceofdivinegraceisto exaltthecarnalabovethespiritual.Theeffectwillbe manifestedinmanydifferentareas.Forexample:

Theology willbeexaltedabove revelation; intellectual education above character building; psychology above discernment; programabove the leading of the Holy Spirit; eloquence above supernatural power; reasoning above the walk of faith; laws above love.

Alltheseerrorsaredifferentmanifestationsofonegreat, basicerror:puttingmaninaplaceGodhasreservedsolely fortheLordJesusChrist.

ThiswasthekindofsituationPaulsoughttodealwithin thechurchesofGalatia.InGalatians3:1–10hetracesthe problemfromitssourcetoitsculmination.Thefollowingisa briefoutline.

Inverse1Paulidentifiesthesourceasadeceiving satanicinfluencethathecalls witchcraft:“Ofoolish Galatians!Whohas bewitched you...beforewhoseeyes JesusChristwasclearlyportrayed...ascrucified?”

AnalternativeversionrendersPaul’squestion,“Whohas putyouundera spell?”

Thissatanicinfluencehadobscuredtheonlysourceof God’sall-sufficientgrace:Jesus Christ crucified.Cutoff inthiswayfromGod’sgrace,Hispeopleinevitablyturn backtotheonlyalternative:asystemofreligiouslaws.This

leadstoPaul’snextquestioninverse2:“Didyoureceive theSpirit by the works of the law,orbythehearingof faith?”(emphasisadded).Thewordnormallyusedto describethisis legalism.Sincethiswordisoftenusedinan impreciseway,however,itisimportanttodefineitmore exactly.

Legalismmaybedefinedintworelatedways.First,itis theattempttoachieverighteousnesswithGodbyobserving asetofrules.

InRomans3:20Paulhasruledthisoutwithabsolute finality:“Thereforebythedeedsofthelawnofleshwillbe justifiedinHissight,forbythelawistheknowledgeofsin.” Theword the infrontof law isputinbythetranslator.

WhatPaulactuallysaysis,“By the deeds of law noflesh willbejustified.”TheprimaryreferenceistotheLawof Moses,butthestatementappliesnolesstoanyothersetof religiousrules.Lawcanshowusthatwearesinners,butit doesnothavethepowertochangeus.

Alternatively, legalismcouldbedefinedastheattemptto imposeanyextraconditionforachievingrighteousness beyondwhatGodHimselfhaslaiddown.God’srequirement isstatedinRomans4:24–25:

It[righteousness]shallbeimputedtouswhobelieve inHimwhoraisedupJesusourLordfromthedead,

whowasdeliveredupbecauseofouroffenses,and wasraisedbecauseofourjustification[inorderthat wemaybereckonedrighteousbyGod].

ThisisGod’ssimplebutall-sufficientrequirementto attainrighteousness:thatweentrustourselvestoHim, believingthatHedidtwothingsonourbehalf.First,He deliveredJesustodeathforoursins.Second,Heraised Jesusfromthedeadthatwemightbereckonedrighteous. Godasksnomorethanthis,andnoonehaseverbeen authorizedtoaddanythingtoGod’srequirements.

Afterthat,oncewehavereceivedrighteousnessinthis waybyfaith,therighteousactsthatareappropriatewill flowoutofourfaith.Butifweaddanyextrarequirement forattainingrighteousness,Godwillnotmeetusonthis basis,andtherighteousactswillnotfollow.Wewillnever beabletogobeyondthebestthatwecanachievebyour ownfleshlyefforts.

ThisexplainsPaul’snextquestioninGalatians3:3:

“HavingbegunintheSpirit,areyounowbeingmadeperfect by the flesh?”(emphasisadded).Thenormaltermforthis is carnality—thatis,relyingonourownfleshlynature.

Furtheron,inGalatians5:19–21,Paullistsatleastfifteen “worksoftheflesh.”Notoneofthemisgoodoracceptable toGod,becausethefleshisnotcapableofproducing

anythingthatGodwillaccept.InRomans8:8Paulsumsthis up:“Sothen,thosewhoareintheflesh cannot pleaseGod” (emphasisadded).

Finally,inGalatians3:10,Paulstatestheculminationof thisdescendingprocess:a curse.“Forasmanyasareof theworksofthelawareunderthecurse.”

Thus,bythelogicoftheHolySpirit,Paulanalyzesthe problemoftheGalatianchurches,whichisalsotheproblem ofmanycontemporarychurches.Itstemsfromadeceiving, satanicinfluencethatinfiltratesthechurchanddivertsthe attentionofGod’speoplefromtheonlysourceofHisgrace: Jesus Christ crucified.Paulcategorizesthisinfluenceas witchcraft or a spell.

Cutoffinthiswayfromthesourceofgrace,Christians inevitablydegenerateintocarnalityandlegalism.Thefinal outcomeofthisdownwarddriftisa curse.Ithasalready beenpointedout inchapter6 thatspellsandcursesare themaintoolsofwitchcraft.

Inthisway,thetruthofJeremiah17:5–6iscarriedover intotheNewTestamentandfindsitsexpressioninGalatians 3:1–10.Trustingintheworksofthelaw(legalism)and makingfleshourstrength(carnality)culminateinacurse. Asaresult,God’speoplefindthemselveslivingin“parched places”and“asaltland.”

Carnalitycantakemanyforms.Oftentheseareobvious

andunappealingtopeoplewithareligiousoutlook.Some typicalexampleswouldbe:sexualuncleannessor immorality;vulgarlanguage;overindulgenceinfoodordrink; drivingpersonalambition;uncontrolledangerorotherevil passions.Whatmakeslegalismespeciallydangerousisthat itappealstoearnest,dedicatedmenandwomenwhowould noteasilybeentrappedbythesemoreobvioussinsofthe flesh.Yetinitsfinalconsequences,legalismisjustasdeadly asother,less“respectable”sins.ItisSatan’sfavoritetoolto divertChristianswhocouldotherwisebecomeaserious threattohiskingdom.

Formepersonally,theanalysisoftheGalatianproblemis nomereexerciseinabstracttheology.Onthecontrary,itis veryreal,andalsopainful.In1970,inFortLauderdale,I foundmyselfsovereignlyandsupernaturally“joined”toa smallgroupofministersfromvariousbackgrounds.Noneof ushadanticipatedwhathappenedtous,andnoneofus understoodwhatGodhadinmindforus.Doubtless,ifwe hadcontinuedtorelyontheHolySpiritwhohadinitiatedour relationship,HewouldhavegraduallyunfoldedHispurpose tous,butthatwasnotthepathwefollowed.

Alltoosoon,andwithoutourdiscerningwhatwas happening,thevariousfeaturesoftheGalatians3 “syndrome”begantomanifestthemselves.Ourdecisions andactionswerenolongerinitiatedbytheHolySpirit,but

werebasedonanelaboratesystemofrulesandconcepts thathadbeendevised.Wecontinuedtoacknowledgethe HolySpirit,butinthewaythatguestsinarestaurantmight acknowledgeawaiter.Ifwefeltweneededsomething,we wouldsummonHimbriefly.Butforthemostpartwerelied onmethodsandplansofourowndevising.

Lookingback,IrealizenowthattheworktheHolySpirit hadinitiatedamongusposedaseriousthreattoSatan.He resorted,consequently,tothetacticsthathadbeenso successfulinGalatia,andincountlessothersituations throughoutsubsequentChurchhistory.Thereweretwo decisivesteps.First,hedisplacedthecrossfromthecenter ofourlivesandministries.Second,hedisplacedJesusas “headoverallthings”inourpracticesandrelationships.1By aninevitableprocess,wedegeneratedintothenormaltype ofreligiousorganization,operatingontheplaneofour naturalreasonandability.

Paradoxically,onemaincauseofourproblemswasthe veryfactthatwehadhadasupernaturalbeginning.Likethe Galatians,wehad“begunintheSpirit.”Fromthatbeginning, therewasnoeasyorpainlessroutebywhichwecould simplybecomejustanotherreligiousorganization, functioningonthenaturalplaneandtakingourplace alongsidecountlesssimilargroupsthroughoutChristendom. AsPaulpointedouttotheGalatians,thatwhichhasbeen

initiatedbytheHolySpiritcanneverbebroughtto completionbyhumanflesh.

Itwasnotlongbeforewewereconfrontedbythe outworkingofthecursewehadthusbroughtonourselves. Itsmanifestationswerecharacteristicofothersimilar developmentsthroughoutChurchhistory.Personal relationshipswereruptured;congregationsweresplitand scattered;promisingministerswerecutshortorelse divertedfromGod’spurpose;once-enthusiasticChristians wereblightedbyfrustrationanddisillusionment.Many abandonedtheirfaith.Ifwehadbeenobligedtogivea nametoitall,wewouldhavehadtocallit“Ichabod,saying, ‘Thegloryhasdeparted’”(1Samuel4:21).

Theproductofallreligiousactivitythatisnotinitiatedand directedbytheHolySpiritissummedup,inHebrews6:1,by thephrase dead works.Forthis,theremedyisstatedinthe sameverse:repentance.Thiswasmaderealtome personally.Icouldnotblameothers.Ihadtoaccept responsibilityforwhatIhadbeeninvolvedin.Morethan anythingelse,IrealizedthatIhadgrievedandslightedthe HolySpirit.

IsawthatIhadtoconfessmysinstoGodandtrustHim forforgivenessandrestoration.Thiswasapersonal decisionthatonlyIcouldmake.Icouldnotmakeiton behalfofothers,butifIcouldfindapaththatledto

restoration,thenthosewhosawtheirneedcouldfollowthe samepath.In1983Irepentedandmadethebreak.

InHismercy,Godshowedme,stepbystep,thepathI wasseeking.Idiscoveredthatthereisawaytopassout fromunderthecurseandenteroncemoreintotheblessing. IfIhadnotmadethisdiscovery,thisbookwouldneverhave beenwritten.Forthosewhomayfindthemselvesina similarsituation,Iofferafullexplanationofthestepsthey needtotakeinSection3:“FromCursetoBlessing.”

InGalatians1:6–9Paulexposesanotherwayacursemay comeuponthepeopleofGod:apostasy.

Imarvelthatyouareturningawaysosoonfrom HimwhocalledyouinthegraceofChrist,toa differentgospel,whichisnotanother;butthereare somewhotroubleyouandwanttopervertthe gospelofChrist.Butevenifwe,oranangelfrom heaven,preachanyothergospeltoyouthanwhat wehavepreachedtoyou,lethimbeaccursed.As wehavesaidbefore,sonowIsayagain,ifanyone preachesanyothergospeltoyouthanwhatyou havereceived,lethimbeaccursed.

Thekindofpersonheredescribedisonewhorepresents himselfasaministerofChrist,butpervertsthecentraltruth oftheGospel.Pauldeclaresthatsuchapersonbringsa

curseuponhimself.TheGreekwordtranslated“accursed” is anathema.Itdenotessomethingthatprovokes God’swrathandissubjecttoHisirrevocable condemnationandrejection.

TheGospelcontainsacentralcoreofrevealedtruththat hasbeenacceptedandupheldbythegeneralChurch throughoutallgenerations.Itmaybesummedupasfollows:

JesusChrististhedivine,eternalSonofGod,who becameamemberofthehumanracebyvirginbirth. Heledasinlesslife,diedonthecrossasa propitiatorysacrificeforthesinsofhumanity,was buriedandroseagaininbodilyformfromthegrave onthethirdday.Heascendedintoheaven,whence Hewillreturntoearthinperson,tojudgetheliving andthedead.

Everyonewhorepentsofsinandtrustsinthe sacrificeofJesusreceivesforgivenessofsinsand thegiftofeternallife.

ItisimportanttoemphasizethattheGospelcentersinthe deathandresurrectionofJesus.In1Corinthians15:3–4 Paulsumsupitsmessageinthreehistoricalfacts:“Christ diedforoursinsaccordingtotheScriptures....Hewas buried...Heroseagainthethirddayaccordingtothe

Scriptures.”

ThefirstauthoritythatPaulcitesinsupportofthesefacts is“theScriptures” atthattimemeaningtheScripturesof theOldTestament.Asfurtherconfirmationofthe resurrection,Paulgoesontolistvariouseyewitnesseswho sawJesusafterHerosefromthedead.Theirtestimonyis secondary,however,tothatoftheOldTestament Scriptures.

Intwosuccessivestatements,Paulthenstressesthat faithinthebodilyresurrectionofJesusisessentialto salvation:“AndifChristisnotrisen,thenourpreachingis emptyandyourfaithisalsoempty....AndifChristisnot risen,yourfaithisfutile;youarestillinyoursins!”(1 Corinthians15:14,17).

In2Thessalonians2:3Paulwarnsthatatthecloseofthis agetherewillbewidespreadapostasyfromtheChristian faith.Therearestrongreasonsforbelievingthatweare nowinthepredictedperiodofapostasy.Insomemajor Christiandenominations,manyrecognizedleadershave publiclyrenouncedfaithintheScripturesand inparticular inthebodilyresurrectionofChrist.Probablytheydonot realizethattheirdeclarationofunbeliefisinitselfa fulfillmentoftheScripturestheyarerejecting!

Onefact,however,theycannotchange:Unlessthey repent,thosewhointhiswayperverttheGospelbringupon

themselvesthewrathandthecurseofGod.

Questions for the Study

1.WhatistheadjectivethatScriptureappliesregularlyto theflesh?

2.Trueorfalse:ThekindofpersondescribedinJeremiah 17:5–6isastrangertoGod’sgrace.

3.ApersonunderthetypeofcursecitedinJeremiah 17:5–6isunderboth and .

4.Toputhumanabilityintheplaceofdivinegraceisto exaltthe abovethe .

5.Trueorfalse:Onedefinitionoflegalismistoattemptto achieverighteousnesswithGodbyobservingasetof rules.

6.Whatarethetwothingswemustbelieveinorderto attainrighteousnesswithGod?

7.Makingfleshourstrengthiscalledwhat?

8.In2Thessalonians2:3Paulwarnsthatatthecloseof thisagetherewillbewidespread fromthe Christianfaith.

Life Application

1.Carnalitycantakemanyforms.Haveyouexperienced thecarnalmanexertingitselfoverthespiritualman?

How?

2.InGalatians3:1–10Pauldescribespeoplewhobeginin theSpiritbutendupintheflesh.Whatdidyoulearn abouthowthishappens?

3.Haveyoueverfallenpreytolegalism?Ifso,how?

4.Hebrews6:1callsallactivitythatisnotdirectedbythe HolySpirit“deadworks.”Haveyoueverparticipated indeadworks?TheremedygivenisrepentanceSpend afewmomentswiththeLordandaskHimtoreveal anydeadworksinyourlife,andthenvoiceaprayerof repentanceandaskforHisforgiveness.

Memory Verse

___________________________

Christhasredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw.

Galatians3:13

Faith Response___________________________

Jesus,

Answers

my desire is to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. I will keep my eyes on You and Your grace.

1.Corrupt.

2.False.ThispersonhasexperiencedGod’sgraceand powerbuthasturnedhisbackonGodtorelyonhis ownability.

3.Barrenness,frustration.

4.Carnal,spiritual.

5.True.

6.ThattheFatherdeliveredJesustodeathforoursins andthatJesuswasraisedfromthedead.

7.Carnality.

8.Apostasyorfallingaway.

Theft,Perjury,RobbingGod

ThelastthreeprophetsoftheOldTestament Haggai, ZechariahandMalachi alldealwithvariousareasin whichIsraelexperiencedtheoutworkingofGod’scurse.It isasthoughtheseprophetsweregiventhetaskof summarizingthehistoryoftheIsraelitessincetheyhad comeundertheLawofMoses,andofconfrontingthem withthereasonswhyspecificcursesoftheLawhadcome uponthem.

InZechariah5:1–4theprophetdescribesavisionhehad ofGod’scursecominguponthehomesofHispeople:

Ilookedagain andtherebeforemewasaflyingscroll!

Heaskedme,“Whatdoyousee?”

Ianswered,“Iseeaflyingscroll,thirtyfeetlong andfifteenfeetwide.”

Andhesaidtome,“Thisisthecursethatisgoing outoverthewholeland;foraccordingtowhatit saysononeside,everythiefwillbebanished,and accordingtowhatitsaysontheother,everyonewho swearsfalselywillbebanished.TheLordAlmighty declares,‘Iwillsenditout,anditwillenterthe

houseofthethiefandthehouseofhimwhoswears falselybymyname.Itwillremaininhishouseand destroyit,bothitstimbersanditsstones.’”

ThecursethatZechariahdepictsentersthehouseofall whohavecommittedtwospecificsins:theftandswearing falsely.(Thecontemporarytermforthelatteris perjury.) Havingonceentered,thecurseremainsuntilithas destroyedtheentirehouse—timbersandstonesandall.

Thisisavividpictureofthewayacurseworks,ifwe onceadmititintoourlives.Wecannotsetlimitsofourown choosingtotheareasthatwillbeaffectedbyit.Unlesswe repentandseekGod’smercytodeliverus,itwillultimately destroythewholehouse.

Theprevalenceofthesetwosinsoftheftandperjuryin ourcontemporaryculturemaybemeasuredbysomesimple statistics.TheftissopervasivetodayintheUnitedStates thatnearly10percentofthepriceofgoodsdisplayedin retailstoresisduetothecostofinsuranceagainsttheft. Hereisalittle-publicizedcauseofinflation!Ontheother side,perjurydefraudstheU.S.InternalRevenueServiceof billionsofdollarseachyearthroughdishonesttaxreturns. Completehonestyinthisareacouldperhapswipeoutthe entirebudgetdeficit!

AccordingtoZechariah’svision,thecursethatfollows thesetwosinsoftheftandperjuryaffectsnotmerelythe individual,butalsohisentirehouse.InbiblicalHebrew,the word house appliesnotsimplytoamaterialstructure,but alsotothepeoplewholiveinit thatis,afamily.Much morethanwouldatfirstappear,thesetwosins,andthe cursethatfollowsthem,havecontributedtothebreakdown offamilylife,whichisauniquefeatureofourpresentage. Theirultimateeffectwillbesimilartothatofthescroll Zechariahsawinhisvision:theerosionofwholenationsand evenanentirecivilization.

Earlier,Haggaihadgivenanequallyvividpictureofthe blightthatwasaffectingthelivesofhispeople:

“Isittimeforyouyourselvestodwellinyour paneledhouses,andthistempletolieinruins?”Now therefore,thussaystheLordofhosts:“Consider yourways!

“Youhavesownmuch,andbringinlittle;youeat, butdonothaveenough;youdrink,butyouarenot filledwithdrink;youclotheyourselves,butnooneis warm;andhewhoearnswages,earnswagestoput intoabagwithholes.”

Haggai1:4–6

ThecurseHaggaidescribescanbesummedupinone word:insufficiency.Toalloutwardappearances,the Israeliteshadeverythingtheyrequiredtosatisfytheirmain materialneeds.Yetforsomereasontheycouldnot understand,therewasalwaysadeficiency.Godhadtosend themaprophettoshowthemthattheinvisibleforceeroding theirprovisionswasacursetheyhadbroughtupon themselvesbyputtingtheirownselfishconcernsbeforethe needsofGod’shouse.

Manyoftheaffluentnationsoftheworldtodayfacea similarsituation.Mostpeopleareearningfarmorethantheir parentsorgrandparentseverearned.Yetwhiletheprevious generationsenjoyedasenseofcontentmentandsecurity, thepresentgenerationisplaguedwitharestlesscravingthat isneversatisfied.Insomeofthesenations,thelevelof personalindebtednessishigherthanithaseverbeen.

Malachi,thelastofthethreeprophets,combinesthe chargesalreadybroughtagainstIsraelbyhistwo predecessors.Heaccuseshispeoplenotonlyofawrong attitudetowardGod,butalsooftheftinitsmostserious form:robbingnotmerelymen,butevenGodHimself.

“WillamanrobGod?YetyouhaverobbedMe!But yousay,‘InwhatwayhavewerobbedYou?’In tithesandofferings.Youarecursedwithacurse,

foryouhaverobbedMe,eventhiswholenation.”

Malachi3:8–9

ThispassagerevealsaprinciplethatgovernsGod’s dealingsineveryageanddispensation:Hekeepsarecord ofwhatHispeopleoffertoHim.Morethanathousand yearsearlier,GodhadordainedthatIsraelshouldsetaside forHimthefirsttenthofhertotalincome,incashorinkind. Thiswasoneimportantmarkofhercovenantrelationship withGod.Disobedienceinthiswasabreachofher covenant.

Now,throughMalachi,GodpresentsHisaccount.In respectofallthatHispeoplehaveunlawfullywithheld,He chargesthemwith“robbery.”Hepointsoutthatthishas broughtablightingcurseonthewholenationandonevery areaoftheirlives.

ButGoddoesnotendonthisnegativenote.Inthenext verseHeinstructsHispeoplehowtopassoutfromunder thecurseandenterintoHisblessing:

“Bringallthetithesintothestorehouse,thatthere maybefoodinMyhouse,andtryMenowinthis,” saystheLordofhosts,“IfIwillnotopenforyouthe windowsofheavenandpouroutforyousuch blessingthattherewillnotberoomenoughto

Malachi3:10

Topassfromthecursetotheblessing,Godrequiresfrom Hispeopletwothings:repentanceandrestitution.Inevery caseofrobbery,theserequirementsnevervary,whetherit isGodormanwhohasbeenrobbed.

IntheNewTestament,Godneverestablishesaspecific law,likethatoftheOldTestament,requiringChristiansto setasideforHimatenthoftheirtotalincome.Thecovenant ofgracedoesnotoperatethroughlawsenforcedfrom without,butthroughlawswrittenbytheHolySpiritinthe heartsofbelievers.In2Corinthians9:7Paulinstructs Christians,“Soleteachonegive as he purposes in his heart,notgrudginglyorofnecessity”(emphasisadded).

Onething,however,iscertain:TheHolySpiritwillnever causeabelievertobestingy.InPsalm51:12Davidpraysto theLord,“UpholdmebyYour generous Spirit”(emphasis added).OnedistinctivecharacteristicoftheHolySpiritis generosity.GodHimselfisthegreatestofallgivers.When HisSpiritmovesontheheartsofHispeople,Hewillmake themlikeHimself:generousgivers.

InHebrews8:6thewritercontraststheOldandtheNew Covenants,andremindsChristiansthattheyhaveentered into“abettercovenant,whichwasestablishedonbetter

promises.”Itisinconceivablethatpeoplewhoenjoythis bettercovenantshouldbelessgenerousingivingtoGod thanthosewhowereunderaninferiorcovenant.IfGod’s peopleundertheLawgaveHimtheirtithes andmuch more howcouldChristiansundergracepossiblyjustify doingless?Thestandardsofgracearehigher,notlower, thanthoseoflaw.

Throughoutalldispensations,onebasicprinciplecontinues unchanged:StinginesstowardGodprovokesHiscurse,but liberalityreleasesHisblessing.

Questions for the Study

1.ThelastthreeprophetsoftheOldTestamentalldeal withvariousareasinwhichIsraelexperiencedthe outworkingofGod’scurse.Whoaretheseprophets?

2.InZechariah5:1–4whattwospecificsinscausedthe cursetoenterallthehousesofthosewhocommitted them?

3.Malachi3:8–9describeswhatsinthatbringsacurse?

4.InHaggai1:4–6whatoneworddescribesthiscurse?

5.Topassfromthecursetotheblessing,Godrequires twothingsfromHispeople: and

6.StinginesstowardGodprovokesHiscursewhile

Life Application

1.Haveyoucommittedanyofthethreesinsdiscussedin thischapter?

2.Haveyouseenevidenceofthecurseinyourlife?

3.Topassfromthecursetotheblessingrequires repentanceandrestitution.GobeforetheLordand repentforyourparticipationinthesesinsandthenask GodwhatHewouldhaveyoudobywayofrestitution.

Memory Verse

Leteachonegiveashepurposesinhisheart,notgrudgingly orofnecessity;forGodlovesacheerfulgiver.

2Corinthians9:7

FaithResponse Lord, all that I have is Yours. I commit myself to “walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness”(Proverbs 2:20).

Answers

1.Haggai,Zechariah,Malachi.

2.Theftandperjury.

3.RobbingGod.

4.Insufficiency.

5.Repentance,restitution.

6.Liberality.

AuthorityFigures

Bothblessingsandcursesarepartofavast,invisible spiritualrealm,whichaffectsthelivesofeveryoneofus. Onecentralanddecisivefactorinthisrealmis authority.

Withoutagraspoftheprinciplesofauthority,itisimpossible tounderstandtherealmofthespiritortofunction effectivelyinit.

Thetwentiethcenturywitnessedanalmostworldwide revoltagainstformsofauthoritythathavebeengenerally recognizedbythehumanraceformillennia.Majorareasof socialstructurethathavebeenaffectedincludethefamily, thechurchandthevariousbranchesofseculargovernment.

Peopleoftenassumethatthisrevolthaschangedor abolishedtheseformsofauthority,but this is not so.The principlesthatgoverntheexerciseofauthorityareas objectiveanduniversalasthelawofgravity.

Apersoninanattitudeofrevoltmaydecidetorejectthe lawofgravityandtojumpoutofawindowonthetenth floor.Buthisrejectionofthatlawinnowaychangesor invalidatesit.Hewillstillfalltohisdeathonthesidewalk below.Thesameappliestothelawsthatgovernthe

exerciseofauthority.Peoplemayignorethemorreject them,butthecourseoftheirliveswillstillbedeterminedby them,whethertheyrecognizeitornot.

Throughouttheuniversethereisone,andonlyone, supremesourceofauthority:GodtheCreator.Goddoesnot normallyexerciseHisauthoritydirectly,however,but delegatesittoothersofHischoice.AfterJesusrosefrom thedead,HetoldHisdisciples,“Allauthorityhasbeengiven toMeinheavenandonearth”(Matthew28:18).Sincethat time,GodhasplacedallauthorityinthehandofJesus.But Jesus,inHisturn,delegatestootherstheauthorityHehas receivedfromtheFather.

Thusauthoritythroughouttheuniversemaybepicturedas anextremelystrongcable,descendingfromGodtheFather toJesus.InthehandofJesus,thecableisseparatedinto countlesssmallercablesthatreachtopersonswhomHehas appointed bothangelicandhuman invariouspartsofthe universe.

OnetermusedintheBibletodenoteapersonwho exercisesauthorityis head.In1Corinthians11:3,for instance,Paulwrites:“ButIwantyoutoknowthatthehead ofeverymanisChrist,theheadofwomanisman,andthe headofChristisGod.”

Bythisanalogyofheadship,Pauldepictsa“cable”of authoritythatoriginateswithGodtheFather,descendsto

ChristandfromChristtothemanwhofillstheroleof husbandandfatherinafamily.Byvirtueofthisrelationship, themanistheappointedauthorityinhishome.

Inhumansocialrelationships,thehusband/fatheristhe primaryexampleofapersonappointedtoexercise authority.Thereare,however,manyothercommonly recognizedauthorityfigures:aruleroverhispeople;a militarycommanderoverhissoldiers;ateacheroverhis pupils;apastoroverthemembersofhiscongregation.

Godalonehas absolute authority.Allotherformsof authorityaresubjecttolimitationsofvariouskinds.

Delegatedauthorityisvalidonly within a given sphere.A ruler’sauthority,forinstance,isnormallylimitedbythelaws ofhisnationanddoesnotextendto“private”areasinthe livesofhissubjects.Afather’sauthorityoverhisfamily doesnotpermithimtoinfringeuponthelawsofthesecular government.Ateacherhasauthorityoverhispupilsonly withinthelimitsofschoollife.Apastorhasauthorityover hiscongregationonlyinmattersthataregovernedbythe formofreligionthecongregationhasaccepted.

Alltheaboveexamplesaregeneralities.Forcomplete accuracy,itwouldbenecessarytoaddmanyother qualificationsandrestrictions.Also,therecouldbecases wheretwoformsofauthorityoverlap,givingriseto conflicts.Theexamplesgivenaresufficient,however,to

establishthebasicprinciplesthatgoverntheexerciseof authority.

Itiscommonlyassumedthatwheneverauthorityis abused,itisautomaticallycanceled.Thismayhappenin extremecases,butnormallyitisnotso.Authorityinsome formisabasicnecessityforanykindofsociallife. Authoritythatisabusedmayinflictmanyhardships,but evensoitisbetterthanthealternative,whichisanarchy.1

Inmanypopulationcenterstoday,theairthatpeople breathehasbecomesopollutedthatitisdangerousto health.Goddoesnotforthisreason,however,removeallair fromthatareaoftheearth’ssurface.Evenpollutedairis preferabletonoairatall.Similarly,evenabusedauthorityis betterthananarchy.

Oneimportantwayapersonmayexerciseauthorityisby blessingthoseunderhisauthority.Genesis27recordsthe tremendousimportancethatbothJacobandEsauattached totheblessingoftheirfather,Isaac.Andwithgoodreason, sincethehistoryoftheirdescendantshasbeendetermined eversincebythewordsIsaacspokeovereachofthemat thattime.NorisIsaacanisolatedexception.Onthe contrary,allthroughtheBible,theblessingofafatheris consideredsecondinimportanceonlytothatofGod Himself.

Implicitintheauthoritytobless,however,istheauthority

alsotocurse.Blessingandcursingcanneverbeseparated fromoneanother,anymorethanheatfromcoldordayfrom night.Thismeansthatpersonswithauthoritymayexercise itinoneoftwoways:toblessortocurse.Thesame authoritythatmakesablessingeffectivemakesacurse equallyeffective.

Onedramaticexampleisprovidedbythefamilylifeof Jacob.Genesis31recordshowJacob,withhistwowives, twoconcubinesandelevenchildren,departedbystealth fromhisUncleLabaninMesopotamiaandsetouttoreturn tothelandofCanaan.Laban,however,withacompanyof hisrelatives,setoutinpursuitofJacobandovertookhimin themountainsofGilead.Therefollowedaconfrontation betweenthem,inwhichLabanaccusedJacobofstealinghis teraphim(householdimagesor“gods”usedfordivination andsupposedto“protect”ahomefromevilforces).

WhatJacobdidnotknowwasthatRachel,thewifehe lovedmostdearly,hadsecretlytakentheimages. Consequently,JacobreactedindignantlytoLaban’s accusation.HechallengedLabantosearchallhisfamily’s belongings,andthen toprotesthisinnocence headded whatwasineffectacurse:“Ifyoufindanyonewhohas yourgods,heshallnotlive”(Genesis31:32,niv).

LabandidproceedtosearchallthebelongingsofJacob’s household,butRachelsucceededinkeepingthe teraphim

hidden.Nevertheless,thewordsofJacob’scursewere chargedwithahusband’sauthority.Theywereequivalent toasentenceofdeathonthepersonwhohadstolenthe images.ThefactthatJacobdidnotrealizethathiswords weredirectedagainstRacheldidnotpreventthecursefrom takingeffect.Shortlyafterward,ingivingbirthtohersecond son,Racheldiedinlabor(seeGenesis35:16–19).Suchis theauthorityofahusband,eithertoblessortocurse!

Itshouldbeaddedthat,bytakingpossessionoffalse “gods,”Rachelhadtrespassedintheareaofidolatryandof theoccult.Thus,byherownactionshehadalready forfeitedGod’sprotectionandexposedherselftothecurse thatinevitablyfollowsoccultinvolvement.Hereisaclear examplethatthelawsgoverningblessingsandcursesare intheirownsphere asrealandasobjectiveasthelawof gravity.Theywork,whetherpeoplerecognizethemornot.

InGod’splanformarriage,husbandandwifebecome “oneflesh,”thusmergingtheirseparateidentitiesinanew unity.Onthisbasis,ahusbandnaturallyincludeshiswifein theauthoritytheysharejointlyovertheirchildren.Failingto dothis,thehusbandmaybecomearbitraryordespotic.

Today,however,itismorecommonforahusbandtogo totheoppositeextremebyrenegingonhisresponsibilitiesto hiswifeandchildren,andevenabandoningthem completely.Insuchcircumstances,thewifeislefttocarry

onherownaburdenthatshouldhavebeensharedbythe twoofthemtogether.Theresultisfrequentlyacomplete breakdownofthewholefamilystructure.Allcreditshould begiventoChristianwiveswhofindthemselvesinthis situation,butbyfaith,prayerandthegraceofGod successfullycarrytheextraburdenthathasbeenthrust uponthem.

InthecaseofJacob,hedidnotrealizethatthewordshe hadutteredweredirectedagainstRachel.Inour contemporaryculture,however,itoftenhappensthata husbandknowinglyanddeliberatelydirectsbitterand crushingwordsagainsthiswife.Hereisatypicalexample:

Mary,whoneverreceivedanydomestictrainingfromher motherathome,marriesJack,abusinessexecutivewitha quicktemper.Maryneversucceedsinservingmealsthat aretastyorattractive.Forawhile,Jackexercisesselfcontrolandcontainshisimpatience.Finally,heblurtsouthis frustration:“I’msickofthewayyouserveourmeals.You’ll neverlearntocook!”Herepeatsthis withvariations on manysubsequentoccasions.

Fromthenon,Mary’shandstremblewhenevershebrings foodtothetable.Mealsbecomeanordealfromwhichshe longstoescape.Aftersomeyears,themarriagebreaksup. ButthecursepronouncedbyJackfollowsMarythroughthe restofherlife.Althoughtalentedandsuccessfulinother

areas,sheneverdoeslearntocook.Whenevershefinds herselfinakitchen,somethingdarkcomesoverherthat inhibitshernaturalability.Thereisonlyonesolutionforher: torecognizethefactthatherhusbandputacurseonher andtoseekthereleaseGodhasprovided.

Italsotranspires,however,thatJackhaspronounceda curseonhimself,withoutknowingit.Fromthetimehesaid, “I’m sick ofthewayyouserveourmeals,”hebeginsto developchronicindigestion,forwhichphysicianscanfindno naturalcauseorcure.JustlikeMary’sinabilitytocook, Jack’sindigestionfollowshimtotheendofhisdays.

(Chapter12willcoverthisimportantareaof selfimposed curses.)

Obviouslytherecouldbemanyvariationstothestoryof JackandMary.Mary’sproblemmightbeoverweight. Jack’scommentwouldtakethisform:“Youjustdon’thave thewillpowerthatittakestoloseweight.You’llbefatfor therestofyourlife.”

Oragain,Marymightbeoneofthosewomenwhodonot knowhowtohandlemoney.Herbudgetedamountrunsout beforetheweekisup.Sheneversucceedsinbalancingher checkbook.Jackmightgiveventtohisfrustrationbysaying: “Afourth-gradercouldhandlemoneybetterthanyoudo.

Youdon’tdeservetoprosper.You’llbestrugglingforthe restofyourlife.”

Pictureanothercouple:JimandJane.Jim’slanguageis morebrutalthanJack’s.Hefrequentlyclosesbitter argumentsbysaying,“Ihateyourguts!”Intheyearsthat followtheinevitabledivorce,Janerequiressurgeryinthe areaoftheabdomenforthreesuccessiveconditions,none ofthemdirectlyrelatedtotheothers.

ThecorrectdiagnosisforallthreeofJane’sproblemsis statedinProverbs12:18:“Thereisonewhospeakslikethe piercingsofasword.”Itrequiredthesurgeon’sscalpelto dealwiththeinvisiblewoundsthatJimhadinflictedbyhis bitterwords.

WordssuchasJackusesagainstMary orJimagainst

Jane proceedoutofmoodsthatmayrangefrom impatiencetoangertorage.Usuallythereisdemonic pressurebehindthem.Theyarelikebarbedarrows,tipped withpoison.Oncetheypenetratetheflesh,thebarbsmake itdifficulttopullthemout.Yetiftheyareleftin,thepoison spreadsontheinside.

Greatereventhantheauthorityofamanoverhiswifeis thatofafatheroverhischildren.Thisisthemostbasicof allauthorityrelationships.Itisactuallyanextensionofthe eternalrelationshipofFathertoSonwithintheGodhead.

Justasafather’sblessinghasmeasurelesspotentialfor good,soafather’scursehasacorrespondingpotentialfor evil.Sometimessuchacursemaybeuttereddeliberately.

Moreoften,perhaps—asintherelationshipofahusbandto hiswife afathermayspeakwordstoachildthatarenot deliberatelyintendedasacurse,butneverthelesshave exactlythesameeffect.Eachofthefollowingexamplesisa compositeofelementsIhaveencounteredinreal-life situations.

Afatherhasthreesons.Thefirstborniswelcomejust becauseheisthat thefirstborn.Theyoungesthasunusual talentandanoutgoingpersonality.Butthemiddlesonhas neitherofthesefactorsinhisfavor.Hebroodsover misunderstandings,buttendstokeephisfeelingstohimself. Furthermore,thefatherseesinthismiddlesonaspectsof hisowncharacterthathedoesnotlike,buthasneverbeen willingtodealwithinhisownlife.Hefindsitlesspainfulto condemntheminhissonthaninhimself.

Asaresult,themiddlesonneverhasasenseofhis father’sapproval.Intheend,henolongertriestowinit.His fatherinterpretsthisasstubbornness.Moreandmore frequently,heventshisdisapprovalinwordssuchas:“You don’teventry!”“You’relazy!”“You’llnevermakegood!” Littledoesherealizethatheispronouncinganevildestiny thatmayeasilyfollowhissonthroughtherestofhislife.

