The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer

by Carl John Fechner | Feb 3, 2023 | Uncategorized

The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer

The whole life of Jesus as the perfect man was governed by the Spirit, if Jesus depended upon the Holy Spirit, how much more should we as believers constantly depend on the Holy Spirit.

All that God has for us and wants to do in us can only be done by the operation of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As individual believers and the corporate church, (ecclesia) we need to open our hearts and seek the fullness of the Spirit working through us.

The Holy Spirit is not to be looked upon as an impersonal influence. Through a lack of sound Biblical knowledge many believers are robbed of a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit because they consider the Holy Spirit to be an impersonal influence, power or energy.

Jesus promised to send us the Holy Spirit

(John 14:16) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.

Vs.17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. — NLT

(John 14:26) But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. —NLT.

In Acts, we read how the Holy Spirit arrived and remained on and in the Believers.

(Act 2:2) Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.
Vs.3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.
Vs.4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. —NLT.

(Acts 11:15) “As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning.
Vs.16 Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
Vs.17 And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?” —NLT.

The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer

Now let’s study what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit in us as believers and disciples of Jesus Christ.
Each one of the following headings and subsequent bible verses have a story around them, I am going to give you the Bible verses for you to look up and study the relevant story to the Bible verses I am giving you.
Plus, I am going to give the translation or bible I have chosen for the verses.

The new birth is brought about by the Spirit.

(John 3:5) Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.Vs.6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

This is such an important story that it worth reading all the verses around it. This is what it says in the Remedy Bible.

(John 3:3) Jesus ignored the attempted flattery, and cut directly to the heart of the issue which Nicodemus needed to understand. He said, “I tell you plainly, no one can see God’s kingdom unless they are born again.”

Vs.4) But Nicodemus was resistant to Christ’s teaching and asked, “How can a person, once they are already born and fully grown, be born again? Surely one cannot re-enter their mother’s womb to be born again!”

Vs.5 Jesus answered, “I tell you plainly, no one can be part of God’s kingdom unless they are first born into the world and then renewed by the Spirit.
Vs.6 The first birth—the natural, water birth—is a birth of individuals infected with sin and selfishness, but the second birth—the birth of the Spirit—is a birth of a right heart and a new mind: a new mind that is no longer controlled by sin and selfishness.

Vs.3 You should not be so astounded by my telling you that you must be born again. The Remedy Bible.

The Holy Spirit indwells the believer’s spirit.

(Romans 8:9) But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)—NLT

(1Corinthians 3:16) Don’t you realize that you yourselves are the very temple of God—the place he dwells on earth—and that God’s Spirit actually lives in you (in your heart and mind)?—The Remedy Bible.

The Holy Spirit gives assurance of our salvation.

(Romans 8:16) The Spirit himself confirms in our hearts and minds that we are God’s children.—Remedy Bible

The Holy Spirit fills the believer with Himself.

(Acts 2:4) They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues— empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!—The Passion Translation.

(Ephesians 5:18) Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, –NLT

The Holy Spirit, by baptism in the Spirit, enables the believer to speak in unknown languages.

(Acts 2:4) They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues— empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned! —TPT

(Acts 10:44) While Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit cascaded over all those listening to his message.

Vs.45) The Jewish brothers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on people who weren’t Jews,

Vs. 46) for they heard them speaking in supernaturally given languages and passionately praising God. — TPT

(Acts 19:6) Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. —NLT

(Mark 16:17) These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. —NLT

(1Corinthians 14:2) When someone speaks in tongues, no one understands a word he says, because he’s not speaking to people, but to God—he is speaking intimate mysteries in the Spirit. —TPT

(1Corinthians 14:4) A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. —NLT.

The expression, “baptism with or in the Holy Spirit” is a Scriptural expression and experience.

John the Baptist said this.

(Matthew 3:11) “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. —NLT

Jesus Himself said,

(Acts 1:5) John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” NLT

(1Cornthians 12:13) Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. —NLT

John the Baptist said, Jesus is the one who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit

(John 1:33) And I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water, that One said to me, Upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon Him, He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. —MKJV

The Holy Spirit speaks to the believer.

(Acts 8:29) The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” NLT.

(1Timothy 4:1) Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. —NLT

(Revelation 2:7) “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. (ecclesia) To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. —NLT

(Revelation 2:11) “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death. –NLT

(Revelation 2:17) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give to him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it –MKJV.

(Revelation 2:29) “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. —NLT.

The Holy Spirit opens the believer’s understanding to the things of God.

(1Corinthians 2:12) And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. —NLT

The Holy Spirit teaches the believer, and guides he or she into all truth.

(John 16:13) When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. Vs.14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. —NLT

The Remedy Bible unpacks verse John 13 to 15 beautifully,

(John 16:13) But when you open your minds to the Spirit of Truth, he will guide you in comprehending all truth. He will not be speaking for himself; he will speak what he hears from me, and he will reveal to you what the future holds.

Vs.14) He will honor and glorify me by taking what I have done and reproducing it in you. He will connect together in your minds all the evidence I have provided—so that you will comprehend the truth about me and the Father, our methods and principles, the nature and character of sin, the destructiveness of Satan’s methods, the true character of Satan—and he will take my perfect character and reproduce it in you.

Vs.15) Everything that belongs to the Father is equally mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will not be speaking for himself but will take all I have achieved and reproduce it in you. —The Remedy Bible.

The Holy Spirit imparts life.

(2Corinthians 3:6) He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. —NLT

The Modern King James reveals to us that the Word without the Spirit can “kill”.

(2Corinthians 3:6) who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive. —MKJV

The Holy Spirit brings about renewal.

(Titus 3:5) He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. —CEV— Contemporary English Version.

The Holy Spirit strengthens the believer’s inner being.

(Ephesians 3:16) that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; –MKJV.

