THE MYSTERY OF WICKEDNESS | APOSTLE JOSHUA SELMAN 2019

OVERCOMING DAILY68 minutes read

Wickedness is an ingrained reality in the world that influences individuals and generations, necessitating spiritual understanding and authority to overcome it, as emphasized by the speaker. The text asserts that invoking the name of Jesus is a powerful tool against spiritual opposition, enabling believers to effect change and embody their role as empowered representatives of Christ.

Insights

  • Wickedness is a fundamental aspect of the world, as highlighted in 1 John 5:19, which asserts that the entire world is under the influence of evil, a reality that many people overlook. This pervasive wickedness requires individuals to understand how to protect themselves and their loved ones from its effects, emphasizing the importance of awareness and spiritual knowledge.
  • The struggle against wickedness is not merely physical but involves a complex spiritual battle, as described in Ephesians 6:12. This indicates that spiritual forces operate in various dimensions, influencing human behavior and societal issues, and underscores the necessity for believers to recognize and confront these spiritual realities to overcome evil.
  • The text outlines three main goals of wickedness: to discredit God, weaken faith, and perpetuate evil across generations. Personal suffering can lead individuals to question God’s credibility, as seen in the biblical story of Job, while ancestral covenants can bind future generations, stressing the importance of breaking these cycles through knowledge and spiritual authority.
  • The name of Jesus is presented as a powerful tool for believers, granting them authority over spiritual forces and the ability to effect change in their lives. The text emphasizes that true belief in Jesus' name brings His presence and power into situations, reinforcing the idea that understanding and invoking this authority is crucial for overcoming spiritual challenges and achieving victory in life.

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Recent questions

  • What is spiritual warfare?

    Spiritual warfare refers to the battle between good and evil in the spiritual realm, where believers engage against demonic forces that seek to undermine faith and promote wickedness. This concept emphasizes that struggles are not merely physical but involve spiritual dimensions, where understanding the tactics of evil is crucial for overcoming challenges. Believers are encouraged to recognize their authority through faith in Jesus Christ, as His name holds power against spiritual opposition. Engaging in spiritual warfare involves prayer, knowledge of scripture, and the application of kingdom principles to navigate life's difficulties effectively.

  • How can I protect my family spiritually?

    Protecting your family spiritually involves understanding the pervasive nature of wickedness and actively engaging in practices that fortify faith and spiritual resilience. This includes regular prayer, invoking the name of Jesus, and teaching family members about the principles of the Kingdom of God. It is essential to break any transgenerational cycles of wickedness that may affect your lineage, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and spiritual authority. By fostering an environment of faith, love, and understanding, families can create a protective barrier against spiritual attacks and promote healing and unity within the household.

  • What does it mean to have faith?

    Having faith means trusting in God and His promises, believing in the power of Jesus Christ, and relying on spiritual principles to navigate life's challenges. Faith is not merely an intellectual agreement but involves a deep conviction that influences actions and decisions. It empowers believers to overcome obstacles, heal from past wounds, and engage in spiritual warfare against evil forces. Understanding the principles of the Kingdom of God enhances faith, allowing individuals to experience the fullness of blessings and authority that come from a genuine relationship with Christ.

  • What are the signs of spiritual oppression?

    Signs of spiritual oppression can manifest in various forms, including persistent feelings of despair, confusion, and doubt, as well as physical ailments that seem unexplainable. Individuals may experience relational conflicts, a sense of being trapped in negative cycles, or a lack of peace and joy in their lives. Recognizing these signs is crucial, as they often indicate the influence of wickedness seeking to undermine faith and well-being. Engaging in prayer, seeking spiritual counsel, and invoking the name of Jesus can help combat these oppressive forces and restore spiritual health.

  • How does prayer affect spiritual battles?

    Prayer plays a vital role in spiritual battles, serving as a direct line of communication with God and a powerful tool against evil forces. Through prayer, believers can invoke the name of Jesus, seek divine intervention, and gain strength to resist temptation and oppression. It is a means of aligning oneself with God's will and accessing His authority to overcome challenges. Regular prayer fosters spiritual growth, deepens intimacy with God, and equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence needed to confront wickedness effectively, reinforcing the belief that prayer can lead to transformative outcomes in both personal and communal contexts.

