Power is the capability that someone has to get what they want. When the wielder exalts themself above God they position their attention (mind) and admiration (heart) inwardly, then they require the same from those around them.
Power is a dangerous gift because it has the capacity to administer a great deal of influence. Power is given by God to be used for good and whenever this is accomplished we rejoice because the glory always points back to God. However, power is mishandled when the wielder exalts his or herself above God. This usually happens when there is a longing for attention (commanding of the mind) and admiration (commanding of the heart). The consequences of misusing what power was intended for can be seen all around us from and is notable in people or organizations who profit from the misfortunes of others. We know that we are subject to these societal sins if we 1) set our minds on carnal/earthy things instead of things of God, 2) when we put ourselves before others instead of putting ourselves last, and 3) when we require recognition/glory/fame. God created money, sex, and power to be used within His will in a way that is honorable and Christ-centered. However, because of evil temptations, we have chosen to worship these three gifts instead of God, who created them. This is the spiritual warfare we fight against satan over the blessings God has given us. Losing this battle means using God's blessings for our self-benefit, winning this battle means living according to God's purpose.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
Note: In part I, I called this "social sin.” In part II, I updated this language to “the sin of idolatry” because this sin involves an individual’s self-exaltation over the masses. The “sin of idolatry” better describes this sin and clearly distinguishes it from “social justice” which is the belief that a group of people sin collectively against another. Sin is not communal, it is individually rooted.
THE BLESSING
Power is a blessing from God.
God blesses us with certain power so that we can be a servant to those around us, which Jesus modeled perfectly for us.
God grants us power to help us accomplish something we cannot do on our own. When wielded for good, this power brings glory to God.
This is a reminder to us that power comes only through God, but it requires us to renounce the power in ourself. Similarly, praise from God comes renouncing praise from others.
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:42-45
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11
THE PERVERSION
Power is twisted by Satan.
Satan tempts us into abusing God's gift of power by promising the pleasure of…
self-exaltation
glory
admiration
praise
A primary example is Satan's influence in government control.
This exploitation of powers' directly relates to the abuse of money and sex, which is why power's root sin is the culmination of both: greed & pride.
Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. Philippians 2:7-9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9
SOCIAL SIN INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO...
Injustice
This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. Jeremiah 22:3
Corruption
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9
Lying & Misguiding
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. Psalm 5:9
Blasphemy & Idolizing Self
I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20: 29-30
But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin. Mark 3:29
THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL SIN INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO…
Bitterness
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:14-16
Wrathfulness
The desire of the righteous turns out well, but the hope of the wicked leads to wrath. Proverbs 11:23
Hate & Wickedness
A hateful person disguises himself with his speech and harbors deceit within. When he speaks graciously, don’t believe him, for there are seven detestable things in his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his evil will be revealed in the assembly. Proverbs 26:24-26
Nakedness
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13
REFLECT
If you've read this far down the page, take the time to examine what Scripture might be telling you about your own life. It's more than likely that you're questioning your motives and the motives of those around you. That's the response we hope for because the world and the traditions of man contradict the Word of God. Walking in the darkness and sin means using God's good gift of power for reasons that are self-serving. Walking in the light and with Jesus means using our power within God's will for God's glory. Ask yourself these questions:
How does power affect my heart and my thoughts?
Have I given credit to God for blessing me with certain power so that I can serve those around me? Have I been giving all the glory to God?
Have I been using power for its purpose? How have I been using power outside of its intention?
What social sins do I see around me? What social sins do I see within me? (i.e. blasphemy, self-idolization, lying, misguiding, corruption, injustice, etc.)
What effects of social sin do I see in the world? What effects of social sin do I see in my life? (i.e. bitterness, wrathfulness, hate, wickedness, nakedness, etc.)
Is my heart free from greed and pride?
How can I start changing how I view and use power?
What does freedom from social sin look like?
Overcoming spiritual warfare is resisting satan's temptation to abuse God's gift for your own gain and remaining strong in the Lord by overcoming and defeating the lies of the enemy. We will be talking about the application and worldview of power in part II.
Dear Lord,
Whoever has ears let them hear what Your Spirit has to say.
Amen.
###
Sources: Desiring God, Got Questions
Power is a dangerous gift because it has the capacity to administer a great deal of influence. Power is given by God to be used for good and whenever this is accomplished we rejoice because the glory always points back to God. However, power is mishandled when the wielder exalts his or herself above God. This usually happens when there is a longing for attention (commanding of the mind) and admiration (commanding of the heart). The consequences of misusing what power was intended for can be seen all around us from and is notable in people or organizations who profit from the misfortunes of others. We know that we are subject to these societal sins if we 1) set our minds on carnal/earthy things instead of things of God, 2) when we put ourselves before others instead of putting ourselves last, and 3) when we require recognition/glory/fame. God created money, sex, and power to be used within His will in a way that is honorable and Christ-centered. However, because of evil temptations, we have chosen to worship these three gifts instead of God, who created them. This is the spiritual warfare we fight against satan over the blessings God has given us. Losing this battle means using God's blessings for our self-benefit, winning this battle means living according to God's purpose.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
Comentarios