IcouldnotcountthemenIhaveencounteredpersonally whoseliveshavebeenblightedbynegative,critical, destructivewordsspokenbyafather.Outofthese

encountersIhavelearnedthatsuchwordsare,inreality,a curse.Thepassageoftimedoesnotdiminishtheireffect.

Menpastmiddleagemaystillfindtheirlivesblightedby wordsafatherspoketotheminchildhood.Theonly effectivesolutionistodealwiththemspecificallyasacurse, andtoapplytheremedyGodhasprovided.

AswiththecasesofJackandMary,orJimandJane, therearemanydifferentvariationstosuchasituation.A fatherwhoisskillfulwithhishands,forexample,mayhave asonwhoisunusuallylateindevelopingmanualdexterity.

Afterthesonhasbungledvariouspracticaltasksassignedto him,thefatherexclaims,“Yourfingersareallthumbs!”or, “Youhavetwolefthands!”

Thefathermayspeakthesewordsjokingly,notinanger. Nevertheless,theymakeapermanentimpactontheson. Thirtyyearslaterheisstillembarrassedordiffidentevery timeheisconfrontedwithevenasimplepracticaltask.This continuestobeanareaofhislifeinwhichhenever succeeds.Yethisrootproblemmaynotbesomuchlackof skillaslackofconfidence.Hehasneverrebuiltthe confidencehisfatherunintentionallydestroyedinchildhood.

Daughters,too,likesons,maysufferfromtheeffectsofa father’snegativewords.Ateenagedaughter,forinstance, acutelyconsciousofheracne,spendshourseachmorningin frontofhermirror,strugglingtocovertheblotcheswith

varioustypesofskincream.Herfather,waitingtodriveher toschool,isincreasinglyirritatedbyherfailuretobeready ontime.Oneday,whenthedaughterislaterthanusual,his irritationexplodes.“You’rewastingyourtimeinfrontof thatmirror!”hebarks.“You’llnevergetridofyour pimples!”Twentyyearslaterthedaughter nowamarried womanwithchildrenofherown isstillstrugglingvainlyto coverupheracne.

Bitter,angrywords whetherspokenbyahusbandtohis wifeorafathertohischild areusuallytheoutcomeofa periodofgrowinginnertension.Itislikeawhistlingkettle placedonastovetoboil.Atfirst,thetensionbuildsup inwardly,withoutanyoutwardindication,butwhenthe waterinsidereachestheboilingpoint,thesteamisexpelled andthewhistleisblown.Afterthat,thereisnowaytorecall thatwhistle.Theonlyremedyistotakethekettleoffand coolthewaterdown.

ForaChristian,thismeansturningtoGodwithanurgent, inwardprayer:Lord, I’mbeginning to lose control, but I yield my spirit to You. Will You please take control?

Otherwise,whenirritationandangercontinuallybuildup insideaperson,theywillultimatelybeexpelled,likesteam, inhurtful,woundingwords.Thecursethataccompanies themislikethewhistle.Onceithasbeenuttered,thereisno waytorecallit.Thentheonlysolutionistorecognizethata

cursehasbeenuttered,andseekGod’shelptorevokeit.

Amother,too,hasauthorityoverherchildren,whichis eithersharedwithherhusbandordelegatedbyhim. Sometimes,however,amotherisnotcontentwiththe exerciseofherlegitimateauthority.Instead,sheexploitsher children’saffectionandloyaltytogainillegitimatecontrol overthemandtodirectthecourseoftheirlives.Another exampleof“witchcraft”!Thisbecomesparticularlyevident whenherchildrencometochoosetheirmate.Ifthemother approvesoftheirchoice,sheisallsweetness.Butifshe disapproves,atotallydifferentsideofhercharacter appears.

Inthesectionthatfollows,ahusbandandwifeeach relatetheirexperiencesresultingfromacursepronounced bythewife’smotheratthetimeoftheirmarriage.They describe,firstofall,theeffectsthatthecursehadoneach ofthem;thenhowtheybecameawareofthecurseand tookthescripturalstepstobereleasedfromit.

Husband

Livingunderacurseislikelivinginavapor.The effectscanbeseen,yetitiswithoutclearformand substance.Eventhoughyoumayexperience success,youfeelonly frustration and hopelessness.

Forme,theblessingsofGodalwaysseemed somewhatremoteandunattainable.Ioftenknewthe Lord’spresenceandmovedinthespiritualgifts,yet satisfactioninministryandlifealwaysseemedjust outofreach.Mywifeandchildrenhadnagging healthproblems,andfinanceswerecontinuallyshort (eventhoughwetithed,gaveregularlyandlived frugally).

ThoughIknewclearlytheministrytowhichGod hadcalledme,Icouldnotmoveintoit.Mostofmy workseemedtoendwithjustameasureof fruitfulness.Icouldstartthings,butcouldn’t completethem.Iseemedtobefacingsomekindof invisibleresistance.

Thisstrugglewentonforyears.ThenonedayI foundmyselfexplainingthesituationtoagroupof fellowministers,includingDerekPrince.They discernedacursecomingonmyfamilyfrommy

mother-in-law.Iwillletmywifeexplain.

Wife

EarlyinmymarriageIspenttwodaysinprayerand fasting.IfelttheLordshowmethattherewasa curseinmyfamily.MyhusbandandIwerenewly baptizedintheHolySpiritandhadneverevenheard ofsuchathingasacurseOurexperience,aswe havesoughttobecomefree,couldbecomparedto peelinglayersoffanonion.

Thiscurserevolvesaroundaspiritofwitchcraft thathasoperatedthroughthewomeninmyfamily, especiallymymother.Myfamilywaschurchgoing, moralandquite“normal,”butthewitchcraftworked subtlytounderminetheauthorityofthemeninour family,whilemanipulatingtheotherfamilymembers.

Iwasnotawareoftheextentofmymother’s controluntilIbecameengaged.Asmyloyaltybegan toswitchtomyfuturehusband,Icouldsenseher growingresentment.Thatwaswhenmymother said,“He’llnevermakeanymoneyandyou’llhave toworktherestofyourlife.”Allthroughtheyears ofourmarriageIhavelaboredagainstthat“curse.” Iwasdeterminedto“showher”bynotworkingin anoutsidejob,butIwas,infact,controlledbyit becauseIwasn’tfreetohaveajob!Also,my

husbandandIcouldnevervisualizeourselvesas prosperous,andwehavehadcontinualfinancial problems.

Then,shortlyafterImarried,mymothersaid, “Youknowyou’renotastrongpersonphysically.”I feltasifsomeonehadhitmeonthehead!Whatshe saidwassuchashocktomebecauseIhadnever perceivedmyselfasaweakorsicklyperson.Onthe contrary,Ihadalwaysbeenhealthyandathletic.So IbegantothinkthatperhapsIhadbeenwrong,and reallywasn’tstrongphysically....SubsequentlyI havebattledalotofphysicalailments,someoflong duration.

IalsostruggledbecauseIwasrespondingtomy ownhusbandandchildreninsomeofthesameways mymotherdid.Thisleftmewithasenseof hopelessness.HowcouldIgetcompletelyfreefrom thiscurse?Witchcrafthadexercisedcontrolin severalgenerationsofmyfamily.Itseemedthe spiritassociatedwithittrulybelievedithadtheright todominatemeand,infact,itbelievedit owned me!

WheneverIwouldbeministeredtofor deliverance,thisspiritwouldwhispertomethatI couldn’treallybecompletelyfree.Iblamedmy mother....Throughaslow,“layer-by-layer” processofrevelationanddeliveranceIcametosee

thatmyenemyis not mymother.Ihaveforgiven her,andacknowledgedthecurseofwitchcraftthat hadbeeninfluencingbothofus.

Sincehavingministryspecificallytobreakthese curses,Ihavehadtolearntobattleoldthoughtand habitpatterns.NowIdailyconfesswithconfidence: “ThroughthesacrificialofferingofChristonthe crossIhavebeenpurchasedoutfromunderthe curseandhaveenteredintotheblessingsof Abraham,whomGodblessedinallthings”(see Galatians3:13–14). Christ has redeemed me from the curse!

Husband

Afterprayerforbreakingofcurses,therewasa distinct“clearingoftheair.”Thechangeshavebeen neitherdramaticnorimmediate,buttheyhavebeen real.Thereisasenseof direction inmylife.

Thereis progress.IfeelthatIhaveascriptural degreeofcontrolovermylifeandthatIcantakemy rightfulplaceinmyfamily.Icanalsosee productivityandfruitfulnessasaresultofmylabors.

Mostimportanttome,thereis hope.The nebulousdarknessofthefuturehasbeenreplaced byexcitementandjoyatwhatGodisdoing.The “fog”isclearing!

Itisimportanttoseethatthewife’smotherwasnot awareofalltheeffectsherwordshadonherdaughterand son-in-law.Sheherselfwastheprisonerofaspiritualforce thatcamefromherownfamilybackground.Quitepossibly ithadaffectedthatfamilyformanygenerations.Themercy ofGodprovidedawayofreleasefromitscontrol.

Schoollifeisanotherareainwhichauthorityrelationships areimportant,althoughtheauthorityofateacheroverpupils isnotsoclear-cutasthatofaparent.Negativewords

spokenbyateachertoapupilmayhavethesameblighting

effectasiftheyhadbeenspokenbyaparent.Forinstance, ateachermaybecomeexasperatedbyapupilwhois inattentiveandslowtolearn,andblurtoutwordssuchas: “You’llneverbeabletoreadproperly!”or“Youalwaysget thingsthewrongway’round;you’llneversucceed!”

Inallprobability,theteacherisunawareofthedangerof suchwordsandwillneverseetheresulttheyproduceon thepupilsinlaterlife.YetIhavemetgrownmenand womenwhohavebeenstrugglingformostoftheirlives againsttheeffectofwordsspokenbyateacheringrade school.IrecallonededicatedChristianladywhohadbeen hauntedforfortyyearsbyasenseofinferioritygoingback toaremarkbyateacherwhohadtoldher,“You’re shallow!”Infact,itwouldhavebeendifficulttofindanyone towhomthesewordswerelessapplicable.

Exampleshavebeengivenaboveofthepotentially blightingeffectofwordsspokenbypeoplewhohave authorityproceedingoutofarelationship.Thespecific relationships chosenmerelyasexamples werethoseof ahusband,afather,amotherandaschoolteacher.Thereis onecharacteristicthreadthatrunsthroughthevariousways inwhichtheseauthorityfiguresexpressedthemselves.It canbesummedupinonebriefphrase:“You’llnever prosper orsucceed!”

SurelyitissignificantthatMoses,indescribingtoIsrael

theoutworkingof“thecurseofthelaw,”usedpreciselythe samewords:“Youshallnotprosperinyourways”

(Deuteronomy28:29).Formypart,wheneverIheara personusingsuchwords,Iamalwaysonmyguardagainst thepossibilitythatacurseisbeinguttered.

Religionisanothermainareainwhichauthorityisvested inpeoplewhoholdcertainoffices.Consequently,their wordshaveapotentialforgoodorevilthatcorrespondsto theauthorityoftheiroffice.FormanycenturiesinEurope, onemainweaponusedbythepopesoftheRomanCatholic Churchwastheirpapal“ban”(thatis, curse),whichthey wouldproclaimonallwhomtheydeemedtobeheretics.It wouldbeimpossibletowriteanaccuratehistoryofEurope withouttakingintoaccounttheeffectsofthispapalban. Evenrulersofnationsfeareditmorethananactual declarationofwar.

IntheProtestantsectionoftheChurch,nopersonhas everachievedanauthorityequaltothatofthepope. Nevertheless,whereverthereisecclesiasticalauthority, thereisalwaysthepossibilityofitsmisuse.Eventhepastor ofasmall“independent”church,withamerehandfulof members,canspeakwordsthatare,ineffect,acurse.

Iamremindedofamanwithexcellentbusiness qualifications let’scallhimFrank whocamefor counseling.Hehadspenttenfrustratingyearsinwhich

nothingwentrightforhimandhewasbarelyabletosupport hiswifeandfamily.IaskedFrankifanythinghadhappened inhislifeatthepointwhenthingsbegantogowrongfor him.Hismindwentbacktoaperiodwhenheandhisfamily hadbeenattendingasmallindependentchurch.After variousdisagreementswiththepastor,theyhadwithdrawn theirmembership.

Sincethefamilywasonemainsourceofthechurch’s income,thepastorreactedoutoffearandinsecurity.The finalexchangebetweenFrankandthepastorwas acrimonious onbothsides.Finallythepastorclosedby saying:“Godputyouinthischurch.Ifyouleave,you’llbe outofHiswill.Nothingwillevergorightforyou!”

Sureenough,fromthattimeon,nothingdidgorightfor Frank.Fortunately,whenheunderstoodthecauseofhis frustrations,hewasabletoreleasehimselffromthat pastoralcurse.Butfirsthehadtoforgivethepastorandput thingsrightbetweenthem.Afterthat,thecourseofFrank’s lifechangedforthebetter.

Frank’scaseisnotexceptional.Ihavemetanastonishing numberofpeoplewhohavebeenthroughsimilar experiences.Almostinvariably,thepastorhastakenthe sameline:“Godputyouinthiscongregation.Ifyouleave, you’llneverprosper!”(Notethosefamiliarwords!)But thankGod,Hehasprovidedasolution forbothpartiesto

thedispute.

In1985,whileministeringinAustralia,Iwasconfronted bytheeffectsofanecclesiasticalcursethathadpersisted formorethanthreecenturies.Alady whomwewillcall Margaret heardmeteachonthethemeofblessingsand curses.Attheendofmymessage,recognizingclear evidenceofacurseatworkinherfamily,Margaretstood withmanyothers andrepeatedtheprayerofrelease. Later,shesentmealettergivingthebackgroundofher case.

HerancestorswerefromScotland,fromaclancalled Nyxon.Inthe1600sthisclanhadbeeninvolvedinborder warsbetweentheScotsandtheEnglish.Asaresult,the BishopofScotland(whowasappointedbytheEnglish)had pronouncedacurseontheentireNyxonclan.Margaret enclosedacopyofthecurse,whichdecreed amongother things thatthemembersoftheclanshouldbehanged, drawnandquartered,2andtheirentrailsfedtothedogsand theswine.Aftertheclanhadbeendefeatedinbattle,this sentencewasdulycarriedoutonthosememberswhowere capturedalive.

Twoyearslater,onmyreturntoAustralia,Imet

Margaretbriefly.Latershewrotethisletter:

family,andfordeliveringGod’spropheticwordsto uswhilehereinMelbourne.Youaskedifourfamily hadchangedsincethereleasefromthecurse.Idid nothavetimetotellyouwhenwespoke,but,yes, mywholefamily myhusband,mytwodaughters, ages24and23,andmyson,age21 haveallcome toknowtheLordoverthelasttwoyearsandnow wehavejoinedaFullGospelchurchherein Melbourne.

Whatastonishingtestimonytothepowerofacurse!It hadfollowedMargaret’sclanthroughthreecenturies,and Margaret’sbranchoftheclanrightacrosstheworld,from BritaintoAustralia.Oncethecursehadbeenidentifiedand revoked,theinvisiblebarrierthatkeptGod’sblessingfrom Margaret’sfamilywasremoved,andherentirehousehold enteredintosalvation.

Thisnaturallyraisedthequestion,Howmanyother familiesarebeingkeptfromsalvationbecauseofan unrecognizedcurse?

Questions for the Study

1.Itisimpossibletounderstandtherealmofthespiritor tofunctioninitwithoutagraspofthe .

2.Godalonehas authority.

3.AllthroughtheBibletheblessingofthe is consideredsecondinimportanceonlytothatofGod Himself.

4.Trueorfalse:Thesameauthoritythatmakesa blessingeffectivemakesacurseequallyeffective.

5.Whatisthemostbasicofallhumanauthority relationships?

6.Trueorfalse:Onceacursehasbeenuttered,thereare severalwaystorecallit.

7.Theonecharacteristicthreadcomingfromanauthority figurecurseisthattheotherpersonwillnever or .

Life Application

1.Haveyoueverbeeninaplaceofauthorityover people?Ifso,doyourecallspeakingevilornegative words?TakeafewmomentsandaskGodtoforgive youandthenspeakawordofblessingoverthose people’slives.

2.DoyourelatetoanyofthestoriesinthischapterIn whatway?

3.Doyouseeanysituationsorconditionsinyourlifethat maybetheresultofsomeoneinauthorityoveryourlife whospokeacurse?Whatspecifically?

Memory Verse

Yes,myinmostbeingwillrejoicewhenyourlipsspeakright things.

Proverbs23:16

Faith Response

Heavenly Father, I will endeavor always to speak with grace, to speak words of life and not death, blessings and not curses.

Answers

1.Principlesofauthority.

2.Absolute.

3.Father.

4.True.

5.Thatofafatheroverhischildren.

6.False.Thereisnowaytorecallit.Onemustseek God’shelptorevokeit.

7.Prosper,succeed.

SelfImposedCurses

Inoneoftheexamplesfromthepreviouschapters,Jack saidtohiswife,“I’msick ofthewayyouserveourmeals.” Bythesewordsheunwittinglybroughtuponhimselfacurse ofindigestionthatcontinuedtoafflicthimfortherestofhis life.

Withthisexampleinmind,itistimenowtoexaminemore thoroughlythiswholeareaof selfimposed curses.Itisof vitalimportanceforallwhoareconcernedabouttheirown personalwelfare.Ituniquelyexposesthefrighteningpower ofthewordswespeakaboutourselves.Theyarefrequently likeboomerangs,whichcomeflyingbacktostriketheone whospokethem.

InMatthew12:36–37Jesusgivesasolemnwarningabout thedangerofwordscarelesslyspoken:

“ButIsaytoyouthatforeveryidlewordmenmay speak,theywillgiveaccountofitinthedayof judgment.Forbyyourwordsyouwillbejustified, andbyyourwordsyouwillbecondemned.”

Jesusherefocuseson“idlewords” thatis,words

spokencarelessly,withoutpremeditation.Oftenwhena personsayssomethingfoolishornegativeabouthimself,he thenexcuseshimselfbysaying,“ButIdidn’treallymean it.”Yetitispreciselyagainstwordsofthiskind,which people“don’treallymean,”thatJesuswarnsus.Thefact thatthespeaker“doesn’treallymeanthem”doesnotinany wayminimizeorcanceltheeffectofhiswords.Nordoesit releasehimfromhisaccountability.

InProverbs6:2Solomonwarnsapersonwhohas unwiselyputupsecurityforaneighbor:“Youhavebeen trappedbywhatyousaid,ensnaredbythewordsofyour mouth”(niv).Thisisonlyoneofcountlesswaysinwhich peopleare“ensnaredbythewordsoftheirmouths.”We mayeasilybecaughtinasnareofthiskindwithoutrealizing it,buttogetfreedemandstheconsciousapplicationof biblicalprinciples.WeneedtorememberthatGodtakesour wordsseriously,evenwhenweourselvesdonot.

Mark14:66–72recordshow,inthecourtofthehigh priest,Peterthreetimesdeniedthathewasadiscipleof Jesus.Toenforcehisthirddenial,heactually“beganto curseandswear.”Inotherwords,heinvokedacurseon himself.

Peterwasquicklystrickenwithremorse,butitisdoubtful evensothatheunderstoodthefullimplicationofhisown words.Threedayslater,attheemptytomb,theangelstold

thewomen,“Go,tellHisdisciples—and Peter—thatHeis goingbeforeyouintoGalilee”(Mark16:7,emphasisadded).

Peterwasnolongerreckonedasbeingoneofthedisciples. Byhisownwordshehadforfeitedhisstandingasadisciple ofJesus.

Later,John21:15–17recordshow,bytheSeaofGalilee, JesusgraciouslyopenedthewayforPetertoregainhis standingasadisciple.HeaskedPeterthreetimes,“Doyou loveMe?”Peteransweredeachtimeintheaffirmative,but hewasgrievedthatJesusputthequestionthreetimes.He didnotrealizethatJesuswasleadinghiminthiswayto revokehispreviousdenials.Foreachtimethathehadmade awrongconfession,henowmadetherightconfession.On thisbasis,hewasreinstatedasadisciple.

ThewayJesusdealtwithPeterestablishedapatternfor allwhoneedtobereleasedfromthesnareofabad confession.Therearethreesuccessivesteps:Repent Revoke Replace.First,wemustacknowledgethatwe havemadeawrongconfessionand repent ofit.Second,we must revoke it thatis,wemustunsay,orcancel,whatever wesaidthatwaswrong.Third,wemust replace our previouswrongconfessionwiththerightone.Thesethree steps,takeninfaith,canreleaseusfromthesnare.

Genesis27:12–13providesanotherexampleofa selfimposedcurse.RebekahwaspersuadinghersonJacob

todeceiveIsaac,hisfather,nowblind,inordertoobtainhis blessing(whichIsaacintendedtopronounceonhisother son,Esau).Jacobwaseagerfortheblessing,butfearfulof theconsequencesifIsaacshoulddiscoverhisdeception.

“Perhapsmyfatherwillfeelme,”hesaid,“andIshall seemtobeadeceivertohim;andIshallbringacurseon myselfandnotablessing.”

Rebekahrespondedimmediately,“Letyourcursebeon me,myson.“

Rebekah’splantoobtaintheblessingforJacob succeeded,butherownwordsexposedhertoacursethat keptherfromenjoyingthefruitsofhersuccess.Hermood quicklybecameoneofpessimismandcynicism.Soon afterwardwefindhersayingtoIsaac,“Iamwearyofmy lifebecauseofthedaughtersofHeth;ifJacobtakesawife ofthedaughtersofHeth...whatgoodwillmylifebeto me?”(Genesis27:46).

Almostimmediately,too,Jacobhadtoleavehometo escapethevengeanceofhisbrother,Esau,andhewasgone forabouttwentyyears.TheBibletellsusnothingaboutthe restofRebekah’slifeoraboutthetimeandmannerofher death.Itwouldseem,however,thatsheneverhadthe satisfactionofseeingJacobenjoyingtheblessingthather deceptiveschemehadobtainedforhim.

OvertheyearsIhaveheardmanypeoplespeakabout

themselvesinthesamewayasRebekah:“I’mtiredof living....Nothingevergoesright....What’stheuse?... Igiveup!...Imightaswellbedead....”Ihavelearned byexperiencethatexpressionssuchasthesealmostalways indicateaselfimposedcurseatworkinthelifeoftheone whouttersthem.

Amuchmoretragicandfar-reachingexampleofa selfimposedcurseisdepictedinMatthew27:20–26.Against hisownjudgment,theRomangovernor,Pilate,consentsto releasetothecrowdamurderernamedBarabbasandto imposethedeathsentenceonJesusinstead.Inorderto disassociatehimselffromthisact,however,Pilatewashes hishandsinfrontofthecrowdandsays,“Iaminnocentof thebloodofthisjustPerson.”

Tothisthecrowdresponds,“Hisbloodbeonusandon ourchildren.”

Thesewordscombinedtwoformsofcurse:a selfimposed curseonthemselves;a relational curseon theirdescendants.Theobjectiverecordofhistoryconfirms theoutworkingofboth.WithinonegenerationtheRoman armieshaddestroyedJerusalem,andeitherkilledorsold intoslaverytheentirepopulation.

Sincethattime,fornineteencenturies,adarkstrandof bloodshedandtragedyhasbeeninterwoveninthedestinyof theJewishpeople.Timeaftertime,inpogromafterpogrom,

GentilerulershaveturnedlooseagainstdefenselessJews violent,depravedmenofthecaliberofBarabbas theone whomtheyhadchosen.

ButthankGod,thatisnottheend!Godhasprovideda wayofreconciliationandrestoration.ThroughHis unsearchablewisdomandHismarvelousmercy,thedeath oftheOnewhowasexecutedasacriminalhasprovideda wayofescapefromtheconsequencesofthecurse.

Chapter17willexplainthisindetail.

Earlier,inchapter8,wesawthatwhenGodoriginally calledAbrahamandblessedhim,Healsopronounceda curseonallwhowouldcursehim.Later,thiscursewas reaffirmedwhenIsaacblessedJacob,andoncemorewhen BalaampronouncedapropheticblessingonIsraelasa nation.InthiswayGodprovidedprotectionforJacoband hisdescendants theJewishpeople fromallwhowould seektoputacurseonthem.Subsequenthistoryrevealed, however,thattherewasonekindofcursefromwhicheven GodcouldnotprotectHispeople:the curse they pronounced on themselves.

ThesameappliestoGentileChristianswhohavebecome heirstoAbraham’sblessingthroughtheNewCovenant initiatedbyJesus.IncludedintheprovisionsoftheCovenant istherighttoinvokeGod’sprotectionagainstcursesthat proceedfromanyexternalsource.Butthereisonekindof

curseagainstwhichevenGodcannotprovideprotection:the curses that Christians pronounce upon themselves.

ThisisonewayinwhichChristiansfrequentlybringupon themselvesvariouskindsoftroubleofwhichtheydonot understandthesource.Byspeakingnegativewordsabout themselves,theyshutthemselvesofffromblessingsand exposethemselvestocurses.

Inthis,too,thehistoryofIsraelprovidesavividexample. Chapters13and14ofNumbersrecordhowMosessent twelvetriballeaderstospyoutthelandofCanaan,which GodhadpromisedtoIsraelasaninheritance.Twoofthem JoshuaandCaleb returnedwithapositivereport:“Let usgoupatonceandtakepossession,forwearewellable toovercomeit”(Numbers13:30).Theothertengavea negativereportthatfocusedongiantsandwalledcities. Theirconclusionwas:“Wearenotabletogoupagainstthe people,fortheyarestrongerthanwe”(Numbers13:31).

Induecourse,theLordpronouncedHisjudgment.Toall thoseIsraeliteswhogavecredencetothenegativereport Hesaid:“JustasyouhavespokeninMyhearing,soIwill dotoyou:Thecarcassesofyouwhohavecomplained againstMeshallfallinthiswilderness”(Numbers14:28–29).Thecarcassesoftheunbelievingspieswerethefirstto fall.ToJoshuaandCaleb,ontheotherhand,theLord promisedthattheywouldtakepossessionoftheland

concerningwhichtheyhadgivenapositivereport.

Allthosespies boththebelievingandtheunbelieving determinedtheirowndestinybythewordstheyspoke concerningthemselves.Thosewhosaid,“Weareableto entertheland,”didenterit.Thosewhosaid,“Wearenot able,”didnotenter.Godtookthemattheirownword.He hasnotchanged!ToChristians,justasmuchastoIsraelites, Godstillsays,“JustasyouhavespokeninMyhearing,soI willdotoyou.”

Earlier,inchapter5,welistedsevencharacteristic conditionsthatmaybemarksofacurse.Oftenitistheway inwhichpeoplespeakaboutthemselvesthatexposesthem totheseconditions.Withoutrecognizingit,suchpeopleare actuallypronouncingcursesuponthemselves.Toguard againstthis,theyneedtorecognizethewrongformsof speechthattheyhavebeenusingandtocultivatenew, positivespeechpatternsintheirplace.

Thelistbelowrepeatsthesevenconditionsthatmay indicateacurse,butaddsundereachheadingtypicalforms ofspeechthatcommonlyopenpeopleuptothecondition described.Thesefewexamplesshouldbesufficientto indicatethekindsofexpressionsthataredangerousandthe areasinwhichitmaybenecessarytochange.Forourpart, RuthandIhavelearnedtoexercisecontinualvigilanceand self-controlinthewaywespeakaboutourselves.

1. Mental and/or emotional breakdown

“It’sdrivingmecrazy!”

“Ijustcan’ttakeanymore.”

“Itmakesmemadtothink....”

2. Repeated or chronic sicknesses (especially if hereditary)

“Wheneverthere’sabug,Icatchit.”

“I’msickandtired....”

“Itrunsinthefamily,soIguessI’mthenext.”

3. Barrenness, a tendency to miscarry or related female problems

“Idon’tthinkI’llevergetpregnant!”

“I’vegotthe‘curse’again.”

“IjustknowI’mgoingtolosethisone Ialways do!”

4.Breakdownofmarriageand familyalienation

“Thepalmreadersaidmyhusbandwouldleave me.”

“SomehowIalwaysknewmyhusbandwouldfind anotherwoman.”

“Inourfamilywehavealwaysfoughtlikecats anddogs.”

5.Continuingfinancial insufficiency

“Inevercanmakeendsmeet myfatherwasthe same.”

“Ican’taffordtotithe.”

“Ihatethose‘fatcats’whogetalltheyeverwant itneverhappenstome!”

6. Being “accident-prone”

“Italwayshappenstome!”

“Iknewtherewastroubleahead....”

“I’mjustaclumsykindofperson.”

7. A history of suicides and unnatural or untimely deaths

“What’stheuseofliving?”

“Overmydeadbody!”

“I’dratherdiethangoonthewayIam.”

Peoplewhousethisnegativekindoflanguageare unconsciouslyinvitingevilspiritstotakethemover.The typeofevilspiritthatrespondsisdeterminedbythe languageused.Thereareclassesofspiritsthatcorrespond toeachofthesevencategorieslistedabove.

Onekindofspiritthatisparticularlycommonisthespirit of“death.”Thisrespondstothekindoflanguagelisted underthecategoryof“Ahistoryofsuicidesandunnatural oruntimelydeaths.”Itproducesasensethatlifeis meaninglessandhopeless,andamorbidtendencytofocus onthoughtsofdeath.Itisoftenmanifestedalsoinaneverendingseriesofphysicalinfirmities,formanyofwhichthere isnoobviousmedicalcause.

Ultimately,thisspiritofdeathwilleitherdriveapersonto suicideorcauseuntimelydeathinsomeotherway.InJohn 8:44JesuswarnedusthatSatanisamurderer.Oneofthe agentsthatheusestomurderpeopleisthespiritofdeath, whichcausespeopletodiebeforetheirtime.WhenIshared thiswithaphysicianfriend,heconfirmedthatheoftensaw peoplediewhentherewasnotsufficientmedicalcauseto explainit.

Itmaybethatinoneoranotherofthecategorieslisted aboveyouhaverecognizedthingsthatyouyourselfhave said.Ifso,don’tbediscouraged!Thereisawayout!Earlier inthischaptertheapostlePeterprovidedanexampleofthe threestepsthatarenecessarytoescapefromaselfimposed curse:Repent

Revoke Replace.

First,wemustrecognizethatwehavemadeanegative confessionaboutourselvesandwemust repent ofit.

Second,wemust revoke it thatis,unsayorcancelit.

Third,wemust replace ourpreviouswrongconfessionwith therightone.Allthiswillbeexplainedmorefullyinchapter 21.

Anotherwayinwhichpeoplecanbringacurseupon themselvesisbypledgesoroathsthatarerequiredfor admissiontoaclosedfraternityorsorority,ortoasecret society.Irecallasituationinwhichmyfirstwife,Lydia,and IwereseekingtohelpayoungChristianwomanbesetfree fromdemonicbondage.Inspiteofmanyprayersand struggles,therewasnodeliverance.SuddenlyLydiawas promptedtotelltheyoungwomantotakeoffaringshewas wearing.Assoonasshedidso,shewassetfreewithout furtherstruggles.

LydiaactedsolelyonthepromptingoftheHolySpirit. Sheknewnothingaboutthering,whichwasactuallya collegesororityring.Tojointhesororitytheyoungwoman hadbeenrequiredtomakecertainpledgesthatwere inconsistentwithherChristianfaith.Bydiscardingthering, sheeffectivelycanceledthosepledgesandregainedher libertyasachildofGod.

Onanotheroccasion,LydiaandIwerepartofagroup ministeringtoayoungwomanwhoconfessedthatshehad beenapriestessofSatan.Shewaswearingaringthat symbolizedher“marriage”toSatan.Whenwetoldhershe wouldhavetotaketheringoff,shedidso butthen,under

thecompulsionofSatan,sheswallowedit.Ayoungman presentreceivedaspecialanointingoffaith,and commandedthewomantoregurgitatethering,whichshe promptlydid!Wethenthrewtheringintoanearbylake.

Thefinalstageinthewoman’sdeliverancefollowedwhen shepubliclyburnedalltheclothesshehadwornwhile worshipingSatan.

Incidentssuchasthesehavemadeveryrealformethe directionsgiveninJude23:“Saveothers,snatchingthemout ofthefire;andonsomehavemercywithfear,hatingeven thegarmentpollutedbytheflesh”(nasb).

Inboththeaboveinstances,satanicbondagewas associatedwitharing.Thesignificanceofaringisthatit oftensymbolizesacovenantrelationship.InourWestern culture,forexample,itisnormalforamanandhiswife eachtoweararing,symbolizingthecovenantrelationshipof marriage.Bybiblicalstandards,acovenantisthemost solemnandpowerfulformofrelationshipintowhicha personcanenter,whetherthecovenantisbetweenGodand man,orbetweenmanandhisfellowmen.Sataniswell awareofthis,andhethereforeexploitscovenant relationshipsofhisownmakinginordertogainthestrongest possiblecontroloverpeople.

Forthisreason,inExodus23:32,Godinstructedthe IsraelitesconcerningtheidolatrousnationsofCanaan:“You

shallmakenocovenantwiththem,norwiththeirgods.”God waswarningHispeoplethatiftheyenteredintoacovenant withtheCanaaniteswhoworshipedfalsegods,that covenantwouldbindthemnotmerelytotheCanaanites,but alsototheirgods.Theywouldthusbebringingthemselves intobondagetothosegods.

Onesectionofcontemporarysocietytowhichthis warningparticularlyappliesisFreemasonry.Masonsclaim thatthenatureoftheirassociationisasecret,butthisisnot correct.AllthemajorritesandformulasofFreemasonry havebeenpublicizedatvarioustimes,bothbypeoplewho wereformerlyMasons(includingsomewhohadadvanced tothehighestdegree)andbyotherswhohavecarefully examinedthematerialthatisavailabletoanycompetent researcher.

Forpresentpurposes,itissufficienttopointouttwofacts aboutFreemasonry.First,inordertobeinitiated,aperson hastobindhimselfbythemostcruelandbarbarousoaths nevertorevealanyofMasonry’ssecrets.Itwouldbe impossibletofindanywhereamorefrighteningexampleof selfimposedcursesthantheseoaths.

Second,Masonryisafalsereligion.SomeMasonswould denythatitisareligion,butherearesomeofthemain featuresthatclearlymarkitassuch:Masonryhasitsown revelation;itsown temples;itsown altars;itsown

religious symbols and emblems (whichincludea ring);its own confession of faith;itsown priests;itsown rituals. Finally,ithasitsown deity,afalsegod,whomitcallsa “CreativePrinciple”or“theGreatArchitectofthe Universe.”

Masonryisa false religion becauseitacknowledgesa false god.Manyoftheobjectsandsymbolsassociatedwith Christianity includingtheBible areusedinMasonry,but thisisadeliberatedeception.ThegodwhomMasonry acknowledgesis not theGodoftheBible.Althoughthe sacred,biblicalnameoffourletters JHVH(commonly spelledoutas“Jehovah”) isusedinMasonicliterature,it isinterpretedasreferringtoadivineentitythatcombinesin itselfbothmaleandfemaleprinciples.Again,theRoyal ArchdegreeusesanabbreviatedformofthenameJehovah incombinationwithabbreviatedformsoftwoheathen deities,BaalandOsiris,andacknowledgesthis“combined” beingasgod.Thisisnothingshortofadeliberateinsultto theonetrueGodrevealedintheBibleasJehovah.1

Formypart,IhadnointerestatallinFreemasonryuntilI begantodiscovertheharmfuleffectsithadproducedinthe livesofpeoplewhocameforprayer.Someofthemost frighteningexamplesthatIhaveencounteredofcursesat workinpeople’sliveswereassociatedwithFreemasonry. Theeffectsweremanifestedinthesecondandthird

generationsofthosewhohadaMasonintheirfamily background.

Onecasemadeaspecialimpressiononme.Attheclose ofaSundaymorningworshipserviceinAustralia,Ruthand Iwereprayingforpeoplewhoneededhealing.Oneofthose whocameforwardwasayoungwomanwhosedulleyes, unkempthairandslurredvoicesuggestedabackgroundin thesubculture.Inherarmsshecarriedatinybaby.

“Shejustwon’ttakeanythingtoeat,”themother mumbledwithhereyesaverted.“Justanounceortwoata time.”

“Howoldisshe?”weasked.

“Sixweeks,”themotherreplied,butthebabylooked morelikesixdaysthansixweeksold.

WhenRuthandIplacedourhandsonthemothertopray forher,shefellbackwardunderthepoweroftheHoly Spirit.Asshefell,Ruthcaughtthebabyfromherandheldit inherownarms.Twochurchworkersbegantoprayforthe motheronthefloor.

RuththenreceivedawordofknowledgebytheHoly Spirit.“Thewoman’sfatherisaFreemason,”shesaidto thetwoworkers.“Tellhertorenouncethatspirit.”

