|
|
|
|
Spiritual Warfare
©
Copyright 2007 Cheri D. Holt
Quick Links To Sections In
This Article
Spiritual Warfare In The Lives Of Christians Today Top of Page To the unsaved world Christianity is a mere crutch for weak people. But we who are Christians know that it is altogether different. Warfare is an inevitable everyday aspect of Christianity. Most of us would prefer if we could just live a normal life. You know the kind where you get up and go to your lovely job and come home to tend to your sweet family and live happily ever after. We would like it if we never had to concern ourselves with such things as spiritual warfare. However much we would like to ignore the things of the unseen realm the fact of the matter is the devil exists. 1Pe 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (KJV) We’re supposed to be vigilant, that means were supposed to keep watch. To be vigilant is to keep a watch, a vigil, yet the body of Christ often seems to be sleeping instead of watching. A large portion of the body of Christ is never really taught by their spiritual leaders to war in the spiritual realm. As it is, many Christians do not even realize the need for such things as Spiritual Warfare. A large portion of the body of Christ hasn’t got the foggiest idea what warfare really is. It’s no wonder so many grow up to be spiritually crippled, unable to walk as they should and hindered in their walk with God. Whether we like the idea or not the fact still remains we are living in a world that has through the ages of time been in a war between the forces of evil and the kingdom of heaven. Mt 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
The bible speaks so much about warfare and yet many Christians are not even taught that we have any need for such things. In fact many are taught that since Jesus came Christians have no need to engage in warfare with the enemy. Today in our society many are suffering needlessly. They live tormented lives, oppressed of the devil and they don’t even know the cause of their suffering. Worse yet they think it is not possible that the devil could be the cause of their problems, because they are Christians. How utterly sad it is to see so many wounded souls out there who need help but don’t know where to turn. For many of us this sadness comes way too close to home as we see even our own family members suffering, yet refusing to hear instruction because of some doctrine that has been handed down through the traditions of men who have misunderstood the victory that we do have and don’t know how to apply it to our own lives. Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. He came to set the captives free, why then, are so many oppressed? Lack of knowledge is the core problem.
Many well intended preachers have wrongly taught God’s people that Christians cannot have demons and that they have no need to war with the enemy. This teaching is totally contrary to scripture. Look what Paul taught to the saints at Ephesus
(Eph 6:12 NRSV) "For our struggle is not against enemies of flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." If this “Christians can’t have demons” teaching from well intended pastors and seminary teachers was correct then why did Paul find it necessary to teach this lesson? The fact of the matter is Christians can and do under some circumstances have demons. In my years of deliverance I have cast many more demons out of Christians than out of non Christians. Many use this scripture to back up their teaching, saying that a demon and the Holy Spirit can’t be in the same body, because evil, according to what they have been taught, cannot come into the presence of God. 2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?(KJV) But this scripture is speaking of something totally separate. When you read it in context you’ll see that it speaks of being unequally yoked with unbelievers. It doesn’t say anything about whether or not a Christian can have a demon. While it does mention Belial, it does not mention oppression or possession. If evil cannot come into the presence of God how is it that when the sons of God came before the Lord, Satan came with them, as is mentioned in the book of Job? Job1: 6 ¶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. 7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. Here are a few scriptures to consider. Mark 7: 25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. 28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. 29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. 30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid-==14upon the bed. Jesus referred to deliverance through himself (He is the bread of life) as being the “children’s bread” meaning that which belongs to those who are his. If Christians didn’t have need of deliverance, why then would Jesus say that deliverance through Christ is the children’s bread? He said it because of what he came to do in the earth, which was to destroy the works of darkness. 1Jo 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.(KJV) Ps 125:3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. (Un-repented sin is one of several doors of entry.)
