Ruling your spirit

Ruling your spirit. Part l. Building walls.

Proverbs 25:28  He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

A city without walls.

 If a city has no walls for defense, it is vulnerable to whoever (or whatever), come against it. Being defenseless, it falls to anything and everything that comes along. In ancient times, walls were more important than dwellings!

               In this verse of proverbs 25:28, Jesus is referring to our spirits ability to resist temptation.  If our spirit has no walls, then every wind of false doctrine, temptations, evil thought, dark desires, etc., will overcome the persons thoughts, motives, and life. Building the walls of our spirit, requires the word of God. And our yielding to it.

Build Your House (Walls) on the Rock

Mat 7:24  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 

Mat 7:25  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 

Mat 7:26  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 

Mat 7:27  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 

The Walls.

This raises a question, what are those walls? They are: 1. Spiritual. 2. Intellectual and 3. Physical wall.

Our defense is a lot more than the armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18. While this armor is vital, a person’s level of experience and growth will determine their ability to use this armor.  A child playing with the armor, is not the same as his dad and uncles, who wear it! We can define those walls and we can see where our experience and maturity play a role in it.

Building the walls.

1. True Spiritual walls.

The word of God and the spirits leading is the first foundation in building a spiritual wall.   Brain power, determination, knowledge, social status, money, power and much more, they all have a place, but they can also be used by Satan as substitutes, that have you building on the sand.  It’s the word of God that is the solid rock foundation. The word of God is the foundation of our faith and in understanding the spirit. Nothing else will suffice.  Reading it, applying it to our lives, and gaining an understanding of how it really works in daily living, is the first foundation in building spiritual walls.

Spiritual walls are built while walking with God, even if we are just starting! A mighty fortress of living in the spirit, overcoming all sin, tearing down satans strongholds, and building our faith that can move mountains, all start one step at a time.   But the first step is always in the word of God, and applying it to our lives! To build a spiritual wall, you must read the Bible.

2. Intellectual walls.

The mind and knowledge are both powerful forces.  If the mind is filled with dark knowledge, (the knowledge of: sin, mental deceptions, false or shallow understanding, Vain philosophies and dark spiritual experiences and reasoning), that dark knowledge is undermining our faith, darkening our spirit, and separates us from God! Thinking or talking on dark knowledge, opens doors in our spirit that we cannot close! we can open those doors into darkness,through our imaginations. we cannot let our imaginations run wild or unchecked! we must always compare it to the word of God! Adam and Eve found this out the hard way also!   Dark knowledge is not a wall of defense!  It is a paper wall portraying a promising and sturdy wall. But alas, it is still only a painting!  Dark knowledge is VERY deceiving! Its intent is to get you to trust in a false sense of security! (Promising much, but cannot deliver or save.) Jesus compared it to clouds that promise rain, but deliver nothing. It is a wall of mental imprisonment! I say mental imprisonment, because we were led to believe something was true, but did not see how wrong it really was. so, we defend what we believed in, and usually pay a high price for our sincerity. (And sometimes stupidity).  But in the end, we always end up far worse than how we started out.

  This is what Jesus was trying to get people to see, when he used the example of building upon the sand. (Trusting in something that will fail).  Deceit is satans strong hold. Lies, deceits, humanism, ungodly living, are all dark knowledge!  But there is no truth in any of it!, You must have truth to build a strong and solid foundation. (Trusting a false paper wall, is likened to building upon the sand) and as such can crumbled and fallen.  A pile of rubble!  Or non-existent altogether!

 There have been many driftwood shelters built on the beach. But as soon as the tide came in, the campers had to flee for safety, as their shelter got washed away by the tide! Sometimes their car got washed away with it!  Out of town tourist are very teachable, as they watch their SUV’s and sometimes motorhomes get pulled by the tide, far out into the ocean’s depth!  they think they can drive on the sand. then they are suddenly stuck! They cannot get out and they cannot stop the incoming tide!

I know there are certain places and ways you can drive on the beach. always pay attention to the signs! But, its not for beginners! driving on the beach is not for everyone!

 The things that come against the unprotected spirit, (such as temptations,) are luring you to venture into forbidden ground. Satan knows if he can get you there, you will get bogged down, then he will come in like a tide, and destroy you all together! Like the unsuspecting beach campers, you may be forced to flee for your life or safety! It may cost you everything! your walls (guards) were down and you were will be easily overcome! For there is no defense to stop the tide! would it not have been better, to have known what was about to happen! How foolish it is, to know, and rush in anyway! Racing to your own destruction!