Themotheronthefloorstruggledtogetoutthewords,“I renounce...thatspirit...ofFreemasonry.”Assoonas

sheutteredthosewords,theevilspiritcameoutofherwith aprolongedscream.Atthesamemoment,thebabyin Ruth’sarmsemittedapreciselysimilarscream,andthen becamelimp.Theworkershelpedthemotherontoherfeet, andRuthplacedthebabybackinherarms.

Aboutsixhourslaterwewerebackagaininthesame churchforaneveningservice.Attheclose,thesameyoung womancameuponcemorewithherbaby.

“How’sshedoing?”weasked.

“She’scompletelydifferent,”themotherreplied.“She’s takenthreefullbottlessincethemorning!”Icouldnothelp thinkingthatthemother,too,hadundergoneadramatic change,whichshoneoutofhereyesandsoundedinthe clarityofhervoice.

Ireflectedlaterthatinonebriefencounterwehadseen visibleevidenceofacurseduetoFreemasonrythathad carriedovertoatleasttwogenerations:fromthefather himselfwhowasaMason,tohisdaughterandthentohis granddaughter,ababysixweeksold.Ideterminedfrom thenonthatIwouldbediligenttowarnpeopleoftheharm thatMasonsbringnotonlyonthemselves,butonthe membersoftheirfamilies,eventhosewhohavenodirect involvementinFreemasonry.

Toallwhohavemadeapledgeoravowbindingthemto anevilassociation,suchasthosementionedabove,Solomon

offersanurgentwordofcounselinProverbs6:4–5:“Give nosleeptoyoureyes,norslumbertoyoureyelids.Deliver yourselflikeagazellefromthehandofthehunter,andlikea birdfromthehandofthefowler.”

Therearetwominimumrequirementsfordeliverance. First,youmustmakeaverbalrenunciationofyour association. What you have said with your lips, only you can unsay.Itisbesttodothisinthepresenceof sympatheticwitnesseswhowillsupportyouwiththeirfaith.

Second,youmustgetridof,anddestroy,alltheemblems, booksandothermaterialsthatweremarksofyour association.Inallthethreetypesofsituationsmentioned above,aringwasofspecialsignificance.Inthecaseofa Freemason,therewouldalsobevariousotherobjects particularlytheapron.RememberthewordsofJude23: “Hatingeventhegarmentdefiledbytheflesh.”

Questions for the Study

1.Trueorfalse:Thenegativeorfoolishwordsyousay aboutyourselfdonotcountifyoudonotreallymean them.

2.Whatarethethreesuccessivestepstoreleaseyou fromthesnareofabadconfession?

3.WhatistheonecurseGodcannotprotectHispeople

from?

4.Trueorfalse:Whenpeopleusenegativelanguageover themselves,theyareunconsciouslyinvitingevilspirits totakethemover.

5.Anotherwaytoinvokeaselfimposedcurseisbytaking a oran toafraternity, sororityorsecretsociety.

6.What,bybiblicalstandards,isthemostsolemnand powerfulformofrelationshipintowhichapersoncan enter?

7.Trueorfalse:Freemasonryisnotareligion.

8.Therearetwominimumrequirementsfordeliverance fromassociationwithsecretsocieties.Whatarethey?

Life Application

1.Arethereareasofyourlifeinwhichyouare experiencingselfimposedcurses?Ifyes,what specifically?

2.Repentofspeakingnegativewordsoveryourlife Revokethecurseandspeakawordofblessingthatis theoppositeofthecurse.

3.Haveyouoranyoneinyourfamilybeenpartofa secretsocietyorcult?Whichone(s)?

4.Doyoupossessanyarticlesassociatedwithsecret societiesorcults?Canyougetridofthem?Ifnotwhy

not?

5.Takesometimeandassemblethesearticlesand destroythem.

Memory Verse

IwillpraiseYou,forIamfearfullyandwonderfullymade.

Psalm139:14

Faith Response

Thank You, Lord, that Your thoughts toward me are precious and that the sumof themis great!I amYour workmanship (see Psalm139:17; Ephesians 2:10).

Answers

1.False.Thisdoesnotcanceltheeffectofthewords,nor doesitreleaseyoufromaccountability.

2.Repent,revoke,replace.

3.Thecursewepronounceonourselves.

4.True.

5.Pledge,oath.

6.Covenant.

7.False.Ithastemples,altars,priestsandrituals.

8.Verbalrenunciationandthedestructionofallemblems,

Servants ofSatan

Inthischapterwewilluncoveracompletelydifferent sourceofcurses:servantsofSatan.

AttitudestowardSatanamongChristiansvarybetween twoextremes.SomeignoreSatantotally,andtrytoactasif heisnotreal.Othersareafraidofhimandgivehimfar moreattentionthanhedeserves.Betweenthosetwo extremesthereisascripturalbalance.

Satanisacreatedbeing,arebelliousangel,whowascast outofGod’sheaven.Herulesoveraspiritualkingdomof evil,rebelliousangels,togetherwithlesserevilspirits,who arecalled“demons.”

Thename Satan means“adversary”or“opposer.”Heis theunchanging,implacableenemyofGodHimselfandof thepeopleandthepurposesofGod.Hisaimistobringthe wholehumanraceunderhiscontrol.Hisprimarytacticis deception,ofwhichheisamaster.InRevelation12:9heis describedas“thegreatdragon...thatserpentofold,called theDevilandSatan, who deceives the whole world” (emphasisadded).

Satanalreadyexercisesdominionoverthegreatmajority

ofmankind—allthosewhoareinanattitudeofrebellion againstGod.InEphesians2:2heisdescribedas“thespirit whonowworksinthesonsofdisobedience.”Mostofthese inrebellionhavenoclearpictureoftheirrealcondition. Theyaresimplydriventoandfrobyforcestheydonot understandandcannotcontrol.

Therearethoseamongthem,however,whohave deliberatelyopenedthemselvesuptoSatan,eventhough theymaynotbeawareofhistrueidentity.Inpursuitof powerandmaterialgain,theysystematicallycultivatethe exerciseofthesupernaturalforcesSatanhasreleasedto them.SuchservantsofSatanarerecognizedinalmostall culturesandhavebeengivenavarietyofdifferenttitles: witchdoctor,medicineman,mchawi,shaman,tohanga, wizard,witch,priestorpriestessofSatan,andsoon.In almostalltribalculturesthroughouttheworldthereisa specialnameforthiskindofperson.

JesusHimselfisourmainsourceofinformation concerningSatan.WhenHesentoutseventydisciplesto preparethewaybeforeHim,theyreturnedwithjoy,saying, “Lord,eventhedemonsaresubjecttousinYourname.”

TothisJesusresponded,“Behold,Igiveyoutheauthorityto trampleonserpentsandscorpions,andoverallthepowerof theenemy,andnothingshallbyanymeanshurtyou”(see Luke10:17–19).

JesusdidnotdenythatSatanwasrealorthathehad power.ButHepromisedHisdisciplesthattheauthorityHe conferreduponthemwouldmakethemvictoriousover Satan’spowerandwouldprotectthemagainstallhis attemptstoharmthem.ItisimportantforalloftheLord’s servantstorecognizetheauthorityHehasgiventhemand tolearntoexerciseiteffectively.

Cursesareoneofthemainweaponsthatservantsof SatanuseagainstthepeopleofGod.Thisisvividly illustratedbythestoryofBalakandBalaaminNumbers 22–24.

BalakwaskingoftheterritoryofMoab,ontheeastof theJordan.OntheirjourneyfromEgypttoCanaan,Israel hadencampedontheborderofMoab.Balakfelthis kingdomwasthreatened,buthelackedthestrengthorthe couragetolaunchanopenattackonIsrael.Instead,hehired Balaamtopronouncecursesonthem,inthehopethatIsrael wouldthusbeweakenedtothepointwhereMoabcould defeatthem.Balaamwasa“witchdoctor,”famous throughoutthewholeregion,whocommandedahighfeefor hisservices.

ManyChristianstodaywoulddismissallthisas superstitious“nonsense,”devoidofanyrealpower.God’s reaction,however,wasentirelydifferent.Heviewedthe cursesthatBalaammightpronounceasaseriousthreatto

Israel.Consequently,Heintervenedsupernaturallyand warnedBalaamnottoaccepttheassignment.ButBalaam waseagerforthewealthBalakhadpromisedhim,andso wentaheadwiththeintentionofdoingwhatBalakhad asked.Induecourse,however,eachtimeBalaamtriedto pronouncecursesonIsrael,Godagainintervenedand changedtheproposedcursesintoblessings!

Subsequently,inDeuteronomy23:5,Mosesreminded IsraelofthisincidentasevidenceofGod’sloveforthem: “NeverthelesstheLordyourGodwouldnotlistento Balaam,buttheLordyourGodturnedthecurseintoa blessingforyou,becausetheLordyourGodlovesyou.”

Oneimportantfactneedstobeemphasized:Goddidnot viewBalaam’sproposedcursesagainstIsraelasempty wordsthathadnopower.Heregardedthemasaserious threattoIsrael,andforthisreasonHeintervenedpersonally tofrustrateBalaam’sintention.

TimehasnotchangedGod’sviewpoint.Hedoesnot ignoreorbelittlecursesdirectedagainstHispeopleby servantsofSatan.Onthecontrary,asJesussaid,God recognizesthepowerofSatan,butequipsHisownservants withsuperiorpower.

TheBiblepresentsvariouspicturesoftheactivitiesof Satan’sservants.TheseservetowarnGod’sservants, againstwhomthesesatanicactivitiesareoftendirected.In

Ezekiel13:17–20,forexample,Godcondemnscertainfalse prophetesses,orsorceresses:

“Likewise,sonofman,setyourfaceagainstthe daughtersofyourpeople,whoprophesyoutoftheir ownheart;prophesyagainstthem,andsay,‘Thus saystheLordGod:“Woetothewomenwhosew magiccharmsontheirsleevesandmakeveilsfor theheadsofpeopleofeveryheighttohuntsouls!

WillyouhuntthesoulsofMypeople,andkeep yourselvesalive?AndwillyouprofaneMeamong Mypeopleforhandfulsofbarleyandforpiecesof bread,killingpeoplewhoshouldnotdie,andkeeping peoplealivewhoshouldnotlive,byyourlyingtoMy peoplewholistentolies?”

‘ThereforethussaystheLordGod:“Behold,Iam againstyourmagiccharmsbywhichyouhuntsouls therelikebirds.”’”

Someofthedetailsarenotclear,butitseemsthatthese womenplayedthetypicalroleofawitchdoctor.Anyone whohadaquarrelwithsomeotherpersonwouldhirethem tousetheirmagicartsagainstthatperson.Oneoftheir methodswastoattachmagiccharmstopeople’sclothing.

Inthisway,they“huntedsouls”andactuallykilledinnocent persons.Inreturn,theywerepaidinhandfulsofbarleyor

piecesofbread.

Thisisnotsomefar-fetchedaccusationreminiscentofthe MiddleAges.Itisachargebroughtagainstthesewomenby GodHimself.Furthermore,servantsofSatanhaveused similarmethodsforthesamepurposesallthroughthe centuriesandstillcontinuetousethemtoday.

In1979–80,inthecityofBathinthewestofEngland, archaeologistsuncoveredtheremainsofatempleofthe goddessMinerva,datingbacktotheRomanperiod.The priestsinthistemplehadasimilarministrytothatofthe sorceressesinEzekiel’sday.Peopleseekingrevengeon someonewouldemploytheprieststowriteoutan appropriatecurseagainstthatperson.Thewritingofthe curserequiredspecialskillspossessedonlybythepriests. Oncethecursehadbeenwritten,somekindofmagic ceremonywasusedtodirectitagainstthepersonwhowas itstarget.Forallthis,ofcourse,thepriestsreceived appropriatepayment.Also,theworshiperswouldcasttheir votiveofferingsforthegoddessintothespringassociated withthetemple.

Thiswayofusingcursesandmagicalartsisstilla familiarpartofdailylifeamongthemajorityoftheworld’s peoples,particularlyinAsia,Africa,OceaniaandCentral andSouthAmerica.Thefollowingaccountcomesfroma missionaryfriendofminewhohaslivedhiswholelifein

Zambia,incentralAfrica,andisintimatelyacquaintedwith thelanguagesandthecustomsofthepeoplethere.

AtaGeneralConferenceofChristiansinourrural districtofZambia,theHolySpirithadspokena strongpropheticwordcallingforholinessinthe Church.ManyChristianswereconvictedofsinin theirlivesandhadtrulyrepented,confessingtheirsin andpleadingforGod’sforgiveness.Afterthe service,anelderfromoneofourremotevillage churchescametothepreacherintears,tremblingall over,confessingtotheterriblesinof murder through witchcraft.

Theeldertoldhimthatforsomeyearshehad beenfightingwithhisfellowelderinthechurchwho wasseniortohim.Thesituationhadgottensobad thathehaddecidedtopunishhimbygoingtoalocal witchdoctorandpayinghimtocursethisother elder.Thewitchdoctorhadbeenhappytodoso, especiallyasheknewthatthesemenweresupposed tobeChristians.Heaskedforalargedown payment,andthentoldthemantocomebackthe followingday.

Whenhereturned,theelderfoundthewitch doctorsittingunderatreewithamirrorinhishand andabowlofwitchcraftmedicineontheground

beforehim.Thewitchdoctorthenproceededto spongethemedicinealloverthemirror,andasked theeldertolookcarefullyatthemirrorandtellhim whathecouldsee.

Startled,theeldersawthefaceofhisfellowelder quiteclearly.Whereuponthewitchdoctortooka razorbladeandcutacrossthethroatoftheface reflectedinthemirrorImmediatelythemirrorwas coveredinblood.

Theeldercriedout,“Youhavekilledhim!Ionly askedyoutocursehim.”Thewitchdoctorreplied withachuckle,“IthoughtIwoulddothejob properlywhilstIwasatit!”

Theelderhurriedhome.Tohishorrorhelearned thathisfellowelderwasindeeddead,havingdied mysteriouslyofasuddenhemorrhage.Theelder wasterrifiedoftheconsequencesofhisaction,so hehadkeptquietaboutit.NowtheHolySpirithad powerfullyconvictedhimofhissin.

Fortunatelyforhim,“wheresinabounded,grace didmuchmoreabound.”Throughconfession, repentanceandfaithinJesusChrist,themanwas notonlybroughttoforgivenessandpeacewithGod, buttotherealityofthenewbirth.

SomeWesternreadersmightbedisposedtodismissallof

thisasprimitive,superstitiouspracticesfrom“darkest Africa.”Butthetruthisthateveninthemorehighly civilizednations(so-called),occultpractices,whichhad beenonthedecline,areonceagainmakingtremendous inroads.InWestGermany,forexample,manybusinessmen, whowouldneverseekcounselfromaChristianminister, makearegularpracticeofconsultingafortune-teller concerningtheirbusinessdeals.

Inthemid-1980saleaderoftheSatanicChurchin Americawasinterviewedontelevision.Hewasaskedifit istruethatSatanistspracticehumansacrifice.Hereplied: “Weperformhumansacrificesbyproxy,youmightsay thedestructionofhumanbeingswhowould,let’ssay,create anantagonisticsituationtowardus intheformofcurses andhexes.”1Thiswasnotachargebroughtagainsthimby somehostilecritic;itwasanadmissionhemadefreelyof hisownaccord.

InIsrael,undertheLawofMoses,thiswouldhavebeen punishablebydeath.Inourcontemporaryculture,however, occultpracticesarenotacrime,andthereisnopenalty attachedtothem,eveniftheyareusedtokillpeople.

ThestatementoftheSatanistquotedaboverevealstheir useofcursesandhexestokillpeople,butitbynomeans absolvesthemfromthechargeofperforminghuman sacrifices.Gruesomeevidencetothecontraryiscontained

inthefollowingreportfromthe New York Times,whichran April12,1989,datelineMatamoros,Mexico:

OnTuesday,...officials[MexicanandU.S.]found thebodiesof12people,includinga21-year-old UniversityofTexasstudentwhohadvanishedhere amonthago,ineightcrudegraveson[aremote ranchneartheU.S.border].Today,atnews conferenceshereandinBrownsville,Texas,the officialssaidthatadruggang,seeinghuman sacrificeas“amagicalshield”thatwouldprotectit fromthepolice,wasresponsibleforthemurders...

Amongthesuspectsstillatlargeisanaccused drugsmuggleridentifiedasAdolfodeJesus

Constanzo,anativeofCuba,whomtheotherscallEl Padrino thegodfatherThepolicesaidheordered theritualmurders,pointingoutyoungmenatrandom oncitystreetsforhisfollowerstoabduct,then murderandmutilateontheranch.

Theofficialsdescribedthemurdersasatwisted blendofsacrificialandblackmagicpracticesfrom Haiti,CubaandJamaica....

Therehavealsobeenreportsfromvariousplacesinthe UnitedStatesofthesacrificeofinfantsandsmallchildren,

carriedoutbySatanistsaspartoftheirrituals.

Theprimarytargetsofsataniccursesandotheroccult weaponsaretheservantsofGodandJesusChrist.Satanists rightlyrecognizewhotheirmainenemiesare,anddirect theirattacksagainstthemaccordingly.Thisisillustrated vividlybyanincidentrelatedtomebyaministerfriend.

AChristianladyknowntomyfriendwaseatingwithher familyinarestaurantinNewOrleans whichisreportedto bethespiritualcenterforwitchcraftintheU.S.A.Whileat thetable,theywereapproachedbySatanistswhohad enteredtherestaurantto“witness”inthesamewaysome Christiansmightdo,goingfromtabletotable.Theywere activelyrecruitingpeopleforSatanismandshowedthelady aprintedprospectusfortheyear1988,outliningthe followingsix-point,worldwideprogram,whichwastobe accompaniedbyfastingandprayer(!):

1.ThattheAntichristwouldmanifesthimselfsoon.

2.Thatministers,leadersandmissionarieswouldfall.

3.ThatministriesandworksofGodwouldbedestroyed.

4.ThatChristianswouldbecomecomplacent;want peaceoverandaboveall;andseekchurchesthatdo notpreachafullGospelwithpastorsthatkeeppeace nomatterwhatthesin.

5.ThatChristiansceasetheirfastingandprayer.

6.ThatthegiftsoftheHolySpiritbeignored.

ThisisbutoneofmanyevidencesthattheChurchof JesusChristiscurrentlyunderintense,systematicattackby theforcesofSatan.WhatcantheChurchdo?Christ defeatedSatanonthecross.Howcanwe,firstofall, defendourselves;andsecondly,makeChrist’svictorya dailyrealityinourpersonallivesandinourchurches?

Someilluminatinganswersareprovidedbythestoryof Balaam’sattempttobringacurseonIsrael.Godintervened onbehalfofIsraelandturnedtheproposedcurseintoa blessing.WhatdidGodseeintheconductofIsraelatthat timethatmovedHimtotakeHisstandagainstSatanon theirbehalf?

Herearesomeimportantfactorsthatcombinedtodraw God’sfavordownuponHispeople:

1.ThepeopleofIsraelweremovinginfulfillmentof God’splanforthem.

2.Theyweresupernaturallyguided,dayandnight,bya cloudandapillaroffire.Thiscorrespondstothe guidanceoftheHolySpiritforNewTestament believers(seeRomans8:14).

3.Theywereanationunderdiscipline,withGodappointed leadersandGod-givenlaws.

4.Theirrelationshipswerecarefullyorderedaccordingto adivinepattern.Thisharmoniouspatternof relationshipswasbeautifullydepictedbyBalaam’sown

visionarydescriptionoftheminNumbers24:5–6:

“Howlovelyareyourtents,OJacob!Your dwellings,OIsrael!Likevalleysthatstretchout,like gardensbytheriverside,likealoesplantedbythe Lord,likecedarsbesidethewaters.”

Obviously,thiswasnotaliteralpictureofIsrael, sinceshewasencampedatthattimeinadesert area.

5.Muchoftheabovewasduetothefactthatawhole generationofunbelievinganddisobedientIsraeliteshad beenpurgedoutfromamongthem(seeNumbers 26:63–65).

Whatarethelessonstobelearnedfromthispictureof Israel?Itsmainfeaturescouldbesummedupthus:Israel wasacommunitydivinelyordered,disciplinedandguided, livinginharmonywithoneanother.Tostateitanotherway, Israelwasnotjustanassemblyofindividualseach“doing hisownthing.”

GodhasnotchangedinwhatHelooksforinHispeople; norhasSatanchangedinhistacticsagainstGod’speople.If theChurchatthistimedoesnotfulfilltherequirementsfor God’sfavorandprotection,thereisonlyoneremedy:The Church must change.

Unfortunately,however,therecordofBalaam’sstrategy againstIsraeldoesnotendwithtotalvictoryforIsrael. HavingfailedinhisattempttobringacurseuponIsrael, Balaamresortedtoasecondtactic.HeadvisedBalakto usetheMoabitewomenasasnare,toenticethemenof Israel,first,intosexualimmoralityand,second,intoidolatry. WhereBalaam’sfirsttactichadfailed,hissecond succeeded.

Afterthat,hehadnoneedtopronounceacurseuponthe Israelites.BybreakingGod’sfirstcommandment,theyhad broughtGod’sowncurseuponthemselves,and24,000of themperished(seeNumbers25).InNumbers31:16,Moses statesspecificallythatthiscameaboutthroughthecounsel ofBalaam.

In1Corinthians10:8Paulholdsupthisincidentasa warningtobelieversintheNewTestament.Thedeceitful tacticsofBalaamarealsomentionedinthreeother passagesoftheNewTestament:2Peter2:15–16,Jude11 andRevelation2:14.ObviouslythestrategyofBalaam againstIsraelcontainsimportantwarningsalsoforbelievers intheNewCovenant.Thecentrallessonissimple:

ChristianswhoarelivingindisciplinedobediencetoGodand inharmonywitheachothercanlooktoGodforHis protectionagainstSatan.ButChristianswhoare undisciplined,disobedientandoutofharmonyforfeittheir

claimonGod’sprotection.

Questions for the Study___________________________

1.ThetwoattitudeextremestowardSatanbyChristians areeither himor him.

2.WhatisSatan’sprimarytactic?

3.Trueorfalse:Cursesareoneofthemainweapons usedbyservantsofSatanagainstthepeopleofGod.

4.WhatwasBalaam’ssecondtactictobringIsraelunder acurse?

5.GoddoesrecognizethepowerofSatan,butHehas equippedHisownservantswith power.

6.Christianswhoarelivingindisciplined_________to Godandin witheachothercanlookto GodforHisprotectionagainstSatan.

Life Application

1.Doyoubelievetherearepeoplewhoareservantsof Satanwhocanplacecursesonpeople?Whyorwhy not?

2.WhatlessonsdidyoulearnfromthestoryofBalaam andIsrael?Howcanyouusetheselessonsinyour life?

3.Whatareasofyourlifeneedtochangesoyoucan enjoytheprotectionofGodingreatermeasure?

Memory Verse

Owenooneanythingexcepttoloveoneanother,forhe wholovesanotherhasfulfilledthelaw.

Romans13:8

Faith Response

Lord Jesus, I desire to be obedient to Your Word and walk in unity and love with the family of God (see 1 Peter 3:8–12).

Answers

1.Ignoring,fearing.

2.Deception.

3.True.

4.Toenticethemintosinandidolatry,thuscausingthem tobringacurseonthemselves.

5.Superiororgreater.

6.Obedience,harmony.

ItisnotdifficultforChristianstounderstandthatspiritual forcesdirectedagainstthemfromservantsofSatanwould bedangerousandharmful.ManyChristianswouldbe surprised,however,tolearnthattherearesituationsin whichspiritualforcesemanatingfromtheirfellowbelievers couldalsobeharmful.YetinJames3:14–15theapostleis writingbothtoandaboutChristianswhenhewarns:

Butifyouhavebitterenvyandself-seekinginyour hearts,donotboastandlieagainstthetruth.

Thiswisdomdoesnotdescendfromabove,butis earthly,sensual,demonic.

Todescribeacertainkindof“wisdom,”Jamesuses adjectivesonthreedescendinglevels:first,“earthly”below that,“sensual”andbelowthat,“demonic.”Thekeyto understandingthedownwardprocessliesinthesecond adjective,heretranslated“sensual.”TheGreekwordis

Translatedinthisway,itfitsinnaturallywiththeBible’s

psuchikos,formeddirectlyfrom psuche,meaning“soul.”

ThecorrespondingEnglishwordwouldbe“soulish.”

pictureofhumanpersonality.

In1Thessalonians5:23Paulprays:“NowmaytheGodof peaceHimselfsanctifyyoucompletely;andmayyourwhole spirit,soul,andbodybepreservedblameless.”Paulhere putstogetherthethreeelementsthatmakeupacomplete humanpersonality,listingthemindescendingorderfromthe highesttothelowest:first,spirit;then,soul;then,body.

Thespiritisthatpartofhumanpersonalitythatwas directlyinbreathedbyGodatcreation.Itistherefore capableofdirectunionandcommunionwiththeCreator.In 1Corinthians6:17Paulsays:“HewhoisjoinedtotheLord is one spirit withHim”(emphasisadded).Itwouldnotbe correcttosay“onesoulwithHim.”Onlyman’sspiritis capableofdirectunionwithGod.

Intheoriginalpatternofcreation,man’sspiritrelated upwardtoGodanddownwardtohissoul.God communicateddirectlywithman’sspirit,andthroughman’s spiritwithhissoul.Together,man’sspiritandsoul expressedthemselvesthroughhisbody.

Atthefall,asaresultofman’sdisobedience,hisspirit wascutofffromGod,andatthesametimehissoulbegan toexpressitselfindependentlyofhisspirit.Thisnew, “disjointed”relationshipwasboththeconsequenceandthe expressionofman’srebellionagainstGod.

ElsewhereintheNewTestament,theword soulish

denotestheactivityofman’ssoulwhenitisoutofitsproper relationshiptohisspirit.Itdescribes,therefore,acondition thatiscontrarytoGod’shighestwill.Thiscanbe establishedbyconsideringbrieflytwootherpassagesinthe NewTestamentwheretheword psuchikos thatis, “soulish” occurs.

In1Corinthians2:14–15Paulsaysthat“thenatural [soulish]mandoesnotreceivethethingsoftheSpiritofGod ...norcanheknowthem,becausetheyarespiritually discerned.”Ontheotherhand,“hewhoisspiritualjudgesall things.”Itisobviousthat“soulish”and“spiritual”arein oppositiontoeachother.The“spiritual”personis functioningaccordingtoGod’swill;the“soulish”personis outofharmonywithGod.The“soulish”personseeksto apprehendspiritualtruthintherealmofhissoul,butis unabletodoso.The“spiritual”personisunitedwithGod throughhisspiritandisthusabletoreceivespiritual revelationdirectlyfromGod.

InJude16–19,theapostledescribesaclassofpersons whoareassociatedwiththeChurch,butarenevertheless “grumblers,complainers,walkingaccordingtotheirown lusts”(verse16).Heconcludesbysayingofthem:“These aresensual[soulish]persons,whocausedivisions,not havingtheSpirit[thatis,theHolySpirit]”(verse19).

Takentogether,thesepassagesin1Corinthiansandin

Judepresentaconsistentpictureofapersondescribedas “soulish.”Heisapparentlyonewhoassociateswiththe Churchandwearsaveneerofspirituality.Atthesametime, hissoulisnotrightlyrelatedtoGodthroughhisspirit.In spiteofthefaithheprofesses,heisinrealityarebel,outof harmonywithGodandwiththepeopleofGod.Heis incapableofapprehendingspiritualtruth.Hisrebellious attitudeandconductgrievetheSpiritofGodandcause offenseintheBodyofChrist.

Thisanalysisexplainsthedescendinglevelsofthecorrupt wisdomdescribedinJames3:15:fromearthly,tosoulish,to demonic.Therootproblemisrebellion someformof disobediencetoGod someformofrejectionofGod’s authority.Thisrebellioncutsaperson’sspiritofffromGod andfromthethingsofheaven.Heisnowconfinedtothe planeofearthlyvaluesandmotives.

Atthesametime,hissoul outofharmonywithGod is exposedbyitsrebelliontotheinfluenceofdemons,which hisbluntedspiritualsensescannotidentify.Theoutcomeisa formofwisdomthatappearstobe“spiritual”butis,infact, “demonic.”

ThewholeofthisthirdchapterofJamesfocusesonone specificproblem:themisuseofthetongue.Furthermore,the entireepistleisaddressedmainly ifnotexclusively to thosewhoprofessfaithinChrist.Itisclear,therefore,that

thiscorrupt,counterfeit,demonicwisdom,ofwhichJames speaks,findsitsexpressioninwordsusedbyChristians. Howdoessuchasituationarise?

TherearetwomainareasinwhichChristiansareoften guiltyinthiswayonaccountofthewordstheyutter.The firstareaiswordsChristiansspeakamongthemselves;the secondiswordstheyspeaktoGod primarilyinprayer.

TheNewTestamentgivesveryclearwarningsto Christiansastohowtheyshouldspeakaboutotherpeople andespeciallytheirfellowbelievers.InTitus3:2Paulsays thatweare“tospeakevilofnoone.”Thephrase no one appliestoallotherpeople,whetherbelieversorunbelievers.

TheGreekverbtranslated“tospeakevil”is blasphemo fromwhichisderivedtheword blaspheme.It isimportanttounderstandthatthesinof“blasphemy” includesnotonlyevilwordsspokenagainstGod,butalso evilwordsspokenagainstourfellowhumanbeings. WhetherspokeninreferencetoGodortootherpeople, suchlanguageisforbiddentoChristians.

InJames4:11Jamesdealsmorespecificallywithwords thatChristiansspeak about one another:“Donotspeak evilofoneanother,brethren.”Thewordheretranslated“to speakevil”is katalalo,whichmeanssimply“tospeak against.”ManyChristiansinterpretJamestomeanthatwe arenottosayanything false againstotherbelievers.What

heactuallysays,however,isthatwearenottospeak againstfellowbelieversatall evenifwhatwesayabout themis true.ThesinthatJamesisdealingwithisnot speaking falsely butspeaking against.

OneofthesinsthatChristiansfallintomosteasilyis gossip.InsomeChristiancongregations,ifgossipwere excluded,scarcelyanykindofconversationwouldbeleft!

Collins English Dictionary offersthetwofollowing definitionsof“gossip”:

1.Casualandidlechat

2.Conversationinvolvingmaliciouschatterorrumors aboutotherpeople

Twooftheadjectiveshereappliedtogossipare idle and malicious.ItisnotenoughforChristianstoavoidmalicein theirtalk.InMatthew12:36JesusHimselfexplicitlywarns usagainstmereidlespeech:“ButIsaytoyouthatforevery idle wordmenmayspeak,theywillgiveaccountofitinthe dayofjudgment”(emphasisadded).

AlthoughtheNewTestamentexplicitlyforbidsgossip, manyChristiansregarditasarelatively“harmless”sin. Mostdefinitely,however,thisisnothowGodviewsit.In Romans1:29–30Paullistssomeoftheconsequencesof man’sturningawayfromGod.Hereispartofhislist:“They arefullofenvy,murder,strife,deceitandmalice.Theyare gossips,slanderers,God-haters,insolent,arrogantand boastful”(NIV).

Thepositionof gossips inthislistissignificant.Someof theheartattitudesdirectlyassociatedwithgossiparestrife, deceitandmalice.Gossipsthemselvesareclassifiedwith peoplewhoareslanderers,God-haters,insolent,arrogant andboastful.Christianswhoindulgeingossipmaythinkof themselvesas“exceptions,”butthatisnothowGodsees

them.

Thedangerofthiskindoftalkisbroughtoutbythe descendingorderofadjectivesinJames3:15:earthly, soulish,demonic.Christianswhopermitthemselvesto gossipaboutotherpeople especiallytheirfellowbelievers aredirectlydisobedienttoGod’sWord.Asaresult,they findthemselvesonaslipperydownwardslope.Beforethey realizewhatishappening,theyhaveslippedfromthe “earthly”tothe“soulish,”andthenfromthe“soulish”tothe “demonic.”

Thewordsthesepeoplespeakaboutotherswouldnot normallybedescribedas“curses,”buttheireffectisthe same.Theyareinfactchannelsthroughwhichdemonic forcesaredirectedagainstothermembersofChrist’sBody. Furthermore,itisnotonlytheindividualsspokenaboutwho areaffected.InJames3:6theapostlesays,“Thetongueis sosetamongourmembersthatitdefilesthewholebody.”

Thebelieverwhoisguiltyofthiskindofspeechactually defilesbothhimselfandthatpartoftheBodyofChristto whichheisrelated.

Someyearsago,whileinEuropeonaministrytrip,I foundmyselfinasituationthatgavemevividnewinsight intothedangersofsoulishtalk.Iwaspreparingtospeakat averysignificantmeeting,whenIwasseizedwitha cripplingpaininmylowerabdomen.FearingthatImight

havetocancelmycommitmenttospeakthatevening,I calledouttoGodforhelp.

ImmediatelyIhadamentalpictureoftwoChristian friendsofmine,aboutsixthousandmilesawayintheUnited States,talkingaboutme.Therewasaverywarmpersonal relationshipamongthethreeofus,butmytwofriendshad disagreedstronglywitharecentcourseofactionIhad taken.Isensedthatintheirconversationtheywere criticizingmeformyactionandthattheirnegativewords aboutmewereproducingthephysicalsymptomsIwas strugglingagainst.Furthermore,thiswasastrategyofSatan tokeepmefromministeringthatevening.

IsawthatIneededtodotwothings.First,byadecision ofmywill,Iforgavemyfriendsforthewordstheywere speakingagainstme.ThenIactedonthepromiseofJesus inMatthew18:18:“Whateveryoubindonearthwillbe boundinheaven,andwhateveryoulooseonearthwillbe loosedinheaven.”Withtheauthorityvestedinthenameof Jesus,Iboundthesatanicforcesatworkagainstme,and thenIloosedmyselffromtheeffectofmyfriends’words aboutme.Withinfiveminutes,thepaininmyabdomenhad ceasedentirely(andneverreturned!).AfewhourslaterI wasabletoministereffectivelyinthemeeting,andIhadthe sensethatGod’spurposehadbeenfulfilled.

Later,onreturningtotheUnitedStates,Ihadameeting

withmytwofriendsandthetensionbetweenuswas resolved.Todaytherelationshipamongusiscloserthan before.

InMatthew7:1–2Jesussays:“Judgenot,thatyoubenot judged.Forwithwhatjudgmentyoujudge,youwillbe judged;andwiththemeasureyouuse,itwillbemeasured backtoyou.”

Itisfromtheverbtranslated“tojudge”thattheEnglish words critic and criticize aredirectlyderived.Whenwe permitourselvestocriticizeotherpeople—especiallyour fellowbelievers insuchawaythatwearepronouncing judgmentonthem,wearedisobeyingScriptureandarethus guiltyofarebelliousattitudetowardGod.Thisexposesusto the“syndrome”ofJames3:15:earthly,soulish,demonic.

Ifwefindourselvesindisagreementwiththeconductof afellowChristian,itispermitted andsometimesnecessary tofollowthepatternofPaulinhisdisagreementwith PeterconcerningJudaicpractices.InGalatians2:11Paul says,“Iwithstoodhim[Peter] to his face”(emphasis added).

PauldidnotcriticizePeter’sconducttohisowncoworkers,BarnabasandTitus.Instead,hewentstraightto Peterhimselfandsettledhisdifferenceswithhiminperson. HadPaulbeenguiltyofcriticizingPeterbehindhisback,the relationshipbetweenthetwoofthemmighthavebeen

permanentlyfractured.Asitwas,however,in2Peter3:15 writtenneartheendofPeter’slife hespokewithwarm approvalofthewisdomgivento“ourbelovedbrotherPaul.”

InProverbs27:5Solomonstatesthisasaprincipleof conduct:“Betterisopenrebukethanhiddenlove”(niv).

Adifferentkindofsituation,inwhichwemayhaveto speakaboutanotherperson’swrongdoing,ariseswhenwe arelegallyobligatedtoserveasawitness.Inthiscase,itis ourdutytospeak“thetruth,thewholetruthandnothingbut thetruth.”Noonecan,however,beatthesametimebotha witnessandajudge.Insuchasituation,wearenotfilling theroleofajudge,butofawitness.Weleavethe responsibilityofpronouncingjudgmenttosomeoneelse.

ThespecificsinthatJesuswarnsusagainstistakingthe positionofajudgewhenGodhasnotassignedthattous.He alsowarnsusthatifwedogivewaytocriticizingother people,induecourse fromonesourceoranother the samekindsofcriticismwehavespokenagainstotherswill beleveledagainstusinourturn.

TheBible’spenetratinganalysisoftheharmcausedby misuseofthetongueprobablyleavesveryfewamongus whowoulddaretoplead“notguilty.”Ifwerecognizethat wehaveindeedbeenguiltyofwoundingotherpeoplewith ourtonguesandthusdefilingourselvesandtheBodyof Christ,weneedtorepentandtoseekGod’sforgivenessand

cleansing.Wemayalsoneedtoaskforgivenessfromthose wehaveoffended.

Beyondthat,weneedtolearnhowtoprotectourselves fromwoundingandhurtfulwordsthatothersmayspeak againstus.ThisissueofprotectionisdealtwithinSection3.

