With Christ
Colossians 2:20~23 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rule? (20)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #407 Dying with Jesus (#465 in previous version) Even as children of God, if we fail to enjoy God’s blessings, we will have no choice but to follow the knowledge of the world. God’s chief blessing is the covenant of Immanuel, in which He promised to be with us. Because we are children of God, if we realistically enjoy the blessing of being with Him, we will not follow the things of the world and instead, have victory. If we enjoy the blessing of being with Him in the most comfortable way through prayer, we will have victory. How can we enjoy this?
1. Enjoy the Word.
God gives the Word to those with salvation. The focal point of the 66 books of the Bible is the Gospel and salvation. God shined the light in the midst of darkness, formlessness, and emptiness (Genesis 1:3). As soon as man left God and fell into sin, God gave the Gospel in which He proclaimed that the offspring of the woman would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). The ark, the Passover in which sacrificial offerings are given, the tabernacle, and Immanuel all signify Jesus Christ, and the focal point of the Gospel and salvation. When we believe in the Word of this Gospel, it is then that we can receive salvation. It is imperative to enjoy the blessed Word through prayer.
2. Enjoy your identity.
God has given to us the amazing identity as His children. We need to enjoy our identity as children of God in the most comfortable of times through prayer. Because God is with His children, nothing can attack us (1 Corinthians 3:16). We can also enjoy complete victory when we receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16~17), and when we receive the power of the filling of the Holy Spirit, we can become the witnesses that save the entire world (Acts 1:8). It is from this point that God will send His angels to answer us, and wherever a child of God goes, they will be able to eliminate the forces of darkness, experience the kingdom of God, and raise disciples.
3. Enjoy your authority.
It is from this point that your authority as a child of God will manifest. The forces of darkness and its lies, as well as forces of idols, have no choice but to fall before children of God. Mental problems and incurable illnesses are only increasing with each passing day. Furthermore, severe problems latent in the individual are passed on to their posterity, who suffer without a solution. However, when children of God pray in the name of Jesus, forces of darkness will crumble. Additionally, using our authority as children of God, we can save those who are suffering.
-As you enjoy your identity and authority as a child of God, apply the same blessings in your current field. Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2011.9.25