Intellectual walls of defense, is the knowledge of Gods Holy word. It shows us how powerful God really is! It gives us the wisdom to reject everything that tears us down, the knowing of what to avoid, and the knowledge and experience for righteous living! It leads to victorious living, and the peace of mind that only God can give!  Knowledge that is built on truth is sure and strong!  It changes our understanding and our spirit! It gives us the mind of Christ! THIS is building on the solid foundation of Gods word.

However, knowledge that is built on circumstance, self-will, shifting facts, peer pressure, personal desires, etc., leads to disappointment, confusion, fear, doubt, rebellion, emotional wars, and shame. We know satans tricks and devices. But we also know the right way!

3. physical walls.

               A Physical wall Is our lifestyle and manor of living.  If we read the word of God and do not apply it, then we are hearers and not doers.  Our clothes, speech, mindset, habits, perspective, and spirit will all be influenced and changed by how we live! What we drive and how we drive it! It will all be affected by our obedience or disobedience to Christ.  How we live, is a very important part of physical walls and victorious living! The words we use and do not use, will be under the influence of the Holy spirit.  What we wear and why we wear it, are also outward signs of inward change.  Our circle of friends will change. Our hangouts will change, or go away altogether. Our influence for God will become a beacon of light to all who know us! Our testimony will be heard! Those who knew us before, will not recognize us!  Those who know us now, will not believe what we used to be. Or how we used to live! Our health will change, our looks will change, our mindset will change. The physical things in our lives, that are attached to spiritual darkness, (things that influence to go back to sin.) will not be allowed in our homes or lives. Our desires and emotions will be cleaned up and be acceptable with God, and in harmony with his ways. Drinking Alcohol, the use of tobacco, pornography, gambling, cursing, and swearing, fights, ungodly music, embarrassing hair styles, immodest clothes, excessive jewelry, worldly and evil entertainment all are examples of physical things, that cause our walls, homes, and lives, to be destroyed.  For they are outward signs of a sinful heart. They are building on the sand.  People think these things will the bring happiness or satisfaction, but that satisfaction evaporates the morning after! They are all against God and his righteousness. They are all classified as worldliness or sin. God cannot bless worldliness or sin.  They are the outward signs, of an inward corrupt nature.

Proverbs 25:28  He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

   Learning the art of controlling your spirit, is very similar to controlling your attitude! It also involves your thoughts, motives, desires, and body language. The hardest part will be controlling your tongue and language. To sum up this list: controlling your spirit is learning self-control!  Self-control is a mockery to us, if we do not live it! We must also take in the physical walls of victorious living! or else our lifestyle will revert to the darkness and uncertainty of the shifting sands.

True spiritual walls!

The true teachings of God and Jesus can easily be found in the bible! But it is NOT by great learning!  It is by HUMBLE OBEDIENCE!

Reading the bible and following it as best as we know how, will lead you straight to the very Gates of heaven! if we compromise against the word of God, it is we who suffer the most!

Joh 7:16  Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 

Joh 7:17  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 

Joh 7:18  He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 

The true doctrines of Christ is a life of:

1. Holiness of heart and life.
2. Victory over sin, eternal death, and the grave.
3. love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and, temperance.
4. Understanding, light, and wisdom in eternal things.
5. Hope, with a romance for righteousness and truth.
6. Inner Freedom, contentment, and peace.
7. Void of offence.
8. A spirit filled life of Gods presence, filled with his word!
9. Songs and rejoicing! Even in very difficult and trying times.
10. Growth, development, learning, and change.
11. Walking with God, his Son Jesus, and the holy spirit.
12. Prayer, that is a relationship, not just a communication.

It is no wonder, That Satans attacks by: lies, deceives, blinds, undermines, and ridicules anything that has to do with God, Gods people or his word!

Ruling your spirit. Part II.  False Walls.

 False walls.  1. the heart.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 

These words were written by the Prophet Jerimiah. Even though they were written thousands of years ago, they are still true and profound today.  The sad reality of these words can be seen all around us. Human nature being what it is, people are far more willing to trust their hearts, instead of Gods word, The bible. 

 Many marriages ended up in divorce, because the happy couple trusted in their feelings, instead of the bible. The feelings like puppy love, is sincere, very strong and real. But they do not last long. when reality sets in, and the feelings go away. Then the disillusioned couple live a life of strife. Normally ending in divorce. But the saddest of all, the children will bear the scars all their lives, long after the parents are gone.

