TAKING IT BY FORCE

Topic:  TAKING IT BY FORCE

Background Text: Matthew 11:12, 1 Samuel 30:1-8

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

INTRODUCTION

In the spiritual realm, force is often required to take hold of the promises, blessings, and breakthroughs that God has destined for His people. In Matthew 11:12, Jesus declares, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” This statement means that while God has given us access to His kingdom, we must actively contend against spiritual resistance to manifest His promises in our lives. This sermon will explore what it means to “take it by force” in the spiritual context and how believers can adopt a militant approach to obtain what is rightfully theirs.

1. UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE

Spiritual Warfare as a Reality:
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places. The kingdom of darkness actively opposes the advancement of God’s kingdom and the blessings of His people.

Taking it by Force Defined: Spiritual force is not about physical violence but about a determined, relentless, and aggressive faith that does not settle for less than God’s best. It involves contending in prayer, standing on God’s promises, and exercising spiritual authority against any opposition.

2. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF TAKING IT BY FORCE

– David at Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:1-8, 18-19):
When the Amalekites raided Ziklag and took away everything, David sought the Lord. God instructed him to “pursue, overtake, and recover all.” David took this word seriously, pursued the enemy, and forcefully took back everything that was stolen.

The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34):
This woman had suffered for twelve years, but she decided to take her healing by force. Despite the crowd and societal restrictions, she pressed through and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Her faith-filled action led to her healing.

The Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28):
The Canaanite woman’s daughter was demon-possessed. She approached Jesus with persistence, refusing to take “no” for an answer. Her boldness and determination moved Jesus to commend her faith and grant her request.

Joshua and the Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-20)
Joshua and the Israelites had to take Jericho by force. Though God promised them the land, they had to follow divine instructions, shout in faith, and witness the walls fall down. Their aggressive obedience led to victory.

3. WHY WE MUST TAKE IT BY FORCE

The Reality of Opposition:
Every believer has a God-given destiny, but Satan and his forces are determined to oppose us. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Spiritual Authority Given to Believers:

Jesus gave His followers authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). We are not called to be passive but to exercise our God-given authority to reclaim our blessings and territory.

Faith and Persistence Yield Results:
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith that takes it by force is persistent, unwavering, and bold. We must emulate the persistence of those like the Canaanite woman or the friends of the paralytic (Mark 2:1-12).

4. HOW TO TAKE IT BY FORCE

Develop a Violent Faith:
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Constant meditation on God’s Word strengthens faith. Violent faith is a faith that speaks, decrees, and takes action.

Prayer and Fasting:
Prayer is a key weapon in spiritual warfare. Jesus said some things do not go out except by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). Engaging in fervent prayer and fasting dismantles spiritual resistance.

Declare God’s Promises Boldly:
The Bible says in Job 22:28, “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you.” Speak life and make prophetic declarations over your situation.

Engage in Spiritual Warfare:
Use the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). This includes the Word of God, the blood of Jesus, and the name of Jesus. Wage war against the forces of darkness that try to hinder your destiny.

Act in Obedience:
Just like Joshua, we must listen and obey God’s specific instructions. Obedience is key to spiritual breakthrough (1 Samuel 15:22).

CONCLUSION

Taking it by force is about adopting a militant stance in the spirit to claim what is rightfully ours. Jesus has given us authority, but we must wield it. Whether it is reclaiming lost blessings, healing, deliverance, or advancing in purpose, we must refuse to settle for less than what God has promised. Remember, the violent take it by force. Today, God is calling you to rise in faith, take a stand, and seize what belongs to you in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, I thank You for giving me authority over every power of the enemy.

2. Lord, empower me to take back everything the enemy has stolen from my life in Jesus’ name.

3. I break every stronghold of delay and limitation in my life by fire in the name of Jesus.

4. Holy Spirit, fill me with boldness and aggressive faith to take my rightful inheritance.

5. I command every demonic resistance against my breakthroughs to scatter by fire in Jesus’ name.

6. O God, arise and fight against every force resisting my progress in Jesus’ name.

7. I decree and declare that I am recovering all my lost blessings and opportunities in Jesus’ name.

8. By the power in the name of Jesus, I destroy every altar speaking against my destiny.

9. I refuse to be denied or delayed; I take what is mine by force in the name of Jesus.

10. I declare divine acceleration and restoration over every area of my life in Jesus’ name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that you shall pursue, overtake, and recover all in Jesus’ name.

2. I prophesy that every spiritual resistance against your breakthrough is broken now.

3. I decree that you will possess your possessions, and nothing will hinder you.

4. I declare that God will make a way where there seems to be no way for you.

5. I prophesy that you will experience a supernatural turnaround in your life.

6. I decree that you will rise above every challenge and limitation in Jesus’ name.

7. I declare that the enemies you see today, you will see no more forever.

8. I prophesy divine favour, open doors, and abundant blessings over you.

9. I decree that you are unstoppable; every barrier before you is shattered in Jesus’ name.

10. I declare that from today, you are moving from glory to glory, victory to victory, in Jesus’ name.

May you rise in faith and take what belongs to you by force in Jesus’ name. Amen.