In this Charismatic Hour Session of the First Fruit Fasting Fellowship, we wish to demonstrate the power of the Lord that has been released upon us for the new chapter of our ministry. (Zeph.3:14,17; 1Cor.16:9; Rev.3:8).
It must be understood that when saints gather, the Lord is always present to attend to them. (Matt.18:19) and whatever declarations they make, He promptly attends to them. (cons. Mk.16:20; Jn.15:11; 16:24).
We are in the third phase of our Elijah-like ministry, (as revealed by the man of God, GS) and cannot but experience spectacular divine/angelic manifestations, even as attested to by the theme of the programme: age of awesome amazement. (Isa.55:9-11; Jn.1:12).
Our message shall come under 2 points
(A) The Tiger – Described (B) The “Taking-Down” – Discussed
(A) THE TIGER DESCRIBED The tiger is a large (8-10 feet long) ferocious, carnivorous mammal of the cat family that lives majorly in South East Asia.
This large ferocious beast ironically is known for its mild appearance when moving or resting; which earned the adage: ‘the gentle strides of the tiger is not an indication of weakness’.
“Tiger” is used figuratively of a fiery aggressive person in a position of authority. In psychology, tiger-parenting is used to describe the mode of children’s upbringing/training where the parents are very strict to disciple and make demands on their non-negotiable expectation of the career that the child must pursue, putting the child at risk of anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression; having difficulty with decision making or forming a close relationship with others or fending for themselves; having fear of making mistakes and disappointing his parents, etc.
Tiger in our context is that condition or group of challenges that have the potential to take you out of the way or out of the faith. It may be insidious in character or aggressive.
The tiger may be some sin or sinful habit that is eating you up. It may be some health condition or marital matter. It may be a challenge with the means of livelihood, accommodation, immigration status, or career (Gen.3:1-10, Ex.1:8-14, Judg.6:2-4,13, 2Sam.21:15, Job 29:1-5, Isa.38:1-3, Ps.35:1-8, Dan.3:19-25,6:14-23; Matt.17:15).
All such tigers must be taken down
(B) THE ‘TAKING DOWN’ – DESCRIBED
Taking down is a military term for elimination, removing from sight. Children of God are at war with spirit entities that have the ability to manipulate physical objects to the detriment of man. (Job.1:13-19; 2:5,7-9; 2Cor.10:3,4).
It must be noted that the devil doesn’t have any authority to rule on earth as the earth is the Lord’s, and has never been leased to Satan (Ps.24:1; 89:11,115:16).
It must also be understood that the temporary handing over of the leadership of the world to Satan ended with Jesus’ death at the cross (LK.4:5-7; Jn.19:30; Col.2:14,15); at resurrection power was released (Eph.1:18-20). During His earthly ministry, the apostles were given authority to take down the devils (Lk.10:19), but needed to wait for the ability to function before proceeding in the ministry (Lk.24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4), and they succeeded (Mk.16:20).
Today, we have the ability (dunamis) and the authority (exousia); and the exercise is sharpening the ability for effective manifestation (kratos) – Eph.1:19.
Let us, therefore, call upon the Lord to take down the tiger.