(Ephesians 3:16) I pray that out of the glorious riches that emanate from his being, and through the working of his Spirit in your minds, you will be fully transformed into Christlikeness and so settled into God’s methods and principles that you cannot be shaken, –Remedy Bible.

The Holy Spirit enables the believer to pray.

(Jude 1:20) But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit—MKJV

(Romans 8:26) Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Vs.27 And He searching the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Vs.28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. —MKJV.

(Romans 8:26) And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.

Vs.27 God, the searcher of the heart, knows fully our longings, yet he also understands the desires of the Spirit, because the Holy Spirit passionately pleads before God for us, his holy ones, in perfect harmony with God’s plan and our destiny.

Vs.28 So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. —TPT.

The Holy Spirit enables the believer to worship in spirit and truth.

(John 4:23) But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.

Vs.24) For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” NLT.

(Philippians 3:3) For we have already experienced “heart-circumcision,” and we worship God in the power and freedom of the Holy Spirit, not in laws and religious duties. We are those who boast in what Jesus Christ has done, and not in what we can accomplish in our own strength. —TPT.

(1Corinthians 14:15) So here’s what I’ve concluded. I will pray in the Spirit, but I will also pray with my mind engaged. I will sing rapturous praises in the Spirit, but I will also sing with my mind engaged. —TPT.

The Holy Spirit leads the believer.

(Romans 8:14) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. —NLT.

(Romans 8:14) The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit. — TPT.

The Holy Spirit enables the believer to put fleshly deeds to death.

(Romans 8:13) For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. —GNB Good News Bible

The Holy Spirit produces Christ-likeness in character and fruit in the believer’s life.

(Galatians 5:22) (22-23) But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. —TPT.

The Holy Spirit gives a calling to the believer for special service.

(Acts 13:2) One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”

Vs.3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Vs.4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus. — NLT

The Holy Spirit Guides believers into their ministry.

(Act 8:29) The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” —NLT.

(Acts 16:6) Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.

Vs.7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. —NLT.

The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to witness.

(Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” —NLT.

The Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to the believers as He wills.

(1Corinthians 12:7) A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

Vs.8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.

Vs.9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.

Vs.10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.

Vs.11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. —NLT.

The Holy Spirit will bring about the resurrection and immortality to the believers’ bodies in the last day.

(Romans 8:11) The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. —NLT.

Vs.47 Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven.
Vs.48 Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man.
Vs.49Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.
Vs.50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.
Vs.51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! —NLT.

(1Thessalonians 4:15) We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.
Vs.16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.

Vs.17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.
Vs.18 So encourage each other with these words. —NLT.

Carl John Fechner

Carl is a follower of Jesus Christ; Author of the Christian Discipleship and Leadership program called the ©Growing Deep and Strong Series. Founder and Director of Internet Secrets Made Easy. His life passion is to be a catalyst and facilitator in developing people who will become leaders and disciplers of others. Connect with him on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube

growingdeepandstrong.com/cjf

Holy Spirit performs personal acts

by Carl John Fechner | Jan 13, 2023 | Uncategorized

Holy Spirit performs personal acts

This short teaching, explains and gives you a list of Bible verses on how The Holy Spirit performed personal acts. You can use it as your own personal study or use it to teach others.

The Holy Spirit is the most misunderstood person of the Godhead. Yet He is one of the foremost truths of redemption. Therefore, it is vital that everyone who professes to be a Christian and disciple of Jesus Christ should seek to know all they can of the person, ministry and work of the Holy Spirit as revealed in the scriptures.

The Holy Spirit is mentioned more than 90 times in the Old Testament with at least 18 different titles. In the New testament the Holy Spirit is mentioned more than 260 times and is given 39 different names and titles.

In the New Testament Holy Spirit is mentioned in every book except 2 John and 3 John.

The Old Testament foretold the coming of the “last days” when the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all flesh, in contrast to the Old Testament where the Holy Spirit was available to only a select few in Israel.

In God’s plan, this present age has been given over to the ministry of the Holy Spirit and It is vitally important that every believer needs to know, understand, appreciate and experience the person, work and ministry of Holy Spirit in their life.

It is fear, formalism, religion (religious spirit) and ignorance that robs the church (ecclesia) from understanding the dogma of the Holy Spirit and make room for His blessings and ministry.

Biblically, dogma refers to a decision, decree or teaching that is considered authoritative. (Strong’s G1378.)

God desires to have a personal relationship with each one of us and God Himself comes and lives within us through the person of the Holy Spirit.

As a Christian we must come to know and honour the Holy Spirit as our friend, comforter, and indweller. and understand that they have the person of the Holy Spirit living within him or her, not just some impersonal influence.

The Holy Spirit performs personal acts

The Holy Spirit works.

(1Corinthians 12.11) But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each one as He desires.

The Holy Spirit searches.

(1Corinthians 2.10) But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.

The Holy Spirit speaks.

(Act 13.2) As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, So, then, separate Barnabas and Saul to Me for the work to which I have called them.

(2Samuel 23.2) The Spirit of Jehovah spoke by me, and His Word was in my tongue.

(Matthew 10.20) For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

(1Timothy 4.1) But the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons,

The Holy Spirit testifies.

(John 15.26) And when the Comforter has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me.

(Nehemiah 9.30) In your love, you were patient with them for many years. You sent your Spirit, who warned them through the prophets. But still, they wouldn’t listen! So once again you allowed the peoples of the land to conquer them. (New Living Translation.)

The Spirit Holy bears witness.

(1John 5.6) This is He who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water only, but by the water and blood. And the Spirit is He who bears witness because the Spirit is the truth.

The Holy Spirit teaches.

(John 14.26) But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you.

The Holy Spirit instructs.

(Nehemiah 9.20) You sent your good Spirit to instruct them, and you did not stop giving them manna from heaven or water for their thirst. (New Living Translation–NLT.)