Questions for the Study___________________________

1.Whatarethethreeelementsthatmakeupthehuman personality?

2.WhichpartwasdirectlyinbreathedbyGodatcreation?

3.Whichtwocharacteristics,basedontwoofthethree parts,areinoppositiontoeachother?

4.Trueorfalse:Thesinofblasphemytakesplaceonly whenwespeakevilagainstGod.

5.Whattwoadjectivesareappliedtotheword gossip?

6.Criticizingfellowbelieversinsuchawayasto pronouncejudgmentonthemmakesusguiltyofa attitudetowardGod.

7.Trueorfalse:Thesamekindofcriticismwespeak againstotherswillbeleveledagainstus.

Life Application

1.Describeinyourownwords“soulish”talk.

2.Whataresomeofthemisusesofthetongue?

3.Haveyoueverparticipatedinsoulishtalkormisused yourtongue?How?

4.Consideraskingforforgivenessfromthoseyouhave offended.

Memory Verse _______________________

Amanhasjoybytheanswerofhismouth,andaword spokenindueseason,howgooditis!

Proverbs15:23

Faith Response

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm19:14).

Answers

1.Spirit,soul,body.

2.Spirit.

3.Soulishandspiritual.

4.False.Blasphemyalsoreferstoevilwordsspoken againstourfellowhumanbeings.

SoulishPrayers

ManyChristiansareshockedwhenconfrontedwiththe harmtheycausebyspeakingwronglyamongthemselves aboutotherpeople.Theyarestillmoreshocked,however, whenconfrontedwiththeevengreaterharmtheycancause whentheyspeakwronglyaboutothers in their prayers to God.Theyassumethatprayerisalwaysacceptableandits effectsarealwaysgood.Yetthisviewisnotsupportedby theBible.

InProverbs28:9,forexample,wearewarned:“Onewho turnsawayhisearfromhearingthelaw,evenhisprayeris anabomination.”

GodhaslaiddownintheBibletheprinciplesofprayer thatareacceptabletoHim.Anyonewhoignoresthese principlesandoffersprayerthatiscontrarytothemincurs God’sdispleasureandtherejectionofhisprayer.In describingGod’sestimateofthiskindofprayer,Solomon usesoneoftheBible’sstrongesttermsofdisapproval: abomination.

Becauseitissoimportantforustopraytherightkindof prayers,wedarenotdependonourownwisdom.

Mercifully,Godhasnotleftustoourowndevices.Hehas madeavailabletousadivineHelper:theHolySpirit.ByHis enablingwecanprayprayersthatareacceptabletoGod. ApartfromtheHolySpirit,however,weareincapableof prayinginawaythatwillpleaseGodoraccomplishHis purposes.

InRomans8:26–27Paulputstheseissuesveryclearly: LikewisetheSpiritalsohelpsinourweaknesses.For wedonotknowwhatweshouldprayforaswe ought,buttheSpiritHimselfmakesintercessionfor uswithgroaningswhichcannotbeuttered.NowHe whosearchestheheartsknowswhatthemindofthe Spiritis,becauseHemakesintercessionforthe saintsaccordingtothewillofGod.

Inourfleshlynature,allofushavecertainweaknesses. Theyareweaknessesnotofthebody,butofthe understanding.Theymanifestthemselvesintworelated ways.First,weoftendonotknow what weshouldprayfor.

Second,evenwhenweknow what toprayfor,wedonot know how toprayforit.Wearethereforeshutuptototal dependenceontheHolySpirit.OnlyHecanshowusboth the what andthe how ofprayer.

IntwopassagesinEphesiansPaulfurtheremphasizesour dependenceupontheHolySpirittogiveusprayersthatare

acceptabletoGod.InEphesians2:18hestressesthatitis onlytheHolySpiritwhocangiveusaccesstoGod:“For throughHim[Jesus]weboth[JewsandGentiles]have access by one Spirit [theHolySpirit]totheFather” (emphasisadded).Twoconditionsforacceptablepraying areherecombined:through Jesusand by theHolySpirit. Eachisessential.

Thereisnonaturalforcethatcancarryourpunyhuman voicesfromearthtotheveryearsofGodonHisthronein heaven.OnlythesupernaturalpoweroftheHolySpiritcan dothat.WithoutHim,wehavenoaccesstoGod.

Furtheron,inEphesians6:18,Paulagainstressesour needfortheHolySpirit’shelp,particularlyinprayingforour fellowbelievers.Hesaysthatweshouldbe“prayingalways withallprayerandsupplication in the Spirit [theHoly Spirit]...forallthesaints”(emphasisadded).Onlyprayers prayed in the Holy Spirit cancalldownuponthosefor whomwepraythehelpandencouragementtheyneed.

How,then,canweavailourselvesoftheHolySpirit’s help?Twoprimaryrequirementsare humility and purity of motive.First,wemusthumbleourselvesbeforetheHoly SpiritandacknowledgeourneedofHim.Thenwemust allowHimtopurgefromusallwrongmotivesandselfish attitudes,andtoinspireuswithsincereloveandconcernfor thoseforwhomwedesiretopray.

TheprayersthattheHolySpiritinspiresarenot necessarilylengthyoreloquent.Godisnotparticularly impressedbyfinephrasesorasolemntoneofvoice.Some ofthemosteffectiveprayersintheBiblewereamazingly simple.WhenMosesprayedforhissister,Miriam,whohad beensmittenwithleprosy,hesimplysaid,“Pleasehealher, OGod,Ipray!”(Numbers12:13).Whenthetaxcollector prayedintheTemple,heutteredonlyonebriefsentence: “God,bemercifultomeasinner!”(Luke18:13).Yetwe knowthatGodheardandansweredboththeseprayers.

Ifyoufeeltheneedtopray,butdonotknowhowto begin,simplyaskGodforhelp.Herearesomesimplewords youmightuse:

Lord,Ineedtopray,butIdon’tknowhow.Please helpmebyYourHolySpirittopraythekindof prayerYouwillhearandanswer.

Afterthat,acceptGod’sresponsebyfaithandpray whatevercomesfromyourheart.Jesushasassuredusthat ifweaskGodforbread,Hewillnevergiveusastone(see Matthew7:9).

Suppose,however,wedonotsubmitourselvestothe HolySpiritandseekHisdirection.Instead,ourprayersare motivatedbyenvyandself-seeking(mentionedinJames 3:14)orbyotherfleshlyattitudes,suchasresentment,

anger,criticismorself-righteousness.TheHolySpiritwill notendorseprayersthatproceedfromsuchattitudes,nor willHepresentthembeforeGodtheFather.

Inevitably,therefore,ourprayingdegeneratesintothe James3:15“syndrome”:earthly soulish demonic.The effectofsuchsoulishprayersislikethatofsoulishtalk: negative,notpositive.Itreleasesagainstthoseforwhomwe areprayinginvisible,indefinablepressures,whichdonot relievetheirburdens,butratheraddtothem.

Inparticular,whenweprayforourfellowbelievers,there aretwosoulishattitudeswemustguardagainst:Wemust not accuse,andwemustnotseekto control.

ItisalltooeasytoseethefaultsofotherChristians.In fact,thisisoftenwhatmotivatesustoprayforthem.Itis righttopray,butwemustbecarefulhowwepray.Weare notfreetocomebeforeGodwithacatalogoftheirfaults.

Whenwebegintoplaytheroleofaccusers,weare followingthepatternofSatan,notofChrist.Satan’smain title devil means“slanderer”or“accuser.”In

Revelation12:10heisdescribedastheonewhoaccuses ChristiansdayandnightbeforeGod.Hehasbeenengaged inthistaskfromtimeimmemorialandheisanexpertatit. HeneedsnohelpfromChristians!

IhaveobservedthatinalmostalltheprayersofPaulfor hisfellowChristians whetherindividualsorcongregations

—hebeginsbythankingGodforthem.Aremarkable exampleisprovidedbytheopeningto1Corinthians.

AccordingtowhatPaulwriteslaterintheletter,therewere manykindsofsininthatcongregation:strifebetweenthe members;carnality;incest;drunkennessattheLord’s Table.YetPaulopenshisletterwitheloquentthanksgiving:

IthankmyGodalwaysconcerningyouforthegrace ofGodwhichwasgiventoyoubyChristJesus,that youwereenrichedineverythingbyHiminall utteranceandallknowledge,evenasthetestimony ofChristwasconfirmedinyou,...whowillalso confirmyoutotheend,thatyoumaybeblamelessin thedayofourLordJesusChrist.

Givingthanksatthebeginningofaprayerhasan importantpsychologicaleffect.Itcreatesa positive attitude intheonewhoispraying.Fromsuchabeginning,itismuch easiertogoonprayingwithpositivefaith,eventhoughwe arenotunawareofseriousfaultsorproblemsinthosefor whomwearepraying.Formypart,Imakeitaprinciple nevertoprayforfellowbelieverswithoutfirstthankingGod forthem.IfIcannotdothat,thenIfeelitisbetternotto prayatall!

1Corinthians1:4–6,8

AmissionarytoIndiainapreviousgenerationdeveloped suchaneffectiveministryofprayerthathebecameknown as“PrayingHyde.”Ononeoccasionhewasprayingforan Indianevangelistwhoseministrylackedbothfireandfruit. Hewasabouttosay,“Lord,Youknowhowcoldthat brotheris.”Hegotasfarasthewords,“Lord,Youknow how...”buttheHolySpiritwouldnotallowhimto completehissentence.

SuddenlyHyderealizedthatitwasnothisbusinessto accusehisfellowservant.Insteadoffocusingontheman’s faults,hebegantothankGodforeverythinggoodhecould findinhim.Withinmonths,theIndianbrotherwas dramaticallytransformed.Hebecameknownthroughoutthe wholeareaasadedicated,effectivewinnerofsouls.

Thatisthepowerofprayerbasedonpositiveappreciation andthankfulnessforallthatisgoodinaperson.But supposeHydehadnotbeensensitivetotheHolySpiritand hadcontinuedtoprayinanegative,condemnatoryspirit. Couldnothisprayerstillhavebeeneffective,butinthe oppositedirection?Couldhenothavebroughtuponhis fellowservantsuchaheavyburdenofcondemnationthathe mightneverhavebeenabletoriseaboveit?

Fromtimetotime,likemostotherChristians,Iexperience periodsofspiritual“heaviness.”Insomeundefinedway,I begintofeelguiltyorinadequateorunworthy.YetImay

notbeawareofanythingspecificinmylifeorconductto explainthesefeelings.

Insuchasituation,Ihavelearnedbyexperiencethatthe causemaynotbeinmeatall.My“heaviness”maybedue tosomeotherChristian well-intentionedbutmisguided whoisaccusingmebeforeGod.Inparticular,thesenseof guilt isoftenawarningsign.Afterall,guiltisthelogical outcomeofaccusation.OnceIhavecorrectlydiagnosedmy problem,IcanturntomyHighPriest,whoseesallmy faultsandyetcontinuallypleadsmycasebeforetheFather.

Thereishardlysuchathingasprayerthatisnot effective.Thequestionisnotwhetherourprayersare effective.Thequestioniswhethertheireffectispositiveor negative.Thatisdeterminedbythepowerthatworks throughthem.AretheytrulyfromtheHolySpirit?Orare theyasoulishcounterfeit?

TrueintercessionisbasedonthepatternofJesus,as describedinRomans8:33–34:

WhowillbringanychargeagainstthosewhomGod haschosen?ItisGodwhojustifies.Whoishethat condemns?ChristJesus,whodied morethanthat, whowasraisedtolife isattherighthandofGod andisalsointercedingforus.

Christcertainlyseesourfaultsasbelieversmoreclearly thanweseeeachother’s.YetHisintercessiononour behalfdoesnotresultinourcondemnation,butinour justification.Hedoesnotestablishourguilt,butour righteousness.

Ourintercessionforourfellowbelieversshouldfollowthe samepattern.Shallwedaretobringachargeagainstthose whomGodhaschosen?OrtocondemnthosewhomGod hasjustified?Surelythatwouldbepresumptioninthe highestdegree!

ThemessageofScriptureisunequivocal.Itleavesno roominourprayersforustoaccuseourfellowbelievers.

Thereis,however,asecondtemptationtomisusethepower ofprayer,whichismoresubtleandhardertodetect.It takestheformofusingprayerto control thoseforwhom wepray.

Thereissomethinginourfallen,Adamicnaturethat makesusdesiretocontrolotherpeopleandtoimposeour willuponthem.Inchapter6itwaspointedoutthatthis desiretocontrolothersistherootthatproduceswitchcraft firstasaworkoftheflesh,andthenasanoccult practice.

Oneofthekeywordsthatindicatestheoperationofthis forceis manipulation.Therearecountlessareasinwhich

peoplemayresorttomanipulationtogetwhattheywant fromothers.Husbandsmanipulatetheirwives,andwives theirhusbands;childrentheirparents;preacherstheir congregations;andmediaadvertisersthegeneralpublic!It issuchacommonpracticethatpeopledonotusually recognizeit inthemselvesorinothers.

Nevertheless,manipulationisnotthewillofGod.God Himselfnevermanipulatesus,andHeneverauthorizesus tomanipulateotherpeople.Wheneverweresortto manipulation,wehavepassedfromtherealmofthespiritual tothatofthesoulish.Weareoperatinginaformofwisdom thatisnotfromabove.

Becausewenormallythinkofprayerassomethinggood andspiritual,weassumethatanyresultsweachieveby prayerarenecessarilylegitimateandmustrepresentthewill ofGod.Thisistrueifthepoweratworkthroughour prayersistheHolySpirit.Butifourprayersaremotivated byourownsoulishdetermination,theireffectwillbe harmful,notbeneficial.

Behindthissoulishkindofprayerthereoftenliesan arrogantassumptionthatwehavetherightto“playGod”in thelivesofothers.Inreality,however,anyinfluencethat wouldseektosetasideGod’ssovereigntyoveran individual’slifeis not fromtheHolySpirit.

TherearemanydifferentsituationsinwhichChristians

mightbetemptedtoprayinawaythatseemsspiritual,but actuallyissoulish.Herearetwotypicalexamples:

1.Accusatoryandcondemnatory prayers

Achurch“split”iscertaintobringoutthesoulishelement inallpartiesinvolved.Inthiscase,PastorJones,oftheFirst FullGospelChurch,discoversthathiswifeishavingan affairwithBrotherWilliams,themusicminister.He divorceshiswifeanddismissesBrotherWilliams.

BrotherWilliams,however,refusestoadmittothecharge ofadultery.Hecomplainsof“injustice,”winsoverhalfthe congregationtohisside,andstartstobuildanewchurch. Therefollowsalengthydisputebetweenthetwogroups concerningthedivisionofthebuildingfund.

AyearlaterPastorJonesmarriesagain.BrotherWilliams andhisgroupchargethatitisunscripturalforadivorced ministertoremarry.Theystartaspecialprayermeetingto calldown“judgment”uponhim.

InthenexttwoyearsPastorJones’newwifetwice becomespregnant,buteachtimeherpregnancyendsina miscarriage.Thegynecologistcanfindnomedicalreason forthesemiscarriages.BrotherWilliamsandhisgrouphail thisastheanswertotheirprayersandGod’svindicationof theirrighteouscause.

WiththeirfirstconclusionIwouldagree.Theirprayers wereresponsibleforthetwomiscarriages.Butwhatwas thepowerthatworkedthroughthoseprayers?Sincethe HolySpiritinScriptureclearlywarnsusnottojudgeour fellowbelievers,HecouldneverlendHisauthorityto prayerswithsuchamotive.Theonlycrediblediagnosisthat remainsisthatofJames3:15.Thepowerworkingthrough suchprayersisearthly,soulish,demonic.

2.Dominating,manipulatingprayers

PastorStrongisaccustomedtodominatingthosearound him.Heisawidowerwithtwosonsandadaughter.He expectedbothsonstobecomeministers,butintheendthey chosesecularcareers.Mary,thedaughter,remainsat home.Sheisdevotedtoherfatherandanactivehelperin thecongregation.

Atanevangelisticrally,MarymeetsBob,aChristian workerfromanotherdenomination,andtheybegina courtship.PastorStrongisatoddswiththechurchBob belongsto,however,andopposestherelationshipfromthe beginning.Also,heisfearfuloflosingMary’shelp,athome andinthechurch.EventuallyMarymovesoutofher father’shometoshareanapartmentwithagirlfriend.

PastorStrongcallsthis“rebellion.”WhenMarytellshim

sheisengaged,hesetshimselftoprayagainsttheplanned marriage.

BobandMarygoaheadwiththeirplans,butthelonger theyknowoneanother,themorestrainedtheirrelationship becomes.Neitherseemsabletorelaxinthepresenceofthe other.Minormisunderstandingssomehowdevelopinto painfulclashes.Everyactivitytheyplantogetherendsin inexplicablefrustration.EventuallyMarysays,“Bob,this can’tbeGod’swillforus!”andhandshimbackhisring.

Maryconcludesthatthewayoutofherfrustrationisto breakallcontactwithprofessingChristians.Alienatedfrom herfatherandthechurch,shefollowsherbrothersintoa secularcareer.Eventuallyshemeetsandmarriesaman whoisanagnostic.

HowshallweevaluatePastorStrong’sprayers?They werecertainlyeffective,buttheireffectwasharmful.They weretheexpressionofhislifelongdesiretodominatethose whowereclosetohim.Theywerepowerfulenoughto breakuparelationshipthatcouldhavebroughthisdaughter happinessandfulfillment.Beyondthat,however,theycould notbringherbacktoherfaith,orkeepherfroma

subsequent,unscriptualmarriage.Thepowerofprayerthat bringssuchnegativeresultsdoesnotproceedfromtheHoly Spirit.

Theprinciplesillustratedbythesetwoexamplesapplyto

manydifferentkindsofsituationsincontemporarychurch life.Thelessontheyenforceishighlyrelevant:Thepower ofsoulishprayerisbothrealanddangerous.Theresultit producesisnotablessing,butacurse.

Thesinofsoulishprayingmustbedealtwithinthesame wayasthesinofsoulishtalking,describedintheprevious chapter.Ifwehavebeenguilty,weneedtorepentandseek God’sforgiveness.Wemayalsoneedtoaskforgiveness frompeoplewhohavebeenaffectedbythenegative influenceofourprayers.

Finally,forthefuture,wemustfirmlyrenounceany attempteithertoaccuseotherpeopleortocontrolthemby thewordswespeakinprayer.

Questions for the Study

1.OnlytheHolySpiritcanshowus and toprayforasituation.

2.Trueorfalse:WithouttheHolySpiritwehaveno accesstoGod.

3.Whenweprayforourfellowbelievers,wemustguard againstwhattwosoulishattitudes?

4.Wheneverweresorttomanipulation,wehavepassed fromtherealmofthe tothatofthe

5.Theresultofsoulishprayersisthattheyproduce insteadofblessings.

Life Application

1.Therearetwoconditionsforacceptablepraying: throughJesusandbytheHolySpirit.Whatdoesthis meantoyou?Haveyoumettheseconditions?

2.Haveyoueverusedprayertoaccuseorcontrol someoneasdescribedinthischapter?Ifso,askthe Lordtoforgiveyou.

Memory Verse

[I]donotceasetogivethanksforyou,makingmentionof youinmyprayers.

Ephesians1:16

Faith Response_____________

Father, I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me in my prayers.

Help me when I stray frompraying by the Spirit.

Answers

1.What,how.

2.True.

3.Accusationandcontrol.

4.Spiritual,soulish.

5.Curses.

SummaryofSection2

Theprecedingtenchaptershavedealtwithmanyofthe mostimportantcausesofcursesastheyarerevealedinthe Bible.Itwillbehelpfultoconcludethesectionwitha summaryofthesecauses.

Acknowledgingand/orworshipingfalsegods

Disrespectforparents

Allformsofoppressionorinjustice,especiallywhen directedagainsttheweakandthehelpless

Allformsofillicitorunnaturalsex

Anti-Semitism

Legalism,carnality,apostasy

Theftorperjury

WithholdingfromGodmoneyorothermaterialresources towhichHehasaclaim

Wordsspokenbypeoplewithrelationalauthority,suchas father,mother,husband,wife,teacher,priestorpastor

Self-imposedcurses

Pledgesoroathsthatbindpeopletoungodlyassociations

CursesthatproceedfromservantsofSatan

Soulishtalkdirectedagainstotherpeople

Soulishprayersthataccuseorseektocontrolother people

Inaddition,therearecursesforothercausesorfrom othersources,mentionedinScripture,thatarenotincluded intheabovelist.Themostsignificantofthesearelisted belowintheorderinwhichtheyoccurintheBible.Various passagesthatmerelyreaffirmcursespronouncedin Deuteronomy27and28arenotincluded.

Itisnoteworthythatthelargestcategoryofpeoplewho incurGod’scurseconsistsofdeceptiveandunfaithful prophets,priestsandteachers.Thesehavebeenindicated byanasterisk.

AcurseonthepeopleofMerozbecausetheydidnotjoin BarakasleaderoftheLord’sarmyagainstSisera(see

Judges5:23).

AcursefromJothamonthosewhohadmurderedthe sonsofGideon(seeJudges9:57).

AcurseonJezebelforwitchcraftandimmorality(see2 Kings9:34 compare2Kings9:22).

AcurseonthosewhorejectGod’scommandments throughpride(seePsalm119:21).

Acurseonthehouseofthewicked(seeProverbs3:33). Acurseontheearthbecauseitsinhabitantshave defiledit,changingandtransgressingGod’slawsand covenant(seeIsaiah24:5–6).

AcurseonthepeopleofEdomforpersistentenmityand treacherytowardIsrael(seeIsaiah34:5).

*Acurseonfalseprophetswhopromisedpeaceto peoplewhoweredisobeyingGod(seeJeremiah29:18).

*Acurseonfalseprophetswhocommitimmorality(see Jeremiah29:22).

AcurseonIsraeliteswhowentdowntoEgyptin defianceofGod’swarning(seeJeremiah42:18— compareJeremiah44:8,12).

AcurseonanymanwhofailstocarryouttheLord’s judgmentonHisenemies(seeJeremiah48:10).

*AcurseontheblessingsofpriestswhorejectGod’s discipline(seeMalachi2:2).

Acurseon“goat”nationswhoshownomercytothe brothersofJesus(seeMatthew25:41).

Acurseonpeoplewhoareregularlytaughtthetruthof God,butdonotproduceappropriatefruit(seeHebrews 6:8).

*Acurseonfalseteacherswhoareguiltyof covetousness,deceptionandimmorality(see2Peter 2:14).

Section3

FromCurse toBlessing

Introduction

Haveyoucometoseebynowthatyourlifehassomehow beenblightedbyacurse?Areyouwonderingifthereisa wayoutfromunderthedarkshadowthathasbeenshutting offthesunlightofGod’sblessing?

Yes,thereisawayout! But there is only one: through thesacrificialdeathofJesusonthecross.

Thissectionwillexplaininsimple,practicaltermshow youmayfindandfollowGod’sway fromshadowto sunlight,fromcursetoblessing.

Foryourfurtherencouragementyouwillread inchapter 20 thestoryofamanwhofoundthewayfromfrustration anddespairtofulfillmentandfruitfulness.Youcandothe same!

Thissubjectmatterwasalittletooheavyformein thebeginning,butthenthepowerofGodcameon meandIbecamegluedtothemessage.Aftera whileIfeltsweatpouringoffmyforeheadbecause

thisteachingwasdescribingexactlywhatIhad experienced.BeforetheendIbegantofeelasense offreedomgoingthroughme.TheminuteIsaid Amen!tothefinalprayerforthebreakingofcurses, Ifeltasiftonsofweighthadbeenliftedoffme. PraiseGod!

Iamnowafull-timeministerandGodhastaken meallovertheglobe.EverywhereItravel,Ihave beenabletohelpbringdeliverancefromcursesto countlesspeoplewhoarenowwalkinginthe blessingsofGod.

S.B.

The Divine Exchange

TheentiremessageoftheGospelrevolvesaroundone uniquehistoricalevent:thesacrificialdeathofJesusonthe cross.ConcerningthisthewriterofHebrewssays:“Forby oneoffering[sacrifice]He[Jesus]hasperfectedforever thosewhoarebeingsanctified”(Hebrews10:14).Two powerfulexpressionsarecombined:“perfected”and “forever.”Together,theydepictasacrificethat comprehendseveryneedoftheentirehumanrace. Furthermore,itseffectsextendthroughouttimeandoninto eternity.

ItisonthebasisofthissacrificethatPaulwritesin Philippians4:19:“AndmyGodshallsupply all your need accordingtoHisrichesinglory by Christ Jesus”(emphasis added).“Allyourneed”includes,specifically,therelease youareseekingfromthecurse.Butfirstyouneedtosee thisaspartofamuchlargerwhole asingle,sovereignact ofGodthatbroughttogetheralltheguiltandthesufferingof humanityinoneclimacticmomentoftime.

Godhasnotprovidedmanydifferentsolutionsforthe multitudinousproblemsofmankind.Instead,Heoffersus

oneall-sufficientsolution,whichisHisanswertoevery problem.Wemaycomefrommanydifferentbackgrounds, eachofusburdenedwithourownspecialneed,butto receiveGod’ssolutionwemustallmakeourwaytothe sameplace:thecrossofJesus.

Themostcompleteaccountofwhatwasaccomplishedat thecrosswasgiventhroughtheprophetIsaiahseven hundredyearsbeforeitactuallytookplace.InIsaiah53:10 theprophetdepictsaservantoftheLordwhosesoulwasto beofferedtoGodasasinoffering.ThewritersoftheNew Testamentareunanimousinidentifyingthisunnamed servantasJesus.ThedivinepurposeaccomplishedbyHis sacrificeissummedupinIsaiah53:6:“Allwelikesheep havegoneastray;wehaveturned,everyone,tohisown way;theLORD haslaidonHimtheiniquityofusall.”

Hereisthebasic,universalproblemofallhumanity:We haveturned,eachofus,toourownway.Therearevarious specificsinsthatmanyofushavenevercommitted,suchas murder,adultery,theftandsoon.Butthisonethingweall haveincommon:Wehaveturnedtoourownway.Inso doing, we have turned our backs on God.TheHebrew wordthatsumsthisupis avon,heretranslated“iniquity.”

PerhapstheclosestequivalentincontemporaryEnglish wouldbe“rebellion” notagainstman,butagainstGod.In chapter4wesawthisastheprimarycauseforthecurses

listedinDeuteronomy28.

NooneEnglishword,however,whetheritis iniquity or rebellion,conveysthefullmeaningof avon.Initsbiblical use, avon describesnotmerelyiniquitybutalsothe punishment orthe evil consequences thatiniquitybringsin itstrain.

InGenesis4:13,forinstance,afterGodhadpronounced judgmentonCainforthemurderofhisbrother,Cainsaid:

“MypunishmentisgreaterthanIcanbear!”Thewordhere translated“punishment”is avon.Itcoverednotmerely Cain’s“iniquity,”butalsothe“punishment”itbroughtupon him.

InLeviticus16:22,concerningthescapegoatreleasedon theDayofAtonement,theLordsaid:“Thegoatshallbear onitselfalltheiriniquitiestoanuninhabitedland.”Inthis symbolism,thegoatborenotmerelytheiniquitiesofthe Israelites,butalsoalltheconsequencesoftheiriniquities.

InLamentations4 avon occurstwicewiththesame meaning.Inverse6itistranslated:“The punishment of the iniquity ofthedaughterofmypeople”(emphasisadded). Again,inverse22:“The punishment of your iniquity ... OdaughterofZion”(emphasisadded).Ineachcase,the singleword avon istranslatedbyacompletephrase,“the punishmentofiniquity.”Inotherwords,initsfullestsense avon meansnotsimply“iniquity,”butalsoincludes all the

evil consequences God’sjudgmentbringsuponiniquity.

ThisappliestothesacrificeofJesusonthecross.Jesus Himselfwasnotguiltyofanysin.InIsaiah53:9theprophet says,“Hehaddonenoviolence,norwasanydeceitinHis mouth.”Butinverse6hesays,“TheLordhaslaidonHim theiniquityofusall.”NotmerelywasJesusidentifiedwith ouriniquity.Healsoenduredalltheevilconsequencesof thatiniquity.LikethescapegoatthathadprefiguredHim, Hecarriedthemawaysothattheymightneverreturnagain uponus.

Hereisthetruemeaningandpurposeofthecross.Onit adivinelyordainedexchangetookplace.First,Jesus enduredinourplacealltheevilconsequencesthatweredue bydivinejusticetoouriniquity.Now,inexchange,God offersusallthegoodthatwasduetothesinlessobedience ofJesus.

Statedmorebriefly,theevilduetouscameuponJesusso that,inreturn,thegoodduetoJesusmightbeofferedtous. GodisabletoofferthistouswithoutcompromisingHisown eternaljustice,becauseJesushasalreadyenduredonour behalfallthejustpunishmentduetoouriniquities.

Allofthisproceedssolelyoutoftheunfathomablegrace ofGod,anditisreceivedsolelybyfaith.Thereisnological explanationintermsofcauseandeffect.Noneofushas everdoneanythingtodeservesuchanoffer,andnoneofus

caneverdoanythingtoearnit.

Scripturerevealsmanydifferentaspectsoftheexchange, andmanydifferentareasinwhichitapplies.Ineachcase, however,thesameprincipleholdsgood:The evil came upon Jesus that the corresponding good might be offered to us.

Thefirsttwoaspectsoftheexchangearerevealedin Isaiah53:4–5:

SurelyHehasborneourgriefs[literally,sicknesses] andcarriedoursorrows[literally,pains];yetwe esteemedHimstricken,smittenbyGod,and afflicted.ButHewaswoundedforour transgressions,Hewasbruisedforouriniquities;the chastisement[punishment]forourpeacewasupon Him,andbyHisstripes[wounds]wearehealed.

Twotruthsarehereinterwoven.Theapplicationofoneis spiritualandtheotherphysical.Onthespiritualplane,Jesus receivedthepunishmentduetoourtransgressionsand iniquitiesthatwe,inturn,mightbeforgivenandsohave peacewithGod.(SeeRomans5:1.)Onthephysicalplane, JesusboreoursicknessesandpainsthatwethroughHis woundsmightbehealed.

Thephysicalapplicationoftheexchangeisconfirmedin

twopassagesoftheNewTestament.Matthew8:16–17 referstoIsaiah53:4andrecordsthatJesus“healedallwho weresick,thatitmightbefulfilledwhichwasspokenby Isaiahtheprophet,saying:‘HeHimselftookourinfirmities andboreoursicknesses.’”

Again,in1Peter2:24,theapostlereferstoIsaiah53:5–6 andsaysofJesus:“[He]HimselfboreoursinsinHisown bodyonthetree,thatwe,havingdiedtosins,mightlivefor righteousness bywhosestripes[wounds]youwere healed.”

Thetwofoldexchangedescribedintheaboveversesmay besummedupasfollows:

Jesus was punished that we might be forgiven. Jesus was wounded that we might be healed.

AthirdaspectoftheexchangeisrevealedinIsaiah53:10, whichstatesthattheLordmadethesoulofJesus“an offeringforsin.”Thismustbeunderstoodinthelightofthe Mosaicordinancesforvariousformsofsinoffering.The personwhohadsinnedwasrequiredtobringhissacrificial offering asheep,agoat,abullorsomeotheranimal to thepriest.Hewouldconfesshissinovertheoffering,and thepriestwouldsymbolicallytransferthesinhehad confessedfromthepersontotheanimal.Thentheanimal wouldbekilled,thuspayingthepenaltyforthesinthathad

beentransferredtoit.

IntheforeknowledgeofGod,allthiswasdesignedto foreshadowwhatwastobeaccomplishedbythesingle,allsufficientsacrificeofJesus.Onthecross,thesinofthe wholeworldwastransferredtothesoulofJesus.The outcomeisdescribedinIsaiah53:12:“HepouredoutHis souluntodeath.”ByHissacrificial,substitutionarydeath, Jesusmadeatonementforthesinofthewholehumanrace.

In2Corinthians5:21PaulreferstoIsaiah53:10andat thesametimehealsopresentsthepositiveaspectofthe exchange:“ForHe[God]madeHim[Jesus]whoknewno sintobesinforus,thatwemightbecometherighteousness ofGodinHim.”

Pauldoesnotspeakhereaboutanykindofrighteousness thatwecanachievebyourownefforts,butaboutGod’s ownrighteousness arighteousnessthathasneverknown sin.Noneofuscaneverearnthis.Itisashighaboveour ownrighteousnessasheavenisaboveearth.Itcanbe receivedsolelybyfaith.

Thisthirdaspectoftheexchangemaybesummedupas follows:

Jesus was made sin with our sinfulness that we might become righteous with His righteousness.

Thenextaspectoftheexchangeisalogicaloutworking

ofthepreviousone.TheentireBible,inboththeOld TestamentandtheNew,emphasizesthatthefinaloutcome ofsinisdeath.InEzekiel18:4theLordstates,“Thesoul whosinsshalldie.”InJames1:15theapostlesays,“Sin, whenitisfull-grown,bringsforthdeath.”WhenJesus becameidentifiedwithoursin,itwasinevitablethatHe shouldalsoexperiencethedeaththatistheoutcomeofsin.

Inconfirmationofthis,inHebrews2:9,thewritersays that“Jesus...wasmadealittlelowerthantheangels,for thesufferingofdeath...thatHe,bythegraceofGod, mighttastedeathforeveryone.”ThedeaththatHedied wastheinevitableoutcomeofhumansinthatHehadtaken uponHimself.Heborethesinofallmen,andsodiedthe deathduetoallmen.

Inreturn,toallwhoacceptHissubstitutionarysacrifice, Jesusnowoffersthegiftofeternallife.InRomans6:23 Paulsetsthetwoalternativessidebyside:“Forthewages [justreward]ofsinisdeath,butthe[unearned]giftofGod iseternallifeinChristJesusourLord.”

Thusthefourthaspectoftheexchangemaybesummed upasfollows:

Jesus died our death that we might share His life.

AfurtheraspectoftheexchangeisstatedbyPaulin2

Corinthians8:9:“ForyouknowthegraceofourLordJesus Christ,thatthoughHewasrich,yetforyoursakesHe becamepoor,thatyouthroughHispovertymightbecome rich.”Theexchangeisclear:frompovertytoriches.Jesus becamepoorthatweinreturnmightbecomerich.

WhendidJesusbecomepoor?SomepeoplepictureHim aspoorthroughoutHisearthlyministry,butthisisnot accurate.HeHimselfdidnotcarryalotofcash,butatno timedidHelackanythingHeneeded.WhenHesentHis disciplesoutontheirown,theylikewiselackednothing(see Luke22:35).Sofarfrombeingpoor,HeandHisdisciples madearegularpracticeofgivingtothepoor(seeJohn 12:4–8;13:29).

True,Jesus’methodsofobtainingmoneyweresometimes unconventional,butmoneyhasthesamevalue,whether withdrawnfromabankorthemouthofafish!(see Matthew17:27).Hismethodsofprovidingfoodwerealsoat timesunconventional,butamanwhocanprovidea substantialmealforfivethousandmenpluswomenand childrencertainlywouldnotbeconsideredpoorbynormal standards!(seeMatthew14:15–21).

Actually,throughoutHisearthlyministry,Jesusexactly exemplified“abundance,”asdefinedinchapter5.He alwayshadallthatHeneededtodothewillofGodinHis ownlife.Overandabovethis,Hewascontinuallygivingout

toothers,andHissupplywasneverexhausted.

SowhendidJesusbecomepoorforoursakes?The answeris:on the cross.InDeuteronomy28:48Moses summedupabsolutepovertyinfourexpressions:hunger, thirst,nakednessandneedofallthings.Jesusexperienced allthisinitsfullnessonthecross.

Hewas hungry.Hehadnoteatenfornearly24hours.

Hewas thirsty.OneofHislastutteranceswas:“I thirst!”(John19:28).

Hewas naked.ThesoldiershadtakenallHisclothes fromHim(seeJohn19:23).

Hewas in need of all things.Henolongerowned anythingwhatever.AfterHisdeathHewasburiedina borrowedrobeandinaborrowedtomb(seeLuke23:50–53).Thus,Jesus,exactlyandcompletely,endured absolute poverty foroursakes.

In2Corinthians9:8Paulpresentsmorefullythepositive sideoftheexchange:“AndGodisabletomakeallgrace aboundtowardyou,thatyou,alwayshavingallsufficiency inallthings,mayhaveanabundanceforeverygood work.”1Pauliscarefultoemphasizethroughoutthatthe onlybasisforthisexchangeisGod’s grace.Itcanneverbe earned.Itcanbereceivedonlybyfaith.

Veryoftenour“abundance”willbelikethatofJesus’

whileHewasonearth.Weshallnotcarrylargeamountsof cash,orhavelargedepositsinabank.Butfromdaytoday weshallhaveenoughforourownneedsandsomething overfortheneedsofothers.

Oneimportantreasonforthislevelofprovisionis indicatedbythewordsofJesusquotedinActs20:35:“Itis moreblessedtogivethantoreceive.”God’spurposeisthat allHischildrenshouldbeabletoenjoythegreaterblessing.

Heprovidesus,therefore,withenoughtocoverourown needsandalsotogivetoothers.

