You Are A JESUS Centurion Sent By Him To FIGHT For Him. It Is Our Divine Honour To Do So

“Put on The Whole Armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up The Whole Armor of GOD, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13.

Whether you like to or not, once you are a believer in JESUS CHRIST you have joined His Side (the winning side) to fight in a war that started ages before man was created on the earth (Revelation 12:7-9).

We are good soldiers of JESUS, whom He has enlisted for the good warfare, therefore FIGHT for Him in The Good Warfare:

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:3.

”This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage The Good Warfare,” 2 Timothy 1:18.

Everything that GOD has mentioned in His WORD is of immeasurably great significance and beneficence for us in our warfare.

In The New Testament, centurions featured repeatedly in instructively noble circumstances and situations for our learning as JESUS centurions.

Qualifications And Qualities of A JESUS Centurion

• The JESUS centurion greatly cares about others; has great Faith in JESUS for their deliverance

The JESUS centurion, a fervent believer in JESUS cares about others, having great Faith in JESUS to deliver them from death (Luke 7:1-3; Matthew 8:5-6), indeed, eternal death.

The only person whose belief in JESUS He described as “great Faith” (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 8:) was a centurion; he was a Roman soldier serving in Capernaum.

But in various situations when THE LORD’s Own closest soldiers (the disciples) were fearful and failed to use their Faith, He disapprovingly said they “have no Faith”, were “faithless”, “of little Faith” (Mark 4:40; Luke 9:41; Matthew 8:26).

A JESUS centurion (a good soldier of JESUS) must have great Faith in Him no matter the situation. For He is faithful to deliver.

The days we are in and are entering, only great Faith in JESUS will calm the storms. Only great Faith in JESUS will bring us out gloriously victoriously.

Always fervently use the “measure of Faith” (Romans 12:3) He has given you as a believer. For the just shall live by his Faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).

I tell you, Faith is easy when you focus on JESUS. As He has said to do (Isaiah 40:26), sometimes I just look up at the heavens and consider their amazingly expansive greatness and the trillions times endless trillions of the hosts of them .

Then I think on The Surpassing Greatness of THE LORD Who made them all, WHO is my GOD and SAVIOUR!

If He could create such endlessly massive expanse and the endless number of the hosts of them, what can He not do for me?

He told me long ago (in a dream) to be praying: “LORD, look after me as You’ve been looking after the heavens. Provide for me as You’ve been providing for the heavens.”

Isn’t that marvellously massive?

“…The people who know their GOD shall be strong and do great exploits.” Daniel 11:32.

Know your GOD. He is The Creator of all things. He has ALL Power. And He has given you POWER and Authority over the devil and his angels (Luke 9:1;10:19).

His is The Kingdom, The Power and The Glory. And, as His son or daughter, you are an heir of The Kingdom, The Power and The Glory. And “He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

THE LORD said to the Samaritan woman at well: “If you knew The Gift of GOD, and Who It is…” (John 4:10).

It is all about What you know and THE Who you know in The Scriptures. As revealed by THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Do you really know WHAT you have and WHOM you have?

“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive Abundance of Grace and of The Gift of Righteousness will reign in life through The One, JESUS CHRIST.” Romans 5:17.

Victory is only certain, we only live and reign victoriously when we know Salvation and The Saviour, yes, when we know “so great A Salvation” and “our Great GOD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST” (Hebrews 2:3; Titus 2:13).

• The JESUS centurion declares Him as THE SON OF GOD and proclaims His Death for victory

The very first person who believed and proclaimed JESUS as THE SON OF GOD since He died on THE CROSS, was a centurion.

He was the officer in charge (TOIC) of the Roman soldiers who crucified JESUS and kept watch over Him at Calvary.

‘So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His Last, he said, “Truly This Man was THE SON OF GOD!” ’ Mark 15:39.

This is monumentally significant. The main criminal charge by the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders against our LORD, and for which reason they had determined that He was deserving of Death and delivered Him to be crucified was that “He made Himself THE SON OF GOD” (John 19:7; Matthew 26:63-66).

(What! You mean it’s a crime deserving of the death penalty because I say that I am a son of my father? Huh?).

Yet now, ironically, the very moment He died on THE CROSS, the leader of the judicial (military) officers who had crucified Him, perceived Him and proclaimed Him that TRULY, He was THE SON OF GOD! Hallelu-YAH!

This is judicially and militarily significant in our warfare strategies and tactics.