The Holy Spirit reproves.

(John 16.8-11) And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.
10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.
11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

The Holy Spirit prays and makes intercession for us.

(Romans 8.26) And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

The Holy Spirit leads.

(Matthew 4.1) Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. (NLT—New Living Translation)

(Matthew 4.1) Afterward, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the lonely wilderness in order to reveal his strength against the accuser by going through the ordeal of testing. TPT.

The Holy Spirit guides the believer into all truth.

(John 16.13) When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

The Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ.

(John 16.14) He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.

The Holy Spirit brings about regeneration.

(John 3.5) Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.
Vs.6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.

The Holy Spirit strives with men and women.

Genesis 6.3) Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.” (New Living Translation.)

The Holy Spirit convicts men and women.

(John 16.8) And when he comes, he will expose sin and prove that the world is wrong about God’s righteousness and his judgments. TPT.

The Holy Spirit sends messengers from God.

(Isaiah 48.16) Come closer, and listen to this. From the beginning I have told you plainly what would happen.” And now the Sovereign LORD and his Spirit have sent me with this message. (NEW LIVING TRANSALATION.)

The Holy Spirit calls men and women into ministry.

(Acts 13.2) One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” (New Living Translation.)

(Acts 20.28) “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church (ecclesia), purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.

The Holy Spirit directs men and women in the service of Christ.

(Act 8.29) The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” (New Living Translation—NLT.)

(Act 10.19) Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. (New Living Translation—NLT.)

(Act 16.6) Paul and the rest of his team travelled throughout Phrygia and Galatia, but didn’t go into Asia, as the Holy Spirit instructed them not to.

Vs.7) When they arrived at the border of Mysia, they headed for Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit brought them instructions from Jesus not to go there. (Remedy Bible).

The Holy Spirit also imparts spiritual gifts to all the members of the Body of Christ.

(1Co 12.7) So, the Holy Spirit works in each person to bring out the abilities and gifts best suited for that individual to use for the common good of all.
Vs.8One is blessed with wisdom, another with knowledge,
Vs.9 another with unwavering trust, another with great skill in healing;
Vs.10 another has the ability to perform miracles, another has the gift of prophecy, another—keen discernment in distinguishing truth from error and the difference between the true and false spirits; to another is given the gift of speaking many languages, to another —the ability to translate many languages.
Vs.11 But all of these abilities and gifts are the result of the same Spirit, and it is the Spirit who determines which gift is given to which person.(Remedy Bible.)

Carl John Fechner

Carl is a follower of Jesus Christ; Author of the Christian Discipleship and Leadership program called the ©Growing Deep and Strong Series. Founder and Director of Internet Secrets Made Easy. His life passion is to be a catalyst and facilitator in developing people who will become leaders and disciplers of others. Connect with him on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube

growingdeepandstrong.com/cjf

HUSBAND AND WIFE RELATIONSHIP

by Carl John Fechner | Jan 13, 2023 | Uncategorized

HUSBAND AND WIFE RELATIONSHIP

In this article we want to look at what the Bible says about the privilege of marriage, and what it says about the roles and responsibilities of husband and wife. We also want to understand what the Bible means when it says that marriage is a covenant.

When God created Man, He saw that the basic human unit was man and woman, or husband and wife
Both the male and female in Genesis 1 were called Adam, which just means Man, or human. God said that it was not good for man to be alone.

Right from the beginning God called husband and wife in marriage to establish themselves as a new single unit. That is why they were both called Adam.

Leave and cleave

When a man marries, he has to leave and cleave, that is, leave home both physically and emotionally and establish a new kind of relationship in a new household.

Genesis 2:24 says,
This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. NLT

In leaving his parental home, a husband changes his priorities. He establishes a closer relationship with his wife than can ever exist even between parents and children.

To be joined to literally means to be glued together—permanently. Once he is married, he has to consider his wife and treat her as being part of himself. United into one means that God now sees them as one body—one unit. And out of their union come children who combine in one person all that they both are.

In some quarters, it seems that living singly is preferred over marriage. They may proclaim celibacy for all as a noble virtue, and marriage only for those who are of lesser character, but that is completely opposite to what God says.

A helper

God saw that Adam was not complete on his own and needed a helper. Man was created to be a social being, to have meaningful relationship with other humans.

Genesis 2:18 says,
And the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him.” NLT

Literally translated, the word companion means that the woman God created would be the perfect counterpart of the man, standing opposite to him or before his face. She would be the completion of the man, like him in every respect. He would be able to recognize himself in her. She would not be inferior or superior to the man. She would be equal, but opposite.

We are all equal

The New Testament also makes clear that God made male and female equal.

Galatians 3:28 says,
There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians—you are one in Christ Jesus. NLT

God views nationality, social status, or gender as irrelevant. There can be no more rivalry between the genders for us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We have to see each other as God sees us. Males are not more valuable than females; both are His special creation, created equal. They are the complement of one another. He has given them each a unique and special function in the family, in society and in the ecclesia.

A believing husband and wife are first and foremost brother and sister in the Lord Jesus Christ, equal, and complementary. That needs to be reflected in how they relate to one another, valuing each other as unique and special, but equal, even as God sees them.

Submitting to one another

That will also be worked out in how married couples make decisions and act upon them.

Ephesians 5:21 says,
And further, you will submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. NLT

Before wives are commanded to submit to their husbands in verse 22, they are both commanded to submit to each other. Husband and wife cooperate as partners in exercising their God-given dominion together by submitting to each other.

Submitting can only be done willingly; it can never be demanded of another person. Love and respect in a marriage are what causes it to thrive.

Ephesians 5:33 says,
So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. NLT

If a husband loves his wife as he loves himself, there will be no problem for her to respect him, as this verse commands. God has designed a wife to respond to true love with respect for her husband.