Thisfifthaspectoftheexchangemaybesummedup:

Jesus became poor with our poverty that we might become rich with His riches.

Theexchangeatthecrosscoversalsotheemotional formsofsufferingthatfollowfromman’siniquity.Here again,Jesusenduredtheevilthatweinturnmightenjoythe good.Twoofthecruelestwoundsbroughtuponusbyour iniquityare shame and rejection.Bothofthesecameupon Jesusonthecross.

Shame canvaryinintensityfromacuteembarrassmentto acringingsenseofunworthinessthatcutsapersonofffrom meaningfulfellowshipeitherwithGodorwithman.Oneof thecommonestcauses becomingmoreandmore

prevalentinourcontemporarysociety—issomeformof sexualabuseormolestationinchildhood.Oftenthisleaves scarsthatcanbehealedonlybythegraceofGod.

SpeakingofJesusonthecross,thewriterofHebrews saysthatHe“enduredthecross, despising the shame” (Hebrews12:2,emphasisadded).Executiononacrosswas themostshamefulofallformsofdeath,reservedforthe lowestclassofcriminal.Thepersontobeexecutedwas strippedofallhisclothingandexposednakedtothegazeof passersby,whojeeredandmocked.Thiswasthedegreeof shameJesusenduredasHehungonthecross(see Matthew27:35–44).

InplaceoftheshameJesusbore,God’spurposeisto bringthosewhotrustinHimtoshareHiseternalglory.In Hebrews2:10thewritersays:“ForitwasfittingforHim

in bringing many sons to glory,tomakethe captainoftheirsalvation[thatis,Jesus]perfectthrough sufferings”(emphasisadded).TheshameJesusenduredon thecrosshasopenedthewayforallwhotrustinHimtobe releasedfromtheirownshame.Notonlythat,butHethen shareswithustheglorythatbelongstoHimbyeternalright!

Thereisanotherwoundthatisoftenevenmoreagonizing thanshame.Itis rejection.Usuallythisstemsfromsome formofbrokenrelationship.Initsearliestform,itiscaused byparentswhorejecttheirownchildren.Therejectionmay

[God]...

beactive,expressedinharsh,negativeways,oritmaybe merelyafailuretoshowloveandacceptance.Ifapregnant womanentertainsnegativefeelingstowardtheinfantinher womb,thechildwillprobablybebornwithasenseof rejection whichmayfollowitintoadulthoodandevento thegrave.

Thebreakupofamarriageisanotherfrequentcauseof rejection.ThisispicturedvividlyinthewordsoftheLordin Isaiah54:6:“‘TheLORD willcallyoubackasifyouwerea wifedesertedanddistressedinspirit awifewhomarried young,onlytoberejected,’saysyourGod”(niv).

God’sprovisionforhealingthewoundofrejectionis recordedinMatthew27:46,50,whichdescribesthe culminationoftheagonyofJesus:

AndabouttheninthhourJesuscriedoutwithaloud voice,saying,“Eli,Eli,lamasabachthani?”thatis, “MyGod,MyGod,whyhaveYouforsakenMe?”

...Jesuscriedoutagainwithaloudvoice,and yieldedupHisspirit.

Forthefirsttimeinthehistoryoftheuniverse,theSonof GodcalledouttoHisFatherandreceivednoresponse.So fullywasJesusidentifiedwithman’siniquitythatthe uncompromisingholinessofGodcausedHimtorejecteven HisownSon.InthiswayJesusenduredrejectioninitsmost

agonizingform:rejectionbyafather.Almostimmediately afterthat,Hedied,notofthewoundsofcrucifixion,butofa brokenheart.ThusHefulfilledthepropheticpictureofthe MessiahgiveninPsalm69:20:“Reproachhasbrokenmy heart.”

TherecordofMatthewcontinuesimmediately:“Then, behold,theveilofthetemplewastornintwofromtopto bottom”(Matthew27:51).Thisdemonstratedsymbolically thatthewayhadbeenopenedforsinfulmantoenterinto directfellowshipwithaholyGod.TherejectionofJesushad openedthewayforustobeacceptedbyGodasHis children.ThisissummedupbyPaulinEphesians1:5–6: “HavingpredestinedustoadoptionassonsbyJesusChrist toHimself...He[God]madeus accepted in the Beloved”(emphasisadded).TherejectionofJesusresulted inouracceptance.

God’sremedyforshameandrejectionhasneverbeen neededmoredesperatelythanitistoday.Myestimateis thatatleastone-quarteroftheadultsinAmericatoday sufferfromwoundsofshameorrejection.Ithasgivenme measurelessjoytopointsuchpeopletothehealingthat flowsfromthecrossofJesus.

Thetwoemotionalaspectsoftheexchangeatthecross thathavebeenanalyzedabovemaybesummarizedas follows:

Jesus bore our shame that we might share His glory.

Jesus endured our rejection that we might have His acceptance as children of God.

Theaspectsoftheexchangeanalyzedabovecoversome ofhumanity’smostbasicandurgentneeds,buttheyareby nomeansexhaustive.Actually,thereisnoneedresulting fromman’srebellionthatisnotcoveredbythesame principleofexchange:The evil came upon Jesus that the good might be offered to us.Oncewehavelearnedto applythisprincipleinourlives,itreleasesGod’sprovision foreveryneed.

Nowyoumustlayholdofthisprincipletomeetthat specialneedinyourlife:release fromthe curse.Paul describestherelevantaspectoftheexchangeinGalatians 3:13–14:

Christhasredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw, havingbecomeacurseforus(foritiswritten, “Cursediseveryonewhohangsonatree”),thatthe blessingofAbrahammightcomeupontheGentiles inChristJesus,thatwemightreceivethepromiseof theSpiritthroughfaith.

PaulappliestoJesusonthecrossanenactmentofthe LawofMoses,statedinDeuteronomy21:23,accordingto

whichapersonexecutedbyhangingona“tree”(awooden gibbet)therebycameunderthecurseofGod.Thenhe pointstotheresultingopposite:theblessing.

Itdoesnotrequireatheologiantoanalyzethisaspectof theexchange:

Jesus became a curse that we might receive a blessing.

ThecursethatcameuponJesusisdefinedas“thecurse oftheLaw.”Itincludeseveryoneofthecurses,listedby MosesinDeuteronomy28,whichwereexaminedinchapter 4.Everyoneofthesecurses,initsfullness,cameupon Jesus.Hehasthusopenedthewayforustoobtain an equally full release andtoenterintothecorresponding blessings.

TryforamomenttopictureJesusasHehungthereon thecross.Thenyouwillbegintoappreciatethefullhorror ofthecurse.

JesushadbeenrejectedbyHisowncountrymen, betrayedbyoneofHisdisciplesandabandonedbytherest (thoughsomelaterreturnedtofollowHisfinalagony).He wassuspendednakedbetweenearthandheaven.Hisbody waswrackedbythepainofinnumerablewounds,Hissoul weigheddownbytheguiltofallhumanity.Earthhad

rejectedHim,andheavenwouldnotrespondtoHiscry.As thesunwithdrewitslightanddarknesscoveredHim,His lifebloodebbedoutontothedusty,stonysoil.Yetoutofthe darkness,justbeforeHeexpired,therecameonefinal, triumphantcry:“Itisfinished!”

IntheGreektextthatphrase,“Itisfinished,”consistsof onlyoneword.Itistheperfecttenseofaverbthatmeans “tomakesomethingcompleteorperfect.”InEnglish,it couldberendered“Itiscompletelycomplete”or“Itis perfectlyperfect.”

JesushadtakenuponHimselfeveryevilconsequence thatrebellionhadbroughtuponhumanity.Hehadexhausted everycurseofGod’sbrokenLaw.Allthis,thatweinturn mightreceiveeveryblessingduetoHisobedience.Sucha sacrificeisstupendousinitsscope,yetmarvelousinits simplicity.

Haveyoubeenabletoacceptwithfaiththisaccountof thesacrificeofJesusandofallthatHehasobtainedfor you?Inparticular,ifyouarelivingundertheshadowofa curse,haveyoubeguntoseethatJesus,atinfinitecostto Himself,hasmadefullprovisionforyourrelease?

Ifso,thereisoneimmediateresponsethatyouneedto make aresponsethatisthesimplestandpurestexpression oftruefaith.Itistosay,“ThankYou!”

Dothatrightnow!Say,“ThankYou!ThankYou,Lord

Jesus,forallthatYouhavedoneforme!Idonotfully understand,butIdobelieve,andIamgrateful.”

NowkeeponthankingHiminyourownwords.Themore youthankHim,themoreyouwillbelievewhatHehasdone foryou.Andthemoreyoubelieve,themoreyouwillwant tothankHim.

Giving thanks is the first step to release.

Questions for the Study

1.Whatistheoneuniquehistoricaleventaroundwhich theentiremessageoftheBiblerevolves?

2.Trueorfalse:Godsuppliesmanydifferentsolutionsfor theproblemsofmankind.

3.InDeuteronomy28:48Mosessumsupfour expressionsofabsolutepoverty.Whatarethey?

4.Twoofthecruelestwoundsbroughtonusbyour iniquityare and .

5.Listtheeightexchangesatthecrossmentionedinthis chapter.

6.Asaresultoftheexchangeatthecross,Jesusbecame a sothatwemightreceivea .

7.Whatisthefirststeptorelease?

Life Application

1.DoyoubelieveJesuswenttothecrossforyoursins?

2.HowhaveyoupersonallyexperiencedHissacrificein yourlife?

3.Oftheeightexchangesmentioned,arethereanyyou havenotexperienced?Ifyes,whichones,andwhydo youthinkthatis?

Memory Verse

MyGodshallsupplyallyourneedaccordingtoHisrichesin glorybyChristJesus.

Philippians4:19

Faith Response

Jesus, I accept all You did for me on the cross. I believe that every one of my needs is met in You.

Answers

1.ThesacrificialdeathofJesusChristonthecross.

2.False.Heoffersusonlyonethatisall-sufficient:the crossofJesus.

3.Hunger,thirst,nakednessandneedofallthings.

4.Shame,rejection.

5.(1)Jesuswaspunishedthatwemightbeforgiven.(2)

Jesuswaswoundedthatwemightbehealed.(3)Jesuswas madesinwithoursinfulnessthatwemightbecome righteouswithHisrighteousness.(4)Jesusdiedourdeath thatwemightshareHislife.(5)Jesusbecamepoorwith ourpovertythatwemightbecomerichwithHisriches.(6) JesusboreourshamethatwemightshareHisglory.(7)

JesusenduredourrejectionthatwemighthaveHis acceptanceaschildrenofGod.(8)Jesusbecameacurse thatwemightreceiveablessing.

6.Curse,blessing.

7.Givingthanks.

SevenSteps toRelease

Thereisone andonlyone all-sufficientbasisforevery provisionofGod’smercy:theexchangethattookplaceon thecross.Inthepreviouschapter,eightmainaspectswere summarized:

Jesuswaspunishedthatwemightbeforgiven.

Jesuswaswoundedthatwemightbehealed.

Jesuswasmadesinwithoursinfulnessthatwemight becomerighteouswithHisrighteousness.

JesusdiedourdeaththatwemightshareHislife.

Jesusbecamepoorwithourpovertythatwemight becomerichwithHisriches.

JesusboreourshamethatwemightshareHisglory.

JesusenduredourrejectionthatwemighthaveHis acceptanceaschildrenofGod.

Jesusbecameacursethatwemightreceiveablessing.

Thislistisnotcomplete.Thereareotheraspectsofthe exchangethatcouldbeadded.Butallofthemaredifferent facetsoftheprovisionGodhasmadethroughthesacrifice ofJesus.TheBiblesumsthemupinonegrand,all-inclusive

word:salvation.Christiansoftenlimitsalvationtothe experienceofhavingone’ssinsforgivenandbeingborn again.Wonderfulthoughthisis,however,itisonlythefirst partofthetotalsalvationrevealedintheNewTestament.

Thefullscopeofsalvationisobscured atleast,inpart byproblemsoftranslation.IntheoriginalGreektextofthe NewTestament,theverb sozo,normallytranslated“to save,”isalsousedinavarietyofwaysthatgobeyondthe forgivenessofsins.Itisused,forinstance,inmanycasesof peoplebeingphysicallyhealed.1Itisalsousedofaperson beingdeliveredfromdemons,2andofadeadpersonbeing broughtbacktolife.3InthecaseofLazarus,itisusedof recoveringfromafatalillness.4In2Timothy4:18Pauluses thesameverbtodescribeGod’songoingpreservationand protectionfromevil,whichwillextendthroughouthislife.

Thetotaloutworkingofsalvationincludeseverypartof man’sbeing.ItisbeautifullysummedupinPaul’sprayerin 1Thessalonians5:23:“NowmaytheGodofpeaceHimself sanctifyyoucompletely;andmayyourwholespirit,soul, andbodybepreservedblamelessatthecomingofourLord JesusChrist.”Salvationincludesthetotalhumanpersonality —spirit,soulandbody—anditisconsummatedonlybythe resurrectionofthebodyatthereturnofChrist.

Nooneentersintoallthevariedprovisionsofsalvation simultaneously,however,orbyonesingletransaction.Itis

normaltoprogressbystagesfromoneprovisiontothenext. ManyChristiansnevergobeyondreceivingforgivenessof theirsins.Theyarenotawareofthemanyotherprovisions thatarefreelyavailabletothem.

Theorderinwhichapersonreceivesthevarious provisionsisdeterminedbythesovereigntyofGod,who dealswithallofusasindividuals.Thestartingpoint, generally,isforgivenessofsins,butnotalways.Inthe earthlyministryofJesus,peopleoftenreceivedphysical healingfirst,andthenforgivenessoftheirsins.

Thiscanstillhappentoday.In1968myownwife,Ruth, whilestillsingleandlivingasapracticingJewess,hadlain sickinbedformanyweeks.Thenshereceiveda miraculousvisitationfromJesusinherbedroomandwas instantlyandtotallyhealed.Butitwastwoyearslater beforesherecognizedherneedtohavehersinsforgiven. Onlythenwasshebornagain.

WhenwecometoGodonthebasisofChrist’ssacrifice forus,weneedtobesensitivetotheleadingoftheHoly Spirit.WecannotimposeourprioritiesuponGod,butwe mustletHimworkwithusintheorderHechooses.A

personmay,forinstance,bedeterminedtoseekfinancial prosperity,whereasGod’sfirstpriorityforhimis righteousness.Ifhestubbornlyinsistsonclaimingprosperity beforerighteousness,hemaynotreceiveeither!

Again,apersonmayseekphysicalhealing,notknowing thattherootofhisphysicalsicknessisaninneremotional problem suchasrejectionorgrieforinsecurity.In response,Godwillmovetobringtheemotionalhealingthat isneeded.Ifthepersondoesnotopenhimselfuptothis, however,butcontinuestobegmerelyforphysicalhealing, hemayintheendreceivenohealingatall,eitherphysicalor emotional.

SometimesGodseekstorevealtousaprovisionof salvationthatisourmosturgentneed,andyetwearenot awareofit.Thisappliesparticularlytotheprovisionfor releasefromacurse.Veryoftenacurseoveraperson’s lifeistheunsuspectedbarrierthatholdshimbackfromthe otherprovisionsofsalvation.Normally,thisbarriermustbe dealtwithfirst,beforeotherneedscanbemet.

Thisistheprovisionwewillnowfocusupon:the exchange fromcurse to blessing.Atthispointweare confrontedbypreciselythesameissuesMosesputbefore theIsraelitesastheywerepreparingtoenterthelandof Canaan:“ThisdayIcallheavenandearthaswitnesses againstyouthatIhavesetbeforeyoulifeanddeath, blessingsandcurses.Nowchooselife,sothatyouandyour childrenmaylive”(Deuteronomy30:19,niv).Theissues weresosolemn,andsofar-reachingintheirconsequences, thatMosescalledheavenandearthtowitnessIsrael’s

response.

Thealternativeswereclear:lifeandblessings,ontheone hand;deathandcurses,ontheother.Godrequiredthe Israelitestomaketheirownchoice.Heurgedthemtomake therightchoice:lifeandblessings.ButHewouldnotmake thechoiceforthem.Healsoremindedthemthatthechoice theymadewouldaffectnotmerelytheirownlives,butalso thelivesoftheirdescendants.Thisemergesonceagainasa characteristicfeatureofbothblessingsandcurses:They continuefromgenerationtogeneration.

ThechoicethatIsraelmadeatthattimedeterminedtheir destiny.Thesameistrueforustoday.Godsetsbeforeus preciselythesamealternative:lifeandblessingsordeath andcurses.Heleavesittoustochoose.LikeIsrael,we determineourdestinybythechoicewemake.Ourchoice mayalsoaffectthedestinyofourdescendants.

IrememberwhenIwasfirstconfrontedbythosewords ofMoses.AsIrealizedthatGodrequiredaresponsefrom me,Iwasoverawed.Godwaswaitingformetochoose!I couldnotevadetheissue.Nottochoosewas,ineffect,to makethewrongchoice.

IthankGodthatHegavemethegracetomaketheright choice.Never,inalltheyearssincethen,haveIregrettedit. Godsoonbegantoshowme,however,theimplicationsof mychoice.Ihadpassedthroughadoorleadingtoalifetime

walkoffaithandobedience,fromwhichtherewasno turningback.

Allwhodesiretopassfromcursetoblessingmustgo throughthesamedoor.First,theremustbeaclear recognitionoftheissuesGodsetsbeforeus.Thenthere mustbeasimple,positiveresponse:“Lord,onthebasisof YourWord,Imakemyresponse.Irefusedeathandcurses, andIchooselifeandblessings.”

Oncewehavemadethischoice,wecangoontoclaim releasefromanycursesoverourlives.Whatarethesteps thatwemusttakeforthis?Thereisnoonesetpatternthat everyonemustfollow.Inbringingpeopletothepointof release,however,Ihavefoundithelpfultoleadthem throughthesevenstagesoutlinedbelow.

Youmaybeapproachingthisissuefromtheperspective ofonewhoisconcernedtohelporcounselothers.To receivethefullbenefitofthisinstruction,however,I recommendthatyouputyourselfmentallyintheplaceof thepersonwhoneedsrelease.Insodoing,youmay discoverthatiswhere you actuallyare!

InRomans10:9–10Paulexplainsthattherearetwo

1.Confess yourfaithinChristandinHis sacrifice on yourbehalf.

essentialconditionsforreceivingthebenefitsofChrist’s sacrifice:to believe intheheartthatGodraisedJesusfrom thedeadand confess withthemouththatHeisLord.Faith intheheartisnotfullyeffectiveuntilithasbeencompleted byconfessionwiththemouth.

Literally,theword confess means“tosaythesameas.”

Inthecontextofbiblicalfaith,confessionmeanssayingwith ourmouthwhatGodhasalreadysaidinHisWord.In Hebrews3:1Jesusiscalledthe“HighPriestofour confession.”Whenwemaketherightscripturalconfession concerningHim,itreleasesHispriestlyministryonour behalf.

ToreceivethebenefitsofChrist’ssacrifice,weneedto makeourconfessionspecificandpersonal.Forexample:

LordJesusChrist,IbelievethatYouaretheSonof GodandtheonlywaytoGod;andthatYoudiedon thecrossformysinsandroseagainfromthedead.

Theremayhavebeenmanyexternalfactors—evengoing backtopreviousgenerations thathavecontributedtothe curseoveryourlife.Nevertheless,therootofallyour problemslieswithinyourself.Itissummedupinthatone

2.Repentofallyourrebellionandyoursins.

word avon (iniquity):yourrebelliousattitudetowardGod andthesinsthathaveresultedfromit.Forthis,youmust acceptpersonalresponsibility.

BeforeyoucanreceiveGod’smercy,therefore,He requiresthatyou repent.Thismustbeadeliberatedecision onyourpart:Youlaydownyourrebellionandsubmit yourselfwithoutreservationtoallthatGodrequiresofyou. Apersonwhohastrulyrepentednolongerargueswith God!

TheNewTestamentleavesnoroomforfaiththat bypassesrepentance.WhenJohntheBaptistcameto preparethewaybeforeJesus,thefirstwordinhismessage was“Repent ...!”(Matthew3:2,emphasisadded).Later, whenJesuscommencedHispublicministry,Hetookup whereJohnhadleftoff:“Repent,andbelieveinthegospel” (Mark1:15,emphasisadded). Without repentance, no effective faith is possible. ManyprofessingChristiansare continuallystrugglingforfaithbecausetheyhavenever fulfilledthepriorconditionofrepentance.Consequently, theyneverreceivethefullbenefitsofChrist’ssacrifice.

Hereisasuggestedconfessionthatexpressesthe repentancethatGoddemands:

Igiveupallmyrebellionandallmysin,andIsubmit myselftoYouasmyLord.

3.Claimforgiveness ofallsins.

ThegreatbarrierthatkeepsGod’sblessingoutofour livesis unforgiven sin.Godhasalreadymadeprovisionfor oursinstobeforgiven,butHewillnotdothisuntilwe confessthem.“If we confess our sins,Heisfaithfuland justtoforgiveusoursinsandtocleanseusfromall unrighteousness”(1John1:9,emphasisadded).Godis faithful todothisbecauseHehasgivenusHispromise, andHealwayskeepsHispromises.Heisalso just because thefullpenaltyforoursinshasalreadybeenpaidbyJesus.

ItmaybethatGodhasshownyoucertainsinsthat openedyouuptoacurse.Ifso,makeaspecificconfession ofthosesins.

Itisalsopossiblethatacursehascomeuponyou becauseofsinscommittedbyyourancestors(especially idolatryortheoccult).Youdonotbeartheguiltofsinsyour ancestorscommitted,butyoumaybeaffectedinvarious waysbytheconsequencesoftheirsins.Ifyouknowthisto bethecase,askGodalsoforreleasefromthose consequences.

Hereisasuitableprayerthatcoversthis:

IconfessallmysinsbeforeYouandaskforYour forgiveness especiallyforanysinsthatexposed metoacurse.Releasemealsofromthe

consequencesofmyancestors’sins.

4.Forgive allotherpeople whohave everharmedyou orwrongedyou.

AnothergreatbarrierthatcankeepGod’sblessingoutof ourlivesis unforgiveness inourheartstowardother people.InMark11:25JesusputHisfingeronthisas somethingthatwemustdealwith,ifweexpectGodto answerourprayers:“Andwheneveryoustandpraying,if youhaveanythingagainstanyone,forgivehim,thatyour Fatherinheavenmayalsoforgiveyouyourtrespasses.”

ThesameprinciplerunsallthroughtheNewTestament: IfwewantGodtoforgiveus,wemustbepreparedto forgiveothers.

Forgivinganotherpersonisnotprimarilyanemotion;itis a decision.Isometimesillustratethiswithalittle“parable.”

YouhaveinyourhandIOUsfromanotherpersonthattotal $10,000.Inheaven,however,GodhasinHishandIOUs fromyoutoHimintheamountof$10,000,000.Godmakes youanoffer:“YoutearuptheIOUsinyourhand,andI’ll tearuptheIOUsinMine.Ontheotherhand,ifyouhold ontoyourIOUs,I’llholdontoMine!”

Understoodinthisway,forgivinganotherpersonisnota tremendoussacrifice.Itismerelyenlightenedself-interest.

Anyonewhoisnotwillingtocanceladebtof$10,000in ordertohavehisowndebtof$10,000,000canceledis lackinginbusinesssense!

Godmaynowbebringingtoyourmindsomepersonor personswhomyouneedtoforgive.Ifso,youcanlookto theHolySpiritforhelp.Hewillpromptyoutomakethe rightdecisions,butHewillnotmakethemforyou.While youfeelHisprompting,respond.Makeaclear-cutdecision toforgive.Thenverbalizeyourdecision.Sayoutloud, “Lord,Iforgive...”andnamethepersonorpersons involved.Theonesyoufindithardesttonamearetheones youmostneedtoforgive!Herearesomesimplewordsyou canuse:

Byadecisionofmywill,Iforgiveallwhohave harmedmeorwrongedme justasIwantGodto forgiveme.Inparticular,Iforgive...[namethe personorpersons].

5.Renounce allcontactwithanythingoccultor satanic.

Beforeyoucometotheactualprayerofrelease,thereis onefurther,importantareathatmustbedealtwith:all contactwithanythingoccultorsatanic.Thisincludesavery widerangeofactivitiesandpractices.Youmayneedtoturn

backforamomenttopages77–79inchapter6,where thereisalistthatcoverssome,butnotall,oftheformsthat thesemaytake.Ifyouareunclearaboutanareathatisnot mentionedinthelist,askGodtomakeitcleartoyou.

Ifyouhavebeeninvolvedatanytimeinsuchactivitiesor practices,youhavecrossedaninvisibleborderintothe kingdomofSatan.Sincethattime,whetheryouknowitor not,Satanhasregardedyouasoneofhissubjects.He considersthathehasalegalclaimtoyou.Sincethe KingdomofGodandthekingdomofSatanareintotal oppositiontooneanother,youcannotenjoythefullrights andbenefitsofacitizeninGod’sKingdomuntilyouhave finallyandforeverseveredallconnectionwithSatanand totallycanceledanyclaimhemayhaveagainstyou.

In2Corinthians6:14–15Paulstressesthenecessityofa completebreakwithSatan’skingdom:“Whatfellowshipcan lighthavewithdarkness?Whatharmonyistherebetween ChristandBelial[thatis,Satan]?”(niv).Inverse17he concludeswithadirectchargefromtheLordHimself:

“Therefore‘Comeoutfromamongthemandbeseparate, saystheLord.Donottouchwhatisunclean,andIwill receiveyou.’”

Makingthisbreakrequiresalsothatyoudealwithany “contactobjects” thatis,objectsthatwouldstilllinkyou withSatan.Thiscouldincludemanydifferentitems.Inmy

case,asIrelatedinchapter2,itwastheChinesedragonsI hadinherited.Ifyouhaveanydoubtsabouthowthismight applyinyoursituation,askGodtoputHisfingeronanything thatisoffensivetoHim.Thengetridofitinthemost effectiveway:Burnit,smashit,throwitintodeepwater orwhatever!

IfyouarereadytomakethistotalbreakwithSatanand hiskingdom,hereisanappropriatewaytoaffirmit:

Irenounceallcontactwithanythingoccultorsatanic ifIhaveany“contactobjects,”Icommitmyself todestroythem.IcancelallSatan’sclaimsagainst me.

6.Youare nowreadytopraythe prayerofrelease fromanycurse.

Ifyouhavebeenwillingtocommityourselftoeachofthe precedingfivesteps,youarenowattheplacewhereyou canpraytheactualprayerofreleasefromanycurseover yourlife.Butremember,thereisonlyonebasisuponwhich GodoffersHismercy:theexchangethattookplacewhen Jesusdiedonthecross.Includedinthatexchangewas provisionforreleasefromeverycurse.Bybeinghangedon across,Jesusbecameacursewitheverycursethatcould evercomeuponyou,thatyouinturnmightbereleasedfrom

everycurseandreceiveGod’sblessinginitsplace.

Itisimportantthatyoubaseyourfaith solely uponwhat JesusobtainedforyouthroughHissacrificeonthecross. Youdonothaveto“earn”yourrelease.Youdonothaveto be“worthy.”IfyoucometoGodwiththoughtslikethat,you willhavenosolidbasisforyourfaith.Godrespondstous onlyonthebasisofwhatJesushasdoneonourbehalf,not ofanymeritswemayfancywehaveinourselves.

Ifyoupraywiththisbasisforyourfaith,yourprayer shouldendnotmerelywithasking,butwithactually receiving.InMark11:24Jesusestablishedthisasa principle:“ThereforeItellyou,whateveryouaskforin prayer, believe that you have received it,anditwillbe yours”(niv,emphasisadded)

Inthiskindofprayertherearetwodistinctstages,related ascauseandeffect:receiving and having. Receiving is thecause,fromwhich having followsastheeffect. Receiving isinthepasttense; having isinthefuture. Receiving takesplacewhenwepray.Then having follows atatimeandinawaydeterminedbyGod’ssovereignty. ButtheprincipleJesusemphasizesisthis:Ifwedonot receive atthetimewepray,wehavenoassurancethatwe willever have.

Hereisaprayerthatwouldbeappropriate.Youmight firstreadthroughthisprayerandthenreadonforfurther

instructions.

LordJesus,IbelievethatonthecrossYoutookon Yourselfeverycursethatcouldevercomeuponme. SoIaskYounowtoreleasemefromeverycurse overmylife inYourname,LordJesusChrist!

ByfaithInowreceivemyreleaseandIthank Youforit.

Now,pauseforamoment!Beforeyoupraythisprayerof release,youwouldbewisetoreaffirmeachofthefive precedingconfessionsyouhavealreadymade.Tomakethis easierforyou,theyarerepeatedbelow,butwithoutany addedcommentsorexplanation.

Readthemoutloud,slowlyanddeliberately,with undividedattention.Ifyoufeeluncertaintyaboutany section,gobackandreaditagain.Identifyyourselfwiththe wordsyouutter.Bythetimeyouhavereadthemthrough, you should have the sense that you have brought yourself to God withthewordsyouhavespoken.Thengo straightonintotheprayerofrelease,whichisrepeatedat theend.

Here,then,isthecompleteprayer:

LordJesusChrist,IbelievethatYouaretheSonof GodandtheonlywaytoGod;andthatYoudiedon

thecrossformysinsandroseagainfromthedead.

Igiveupallmyrebellionandallmysin,andI submitmyselftoYouasmyLord.

IconfessallmysinsbeforeYouandaskforYour forgiveness especiallyforanysinsthatexposed metoacurse.Releasemealsofromthe consequencesofmyancestors’sins.

Byadecisionofmywill,Iforgiveallwhohave harmedmeorwrongedme justasIwantGodto forgiveme.Inparticular,Iforgive....

Irenounceallcontactwithanythingoccultor satanic ifIhaveany“contactobjects,”Icommit myselftodestroythem.IcancelallSatan’sclaims againstme.

LordJesus,IbelievethatonthecrossYoutook onYourselfeverycursethatcouldevercomeupon me.SoIaskYounowtoreleasemefromevery curseovermylife inYourname,LordJesus Christ!

ByfaithInowreceivemyreleaseandIthank Youforit.

Nowdon’tstopatsaying“ThankYou”justonceor twice.Your mind cannotgraspafractionofwhatyouhave askedGodtodoforyou,butrespondtoGodwithyour heart!Thiscouldbethetimetoreleasehurtsorpressures

orinhibitionsthathavebuiltupinsideyouovertheyears.If adambreaksinsideyou,don’ttrytoholdbackthetearsthat aretheoutflowofyourheart.

Don’tbeheldbackbyself-consciousnessor embarrassment!Godhasknownallalongthethingsthatyou keptshutupinsideyou andHeisnottheleast embarrassedbythem.Sowhyshouldyoube?TellGodhow muchyoureallyloveHim.Themoreyouexpressyourlove, themorerealitwillbecometoyou.

Ontheotherhand,thereisnosetpatternforresponding toGodthateveryonehastofollow.Thekeytoreleaseisnot someparticulartypeofresponse.Faithcanbeexpressedin manydifferentways.JustbeyourrealselfwithGod.Open yourwholebeingtoGod’sloveasafloweropensitspetals tothesun.

7.Nowbelieve thatyouhave received,andgoonin God’s blessing!

Donottryatthisstagetoanalyzewhatformtheblessing willtakeorhowGodwillimpartittoyou.Leavethatin God’shands.LetHimdoitjusthowandwhenHewill.You donothavetoconcernyourselfwiththat.Yourpartis simplytoopenyourself,withoutreservation,toallthatGod wantstodoinyouandforyouthroughHisblessing.

RememberthatGod“isabletodoexceedinglyabundantly aboveallthatweaskorthink”(Ephesians3:20).Sodonot limitGodtodoingonlywhatyouthink.

Hereisasimpleformofwordsthatyoucanuse:

Lord,InowopenmyselftoreceiveYourblessingin everywayYouwanttoimpartittome.

ItwillbeexcitingforyoutoseejusthowGodwill respond!

Questions for the Study

1.Salvationincludeswhichpartsofthehuman personality?

2.InJesus’earthlyministrypeopleoftenreceived first,andthenforgivenessoftheir .

3.Oftenacurseoveraperson’slifeisthe thatholdshimbackfromtheotherprovisionsof salvation.

4.Trueorfalse:Faithintheheartisnotfullyeffective untilithasbeencompletedbyconfessionwiththe mouth.

5.Without noeffectivefaithispossible.

6.WhatarethreegreatbarriersthatkeepGod’sblessing

outofourlives?

7.Forgivinganotherpersonisnotprimarilyanemotion;it isa .

8.Trueorfalse:Allcontactwithanythingoccultor satanicmustbedealtwithbeforeyoucanpraythe actualprayerofrelease.

9.Listthesevenstepstorelease.

Life Application

1.Areyoureadytofollowthesevenstepstobereleased fromcursesoveryourlife?Ifnot,whynot?

2.Followthesevensteps.Don’trushthem;takeyour timeateachstep.ReviewyouranswersintheLife Applicationsectionsinthisself-studycourse(atthe endofeachchapter),andusetheprayeronpages 216–17asanexampleofhowtopray.(1)Confess yourfaithinChrist.(2)Repent.(3)Claimforgiveness accordingto1John1:9.(4)Forgiveothers(including anyoneyoumentionedintheLifeApplicationsections fromchapters7and11whohaswrongedyou).(5) Renouncecontactbyyouormembersofyourfamily fromgenerationspastwiththeoccult,falsereligions, secretsocietiesoridols.(6)Praytheprayerofrelease.

(7)Receiveinfaith.

Memory Verse

IftheSonmakesyoufree,youshallbefreeindeed.

John8:36

Faith Response

Jesus, I will stand fast in the freedomwith which You have made me free. I will not again be held in bondage. (See Galatians 5:1.)

Answers

1.Spirit,soul,body.

2.Physicalhealing,sins.

3.Unsuspectedbarrier.

4.True.

5.Repentance.

6.Unforgivensin(step3),unforgiveness(step4)and occultcontact(step5).

7.Decision.

8.True.

9.(1)ConfessyourfaithinChristandinHissacrificeon yourbehalf.(2)Repentofallyourrebellionandsins.

(3)Claimforgiveness.(4)Forgiveeveryonewhohas harmedorwrongedyou.(5)Renounceallcontactwith

anythingoccultorsatanic.(6)Praytheprayerof releasefromanycurse.(7)Believethatyouhave receivedandgooninGod’sblessing.

FromShadows toSunlight

Ifyoufollowedtheinstructionsinthepreviouschapter,you havecrossedaninvisibleboundary.Behindyounowisa territoryovershadowedbycursesofmanydifferentkinds andfrommanydifferentsources.Beforeyouliesaterritory madebrightbythesunshineofGod’sblessings.Beforeyou goanyfurther,castyourmindbacktothesummaryofthe listMosesgaveinDeuteronomy28:2–13:

Exaltation

Health

Reproductiveness

Prosperity Victory

God’sfavor

TheseareallpartsofyourinheritanceinChrist,waiting foryoutoexploreandtoclaim.

Itcouldhelpyoutorepeatthesekeywordsoverto yourselfseveraltimes preferablyoutloud.Livingundera curseoftenmakesitdifficultforapersontoenvisagewhat itwouldbeliketoenjoythecorrespondingblessing.Ask Godtomakeyournewinheritancerealandvividtoyou.

Youmayneedtogoonrepeatingthesewordsfrequently— evenmanytimesaday untilyoureallyknowtheyare yours!

Asyourepeatthem,pauseandthankGodthateachone isnowpartofyourinheritance.Rememberthatgiving thanksisthepurestandsimplestexpressionoffaith.Ifyou havehadalongstrugglewithacurseoveryourlife,there maybeareasofyourmindfromwhichthedarknessisnot immediatelydispelled.Repeatingthesepositivewordsthat describetheblessingswillbelikeseeingthefirstraysofthe sunshiningintoadarkvalley,thenspreadinguntilthewhole valleyisilluminated.

Thetransitionfromthedarktothesunlitterritorymay takemanydifferentforms.Thereisnosinglepatternthatis standardforeveryone.Somepeopleexperienceanalmost instantaneousreleaseandseemtoenterimmediatelyinto theblessingsthatScripturepromises.Forothers,whoare equallysincere,theremaybealong,hardstruggle.The moredeeplypeoplehavebeeninvolvedintheoccult,the hardermaybetheirstruggletoescape.Satanregardsthem ashislegitimateprey,andheisdeterminedtoholdonto them.Ontheirpart,theymustbeevenmoredeterminedto asserttheirclaimtothefreedomthathasbeenpurchased forthembythesacrificeofJesus.

Also,SatanhasatleastsomeforeknowledgeofwhatGod

haspreparedforthosewhoescapefromhisoppression. Thegreatertheblessingsinstoreforaperson,themore determinedwillbeSatan’sattempttoholdhimback. Viewedinthislight,asforeshadowingsofblessingsahead, ourstrugglescanactuallybecomeasourceof encouragement.