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Summary

00:00

Confronting the Reality of Spiritual Wickedness

  • Wickedness is a pervasive reality in the world, as stated in 1 John 5:19, which emphasizes that the entire world lies in wickedness, a truth many refuse to acknowledge.
  • Ephesians 6:12 highlights that our struggles are not merely against physical entities but against spiritual forces of wickedness in high places, indicating a complex spiritual battle that exists beyond the physical realm.
  • The concept of multiple spiritual dimensions is introduced, suggesting that there are various planes of existence in the spirit realm, where entities of spiritual wickedness operate.
  • The text asserts that individuals are born into a system of wickedness, and understanding how to protect oneself and loved ones from this reality is crucial for survival in a world influenced by evil.
  • The speaker emphasizes that ignorance is a significant weapon used by Satan against people, as stated in Psalm 82, where lack of knowledge leads to suffering and bondage.
  • The goals of wickedness are outlined as threefold: to discredit God, to weaken or destroy faith in God, and to perpetuate evil agendas through transgenerational channels.
  • The first goal, to discredit God, is illustrated by how personal suffering can lead individuals to question God's credibility, as seen in the experiences of those who have faced significant hardships.
  • The second goal involves weakening faith, where experiences of wickedness can lead to doubt and despair, as exemplified by the biblical figure Job and the discouragement he faced from his wife.
  • The third goal is to establish a transgenerational channel for wickedness, where covenants made by ancestors can affect future generations, emphasizing the importance of breaking these cycles through knowledge and spiritual authority.
  • The speaker concludes that wickedness cannot thrive without human participation, indicating that understanding and confronting these spiritual realities is essential for overcoming the pervasive influence of evil in the world.

20:27

Wickedness and Faith in End Times

  • The Bible, specifically Matthew 24, indicates that in the end times, wickedness will increase, leading to greater offenses among people, which highlights the reality of wickedness in the world and its impact on faith.
  • Personal salvation does not automatically extend to family members; being born again does not ensure that relatives are also saved, emphasizing the need for individual faith and action in spiritual matters.
  • Wickedness manifests in various forms, including abusive behaviors within families, such as parents inflicting harm on children, which is described as a spiritual issue rather than mere behavioral problems.
  • The speaker stresses that the world is permeated with wickedness, affecting all aspects of life, including workplaces and social interactions, where individuals must navigate relationships with those who may not share their faith.
  • Understanding the realms and jurisdictions of demonic operations is crucial, as many teachings focus on the structure of the demonic kingdom rather than the strategies employed by Satan, which can lead to confusion and fear.
  • The speaker critiques the extensive literature on spiritual warfare that attempts to categorize demonic hierarchies, arguing that such studies can distract from the core message of victory in Christ and the simplicity of faith.
  • The Bible warns against ignorance of Satan's strategies, suggesting that believers should focus on understanding these tactics rather than getting caught up in speculative theories about demonic organization.
  • The speaker references various authors and their works on spiritual warfare, including Rebecca Brown and Mary Baxter, but emphasizes that the ultimate authority should be the Bible and its teachings on spiritual matters.
  • The realms of demonic operation include heavenly places, the air, and water, with each realm having specific characteristics and influences, such as the manipulation of societal behaviors and the promotion of immorality.
  • The speaker concludes that believers have authority over demonic forces through Christ, asserting that at the mention of Jesus' name, every knee must bow, reinforcing the power of faith in overcoming wickedness.