What is the difference between possession and oppression? Top of Page It seems as though a major part of the problem concerning Christians and demonic attack is the terminology that is used. The word possession seems to be upsetting to many and rightfully so, considering the meaning of the word in its truest sense. It is unfortunate that many choose to use the word possession when speaking of things having to do with demonic attacks. The very word possession denotes ownership. We know that Satan cannot possess a Christian, because that person has been purchased by the shed blood of Jesus. Seeing then that we are Christians how then could one be possessed? The answer is they can’t be possessed, but they can be oppressed and afflicted in certain areas. When a person is possessed the devil (s) who resides in that body has taken up residence in the spirit of that person and has much control over that person and at times has absolute control over them. The demon or demons present have the ability to rise up within that person and overcome them often without the person being aware of it ever happening. When we mention the word oppressed many thoughts come to mind as to what exactly is oppression. Many take offense to the very thought of a demonic spirit entering the body of a believer and would like to think that oppression means to be afflicted from without the body, however this is not usually the case. Most oppression occurs within the body and the mind. While believing that a demon cannot enter the body of a Christian is a nice reassuring theory, it is totally inconsistent with scripture, and gives one a false sense of safety and actually hinders the Christian from finding the help they need and from being able to defend themselves appropriately. Such things are difficult to understand except that you understand what manner of creature we are. We as humans are created in Gods image, we are a triune (3 part) creature. We are the tabernacle, the temple that the Spirit of God indwells.
We are spirit beings, (pneuma)
The spirit: The spirit of mankind is that which lives within the body. Your spirit is the real you, your core being or your innermost being. This is that which is redeemed when you become born again. If you are a Christian, this is the part of you where the Spirit of the Lord dwells entwined with your spirit. If you are a true ( born again) Christian a DEMON CANNOT dwell in this place. If you are not a born again Christian this is the part of you that needs to be regenerated by way of the regeneration which occurs by being born again. To be born again means to repent of your sins and receive Jesus as Lord and saviour and to ask him into your heart, at which point the Spirit of the Lord enters in and bears witness with your spirit that you are his. When you are born again you become renewed in your spirit. Ro 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 1Jo 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.(KJV) The soul: The soul of mankind is that part of you that includes your mind your will your emotions. This part of mankind is the part of man that we must choose to surrender to the Lord. When we are born again our minds are not renewed. We still have a selfish sinful nature about us that wants to do things our way and we must choose by an act of our will to surrender our fleshly desires and to do that which is pleasing in the sight of God. Because our minds are not yet renewed and must still be changed and cleansed by the washing of the water of the word of God ,there is still a tendency to sin and to have wrong thinking or (stinking thinking) patterns. Our minds are changed as we study God’s word and allow the teachings of God’s word to replace our old ways of thinking. This is the area of our lives where the enemy enters in to deceive us and to afflict us. Satan is a liar and he still works by deception. Deception is carried out by one or more demonic spirits interjecting deceptive thoughts into the minds of people The body: The body of man is the physical vessel in which the spirit of man lives. That part of you which is flesh and bone. It was for the healing of this part that Jesus bore a terrible beating and suffered much agony. The bible tells us that he bore our sicknesses.
We know also that the devil does cause disease and that Christians can be afflicted in their flesh. Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Look at what the apostle Paul says; 2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.(KJV) The bible teaches us that we are the temple of God. Christian may be visited in their outer court (flesh) or inner court (mind) but their sanctuary (spirit) is protected as long as they do not commit blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and reject Christ. A Christian cannot have a demon in their spirit, but they can in the un renewed parts of the mind and in their flesh. Just as the Israelites were promised and given the promised land, yet still they had to go and possess it and fight the inhabitants that were there , we too have to face the giants in our promised land and often must fight to take that which the Lord gave his life for us to have. The Lord has already, by his death on the cross, overcome the works of darkness and given to us the victory over the enemy, yet we must go forth and possess that which he has given into our hands. Col 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV) So we see that Jesus has made a way for us to have the victory, but it is up to us to take it. Any good soldier knows that information is essential in warfare. Throughout history warriors from all around the world have engaged in warfare with physical enemies and have learned certain strategic methods of warfare to aid them in combating the enemy. It does not require a degree in rocket science to know that the best way to defeat your enemy is to know him and to know his hiding places, his methods strategies and tactics as well as his weaknesses. Even the devil knows this. Sadly the enemy often times knows more about us than we do. And many are totally ignorant of his devices. It is imperative that we equip ourselves with information. This does not mean we should gobble up anything and everything in the world that has to do with warfare. There is a lot of written material out there and not all of it is scriptural. There are many well intended folks in the world today that have taught every kind of unscriptural thing, and because of this many have gotten sidetracked and gotten into “weirdness”. Incorrect information is just as bad as no information at all, if not worse. In a combat situation incorrect information could get you killed. So we must understand that not everything we hear is something we should accept as truth. The truth can be found in God’s word. We must use the word of God to keep us inline and to help us to not fall into weird teachings that are not of God.
