The Violent Take It by Force (Season 1, Episode 5)

Occupying Force with Richard & Kimberly Wilson

As part of God’s army, we can’t avoid the battles around us. In fact, Jesus stated, “The kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force.” (Matt. 11:12) These are fighting words! In this episode we will talk about what “suffers violence” and “take it by force” mean. Plus, we will share the testimony of how believers praying weekly at a local middle school changed the spiritual atmosphere and reduced manifestations of darkness.

To learn more about the ministry of Richard & Kimberly Wilson Watchmen Arise International.

Show notes:

Episode 5: The Violent Take It by Force

ABOUT THE EPISODE

What powerful words Jesus spoke over 2,000 years ago as He painted a picture of the state of His kingdom! In His proclamation that “…the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force,” we are faced with the realization that if we are going to be successful members of the body of Christ, we must be willing to go to battle. This is a hard verse for peacetime loving Christians to swallow; however, our eyes must be open to the reality of what is going on around us!

“The kingdom of God suffers violence…” (Matt. 11:12)

“Suffers violence” is by no means a pleasant term. In order to understand the violation that is taking place to the kingdom of God, let’s look at the meaning of these words:i

Suffers

• To endure death, pain or distress
• To sustain loss or damage
• To be subject to disability or handicap

Violence

• Exertion of physical force to injure or abuse
• Injury by distortion
• Infringement
• Intense, turbulent or furious and often destructive action or force
• A clashing or jarring quality
• Undue alteration

Do you see that His kingdom is suffering violence? “Suffers violence” literally means that the kingdom of God is enduring death, sustaining loss, and is subject to disability at the hand of physical force, distortion, and undue alteration by the enemy. Worry, anxiety, stress, trauma, and fear cause violent suffering in His kingdom; as does sickness, disease, poverty, and death. These are all enemies of the cross and are signs that His kingdom suffers violence. This kind of damage is serious! This is a battle between heaven and hell, light and darkness.

The kingdom of God has been seriously distressed since the days of John the Baptist. The enemy has crossed the legal lines and infringed upon our God’s kingdom laws. He knows distortion of the truth keeps people in bondage.

Have you ever been hurt by a lie? Perhaps someone neglected to tell you the truth about a situation or spread lies about you. Maybe you believed in a wrong perception of a situation only to find out later what you thought was true was a web of lies. If so, your personal “kingdom” suffered violence at the hand of a fallen world. Thankfully, Jesus understands this type of violation. His own friends denied him, betrayed Him, and turned away when things got tough.

Warriors Arise

“…the violent take it by force.” (Matt. 11:12)

Strong’s Concordance defines “violent” and “take by force” as:

Violent (Strong’s Greek #1499)

• To tear away
• Seize
• Plunder
• Take away by force

Take by force (Strong’s Greek #726)

• To seize
• Carry off by force