Proclaiming JESUS is THE SON OF GOD reverses, dispels and destroys the lies and deceptions of Satan from the land, from your life. (Two out of the three times THE FATHER spoke audibly about JESUS in The Days of His Flesh (Mark 1:11; 9:7; John 12:28), He declared Him His “Beloved SON”).

But, please note something else. What elicited this Divinely inspired confession by the centurion?

The dramatic evidence of The Power of THE LORD’s Death displayed by GOD. For “the centurion…saw that He cried out like this and breathed His Last” (Mark 15:39).

‘Then, behold, the veil of The Temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His Resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding JESUS, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was THE SON OF GOD!” ’ Matthew 27:51-54.

Thus, THE LORD’s Death — when “CHRIST, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7) does not only protect us from eternal death as well as premature death when we put His BLOOD on ourselves, THE LORD’s Death — when we proclaim THE LORD’s DEATH by taking The Communion (1 Corinthians 11:26) and in prayers and declarations, It releases The Power of His BLOOD, yes, The Power of His Death to:

• tear the veil (i.e. remove hindrances, stumbling blocks, adversaries against open doors) in two from top to bottom,
• get the earth quaked for our liberty (i.e. shake things up for our favour. As Paul, Silas and other prisoners experienced that night, by a great earthquake, the foundations of one’s prison are shaken, the doors of one’s captivity are opened and one’s chains are loosed! Hallelu-YAH! Glory to GOD!,
• the rocks of bondage are split for our deliverance.
• the graves of dead goodness and hopeless situations are opened; and
• the believer is raised up! Hallelu-YAH!

Proclaiming THE LORD’s raises from death: death of life, health, finances, marriage, childbearing, confidence, hope, among others. (Matthew 27:51-52; Acts 16:25-26).

THE LORD’s Death — when “CHRIST, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5 7) does not only protect us from eternal death as well as premature death when we put His BLOOD on ourselves, THE LORD’s Death — when we proclaim THE LORD’s DEATH by taking The Communion (1 Corinthians 11:26) and in prayers and declarations, It releases The Power of His BLOOD, yes, The Power of His Death as He gives us favour in the sight of the Egyptians (usurpers — both demons and humans) to hand over with interest our wealth held captive by them through generations of enslavement by the enemy, the thief (Exodus 12:29-36; Proverbs 6:30-31).

• The JESUS centurion knows fully well about THE LORD’s Death and confirms so

This is so that others fervently willing, can receive The Sacrifice of CHRIST — “The Offering of The Body of JESUS CHRIST”, “discerning THE LORD’s Body” Hebrews 10:10; 1 Corinthians 11:29) like Joseph of Arimathea.

“Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for The Kingdom of GOD, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for The Body of JESUS. Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. So when he found out from the centurion, he granted The Body to Joseph.” Mark 15:43-45.

• The JESUS centurion fears GOD greatly and glorifies Him

This is GODly fear, not morbid fear. It is The fear of THE LORD Which is by His SPIRIT and is Wisdom (Isaiah 11:2; Job 28:28).

JESUS Himself says to fear Him (Luke 12:5). Yet many preach, many believe the error that we only have to have reverential awe for GOD, not fear Him.

Well, if you have ever read about Ananias and Sapphira being struck down dead during a church service (Acts 5), if you have ever read about Herod’s violent death for taking GOD’s Glory (Acts 12: 20-23), if you have ever read THE LORD’s Warnings of severe punishment in Revelation 2 and 3, if you have ever read Matthew 7:21-23, if you have ever read 1 Peter 2:17, if you have ever truly read The Scriptures, you will fear THE LORD as He has said we should.

“Knowing, therefore, The Terror of THE LORD, we persuade men; but we are well known to GOD, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:11.

Brethren, THE LORD has Terror Which we need to know and fear as His children, and live prosperously.

“For our GOD is A Consuming Fire.” Hebrews 12:29.

“It is a fearful thing to fall into The Hands of The Living GOD.” Hebrews 10:31.

In fact and in Truth, The Fear of THE LORD is for our own good and prosperity.

”Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in The Fear of THE LORD and in The Comfort of THE HOLY SPIRIT, they were multiplied.” Acts 9:31.

Increase and prosperity in CHRIST are achieved by “walking in The Fear of THE LORD and in The Comfort of THE HOLY SPIRIT”.

The Greek word translated “fear” in this Scripture is phobos: which means “panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror” (Strong’s Greek #5401).

And people say they don’t fear GOD?