Satan’s
Greatest Weapon: Top
of Page
After years of observing the enemy and being trained of the Lord in warfare I have come to the conclusion that one of Satan’s greatest weapons is his anonymity. As in any warfare if you can attack your enemy from an unseen position and do it with out your enemy knowing you’ve done it then you have a great vantage point over your enemy. Satan knows this and he uses his ability to remain hidden and his ability to speak to a person by way of thought projection,(putting thoughts into the mind, that sound like ones own), to temp and to deceive people. The bible says that Satan is very subtle, even more subtle than any other beast God had made. Genesis3:1 ¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (KJV) It is this subtlety that makes him so dangerous and gives him an advantage over us. The armies of the world have for a long time now worked to perfect their ability to sneak in undetected and fire upon the enemy. The devil works under the cover of darkness (our inability to see or detect them in the natural.) Except that the enemy be exposed his stronghold of obscurity remains as a vantage point from which he thwarts his victims without mercy. The last thing that Satan wants is to be exposed. He attempts to prevent Christians from succeeding at any attempt to learn anything about him by using a number of different deceptive tactics. One of those tactics is to convince them that he doesn’t exist , isn’t a threat and that God will be angry with you if you pay too much attention to the devil by trying to learn about him even though the bible speaks much of the matter of Satan and his evil ways. Mt 10:16 ¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Intelligence-Based Warfare Top of Page Information WarfareIn the natural realm mankind uses “information warfare”. Information warfare is the offensive and defensive use of information and information systems to deny, exploit, corrupt, or destroy, an adversary's information, information-based processes, information systems, and communication based networks while protecting one's own. Such actions are designed to achieve advantages over adversaries in a military combat situation.In wartime one of the first objectives that is carried out is the bombing or destruction of radio, television, telephone, computer networks and satellites. The purpose of these maneuvers is to remove the ability of the adversary to effectively communicate among themselves and hinder any attempts to relay information that would be of negative consequence. Satan also uses this type of warfare. He has for centuries studied mankind and gathered much information to use against us. He works to remove our abilities to effectively communicate the gospel message and the truths in Gods word. He has done this by spreading lies through false religions and false doctrines. He uses fear tactics, deception, confusion, strife, division, false prophets, familiar spirits, lying spirits and whole myriad of tactics to confuse and obscure the truth. He bombards us with filth through radio television, the internet, magazines, books, advertisements, wrong teachings in the schools and other agencies, even in churches. Psychological operations Planned psychological activities are directed toward the enemy in order to influence attitudes and behavior affecting the achievement of military objectives.. In the natural the army refers to these operations as being PSYOPS. Satan also uses this type of warfare. One of Satan’s favorite battle fields is the mind of mankind. He uses psychological warfare tactics to further his cause in his attempts to kill steal and destroy. TST Time-Sensitive Target: A target which requires immediate response because it poses (or will soon pose) a clear and present danger or is a highly lucrative, fleeting target of opportunity. If you are one who is likely to spread the gospel message, an on fire sold out child of God, a person called to the five fold ministry or somebody who has a burning desire to see souls saved and lives changed then in the mind of the devil you are a TST. You are a time sensitive target. A Few Facts About the Devil (Satan) Top of Page Satan is a created being. He is not omnipotent and he has a limited number of evil spirits to utilize in his evil wiles. Because of this he focuses his attention on those who pose a threat to his objectives. Howbeit he will also attack those who pose no threat at all, to get them out of the way. 1Pe 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (KJV) Satan is evil to the core. He has no love, no mercy, no kindness. He takes great delight in every evil thing, in every act of destruction upon anybody he possibly can, without regard to any morals or values. He is driven by hatred and absolute jealousy and pride. He has no remorse for any evil he ever did. There is no truth in him. He is a liar and he is the father of lies. He uses his lies to kill, to steal and to destroy. He hates God and desires to destroy all that God loves. He is blinded by a murderous rage that has not ceased since he was removed from the presence of God. Try as he may, Satan is not equal with God in power. He would like to convince the world that he is, but he simply is not. The bible says that in the end we will narrowly look upon him, and say “Is this the one?” In the beginning Satan was not named Satan, He was named Lucifer. Satan was not created evil, he was actually created perfectly but he became puffed up and attempted to dethrone God. Isaiah 14: 12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! {O Lucifer: or, O day star} 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars(Angels)of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; 17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? Ezekiel 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. {sardius: or, ruby} {beryl: or, chrysolite} {emerald: or, chrysoprase} 14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. 