39:51

Spiritual Significance of Water and Earth

  • The text discusses the spiritual implications of water, emphasizing its significance in various territories and its association with issues like infidelity in marriage, suggesting a connection between spiritual realms and human behavior.
  • It references a historical incident involving a bank that faced threats from witches and wizards, highlighting the spiritual dangers associated with water and the need for awareness of these forces.
  • The speaker cites Genesis 1:20-21, explaining that all living creatures, including birds, originated from water, underscoring the mysterious and abundant nature of water as a spiritual element.
  • Fire is introduced as another medium of spiritual manifestation, with the speaker noting its dual nature: it can be both a source of warmth and a destructive force, and it plays a significant role in cultural festivals and spiritual practices.
  • The earth is described as a living entity capable of responding to human actions, with biblical references to its ability to swallow rebellious individuals, indicating its spiritual significance in rituals and practices.
  • Human beings are identified as the most effective medium for spiritual manifestation, possessing souls and will, which makes them unique compared to other elements like water, fire, and earth.
  • The text outlines three main strategies of Satan, with ignorance being the primary tactic used to blind individuals to the truth of the gospel and the principles of the kingdom, as referenced in 2 Corinthians 4:4.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding both the person of Jesus Christ and the principles of the kingdom, noting that many believers may know Jesus but lack knowledge of how to apply kingdom principles in their lives.
  • Spiritual growth is framed as a journey of intimacy with God and partnership with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the necessity of being taught the principles of the kingdom to achieve victory in life.
  • The text concludes by stressing that comprehension of kingdom principles differentiates believers, as those with greater understanding can exercise authority over spiritual forces more effectively than those who remain ignorant.

01:01:20

Understanding the Kingdom of God and Jesus' Authority

  • The text discusses the importance of understanding the principles of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that the degree of understanding varies among individuals, which affects their ability to navigate life's challenges effectively.
  • It highlights that healing and other blessings come from Jesus, referencing the phrase "by His stripes we are healed," indicating that faith and understanding of spiritual laws are essential for receiving these blessings.
  • The speaker encourages listeners to identify the Kingdom principle responsible for their desired outcomes, suggesting that understanding these principles can lead to immediate results without the need for prayer.
  • The text mentions several powerful spiritual tools, including the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, the power of praise, and the power of prayer, which are described as effective weapons against spiritual opposition.
  • A specific focus is placed on the name of Jesus, asserting that invoking this name brings His presence and power into situations, and that true belief in this name is crucial for experiencing its effects.
  • The speaker references Mark 16:15-18, which outlines signs that will follow believers, including the ability to handle serpents and heal the sick, emphasizing that these actions are possible through faith in the name of Jesus.
  • The text explains that the name of Jesus is not merely a pronunciation but represents a deeper revelation of God's presence and authority, which can manifest in tangible ways.
  • It discusses the significance of Jesus' resurrection and exaltation, stating that His name was officially given authority after His victory over death, allowing believers to operate without limitations.
  • The speaker emphasizes that the name of Jesus is synonymous with Lordship, which grants believers authority over the earth, and that this authority is contingent upon having clean hands and a pure heart.
  • Finally, the text concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to embrace the revelation of the name of Jesus and to recognize their power to effect change in their lives and the world around them through faith and understanding.

01:25:08

Empowered by the Name of Jesus

  • Jesus stated that all authority has been given to Him, and those who believe in Him are granted the privilege to share His name, becoming authorized to act in His name, such as casting out demons, regardless of the language spoken.
  • The text emphasizes that the name of Jesus carries the same power and presence whether invoked through a person or an object, like handkerchiefs and aprons, which can also transmit His authority.
  • The speaker highlights the importance of understanding Jesus as both Lord and Christ, asserting that believers have the authority to act on His behalf, which is crucial for overcoming spiritual challenges.
  • An example is given where Peter, lacking material wealth, declared, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up," demonstrating that the power of the name can bring healing and transformation.
  • The speaker recounts a personal experience where, after losing a laptop, they invoked the name of Jesus, leading to its miraculous return, illustrating the effectiveness of faith in His name.
  • The text warns against allowing past failures to diminish faith in the power of Jesus' name, encouraging believers to maintain conviction and not to be discouraged by setbacks.
  • The speaker urges listeners to actively resist evil and to recognize their identity as empowered ambassadors of Christ, capable of invoking His authority in various situations.
  • A call to action is made for believers to engage with the Word of God regularly, emphasizing that genuine conviction cannot be faked and is essential for spiritual empowerment.
  • The speaker concludes with a blessing, declaring prosperity, health, and divine favor over the listeners, reinforcing the belief that invoking the name of Jesus brings about positive change and empowerment in their lives.
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