Lesson 1 ~ First Week December
POSSESSING THE GATE
OF THE ENEMY
Background Reading
Genesis 22:15-19; Psalm 127:5; Jeremiah 31:35-40; Nahum 3:13
Devotional Reading
Genesis 24:29-67
Central Verse
“That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.” Genesis 22:17, KJV
“I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies.”
Genesis 22:17, NLT
Key Terms
Possess – To have and hold as property; to have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill; to seize and take control of.
Adversary – One that contends with, opposes, or resists; an enemy or opponent.
Introduction
David said that the enemies won’t stand a chance against God’s children; for they would sweep them right off their doorsteps (Psalm 127:5). God told Israel if they feared Him that He would deliver them out of the hand of their enemies. It should give each believer a sense of comfort to know that whatever comes against them during these perilous times. They don’t have to fret or be afraid; for they can rest in God.
In Biblical days, the gates of the city were a very important place. Most cities had walls that required gates to go in and out, for they were the entry ways for people, animals, and all who had to enter the city. The gate was an important part of the city’s protection against invaders who would come and try to capture the people and the city. For whoever controlled the gate, had charge of the city. The gate of the city was where the central business and activity was conducted. It was the place for central activities for that city, and the place of political power.
The dictionary says that a gate is an opening in a wall or a fence. It is a city or castle entrance often with defensive structures (such as towers). The frame or door that closes a gate or a movable barrier (as a grade crossing). The gates of the cities represented more than just an entry point, for they embodied power, control, and protection. Gates in Biblical times were beautiful architectural structures, but they were much more than that. They had deep symbolism and spiritual significance, which served as vital hubs of social, economic, political, and religious life, which played a central role in the dynamic of city living. They were not just physical barriers, but they also conveyed messages of status, protection, and worth. In Biblical days the apostles, prophets and disciples understood that gates had a very distinct role in protecting against evil forces.
Discussion
God had promised certain lands and territories to the children of Israel, but these lands were already occupied by other heathen tribes. Their cities had strong walls constructed around them and had gates to monitor who came and left these cities. God also made promises to Abraham and his descendants. He let them know that in most of the cities they would have to fight but not to worry because He has already given these lands and cities for their inheritance. So, they would be able to possess the seat of control, which is the gate of the city.
God told Israel that if they would obey Him, He would lift them above all nations on the face of this earth (Deuteronomy 28:1). In the Book of Nahum, God let the people know that even if the gates of the city were wide open and fire would devour the bars, His people did not have to worry. Believers must cast our cares upon the Lord, for He cares about each of us.
God wants His children to know that they must break yokes over gates using spiritual powers and spiritual warfare. God’s people must be in a place with Him so that when they speak in the name of Jesus, the anointing would be released, and yokes will be destroyed. The believers need to know and understand the significance of gates for this strengthens their faith in God and allows them to war in the spiritual realm. Israel knew that whoever had the control and possessed the gates could exercise dominion over that city and territory. The gates of hell as mentioned by Jesus in Matthew sixteen and eighteen, represent the attempts of evil forces to overcome and overthrow the Church of Jesus Christ. It is the will of God for His children to be victorious and overcome every attack of the enemy against them. So, He makes it possible for believers to overcome the enemies by controlling the gates.
God let Abraham know in no uncertain terms that his faith, trust and obedience had released blessings for him and his generations to come. Abraham had no real understanding of why God told him to take his son and offer him as a sacrifice to him, but he was willing to trust and obey Him. God let him know that He was going to make sure that His children would possess the gates of their enemies. God promised Israel that He would be an adversary to their adversary and an enemy to their enemies (Exodus 23:22).
No matter how strong Jericho’s walls and gates were in Joshua chapter 6, God was with Israel. The Leaders of Jericho had closed their gates out of fear of Israel’s military might. They acknowledged the power and authority of God’s people, knowing that God was with them.
Conclusion
We are now living in some of the most perilous times ever. The wars, and rumors of wars are going on now. The weather patterns have changed – earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires – resulting in all kinds of natural disasters, which are wreaking havoc around the world. Many lives are being lost through drug use, mass murders, deadly viruses, and all kinds of diseases, but God doesn’t want His children to live in fear of these things. He has assured the descendants of Abraham that they will be protected; for they shall possess the places of control and no devil from hell can stop the move of God in their lives.
Questions
1. Why is the control of the gate of the enemy important to believers?
2. Why did God promise Abraham that his seed would possess the gate of their enemy?
3. What was the gate used for in Biblical times?
4. What is the meaning of the gate? times?
Essential Thought
When you are the keepers of the gate,
no enemies can get in.
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