Our name | Mission | Vision | Leaders Ministries | Schedule | Directions | Contact Home   Gateway Church gathers for worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Location: 6425 Jefferson Rd. (Hwy. 129) in Athens, Georgia. For directions, click here. Ministry of the Word: Recent sermons Our quarterly e-magazine Gateway Today For the Gateway family Pastor Jerry's Weekly E-Mail A GATEWAY SERMON SUMMARY AUDIO Demolishing the spirit of Jezebel (Fifth in the series, Demolishing Strongholds) Jerry Varnado, pastor Gateway Church, Athens GA May 27, 2007 Main Scripture text: 2 Kings 9:30-37. Demolishing Strongholds April 1, 2007 • True Christian Humility April 15, 2007 • Understanding Strongholds April 29, 2007 • Tolerating Jezebel May 6, 2007 • Recognizing the Spirit of Jezebel May 27, 2007 • Demolishing the Spirit of Jezebel Listen again to this quote from Francis Frangipane I read to you in an earlier sermon: We must discern exactly where the satanic inroads into our own lives are and cut them off. We cannot worship God on Sunday morning and then tolerate Jezebel through immoral entertainment in a movie Sunday night. Indeed, it is with this in mind that, in regard to warring against Jezebel, the eternal Word specifically described himself as "He who searches the minds and hearts" (Rev. 2:23), for it is in the inner sanctuary of our private soul-life where tolerance to Jezebel begins. It is here within us, where tolerance must end. In his book, The Jezebel Spirit, Frangipane discusses several things Jezebel hates, because they threaten her influence and power. We can use these things as tools to dismantle any stronghold the spirit of Jezebel may have in our lives: 1) Intimacy with God. The reason Jezebel tries to lead Christians into idolatry, promiscuity, and debauchery is because these things destroy our intimacy with God. It is through that intimacy that we hear from God. It is because of that intimacy that we obey Him with joy. 2) Prayer. Prayer is key to establishing and maintaining intimacy with God. Therefore it is a key weapon against the spirit of Jezebel. 3) Truth -- that is, the Word of God. The only way demons can build a stronghold in our lives is for us to believe a lie. This is why it is important to know the Word. 4) The Prophets -- that is, the proclamation of God's Word. The proclamation of God's truth can liberate people from Jezebel's clutches. 5) Humility. Jezebel is arrogant and haughty. In contrast, we are to be humble before God, with repentant spirits. The arrogance of Jezebel is undone by humility and repentance. One more thing: This is Pentecost Sunday -- a good day to be talking about demolishing the spirit of Jezebel. If we are going to war against that spirit, or any demonic stronghold, we must be living in the power of Pentecost. Jesus knew he was sending us out as lambs among wolves. He knew we would need the fullness of the Holy Spirit to overthrow evil. Nothing has changed. If we are to win the battle against the principalities and powers of this dark world, we must live and move in the power of Pentecost. Supporting texts: John 8:31-32; 44-47 | 2 Chronicles 7:14 | Ezekiel 36:24-27 | Jeremiah 31:31-34 | John 20:21-23 | Luke 24:46-49 | Acts 1:8 A mp3 audio file of this sermon is here (41 min.). (Download to a PC by right clicking on the link and choosing "Save Target As." Mac users: click, hold, and choose "Download Link to Disk." Depending on your connection speed, the file may take several minutes to download.) An audio CD of the sermon summarized above is available free of charge (U.S. requests only). Request a CD by calling or writing the Gateway Church office. Please specify number 070527a: Demolishing the Spirit of Jezebel. © 2007 Gerald R. Varnado To the Gateway Church home page How to contact us