The Word For 2022! Romans 16:20
ZADOK PUBLICATIONS - Dr. C. R. OLIVER
January 1, 2022





C. R. Oliver





ZADOK PUBLICATIONS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
January 1, 2022

The Word For 2022!
Romans 16:20


You may watch this Newsletter in a video HERE.

Romans 16:20

"And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly."

Introduction:

     This is the word for 2022!

     It was a simple prophetic word for the Roman church who no doubt believed, as most of those congregations, that Jesus was returning quickly and this verse was based on their expectations. But there is an element of relevance to every generation who must claim the truth of this statement for their day and for every believer in their lifetime. It is a statement of fact which must appear in the biography of all who name His name. There must be an acknowledgement of a day in every life when "the God of peace" enters one's spiritual force-field and deals a death blow to the worker of evil.

Background:

The book of Romans explores many aspects confronting the Roman Church which, if not treated severely, could have destroyed their body of believers. Division alone would have accomplished the work of the devil's plan, and still will today, if not confronted in the modern realm.

Romans 16:17-18:
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
NKJV

Strife, and emphasis on doctrinal deviance, will still split asunder the beauty of fellowship with those "brethren who dwell together in unity." Paul confronts issue after issue leading up to Romans 16:20 and proves them to be the work of satan.

Romans 1:18:
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

Early on, Paul attacked the division issue between Jew and Gentile believers and revealed such conflict has a devilish taint — however, thirteen chapters down, he exclaims, "God is going to crush that devil under THEIR feet."

Romans 9:30-32:
What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.
NKJV

Paul also boldly discussed the issues of immorality and lust and how the base things of society honor the evil one, although his treatises on love and forgiveness show how the faithful can overcome evil with good.

If one would skim the whole book of Romans and see how Paul was leading up to the passage in sixteen twenty, it would be evident that their "obedience to God" gave place for the God of peace to crush satan's plans.

Romans 16:19:
For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore, I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.
NKJV

Three Realms of Interest:

It is time to explore some key thoughts in the focal passage. Foremost is the One initiating the action - - which is God. He identifies Himself as the "God of Peace." Those who study the names of God will know Jehovah Shalom is both a state of being as well as a person. The peace-place is where "there is nothing missing and nothing broken or lacking." A place where division, confusion, sin, and tribulation have lost their effect. God is surrounded by peace, as well as, being the "prince of peace."

It is the "God of Peace" who determines the time as "shortly" and who does the "crushing." How opposite this to the "short-time recipient of the stomp," for he shall never have peace.

The Romans are urged to be wise to what is good and simple to what is evil. Such behavior thwarts the work of the devil, who must have been in a quandary seeking to destroy their peace.

Verse 20 is the spiritual conclusion to the foray of battles both personal and corporate regarding the Romans. It still is! Did such a crushing blow mean the demise of the evil government of the Roman Empire? Or is it the throwing down of the Temple and the burning of Jerusalem signaling the end of an evil religious order that had corrupted itself and murdered the righteous King? Or does it involve an end of personal threats from the evil one and an end to condemnation and guilt? Or does it re-enforce the authority of the church in corporate power against the wicked one and put him in his rightful place, "under their feet.?"

I believe it has something to do with all of the above, even to the issues of today!

The Authority over Government

In the case of the demise of the Roman Empire (which was a major catalyst for every kind of demon activity). there would cease to be this government of oppression. Oppressive governments face the One who establishes Kings and nations, and He is the One who can cause their downfall. Rome was anti-Christ (blaming the catastrophes associated with their crumbling society on Christians and persecuting them throughout their domain). The blood of martyrs called to heaven to avenge their deaths. Crucifying the Messiah, while cooperating with the corrupt religious state of the Jews, compounded their guilt. Certainly, those early believers would rejoice to see the God of Peace crush this evil empire.

The Authority of the Church

As Paul taught about the spiritual tools and powerful promises available to the body of believers, he also taught about the sovereignty of God. Jesus' commission to evangelize the world engendered the book of Acts. Acts chronicled the exploits of the early disciples as they invaded satan's territory. The church triumphant emerged under increasing familiarity with signs and wonders, miracles and witness. Nothing, not even the gates of hell, could stop their advance. Under their feet resistance was crushed and with each victory, they praised the Living God.

The Authority of the Individual

Power, love and a sound mind, drove fear from every believer in the early church. Yes, solitary believers triumphed over evil and experienced deliverance from their defeated foe. They knew spiritual exploits first hand. Their lives reflected their obedience, and they were rewarded by seeing satan defeated and under their feet.

(Look at verse twenty, until you see a crushed satan under your feet. Claim your freedom from the darkness of this world and relish the sight of a powerless enemy.)

Exegesis of the Scripture:

Now, let us explore sone of the elements of the focal passage: Romans 16:20.

          1.Peace:

It is the "God of Peace" who initiates the action of crushing satan, but such requires the believer's participation-- by stomping him with his or her feet. (I find it interesting that the use of "God of Peace" is used only in the New Testament (the same for God of Hope). Jehovah Shalom is the OT term.

Peace: NT:1515
eirene (i-ray'-nay); probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:
KJV - one, peace, quietness, rest, set at one again.

     2. Crush:

Varying translations use the word "bruise," referencing Genesis 3:15.
Genesis 3:15:
And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;

He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel."