Marriage Covenant

In God’s eyes, marriage is not just a contract between two humans; it is a covenant. It is a coming together of husband and wife, where they promise to live together as long as they live.

God is witness to their vows. The fact that their vows are made before God and that He is witness to them defines marriage as a covenant in the Biblical sense.

In Malachi 2:14-15, God clearly says that marriage is a covenant.

14 You cry out, “Why has the Lord abandoned us?” I’ll tell you why! Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made to each other on your wedding day when you were young. But you have been disloyal to her, though she remained your faithful companion, the wife of your marriage vows.

15 Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard yourself; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. NLT

God made covenants with man as a guarantee of His faithfulness. He commands the same faithfulness of husband and wife in the covenant of marriage because marriage reflects His covenant faithfulness to us.

When we place a high value on lifetime commitment to one another, as God does, then we can walk in the power God intended for us and expect that He will bless our marriage.

What about divorce?

Unfortunately divorce seems to be a part of modern life, and most people accept rising divorce rates without stopping to think too much about it. God does not accept divorce as a normal part of life as He designed it to be. He tells us about how He sees it in the Bible.

In Malachi 2:16 God said,

16 “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “It is as cruel as putting on a victim’s bloodstained coat,” says the Lord Almighty. “So guard yourself; always remain loyal to your wife.” NLT

God says to these leaders of the Jews that He hates divorce, because it does violence to the lifelong covenant that husbands and wives enter into, to which He is witness. Faithfulness to their wives was more important to Him than the excuses they used for divorce, which only revealed the hardness of their hearts.

God hasn’t changed His mind. He still hates divorce, because of the violence it does to what ought to be the closest relationship of love. It leaves behind incredible damage, not only to husband and wife, but also to children and members of the wider family.

Jesus tells His disciples the real reasons that lie behind divorce.
Matthew 19:7-9 says,
7 “Then why did Moses say a man could merely write an official letter of divorce and send her away?” they asked.

8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce as a concession to your hard-hearted wickedness, but it was not what God had originally intended. 9 And I tell you this, a man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful.” NLT

As He answers the question of the Jewish leaders; Jesus makes clear that He does not agree with their argument on divorce. He says that Moses gave permission to divorce only because of their hardness of heart.

But God’s word is that man has no right to separate those whom He joined together in marriage. His original mandate “till death do us part” has not changed over the ages. It was still applicable in Jesus’ day and is just as applicable today.

The Devil loves to take advantage by exaggerating each partner’s faults and planting unforgiveness for each other in their hearts. They harden their hearts toward one another.

Their love grows cold, and they become more and more polarized in their opposition toward one another as they justify their own position. That is what leads to divorce, and that closes the door to forgiveness.

This goes against what Jesus said about the need to forgive one another even as He has forgiven us. How much better to stand together, face the difficult issues, resolve them, freely forgive each other, and be strengthened in the relationship through that process.

We need to build each other up, pray for one another, and not allow the Devil to get his hands on our marriage.

The Biblical principle for believers is that divorce is not an option.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 says,

10 Now, for those who are married I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. 11 But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else go back to him. And the husband must not leave his wife. NLT

Husband and wife live out the truth of God’s covenant love in their lives together, and that is why they need to freely forgive and be reconciled to each other when differences come in between them.

That will also be worked out in how married couples make decisions and act upon them.

Disclaimer

If you are someone who has or is experiencing domestic abuse, the good news is that God’s heart is for you. He is always for you. As we look at what the Bible has to say about divorce, we see God’s care for those who have struggled, suffered and felt unworthy or downtrodden.

Know that you can find freedom because God does not want you to stay.

Experiencing abuse is not your fault, you are not to blame. Abuse is not a breakdown in communication, it is the intentional act of one person deliberately harming another.

‘While God’s heart is for healing and reconciliation of marriages, the restoration of a biblical marriage is impossible when the abusive spouse does not repent or change.’— Ally Kern, Survivor’s Handbook (p.185) —

Breaking the marriage covenant

Abuse, in whatever form it takes, breaks the marriage covenant. When we get married, we vow to sacrifice for someone else, to love them, to stand with them in sickness and in health. Marriage relationships, whilst imperfect, are meant to be relationships of love and commitment to one another.

An increasing number of highly-respected theologians agree that there are a number of forms of mistreatment which stand alongside adultery as grounds for divorce as adultery.

I came across this site which is an excellent site to assist and identify if you are being abused in your marriage.

https://www.restored-uk.org/

https://www.restored-uk.org/i-need-help/what-domestic-abuse/recognising-abuse/

Recognising domestic abuse

It can be hard to know when behaviour within a relationship has become abusive, but this list of questions taken from the UK government website is a good guideline.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you might be in an abusive relationship. There are links at the bottom of this page to places that can help.

Privilege of Marriage

Having said that lets now look at the privilege of a Godly marriage. God has given mankind a tremendous privilege in the gift of marriage.

What a privilege to establish a new household, and exercise dominion together. The husband has by his side the one who completes him in every respect, and the wife has her husband as protector and provider, the one who completes her.

What a privilege to enjoy each other as individuals, to become one flesh, and to bring children into being and raise them.

1 Peter 3:7 says,
7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. If you don’t treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard. NLT

The husband must treat his wife with understanding as they make a home together, and to prize her highly. God has called them to be co-creators with Him as children are born to them. The Bible says that God is looking for godly offspring. They are affecting eternity by bringing children into the world. What a privilege, and what a responsibility!

Responsibilities in marriage

Privilege carries responsibilities with it, and this includes the privilege of marriage. As partners together, husband and wife have responsibilities toward God and toward each other.

The Bible addresses husbands’ and wives’ responsibilities, not their rights, because rights are never an issue when each see to their responsibilities.