Overandabovethesefactors,weareconfrontedwiththe sovereigntyofGod.God’sperspectiveisdifferentfrom ours.Hetakesintoaccountfactorsinasituationabout whichweknownothing.HealwayskeepsHispromises,but inmostcasestherearetwothingsHedoesnotrevealin advance:theprecisewaythatHewillworkineachlife,and theprecisetimethatHewilltake.Noonecandictateto GodexactlyhowtofulfillHispromises.Whatwemustdois maintainanattitudeoffirm,unwaveringtrustthatGodwill movewhenandhowHeseesfit.

Weneedtolookoncemoreatthepositivesideofthe exchangedescribedbyPaulinGalatians3:13–14:

Christhasredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw, havingbecomeacurseforus(foritiswritten, “Cursediseveryonewhohangsonatree”),thatthe blessingofAbrahammightcomeupontheGentiles inChristJesus,thatwemightreceivethepromiseof theSpiritthroughfaith.

Paulpointsoutthreeimportantfactsconcerningthe promisedblessing:

First,itisnotsomethingvagueorundefined.Itisquite specific:the blessing of Abraham.InGenesis24:1its extentisdefined:“TheLORD hadblessedAbrahamin all things”(emphasisadded).God’sblessingcoveredevery areaofAbraham’slife.Hehasacorrespondingblessing preparedforeachpersonwhofulfillsHisconditions.

Second,theblessingcomesonly in Christ Jesus.It cannotbeearnedbyourownmerits.Itisofferedsolely uponthebasisofourrelationshiptoGodthroughJesus Christ.Thereisnootherchannelthroughwhichtheblessing canflowintoourlives.IftherelationshipwithChristis rupturedbyunbeliefordisobedience,theblessingwillcease toflow.ButthankGod,itcanberestoredimmediatelyby sincererepentance!

Third,theblessingisfurtherdefinedas“the promise of the [Holy] Spirit.”Concerningthis,JesustellsusinJohn 16:13–15:

“Butwhenhe,theSpiritoftruth,comes,hewill guideyouintoalltruth....Hewillbringglorytome bytakingfromwhatismineandmakingitknownto you.AllthatbelongstotheFatherismine.Thatis whyIsaidtheSpiritwilltakefromwhatismineand

makeitknowntoyou.”

NIV

Whatwonderfulwordsofencouragement!Allthree PersonsoftheGodhead Father,SonandHolySpirit are unitedintheirpurposetosharewithusallthathasbeen purchasedforusbythesacrificeofJesus.Becausethisis fargreaterthanthenaturalmindcancomprehend,wemust dependupontheHolySpirittoguideusintoourfull inheritanceandtoshowushowtoappropriatewhatGod hasprovidedforus.

InRomans8:14Paulagainemphasizestheuniqueroleof theHolySpirit:“ForasmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod, thesearesonsofGod.”Pauliscarefultouseherethe continuingpresenttense:“asmanyas are continually led bytheSpiritofGod.”Tobe“ledbytheHolySpirit”isnota single,once-for-allexperience.Itissomethingonwhichwe mustdependmomentbymoment.Itistheonlypathwayto spiritualmaturity.Throughitwegrowupfrombeinglittle childrentobecome mature sons ofGod.

Unfortunately,manyChristiansneverfullyenjoythe guidanceandcompanionshipoftheHolySpiritforonebasic reason:TheydonotrealizethatHeisa Person.“TheLord istheSpirit”(2Corinthians3:17).JustasGodtheFatheris Lord,andGodtheSonisLord,soalsoGodtheSpiritis

Lord.Heisnotjustatheologicalabstraction,norasetof rules,norhalfasentenceattheendoftheApostles’Creed. HeisaPerson,andHewantsustocultivateanintimate, personal relationshipwithHim.

TheHolySpirithasHisowndistinctivecharacteristics. Heisnotaggressiveor“pushy,”nordoesHeshoutatus. Heusuallyspeaksinsofttonesanddirectsusbygentle impulses.ToreceiveHisdirection,wemustbeattentiveto HisvoiceandsensitivetoHisimpulses.

Furthermore,theHolySpiritdealswitheachofusas individuals.ToenterintoGod’sblessings,thereisnosingle setofrulesthateverybodymustfollow.Eachofushasa special,distinctivepersonalitywithuniqueneedsand aspirations,uniquestrengthsandweaknesses.TheHoly Spiritrespectsouruniqueness.SomeonehassaidthatGod nevermakesonebelieveracarboncopyofanother.Nor doesHeproduceChristiansonafactoryassemblyline.

OnlytheHolySpiritknowsthespecialdangersthat threatenusinanysituationortheparticularblessingsthat willmeetourindividualneeds.Heguidesusfaithfully throughthedangersandopensuptoustheblessings.Ifwe begintofollowsomereligioussystemortomodelourselves onsomeotherChristian,weshallmisssomeofthechoicest blessingsGodhasmarkedoutforus.

Youwouldbewise,therefore,topauseforamomentand

offerupabriefprayer:

HolySpirit,IopenmyheartandmindtoYou. RevealtometheblessingsthatJesushasobtained formeandhowImayreceivethem.

InHebrews10:14 alreadyquotedinchapter17 the writerusestwocontrastedtensestodepicttwoopposite sidesoftheexchangethattookplaceonthecross.To describewhatJesusaccomplished,heusesthe perfect tense:“ByoneofferingHe has perfected forever”

(emphasisadded).WhatJesushasdoneisabsolutelyand eternallycomplete.Nothingneedeverbeadded,andnothing caneverbetakenaway.

Ontheotherhand,todescribetheoutworkingofthe sacrificeinthosewhoacceptitforthemselves,thewriter usesthe continuing present:“thosewho are being sanctified”(emphasisadded).Ourappropriationofthe sacrificeisnotimmediatelycomplete;itis progressive.The processbywhichweappropriateitisdescribedas“being sanctified” thatis,beingsetaparttoGodinholiness.As webringourlivesprogressivelyintolinewithGod’s requirementsofholiness,weareabletoenterintoHis blessingsmorefully.

Whenconfrontedwiththischallenge,Christians sometimesrespond,“ButIthoughtIgoteverythingwhenI

wasbornagain!”Theanswertothatisyes—andno.There aretwosidestothisissue:thelegalandtheexperiential. Theanswerwilldifferaccordingtowhichsideweviewit from.

Legally,youdidindeed“geteverything”whenyouwere bornagain.AccordingtoRomans8:17,whenyoubecamea childofGod,youweremadeanheirofGodandajointheir withChrist.Legally,fromthatpointon,youwereentitledto shareChrist’swholeinheritancewithHim.

Experientially,however,youwereonlyatthebeginningof aprocessthattakesalifetimetocomplete.TheChristian lifecouldbedescribedasaprogressionfromthelegaltothe experiential.Stepbystep,infaith,wemustappropriatein experienceallthatisalreadyoursbylegalrightthroughour faithinChrist.ThisiswhatthewriterofHebrewscalls “beingsanctified.”

InJohn1:12theapostlesays,concerningthosewhohave beenbornagainthroughreceivingJesus,thatGodhasgiven them“the right to become children of God”(emphasis added).TheGreekwordtranslated“right”is exousia, usuallytranslated“authority.”Thatiswhatapersonactually receivesatthenewbirth:authority to become a child of God.

Authorityiseffective,however,onlyinsofarasitis exercised.Thepotentialofthenewbirthisunlimited,butthe

actualresultsdependontheexerciseoftheauthoritythat goeswithit.Whatapersonwillbecomethroughthenew birthisdeterminedbytheextenttowhichheexerciseshis God-givenauthority.

Thereisacloseparallelbetweentheexperienceof believersenteringintotheblessingsofGodintheNew CovenantandthatoftheIsraelitesenteringintoCanaan undertheOldCovenant.Inthefirstcovenant,undera leadernamedJoshua,GodbroughtHispeopleinto a promised land.Inthesecondcovenant,underaleader namedJesus(whichisanotherformofJoshua),Godbrings Hispeopleinto a land of promises.Justasthelandof CanaanwasthephysicalinheritanceappointedforIsrael,so thepromisesofGod,offeredthroughJesus,arethespiritual inheritanceappointedforChristiansinthisdispensation.The sameprinciplesthatappliedtoIsraelitesthenapplyto Christiansnow.

InJoshua1:2–3GodgaveJoshuainstructionsonhowthe Israelitesweretotakepossessionoftheirinheritance:

“MosesMyservantisdead.Nowtherefore,arise, gooverthisJordan,youandallthispeople,tothe landwhichIamgivingtothem thechildrenof Israel.Everyplacethatthesoleofyourfootwill treaduponIhavegivenyou,asIsaidtoMoses.”

Thereispreciselythesamecontrastoftenseshereasin Hebrews10:14.Inverse2ofJoshua1,theLordusesthe continuingpresent:“I amgiving [theland]”(emphasis added).Butinverse3Heusestheperfecttense:“I have given [theland]”(emphasisadded).Fromverse3onward, thelegalownershipofCanaanwassettled:Itbelongedto Israel.Experientially,however,nothinghadchanged.The Canaaniteswerestillinoccupationoftheland.

ThechallengetoJoshuaandhispeoplewastomovefrom thelegaltotheexperiential.Thistheyweretodoonestepat atime.Astheyplacedtheirfeetoneachplace,itbecame theirsnotjustlegally,butinactualexperience.

HadtheIsraelitesrespondedtoGod’spromiseinthe samewaythatsomeChristianswouldliketo,historywould havebeenverydifferent.Theywouldhavelineduponthe eastbankoftheJordan,foldedtheirarms,lookedwestward andsaid,“It’sallours!”ButtheCanaaniteswouldhave laughedatthem.Theyknewwhostillhadpossessionofthe land.

Asitwas,Joshuaandhispeopleactedverydifferently. FirsttheycrossedtheJordanbyamiraclethatGod performedinresponsetotheirobedience.Thenthey besiegedandcapturedJericho againbyamiracle.But afterthattheirfurtherprogresswasmainlybybattles,not bymiracles.Theymovedoutineverydirectionacross

Canaanandfoughtalongseriesofbattlesagainstthe variousinhabitantsoftheland.Evenaftermucharduous warfare,theirtaskhadnotbeencompleted.Alongtime later,GodsaidtoJoshua,“Thereremainsverymuchland yettobepossessed”(Joshua13:1).

Preciselythesamechallengeconfrontsusasbelieversin theNewTestament:tomovefromthelegaltothe experiential.LikeIsrael,wemustprogressonestepata time.LikeIsrael,too,wewillfaceopposition.Ourprogress willcontinuallybecontestedbysatanicforces,andwemust learntoovercomethemwiththespiritualweaponsGodhas providedforus.Ultimately,Christ’spromisesintheNew Covenantaregiventoonlyonekindofperson:“tohimwho overcomes”(seeRevelation2and3).Therighttothe inheritanceissummedupinRevelation21:7:“Hewho overcomes shallinheritallthings”(emphasisadded).

Tofurtherstrengthenandencourageus,Godhasalsoset beforeustheexampleofAbraham,whoiscalled“the fatherofusall.”ThroughAbraham,Goddidnotmerely establishthemeasureoftheblessingsHehaspreparedfor eachofus,whichis“inallthings.”Healsomarkedout aheadthepaththatleadstothatblessing.Thelifeof Abrahamisbothanexampleandachallengeinthreemain areas:hispromptobedience,hiscompleteconfidencein God’swordandhissteadfastendurance.

InHebrews11:8thewriteremphasizesAbraham’s prompt,unquestioningobedience:“ByfaithAbraham obeyedwhenhewascalledtogoouttotheplacewhichhe wouldreceiveasaninheritance.Andhewentout,not knowingwherehewasgoing.”

Abrahamdidnotaskforanyexplanationofwhyhe shouldgo,oranydescriptionoftheplacehewasgoingto. HesimplydidwhatGodtoldhimtodopromptly,without questioning.Thesamekindofobediencecharacterizedhis entirelife:forinstance,whenGodrequiredhimandallhis householdtobecircumcised(seeGenesis17:9–14,23–27); andevenwhenGodaskedhimtoofferuphissonIsaacasa sacrifice(seeGenesis22:1–14).AtnotimedidAbraham everhesitateinhisobedienceorquestionGodconcerning whathewasaskedtodo.

InRomans4:16–21PaulpointsoutthatwhenGodcalled Abraham“afatherofmanynations,”hehadonlyoneson byHagar,aslavewoman,whileSarah,hiswife,hadbeen barrenformanyyears.YethereckonedGod’sdescription ofhimastruefromthemomentitwasspoken.Becausehe thusacceptedGod’swordwithoutquestioning,evenagainst theevidenceofhisownsenses,ultimatelytherecamea physicalfulfillmentthatwasconfirmedbyhissenses.

Actually,about25yearspassedfromthetimeGodfirst promisedAbrahamthathisdescendantswouldbeas

numerousasthestars,untilthebirthofthesonwhowasthe promisedheir.Throughallthoseyearshehadnothingto holdontobutGod’spromise.Hemusthavefacedendless temptationstodiscouragement.Yethenevergaveupor abandonedhisfaith.Finally,therewardofhissteadfastness issummedupinHebrews6:15:“Andso,afterhehad patientlyendured,heobtainedthepromise.”

InRomans4:11–12Paultellsusthatwearechildrenof Abrahamifwe“walkinthesteps”ofAbraham’sfaith.This isthescripturalrequirementforenteringinto“theblessingof Abraham,”promisedinGalatians3:14.LikeAbraham,we mustacceptGod’sWordastheonesure,unchanging elementinourexperience.Allthevariableopinionsofmen, andallthefluctuatingimpressionsofoursenses,arejust “grass[that]withers....ButthewordofourGodstands forever”(Isaiah40:8).

OuracceptanceofGod’sWord,however,mustnotbe purelyintellectualortheoretical.Wemustdemonstrateitin ouractionsjustasAbrahamdid:byprompt,unquestioning obedienceandbysteadfastenduranceinthefaceofall discouragement.Inthisway,weshallfindthatGod’sWord willultimatelybeprovedtrueinourexperience.Weshall cometoknowGod’sblessing justasAbrahamdid “inall things.”

Satanwillcontinuallyopposeuswithmentaland

emotionalpressures:doubts,fear,guilt,confusionandsoon. Hemayalsoassailourbodieswithvariousformsofphysical infirmity.AgainstallthisGodhasprovideduswithone supremelyeffectiveweapon:HisWord.InEphesians6:17 Pauldirectsus:“Take...theswordoftheSpirit,whichis thewordofGod.”

Thisrequirestheinterplayofthehumanandthedivine. TheswordistheswordoftheHolySpirit,butitisour responsibilityto“take”it.Ifwetakeit,theHolySpiritwill wieldit.Butifwedonottakeit,theHolySpirithasnothing towield.

TheGreekwordPaulusesheretodescribeGod’sWord is rhema.Thisisprimarily“awordthatisspoken.”It becomeseffectiveonlywhenitisspokenthroughbelieving lips.ItisnottheBibleinourbookshelves,orevenonour nightstands,thatPaulisspeakingabout.ItistheBiblewhen wetakeitonourlips and speak it out with bold faith.

OurgreatpatternintheuseofthisswordistheLord JesusHimself,asHedemonstratedinHistemptationby Sataninthewilderness(seeMatthew4:1–11).Eachof Satan’sthreetemptationscontainedtheword if.Inother words,itwasaimedtoproduce doubt.

Thefirsttwotemptationseachbeganwiththephrase“If YouaretheSonofGod...”(verses3and6,emphasis added).Shortlybefore,whenJesuswasbaptizedbyJohnin

theJordan,GodtheFatherhadpubliclydeclared,“Thisis MybelovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased”(Matthew 3:17).NowSatanwastemptingJesustodoubtwhatthe FatherhadsaidaboutHim.

Thethirdtemptationalsobeganwith if,butitwasno longeratemptationmerelytodoubt,butalsotodirect disobedience:“If Youwillfalldownandworshipme...” (verse9,emphasisadded).SatannowchallengedJesusto committhegreatestofallsins:thebreakingofthefirst commandment.

ThetemptationsSatanbringsagainstus,asdisciplesof Jesus,willfollowasimilarpattern.First,hewilltemptusto doubtwhatGodhassaidaboutus;todoubtthatoursins havebeenforgiven,thatGodreallylovesus,thatwehave beenacceptedintoGod’sfamilyasHischildren,thatwe havebeenreleasedfromthecurseandhaveenteredinto theblessing.Butalwaysthefinalthrustofhistemptation willbetodirectdisobedience.

JesususedonlyoneweapontodefeatSatan:the rhema thespokenWordofGod.Hecounteredeach temptationwiththesamephrase:“Itiswritten.”Eachwasa directquotationfromtheScripturesoftheOldTestament. SatanhasnodefenseagainsttheWordofGodthusquoted directlyathim.Hehastowithdraw,defeated.

Inallofthis,Jesusisourperfectexample.Hedidnotrely

onanywisdomorargumentsofHisown.Heusedprecisely thesameweaponGodhasgiventous:theWordofGod. OursecuritydependsonfollowingtheexampleofJesus. Wewouldcertainlybefoolishtorelyonourownwisdomor strengthorrighteousness.Satanisathousandtimeswiser andstrongerthanweare.Hecanpointtoathousandflaws inourownrighteousness.Butthereisoneweaponagainst whichhehasnodefense:theWordofGodspokeninfaith.

Such,then,isthepaththatleadsusoutoftheterritory overshadowedbycursesintotheterritorythatenjoysthe sunlightofGod’sblessings.Itsfirstrequirementis determined,unswervingfaith,basedontheexchangethat tookplaceonthecross.FaithofthiskindreckonsGod’s promisesaseffectivefromthemomenttheyare apprehended.Wedonotwaitforconfirmationfromthe senses.Byprompt,unquestioningobedienceandpatient endurance,wemovefromourlegalrightsinChristintothe full,experientialenjoymentofthem.Wemeetallsatanic oppositionwith“theswordoftheSpirit”:thespokenWord ofGod.

Questions for the Study

1.Whatisthepurestandsimplestexpressionoffaith?

2.NametwothingsGoddoesnotrevealinadvancein

keepingHispromises.

3.Whatarethethreeimportantfactsaboutthepromised blessing,accordingtoGalatians3:13–14?

4.ManyChristiansdonotfullyenjoytheguidanceand companionshipoftheHolySpiritbecausetheyfailto realizethatHeisa .

5.Whatarethethreemainareasinwhichthelifeof Abrahamrepresentsbothanexampleandachallenge?

6.WhatwastheoneweaponJesususedtodefeatSatan?

Life Application

1.Whatcanyoudotocultivateapersonalrelationship withtheHolySpirit?

2.HaveyoueverusedGod’sWordtodefeatSatan?

Memory Verse

Hehasdeliveredusfromthepowerofdarknessand conveyedusintothekingdomoftheSonofHislove.

Colossians1:13

Faith Response

Father, I thank You and praise You that You have qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints

(see Colossians 1:12).

Answers

1.Givingthanks.

2.ThewayHewillworkandthetimeHewilltake.

3.Itisspecific “theblessingofAbraham.”Itcomes onlyinChristJesus.Anditisdefinedas“thepromise ofthe[Holy]Spirit.”

4.Person.

5.Hispromptobedience,hiscompleteconfidencein God’swordandhissteadfastendurance.

6.The rhema orspokenwordofGod.

ForcefulMenLayHoldofIt

WhenJoshuawascommissionedastheleaderwhowould bringIsraelintoherinheritanceinCanaan,hereceivedthe sameadmonitionthreetimes:“Bestrongandofgood courage”(Joshua1:6,9,18).Thefirsttwoadmonitions camefromtheLordHimself;thethirdcamefromhisfellow Israelites.AfterthethirdadmonitionJoshuamustsurely haveunderstoodonething:EnteringintothePromisedLand wouldnotbeeasy!

ThesameappliestoChristianstodaywhosetoutto appropriatethepromisedblessingsoftheNewCovenant.

GodassuresusthatHewillbewithusandfulfillallHis promisestous.Atthesametime,Hewarnsusthatwewill facevariousformsofopposition,whichwilltestourfaith andourcommitment.

InMatthew11:12JesusspokeoftheGospeldispensation Hehadcometoinitiate:“FromthedaysofJohntheBaptist untilnow,thekingdomofheavenhasbeenforcefully advancing,andforcefulmenlayholdofit”(niv).InLuke 16:16Heemphasizedthesamepoint:“TheLawandthe ProphetswereproclaimeduntilJohn.Sincethattime,the

goodnewsofthekingdomofGodisbeingpreached,and everyoneisforcinghiswayintoit”(niv).

ClearlythepromiseoftheKingdomisnotforthosewho merelyindulgeinwishfulthinkingorreligioustalk.It demands“forcefulness” anattitudeoffixeddetermination thatpressesaheadregardlessofeverykindofdifficultyor discouragement.

InActs14:22PaulandBarnabasgaveasimilarwarning toagroupofnewconverts:“Wemustthroughmany tribulationsenterthekingdomofGod.”Anyroadthat bypassesthetribulationswillnottakeusintotheKingdom. Oncewehavesettledthisissueinourownminds,thenthe tribulationswillnotdeterus.

OttoAguiarisonemanwhosetouttolayholdofGod’s promiseswithforcefuldetermination.OttoisaBrazilian whowasbornwithcursesoverhislifethatwentbackmany generations.Hehadalsobroughtfurthercursesupon himselfbyhisownfoolishness.Nevertheless,hehasfinally crossedoverfromthedarkterritoryofcursestothesunlit landofGod’sblessings,whichiswherehenowlives.

OttoAguiartellshisstory:

IwasbornfiftyyearsagoinRiodeJaneiro,Brazil.

Myfatherwasawell-knowngeneralfrommixed EuropeanandIndianstock;mymothercamefroma

familyofgovernorsandstatesmen.Bothsidesofmy familyhadbeeninspiritismforgenerations.

Iwastheseventhoftenchildren afourteenpoundbreechbirth.ForseveralyearsIwasaccused ofalmostkillingmymother.Iwasguilt-riddenand withdrawn.Iwouldsit,hidingmyheadinmyarms, relivingthegruesomeexperienceofbeingdragged outwithforceps,andnotreadytocope.Irepeated firstgrade four times.BythetimeIwaspromoted tosecondgrade,Iwasalmostthesizeofmy teacher.

Ancestralcursesbegantoaffecttheolder membersofmyfamilywhileIwasstillachild.My eldestsister,whileinastrictCatholicschool,was takentoaspiritistcenter,andbeganto“receive spiritsofsaints,”astheysayinBrazilShehasspent mostofherlifeinmentalinstitutions.

Thesecondchild,myeldestbrother,abrilliant student,tookafallonhisheadatageten,and becameanepileptic.InBrazilatthattimeitwas commonlybelievedthatepilepsywascontagious,so hewasmoved,withallhisbelongings,fromthemain housetotheservants’quarters.Whenhewould haveanattack,mymotherwouldbecometotally distraughtandscream,“ThereisnoGod!”Hehas beeninstitutionalizedforthepastfifteenyears.

WhenIwassixteenIbegantohaveallthe symptomsofepilepsy foamingatthemouth, fainting,vomiting,incompleteconfusion.Yetbrain scansshowednothing.

Myfather,anexcellentleaderofmen,was extremelypassivewithhissevensons,andexercised norealauthority.Icannotrememberhiseven speakingtomeuntilIbecameaman yetIadored him.HefrequentedaspiritistcenterIneverfelt goodaboutspiritism,butwouldonoccasiongo myself.

Idon’treallyunderstandhowithappened,butI wasacceptedforstudyatafineartsschool where Iobtainedamaster’sdegree,withhonorsingraphic arts!ButIneverpursuedthatcareer.Ichoseto becomeafashionmodel,andtraveledfromBrazilto Paris,modeling.

Iwasheavilyinvolvedindrugsandafast-paced lifestyleSometimesIwouldspendtimealoneatmy family’sbeachhouse.Iwouldlookattheskyand thinkoftheOnewhoputthestarsintheskyand causedthesuntorise.IhungeredtoknowwhoHe was,butIdidn’tknowwheretolook.

ThenImetEllen,aJewessfromtheUSA,alsoa fashionmodel.WhenImether,Idecidedtochange mylifestyle,butIcouldn’tdoit.Shewentawayfor

fivedaysonanassignment,andIwenttothebeach withmyfriends.WewerehighondrugsandwhenI enteredtheroughwater,Iwasimmediatelydragged inbyapowerfulwave.Waveafterwaveslammed onme.Icouldn’tgetmybreath.Ithought O God, now that I’ve met Ellen and I want to change, am I going to die? Thiswasthefirsttimeinmy37 yearsthatIhadcalledonGod,butHeheardme andsuddenlyIwasonthesand,tremblingand bruisedallover,intotalpanic,yetamazedtobe alive.

WithinelevenmonthsInotonlyhadawife,but alsoababy andIcouldnotcope.Insteadofhiding myheadinmyarmsasIdidasasmallboy,Iwould “phaseout”andstareattheceilinginatrance....I wasstillamodel,andeverythingelseItriedfailed.. .soIdecidedtotakemywifeandsontoFort Lauderdale,Florida.

Myfirstjobwasworkingpart-timeinamen’s clothingshoponfashionableLasOlasBoulevard.I wasterrified Icouldn’tspeakproperEnglish soI alsodugditches,crackedholesincement,cleaned bathroomsandwashedcars.Ihadaseriousproblem withpornographyandwasintotaldepression.I couldnotadjusttoAmericanculture,andmostofthe peopleIworkedforcheatedmeordidn’tpaymeat

all.

ThenwewereinvitedtoGoodNewsChurch; Ellenwasbroughttoherkneesandreceivedthe Lordwithnointellectualunderstanding justfear andtrembling!Iwentforwardforsalvationthenext week,butnothingseemedtohappen.Thetrances gotworse;Icouldn’tkeepajobforevenoneweek; mydepressionwasworse;EllenandIfought constantlybecausewehadnomoney.

SinceEllenhadbeeninvolvedintheoccult,she knewsheneededdeliverance andshegotitwhen sherenouncedeverythingoccult.Icouldnotbelieve thatIneededdeliverancefromevilspirits andI alsocouldnotbelievethatGodwantedtoblessme thewayIsawHimblessingothers.

Bythistime,Ihaddonealmosteverymenialtask ageneral’ssonwouldneverdo!Peoplewouldsay, “Whydon’tyouuseyourcreativeabilities?”ButI wasafraid—anythinggoodseemedunattainable.

IwenttoDerekPrince’sseminaron“Curses: CauseandCure,”butnothinghappened.Igotthe tapesandplayedthemoverandover.Icouldseemy need,andIdesperatelywantedtobesetfree butit seemedthatitdidn’tworkforme.

Igotdeliveredgradually.Aftertwoandahalf yearsasaChristian,withnoprogress,Idecidedto

fastandaskGodtohelpmeanddeliverme.Iwas abletofasttendays,andwhensomeChristian friendsprayedforme,Ireceivedpartialdeliverance.

ForthefirsttimeinmylifeIhadsomeJOY... butitdidn’tlast.Wehadnumerouscaraccidents;I wasneverabletosupportmyfamily;Iworried aboutmyfatherinBrazil,whowasdying,butwe couldnotpossiblyaffordtogotovisithim.

Peoplewhotriedtohelpmethoughtmysituation wasimpossible Iwassopassive.Iwasvery uncomfortablewithChristianmen....

Ellenandtwofriendsbegantomeetandprayfor theirhusbandsat6:00a.m.attheprayerhouse.She wouldsay,“I’mgoingtopraythatyouwillbea successinallthatyouputyourhandto,andthatthe Lordwillgiveyouajobthatyou’llloveandusethe giftsHe’ssetwithinyou.”Icouldnotbelievethat Godwouldanswersuchaprayer;howcouldshe?

(Sincethenallthreewomenhaveseentheirprayers answered:Onehusbandisnowinfull-timeministry, onewasdeliveredfromalcoholismandIgotexactly whatmywifeprayedfor.)

Finally,aftersixyearsasaChristian,Iwenttothe pastorfordeliverancefromevilspirits(afteryears ofbeingtooproudtoadmitIneededit).ThenIwent to“EvangelismExplosion”training.WhenI

discoveredwhatJesusChristhaddoneforme,I wastotallyamazed.IhadsomuchJOY Iwasin lovewithGod myco-workersandclientsinthe storebegantocometochurchtofindoutwhathad happenedtome!

Again,afterawhile,myjoydwindled myjob, myfinances,myconcernformydyingfather...I wasstillpassive,stillfrustrated.Ibegantogetan urgetopaint butIwassoscared,soafraidof failing.FinallyItried andIdidsuchprimarywork thatpeoplethoughtmyson,ageeight,haddoneit! ButGodwasstirringupideas Ibegantocreatein mymind....

Idecidedtogoonaforty-dayfast.IfeltGod wantedmetoleavemyjobintheclothingstore,butI wantedtobe sure.IsaidIwouldn’teatuntilHe spoketome.AfterfortydaysIstillhadheard nothing.SoIatefortwoweeksandfastedfortwo weeksallsummer.Thatwasthehardestsummerof mylife.ItwassohardthatIlearnedto cry out to GodforHismercy.I begged Himtospeaktome. I needed to know His will. Mywifeandmychildren wouldlayhandsonmeandpraythatGodwoulddo amiracleinmylife....

Thenanartistfriendgavemesomecanvas stretchedonboards....OneSundayIsentmy

familytochurch,anddidmyfirstpainting.

Twodayslater,seatedintheclothingshop,the Lordspoketome:Otto, do you believe that I really want to bless you?

Isaid,“Yes,Lord....”

Then why are you sitting here? You are here because you do not want to be blessed. It is your choice. You have never really trusted Me to completely control your life.

Isaid,“Takeit!MylifeisYours.”

Hesaid, Take your bag and go home. (Forme, itwasasifHehadsaid,“Takeupyourpalletand walk.”)

Igotup,walkedoutandneverlookedback. Thatfirstpaintingsoldwithinoneweekfor$80. WithintwoweeksIwaspaid$900forsixpaintings. Aftertwomonthsmypaintingsbrought$600each; withinoneyear$1,000;beforetwoyearsupto $6,500.

IhavesoldeverythingIhaveeverpaintedandI cannotkeepupwiththedemand and I love my work!

Afterninemonthsofpainting,notonlywasIable tosupportmyfamily,butwehadenoughmoneyto gotoBrazil.Myfatherhad never heardtheGospel, butwhenheheard,hebelieved!Ihadthejoyof

seeingmy89-year-oldfathergatherupeveryounce ofstrengthtopraythesinner’sprayer,andIalsoled severalofmybrothersandsisters,plusnursesand strangers,totheLord.Twoweeksafterwereturned totheU.S.,myfatherdiedwithjoyonhisface! WhataprivilegeGodgaveme.

Themainchangesinmylifeseemobviously financial but,farmoreimportant,Godcompleted therevelationofwhatJesusdidformeonthecross. NowIfullybelieveHesetusfreefromthecurse andthatHisdesireistoblessus,andthatHewants ustogiveHim complete controloverallthat concernsus.ThatwithoutHispower,Hisgrace,I cannotdoanything muchlesscreate.Iamtotally dependentuponHisanointing.I know that He loves me!

Godnowspeakstomeindreamsandvery clearly....IamconfidentifHewantsmetostop painting,itwillbetodosomethingbetter.I’ll continuepraisingHimandtrusting.

Inowhavethreeprecious,healthychildren,a happymarriage,wonderfulfriendsandconsider myselfblessedamongmen. I have seen the enemy completely defeated in my own life,andGodhas givenmeatestimonythathasencouragedmultitudes ofChristiansandbaffledtheunsaved.

Otto’sstorycontainsanumberoffeaturesthataretypical ofpeoplewhoselivesareovershadowedbycurses.Itcan alsoencouragethosewhoareseekingtohelplovedonesin asimilarcondition.Herearesomeofthemainlessonstobe learned.

TherootcauseofthecursesoverOtto’slifewashis ancestors’deepinvolvementinspiritismovermany generations.Ithasbeenmyobservationthatcursesfollow thistypeofinvolvementassurelyasnightfollowsday.

TheensuingcursesdidnotjustaffectOttoasan individual.Theyaffectedalmostallhisbrothersandsisters, butinvariousways.Hestatesthattwoofthemhavespent longperiodsinpsychiatricinstitutions.

OneofthefirststepsinOtto’sreleasewasa correct diagnosis ofhiscondition.Onceheunderstoodclearlythat hislifewasunderacurse,hewasmotivatedtoseekthe releasethatJesushadpurchasedforhimthroughthe exchangeonthecross.

But,likemanyothers,Ottohadlivedsolongundera cursethathecouldnotenvisageGod’sblessingasareality inhisownlife.Lefttohimself,heprobablywouldnever havebeenabletoenterintotheblessing.Hewastootimid andwithdrawn.Helackedthe“forcefulness”neededto pressintoGod’sKingdom.Butpersistentintercessionby Otto’swifeandchildren,andbyothers,graduallyreleased

himfromhistimidityandbuiltupinhimthedeterminedfaith thatenabledhimtopassfromthecursetotheblessing.

ThisshouldencourageotherChristianswhoare concernedaboutfamilymembersorotherlovedonesunder acurse.Patient,persistentintercession motivatedbylove canreleasethosewhoarenotabletoexercisefaithfor themselves.

Perhapsparentsarereadingthiswhorealizewithdeep anguishthattheirtrespassingintotheocculthasbrought cursesupontheirchildren,causingthemtobecomecaptives ofSatan.ForsuchparentswhorepentandseekGodwith theirwholehearts,HehasaspecialpromiseinIsaiah 49:24–25:

Canplunderbetakenfromwarriors,orcaptives rescuedfromthefierce?ButthisiswhattheLORD says:“Yes,captiveswillbetakenfromwarriors,and plunderretrievedfromthefierce;Iwillcontendwith thosewhocontendwithyou,andyourchildrenIwill save.”

Finally,itisencouragingtolookattheextentofthe blessingsOttonowenjoys.Godhasblessedhim justasHe blessedAbraham “inallthings.”

Questions for the Study

1.WhatwastheadmonitionJoshuareceivedthreetimes whenhewascommissionedtobeIsrael’snewleader?

2.Trueorfalse:IfyouarewalkingwiththeLord,you willnotexperiencetribulation.

3.WhatwasoneofthefirststepsinOtto’sreleaseofthe conditionofhislife?

4.Trueorfalse:Formanywhohavelivedalongtime underacurse,itishardtoenvisionGod’sblessingasa realityintheirownlives.

5. and intercessionthatis motivatedbylovecanhelpfamilymembersfindrelease fromcurses.

Life Application

1.HowdoesOtto’sstoryencourageyoutopersevere?

2.DoyoubelieveGodwantstoblessyou?Ifnot,why not?

Memory Verse

“HaveInotcommandedyou?Bestrongandofgood courage;donotbeafraid,norbedismayed.”

Faith Response

Lord, I will press on to take hold of that for which You took hold of me (see Philippians 3:12).

Answers

1.“Bestrongandofgoodcourage.”

2.False.Acts14:22states,“Wemustthroughmany tribulationsenterthekingdomofGod.”

3.Correctdiagnosisofthecurse.

4.True.

5.Patient,persistent.

BeyondConfession:Proclamation,Thanksgiving, Praise

Intheprayerofreleaseinchapter18,theinitialfocuswas onthetruthrevealedinHebrews3:1:Jesusisthe“High Priestofourconfession.”Thisprincipleshouldalsogovern ourongoingrelationshipwiththeLord.Ineverysituationwe encounter,wemustrespondwithanappropriatescriptural confessioninordertoinvokeonourbehalfthecontinuing ministryofJesusasourHighPriest.

Inmostsituationswehavethreepossibilities:tomakea positive,scripturalconfession;tomakenoconfession;to makeanegative,unscripturalconfession.Ifwemakea positiveconfession,wereleasetheministryofJesustohelp usandtomeetourneed.Ifwemakenoconfession,weare leftatthemercyofourcircumstances.Ifwemakea negativeconfession,weexposeourselvestoevil,demonic forces.Inchapter12,onthethemeof“self-imposed curses,”variousexamplesweregiven,showinghow negativewordsreleaseevilandnegativeforcesinto people’slives.

Itisimportanttodistinguishbetweenthescriptural

confessionofgenuinefaithandsuchthingsaswishful thinkingorirreverentpresumptionorsomekindof“mindovermatter”philosophy.Therearethreemaindifferences. Firstofall,“confession”inthebiblicalsenseislimitedtothe statementsandpromisesoftheBible.Itconsistsinsaying withourmouthwhatGodhasalreadysaidinHisWord. Beyondthisconfessioncannotgo.

Second,confessionisalsolimitedbytheconditions attachedtoanyparticularpromises.Thegreatmajorityof thepromisesintheBibleare conditional.Godsays,in effect,“Ifyouwilldothis,thenIwilldothat.”Ifwehave notdonetheappropriate“this,”thenwehavenorightto expectthatGodwilldothecorresponding“that.”

Confessionisvalidonlyiftheappropriateconditionshave beenfulfilled.Itisneverasubstituteforobedience.