THE LORD Himself used the verb form of that Greek word: phobeó, when He said in Luke 12:5, “But I will show you Whom you should fear: Fear Him Who, after He has killed, has Power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!”

The Fear of THE LORD is for our prosperity, not perdition. But those who don’t fear GOD and disobey, perdition is certain.

Remember Ananias and Sapphira.

“And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of GOD? Or do you despise The Riches of His Goodness, Forbearance, and Longsuffering, not knowing that The Goodness of GOD leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in The Day of Wrath and Revelation of The Righteous Judgment of GOD, Who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: Eternal Life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey The Truth, but obey unRighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.” Romans 2:3-11.

(For more on this, please see a previous Word “The Riches of Walking In The Fear of THE LORD” ).

• The JESUS centurion fears GOD with all his family, brings his relatives and friends to CHRIST

This was instructively exemplified by Cornelius, a centurion in Caesarea. (Please study Acts 10).

• The JESUS centurion expressly ensures justice for others, liberty for those who are bound

He ensures and delivers both physical and spiritual liberty for the captives, for those who are bound (Luke 4:18-19).

’And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?” When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.”
Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” He said, “Yes.” The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.”
And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.’ Acts 22:25-29.

• The JESUS centurion cares for those suffering for CHRIST, THE LORD’s sent ones

Repeatedly, it was centurions who delivered, protected, and cared for Paul in certain dangerous troubles and chains he was in.

This is an emphasised metaphor for what JESUS centurions must do: Care for those suffering for CHRIST, care for THE LORD’s sent ones.

“And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.” Acts 21:30-3.

“And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment…And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land,” Acts 27:1, 42-43.

”Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.” Acts 28:16.

Qualifications And Qualities of The Roman Centurion Mirror The JESUS Centurion’s

All Wisdom and Knowledge are in JESUS and from JESUS (Colossians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30). Even demonic wisdom (James 3:15) is wisdom THE LORD had given to Lucifer on the day he was created (Ezekiel 28:12, 15, 17), but filled with pride, he corrupted it to steal, kill and destroy.

So, GODly Roman military wisdom and knowledge were given to the Romans by JESUS. THE LORD is A Man of War. THE LORD of hosts is His NAME. In Righteousness He judges and makes war (Revelation 19:11-16).

In Ephesians 6:14-18, The Whole Armour of GOD is mirrored by the armour of a typical Roman soldier. Hence you are only able to fight being thus dressed SPIRITUALLY for battle: having girded your waist with The Belt of Truth, having put on The Breastplate of Righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of The Gospel of Peace; above all, taking The Shield of Faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

And take The Helmet of Salvation, and The Sword of THE SPIRIT, Which is THE WORD OF GOD; praying always with all prayer and supplication in THE SPIRIT, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

The seventh Armour: “praying always with all prayer and supplication in THE SPIRIT” is mirrored by Roman military signalling (communication systems and strategies).

Now, when we look at the qualifications and qualities of a Roman centurion, they are exactly those required of one to be a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST.

Having these qualifications and qualities in CHRIST is not by might nor by power, but by His SPIRIT (Zechariah 4:6).

From my research:

• Centurions had to be literate (to be able to read written orders).

For the good soldier of JESUS CHRIST, this means earnestly seeking and having sharp discernment, and promptly obeying as led by THE HOLY SPIRIT.

“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14.

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till The Day of CHRIST, being filled with The Fruits of Righteousness Which are by JESUS CHRIST, to The Glory and Praise of GOD.” Philippians 1:9-11.

Since I started praying these Scriptures (and others such as Ephesians 1:17-23; 3:14-20) years ago — personalising them, my discernment has skyrocketed, actually, HEAVEN-rocketed.

Oh, THANK You LORD JESUS! More, LORD. More.

• Centurions had connections (letters of recommendation), must be at least 30 years of age, and have already served a few years in the military.

What does that mean for us in CHRIST?

The JESUS centurion must not be “… a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6).

Over seven years ago, in the mission field, THE LORD led me to meet a young man who had various business interests.

In due course, he revealed to me that he had two acres of land for sale somewhere LONG away.

As foreordained by Him, THE LORD had actually provided and reserved that land for Himself!

It turned out to be the very area He had told me about in a dream years earlier before I flew out to go, just like Paul had a vision in the night: “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16:9).

I relocated there and did wonderful, powerful mission work there for years by The Grace of GOD.

