As part of God’s army, we can’t avoid the battles around us. In fact, Jesus stated, “The kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force.” (Matt. 11:12) These are fighting words! In this episode we will talk about what “suffers violence” and “take it by force” mean. Plus, we will share the testimony of how believers praying weekly at a local middle school changed the spiritual atmosphere and reduced manifestations of darkness.
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Show notes:
Episode 5: The Violent Take It by Force
ABOUT THE EPISODE
What powerful words Jesus spoke over 2,000 years ago as He painted a picture of the state of His kingdom! In His proclamation that “…the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force,” we are faced with the realization that if we are going to be successful members of the body of Christ, we must be willing to go to battle. This is a hard verse for peacetime loving Christians to swallow; however, our eyes must be open to the reality of what is going on around us!
“The kingdom of God suffers violence…” (Matt. 11:12)
“Suffers violence” is by no means a pleasant term. In order to understand the violation that is taking place to the kingdom of God, let’s look at the meaning of these words:i
Suffers
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To endure death, pain or distress
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To sustain loss or damage
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To be subject to disability or handicap
Violence
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Exertion of physical force to injure or abuse
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Injury by distortion
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Infringement
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Intense, turbulent or furious and often destructive action or force
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A clashing or jarring quality
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Undue alteration
Do you see that His kingdom is suffering violence? “Suffers violence” literally means that the kingdom of God is enduring death, sustaining loss, and is subject to disability at the hand of physical force, distortion, and undue alteration by the enemy. Worry, anxiety, stress, trauma, and fear cause violent suffering in His kingdom; as does sickness, disease, poverty, and death. These are all enemies of the cross and are signs that His kingdom suffers violence. This kind of damage is serious! This is a battle between heaven and hell, light and darkness.
The kingdom of God has been seriously distressed since the days of John the Baptist. The enemy has crossed the legal lines and infringed upon our God’s kingdom laws. He knows distortion of the truth keeps people in bondage.
Have you ever been hurt by a lie? Perhaps someone neglected to tell you the truth about a situation or spread lies about you. Maybe you believed in a wrong perception of a situation only to find out later what you thought was true was a web of lies. If so, your personal “kingdom” suffered violence at the hand of a fallen world. Thankfully, Jesus understands this type of violation. His own friends denied him, betrayed Him, and turned away when things got tough.
“…the violent take it by force.” (Matt. 11:12)
Strong’s Concordance defines “violent” and “take by force” as:
Violent (Strong’s Greek #1499)
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To tear away
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Seize
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Plunder
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Take away by force
Take by force (Strong’s Greek #726)
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To seize
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Carry off by force
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To snatch out or away
Our calling this day is to rise up, tear away that which the enemy holds captive, and bring it back into our kingdom. We need to stand up and fight for what is rightfully ours. We don’t know about you, but this gets us fired up! How dare the enemy distort the kingdom and cause damage.
ABOUT RICHARD & KIMBERLY WILSON
Richard and Kimberly Wilson, Executive Directors of Watchmen Arise International serve as corporate trainers of societal transforming Christians. Together they co-host the Occupying Force podcast, authored Preparing for Battle, and numerous courses designed to further your influence in this world. They are popular speakers who activate regional teams and individuals alike in the areas of spiritual management, civil engagement, and transformed communities. To find out more about the Wilsons and interactive online training opportunities visit www.watchmenarise.com.
QUOTES & SCRIPTURE TO REMEMBER
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Matt 11:11-12
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i Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition.