Chapter 23: OPEN TO NEW VICTORY OVER THE
POWERS THAT WAR AGAINS GOD
Slavery was and is a classic example of systematic evil. “How can human beings create, establish, systematize, participate in, contribute to, and then ignore, rationalize, or diminish the consequences of such widespread systemic evil? The Bible points out that humans are not alone in creating and sustaining such evil. We are assisted by what Scripture refers to as “principalities and powers.” In this chapter, I will reduce those terms to The Powers.”
THE SPIRIT’S BATTLE AGAINST THE POWERS. God is in control, but the humans he establishes in leadership roles have succumbed to the Powers or Evil.
BROKEN SOLUTION TO SYSTEMIC HORROR.
PERSONIFYING THE POWERS. “is a noticeable personification of special terms that reveal a truth that God wants us to see: The Powers are active agents of evil. They are not a generalized influence that, at times, sways decisions and affects actions people take. Rather, terms used to name The Powers are specific. The terms include the Flesh, portrayed as a controlling agent; Sin, shown to be an active power; the Law, which serves as a prosecuting lawyer; and Death, as a prowling beast seeking our destruction.”
THE VICTORY OVER THE POWERS WITH THREE WOUNDS. Three times when the Powers were dealt mortal wounds.
- The temptation of Jesus.
- When Jesus died and was resurrected.
- The final victory when Jesus returns.
TAKING BACK LOST TERRITORY. Pauls strategy for fighting the Powers.
- Start with prayer
- Put on the Spirit-prompted armor
- Be obedient to the likeness of Christ
- Be a common witness to the gospel.
Quotes from: Scot McKnight & Dave Ferguson. “Open to the Spirit.” iBooks. https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/open-to-the-spirit/id1255402428?mt=11