ABOVE AND BEYOND By Major Frank Materu
----Introduction
In these challenging times, it is important to remember that the living God reigns supreme over all the powers of men, nations, and forces of darkness. While worldly leaders may seem powerful, driven by pride and deceit, we, as God's people, are called to trust in the One who is above and beyond all powers. The Almighty has repeatedly shown that He is the true Source of strength, refuge, and protection for His people, and His glory will endure long after the kingdoms of men fade into oblivion. This message reminds us of God's sovereignty and the assurance that, in Him, we find our refuge and strength.
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1. The Reality of God's Power
God is the Almighty, and there is no power above or beyond Him. When people place their trust in the powers of men, they are deceived. No matter how much they imagine themselves to be the ultimate authority, their power is fleeting, and it is God who remains supreme.
Scripture:
"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2, KJV)
God is our refuge, and His strength is everlasting. While earthly rulers may rise and fall, His dominion remains forever.
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2. Deception of the Powers of the World
In these times, many leaders are consumed by delusions of grandeur, deceived by demonic forces. They believe they are above all, but they fail to realize that their power is temporary and subject to God’s judgment. Their arrogance and self-righteousness lead them to reject God, and they will ultimately face His wrath.
Scripture:
"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." (Psalm 2:2-3, KJV)
Despite their defiance, these rulers are subject to the ultimate authority of God, who will one day bring them to account.
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3. The Power of Idolatry and False Confidence
People who place their trust in idols or in their own strength are deceived by demonic powers. They are led to believe that they are the ultimate rulers, but in reality, they are mere puppets of evil forces. These false gods are powerless, and those who serve them will ultimately face ruin.
Scripture:
"They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed." (Isaiah 44:9, KJV)
Those who worship false gods will find that these gods have no power to save, and their destruction is inevitable.
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4. God's Assurance of Victory
We are called to keep our vision "above and beyond" the circumstances of this world. Our true strength and refuge lie in God alone, and as His people, we are assured of victory over the forces of darkness. We are not to fear the threats of men but to trust in God’s power to deliver and protect us.
Scripture:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." (2 Corinthians 10:4, KJV)
Through God, we have the victory, and His power is mightier than any human force or spiritual stronghold.
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5. The End of the Wicked and the Eternal Glory of God
Those who oppose God will ultimately face judgment and destruction. The kingdoms they build and the powers they claim will fade away, and they will be consumed by the very forces they trusted in. On the other hand, God’s glory will endure forever, and His people will rejoice in His eternal kingdom.
Scripture:
"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." (Psalm 9:17, KJV)
The fate of the wicked is certain, but the righteousness of God will stand forever.
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Summary and Key Points
- God’s power is above and beyond all earthly powers.
- The rulers of this world are deceived by demonic forces and will ultimately face God's judgment.
- Idolatry and false confidence in human strength lead to destruction.
- We, as God's people, are called to trust in His power and vision, knowing that He will deliver us.
- The wicked will be judged, but God’s glory will endure forever.
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Conclusion
In a world where many place their trust in the powers of men and the idols of their own making, we are reminded that God is the ultimate authority. His power is above and beyond all earthly rulers and forces. As His people, we are called to trust in His sovereignty and not to fear the powers of darkness. In the end, those who oppose God will face judgment, but His glory will remain eternal. Let us rejoice and serve God with gratitude, knowing that His power and glory are far above anything the world can offer.
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Final Word
The powers of this world are fleeting, but the power of God is everlasting. Let us place our trust in Him, for He is the One who is above and beyond all things. Rejoice in the assurance that God will prevail over all, and His people will forever dwell in His eternal glory.