Husband’s responsibilities

A husband’s responsibilities are to understand and honour his wife
We have seen from 1 Peter 3:7 that he is to prize her highly. A man will take great care of a luxury car he has bought, letting no one or nothing near it that may cause damage to it.

That is how a husband should honour his wife, understand her and care for her, except more so. He is responsible to protect her as his complement and partner in life.

There are several other responsibilities for both husband and wife outlined in Ephesians 5, and we will look at each of these in turn.

First, let’s read Ephesians 5:22-33,
22 You wives will submit to your husbands as you do to the Lord.
23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of his body, the church; he gave his life to be her Savior.
24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives must submit to your husbands in everything.
25 And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her
26 to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God’s word.
27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.
28 In the same way, husband’s ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man is actually loving himself when he loves his wife.
29 No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for his body, which is the church. 30 And we are his body.
31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”
32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.
So again, I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. NLT

Head of the wife

In verse 23, when it says that the husband is head of the wife, it does not mean that he is to be a tyrant. It says specifically that he is head of his wife as Christ is the Head of the church, to love and protect it. It means that the husband is accountable to God for his wife’s protection, welfare, and comfort.

Love his wife

Verse 25 commands a husband to love his wife, Paul never tells wives to love their husbands, because he knew that they would naturally respond with love when they were truly loved by their husband. That is how God designed them. But husbands needed reminding that they need to love their wife because so often they live out of the head, rather than out of the heart, as a woman does.

Your love is to be self-giving

In verse 25, Jesus is the husband’s example, where He gave himself for her, that is, Christ gave Himself for His Bride, the church, and like Jesus, a husband’s love is to be self-giving. That certainly is a high standard to attain to!

But what wife would not respond positively to this kind of self-sacrificing love? It certainly binds a husband to his wife in a unique way.

Nourish and nurture your wife

In verse 29, it says that if a man loves his wife as his own body, then he needs to nourish and nurture her. Also, in verse 29, lovingly cares for, means to bring up to maturity, or to warmly protect.

He has to allow the warmth of his love to control how he nurtures her. This is not just seeing that his wife has what she needs in the physical sense, but more particularly in the spiritual, mental, and emotional sense.

Protect your wife

A husband is to protect his wife. In verse 33 to love his wife as himself does not just mean that he loves her as much as himself. Rather he is to love her as being his very self.

That is how he is to protect his wife. He is to protect her physically, and especially in the mental and emotional areas, where his wife may be more vulnerable than he.

A husband is to be faithful

The word holy of verse 26, which means to set apart, shows that Jesus’ Bride, the church, is set apart for Him. But Jesus has set Himself apart to be faithful, too.

In marriage, the husband is commanded to set himself apart from any other relationship to be faithful to the woman he married. God’s command is that both husband and wife set themselves apart for each other in marriage to the exclusion of anyone else.

Having covered the husbands’ responsibilities let’s now look at the…

Wife’s responsibilities

Just as the husband has responsibilities toward his wife, so the Bible says that the wife has responsibilities to her husband, some of which are mentioned in the passage we have read from Ephesians 5.

Submit to your husband

In verses 22,24, the wife is commanded to submit herself to her husband as she submits herself to the Lord. The Bible does not say that the husband can demand her submission. That is really slavery.

If the husband fulfils his responsibilities toward his wife, then submission to him is no problem, because she knows that he truly loves her. By willingly submitting to her husband, they can both live in harmony. God wants them to exercise dominion together as a couple. Submission helps that to be worked out in their lives.

Respect your husband

A wife is to respect her husband. So much of television and other media circulate attitudes that belittle husbands or put them down. Look at how many shows or advertisements show men as dumb or useless.

The Bible says that a godly wife is not to hold attitudes that are seen in the world. She is to esteem him highly as God’s gift to her. The word respect in verse 33 means to be amazed at, to fear. In this context it means to reverence, hold in high esteem, to defer to.

Faithful to your husband

A wife is to be faithful to her husband. In verse 26, just as the husband is to set himself apart for his wife, as Christ has done for His Bride, she must do the same for him.

She is to remain faithful to him as her husband, and not seek intimate relationships with other men. In marriage, her range of choice has been narrowed down to one. That is what the word holy means.

Display Godly character

A wife should reflect a Godly character. Verse 27 says that Jesus is preparing the church to be without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish.

That is what God wants to do in each one of us. A wife can reflect what Jesus is doing in the church by allowing God to iron out the spots and wrinkles in her life. That will certainly have an impact on her husband!

Be a help meet

A wife is to be a help meet, verse 28 says that the husband needs to love his wife as he loves himself. That provides her with the security to take up the responsibility of being his helpmeet as they live together.

As we have seen, the wife is the perfect counterpart for the husband. She completes what is lacking in him. That can be her joy and also her husband’s protection.

100%

In God’s design, marriage is not an agreement of 50/50%, but 100/100% giving to each other. God holds the husband responsible to give himself 100% to his wife, and the wife to give herself 100% to her husband. God designed marriage so that both can be the complement of the other.

This article is an extract from module two, session 9, “Power of Godly Character in the 20 week transformational ®Growing Deep and Strong Christian Discipleship course.
It has been designed that almost anyone with leadership or management skills could pick up and begin discipling new Christians.

Go to our website now and find out how to get involved in making disciples.
https://www.growingdeepandstrong.com

Carl John Fechner

Carl is a follower of Jesus Christ; Author of the Christian Discipleship and Leadership program called the ©Growing Deep and Strong Series. Founder and Director of Internet Secrets Made Easy. His life passion is to be a catalyst and facilitator in developing people who will become leaders and disciplers of others. Connect with him on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube

growingdeepandstrong.com/cjf

AHAB AND JEZEBEL SPIRIT

by Carl John Fechner | Dec 23, 2022 | Uncategorized

AHAB AND JEZEBEL SPIRIT

What has the Ahab and Jezebel Spirit got to do with todays society?

