Introduction

Believers are transferred into the Kingdom of Light. We do not come under the dominion of darkness, curses, or man made doctrines. Instead, we stand bold like Paul, Moses, and Joshua, trusting the finished work of Christ.

COMPARISON TABLE: KINGDOM OF DARKNESS VS. KINGDOM OF LIGHT

Spiritual Dominion = “Rule”

Under Satan’s dominion, authority, jurisdiction, right to rule (Greek: exousia). Includes occult powers, idols, sorcery.

We we’re rescued and transferred out. No longer under darkness’ rule.

Colossians 1:13– “rescued us from the dominion (exousia) of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”

Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19) burned magic scrolls. Moses confronted Egyptian sorcerers (Exodus 7). Jesus spoke, “Be still!” to the storm (Mark 4:39).

Identity & Position

If we are born again we were once living in spiritual darkness, subject to fear, and dark influence.

Now that we are “saved” we have light in the Lord, we are a chosen, royal priesthood, a holy nation. We are now living in the Kingdom of Light, not darkness.

Ephesians 5:8 – “You were once darkness, but now you are light.” 1 Peter 2:9, called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Paul stood boldly in Athens and Philippi. Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Curses & Negative Declarations

Many are under the false belief that others can place curses on them, or that others can speak words that block God’s promises in their lives. That would make the person speaking such things stronger than God, and stronger than our faith and trust in the Lord and His promises.

However, Christ has redeemed us. No curse can stick or light that is undeserved, so there can be no effect of the curses of others, they have no effect on us unless we place our trust and belief in their words.

Galatians 3:13, Proverbs 26:2, Isaiah 54:17

1. Jesus said, “Bless those who curse you.” Paul never feared Elymas.
2. Moses stood un-compromised in the face of Pharaohs magicians.

Power of Words

There is personal responsibility for our words that must be our concern. Our words matter and governance over our life, but others’ negative words do not override God’s promises in our life unless we trust in and believe their words are more powerful than God’s.

Matthew 12:34-37, Proverbs 18:21, Deuteronomy 30:19

1. Jesus cursed the fig tree under divine authority.
2. The disciples obeyed Jesus and still encountered a storm. So the presence of a storm does not constitute “a wrong turn”, yet it may indicate opposition fromhe enemy to discourage and distract.

Storms & Trials

Often viewed as punishment or curses.

Storms come even in when obedience is present. Yet God’s promises prevail.

Mark 4:39, Acts 27

Paul’s fourteen day storm. The disciples sent into a storm. Moses at the Red Sea. Joshua in battle.

Response to Idolatry & Occult Practices

Compromise, fear, and accommodation.

No fellowship with darkness. Bold confrontation and manifestation of light.

2 Corinthians 6:14, John 1:5

1. Paul confronted idolatry in Athens and Ephesus.
2. Moses confronted the golden calf.
3. Joshua destroyed pagan altars.

Purpose & Calling

Oppressed, hidden, defeated by darkness.

Manifest light, declare praises, turn others from darkness to light.

Matthew 5:14-16, Acts 26:18

1. Paul preached, performed miracles, and delivered captives, he did not come under their false power.
2. Moses led the Exodus, in spite of the forceful interference of Pharaoh; He could not stop God’s people from be led out to worship God.
3. Joshua conquered giants and armies larger than Israelites.
4. Jesus calmed storms and walked on water.

Outcome & Victory

1. Light overcomes darkness, the darkness cannot prevent the light.
2. Complete rescue.
3. We are more than conquerors, because Jesus already conquered.

Romans 8:37-39, John 8:12

1. Burning of sorcery scrolls in Acts 19 after the anointed preaching of the Apostle Paul, depicting another example of a child of God demonstrating power of the darkness.
2. Survival through Paul’s storm. Paul did nothing to cause the storm but yet the storm came. God rescued him from eh storm nevertheless.
3. Red Sea victory occurred miraculously and God drowned his people’s enemies in the sea.

PRESUMPTION THAT LEADS TO SIN

Presuming upon God’s grace while living carelessly is warned against in Scripture.

Psalm 19:13 “Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.”

Numbers 15:30-31 “But the person who does anything presumptuously… that one brings reproach on the Lord…”

Presumption is not faith. Faith obeys. Presumption assumes.

DO NOT FOLLOW CUNNINGLY DEVISED FABLES AND DOCTRINES OF MEN

2 Peter 1:16 “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy…”

The believer must reject teachings rooted in fear, speculation, and human tradition and remain grounded in the authority of Scripture.

THE FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST

John 19:30 “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

True victory is looking to the finished work of Christ.

Because of the cross:

· We have been transferred into the Kingdom of Light.

· We are redeemed from the curse.

· We are seated with Christ.

· Darkness does not have dominion over us.

· We do not fear occult powers, idols, or negative declarations.

· We stand in the victory Christ has already secured.

CONCLUSION: STAND IN THE KINGDOM OF LIGHT

Darkness cannot overcome the light that shines in us through Christ.

1. We are not called to fear darkness.
2. We are called to manifest light.
3. We are not called to obsess over the enemy.
4. We are called to fix our eyes upon Jesus.
5. We are not called to follow cunningly devised fables.
6. We are called to stand upon the Word of God.

The Kingdom of Light has already overcome the kingdom of darkness through the finished work of Jesus Christ.