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NASB | Matthew 11:12 "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 11:12 "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize]. |
Bible Question:
matthew 11 v12- and from the days of john the baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. how in your struggle for righteous living, and in staying close to God do you exersise this Holy Violence |
Bible Answer: Johngo- In the notes in the Spirit filled Life bible it states "the idea in this verse is that the kingdom of heaven, which Jesus set up as a powerful movement or reign among men (suffers violence), requires of them an equally strong and radical reaction. The violent then who take it by force are people of keen enthusiasm and commitment who are willing to respond to and propagate with radical abondonment the message and dynamic of God's reign." I think when John the Baptist began his ministry, it was like an alarm to Satan that his powerful reign was almost over and his territory was about to be torn from him. His warfare against God and men of God intensified. I think it is still going on now, and we have to be violent in return, putting on the "whole armour of God... and weilding the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God" (Eph. 6). Swords were used, not just for defense, but to attack. Use the Word to claim the Kingdom, use the Word to spread the Kingdom. Use the Word to grow in the Kingdom. Use the Word as Jesus did to keep Satan and his forces at bay. We all struggle, but since Jesus rose, we have His power and are stronger than the enemy. God bless and give you strength. Debbie |