18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. 19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more. Many theologians believe that Satan was in charge of the worship in heaven because of the scripture above that mentions …. the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. The bible also refers to him as being the covering cherub. It is thought that Lucifer was the third angel that literally stood over and covered the throne. The ark of the covenant is a type and shadow of the throne ,that which is in heaven, and we know by the scriptures that there were angels who stood over the ark with their wings outstretched over the ark and looking into the ark. The bible tells us that even the angels of heaven desired to look into the things of salvation, and we see the angels looking into the ark of the covenant It is thought that there was a third angel (Lucifer) which at one point covered the ark from behind it, yet we don’t see it in the design of the ark because Satan had attempted to dethrone God and therefore that place was left empty. The Bible tells us that there was no place found for him in heaven anymore and that he was cast down to the earth. Revelations12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. The name Satan literally means slanderer, accuser. When Lucifer was cast down from heaven he lost even his name and was then called Satan. He was cast out along with his angels, those who went along with him in his attempt to dethrone God. The bible says he drew one third of the angels from heaven. Re 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.(KJV) Satan’s Army The angels who were cast out of heaven are what we now call fallen angels or DEMONS. God created the angels to serve him but when Satan attempted to dethrone God, war broke out in heaven and God threw Satan out of heaven along with those who chose to serve Satan. Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. (KJV) Luke10:18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.(KJV) There are two thirds more angels of heaven than there are demons. Just as there are differences in the ranks of angels so also are there differences in the ranks of these demons which fell from heaven. Satan has an organized army of evil spirits which work for him to do his evil bidding. They are under his command. Demons are organized in ranks like military soldiers. It appears that the ranks are ordered according to power authority and might. Some believe that their ranking goes along these lines. ¨ Archangels ¨ Angels ¨ Seraphim ¨ Cherubim ¨ Principalities ¨ Authorities ¨ Thrones ¨ Might ¨ Dominion Demons war against God and against mankind. There are different arenas or battle grounds where spiritual battles take place.
¨ The mind and (physical) flesh of mankind ¨ The natural realm ¨ The Church ¨ The Heavens or the spirit realm The mind of mankind: Lesser demons battle against the mind of man to deceive and to keep men in bondage to sin and if possible to eventually bring them to destruction. The bible says we shall know them by their fruits. Some examples of this are spirits of bitterness and anger, resentment and jealousy, hatred and self hatred, rejection, fear, torment, mind binding spirits of confusion and distraction , strife , division and contention, rebellion, violence, murder, lying and deception, lust, perversion, homosexuality, depression, suicide and self destruction and pride and familiar spirits of divination and witchcraft. This is but a few of the spirits that war against mankind in the soul of man which includes the mind, will and emotions (psyche). We know by the scriptures demons can cause one to be insane (Luke 8:26-35), commit suicide (Mark 9:22), inspire self-mutilation (Mark 9:18) We know that generational curses can cause both physical illness and mental instability. The physical flesh: We can tell by the scriptures that many illnesses are directly caused by demonic spirits. We know that demons can cause a person to be deaf (Matt. 9:32-33), blind (Matt. 12:22), cause supernatural strength (Luke 8:29), and inflict birth defects (Luke 13:11-17). The Natural Realm: The enemy works in the natural realm to bring about destruction. He uses many tactics to do this. He uses other people and pits them against each other tempting them to yield to him and to do evil to other people. Rapists, murderers, pedophiles, adulterers, thieves, angry wounded people, drunkenness and violence of all kinds, and other such types of people and situations are used to bring about harm to other people in the natural realm. He brings division and strife and disunity to tear down marriages and homes and families and other relationships. Aside from using people in evil ways he also causes other things to go awry, fires , auto wrecks , plane crashes, etc can be caused by the enemy. I must take a moment to stress that these are things he can do and often does do but please do understand that often times things like this happen and the devils hand is not involved in it. Sometimes it is simply