Third,confessioncannotbereducedtoaconvenient “system,”operatedbyhumanwill.AccordingtoRomans 10:10,confessioniseffectiveonlyifitproceedsfromfaithin the heart.Thereisaradicaldifferencebetweenfaithinthe heartandfaithinthemind.Faithinthemindisproducedby ourownmentalprocesses;allitcanproduceiswords, devoidofpower.Ontheotherhand,faithintheheartis producedonlybytheHolySpirit,anditproduces words charged with power toaccomplishwhatisconfessed. WhatGodhaspromisedtofaithintheheartisoutofthe

reachofmerementalfaith.

Inimpartingfaithtotheheart,theHolySpiritjealously guardsHisownsovereignty.Heisnotamenableto “witchcraft.”NoonecanmanipulateHimorintimidateHim ormakeHimdoanythingcontrarytoHisownwill.

Concerningthiskindoffaith,PaultellsusinEphesians2:8–9thatitis“notofyourselves;itisthegiftofGod,notof works, lest anyone should boast”(emphasisadded).

Mentalfaithoftentendstobeboastfulandself-assertive. Genuinefaithintheheart,ontheotherhand,humbly acknowledgesitstotaldependenceuponGod.

Withthesequalifications,however,confession rightly understoodandpracticed canbeadecisivefactorinthe Christianlife.InJames3:4–5theapostlecomparesthe tonguetotherudderofaship.Althoughtinyincomparison tothewholestructureoftheship,therudderdeterminesthe coursethattheshipwillfollow.Usedrightly,itwillguidethe shipsafelytoitsappointedharbor.Usedwrongly,itwill causeshipwreck.

Thisappliestothewayweexpressourfaith.Right confessioncanbringusintoalltheblessingsGodhas promised.Wrongconfessioncantakeusfurtherandfurther away intoperilous,unchartedseaswheresomekindof shipwreckawaitsus.

Peopleareoftenunwillingtoacceptresponsibilityforthe

wordstheyspeak.AccordingtoJesus,however,thereisno waytoescapetheissue:“Forbyyourwordsyouwillbe justified,andbyyourwordsyouwillbecondemned” (Matthew12:37).Ourwordswilleitherconfirmour righteousnessinGod’ssight,ortheywillbringusunder condemnation.Thereisnomiddleground.

AccordingtoRomans10:10,faithintheheartbecomes fullyeffectiveonlywhenitisconfessedwiththemouth. Thisisalsotrueofunbelief.Whenweexpressourunbelief inwords,wereleaseitsnegativepowertoworkagainstus, andtowithholdfromustheblessingsGodhaspromisedto faith.

ThewriterofHebrewsofferstwofurtherwarnings concerningtheimportanceofrightconfession.InHebrews 4:14:“SeeingthenthatwehaveagreatHighPriestwhohas passedthroughtheheavens,JesustheSonofGod,letus holdfastourconfession.”

Again,inHebrews10:21,23:“AndhavingaHighPriest overthehouseofGod...letusholdfasttheconfessionof ourhopewithoutwavering,forHewhopromisedis faithful.”

Ineachofthesepassages,thereisadirectlinkbetween ourconfessionandtheministryofJesusasourHighPriest.

ThesameprincipleholdstruethroughouttheNew Testament:ItisourconfessionthatunitesustoJesusasour

HighPriestandreleasesHispriestlyministryonourbehalf.

Theothermainemphasisinthesepassagesisonthe words hold fast.Itisimportanttomaketherightinitial confession,butthatisnotsufficientbyitself.Inevery subsequentsituationwherethesameissuesapply,wemust consistentlyreaffirmouroriginalconfession.

InHebrews10:23thewriterchallengesusnotmerelyto holdfastourconfession,buttoholditfast without wavering. Clearlyheenvisagesvariouspossiblesituations thatmightcauseustowaver.“Wavering”mightexpress itselfinfailingtomaintaintheinitialrightconfession,oreven inchangingapositiveconfessiontoanegativeone.Inany case,thewarningagainstwaveringindicatesthatthe pressuresdirectedagainstusallhaveoneobjective:tomake usretract,orevendeny,ouroriginalrightconfession.

Theconceptofrightconfessionseemssosimple,perhaps evensimplistic:justtosayconcerningeachproblemoreach testexactly,andonly,whattheBiblesaysaboutit,andto keeponsayingit.Yes,itissimple,butitisnoteasy!Infact, Ihaveconcluded bothfromexperienceinmyownlifeand fromobservationinthelivesofothers thatitisperhapsthe mostsearchingtestofChristiancharacterandcommitment.

Itisthetestthathasconfrontedeverymartyr.Facedby accusation,threats,torture,hehasonesupreme commitment:tomaintainhisconfessionofthetruth to the

Whentheaccusationscomefromvisible,humanenemies, theissuesatleastareclear.Butthereisanotherkindof test,lesseasytodiscern,inwhichtheaccusationsare inward,directedagainstthemindbyinvisibledemonic powers.Yettheissueisthesame:tomaintainthe confessionofthetruthwithunwaveringdeterminationuntil thoseinvisibleforcesaresilencedandrouted.

AnyChristianwhosuccessfullypassesthistestcanbe assuredthathewillbeanovercomerandthat,assuch,he willinherittheblessingsthatGodhaspromisedtothosewho overcome.

Togivefull,victoriousexpressiontofaith,however,there isonefurtherbiblicalconceptthattakesusbeyond confession.Itis“proclamation.”DerivedfromaLatinverb meaningto“shoutforth”orto“shoutaloud,” proclamation suggestsstrong,confidentassertionoffaith,whichcannot besilencedbyanyformofoppositionordiscouragement.It impliesatransitionfromadefensiveposturetooneof attack

InPsalm118:11–17thepsalmistdescribessuchan experience.Hisenemieshadsurroundedhimoneveryside andwereabouttodestroyhim,buttheLordintervenedand gavehimvictory.Histransitionfromdefensetoattackis describedinverses15and17:“Shoutsofjoyandvictory

resoundinthetentsoftherighteous:‘TheLORD’sright handhasdonemightythings!’...Iwillnotdiebutlive,and willproclaimwhattheLORD hasdone”(niv,emphasis added).

Itwasthepsalmist’sjoyful,confidentproclamationof whattheLordhaddoneforhimthatsetthesealonhis victory.Rightlypracticed,itwilldothesameforus.

AswepracticetheconfidentproclamationofallthatGod hasprovidedforusthroughthesacrificeofJesus,itwill naturallyleadusontotwofurtherformsofexpression: thanksgivingandpraise.Ifwetrulybelievewhatwe proclaim,thisistheonlyappropriateresponse!Wherever thereisgenuinefaith,proclamationwillalwaysbefollowed bythanksgivingandpraise.

Althoughthanksgivingandpraisearecloselyrelated, thereisadistinctionbetweenthem.Simplystated,wethank GodforwhatHe does;wepraiseHimforwhoHe is. Joinedtogether,thanksgivingandpraisegiveusdirect accesstoGod’spresence.

ThisisdepictedvividlyintheimageryofPsalm100:4: “EnterintoHisgateswiththanksgiving,andintoHiscourts withpraise.BethankfultoHim,andblessHisname.”

ThepsalmistpicturestwostagesinapproachingGod. First,weenterHis gates with thanksgiving;then,wepass throughHis courts with praise.Thisbringsusintothe

immediatepresenceofGod.Ifwedonotfulfillthese requirementsforaccess,wecanstillcryouttoGod but onlyfromadistance.InHismercyHewillrespondtoour cry,butwehavenodirectaccessintoHispresence.

Thanksgivingandpraisearethetwomostimmediate waysinwhichourfaithcanrespondtoGod.WheneverGod givesusapromiseofblessingorrevealsaprovisionHehas madeforus,weneedtorespondlikeAbrahamandaccept God’swordtousastruefromthemomentitisspoken. Logically,therefore,webegintothankandpraiseHim immediately.Wedonotwaituntilwehaveactually experiencedthefulfillmentofthepromiseortheprovision.

In2Chronicles20,thisprincipleisillustratedbyanevent inthereignofJehoshaphat,kingofJudah.Wordhadcome tothekingthatavastinvadingarmywasadvancingagainst himfromthesouth.Jehoshaphatknewthathedidnothave themilitaryresourcestoopposethisarmy.Consequently,he summonedallhispeopletogethertoseekGod’shelpby unitedprayerandfasting.

Godrespondedtotheirprayerbyapropheticutterance, giventhroughaLevite,whichdirectedJehoshaphattolead hispeopleagainsttheenemybyacertainroute.Italso containedwordsofassuranceandencouragement:

“Donotbeafraidnordismayedbecauseofthisgreat

multitude,forthebattleisnotyours,butGod’s.... Youwillnotneedtofightinthisbattle.Position yourselves,standstillandseethesalvationofthe LORD,whoiswithyou.”

2Chronicles20:15,17

Nothinghadchangedatthispointinthemilitarysituation, butJehoshaphatreceivedGod’spromise by faith,without demandingfurtherevidence.

Thenextdayheappointedthosewhoshouldsingto theLORD,andwhoshouldpraisethebeautyof holiness,astheywentoutbeforethearmyandwere saying:“PraisetheLORD,forHismercyendures forever.”

2Chronicles20:21

Thiswascertainlynottheconventionalwayforanarmy togointobattle butitworked!AssoonastheLordheard thepraisesofHispeople,Heintervenedsovereignlyand supernaturallybysendingaspiritofdivisionamongthe variousnationalgroupswithintheinvadingarmy.Suddenly, andfornoapparentreason,theybegantofighteachother, untilallweretotallydestroyed.ThepeopleofJudahdidnot needtofight,butonlytogatherthebootyfromtheirslain enemies!GodintervenedinthiswaybecauseHispeople respondedtoHispromisesbyfaith,withoutwaitingfor furtherconfirmation.

Twoimportantprinciplesareillustratedbythisaccount. First,GodexpectsustopraiseHimforthepromisesHe givesus,withoutwaitingtoseethemfulfilled.Second, praiseofferedinfaithreleasesthesupernaturalintervention ofGodonourbehalf.Brieflystated:Faithbeginstopraise God before thepromisedvictory,notmerelyafterit.

IntheNewTestament,inActs16,theexperienceofPaul andSilasinPhilippidramaticallyillustratesthesame principles.Asaresultofcastingademonoutofaslavegirl, theyhadbeenunjustlyarrested,savagelyabusedand beaten,andthenthrownintothemaximumsecuritysection ofthejail,withtheirfeetinstocks.Therewasnorayoflight

intheirdarkness,nosourceofcomfortorencouragementin theirphysicalsituation,noassuranceastowhatthefuture held.

Yetintheirspiritstheyknewthatnothingcouldchange theeternalfaithfulnessofGod,andnothingcouldrobthem ofthevictoryChristhadwonforthem.Thelogicoftheir faithtriumphedoverthelogicoftheircircumstances.At midnight thedarkesthour theyweresinginghymnsof praisetoGod!

TheirpraisesdidthesameforthemasforJehoshaphat’s army:TheyreleasedthesupernaturalinterventionofGodon theirbehalf.“Suddenlytherewasagreatearthquake,so thatthefoundationsoftheprisonwereshaken;and immediatelyallthedoorswereopenedandeveryone’s chainswereloosed”(Acts16:26).

ThelessonofJehoshaphat’sarmyandofPaulandSilas inthejailissummedupbytheLordHimselfinPsalm50:23: “Hewhosacrificesthankofferingshonorsme,andhe preparesthewaysothatImayshowhimthesalvationof God”(niv).

God’ssalvationisalreadycompletethroughthesacrifice ofJesusonthecross.Nothingwesayordocanever changethat.Butwhenwerespondwithsacrificesof thanksgivingandpraise,weopenthewayforsalvation’s benefitstobemanifestedinourlives.LikeJehoshaphat,and

likePaulandSilas,wemustlearntoofferthesesacrificesin faith,beforewehaveactuallyexperiencedthebenefits.

InPsalm20:5Davidsaid,“InthenameofourGodwe willsetupourbanners!”Again,inSongofSolomon6:10, theBrideofChristisportrayedas“awesomeasanarmy withbanners.”Threeofthemosteffective“banners”God hasgivenusare proclamation, thanksgiving and praise.

First,weraisethebannerof proclamation.Wespeak outboldly,infaith,thepromiseortheprovisionofGod’s Wordthatappliestoourparticularsituationormeetsour particularneed.ThenwegoontothankGod stillinfaith forthetruthwehaveproclaimed.Finally,wemovefrom thanksgiving tothejubilant praise.Allthiswedo in pure faith,withoutwaitingforanyvisiblechangeinoursituation.

InHisownwayandtime,Godrespondstoourfaith,just asHedidtothatofAbraham.Thetruth,whichwehave proclaimedandforwhichwehavethankedandpraised Him,becomesarealityinourexperience.

Byraisingthesethreebannersofproclamation, thanksgivingandpraise,weachievetwopurposesatone andthesametime.First,wesecureforourselvesthe promisedblessingsofGodthatwehaveproclaimed.

Second,weshutoutthesatanicforcesthatwouldresistus andseektowithholdtheblessingsfromus.Inthisway, marchingtogetherintoourinheritance,wefulfillSolomon’s

propheticpictureofanarmyawesomewithbanners.

Questions for the Study

1.Whatprincipleshouldgovernourongoingrelationship withtheLord?

2.Whatarethethreepossibilitiesopentousregarding ourconfession?

3.Confessioninthebiblicalsenseislimitedtothe and oftheBible.

4.Trueorfalse:Thegreatmajorityofpromisesinthe Bibleareconditional.

5.AccordingtoRomans10:10,faithintheheartbecomes fullyeffectiveonlywhenitis bythe mouth.

6.Wherethereisgenuinefaith,proclamationwillalways befollowedby and .

7.Whattwoprinciplesareillustratedbythestoryofthe worshiperswhoprecededJehoshaphat’sarmy?

Life Application

1.Areproclamation,thanksgivingandpraiseadailypart ofyourspirituallife?Ifnot,whynot?

2.Whatcanyoudotomaketheseactivitiesmoreactive inyourlife?

Memory Verse

“Hewhosacrificesthankofferingshonorsme,andhe preparesthewaysothatImayshowhimthesalvationof God.”

Psalm50:23,NIV

Faith Response

Almighty God, like King David I declare that “I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works” (Psalm9:1).

Answers

1.ThatJesusisthe“HighPriestofourconfession” (Hebrews3:1).

2.Tomakeapositive,scripturalconfession;tomakeno confession;andtomakeanegative,unscriptural confession.

3.Statements,promises.

4.True.

5.Confessed.

6.Thanksgiving,praise.

7.FaithpraisesGodbeforethepromisedvictory;and praiseofferedinfaithreleasesGod’svictory.

Proclamations forContinuingVictory

ThetruthsIhavebeensharinginthisbookaremuchmore thantheoutcomeofanintellectualpursuitofknowledgein theabstract.Onthecontrary,Ihave“mined”themoutof intense,persistentprayerandspiritualconflict,inwhich RuthandIhavesharedtogetherforatleastthreeyears. Everymaintruthunfoldedinthisbookhasbeensubjected firsttothetestofourownexperience.Ihavenotfeltfreeto passontootherstheoriesthathavenotworkedforus.

InthepreviouschapterIexplainedhowproclamation, thanksgivingandpraise,workingtogether,canreleaseinto ourlivesthepromisedblessingsofGod.InthischapterIam goingtosharebrieflyhowRuthandIhavebeenlearningto applythisprincipleinourownlives.Theregularpracticeof proclaimingGod’sWord,andthenthankingandpraising Himforit,hasbecomeanintegralpartofourpersonal spiritualdiscipline.Weregardthisasoneofthemost valuabletruthsthatGodhasopenedtousfromthe Scriptures.

Godhasledustoestablishacentral“bank”ofScriptures, whichwehavememorizedandwhichwedrawuponinour

timesofprayer,orwheneverwebecomeinvolvedin spiritualconflict.Proclaimingtheseinfaithinvariably releasescorrespondingexpressionsofthanksgivingand praise.

Normally,wespeaktheseoutloud,aloneortogether.We arenottalkingtooneanother,however,nortothewallsor theceilingofourroom.Wearespeakingtoavast,invisible worldofspiritbeings:firstofall,toGodtheFather,theSon andtheSpirit;thentoalltheheavenlybeingswhoworship andserveGod,andwhohavebeenappointed“ministering spirits,sentouttorenderserviceforthesakeofthosewho willinheritsalvation”(Hebrews1:14,nasb).Wearealso consciousthatwearesurroundedbya“greatcloudof witnesses,”madeupofthesaintsofallageswhohave victoriouslycompletedtheirearthlypilgrimage(see Hebrews12:1,niv).

WebelievethatthisisalegitimateapplicationofHebrews 12:22–24:

ButyouhavecometoMountZion,totheheavenly Jerusalem,thecityofthelivingGod.Youhavecome tothousandsuponthousandsofangelsinjoyful assembly,tothechurchofthefirstborn,whose namesarewritteninheavenYouhavecometoGod, thejudgeofallmen,tothespiritsofrighteousmen

madeperfect,toJesusthemediatorofanew covenant,andtothesprinkledbloodthatspeaksa betterwordthanthebloodofAbel.

NIV

Alsoincludedinouraudience,however,areSatanandall theevilangelsandotherdemonicbeingsunderhiscontrol. TheseoperateinawayexactlyoppositetoGod’s ministeringangels.Theirpurposeistoinflicteveryformof harmandevilontheentirehumanrace,butfirstand foremostonthosewhoareservingthetrueGod.

Inthiscontext,ourproclamationhastwoeffects.Onthe onehand,itinvokesonourbehalfthehelpofGodandHis angels.Ontheotherhand,itprotectsusfromtheschemes andassaultsofSatanandhisdemonicforces.

Thisformofproclamationiscontinuallybuildingupour faith.AccordingtoRomans10:17,“Faithcomesbyhearing. ..theword[the rhema,thespokenword]ofGod.”Hearing othersspeakGod’sWordishelpful,buthearingourselves speakitisevenmoreeffective.Aswebothspeakandhear, bothedgesoftheswordofGod’sWordareatworkinus simultaneously(seeHebrews4:12).

Finally,whenwemakethesameproclamationtogether,in harmony,supernaturalpowerisreleased.Jesussays,“If

twoofyouagree[harmonize]...concerninganything...it willbedoneforthembyMyFatherinheaven”(Matthew 18:19).Thepowerofonebelievermakingaproclamationon hisownistremendous,butthepoweroftwoormore makingthesameproclamationtogetherinharmony increasesbygeometricprogression.

Therearemanytimesandsituations,ofcourse,whenit wouldbeoutofplacetomakeaproclamationoutloud.The alternativeistomakethesameproclamationinaudiblyin one’smind.Inaudiblewordscanalsomakeapowerful impactinthespiritualrealm.

Thisisprobablythemosteffectivewaytodealwithlies andaccusationswithwhichtheenemybombardsourminds. Themindisthemainfieldofbattleinallconflictsofthis kind.WhenourmindsareactivelyrespondingtotheWord weareproclaiminginwardly,noroomisleftfortheenemy’s negativethoughtsandinsinuations.

Inallofthis,however,wemustbecarefultorecognize ourcontinuingdependencyontheHolySpirit.Otherwise, thecarnalmindcanreducetheseprinciplestoa“system”in whichGodplaystheroleofa“heavenlyvendingmachine.”

Wesimplyinserttherightproclamation,andoutcomesany brandofcarnalgratificationthatweselect!Obviously,this isacaricatureofabeliever’srelationshipwithGod.

Theremaybeawidegapbetweenthewayweview

ourselvesandthewaytheHolySpiritviewsus.Wemaybe consciousofwhatwe want,whereastheHolySpiritsees whatwe need.Healonecanbetrustedtodirecteachofus tothetypeofproclamationthatappliestoourindividual situationandleveloffaith.Inthisway,Godcanaccomplish Hispurposeinourlives.

Withthiscaution,Ifeelitwouldbehelpfulformetolist onthefollowingpages,simplyaspatterns,someofthe proclamationsthatRuthandImakeregularly,togetherwith thesituationsinwhichtheywouldbeappropriate.Sofaras possible,we“personalize”theScriptureswequote.For instance,ifastatementisaddressedtobelieversand introducedwiththepronoun“you,”wenormallychangeitto “I”or“we,”andalsomakeanyothergrammaticalchanges thatareindicated.

MylistopenswithScripturesthataredirectlyconnected withthethemeofthisbook,butcontinueswithothersthat haveamoregeneralapplication.Somecommentsand wordsofexplanationareinterspersed.Ineachcase,the relevantScripturereferenceisgiven.

1.As aresultofprayingthe prayerofrelease from curses (see chapter18)

ThroughthesacrificeofJesusonthecross,Ihave

passedoutfromunderthecurseandenteredintothe blessingofAbraham,whomGodblessedinall things.

basedonGalatians3:13–14

Ruthhasreceivedreleasefrommanycursesoverherlife, butshehashadacontinuingbattlewalkingitoutin experience.Thisproclamationhasthereforebecome particularlysignificantforus.Weoftenmakeitseveral timesinaday.Overthepasttwoorthreeyearswehave repeatedthesewordsmanyhundredsoftimes.Eachtime wedoso,wemovefurtherawayfromeffectsofcursesand intotheblessingthatisourinheritance.

2.Whenbecomingaware ofnegative forces directed againstus,eitherfromservants ofSatanorfrom soulishutterances ofChristians (see chapters 13, 14and15)

Noweaponformedagainstmeshallprosper,and everytonguethatrisesagainstmeinjudgmentIdo nowcondemn.Thisismyheritage[myinheritance right]asaservantoftheLORD,andmy

righteousnessisfromYou,OLORD.

Therearetwoimportantpointstonoteinconnectionwith thisproclamation.First,wearenotdirectedtoaskGodto condemnanytonguethatspeaksagainstus.Godhasgiven ustheauthoritytodothisforourselves,andHeexpectsus toexerciseit.

Second,ourrighttoexercisethisauthoritydependsonthe factthatwearenotactingoutofourownrighteousness,but becauseGod’srighteousnessisimputedtousonthebasisof ourfaith.Clearlythisproceedsoutoftheexchangeby whichJesus,onthecross,wasmadesinwithoursinfulness thatwemightbecomerighteouswithHisrighteousness.The variousbenefitsofthatexchangeareallinterrelated,and shouldnotbeseparatedfromeachother.

ButGodrequiresmoreofusthanjustturningbackthe evilwordsspokenagainstus.Afterthat,Heinstructsusto forgivethosewhoseektoharmus.Finally,Heexpectsusto movefromthenegativetothepositive:torespondtoacurse withablessing.1

Blessingthosewhocurseus,justlikeforgivingthosewho harmus,doesnotdependonouremotions.Itproceedsfrom afirmdecisionofourwill,madeinobediencetoGod’s Word.Hereisasuitableformofwordsthatcoversboth forgivingandblessing:

Lord,Iforgiveallwhohavespokenevilagainstme, andhavingforgiventhem,IblesstheminYour name.

Altogether,weneedtofollowthreesuccessivestepsin respondingtothosewhocurseus.First,wecondemnthe tonguethathasutteredthecurse.Second,weforgivethe personfromwhomthecurseproceeded.Third,weaskGod toblesstheperson.Bycarryingoutthesethreesteps,we candissipateanyspiritualdarknessorheavinessthata cursehasbroughtonus.

3.Whenpressures ofsinorguiltorunworthiness pursue us fromourpast

IaminChrist,andthereforeIamanewcreation. Allthoseoldthingshavepassedaway.Everythingin mylifehasbecomenew,andeverythingisfrom God.

basedon2Corinthians5:17–18

Godacceptstotalresponsibilityforthenewcreation.Itis allHisdoing.Nothingiscarriedoverfromtheoldcreation, whichhasbeenmarredandcorruptedbysin.

Whenthepastreassertsitsclaimsoverus,weneedto

meditateonthepictureJohngivesusinRevelation21:5:

ThenHewhosatonthethronesaid,“Behold,I makeallthingsnew.”AndHesaidtome,“Write, forthesewordsaretrueandfaithful.”

ThesewordscomefromtheOnewhositsonthethrone, theOnewhohasunderHiscontroltheentireuniverseand everythinginit.Thatincludeseverydetailofourlives.He reaffirmsthatHemakes everything new.

ItseemsthatJohnmighthavewonderedinwardly whetherthiswastoostupendousaclaim,evenforGod.But theLordassureshim:“Write,forthesewordsaretrueand faithful.”ItisasifHesays:“Yes,John,youreallycan assureMypeople:IdoexactlywhatIsay.”

4.Whenoppressedbyhopelessness andgloomy forebodings ofdeath

Iwillnotdiebutlive,andwillproclaimwhatthe LORD hasdone.

Psalm118:17,niv

Ofcourse,thisdoesnotmean“Iwillneverdie” butonly “IwillnotdiebeforeGod’sappointedtime Iwillnotallow

myselftobemurderedbySatan.”Proclaimedwithfaithand understanding,thisversecandeliverandprotectthosewho areassailedbythespiritofdeath.Itcanbeusedtorevoke thenegativeutterancesbywhichpeopleexposethemselves tothatspirit.(Forexamples,seechapter12.)

Forsomepeopleitmaybenecessarytorepeatthis proclamationmanytimesover,untilitbecomesmorereal thanalltheirpreviousnegativethoughtpatterns.Remember thatJesusrequiredPetertoreaffirmhisloveforHimjustas manytimesashehadpreviouslydeniedHim.

5.Whenassailedbyphysicalsickness orinfirmity

JesusHimselfboremysinsinHisownbodyonthe tree,thatI,havingdiedtosins,mightlivefor righteousness bywhosewoundsIwashealed.

basedon1Peter2:24

Ihavealsopreparedthefollowingspecialproclamation, whichcombinestruthsfrommanydifferentScripturesand whichhashelpedChristiansinmanyareasoftheworld:

MybodyisatemplefortheHolySpirit,redeemed, cleansedandsanctifiedbythebloodofJesus.My members

thepartsofmybody areinstruments

ofrighteousness,presentedtoGodforHisservice andforHisglory.Thedevilhasnoplaceinme,no poweroverme,nounsettledclaimsagainstme.All hasbeensettledbythebloodofJesus.

IovercomeSatanbythebloodoftheLamband bythewordofmytestimony,andIdonotlovemy lifetothedeath.MybodyisfortheLord,andthe Lordisformybody.

basedon1Corinthians6:19;Ephesians1:7; 1John1:7;Hebrews13:12;Romans6:13;8:33–34; Revelation12:11;1Corinthians6:13

Someonemightask,Isithonestformetomake proclamationssuchasthese,whenIseeinmybodythe physicalevidencesofsickness,orwhenIfeelinmysoulthe oppositionsofsins?Theanswerdependsonyourpointof view.Ifyouarelookingatyourselfinyourownnatural condition,thenitisnothonest.Butifyouarelookingat yourselfasGodseesyouinChrist,thenyouhavetheright tomakesuchaproclamation.

Oncewehaverepentedofoursinsandcommitted ourselvestoChrist,Godnolongerlooksatusaswearein ournaturalstate.Instead,Helooksatusfromthe perspectiveoftheexchangethattookplaceonthecross. Spiritually,Heseesusasmaderighteous;physically,He seesusasmadewhole.

Itissignificantthat,intheScriptures,thehealingprovided throughthesacrificeofJesusisneverspokenofinthe futuretense.InIsaiah53:5,writtenmorethanseven hundredyearsbeforethedeathofJesus,healingisalready presentedasanaccomplishedfact:“Byhiswounds we are healed”(niv,emphasisadded).IntheNewTestament,in1 Peter2:24(paraphrasedabove),theapostlereferstoIsaiah 53:5,butusesthepasttense:“Bywhosestripes you were healed”(emphasisadded).

Whenthewordswespeakaboutourselvesagreewith whatGodsaysaboutusinChrist,thenweopenthewayfor HimtomakeusinactualexperienceallthatHesayswe are.Butifwefailtomaketheappropriateconfession or proclamation aboutourselves,weareconfinedtothe prisonofourownnaturalstate.Wehaveshutourselvesoff fromthesupernatural,transforminggraceofGod,which worksonlythroughfaith.

Again,someonemightask,Whataboutsomeonewho saysanddoesalltherightthings,andyetthepromised resultsdonotfollow?Anansweristobefoundinthewords ofMosesinDeuteronomy29:29:“Thesecretthingsbelong totheLORD ourGod,butthosethingswhicharerevealed belongtousandtoourchildrenforever,thatwemaydoall thewordsofthislaw.”

Thereasonsomepeopledonotreceivesomepartofthe

promisedblessingsoftenbelongsinthecategoryof“secret things.”ItisvainforustoseektopryGod’ssecretsfrom Him.Itisalsoirreverent.IfGodwithholdsananswer,itis moreimportanttotrustthantounderstand.

Ontheotherhand,thewordsofMosesremindusofour responsibility,asGod’speople,tobelieve,toproclaimandto actuponthosethingsHehasclearlyrevealedinHisWord. CentraltotheseistheprovisionGodhasmadeforus

throughthesacrificeofJesusonthecross.Wemustnotlet ourconcernaboutthesecretthingskeepusfrombelieving andobeyingthethingsthatarerevealed.

6.WhenSatanattacks anareaforwhichGodholds us responsible ourhome,ourfamily,ourbusiness, ourministry, etc.

Theboltsofourgateswillbeironandbronze,and ourstrengthwillequalourdays.

ThereisnooneliketheGodofJeshurun,who ridesontheheavenstohelpusandonthecloudsin Hismajesty.

TheeternalGodisourrefuge,andunderneathare theeverlastingarms.Hewilldriveoutourenemy beforeus,saying,“Destroyhim!”

basedonDeuteronomy33:25–27,NIV

Bythisproclamationweareenabledtomovefrom defensetoattack.Firstofall,“ourgates”representour defensesystem.Godpromisesthatthiswillbestrong enoughtokeepoutourenemy’sattack.Thenthereisa wonderfulpictureofGodinterveningsupernaturallyonour behalf:“Heridesontheheavenstohelpus.”Our proclamationisonewaythatweinvokeHisintervention.

Finally,thereisassuranceofourenemy’sdefeat:“He [God]willdriveoutourenemybeforeus.”Godrequiresus toplayourpartinthisfinalstage;therefore,Hesays, “Destroyhim!”Hehasequippeduswiththespiritual weaponsweneedtodothis.

7.Whenwe awakentothe realizationthatthe mindis abattlefieldinwhichthe lies ofSatanare atwarwith the truths ofGod’s Word

TheweaponsofmywarfarearemightyinGod. WiththemIpulldownthestrongholdsthatSatanhas builtinmymind.Ibringallmythoughtsinto obediencetoChrist.Threeofmymightiestweapons areproclamation,thanksgivingandpraise.

basedon2Corinthians10:4–5

Itisimportanttoremember,however,thatour“enemies”

intheChristianlifearenotourfellowhumanbeings.Our enemiesarethevilespiritualforcesdirectedagainstusfrom thekingdomofSatan.PaulmakesthisclearinEphesians 6:12:“Forwearenotfightingagainstpeoplemadeofflesh andblood,butagainstpersonswithoutbodies theevil rulersoftheunseenworld...andagainsthugenumbersof wickedspiritsinthespiritworld”(TLB).

InthisstrangekindofwarfaretowhichGodhascalled us,thestandardsofmeasurementaredifferentfromthose weuseintheworldofthesenses.Measuredbythespiritual scale, forgiving isstrongerthan resenting; blessing is strongerthan cursing; giving thanks isstrongerthan complaining; praise isstrongerthan accusation;and loving isstrongerthan hating.

Basedonthisparadox,herearetwoproclamationsthat unlockGod’sstrengthandGod’senablingwhenourown resourcesfail.

IcandoallthingsthroughtheOnewhoempowers mewithin.

basedonPhilippians4:13

8.Whenconfrontedbyatasktoobigforme

9.Whenmyownstrengthfails oris insufficient

God’sstrengthismadeperfectinmyweakness,and sowhenIamweak,thenIamstrong.

basedon2Corinthians12:9–10

Finally,herearetwoproclamationsthatcoverneedsthat ariseatsometimeorotherinthelivesofalmostallofus.

10.Whenexercisingfaithforfinancialneeds

Godisabletomakeallgraceaboundtowardus,that we,alwayshavingallsufficiencyinallthings,may haveanabundanceforeverygoodwork.

basedon2Corinthians9:8

ThelevelofGod’sprovisionforHispeopleisrevealedas abundance,notmeresufficiency.RuthandImakethis proclamationregularly,asthefinancialbaseforDerek PrinceMinistries.

11.Whenassailedbyfear

Godhasnotgivenmeaspiritoffear,butofpower andofloveandofasoundmind.

basedon2Timothy1:7

InthenameofJesusIsubmittoGodandIresistthe spiritoffear.Thereforeithastofleefromme.

basedonJames4:7

TheaboveScripturesareonlyafewexamples.Thereis nolimittothenumberofscripturalproclamationswecan make.EachofusmustrelyontheHolySpirittoguideusto thosethatsuitourparticularsituations.

Choosingandmakingappropriateproclamationsbasedon Scripturehasoneveryimportantresult.Wereceiveand applyGod’sWordinthe active,notthepassivemode.We nolongerjustreadaScriptureandthenpasson.Instead,we gothroughthreesuccessivestages.First,weasktheHoly SpirittodirectustoScripturesthatareespecially appropriateforus.Second,wefixthemfirmlyinourminds. Third,byproclaimingthem,wereleasetheirpowerintothe areasofourliveswhereweneedthem.

PerhapsyouareoneofthemanyChristianstodaywho feeltheneedto“taketheswordoftheSpirit” referredto inchapter19 butdonotknowofasimpleandpractical waytodothis.Ifso,RuthandIwouldliketorecommendto youthismethodofselectiveproclamationofScriptures.We havepracticeditinourownlives,andwecansay, It works!

Butletmeaddonefinalwordofwarning!Donotput yourfaithinyourproclamation,orinanyothermethodor procedure. Our faith must be in God alone notin anyoneoranythingelse.Ourproclamationismerelyan effectivewaytoexpressthefaithwehaveinGod.

Sonow,asyousetyourfacetowardthelandofGod’s blessings,receivetheadmonitiongiventhreetimesto Joshua: “Bestrongandofgoodcourage!”

Questions for the Study

1.Proclamationhastwoeffects;namethem.

2.Trueorfalse:Speakingaproclamationinaudiblywill nothelpyou

3.Whatarethethreesuccessivestepsneededwhen respondingtothosewhocurseus?

4.InthekindofwarfaretowhichGodhascalledHis children,whatisstrongerthanresenting?

5.Makingappropriateproclamationsindicatesthatwe receiveandapplyGod’sWordinthe ,not thepassivemode.

Life Application

1.WhyistheHolySpirit’sinvolvementimportantwhen youproclaimScripture?

2.IsmemorizingScriptureimportant?Whyorwhynot?

3.Takethetimetoproclaimeachoftheeleven proclamationScriptureslistedonpages259–67

Memory Verse

Chooseoneoftheversesinthischaptertomemorize.

Faith Response

Lord, I give You thanks for the victory You have given me through Jesus Christ. It is by faith that I overcome (see 1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 John 5:4).

Answers

1.ItinvokesthehelpofGodandprotectsusfromthe schemesandassaultsofSatan.

2.False.Inaudiblewordscanmakeapowerfulimpactin thespiritualrealm.

3.Wemust(1)condemnthetongue,(2)forgivethe personand(3)askGodtoblessthatperson.

4.Forgiving.

5.Active.

ImportantAfterwords

Introduction

Thethemeof blessings and curses iscentraltothe wholeofGod’sdealingswiththehumanrace.Itcanbe comparedtothetrunkofatreewhosebranchesreachout inmanydifferentdirections.Asystematicstudyraises important,practicalquestionsaboutvariousothermainareas ofbiblicaltruth.

Thissectiondealswithtwoofthesequestions:

1.Isitpossibleatthispresenttime,throughfaith,to experiencereleasefromallthecursesthatsinhas broughtuponthehumanrace?Ifnot,when andhow willthisfinallybeaccomplished?

2.TheOldTestamentcontainsmanyexamplesofGod’s servantswhopronouncedcursesonHisenemies. WhatshouldtheChristianresponsebewhenweare opposedandmistreated?

Curses NotYetRevoked

OnthecrossJesustookuponHimselfalltheevil consequencesthatdisobediencetoGodhadbroughtupon thehumanrace.Thesefallintotwomaincategories:those broughtuponmanbyhisoriginaldisobedienceinthe Garden;andthosepronouncedlaterinconnectionwiththe LawgiventhroughMoses.

InGalatians3:13Paulreferstothislattercategory.He statesspecificallythat“Christhasredeemedusfrom the curse of the law”(emphasisadded).Herelatesthistothe factthattheLawhaddeclaredthatanyoneexecutedby hangingonatreehad bythatveryfact becomeacurse. ThesameLawthatpronouncedthecursethusopenedthe wayfordeliverancefromthecursethroughthe substitutionarysacrificeofChrist.

Inchapter4wesummarized“thecurseoftheLaw”as follows:humiliation;barrenness,unfruitfulness;mentaland physicalsickness;familybreakdown;poverty;defeat; oppression;failure;God’sdisfavor.

AccordingtotheclearstatementofPaulinGalatians 3:13,thedeathofChristonthecrossoffersdeliverance

fromalltheseconsequencesofthebrokenLaw.Pauldoes nothereinclude,however,thevariousformsoftheoriginal cursethatGodpronounceduponAdamandEveaftertheir disobedienceintheGarden.Thiscurse recordedin

Genesis3:16–19 fallsintotwomainsections,thefirst spokentoEve,andthesecondspokentoAdam.

