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Confronting Jezebel AND Ahab

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Confronting Jezebel AND Ahab





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As in the picture above, it would be great if it were OBVIOUS (wearing a costume) when the spirits of Jezebel and Ahab are present in the Church. There would be no problem identifying who is harboring those spirits. But like the snake in the Garden of Eden, the devil is NOT OBVIOUS, but subtle. And the way he works is by masquerading as a friend that draws us away progressively (by our own choices) as we follow along with their influence and reasoning.

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus had some stern things to say to the seven churches. And to varying degrees, almost all of the warning signs are in most churches today.

Some will contend that becuase their worship is so awesome that there is too much light for the darkness to get anywhere near the church doors. But guess what: the enemy is still out there waiting (maybe just in the parking lot ) , and can still slither in unaware AFTER Worship -- when we think it's safe. And do you know what they are looking for? Two things: Those who might be a good target to gain access or those who already have open doors (strongholds). We need to stop living in the fantasy that the devil wont try to touch us just because we are going to what we think is the "right" church.

The most fierce yet subtle spiritual battles are commonly found in any household of God that is seeking God. Why? Because from a Spiritual Warfare standpoint, the more we seek God, the more of a threat we are to the enemy. Consequently, all those in leadership must constantly be on guard (but not paranoid) for the subtleties of the deceiver. We need to be balanced. On the one hand we must take up a war-like attitude (Matthew 11:12) to keep the family protected, and on the other hand, we need to walk in the power of God's PEACE while we build up the Kingdom of God within our family. And the point here is to properly utilize the weapons of our warfare which are not carnal (2 Corinthians 10:4).

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Jezebel & Ahab vs. True Power and Position


Fortunately, we have the scriptures as well as those who have gone before us and have given us insights from their experiences and from the revelation and understanding they have received from the Holy Spirit. Two of the most common spirits that will attempt to shipwreck a church is the spirit of Jezebel AND Ahab.

The spirit of Ahab is often overlooked as its influence is typically one of complacency and irresponsibility (laziness). The influence of this spirit most commonly targets those in leadership, as this spirit was named after King Ahab.

Note that in 1 Kings 16:33 Ahab had also built a wooden image (idol), which for many churches today, is the same as the pulpit! ...(time to wake up!)

This compromising spirit commonly opens the door for the manipulative and controlling spirit of Jezebel. It is rare that you find one of these spirits and not the other. So, if you find your church in such warfare and you are successful in booting out the spirit of Jezebel, DON'T STOP until you also ferret out the Ahab spirit and especially the strongholds it has gained access through. They're easily identified (...IF your mind is on Christ) because the best way to detect a lie, is to know the Truth.

Hint 1 : The enemies' first objective is to draw you away from Christ by getting you to talk more ABOUT Him ...than TO Him.

Hint 2: check your humility.

WARNING: DON'T ASSUME that these tag-team spirits are NOT in your church (in some form or another). We must not always be suspicious or paranoid (in fear), but we need to be aware and wise. If there isn't someone already influenced by these spirits, we should be on guard when anyone is given a measure of authority, whether their humility of service is genuine or superficial. This is not always easy, unless you are working directly with them. Praying with them may not always be telling. As long as you are focused on Christ, somone with their own agenda, will become plain in a short amount of time. Always seek How the Holy Spirit wants to deal with them, and it's best to be in prayerful counsel with the lead pastor, apostle or prophet, concerning further course of action.



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Power and Position

Jezebel
Pride
Usurped Authority
Christ
Demonic power
Subtle Manipulation
Ahab
Arrogancy (Prov 8:13)
Earthly Authority
Human Power
Complacent Compliance
Christian (with the full Armor of God)
Humility (1 Peter 5:6-7)
God's ultimate Authority through Christ
God's ultimate Power through Christ (Luke 10:19, Acts 1:8)
Knowing the Truth and choosing it, instead of the lie



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CONFRONTATION


There's only one way to directly confront Jezebel - with a death blow. We see that when Jehu was given the green light, he confronted her from her lofty position and brought her back down to earth...literally (2 Kings 9:30).

Of course, this is a giant topic in and of itself. Further details can be found in the REF LINKS.

Remember from step Live Freethat spiritual warfare is first dealt with in the spiritual realm. The very demons that are causing trouble will do their best to distract our focus in trying first deal with the infected person, rather than take immediate authority over the parasite demons. We must be bold enough to seek God's wisdom in dealing first with the spirit(s) - that's the easy part.


Then when it comes to dealing with the various persons involved, the first person that needs to be confronted ... is ourselves (Luke 6:42). But we cannot stop there. Just as Nathan eventually confronted King David, We must use Matthew 18 to deal with the infected individuals especially if they are in leadership.


It's not a one-time solution

This article is only a reminder that we can't remain complacent. It's a reminder that we have to always be taking a hard and honest look at what's happening where we are, and where we are going. Are we in tune and in step with the Holy Spirit? Or have we back-sliden to playing church with some heart-felt sing-a-long songs?

How can we truly praise Him with all our might, if we are not worshiping Him with our actions? Indeed, we must bless the Lord with ALL our soul, AND we must choose to pick up the tools God has already given us, train how to use them, and fight. We can't back down into a false security.

Love is more than a feeling. Love is the Truth that makes us free. And what good is that freedom, indeed, what good is Life if we don't express His Love through action?! (James 2:26)

Here is the general process for rooting out the snakes in the sanctuary of our hearts and our church:
  1. Stay in tune with the Holy Spirit through prayer and through His Word,
    worshiping Him with Tithes and offerings (of service and song as well as finances).

  2. Seek First the Kingdom of God -- within each other! Luke 17:21

  3. Try the spirits 1 John 4:1 Check yourself first (humility, submission and repentance).
    • Find the stronghold (lie that is accepted as the truth) - finding any sin in the camp as in the Battle of AI.
    • Confess (destroy) the stronghold at the Cross - eliminating the right for the demon to enter.
    • With your authority in Christ, Command the spirit (demon) to leave.
    • Replace the stronghold (lie) by renewing our minds with an appropriate scripture (truth).
    • Repeat steps above for every area, attitude, etc. as necessary
      What we have truly overcome in our life, we can help others overcome.
  4. Then if you detect behavior in others (including those in leadership) that draws away from Christ, ask the Lord HOW HE wants to proceed, and ask Him to give you confirmation (through His Word).
    • If those involved are willing, you can assist them through the process (above) that you went through yourself.
    • If they are not willing, then the process outlined in Matthew 18 must be followed.
      (Note: if this is not done in God's Love, it will turn into ugly Religious legalism).

If we are not applying this process, how will be able to heed what Christ warned the seven churches?

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Revelation 3:14-22

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’
—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich;
and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed;
and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Hebrews 10:25a
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;




This is 8th in the series of 10 articles entitled: "Leadership Issues" found in StepStay Freein the website: GetTrulyFree.com

For better understanding of this article, it is best to view all the articles in this series in context, with the Holy Bible at your reference and the Holy Spirit in your heart.

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