Over the past few generations, particularly since the invention of television, we have seductively seen the role of men as a husband and father in society be slowly eroded away.

The common denominator in many TV shows and movies is the subtle inference, “men are dumb, women are much superior and need to rescue men and society from their dumb inferior intelligence.

Let’s look at the:-

Biblical history of Ahab & Jezebel

Who was Ahab?

Briefly, Ahab was a king of Israel, and the Bible tells us, Ahab was already sinning against God before he married Jezebel, but he made it worse by violating God’s commands against Israelites marrying foreigners, and Ahab made the worship of Baal and Asherah acceptable in Israel.

1 Kings 16:33 says

“he did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him.” NKJV

Who was Jezebel?

We learn in 1 Kings 16:31, Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, who was king of the Sidonians (or Phoenicians), Sidonians worshipped several pagan gods, most notably Baal and Ashtoreth the moon goddess.

Ahab married Jezebel, and that union led Ahab to serve and worship Baal and other foreign gods.

1Kings 16:31 says,

“And as though it were not enough to follow the sinful example of Jeroboam, he married Jezebel, the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, and he began to bow down in worship of Baal”. NKJV.

And 1 Kings 21:25 says,

“Surely there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the Lord because Jezebel his wife incited him.” NKJV

When Jezebel married Ahab, she influenced him to worship Baal, a nature god. As a woman seeking more power, she sought to destroy those who questioned her, and most of the prophets of Yahweh were murdered at her request.

This was the “first time” that a king of Israel had allied himself by marriage with a heathen princess; and the alliance created disastrous results for Israel.

Jezebel has stamped her name on history as the representative of all that is designing, crafty, malicious, revengeful, and cruel.

She was the first great instigator of persecution against the saints of God. Guided by no Godly principles, restrained by no fear of either God or man, passionate in her attachment to her heathen worship, she spared no pains to maintain idolatry around her in all its splendor. she created an internal conflict that plagued Israel for decades.

How does the Ahab and Jezebel model apply to you and me?

The answer to that question lies in your understanding of the characteristics seen in men and women as the result of the influence of the spirit of Ahab and the spirit of Jezebel.

Working together the spirits of Ahab and Jezebel will quietly form a co-dependent relationship. Both will need to feed off each other in order to accomplish each one’s goals. A person who is influenced by an Ahab spirit will need someone influenced by a Jezebel spirit to maintain position and enlarge or entrench a power base.

The abdicating nature of Ahab empowers Jezebel. She resists and opposes true godly authority and desires to control and exercise power over everyone.

Over the past few generations, particularly since the invention of television, we have seductively seen the role of men as a husband and father in society be slowly eroded away.
The common denominator in many TV shows and movies is the subtle inference, “men are dumb, women are much superior and need to rescue men and society from their dumb inferior intelligence.

But what does the Bible Say?

In The Passion Translation Bible, Ephesians 5:22,23 says this,

For wives, this means being supportive to your husbands like you are tenderly devoted to our Lord, Vs.23 for the husband provides leadership for the wife, just as Christ provides leadership for his church, as the Savior and Reviver of the body TPT

God’s order for the family is a line of authority and responsibility that begins with Jesus Christ, then the husband, then the wife and finally the children. This is God’s plan, but hell has been attacking this plan for thousands of years. And hell’s assault continues even more so in today’s society.

The result of hell’s assaults is a family and society that is “out of Godly alignment.” In many circumstances, the wife has taken the assertive leadership role and the husband has taken a laid-back approach, and this alignment pervades every aspect of society and Godly family relationships.

First, Let’s look at,

The Spirit of Jezebel

And how it operates.

A Jezebel Spirit can apply to a male or female, Jezebel is referred to as “she” but has no gender.

It is important to know that while men in a position of leadership are the main target, Jezebel is more attracted to the uniqueness of the female personality and its ability to manipulate without the use of physical force.

In other words, Jezebel will target women who are embittered against men, whether through neglect or misuse of authority. It will influence women who, because of insecurity, jealousy or vanity, and a desire to dominate others.

The spirit of Jezebel operates in deception and rebellion. Not only does it cause a person to deceive others, but it will also try to deceive its’ victim into believing they have not given in to it.

Because of its hatred for God, you see it raging in the world today through feminism, abortion, and seduction.

Jezebel often gains a place as a generational curse and although you did not intentionally give in to it.

In Exodus 20:5 The bible tells us,

You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. NLT

Please Note, if no one in your past four generations has not repented, the chances are that the Jezebel or Ahab spirit may have a foothold in your life.

Let’s look at the

Symptoms of a Jezebel Spirit

As I list some of these symptoms, other people may start coming to your mind. That is a trait of the Jezebel Spirit, it is always someone else, it’s never you. The Jezebel Spirit sets up others to look bad.

The following, is a list of the symptoms of a Jezebel Spirit,
Disciples tick of the boxes that you feel may apply to you or your past generations.
My personal recommendation is that you tick all the boxes, it is difficult to know what sins our past generations have committed.

