The Spoils of Victory
Gtcotr/ss011203
Turn to Ephesians 4
Point #14. Who you are connected to, will determine your future.
Point #60. Both heaven and earth choose aggressive, decisive and determined men to lead the defining battles of life.
Key Scripture: Luke 11:21-22
21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
Note: Somewhere between the Little Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes in Bethlehem, and the Glory Clothed Avenger of Revelation, Whose eyes are flames of fire and in His mouth is a two edged sword, Who rides a white horse leading His army to final victory in the name of all that is Holy and True - - -
Between this Infant and this Righteous Judge, is a Young Man, The Son of Man, The Son of God, coming of age - taking His place - Proving His Worth.
This Warrior is Jesus. He speaks of Himself. He will overcome the strong man, take his armor from him and distribute his goods.
The Spoils of Victory
Today’s Text
Ephesians 4:1-8 (AV)
1 ¶ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 ¶ With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Psalms 68
A Messianic Psalm
1 ¶ Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
21 … God shall wound the head of his enemies …
18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
Ephesians 4:8 He gave gifts to men (past tense)
* He granted
Psalms 68:18 He received gifts for men (future prophecy)
* He seized, took by force, snatched, took away for men
Psalms 68:19
19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
Lord = Adonai = Jesus,
When did Jesus receive gifts for men?
Colossians 2:15
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
And while He was at it …
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And …
13 ¶ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
And …
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Now We Must:
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Because:
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Just like the Apostle Paul said in
Galatians 3
1 ¶ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth …
3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ …
Now Let’s Look At The Benefits Of Being Connected To Christ
Psalms 103
1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David.>> Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
#1. Forgiveness from all sin (damning and governing sins)
#2. Healing of all diseases (Name above every name …)
#3. Redemption from destruction (to act as a near kinsman)
#4. Crowning (to compass - surround - encircle)
#5. Soul Satisfaction (fully fills our needs)
Psalms 103:2
* forget not
> to ignore
> to cease to care
