In Ephesians 2:6, we read, "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." This powerful scripture highlights a profound truth about our spiritual identity. We are three-part beings: spirit, soul, and body. Our spirit, the innermost part of our being, is seated with Christ in heavenly places. This is the key to living a victorious Christian life.

The soul, which houses our will, emotions, and intellect, has a choice. It can either follow the desires and distractions of the flesh or align with the spiritual truths where the Spirit resides. When our soul submits to the Spirit, we experience the freedom and power that come from our heavenly position. Galatians 5:16 reminds us, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

This concept is vividly illustrated in the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy and stressed, trying to serve, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, absorbing His teachings. Jesus commended Mary, saying she had chosen the "greater part" (Luke 10:42). Mary's choice to focus on Jesus reflects our need to prioritize spiritual intimacy over worldly concerns.

I believe that Mary's actions also set the stage for the resurrection of Lazarus. By staying close to Jesus, she created an atmosphere of faith and agreement with God. Matthew 18:20 states, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." This principle of agreement with God's will enables us to witness miraculous events, such as Lazarus' resurrection.

John the Apostle exemplifies the importance of intimacy with Jesus. Known as the beloved disciple, John experienced profound revelations because of his closeness to Christ. In John 21:21-22, when Peter inquired about John's future, Jesus responded, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." John's deep relationship with Jesus allowed him to receive visions of the future, recorded in the Book of Revelation.

Our spiritual journey involves embracing practices that draw us closer to God. Worship, praise, giving, studying the Bible, declaring scripture, and using our prayer language are disciplines that help us enter the "secret place" where we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). These practices sharpen our spiritual senses, allowing us to hear God's voice and see His guidance.

When we understand and embrace our spiritual authority, miracles, healings, and the manifestation of God's power become evident in our lives. Recognizing our position in Christ enables us to rule and reign on earth, not as mere mortals, but as children of God seated in heavenly places.

Proverbs 4:7 emphasizes, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Wisdom guides our actions and decisions, leading us to align with our spiritual identity. By seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we trust that all other needs will be met (Matthew 6:33).

In conclusion, seeing ourselves as seated with Christ empowers us to live out our spiritual authority. Like Mary and John, we must draw near to Jesus, prioritize our spiritual disciplines, and walk in the Spirit. This alignment transforms our lives, bringing us into agreement with God's will and unlocking His miraculous power.

Complete Scriptures Used:

1. Ephesians 2:6 - "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus."
2. Galatians 5:16 - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
3. Luke 10:42 - "But few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
4. Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
5. John 21:21-22 - "When Peter saw him, he asked, 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.'"
6. Romans 8:37 - "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
7. Proverbs 4:7 - "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
8. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."