And let’s not give it any further legal rights in our lives.
Tick off the boxes that apply to you and your past generations

• It’s always someone else, never you,
• Operates openly with blatant, or bad behaviour,
• or, sometimes more subtly through flirting or tilting of the head,
• or, maybe pouting is your style,
• Whatever it takes to get your way, to make yourself heard, to get control.
• Self-willed,
• Seeks predictability,
• Fiercely independent,
• Intensely ambitious,
• Critical and judgmental,
• You think it’s “just my personality style,”
• A reputation that says, “Don’t argue with me, You’ll lose?”
• Leaves others feeling hopeless, defeated, and sorry for the day they ever came against you?
• Desires to control others,
• Tends to intimidate others,
• Desires to control the environment or situations,
• Wants to dominate and control everyone in the family, work, or any other environment they are in,
• They are the only one capable of doing a task,
• Can only trust in myself to complete a task,
• Manipulates others to gain control,
• Inability to trust others,
• Prone to lying or “twisting” the truth,
• Causes constant division and strife,
• Cannot fully submit to authority,
• Rebellious,
• Has great difficulty in relationships that she cannot control,
• Seeks attention and places of influences,
• Can’t find time to pray or spend time with the Lord because other things take pre-eminence.
• Threatened by a prophetic leader,
• Threatened by those with prophetic gifts,
• Desires to control those with prophetic gifts
• When confronted, justifies their actions with phrases like, “I’m just following God” or “God told me to do this.”
• Avoids accountability, prefers to pray for people in isolated situations,
• Wants to be seen as one of the most spiritual ones in the church,
• The families of people under Jezebel’s influence are often dysfunctional and out of order,
• Jezebel is usually in alignment with a religious spirit,
• The abdication of an Ahab Spirit empowers a Jezebel spirit to operate

Spirit of Jezebel Prayer

Now is the time to repent, renounce and break the Jezebel curse on your life.

Get some olive oil (this is what they commonly used in Bible times.) because at the end of the prayer you are going to anoint yourself.

When ready, pray this prayer.

Dear Lord, I come before you on behalf of my ancestors and myself,

I repent, of being self-willed, self-centred, and controlling, of being critical and judgmental, or being idolatrous, of lying and deceiving, of manipulating, of being independent and self-reliant, or being angry and hating, stirring up trouble, and of being furious when I am denied my own way.

I repent for stopping the spiritual gifts from flowing in my home and in my church.

I repent, of giving place, to witchcraft, the occult and to rebellion. I repent of giving place to murder, to death, and bringing death around me, killing off relationships, headships, and hope.

And in Jesus name, I repent and renounce the spirit of jezebel, that would control, or manipulate me. I break every hex, every curse, every covenant, every agreement, every soul tie, every spirit tie, every act of witchcraft. every spell and incantation, every ritual and ceremony. every sacrifice and blood sacrifice, every act of voodoo, and every act of rebellion.

And in the name of Jesus, I choose to be a submitted follower of Jesus Christ, to come under the covering and protection that has been given to me, and in the name of Jesus, I break all agreements and ties to a Jezebel Spirit.

I choose this day to receive the anointing that destroys the hold this spirit has had upon my life.

Lord Jesus, I know, because of Your Word and my will to be set free, as I apply the anointing oil to my forehead, I will be free to receive a fresh infilling of Your Holy Spirit today in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

Your next step is to apply the anointing oil to your forehead. Once done, place your hands on your stomach and command the spirit of jezebel to leave your soul and to never return and influence your life.

By faith and your confession expect the Jezebel spirit to leave your body and then ask the Holy Spirit to fill you where this spirit once resided in your soul.

Now, let’s look at the

Ahab Spirit

And its Passive Nature

Ahab, the seventh king of Israel, “did more evil in the sight of the Lord than all who were before him” (1 Kings 16:30). He promoted and participated in Baal and Ashtoreth worship. He allowed sexual rites—homosexuality, bestiality, and every disgraceful perversion—and prostitution in the temple of God. Men and women volunteered to serve as prostitutes.

Ahab is also known for his double-mindedness. He was often found waffling between righteousness and the ungodly ways of Jezebel, his wife.

The dynamic between Ahab and Jezebel provides for us a picture for how double-mindedness works. Ahab portrays the inward manifestation of double-mindedness (or rejection). He was fearful and full of lust, insecurity and self-pity. He was envious, pouty and ridden with guilt and shame.

Ahab would pout in rejection, and Jezebel would rise up to retaliate in rebellion.

The Ahab spirit is lustful, weak, fearful and tolerates wickedness. King Ahab allowed Jezebel to bring in the worship of Baal. His spirit is passive and will not stand up for righteousness. This inward and withdrawn personality is also wicked and needs to be renounced and cast out. God hates rejection just as He hates rebellion.

King Ahab allowed Jezebel to usurp his authority as a husband and leader and Jezebel often used his name and authority to achieve what she wanted.

She manipulates and controls leadership and attempts to fill the Ahab vacuum with power plays, lies and even religious works. She uses the vacated leadership platform of Ahab to accuse others of what she has done.

1 Kings 21:8-10 says,

So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal and sent letters to the elders and to the nobles who were living with Naboth in his city. Now she wrote in the letters, saying,

‘Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth at the head of the people; and seat two worthless men before him, and let them testify against him, saying, “You cursed God and the king.” Then take him out and stone him to death.’” NLT

The life of Ahab shows us principles to avoid. His life is a prime example of what a man should not be. Ahab considered the things of God as being trivial.

The ultimate goal of the Spirit of Ahab is the destruction of God ordained authority and responsibility in the Family, in society, in the Body of Christ, and in the Ecclesia. A spirit of Ahab symbolizes the giving up of authority and vacating the responsibility of God-given leadership.

The Ahab spirit primarily affects men in an attempt to destroy the male and his role of authority and responsibility.

God’s order for the family is a line of authority and responsibility that begins with Jesus Christ, then the husband, then the wife and finally the children.

Rejection and Arrested Development

Sometimes people who have experienced significant rejection early in life, that is, from conception to the age of seven, get stuck mentally and emotionally and an Ahab spirit invades there soul.

And as a result, they remain childlike in their understanding of life, in processing emotions, and in their behaviour toward others, often being selfish and self-centred. It is as if they have been frozen in time. This is called arrested development.

An individual with an Ahab spirit will often make truces instead of relationships. They have a mind-set that avoids confrontation and denies fault. Someone with an Ahab spirit would rather make peace at any cost, even if it leads to making unholy alliances.

