Standing Firm in Authority Amidst Secular Challenges • Friday Service

Standing Firm in Authority Amidst Secular Challenges • Friday Service

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#### Introduction

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we stand at the precipice of a world that increasingly seeks to undermine the authority of the Gospel and dilute the potency of our faith. In this age, marked by secular ideologies and demonic influences, it's crucial that we, as followers of Christ, understand the times and know what we ought to do. The Word of God is not silent about these days; it forewarns us, equips us, and empowers us to stand firm in our authority as believers. Let us delve into the Scriptures, drawing from the New King James Version, to uncover the truth and the power we hold in declaring the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ.

#### 1. **2 Timothy 3:1-5** - A Warning of the Last Days

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"

This passage vividly describes the moral decay characteristic of the end times. The secular and demonic are not just external forces; they manifest through attitudes and behaviors that oppose the essence of the Gospel.

#### 2. **Ephesians 6:12** - The Real Battle

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

Our fight is not against people or societal systems but against spiritual forces that seek to suppress the truth and authority of Christ's message.

#### 3. **Matthew 24:12** - Love Growing Cold

"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."

As secular ideologies grow, they challenge the core Christian value of love, leading many to stray from their first love, Jesus.

#### 4. **2 Thessalonians 2:3-4** - The Great Apostasy

"Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."

Paul warns of a significant apostasy, a falling away from the faith, as part of the end times' signs, driven by deception and rebellion against divine authority.

#### 5. **Jude 1:18-19** - Mockers in the Last Time

"‘In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.’ These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit."

The secular push often ridicules and undermines the Christian faith, fulfilling the prophecy of mockers in the last days.

#### 6. **Revelation 12:12** - The Enemy's Fury

"Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."

The intensity of secular and demonic opposition is linked to the enemy's awareness of his limited time before Christ's ultimate victory.

#### 7. **1 John 4:4** - Greater is He

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

Despite the pervasive influence of secularism and demonic forces, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome.

#### 8. **Matthew 16:18** - The Church's Authority

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

Christ promises that His church, built on the revelation of Him as the Messiah, will withstand all opposition, including that from the secular and demonic realms.

#### 9. **Acts 2:17** - The Promise of the Spirit

"'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.'"

In the midst of end times' challenges, God promises an outpouring of His Spirit, empowering His people for prophecy, visions, and dreams, signifying the supernatural will overcoming the natural, secular, and demonic influences.

#### 10. **Romans 8:37** - More Than Conquerors

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

This powerful assurance from Paul reminds us that, regardless of the trials, tribulations, and opposition from secular and demonic forces, we have overwhelming victory in Jesus Christ. Our identity as conquerors is not based on our strength but on the victory Christ achieved on the cross and His unfailing love for us.

### Standing Firm in Authority

In light of these scriptures, how do we stand firm in our authority amidst the challenges posed by secular and demonic influences in this age?

#### Cling to the Word of God

Our primary weapon against deception and spiritual warfare is the Word of God. "The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (**Ephesians 6:17**), equips us to discern truth from lies and to declare the power of the Gospel boldly.

#### Live by the Spirit

In an age where the secular and demonic seek to sway us, living by the Spirit ensures we walk in purity, power, and divine direction. Galatians 5:25 says, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." This alignment with the Holy Spirit enables us to manifest the fruit of the Spirit, counteracting the works of the flesh and secular ideologies.

#### Unite in Prayer and Fellowship

The early church was marked by unity, prayer, and fellowship. Acts 2:42 tells us, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." In unity, there is strength to withstand the pressures of secularism and to stand firm in the authority given to us by Christ.

#### Engage in Spiritual Warfare

Understanding our authority in Christ equips us to engage effectively in spiritual warfare. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 reminds us, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." Through prayer, we exercise our authority to demolish spiritual strongholds that oppose the Gospel.

#### Witness with Boldness

Finally, we are called to witness with boldness. Acts 1:8 declares, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." In the face of secular and demonic opposition, the Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim the Gospel fearlessly.

### Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of this age, marked by secular and demonic attempts to dilute the Gospel's authority, let us remember that we stand on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Our foundation is unshakeable, our authority is unbreakable, and our victory is undeniable. Let us hold fast to the truth, walk in the Spirit, unite in prayer, engage in spiritual warfare, and witness with boldness, for we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. The secular and demonic forces have no hold on us; we are anchored in Christ, and in Him, we shall not be moved.