NT:4937 suntribo (soon-tree'-bo); from NT:4862 and the base of NT:5147; to crush completely, i.e. to shatter (literally or figuratively):
KJV - break (in pieces), broken to shivers (+-hearted), bruise.

One can see the intention of this verse is to render the devil a blow more than a bruise. Who looks for this to happen in their personal lives? What congregation is willing to apply this verse to their activities? What prayer includes, "Do this with us, O' Lord?"

Is this passage applicable only to the Roman church? Can any believer have faith to believe for it to take place in their life span? Can blood lines still be drawn and strongholds still be pulled down? Can satan's evil plans for governments and authorities still feel the crushing blow?

Rick Renner compared the "crushing foot" to the shoes of the Roman Legions, who wore spiked shoes and whoever they encountered in opposition, simply moved ahead and spiked the fallen.

     3. Feet:

Whose feet? It is the believer's feet, in cooperation with the God of Peace, who crush. Personal involvement in this activity is understood. Conquering armies often put their feet on the neck of the defeated foe. This is the picture. Explore scripture to see how many times "feet" are used to convey a spiritual message.

Romans 10:14-15:
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!"


Those kinds of feet crush satan's plans!

Hebrews 2:7-8:
You have crowned him with glory and honor,
And set him over the works of Your hands.
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.

Those kinds of feet!

1 Corinthians 15:25-28:
For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For "He has put all things under His feet." But when He says "all things are put under Him," it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

This kind of feet!

Ephesians 1:22-23:
22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Yes, these kinds of feet!

Luke 7:44-45:
44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in.

Paul wrote, in 2 Corinthians, that believers have authority which crushes satan.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6:
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

          4. Shortly:

NT:5034 tachos (takh'-os); from the same as NT:5036; a brief space (of time), i.e. (with NT:1722 prefixed) in haste:
KJV - quickly, shortly, speedily

          The time of this action is not some distant time but is determined by the God of Peace. Similarly, the book of Revelation projects fast action against satan's throne and the synagogue of satan.

Revelation 2:12-16:
          'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
NKJV

Summary:

Woe to the evil empires which are developing during these last days. They will be the recipients of a crushing blow. This is why I believe this is a verse for now. Has there been such crushing blows in times past? Yes, any review of spiritual history will yield those times, but today is ripe for this verse to be executed again. It is an assurance of the sovereignty of God and the authority of the believer.

May the New Year see satan crushed under our feet and to the glory of God!

Until Next Month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.






MISSIONS REPORT:

From: Oliver Evangelistic Association (OEA) - A Missions Opportunity

In conjunction with Brother Ghiorghi Cazacu with Gospel Ministries International, Inc. of Romania and correlates of his ministry in India, we are supplying the church building in its entirety.

Here are the details along with some summary statement regarding the mission opportunity.

Praise the Lord!
Beloved brother Dr. C Oliver
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ from India!

With much gratitude and gladness conveying our thanks giving through our Lord Jesus Christ for stretching forth your hands with a generous heart for building the House of the God. It is the answer from the Lord for our longing prayers from many years. As per the budget we received Rs. 589700/- ($8078.08) from GMI our brother GHIORGHI for the Church construction;

Pastor: Manmada Rao

Material and men are ready for the work but Currently construction is on hold due to radical hindu religious fanatics opposition for building the church; firstly while we are digging the foundation they made a complaint in the local revenue office, than we went and talked with the revenue officers and the village officials, they have given us permission and they calmed down the fanatics.

And after few weeks, when the hindu fanatics saw that the church construction work is going very quick, again they made a complaint in the collectorate, so we got orders again from the revenue office to stop the construction until we get allowance from collectorate and local revenue offices. The church is in Andhra Pradesh.

Thus, now we are with constant prayers and efforts, submitted the written application in the collectorate to get all the written documented standard legal permissions.

Last Saturday we were presented before officers in the collectorate in this regard. We praise our almighty God who is on our side. We got a positive response from the collectorate and permissions is on process with documentation. Hopefully with lots of prayers and efforts we'll be start working with in this two/three days.

We are deeply regretting for being not able to complete the work on time due to the above mentioned reasons. Continue to pray for us that the Lord may help us to complete this work.

We spent Rs. 220000/- ($3010.81) for the work which is done up to now. Remaining amount is in our hands, more eagerly we are ready with all the materials, mason, workmen and working on the direction to complete the work as soon as possible. Kindly keep us in prayer. Once again thanking you dear Dr. C OLIVER, our brother GHIORGHI through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Humble labourer In the Lord's Vineyard
Pastor Joshua,
India.

Here are pictures from the construction.

















Freedom Christmas Miracles for the Brickyard Slaves:

The December 1 Newsletter, mentioned "Freedom Christmas Miracles for the Brickyard Slaves." These families had been slaves to the brickyard all their lives-born under the debt of previous generations and never able to pay it off.

Because of our partner's donations, OEA was able to free seven families from this enslavement. They not only were set free with legal papers verifying their freedom, but will also be discipled in the Word, assisted to rent a house for a month or two, given food to eat as well as being set up in a small business to enable them to sustain their new freedom.

Originally, there were 42 families enslaved to this particular brickyard. These were the last seven to be freed. Thank you for your generosity. What a wonderful Christmas present for these people as well as for those of you who donated to this cause.



Shahzad Masih and His Wife


Nazir Masih and His Family




Azaz and His Family


Waris Masih and His Family




Younis and Rukhsana


Sanovel Masih and His Family



Lady Praveem and Her Children













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