Fast emotions, quick tempers and hot passions, selfish greed, jealousy, and pride are all tools satan uses to bring disaster. For those who cannot control their spirit, then their life’s story will be one of folly and shame. These are all false walls. They all spring from the heart. They cannot be trusted to be true. Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 

When a person is in hell, The burnings, screeching, torments, the smell, the brutality, horror and much much more, will be forever.  What would a person give to escape hell!  We can safely say they would give the entire universe to escape. But the universe is not theirs to give. And if it were, it would not grant them any hope. BUT there is one thing, that will work! But it Must be obtained in this life, before death! The fear of the lord! It is worth more than all the universe! Even if the universe were filled with gold, diamonds, and every precious gems.  The fear of the lord would be worth more! Especially when it can spare you from ever entering such a place as hell!

False walls.  2.  False leaders and deception.

Mat 7:15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 

Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 

2Pe 2:1  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 

2Pe 2:2  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 

2Pe 2:3  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 

This spirit of insanity has not by-passed the churches in this age.  The only hope anyone can have is in the word of God! We must read it for ourselves. Do our own praying. And yield to wherever the holy spirit is leading you.

False teachers, preachers, and leaders, are everywhere. They are false walls. They may offer some degree of safety at first, but in the acid test of time, they will all tumble down, taking you with them!

False walls.  3. False doctrine. (teaching)

Mat 16:12  Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. 

2Pe 2:1  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 

om 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 

Rom 16:18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 

Doctrine means teachings. Normally applied to a religious agenda.  While many false churches promote sin, worldliness, and compromise: they cannot remove the truth of Gods word!  Even if they reprint their own bibles, and take out the many verses they do not like. There is still something in the heart and conscience of everyone, that tells them, something is not right!  Those who refuse to read Gods word, (because they loved not the truth,) will believe, and fall for anything.

Gods’ punishment for those who refuse his word is: they will “believe a lie, because they loved not the truth.”  Their damnation slumbers not!

False teachings and deceptions are all false walls.

False walls.  4. peer pressure.

Act 12:3  And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.

Pro 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. 

I used to think peer pressure stopped to adolescent. I was wrong! Peer pressure is alive and well in every stage and position of life! God has no use for peer pressure. He calls it the fear of man.  Also known as the “man fearing spirit.”   Most organization, churches, clubs, marketing, salesman, and advertisers, thrive by using peer pressure!

It is no wonder satan uses it so often!  Peer pressure Is looking to follow others!  BUT Jesus said to follow HIM! HE is the GOOD shepherd. We are the sheep! Others are called hirelings, they flee when trouble comes. It is very foolish to get that turned around!   Some people teach that God follows us!  They say it is our prayers that gives God permission!  How foolish is that! But when backed by peer pressure, people are more willing to believe it!

False Wall. 5. Fear

Rom_8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

2Ti_1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1Jn_4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

It is easy to think that building a wall, due to fear, keeps things out. But those same walls keep you IN!  fear can become a prison cell.  A prison of the mind, whose bars are stronger than any castle.  To suppose that fearing something, will keep it away, (even with the walls up.) is very foolish thinking. In fear of dying, you can live a good healthy life, with all walls of vitamins, medicine, doctors, exercise etc., But that cannot stop death.  Everyone will eventually pass away.  All the wars and deaths, since the start of time, has not changes the fatality rate one bit.  Death is till 100% for everyone! Then comes eternity. How we spend our time on earth, is a good indication, of where we will spend our eternity. Fear stopped nothing. Fear can be a good motivator at times. But it can also be a cruel taskmaster!

Fear is a false wall.  Even with all the precautions in place, Fear stops nothing!  You can do what you can, but ultimately, when you close the door to fear, it will find a window!

1Jn_4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Fear is a VERY false wall!

In summery.

In building a wall to control our spirit and our lives, we must follow the Word of God! whatever or whoever, we follow or yield to, will become our masters!

Rom 6:16  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 

Then in matt 7:26-27 we see that NOT yielding to the word of God is like building on the sand!

Mat 7:26  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 

Mat 7:27  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 

Jesus said a three folded cord is not easily broken.  Here we certainly see the three cords.

1. In Proverbs We have the alarm of the condition.  The walls are down, the enemy is coming.
2. In Jeremiah we have the carnal heart that invaded us without restraint, and started the attack.
3. In Romans we have the disobedience that we surrendered to, that made us a captured slave to the sinful heart.
4. in matt we saw what the end result of such foolish decisions.
5. in Mathew 7:24-25 we saw how the word of God is the solid rock, we can build on, that will stand the storms of life!

the choice of our eternity, is found in this life! its worth more than the whole universe! but if we choose to ignore, put off, procrastinate, reject, etc. then god will let you spend eternity, in the place of your choice!

you see the warning signs! forbidden ground! do not enter! what excuses are you using, to push ahead anyway?