Remember the strong man’s courtyard?
The strong man, who is the evil one, vigilantly guards his possessions (Luke 11:21).
What we didn’t mention is that he is also holding prisoners.
Some of these captives are those who do not know Truth. We were there once – without Christ…“natural men” (1 Corinthians 2:14). These can’t understand the things of the Spirit because a veil lies between them and spiritual insight (2 Corinthians 3:15-16).
But look closely. Others live there, too. These know Truth, but through laziness towards God’s Word, have chosen to continue their thought life here. Through a continued diet on worldly information and unimportant details, they still take their meals with their captor (Colossians 2:8). Although they are Christians, they remain fleshly – maintaining their former ungodly habits (1 Corinthians 3:3).
Now, in the strong man’s house, all residents are bound to certain rules of conduct: disobedience, indulgence, and deceit to name a few (Ephesians 2:2-3). Obviously, those who don’t know Truth have no option but to act in accordance to these regulations.
The enlightened ones are much more of an enigma. Like Patti Hearst sympathizing with her Symbionese captors, these are still influenced by their captivity habits. Their thought life (and therefore their actions) continue much like it did prior to salvation.
Jesus, the Stronger Man, has released their chains – this is certain (Luke 11:22). He has given them the right to become children of God and even prepared a seat for them in His own heavenly palace (John 1:12; John 14:2-3; Ephesians 2:6).
Yet, walking in the heavenlies is a choice of the will. Because they choose not to lay aside their old self, no true mind renewal occurs (Ephesians 4:22-23). Theirs will be a salvation through fire (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).
Think of it.
The chained and the unchained living side by side, in basically the same way. Mind-boggling, isn’t it?
Yet, if you and I don’t daily:
- die to our old way of thinking (1 Corinthians 15:31)
And
- put on the new life of Christ (Ephesians 4:24)
Then,
We too will find ourselves sinking back into the thought life of the evil one.
Herein lies deceit at its craftiness, “There is no real need to press after the Word.” (Have you heard this whisper? I know I have.)
Instead, listen intently to the voice of the Stronger Man:
“Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you (so that) whatever you do in word or deed, (you will) do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:16-17)
You have been freed. Now daily take His Hand as He lifts you out of imprisoned courtyard life and raises you into life with Him (Colossians 3:1).
“Lord, You are the Strongest One (1 John 4:4). Break my habit of lower living and lift me daily into Your very Presence. Renew me now.”
So tell me, where have you been living?
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Just joining us? Catch up with these other posts on prayer:
Silky Smooth Deception and Prayer
The Strong Man and his Opponent
Intercession and Deceit Dependence
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