By Pastor Chinedu Emmanuel

 Hebrews 2:5-7 “For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, what is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands”.

This passage tells us that we are higher than angels because of our relationship with God through Christ. So, it’s a mistake to worship angels. The Bible guides us in understanding these truths, and we should let the Holy Spirit help us. Verse 8 says that everything is under our feet. Believers, as partners with Christ, have authority over all God created. This means we have a leadership role and responsibility for everything. Knowing and accepting this truth empowers us to live according to our special identity.

Psalm 8:4-6 “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him? 5 Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet”

Psalm 8:4-6 also buttresses the awe and wonder at the majesty of God’s creation and the special place given to believers in His creation plan. Having ‘all things’ under their feet symbolizes control and mastery over everything created. God has appointed believers to be rulers and stewards of the works of His hands. He has placed us in positions of authority and dominion over His creation. 

The Bible repeated this in Ephesians 2:5-6 “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in HEAVENLY PLACES in Christ Jesus.” So this was God’s plan executed in Christ even before we become Christians. By God’s grace, we are brought to life with Christ, saved by grace, and elevated to sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. Being seated with Christ means we can’t be lower than angels because Christ, whom we are united with, holds a position higher than angels. As a believer, if you are not where you should be seated, things you should have authority over may end up ruling over you. Romans 5:17 “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ”. This verse emphasizes that, through grace and righteousness, we are intended to reign in life since we are born again.

THE QUESTION IS DO WE SEE AND BELIEVE THAT EVERYTHING IS UNDER OUR FEET?

Regrettably, many believers don’t experience victory in life. The primary reason for this is their lack of understanding of a crucial truth. They are unaware of their authority in Christ Jesus and often seek help from others they perceive as more spiritually connected. These believers act like spiritual infants, relying heavily on those they believe have a special connection to God. However, in Christ, all believers have equal privileges as children of God. We share in the same blessings and privileges of our salvation by having faith in Christ Jesus. Unfortunately, some believers are yet to realize this truth due to their ignorance.

Galatians 4:1-2 “Think of it this way. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. 2 They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set.”

Many believers fail to use the authority given to them by God in various situations. Additionally, some have been misled by incorrect teachings, leading them to overlook the abundant blessings available to them in Christ. False doctrines shift our focus away from Christ and the Cross, causing us to rely on ourselves and others. Instead of trusting in Christ and His finished work, they burden themselves with self-effort and human wisdom. This approach hinders them from entering into God’s rest and enjoying the blessings offered through faith in Christ Jesus. Choosing religion over faith, they attempt to please God through self-righteousness and works, neglecting the grace that brings salvation. Living without faith in Christ leads to a dead end, as victory and reigning come through faith in Him. Faith in Christ is our pathway to victory and the key to experiencing the blessings of God’s grace.

1 Cor 1:8-9 “He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

1 John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Nothing should have dominion over you just as nothing has dominion over Christ. God has placed you in authority, and ignorance should not deprive you of this influence. Fear is a significant obstacle to victory. The phrase “fear not” appears 365 times in the Bible. God emphasizes not to fear. Whatever you fear gains power over you and dominates your life. If you fear sin, it will rule over you. Understanding and believing in the scripture “fear not” is crucial. You must have faith in Christ’s ability to keep you and fulfill His purpose through you.

Rom 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Domineering people seek control through fear. They highlight your vulnerabilities, emphasizing the consequences if you don’t submit to them. At the extreme, they resort to threats and aggression to instill fear and assert dominance. Their tactics include sulking to create confusion, and emotionally intimidating you to establish control. Similarly, the enemy uses fear to defeat you emotionally, eroding your fighting spirit. When fear takes hold, you may succumb to suggestions and yield, yet the fear persists regardless of your actions.

You respond to fear by:

1. Reminding yourself that fear doesn’t come from God. It’s a tool of the enemy designed to make you submit to him.

2. Combat fear actively; decide not to be intimidated. Confront it with courage and unwavering resolve, relying on the Holy Spirit within you—the Greater One who is working in and with you. Prov 28:1 “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

3. Pray, and pray some more in the spirit. Engage in praying in tongues regularly and maintain a continuous filling of the Holy Spirit. The fullness of the Spirit is attained through consistent prayer, especially in tongues. Initially, you need the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Similar to how a physically weak person cannot triumph in a physical battle, a spiritually weak Christian cannot overcome spiritual challenges and reign. Jude 1:20 “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.”

4. Study the Scriptures to be full of faith. Faith comes from hearing the word of God. By studying, you will discern the promptings and revelations of the Holy Spirit, especially regarding the issue you are facing. Read Scriptures related to the matter and build up your faith to confront it. Meditate on the Scriptures day and night. You cannot be full of faith without studying— not just reading but studying the Scriptures, making notes, and meditating on them. Learning to hear God comes through studying and making notes as the Holy Spirit reveals the meaning of those Scriptures. Over time, you’ll become accustomed to hearing Him inside you, making it easier to recognize when He is speaking to you. Every Christian needs His guidance to experience victory and authority.