How can you have a truce with someone who is out to destroy you? It is impossible, but a person with an Ahab spirit will always sacrifice the future good for peace at almost any price.

The Ahab spirit causes a man to be wishy-washy and unstable in all his ways. King Ahab was weak and vacillating in the face of his powerful wife, Jezebel. He gave his authority, as king, to his wife and even when she abused it, he remained passive, avoiding confrontation, and let her have her own way.

Leadership by default

Quite often the wife receives the head position of the home because the Ahab husband doesn’t want it, it takes too much energy.

Most people do not realize that if a home is out of order, it will come under a curse. Too many fathers, through rebellion and lust, have not lived a godly example to their wife and children. The end result of this neglect opens the door for rebellious spirits to enter the wife and the children.

Too many men fail to provide spiritual leadership in their homes and then, too often, the spirit of Jezebel surfaces in the wife causing the wife to be forced into headship of the home which is totally demonic. This is a very serious part of the Ahab spirit at work.

Let’s look at the,

Symptoms of an Ahab Spirit

The operation of this spirit is likely to be generational, and the characteristics I am about to share will seem familiar as you reflect on your past generations.

An Ahab spirit can affect you as a single man or in your marriage, your home, your family, your job., and amongst fellow believers.

Please note, that a Jezebel spirit can only operate in a situation where there is an Ahab spirit at work.

As men, God has given you the authority and leadership responsibility for your homes.

God wants men to rise up and take their God ordained place as both husband and priest in our homes.

God has equipped men to be all that He has called and created them to be.

The Ahab spirit is hell’s assignment is to strip men of their dignity, authority, identity, and kill all hope that they can fulfill their God-given authority in society.

Are you ready to rise up against this destructive spirit in your life?

Let’s not give it any further legal rights in our lives.

The following is a list of the symptoms of an Ahab Spirit, Disciples tick of the boxes that you feel may apply to you or past generations.

My personal recommendation is that you tick all the boxes, it is difficult to know what your past generations have committed

• It does not like confrontation,
• Strong desire to make everyone happy,
• Afraid of rejection,
• Fears abandonment and becomes clingy, needy and helpless,
• Expecting bad things to take place,
• Always feel a failure, unaccepted, insecure,
• Have low self-esteem and try to gain ground by winning acceptance,
• If someone is angry with you then you believe it must be your fault,
• Believe it is your duty to make everyone happy and comfortable,
• Believe what others say about you (if they say you are not a good person then you believe it),
• Have given up much of the responsibility of headship of the family, physically and/or spiritually, by
• Letting your wife be responsible for spiritual things (“she’s more spiritual than me anyway; being spiritual is for women anyway, not for men},
• Letting your wife handle the finances,
• Letting your wife handle virtually all the child rearing and child discipline matters,
• Suffer from a fear of failure – “It’s easier not to try than fail, especially in spiritual matters; she prays better than you do, etc.
• You’re feeling a little intimidated by your wife,
• You’re feeling that your wife is domineering,
• Thus, you’re head of the home in name only – husband, father,
• You engage in a form of idolatry, putting your own needs above all else,
• You tend to rebel by doing what YOU want to do even though you know it’s wrong and possibly harmful to your marriage and your family,
• Believe you should always act happy in spite of hardship or trouble, Happiness and peace are based on current circumstances and how loved, affirmed and accepted you feel,

Spirit of Ahab Prayer

Now is the time to repent, renounce and break the Jezebel curse on your life.

Get some olive oil (this is what they commonly used in Bible times.) because at the end of the prayer you are going to anoint yourself.

When ready, pray this prayer.

Dear Lord, I confess on behalf of my ancestors and myself that I have partnered with the spirit of Ahab in my life, in my marriage, in my family, in my job, and in society, I confess that there have been times where I have been passive, lazy, indecisive, reflected apathy and indifference,

That I have given up responsibility for family leadership to my wife, placed my own wants and desires above all else and thereby engaged in a form of idolatry.

Where I have feared failure and avoided exercising spiritual leadership, have rebelled against my wife, my family and you God by doing what I wanted to do even when I knew that it was wrong.

I have self-justified and rationalized these behaviors, I have engaged in manipulation using even sulking, pouting, silence, or anger to get my own way and have sought peace at all costs.
Lord God, I repent of these sins, named and unnamed where I have partnered with the spirit of Ahab. I ask you to forgive me of these sins.

Spirit of Ahab in Jesus name I repent of all partnership with you, and I renounce you now. I take my authority as a man of God, and I break your hold on my life now in Jesus’ name! and I break any generational curses of the spirit of Ahab that have come to me, through my father and my mother’s family line all the way back to Adam.

I break every hex, every curse, every vow, every spell, every incantation, every witchcraft, every word, every jinx, every unholy soul tie and spirit tie, every covenant, every sacrifice and blood sacrifice, every handwriting of assignment against me and every occult influence that would have given strength to the spirit of Ahab in Jesus name.

I choose this day to receive the anointing that destroys the hold this spirit has had upon my life.

Lord Jesus, I know, because of Your Word and my will to be set free, as I apply the anointing oil to my forehead, I will be free to receive a fresh infilling of Your Holy Spirit today in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

Your next step is to apply the anointing oil to your forehead. Once done, place your hands on your stomach and command the spirit of Ahab to leave your soul and to never return and influence your life.

By faith and your confession expect the Ahab spirit to leave your body and then ask the Holy Spirit to fill you where this spirit once resided in your soul.

Carl John Fechner

Carl is a follower of Jesus Christ; Author of the Christian Discipleship and Leadership program called the ©Growing Deep and Strong Series. Founder and Director of Internet Secrets Made Easy. His life passion is to be a catalyst and facilitator in developing people who will become leaders and disciplers of others. Connect with him on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube

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