While there, the young man used to visit me once in while for fellowship, having his Bible in his backpack. I was fervently teaching Him THE WORD with helpful spiritual things. (He was a novice).

When he came some other time, he told me that he had now joined a church somewhere in the city, and they asked him to be the leader of the men’s ministry.

What! A baby had just started crawling, and they hastily chose him to compete in 100m sprint at the Olympics? Ridiculous!

Do you know why they were doing it? His money. He was a young business man, remember?

No, don’t accept it. I told him matter-of-factly. It will destroy you, not yet being mature to handle such a position.

Various ministries do this all the time, dishing out positions of leadership and other roles to individuals based on natural considerations such as their wealth, importance in society, talent, etc. rather than The Choice of THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Our warfare is not by our might nor by our power, but by THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD OF HOSTS (Zechariah 4:6).

A centurion cannot be a novice, “lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6).

• The Roman centurion in the infantry is chosen for his size, strength and dexterity in throwing his missile weapons and for his skill in the use of his sword and shield; in short for his expertness in all the exercises.

This is exactly our call, isn’t it?

We are called to use The Weapons of our warfare in GOD (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). We are called to put on and take up The Whole Armour of GOD.

“Put on The Whole Armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up The Whole Armor of GOD, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with Truth, having put on The Breastplate of Righteousness, and having shod your feet with The Preparation of The Gospel of Peace; above all, taking The Shield of Faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take The Helmet of Salvation, and The Sword of THE SPIRIT, Which is THE WORD OF GOD; praying always with all prayer and supplication in THE SPIRIT, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:11-18.

“For The Weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in GOD for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against The Knowledge of GOD, bringing every thought into captivity to The Obedience of CHRIST, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-6.

“Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.

• The Roman centurion was to be vigilant, temperate, active and ready to execute the orders given him than to talk.

Here also, this is what is required of us in CHRIST, just as THE LORD says in The Scriptures:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9.

“Watch, stand fast in The Faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with Love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” James 1:19.

• The Roman centurion needed to be strict in exercising and keeping up proper discipline among his soldiers, in obliging them to appear clean and well-dressed and to have their arms constantly rubbed and bright.

“You therefore, my son, be strong in The Grace that is in CHRIST JESUS. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:1-4.

The days are increasingly evil. It is Eternal Life-critical now than ever to be very well trained and expertly fight in spiritual warfare by THE WORD and THE SPIRIT.

This is only possible by fervently studying THE WORD, being in continual praise and worship (even in non-private places, you can do this in your heart: Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), speaking in Tongues, hearing and heeding THE HOLY SPIRIT in all things.

Walk in THE SPIRIT, walk in Love.

Put on and take up The Whole Armour of GOD, and fight for THE LORD and His Kingdom. Now.

This Word: “Throw Her Down!—That Woman Jezebel” has some insights on how to fight and me weapons to use in our warfare.

”Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. Let The High Praises of GOD be in their mouth, and a two-edged Sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them The Written Judgment — This honor have all His saints. Praise THE LORD!” Psalm 149:5-9.

THE WORD OF GOD is The Sword, THE WORD OF GOD is The Written Judgment. Use It against the principalities and powers in the heavenlies (Ephesians 3 10).

This honor have all His saints. Praise THE LORD!

We are JESUS centurions — The Divine Military of more-than-conquerors (Romans 8:37).

Be bold like a lion, following The Lion of Judah.

FIGHT, strong in THE LORD and in The Power of His Might, rooted and grounded in His Love. FIGHT as led by THE HOLY SPIRIT.

 

“The LORD Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:22.
“Farewell” Acts 15:29.
~ Jacob Addison Awagah

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Jacob, an apostle of JESUS CHRIST by The Will of GOD, according to The Promise of Life Which is in CHRIST JESUS, (2 Timothy 1:1).
Like John, I like to put my head to The Heart of JESUS so as to know and do His Will always. What’s in His Heart is what matters now and FOREVER. His Heart’s Desire is my only desire. My will is to do His Will.
As John was, I am the disciple whom JESUS loves. And like Paul, I am “the prisoner of CHRIST JESUS” (Ephesians 3:1) for His Purpose forever: to obey Him always.
NB. Surely, the disciple whom JESUS loves and “the prisoner of CHRIST JESUS”, like ALL The Promises of GOD, are available to every believer to obtain, just as John and Paul did.
“And having been perfected, He [JESUS] became The Author of Eternal Salvation to all who obey Him,” Hebrews 5:9.

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