Of course, we know that all of us sin and come short of GOD’s glory; however, there is a difference in that vs. the engagement of habitual practices of sin. Now the newly born again Christians, of course, have protective coverage from GOD, for a season, when engaged in habitual sins because they have not yet reached levels of spiritual maturity where they are able to resist temptations on levels such as those of more mature Christians. When we have been in the Lord for years, He understandably expects more holiness in our habitual conduct.
Another topic is that of Christians who should exhibit spiritual maturity but don’t because they do not want to forsake milk diets – they have been saved for years but do not want to partake of meat. This posting is not about that, though - I need to stay on topic here.
The more spiritually mature we are, the more likely it is that we can resist habitually sinful lifestyles. To me, the bottom line is what the Lord holds us accountable for in our journeys with Him. There may be areas in which we need deliverance. For instance, I may have struggles with “xyz” sins. The Lord may be dealing with me about one or two sinful struggles, in particular. Though I may have more areas in need of deliverance, my now moments with the Lord are for the one or two sinful habits that He has told me to focus on overcoming. My other sinful habits the Lord will address with me later. He, I do not believe, expects us to tackle all of our sinful strongholds at once. Those that we earnestly desire to overcome but have not done so – I believe that the Lord provides protective coverage for those sinful strongholds because He has not made those a present focus.
My belief is that for our sinful strongholds - we need to abhor those sins that we have not conquered, and earnestly desire to forsake them. In contrast, there are instances when abhorrence is not in the equation but hearts that would rather keep the sinful practices. God knows when we are serious about forsaking our strongholds, and when we love them more than our desires to please Him. Only God knows the entirety of all hearts – desires, motives, intentions, etc.
I remember hearing Joyce Meyer state that before she got delivered from smoking, she would hold Bible studies in her home while puffing on cigarettes. The smoking was a stronghold which she eventually was able to conquer through the power of GOD.
That said, I believe that the only Christians who can be cursed by Satan are those who willingly compromise what GOD has instructed. Carnal Christians, I believe, can be cursed. The Word states that to be carnally minded is death. Curses represent a form of death, I believe. In contrast, if a Christian is steadfast in loyalty to our Lord but has yet to be delivered from all sinful strongholds, I believe that the Lord will provide protective coverage of such. In other words, if said Christians are doing the best that they know how and are, in earnest, seeking help from the Lord to overcome sinful strongholds, therein lies the difference. I do not believe that Satan can curse such Christians.
Paul stated in Romans 7:15, “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” Further, Romans 7:17 “Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” And Romans 7:24, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” To me, Paul does not sound like a Christian who has desires to remain in sinful stronghold mode. He admits, though, that he is warring (as do we all). There is no indication that he desires to surrender to his fleshly inclinations. Contrast that with those who purposefully surrender to sinful strongholds, and who do not seek the Lord for overcoming strength, etc. My belief is that Paul could not have been cursed by Satan even though he had sin inclinations - as I believe that Paul’s heart was more towards God. In The Acts 19:15 it states, “And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?”
True worshippers of God have a duty to spend daily time with the Lord through prayer; in His Word, the Holy Bible; and in praise and worship. Habitual daily devotions certainly help us to be in communion with our Lord. Such practices are helpful, as in such times, the Lord speaks to us about what we need to do or need to stop doing, etc. Christians who do not have a habit of holy devotion are in trouble zones, for sure. Numerous times, I have heard pastors etc. complain about Christians who do not read GOD’s Word and do not know it. How can we fight the Devil if we are not equipped with GOD’s ammunition?! The Word states that to know the truth makes us free. If we do not know the Word, and do not do the Word, we cannot be free. If Christians disobey and do not habitually commune with our Lord, I do believe that the Devil can curse them. We are warned to be wholly armored lest we be devoured by the Devil.
Yokes are destroyed because of the anointing. Heathen people; carnal, and rebellious Christians do not possess GOD’s anointing, authority or power to prevent demonic curses. Pastor R. in Tampa told me once about when he was a guest pastor at a church. A demon manifested in a person in attendance there. Pastor R. desired to do things in spiritual order. Since he was a guest pastor, he looked to the pastor of the subject church expecting him and his leadership people to cast out the demon. They “point blank” told him that they could not cast out the demon because they had sin in their lives. I was like, “They told you that?!” He assured me that they did – his wife was present when I asked – she nodded in agreement. The pastor requested Pastor R. to cast out the demon which he did.
I will state further that I do not believe that even though they have pure hearts and clean hands, all Christians are called to cast out devils. Perhaps that is incorrect, because the Bible does state in Mark 16:17, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils;…” Questions remain with me on that issue.
I Samuel 15:23
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…
I Samuel 28:15
…And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philstines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams:..
Philippians 3:15
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Jude 24
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Daniel 6:10
…he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Psalm 55:17
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray,….
Psalm 119:164
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Psalm 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
PRAYER:
Father, in the name of Jesus, please help us to live lives that are blameless, and above reproach, in accordance with Your Word. Thank you, Lord - Amen
Luke 1:6
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Genesis 7:5
And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him.
Genesis 5:24
And Enoch walked with God:…
Joshua 14:8
Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the Lord my God.
Joshua 14:9
And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord my God.
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