This week, let’s continue our study of this powerful force that we call faith.
Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1 this way:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
The Greek word translated as substance in our verse is the word”hypostasis”.
“Hypostasis” is derived from these two Greek root words:
● “hypo” meaning “under; beneath; against”
● “stasis” which means “standing; position”.
So, “hypostasis” means, “that which stands under, supports, and acts as a foundation”.
The Gospel of John, chapter 1 tells us that Jesus is the Word of God. He is God in the flesh, and “all things were made through Him”.
Not only did Jesus create all things, but the Bible also tells us that He is now “… upholding and maintaining and propelling all things [the entire physical and spiritual universe] by His powerful Word …” (Hebrews 1:3 Amplified Bible)
The Word of God is the source and the foundation of all creation. Because it is the ultimate and underlying reality of the entire universe, faith in our Father’s Word is the most powerful force available to us as His children.
Recently, as I was studying the subject of faith, I was amazed to find that the root word, “stasis”, used in Hebrews 11:1 (see above) also has a secondary meaning of: “to take a stand in a dispute; to participate in an insurrection or a rebellion“.
Unfortunately, I understand the concepts of insurrection and rebellion all too well, since I wasted many years rebelling against God.
What I didn’t know then, that I do know now, is this: Sinners rebel AGAINST God, and their rebellion is doomed to failure 100% of the time!
But Christians also have a calling and a commission to rebel! The difference is that our rebellion is FOR God, and against the kingdom of darkness. And our righteous rebellion is destined for success!
We are called and challenged to take a stand in the ongoing epic battle between good and evil.
The root of the dispute is this: In the very beginning, God, the Creator and Master of the universe, deputized Adam and Eve as His under-rulers, commissionng them to exercise dominion over all His magnificent creation.
⁵ “… what honor you have given to men, created only a little lower than Elohim, crowned with glory and magnificence. ⁶ You have delegated to them rulership over all you have made, with everything under their authority, placing earth itself under the feet of your image-bearers.
(Psalms 8:5-6, The Passion Translation)
But through their disobedience, sin and spiritual death entered the world. And satan, the original insurrectionist, robbed man of his authority over the earth and became the “god of this age”. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Jesus came to destroy the works of the enemy. And by His blood, His death, and His resurrection, He absolutely defeated satan and stripped him of the authority he had stolen from Adam.
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” (Colossians 1:13)
The Greek word translated in this verse as “delivered” (rhuo) means ” to move with speed and violence; to rush to rescue”.
I like that! The resurrected Jesus was a one-man SWAT Team! He didn’t politely knock on the door of satan’s dungeon and ask the devil to release the prisoners. He used the blood-stained battering ram of Holy Spirit’s power to break the doors of hell down, as He rushed in to rescue us!
That’s how you were born into the kingdom of God. You heard the gospel, and faith rose in your heart. You rebelled against hell and said, “Satan, I’m outta here! You’re not my master any longer! Jesus, I’m all yours!”
Jesus busted you right out of prison. You became a free man, and there was nothing, absolutely nothing, the enemy could do about it!
Our walk of faith is to be a life-long rebellion against the authority and dominion of satan in our lives, and the lives of others.
We are to make continual conscious decisions, moment-by-moment, to align ourselves with God’s Word against the temptations and attacks of the enemy.
All authority now belongs to Jesus, King of kings, and Lord of lords. And He has entrusted His authority and His power to us, commanding us to enforce His victory, and establish His kingdom in the earth. (Matthew 28:18-20)
But satan, because he is an outlaw, has continued to usurp authority over mankind and still holds countless millions as hostages in the dark dungeons of spiritual death.
We don’t have to allow that! As the Body of Christ, we are to enforce Jesus’ victory, and violently expand God’s kingdom in the earth, as we rebel against the forces of hell.
Jesus gave us the keys of the kingdom! He
said whatever we bind (forbid, lock up) on earth shall be, having already been bound in heaven, and whatever we loose (allow, unlock) on earth shall be, having already been loosed in heaven.
(Matthew 16:19)
[* Unfortunately, we occasionally get a little careless with our keys, don’t we? Ever locked yourself out of your house or your car?]
Sometimes by our wrong thinking, believing, and speaking, we lock ourselves out, and let the enemy run loose.
If that happens, don’t panic! Call Jesus, the Locksmith! He has life’s master keys, and will make everything all right again. Unlock Holy Spirit’s awesome power in your life!
We are commissioned to put satan into lockdown and destroy his influence over our own lives, our families, our cities, our nation, and the world.
We are part of the Rebel Resistance! Our goal is to completely overthrow and demolish every satanic stronghold. We are rebelling against the “god of this age” and establishing heaven’s authority and government on the earth!
Let’s rebel against sickness and disease!
Let’s rebel against poverty and lack!
Let’s rebel against worry and fear!
Let’s rebel against strife and hatred!
Let’s rebel against bondage and addiction!
Let’s rebel against oppression!
Let’s rebel against depression!
Let’s rebel against lifeless religion!
Let’s rebel against hell!
************************************************
************************************************
My wife, Grace, and I are very proud to be in partnership with Student Life Organization, Inc. We believe in the great work they are doing in Cebu City, and throughout the central part of the Philippines.
SLOI provides educational opportunities to
many physically disabled and financially disadvantaged children, helping them reach their God-given potential.
Your generous giving will help co-founders Ian Rustia and Anne Ruiz, as they faithfully declare and demonstrate God’s love to these precious children and their families.
“I mention this not because I’m requesting a gift, but so that the fruit of your generosity may bring you an abundant reward.”
(Philippians 4:17, TPT)
Would you please give today? If so, please use this link: paypal.me/anaferuiz
Thank you! We pray that you will experience God’s richest blessings as you give freely and cheerfully in Jesus’ name!
Leave a Reply