The spirit of iniquities
Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
The spirit of iniquities is a subtle and powerful one. Iniquities are not just outward acts of sin, but they are rooted in the heart. They include attitudes, desires, and inclinations that oppose the will of God. In Isaiah 59:2, God makes it clear that it is not His weakness that separates us from Him, nor His inability to hear our cries, but rather, it is our iniquities that create a barrier between us and Him.
Sin has a way of corrupting our hearts and minds, making us distant from the voice and presence of God. It causes us to hide from God, just as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden after they sinned. Iniquity creates a spiritual separation, and as long as we remain in it, we find it hard to approach the throne of grace.
Isaiah 59:2 speaks to the grievous consequence of iniquity: separation from God. Sin blocks the flow of communication between us and our Creator. It isn't that God becomes deaf or weak in His power, but sin acts as a wall, hindering our prayers from reaching His ears and preventing us from experiencing His saving power.
This is a clear warning. We cannot take sin lightly, as it interrupts our spiritual connection to God. Even when we call out to Him, the presence of iniquity obstructs that relationship, and God, in His holiness, hides His face from us. Many people wonder why they do not feel God's presence or why their prayers seem unanswered. Often, the cause is not God's unwillingness but the presence of unrepentant sin.
In 2 Timothy 2:19 Apostle Paul reassures us that God's foundation is firm. God's knowledge of those who belong to Him is unshakable. However, this promise comes with a responsibility: "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
To be identified as God's people means to turn away from sin deliberately. Iniquity cannot coexist with holiness. The call to depart from iniquity is not optional for the believer—it is a command.
If we carry the name of Christ, we must actively reject the spirit of iniquity that tries to entangle us. God’s seal on His people is sure, but we must live in alignment with that seal by walking in righteousness.
But how do we depart from iniquity?
By our own strength, it is impossible. However, through Christ, we have the power to overcome the spirit of iniquities. Jesus bore our iniquities on the cross so that we might be set free from sin's dominion. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, convicting us of sin and empowering us to live in righteousness.
When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). The blood of Jesus washes away the stain of iniquity and restores our relationship with God. We are no longer slaves to sin but are called to walk in the freedom of holiness.
Let Us Depart from Iniquity
The spirit of iniquity seeks to entrap us, but God calls us to live free from its power. Isaiah reminds us that iniquity separates us from God, while Paul in 2 Timothy reminds us that God's foundation stands firm, and all who are called by His name must turn away from iniquity.
Let us examine our hearts and lives today. Are there iniquities that are hindering your relationship with God? Are there hidden sins, attitudes, or desires that need to be confessed and surrendered to Christ?
In conclusion, let us choose to depart from iniquity and to live in the righteousness that God calls us to. As we do, we will experience His saving power, His attentive ear, and the joy of walking in close fellowship with Him.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, we acknowledge that iniquity separates us from You, and we ask for Your forgiveness. Help us, O Lord, to turn away from sin and walk in righteousness in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, cleanse us by the blood of Jesus and strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit to live lives that honor You in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.