“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Col. 1:12-13, NKJV, emphasis mine).
Many years ago, while leading praise and worship in the church Sue and I pastored, I saw Tom come through the door. looking very oppressed. His face seemed shrouded in a cloud of darkness. This was very unusual, for he was one of the most enthusiastic members of our congregation and normally arrived at church 30-45 minutes early.
Tonight, however, he had arrived late and now stood with his head down and arms folded without entering into worship. I thought, Wow! I wonder what happened to Tom!
Shortly thereafter he interrupted the proceedings and asked, “Would you pray for me? I am all bound up!” What unfolded next happened so quickly that it surprised even me.
Sometimes Prayer Is Not Needed
Prompted by the Holy Spirit, I found myself exclaiming, “No, we are not going to pray for you.” I went on, “Jesus said that whom the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36). You take your liberty!”
Tom immediately thrust his hands into the air, and as he did, a spiritual explosion occurred. Suddenly the entire congregation erupted in shouts of praise to God. Even though I was leading the service, I suddenly felt like a spectator. It was out of my hands.
The claps and shouts of praise continued for at least the next 10-15 minutes without any music or cheerleading from the front. It was awesome! Tom shouted praises along with the others. His very countenance changed. He was free!
What set Tom free? A prayer? A certain healing technique? No, it was the truth of God’s Word. When he responded positively to my words and thrust his hands into the air, he laid claim to the inheritance that was already his in Christ.
Knowing Our Inheritance in Christ
What a glorious inheritance we have in Jesus Christ! Colossians 1:12 (NKJV) says, “Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (emphasis mine).
We did not earn this inheritance but God Himself qualified us to be partakers (meaning “sharers” and “partners”) of the saints in light. In other words, God has placed us alongside Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Peter and John. Hallelujah!
Colossians 1:13 says, “He has [past tense] delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (emphasis mine). The Greek word for “power” in this verse is exousia and means “right,” “privilege” or “authority.” In other words, Satan now has no rights or authority concerning you. Isn’t that good news!
The Greek word for “convey” is metestesen and literally means to “transfer.” It was used in secular literature in reference to removing persons from one country and settling them as colonists and citizens in another country.
Think about it! When you made Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, an incredible transfer took place. God delivered you out from under Satan’s authority and conveyed you into the kingdom our Lord Jesus Christ. This verse is in the past tense indicating that Paul sees this as an already accomplished fact.
Know Your Rights and Stand Your Ground
The Greek word for kingdom, basileia, refers to the right or authority to rule and reign. This kingdom into which we have been transferred is called “the kingdom of the Son of His love,” because it is Jesus who has obtained the right to rule and reign. You are in a new kingdom, and you have a new Master.
The truth that Paul shares in these verses is the basis for a life lived without fear or intimidation from the devil. When you know that Satan has no rights or authority concerning you, you will no longer give place to his schemes and attacks against you. As our longtime friend and Bible teacher, Valarie Owen, would say, “Know your rights and stand your ground!”
Listen to the podcast to hear more insight from Dr. Eddie Hyatt.
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This article is derived from Dr. Eddie Hyatt‘s latest book, Complete in Christ, which is a daily devotional commentary on Paul’s letter to the church in Colosse. It is scheduled for publication August 3, 2019, and will be available from Amazon and his website at eddiehyatt.com.
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