Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.As long as Satan has been here, he has used fear and torment to keep Christians bound.
(Heb. 2:14)
Every time the Word is heard and received, and a decision is made to go God's way, Satan brings torment, pressure, and fear. The problem is, many Christians are caged in by fear and don't even know it.
The enemy will use all kinds of fear—fear of death, fear of lack, fear of sickness—just to keep you bound in your cage.
Hebrews 2:14 says, "Just as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, Jesus likewise took part of the same...." Why did Jesus take part with us? He did it so that through death, he might destroy (render powerless, or to make of no effect) the devil.
Jesus has rendered Satan powerless. Jesus became a partaker with us so he could deliver us from a lifetime of bondage (verse 15). We don't have to be bound by fear any longer.
So, don't let Satan back you up in the cage with fear and torment.
Christ has made you free. That's why we must renew our mind in the Word so we can walk in God's system.
Think about it for a minute. What decisions has the Holy Spirit talked to you about in the pass? Remember the times the Spirit of God witnessed to your spirit, convicting you to change this or that, or get rid of him or her? Right then you made a decision to go God's way.
But where are you now? Did you get back in your cage?
That's where the devil wants you. He doesn't care about your decision to follow God's system. His approach is simple: to wear you down by working on you with fear. He will keep on testing you to see if you will go back in that cage. But remember—he's been rendered powerless!
So don't allow yourself to be entangled in bondage. You are God's light in the earth. God can only go as far as His church goes. If His church goes only one foot ahead, then that's how far the world can be changed for God.
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind (1 Tim. 1:7).
Excerpt permission granted by Word Of Faith Publishing
Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).
