TLDR;
This video discusses the battles one faces when rising to a higher level in life, emphasising that only fighters rise. It highlights the importance of strength, courage, and overcoming temptations. The video identifies three key battles: temptation, resistance at gates of authority, and adversaries blocking opportunities. It provides strategies for overcoming these challenges through self-restraint, calling on God's sovereignty, and mobilising intercessory prayer.
- Rising inevitably brings battles.
- Strength and courage are essential for overcoming challenges.
- Key battles include temptation, gates of authority, and adversaries.
- Strategies for victory involve self-restraint, divine sovereignty, and prayer.
Introduction: Rising and the Inevitable Battles [0:00]
The speaker opens by stating that battles begin the moment one starts to rise in life, asserting that only the inactive avoid conflict. He uses his personal experience of being called as an apostle to illustrate the resistance and struggles encountered when pursuing a divine calling. He stresses that the ability to fight is crucial for rising and quotes scripture to support this point, highlighting the need for strength and courage in the face of adversity.
The Need for Strength and Courage [0:54]
The importance of inner strength and courage is further emphasised. The speaker points out that many people fail to rise because they lack the strength to fight and overcome challenges. Drawing from the story of Joshua, he reiterates God's command to be strong and courageous, as divine help is contingent on one's willingness to stand firm. He cautions against constant complaining and encourages listeners to learn from others' experiences instead of succumbing to despair.
The Nature of Resistance and the Importance of Stamina [2:43]
The speaker explains that Satan reserves his resources for those who are progressing, leading to increased battles as one rises. He uses the analogy of an aircraft overcoming gravity to illustrate the effort and stamina required to rise above earthly limitations. He identifies temptation as the first enemy, emphasising the need to master self-restraint and overcome desires that can hinder progress. Jesus's temptation in the wilderness after his baptism is presented as an example of the testing of convictions and the subduing of appetites.
Overcoming Temptation and Building Strength [5:22]
The speaker warns against frequent failures and using God's forgiveness as an excuse to repeatedly succumb to temptation. He asserts that overcoming temptation is a platform for increased authority and stresses the importance of preparing for battles by building strength through prayer and knowledge. He references Luke 18:1 and Isaiah 33:6 to support the need for constant prayer and wisdom. He urges listeners to be strong in the Lord and not to be easily swayed by Satan's influence.
The Battle of Gates: Confronting Authority [6:58]
The speaker introduces the concept of "gates," which represent authorities that resist one's rise. He explains that every realm has gatekeepers who may question and resist newcomers. He shares his personal experience of facing resistance when being ordained as an apostle, illustrating the battles and deliberations involved. He advises those who have not been ordained to wait for God's validation but acknowledges that battles are still inevitable.
Dealing with Gates: Calling on God's Sovereignty [9:50]
The speaker continues to elaborate on gates as legitimate powers that can hinder progress. He references Isaiah 49:24 to highlight the resistance from those in authority. He advises calling on God's sovereignty when facing such resistance, asserting that God can uproot these gates. The story of Exodus 12:12, where God judges Egypt and allows Israel to go free, is used to illustrate how a higher power can overcome earthly authorities.
The Battle Against Adversaries: Blocking Opportunities [13:41]
The speaker identifies adversaries as those who block doors of opportunity. He explains that while gates represent authority, doors represent access and blessings. He uses 1 Corinthians 16:9 to illustrate how adversaries can hinder opportunities even after one has fought their way into a position. He advises raising intercession and mobilising prayer to deal with adversaries.
Mobilising Intercession and Disarming Adversaries [15:41]
The speaker stresses the importance of prayer, both personal and collective, in opening doors and overcoming adversaries. He references Acts 16:25, where Paul and Silas's prayers led to an earthquake that opened prison doors. He also mentions Acts 12, where the church's prayers for Peter resulted in his release from prison. He shares a personal experience of facing a campaign of calumny aimed at shutting his doors and how he mobilised influential people to render the negative voices useless.
The Power of Intercession and Divine Favour [18:15]
The speaker illustrates the power of intercession by referencing the story of Ahithophel and David, where David's prayer rendered Ahithophel's counsel useless. He shares how, despite the attempts to shut his doors, higher opportunities began to open, including preaching at the RCCG. He emphasises that rising is not by luck but by power, battles, and war, and that intercession can disarm adversaries.
Prophecy and the Key to Rising [19:48]
The speaker prophesies the uprooting of powers shutting down listeners and highlights the frustration of fighting without seeing opportunities. He reiterates that calling on God's sovereignty deals with gates, while raising intercession deals with adversaries. He shares a recent experience of being invited to preach at a conference by a prominent figure, emphasising the importance of credibility, character, consistency, and divine favour in opening doors.
Protocols for Rising and Final Blessing [21:12]
The speaker concludes by stating that God has the key to open doors that no one can shut and close doors that no one can open. He reiterates that overcoming temptations, dealing with gates, and opening doors are essential for rising. He asserts that there are protocols for rising and blesses the listeners to enter their next level, emphasising that the reasons for being stuck are not a mystery and that there is a way out.