ThecursespokentoEverelatestoheruniquefunctionas awomananditagainfallsintotwosections:

1.Childbearingwouldbearduousandpainful.

2.Shewouldbesubjecttoherhusband’sauthorityand dependentuponhimforthefulfillmentofherbasic femininedesireforchildren.

ThecursespokentoAdamrelatesprimarilytotheoriginal taskassignedtohimbyGodinGenesis2:15to“tendand [keepthegarden]” thatis,tocultivatethesoil.Thiscurse canbedividedintothreemainsections:

1.Thenatureofthesoilwouldundergoachange Henceforth,itwouldyielditsproduceonlybyhard, sweat-producinglabor.

2.Theevidenceofthechangeinthesoilwouldbeseenin achangeinthevegetationitwouldproduce specificallyinthegrowthoftwounproductiveformsof vegetation:thornsandthistles.

3.Manhimselfwouldbesubjecttodecayanddeath, doomedultimatelytoreturntothedustfromwhichhe wastaken.ThoughdirectedtoAdam,thisthirdsection actuallyaffectedEveaswell,togetherwiththeir descendants.

Itisclearthatthecursespronouncedatthistimealso affectedtheearthitself.Thisfollowedfromtheclose connectionbetweenAdamandhisenvironment,whichis indicatedbytheHebrewwordfor“earth”:adamah.Adam himselfwasmadefromtheearth.Hewasalsoheld responsiblebyGodforthecareoftheearth.

Inaddition,aspecialcursewasplacedupontheserpent, whichthereafterdistinguisheditfromallothermembersof theanimalkingdom(seeGenesis3:14–15).

InEcclesiastes1:2andinRomans8:20,theconditionof theearthanditsinhabitantsproducedbythesecursesis describedbytwowordsthathavethesamemeaning:vanity and futility.

Theredemptionfrom“thecurseofthelaw,”towhich PaulrefersinGalatians3:13,doesnotincludethecurses describedabove.Theseresultedfromtheoriginal disobedienceofAdamandEveintheGarden.Atthistime therewasnoGod-givensystemoflaw,andconsequentlyno cursepronouncedforbreakingit.

InRomans5:13–14Paulsays:“Foruntilthelawsinwas intheworld,butsinisnotimputedwhenthereisnolaw. NeverthelessdeathreignedfromAdamtoMoses,even overthosewhohadnotsinnedaccordingtothelikenessof thetransgressionofAdam.”

Duringthisperiod“fromAdamtoMoses,”humanitywas withoutanyGod-givensystemoflaw.Allmensuffered, however,fromtheeffectsofthecursepronounced originallyuponAdamandEve,andeachpersonpaidthe penaltyforhisownindividualsin,whichwasdeath.

ThebeginningoftheperiodoftheLawisindicatedin John1:17:“ThelawwasgiventhroughMoses.”In connectionwiththegivingoftheLaw,alongseriesof curseswaspronouncedonthosewhocameundertheLaw, butthenfailedtokeepit.Thesearethecursesthatare listedprimarilyinDeuteronomy28:15–68.Collectively,they arecalled“thecurseofthelaw.”WhenPaulsaysin Galatians3:13that“Christhasredeemedusfromthecurse ofthelaw,”itistothesecursesthatherefers.

WhataboutthecursespronouncedoriginallyonAdam andEve?HasGodprovidedredemptionalsofromthese?

Andifso,uponwhatbasis?

Toanswerthesequestions,weneedtorecognizetwo differentwaysinwhichJesus,whenHecametoearth,was identifiedwiththosewhomHecametoredeem.TheNew

TestamentdepictstwodifferentaspectsofHisidentification withhumanity,whichareindicatedbythetwodifferent genealogiesgivenforHim.

InMatthewHisgenealogyistracedbacktoAbraham (seeMatthew1:1–17).Asthepromised“seedof Abraham,”HeidentifiedwithAbraham’sdescendants,the nationofIsrael,whowereundertheLaw.InGalatians4:4–5PaulsaysthatJesuswas“bornunderthelaw,toredeem thosewhowereunderthelaw.”

InLuke,however,thegenealogyofJesusistracedback toAdam,andHeisthusidentifiedwiththewholerace descendedfromAdam(seeLuke3:23–38).DuringHis earthlylifethetitleHeappliedtoHimselfmorethanany otherwas“Sonofman.”InHebrewthename Adamisalso thewordfor man.Thus,“Sonofman”isalso“Sonof Adam.”Byusingthistitle,therefore,Jesuscontinually emphasizedHisidentificationwithallofAdam’s descendants thewholehumanrace.

Becauseofthisidentification,thesubstitutionarysacrifice ofJesusonthecrossdidnotmerelyprovideredemption fromthecurseofthebrokenLaw.Italsoprovided deliverancefromalltheevilconsequencesthattheoriginal sinofAdamhadbroughtuponallhisdescendants whether undertheLawornot.

ThisisbroughtoutbytwodifferenttitlesthatPaulgives

toJesusin1Corinthians15.Inverse45hecallsHim“the lastAdam,”andinverse47“thesecondMan.”Thesetwo titlesreferrespectivelytothedeathandtheresurrectionof Jesus.

OnthecrossJesusdiedas“thelastAdam.”Hetook uponHimselfalltheevilconsequencesthatAdam’s disobediencehadbroughtupontheentirehumanrace. WhenHedied,theywereterminated.WhenHewasburied, theywereforeverputaway.

ThenonthethirddayJesusroseagainfromthedeadas “thesecondMan.”HethusbecametheHeadofanentirely newrace theImmanuelrace,theGod-manrace arace inwhichthenatureofGodandmanareblendedtogetherin anewcreation.

Allthosewhobyfaithandcommitmentareidentifiedwith JesusinHisdeath,HisburialandHisresurrectionbecome membersofthisnewrace.In1Peter1:3–4theapostlesays ofthese:“God...hasbegottenusagaintoalivinghope throughtheresurrectionofJesusChristfromthedead,toan inheritanceincorruptibleandundefiledandthatdoesnot fadeaway.”

Therewere,therefore,twocomplementaryaspectstothe redemptionfromthecurseprovidedthroughthedeathof Jesus.As“theseedofAbraham,”bornunderthelaw,He tookuponHimselfallthecursesofthebrokenLawsummed

upinDeuteronomy28:15–68.As“thelastAdam,”Healso tookuponHimselfthecursespronounceduponAdamand Evefortheiroriginalactofdisobedience.Aswehaveseen, theseextendedalsotoearth’ssoilanditsvegetation,being specificallymanifestedintwounproductiveformsof vegetation:thornsandthistles.

TheNewTestamentusesverybeautifulimageryto revealhowJesustookuponHimselfnotmerelythecurses uponAdamandEve,butalsothecurseupontheearth.In John19:5theapostlerecordsthescenewhenPilatebrought JesusoutbeforeHisaccusers:“ThenJesuscameout, wearingthecrownofthornsandthepurplerobe.AndPilate saidtothem,‘BeholdtheMan!’”

Thephrase the Man pointedoutJesusasadescendantof Adam—uniqueinHisperfection,yetrepresentativeofthe wholerace.Atthesametime,Jesus’attirerepresentedthe doublecursethatAdamhadbroughtupontheearth.The crownonHisheadrepresentedthecurseof thorns;the purplecolorofHisroberepresentedthecurseof thistles.

ThisbriefbutvividscenerevealedJesusas“thelast Adam,”whotookuponHimselfboththecursethathad comeuponAdamandEve,andalsothecursethattheirsin hadbroughtupontheearth.

Fromeverypointofview,therefore,theredemptionfrom thecurseprovidedbythedeathofJesuswascomplete.It

coveredeverycursethathadevercomeuponhumanity.It coveredthecursepronounceduponAdamandEvefortheir disobedience;itcoveredthecursetheirdisobediencehad broughtupontheearth;anditcoveredallthecurses subsequentlypronouncedinconnectionwiththeLawof Moses.

FurtherstudyofScriptureindicates,however,thatfull redemptionfromthecursewillbeworkedoutinsuccessive phases.Redemptionfrom“thecurseofthelaw”isalready offeredinthispresentagetothosewhocanappropriateit byfaith.Itwillbemanifestedinitscompletenessonlyupon thereturnofChrist.Atthattime,too,thosewhoarecaught uptomeetHimwillfinallyandforeverbereleasedfromthe Adamiccurse.

InPhilippians3:20–21Pauldescribesthechangethatwill takeplaceatthistimeinthebodyofeachredeemed believer:

Forourcitizenshipisinheaven,fromwhichwealso eagerlywaitfortheSavior,theLordJesusChrist, whowilltransformourlowlybodythatitmaybe conformedtoHisgloriousbody,accordingtothe workingbywhichHeisableeventosubdueall thingstoHimself.

Paulherecontraststwokindsofbodies:“ourlowlybody”

and“His[Christ’s]gloriousbody.”Moreliterally,these phrasescouldberendered“thebodyofourhumiliation”and “thebodyofHisglory.”ThecursepronounceduponAdam confinedhim andhisdescendants in“abodyof humiliation.”Assuch,itremindseachofuscontinuallyof ourfallencondition.

Fromthemomentofbirth,thisbodyiscontinuallysubject todecay,dependingonmanyexternalfactorsforlifeand well-being.Byluxuryandself-indulgencewemaybriefly seektoforgetourinherentweaknesses,yetwithinamatter ofmomentsweareinevitablyconfrontedoncemorewith ourbody’shumiliatinglimitations.

Wemayputonthemostelegantandexpensiveclothes, butassoonaswebecomephysicallyactive,thesmellofour sweatremindsusthatweareconfinedin“abodyof humiliation.”Orwemayfillourstomachswiththefinestof foodanddrink.Withinafewhours,however,wewillbe compelledtoemptyourbladdersandourbowels actions thatleavenoroomforpomporarrogance.

Forthosewhohaveacceptedtheredemptionprovidedby Christ,allthesehumiliatingfeaturesofourpresentbodywill bechangednotgraduallyorprogressively,butinonesingle, gloriousmoment.In1Corinthians15:51–53Pauldescribes thissupernaturaltransformation:

Weshallnotallsleep[indeath],butweshallallbe changed inamoment,inthetwinklingofaneye,at thelasttrumpet.Forthetrumpetwillsound,andthe deadwillberaisedincorruptible,andweshallbe changed.Forthiscorruptiblemustputon incorruption,andthismortalmustputonimmortality.

Altogether,in1Corinthians15,Paulsumsupthe followingfivechangesthatwilltakeplaceinthebodyof eachbelieveratthereturnofChrist:

1.Fromcorruptibletoincorruptible

2.Frommortaltoimmortal

3.Fromdishonortoglory

4.Fromweaknesstopower

5.Fromnatural literally,“soulish” tospiritual

Allthefivenegativefeaturesintheabovelistarethe effectsoftheoriginalcurseonAdam.Fulldeliverancefrom allofthemwillcomefirsttothebelieverswhoarecaught uptomeetChristatHisreturn.InJames1:18theseare describedas“akindoffirstfruitsof[God’s]creatures.”The transformationtheyundergowillserveasaguaranteeofthe redemptionthatwillultimatelycometothewholecreation.

Intheperiodthatwillfollowforearth’sremaining inhabitants,therighteousnessandjusticeofChrist’s millennialreignwillminimize,butnotabolish,thecurseof theLaw.Humanlifewillbegreatlyextended,butthe Adamiccursealsowillstillprevail.Earth,too,aswellasthe animalcreation,willexperienceaperiodoffruitfulnessand abundancewithoutparallelsincetheFall but“futility”will notyetbedoneawaywith.Thefullandfinalabolitionof everycursemustwaituntiltheperiodof“newheavensand anewearth”(2Peter3:13).

Allthiswillbetheoutworkingoftheexchangebywhich Jesusonthecrosswasmadeacurseinordertocancel everycursethatman’sdisobediencehadbroughtonhimself andoncreation.InRevelation22:3itsconsummationis

summedupinonebrief,butcomprehensive,statement: “Andthereshallbenomorecurse.”

Questions for the Study

1.NamethetwomaincursesthatJesusredeemedus from.

2.TheoriginalcursepronouncedonAdamrelated primarilytowhatassignedtask?

3.Trueorfalse:TheredemptionJesusboughtbyHis sacrificeonthecrosscoveredboththecurseofthe LawandtheevilconsequencesofAdam’soriginalsin.

4.WhenJesusarosefromthedeadonthethirddayas “thesecondMan,”HebecametheHeadofwhatnew race?

5.WhenPilatebroughtJesusbeforeHisaccusers,Jesus’ crownandHisroberepresentedtwoaspectsofthe originalcurse.Whatwerethey?

6.Trueorfalse:Thefullandfinalabolitionofeverycurse willoccurduringJesus’millennialreign.

Life Application

1.Howdoesknowingaboutthecursesthatarenotyet revokedhelpyouinyourChristianwalk?

2.In1Corinthians15Paultellsusaboutthechangesthat

willoccuratChrist’sreturn.Whatimpactdoes knowingthishaveonyourfaithandlifeinChristnow?

Memory Verse

Chooseanotherversefromchapter22tomemorize.

Faith Response

Thank You, Jesus, that my citizenship in heaven is secured. I eagerly await Your return!

Answers

1.ThecurseoftheLawandthecurseonAdamand Eve.

2.Thecultivationofthesoil.

3.True,becauseJesuswasidentifiedasnotonlytheseed ofAbrahambutalsotheSonofAdam.

4.TheImmanuelrace,theGod-manrace.

5.Thecrownrepresentedthecurseof thorns andthe purpleroberepresentedthecurseof thistles the doublecurseontheearth.

6.False.Itwillhappenattheperiodof“newheavensand anewearth.”

ToBless ortoCurse?

Supposethatpeoplerevileus,curseus,opposeusand persecuteusforourfaithinChrist.Supposethatthey spreadmaliciousliesaboutusanduseallsortsofdishonest andillegalmeanstodousharm.Arewefreetoretaliateby pronouncingsomekindofcurseagainstthem?Tothisthe answeroftheNewTestamentisaclear,emphaticNO!

InRomans12:9–21Paullistsvariousprinciplesthat shouldgovernChristianbehavior.Inverse9hebeginswith theonesupremelyimportantmotivation:“Let love be withouthypocrisy”(emphasisadded).Alltheother directionsthatfollowaresimplydifferentwaysinwhich Christianloveexpressesitself.

Inverse14heinstructsChristianshowtorespondto thosewhoseektodothemharm:“Blessthosewho persecuteyou;blessanddonotcurse.”

Inverse21hecloseswithamoregeneralapplicationof thesameprinciple:“Donotbeovercomebyevil,but overcomeevilwithgood.”Thereisonlyonepowerstrong enoughtoovercomeevil,andthatis good.Whateverform ofevilconfrontsus,wemustalwaysrespondwiththe

correspondingformofgood.Otherwiseweshallfindevil toostrongforus.

In1Peter3:8–9,Petergivesasimilarwarningagainstthe wrongkindofreactiontoevil: Finally,allofyoubeofonemind,havingcompassion foroneanother;loveasbrothers,betenderhearted, becourteous;notreturningevilforevilorrevilingfor reviling,butonthecontraryblessing,knowingthat youwerecalledtothis,thatyoumayinherita blessing.

Bythusovercomingevilwithgood,weshareinChrist’s owntriumphoverevil,asdepictedin2Corinthians2:14–15:

NowthanksbetoGodwhoalwaysleadsusin triumphinChrist,andthroughusdiffusesthe fragranceofHisknowledgeineveryplace.Forwe aretoGodthefragranceofChristamongthosewho arebeingsavedandamongthosewhoareperishing.

LikeMaryofBethany,whopouredcostlyointmentonthe headofJesus,wefillthewholeareaarounduswithasweet fragrance.Eventhosewhoopposeusandcriticizeusare neverthelessblessedbythefragrance(seeMark14:3–9).

ThisbringsoutabasicdifferencebetweentheOldand

theNewCovenants.IntheOldTestament,Godfrequently usedHispeopleasinstrumentsofjudgmentagainstother people.InbringingIsraelintothelandofCanaan,for instance,GodusedJoshuaandhisarmyastheinstruments ofHisjudgmentontheCanaaniteswhohadpreviously occupiedtheland.Therearealsomanyotherinstancesin theOldTestamentinwhichGod’sservantspronounced cursesonpeoplewhoopposedordisobeyedHim,andthe effectwasthesameasifGodHimselfhadutteredthem.

InJoshua6:26,forexample,aftertheIsraeliteshad capturedanddestroyedJericho,Joshuapronouncedthe followingcurseonanyonewhowouldeverafterward rebuildacityonthesamesite:“Cursedbethemanbefore theLORD whorisesupandbuildsthiscityJericho;heshall layitsfoundationwithhisfirstborn,andwithhisyoungesthe shallsetupitsgates.”

Aboutfivehundredyearslater,duringthereignofAhab kingofIsrael,thiscursewasfulfilled,asrecordedin1Kings 16:34.

Inhis[Ahab’s]daysHielofBethelbuiltJericho.He laiditsfoundationwithAbiramhisfirstborn,andwith hisyoungestsonSegubhesetupitsgates,according tothewordoftheLORD,whichHehadspoken throughJoshuathesonofNun.

InthemarginoftheNewKingJamesVersionthephrase “withhisson”isrendered“atthecostofthelifeof....”

Thenasbrendersit“withthelossof....”Thenivrenders it:“atthecostof....”

Thisisavividexampleoftheinvisibleforcesthatare continuallyatworkinhumanhistory,andyetaresooften ignored.Howmanysecularhistorianstoday,when describingthisincident,wouldtracethedeathofthesetwo youngmentowordsspokenbyaservantofGodfive hundredyearsearlier?

Itisimportanttonotice,in1Kings16:34,thatthewriter emphasizesthatthecursewasfulfilled“according to the word of the LORD,whichHehadspokenthroughJoshua thesonofNun”(emphasisadded).Joshuawasthechannel throughwhichthecursecame,buttheLordwasitssource. This andthisalone accountsforitseffect.

DavidwasanotherservantofGodwhopronounced cursesthattookeffectmanygenerationslater.InPsalm 69:22–25,andagaininPsalm109:6–13,hepronounceda lengthyseriesofcursesonsomeunnamedperson,or persons,onaccountoftreacheryanddisloyaltytoa righteousmanwhohadbeenunjustlyaccusedand condemned.Aboutonethousandyearslater,afterthedeath andresurrectionofJesus,theapostlesrecognizedthatthese cursesofDavidhadfoundtheirfulfillmentinJudasIscariot,

whohadbeenthebetrayerofJesus(seeActs1:15–20).

SomeoftheprophetswhofollowedDavidalso pronouncedcursesthatreleasedGod’sjudgmentsinvarious ways.In2Kings1:9–12,forinstance,Elijahcalleddown firefromheaventhatdestroyedtwosuccessivebandsof soldierssenttoarresthim.In2Kings2:23–24,his successor,Elisha,cursedagroupofyouthswhohad mockedhim,withtheresultthat42ofthemweremauledby bears.

Subsequently,GodusedElishatobringmiraculoushealing ofleprosytotheSyriangeneral,Naaman,whointurn offeredElishaavarietyoflavishpresents.Elisha,however, refusedtoacceptanyofthem,thusshowingNaamanthat therewasnowayhecould“pay”forhishealingfromGod. Later,Elisha’sservant,Gehazi,motivatedbycovetousness, ranafterNaamanand,onfalsepretenses,persuaded Naamantogivehimasubstantialgiftofsilverandclothing (see2Kings5:1–27).

WhenGehazireturned,Elisha bysupernaturalrevelation confrontedhimwithhiscovetousnessanddishonesty. ThenhepronouncedGod’sjudgmentonhim:“‘Therefore theleprosyofNaamanshallclingtoyouandyour descendantsforever.’Andhewentoutfromhispresence leprous,aswhiteassnow”(verse27).

TheeffectofElisha’scursewasvisibleand

instantaneous.Gehazifoundhimselfafflictedbyleprosyin thesameadvancedstagefromwhichNaamanhadjustbeen healed.Furthermore,thesamediseasewouldcontinueto afflictGehazi’sdescendantssolongastherewasoneof themremainingonearth.

Thereisoneimportantfeaturecommontoallthecurses referredtoabove whetherutteredbyJoshua,David,Elijah orElisha.Eachofthemexpressedasovereignjudgmentof almightyGod. They did not proceed fromthe mind or will of the man who uttered them. Theywerenotthe expressionofmerehumanangerorvindictiveness.God sovereignlychosehumanchannelsthroughwhomto administerHisjustice.ThereisnosuggestioninScripture thatGodhaseverrenouncedHisrighttodothis.

IntheNewTestament,however,Godhaschosentouse Hisservantsprimarilyasinstrumentsofmercyandnotof judgment.Thecontrastbetweenthetwocovenantsis broughtoutinanincidentinLuke9:51–56.Jesushadsent messengersaheadofHimtoprepareforHisreceptionina SamaritanvillagethroughwhichHeintendedtopass,butthe SamaritansrefusedtoreceiveHim.Inresponse,Jamesand Johnhadasked,“Lord,doYouwantustocommandfireto comedownfromheavenandconsumethem,justasElijah did?”(Luke9:54).

Inreply,Jesusrebukedthemfortheirattitude,saying:

“Youdonotknowwhatmannerofspirityouareof.Forthe SonofMandidnotcometodestroymen’slivesbuttosave them”(Luke9:55–56).

JesusdidnotdenythatElijahhadcalleddownfireto destroyhisenemies.NordidHequestionthatJamesand Johnmighthavebeenabletodothesame.Instead,He remindedthemthattheywereinaperiodwhenGodwas usingHisservantsinadifferentway.Theywerecalledto beinstrumentsofGod’smercy,ratherthanHisjudgment.

Nevertheless,thereareafewinstancesintheNew TestamentofcursespronouncedbyGod’sservants.Jesus Himselfprovidedoneofthemostdramaticexamples.On

HiswayintoJerusalem,becominghungry,Hewentuptoa figtreetogetsomeoftheearlyfruitthatwouldhavebeen appropriateatthatseason.Discoveringthatthetreewasfull ofleaves,buthadproducednofruit,Hesaidtoit,“Letno fruitgrowonyoueveragain”(Matthew21:19).

Nextday,whenHeandHisdisciplespassedby,thefig treehadwitheredfromtheroots.Petercommented:“Rabbi, look!ThefigtreewhichYou cursed haswitheredaway” (Mark11:21,emphasisadded).Inreply,Jesusdelegatedto HisdisciplesthesameauthoritythatHeHimselfhad demonstratedincursingthefigtree:“Assuredly,Isayto you,ifyouhavefaithanddonotdoubt,youwillnotonlydo whatwasdonetothefigtree...”(Matthew21:21).In

otherwords,Hegavethemauthoritytopronouncecurses similartothatwhichHehadpronouncedonthefigtree.

Manycommentatorsseeinthisfigtreeatypeoftheform ofreligionintowhichthepracticeoftheLawofMoseshad degenerated.Itwasfullof“leaves” butitdidnotyieldthe truefruitoftheLaw,whichJesussummedupas“justice andmercyandfaith”(Matthew23:23).Asaresult,sincere seekerswholookedtothatformofreligiontosatisfytheir spiritualhungerwereturnedaway,emptyanddisappointed. Withinageneration,underthejudgmentofGod,thewhole systemwasdestinedto“witherfromtheroots.”

Thedisciplesapparentlysawnosignificanceinthe fruitlessfigtree,andwouldhavepasseditby.ItwasJesus whotookactionagainstit,andthencommissionedHis disciplestotakesimilaraction.Insucceedinggenerations, thislessonseemstohavebeenlostonmostChristians.

Certainlytherearetimeswhenweencountersuch“fruitless figtrees” thatis,deceptivereligioussystemsthat disappointhungryseekersaftertherealityoftheGospel.Do wemerelypassthese“figtrees”by,unconcerned?Ordo wetakethesamekindofaggressiveactionthatJesus demonstrated?

InMatthew10:14–15,whenJesussentoutthefirst apostlestopreachtheGospel,Hegavethemauthorityofa similarkindtodealwiththosewhorejectedthemandtheir

message:

“Andwhoeverwillnotreceiveyounorhearyour words,whenyoudepartfromthathouseorcity, shakeoffthedustfromyourfeet.Assuredly,Isay toyou,itwillbemoretolerableforthelandof SodomandGomorrahinthedayofjudgmentthan forthatcity!”

Bythisactofshakingoffthedustfromtheirfeet,the apostleswould,ineffect,handoverthosewhorejected themtothejudgmentofGod,whichwouldultimatelybe moreseverethanthatontheinhabitantsofSodomand Gomorrah.

TheapostlesoftheNewTestamenttookthiscommand ofJesusliterally.InPisidianAntioch,afterPauland Barnabashadministeredforsometimewithgreateffect, theiradversariesfinallydrovethemoutofthecity.Acts 13:51recordstheapostles’response:“Buttheyshookoff thedustfromtheirfeetagainstthem,andcametoIconium.”

Incidentssuchastheseconfirmaprinciplealready establishedintheOldTestament:Blessingsandcursesare neverfarseparatedfromoneanother.Whenblessingsare offered,butrejected,cursesalmostinevitablyfollowintheir place.WhenIsraelenteredCanaanundertheLawof Moses,Godrequiredhertoinvokeuponherselfeitherthe

blessingspromisedforobedience,orthecursesthat followeddisobedience.Therewasnothirdoption.Thesame appliestothosewhohavetheGospelwithitsblessings proclaimedtothem,butdeliberatelyandconsciouslyreject it.Almostinevitablytheyexposethemselvesto correspondingcurses.

Earlier,ontheislandofCyprus,Godhadopenedtheway forPaulandBarnabastobringtheGospeltotheRoman proconsul,1SergiusPaulus.However,asorcerer thatis,a practitioneroftheoccult namedElymassoughttokeep themfromspeakingtotheproconsul.Paul’sresponsetothis challengefromSatanisdescribedinActs13:9–12.

ThenSaul,whoalsoiscalledPaul,filledwiththe HolySpirit,lookedintentlyathimandsaid,“Ofullof alldeceitandallfraud,yousonofthedevil,you enemyofallrighteousness,willyounotcease pervertingthestraightwaysoftheLord?Andnow, indeed,thehandoftheLordisuponyou,andyou shallbeblind,notseeingthesunforatime.”And immediatelyadarkmistfellonhim,andhewent aroundseekingsomeonetoleadhimbythehand.

Thentheproconsulbelieved,whenhesawwhathad beendone,beingastonishedattheteachingofthe Lord.

TheeffectofPaul’swordsonElymaswasasimmediate anddramaticasthecurseofleprosythatElishahad pronounceduponGehazi.ThewriterofActsemphasizes thatatthismomentPaulwas“filledwiththeHolySpirit.”

Therefore,hiswordswerenottheproductofhisown fleshlyreactiontoopposition,butrepresentedGod’s sovereignjudgmentonthesorcerer,utteredbytheHoly Spirit.Theproconsulwassoimpressedbythis demonstrationofthesupremacyofJesusoverSatanthathe becameabeliever.

Thisincidentbringsoutthedecisiveissuesindetermining whetherornottherearesituationsinwhichitisrightfor Christianstopronounceacurse.Ifthemotiveissome reactionofourfleshlynature,suchasresentmentoranger, orthedesireforrevengeorself-justificationorselfglorification,thentoutteracurseinsuchasituationwould beasin.Furthermore,itwoulddomuchgreaterharmtothe onewhouttersthecursethantotheonewhoiscursed.

InRomans6:16Paulemphasizesthedangerofyieldingto thiskindofsatanicmotivation:

Don’tyouknowthatwhenyouofferyourselvesto someonetoobeyhimasslaves,youareslavestothe onewhomyouobey whetheryouareslavestosin, whichleadstodeath,ortoobedience,whichleadsto

NIV

Itcanbetemptingtoseekmomentarygratificationof someevilimpulsebyallowingacursetopassthroughour lips,butinsodoingweofferourselvesasslavestothe authorofthetemptation:Satan.Heisnotcontentwith merelytemporaryinfluenceoverus.Heusesthetemptation asanopeningthroughwhichhecanmoveinandtake permanentcontrolofourlives.Ourtemporaryyieldingto himthusbecomespermanentenslavement.Inthisway, the one who uses a curse to bring evil upon others brings a far greater and more enduring evil upon himself.

Ontheotherhand,theNewTestamentgivesclear examplesofsituationsinwhichtheHolySpiritsovereignly chosetopronounceacursethroughaservantofGod.Ifwe refusetoacknowledgethispossibility,weshutourselvesoff fromoneofthewaysinwhichGodmightwishtouseus. Ouronlysafeguardistocultivatearelationshipwiththe HolySpiritinwhichwearesensitivebothtoHisprompting andtoHisrestraining.Ifwehaveanydoubtsastothe purityofourmotivesortheleadingoftheHolySpirit,we shouldmostcertainlykeepsilent.

ThepossibilitythattheHolySpiritmayincertain circumstancespromptustoutteracursewasmadevery

realtomebyanincidentthatoccurredinmyministryinthe mid-1960s.AtthattimeIwaspartoftheministerialstaffof achurchlocatedintheinnercityofChicago.Thebuilding immediatelyadjoiningthechurchwasapub.Thishad becomeacenterforvariousformsofvice,whichincluded drug-peddling,knifefightsandprostitution bothmaleand female.

OneeveningIwasontheplatformofthechurch,leading ameetingofpeoplegatheredtoprayforthecityof Chicago.Inthemidstoftheprayer,withoutany premeditationonmypart,Iheardmyselfmakealoud declaration:“IputthecurseoftheLordonthatpub!”After that,themeetingcontinuedalongitsnormalcourse. Personally,IgavelittlefurtherthoughttowhatIhadsaid.

Abouttwomonthslater,Iwasawakenedat3a.m.byan urgentphonecalltosaythatthechurchwasonfire.I dressedandhurriedtothescene,todiscoverthatitwasnot thechurch,butthepubnextdoor,thatwasonfire.The windoffLakeMichigan,however,wasblowingtheflames ontothechurch.Justwhenitseemedinevitablethatthe churchwouldbedestroyedalongwiththepub,thedirection ofthewindsuddenlychanged180degreesandblewthe flamesawayfromthechurch.

Intheend,thepubwascompletelydestroyedandthe churchsufferedonlysmokedamage,whichwasfully

coveredbyinsurance.Noliveswerelost,andnoonewas injured.Aftersurveyingthesceneandwhathadtaken place,thefirechiefcommentedtotheseniorelderofthe church:“Youpeoplemusthaveaspecialrelationshipwith theManupstairs!”

Mypersonalreactionwasoneofawe,mingledwithfear. IhadnodoubtthatwhatIhadwitnessedwasthe outworkingofthecurseonthepubthatIhadpronounced twomonthsearlier.IdidnotregretwhatIhaddone.Ifelt thatGodhadintervenedinrighteousjudgment,tempered withmercy.Atthesametime,Irealizedinanewwaythe awesomepowerthatcouldbereleasedthroughwords spokenbyaservantofGod.Iresolvedthat,formypart,I wouldseekGodforHisgracenevertomisusethatpower.

Onasmallscale,thedestructionofthatpubbyfire reinforcesatruthofScripturethatiscentraltothiswhole themeofblessingsandcurses:The power of the tongue is measureless whether for

or for evil.Withour tonguewecanblessandwecancurse;wecanbuildupand wecanbreakdown;wecanwoundandwecanheal;we candogreatgood,andjustasgreatharm.

Thepowerofthetongueisalsofrightening,becausewe ourselvescannotcontrolit.Againandagain,ourexperience compelsustoacknowledgethetruthofJames3:8:“Butno mancantamethetongue.”Thereisthereforeonlyonesafe

good

course:toyieldthetonguetoGodthroughtheHolySpirit andaskHimtocontrolitforus.Tohelpusdothis,hereare twoprayersofDavidthatarepatternsforustofollow: Setaguard,OLORD,overmymouth;keepwatch overthedoorofmylips.

Psalm141:3

Letthewordsofmymouthandthemeditationofmy heartbeacceptableinYoursight,OLord,my strengthandmyRedeemer.

Psalm19:14

Questions for the Study

1.AccordingtoRomans12:14,howshouldwerespondto thosewhoaretryingtopersecuteus?

2.Whatistheonepowerstrongenoughtoovercome evil?

3.IntheNewTestamentGodhascalledHispeopletobe instrumentsofHis andnotofHis

4.Trueorfalse:Blessingsandcursesareneverfar separatedfromoneanother.

5.Theonewhousesacursetobringevilonothersbrings

afar andmore evilon himself.

6.AccordingtoPsalm141:3,whatshouldwedotohelp controltheuseofourtongue?

Life Application

1.Howdoyouthinkblessingthepersonwhoiscursing youaffectshimorher,andwhatdoesitaccomplishin yourlife?

2.Howcanyoubeaninstrumentofmercy?

3.Doyounowhaveabetterunderstandingofthepower ofthetongue?Inwhatway?

Memory Verse

Blessthosewhopersecuteyou;blessanddonotcurse.

Romans12:14

Faith Response

Lord, I choose to be an instrument of mercy by blessing, encouraging and demonstrating love to those around me.

Answers

1.Blessthemanddonotcursethem.

2.Thepowerofgood.

3.Mercy,judgment.

4.True.Ifblessingsarerejected,cursesinevitablyfollow intheirplace.

5.Greater,enduring.

6.AsktheLordtosetaguardoverourmouths.

Notes

Chapter5

1.Thenumbersinparenthesesindicateversesin

Deuteronomy28thatspeakofsimilarconditions.Insome cases,thewordsusedintheNewInternationalVersionare includedbesidethoseoftheNewKingJamesVersion.

Chapter6

1.Itissignificantthattheword fascination isderived fromaLatinverbthatmeans“tobewitch.”

2.Adrachmawasaboutaday’swage.Attoday’srates intheUnitedStates,thetotalamountcouldeasilybe $2,000,000.

Chapter7

1.Joshua8:32–35recordshowthisceremonywas actuallycarriedoutafterIsraelhadenteredthelandof Canaan.

Chapter8

1.Thissecondverbheretranslated“tocurse”alsomeans

“torevile,”“tospeakevilof.”

Chapter11

1. Webster’s Dictionary defines anarchy as:1.The completeabsenceofgovernment.2.politicaldisorderand violence;lawlessness.3.disorderinanysphereofactivity.

2.Theywerefirsthanged,thentheircorpseswere draggedthroughthestreetbyahorseorsomeotheranimal, andfinallycutupintofourpieces.

Chapter12

1.Anyoneinterestedinacomprehensivestudyofthis subjectisreferredtothebook Freemasonry: An Interpretation byMartinL.Wagner(obtainablefromHRT Ministries,Box12,Newtonville,N.Y.12128-0012).

Chapter13

1.Quotedfrom America: The Sorcerer’s New Apprentice byDaveHuntandT.A.McMahon(Eugene, Ore.:HarvestHousePublishers,1988).

Chapter17

1.Otherimplicationsofthisversewerediscussedin chapter5onpage61.

Chapter18

1.SeeMatthew9:21–22;14:36;Mark5:23,28,34;6:56; 10:52;Luke8:48;Acts4:9;14:9;James5:15.

2.SeeLuke8:36.

3.SeeLuke8:50.

4.SeeJohn11:12.

Chapter22

1.Thisisdealtwithmorefullyinchapter24.

DerekPrince(1915–2003)wasborninIndiaofBritish parents.HewaseducatedasascholarofGreekandLatin atEtonCollegeandCambridgeUniversity,England,where heheldafellowshipinancientandmodernphilosophyat King’sCollege.Healsostudiedseveralmodernlanguages, includingHebrewandAramaic,atCambridgeUniversity andtheHebrewUniversityinJerusalem.

WhileservingwiththeBritisharmyinWorldWarII, DerekbegantostudytheBibleandexperienceda lifechangingencounterwithJesusChrist.Outofthat encounterheformedtwoconclusions:first,thatJesusChrist isalive;andsecond,thattheBibleisatrue,relevant,uptodatebook.Theseconclusionsalteredthewholecourseof hislife,whichhethendevotedtostudyingandteachingthe Bible.

Derek’smaingiftofexplainingtheBibleanditsteaching inaclear,simplewayhashelpedbuildafoundationoffaith inmillionsoflives.Hisnondenominational,nonsectarian approachmakeshisteachingrelevantandhelpfultopeople fromallracialandreligiousbackgrounds.

Hewrotemorethanfiftybooks,andhisteachingis featuredonfivehundredaudioand160videoteaching

cassettes,manyofwhichhavebeentranslatedand publishedinmorethansixtylanguages.Hisdailyradio broadcast,DerekPrinceLegacyRadio,istranslatedinto Arabic,Chinese(Amoy,Cantonese,Mandarin,Shanghaiese, Swatow),Croatian,German,Malagasy,Mongolian,Russian, Samoan,Spanish,andTongan.Hisdailyradioprogram continuestotouchlivesaroundtheworld.

FormoreinformationonDerekPrinceandthemany teachingresourcesavailable,pleasecontact: