DELIVERANCE FROM
UNGODLY INFLUENCE
INTRODUCTION
Deliverance from ungodly influence is a must in the times in which we live due to the flow of ungodliness increasing at an alarming rate. The youth of the land are becoming vulnerable to ungodly persuasion that would take them away from the moral and biblical foundation of the past.
There is an induction and persuasive outreach that fantasizes previous denied material. Parental instruction has diminished with the downsizing of the biblical established family and moral issues left to public schools versus parental guidance.
Another pathway that is instrumental in ungodly influence is the availability of the internet for consumption by our youth and adults alike, unless save guards are instituted. In regards to properly training a child, Scripture reveals: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). Have we lost sight of God’s instructive Word and are now witnessing the results?
Deliverance from Ungodly Influence
Departure from It
Ungodly influence is found in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit which is being revived in our modern day setting. Apostle Peter wrote: God spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.
God turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow (destruction), making them an example to those that afterward should live ungodly; and prior to the destruction, delivered just Lot, vexed (oppressed) with the filthy conversation (conduct) of the wicked (2 Peter 2:5-7). Peter then declared: The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the Day of Judgment to be punished (2 Peter 2:9).
In reference to Babylon, the hold of every foul spirit, an invitation was given: Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues (Revelation 18:4). Deliverance from ungodly influence is available to those who recognize its fallacy and depart from it.
Deception of a Demonic
Nature
A man of God was asked: If given an hour to explain the Gospel to someone, how would he do so? He said he would spend the first fifty minutes on the bad news of judgment and then the last ten minutes on the good news of salvation, because without the context of judgment one would not appreciate or even understand salvation.
Deliverance from ungodly influence is available through a heavenly Father, God Almighty, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and God's Spirit, but first recognition has to come that there is a need. Apostle Paul wrote: If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost (perishing); in whom the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
There is deception, of a demonic nature, ushering in a great need for deliverance from that which is cleverly disguised as desirable, as was the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6) which was not only costly to all involved but mankind as a whole.
Values Once Held
It was noted that of all influences brought to bear on the Jewish exiles, as reported by the Prophet Daniel, none was more dreaded than the attempt to make them forget their God and values. Karl Marx, Father of Communism, stated: My object in life is to dethrone God and destroy capitalism; that people exist for the benefit of the State; devalue God and elevate man; destroy the bibles influence; all these features are still in the mill today to deflate values once held as sacred and demoralize any who oppose such a determination.
Many today are being programmed to
accept Marxism and Socialism values that would exclude godly instruction. Other such agenda: Critical Race Theory (CRT), Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) transformation; with
goals including: Discredit family as an institution; control of the schools to
use as tools for promoting ungodly agenda; break down cultural standards of
morality; infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with a progressive social gospel.
Be Not Conformed to
This World
Compelling quotations: The humblest individual exerts some influence, either good or evil, upon others (Henry Ward Beecher); a fellow cannot predict what he will pick up in the form of influence (Saul Bellow). Deliverance from ungodly influence is a must in the life of a believer in Christ. The Psalmist wrote: Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners (not be entertained in their ways), nor sits in the seat of the scornful (hateful) (Psalms 1:1).
Apostle Paul instructed the believer to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service; and be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2). It was noted that the believer is to resist being poured into the mold of present day thinking, value systems, and conduct of this world.
Denying Ungodliness
Apostle Paul wrote: Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Titus 2:12). He identified how the believer may ward off any ungodly influence from the enemy on one’s soul: Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil (devilish impulses of this world) (Ephesians 6:11).
The whole armor of God consists of: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, and the Word of God; and added to the text, of extreme importance, praying always with all perseverance and supplication in the Spirit. Deliverance from ungodly influence is being properly provided through a heavenly Father, His Spirit, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Apostle Paul wrote: The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of human standards), but mighty through God to the pulling (tearing) down of strongholds; casting down imaginations (arguments), and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Day of Reckoning
The Psalmist wrote: Judge (vindicate me), O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man (Psalm 43:1). Many nations once under godly influence and leadership are now lacking on both counts. Many are plunging headlong towards a Day of Reckoning unless repentance takes hold; as that of Nineveh which repented of its evilness and received a reprieve, rather than judgment foretold by Jonah, a man of God (Jonah 3:10).
It was noted that God did not change in His ultimate intention toward the Ninevites; rather, they changed in their attitude towards Him. On the basis of that change, God could deal with them in grace, rather than in judgment that their failure to repent would have necessitated. Seeking forgiveness, of those who have gone adrift from God, is necessary for a return to Him, to receive His blessings, and provisions.
Laodicean Age
In regards to deliverance from ungodly influence; and a need for such, we are seeing an entrance into the Laodicea church age, spoken of in the Book of Revelation. The Laodicean’s identified themselves as being rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing (Revelation 3:17). Churches in such a state of mind need a revival to facilitate a return to God; but first have to realize that they are in such a category.
Jesus response to the Laodicean’s: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup (dine) with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20-21). Deliverance from ungodly influence, or attitude, is offered to any who caught up in a web of deceit, of their own reckoning, rather than seeking to walk in accordance with God’s Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God.
Permissiveness and
Tolerance
Deliverance from ungodly influence is more difficult in a modern day acceptability of that which was previously unacceptable. It was noted that we are living in a very permissive day when the religious world is so tolerant to most any and all kinds of standards and lifestyles. This permissiveness and tolerance is the result of a self-willed and carnal minded society.
As a result of such tolerance and permissiveness, there are many churches, and even denominations, which have altered their teachings, their standards, and even their interpretations of the Scriptures to please, to comply with and accommodate this permissive and tolerant society. Very few people this day hold to their heart’s convictions; they change to blend in with their environment.
Deliverance Declared
by God
Deliverance from ungodly influence entails adherence to what is declared in God’s Word: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
It was noted that while this promise was originally given to King Solomon regarding the people of Israel, it is applicable to all who will call on the Lord in repentance and faith. This verse is a high expression of God’s readiness to hear the prayers of a repentant people.
The reason judgment has been withheld is revealed by Apostle Peter: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the ungodly); but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that al should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
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