The Elements of this World
“The elements of this world are actually evil spirits that use the rituals of the law to enslave and condemn you” Galatians 4:3-7 Jack Hayford Spirit Filled Life Bible
How does the kingdom of this world (kosmos) control us? It may be by trickery and lies that hold out immense proses that will never be delivered though you give everything to follow those goals. Even if one might reach his or her greatest vision-driven dreams, they will not be as good or satisfying as we were promised. Wealth in later years that cost you your marriage, your children, and your health will not be all you hoped for through the years.
But Satan has more than one plan to confound us. Sometimes it’s defeatism, self-doubt, shame, guilt, abuse, and past failures. Defeated people have already conceded the battle long before victory might be had. Frankly, we all suffer from defeatism, some more than others. This concept of the “Elements of this World” is more than interesting for those seeking to understand how to defeat … defeatism.
The Elements of this World are very convenient traps that use “Religious Adherence to Rules and Observances” as false trails to a relationship with God. You see, God isn’t interested in our PIETY as much as He is interested in a RELATIONSHIP with us. There is a difference that is easy to miss. Religion can parade about as external exhibitionism but lacks a hungry relationship with God. Religious formalism is like a loveless marriage that is held together for reasons other than love.
However, like a marriage where love rules over self-interest, the pathway to God that is built on love. First that God loved us enough to provide a Savior in spite of our faults, neglect, and failures. Second, that we respond, not with faulty efforts of outward piety, but with inward hunger for God.
Religion should be a good thing, or so we think. But, it’s a shell without the most critical parts that make life possible. If you follow the “Success in Life” model that you see in The Principal Truth series, you will realize that the Inner Man feeds on the Word of Truth to build faith in your Heart. It relies on the leadership of the Holy Spirit to rule over the faculties of the Soul. And, becomes a pattern of holy living in the Mind as we learn to be more like Christ.
To summarize, Satan has several tested and proven methods to keep you disconnected from the Source of power and blessing. One of his best lies is “Defeatism”. In fact, Satan is a liar and he was defeated at the foot of the Cross. We were meant for more! We are the sons of God, heirs of heaven, loved by God, and promised that “All things work out for a Good solution”. Change courses. Walk in victorious faith with a loving, all-powerful God and know that defeat is not your future.