caused by the imperfection of mankind or the result of negligence or natural things and events. We must be careful not to attribute all calamities to Satan’s devices. In other words your flat tire most likely wasn’t caused by the devil. However, it is possible that the enemy could have afflicted your mind in such a way that you forgot to look at it or that he afflicted your finances in such a way that you could not afford to replace it. The Church: The enemy wages war in the church in a number of different ways. False Doctrines and false religions are two of the ways he wars against us. 1Ti 4:1 ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Matthew 15: 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. The enemy works against mankind to blind the spiritual eyes of man, to keep man from seeing the truth. The Spirit of Jezebel works to destroy churches, ministers and those called to leadership positions, using gossip and slander to tear the church apart, usurping the authority of those whom God has placed in that place of authority. She presents herself as a prophetess and speaks lies and deception. False religions are spread rampant throughout the world, idolatry and witchcraft and satanic worship, has deceived many. New age religions deceptively teach that there are many paths to God, yet scriptures clearly teach that Jesus is the only way to salvation and to reconciliation with God. Hindus worship many supposed gods though the scriptures clearly tell us that we are to worship only the one true God. The myriad of false religions make it difficult for people to find the truth. Sadly many are ensnared by these deceptions. The Spirit Realm or the Heavens; Many battles occur in the spirit realm, in the heavens. Battles over territory are fought in the heavenly places. This is where powers and principalities and thrones and dominions work to gain control over territories. These battles for territories include battles over organizations, cities, states, countries, and continents. This is serious strategic level warfare. Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Satan has appointed powers and principalities to war over territories that he desires to control. Likewise the angels of heaven war against them to prevent them from taking control. It is the prayers of the saints that work to move the hand of God in these matters. That is why God said the following. 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. As Christians we have the responsibility to obey God seek his face and pray over the land. As humans alone we do not have the power to overcome these demonic forces by our selves. It takes the power of God moving in the heavenly realm to over throw dominions of demons. We must be certain to pray and enlist the help that God gives to us as we pray, but also to obey God lest our prayers be hindered by our disobedience. It is God who sets the powers that be in order according to his judgment. When a nation is evil it brings evil upon its self to rule over it. Proverbs 8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. Psalm 33: 12 ¶ Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. Pr 14:34 ¶ Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. The spirit realm and the natural realm co exist together simultaneously. As we go through our daily activities there is much activity in the spirit realm going on around us. The spirit realm is that which exists around us but is unseen by the natural man.
The Weapons of Our Warfare Top of Page Any good soldier who enters into battle knows he must be trained to use his weapon. How dangerous and awful it would be to be set into a war zone and be given a weapon and yet not know how to use it, worse yet not even know that you have it. Many Christians enter into this spiritual war zone ill equipped, and a large majority of them don’t even realize they’re in a war zone at all. They enter in dragging their shields of faith in the dirt, their feet which should be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace are bare, their belts of truth are not even in place, the breastplate of righteousness is often packed away along with the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit has all but been forgotten. With their armor in total disarray they enter in to the war zone. This kind of ill prepared soldier is usually the one who ends up being a heavy burden to his comrades and being carried around the battle field on a spiritual stretcher, never able to carry his own weight or use his weapon. Ephesians6:10 ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
We have power and authority over our adversary, in the name of Jesus that was given to us by Christ through his victory on the cross over the forces of darkness. Colossians2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 ¶ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. The shed blood of the Lamb of God is that which redeems mankind from the enemy and gives us the victory. Jesus gave to his disciples power and authority over the enemy. Luke 9:1 ¶ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. Luke10:17 ¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. We must learn to use the power and the authority that was given us. Jesus has won the victory but we must now enforce the authority we are given, by speaking in faith and casting out and casting down that which opposes us and God, and by having faith in the name of Jesus. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (KJV) Jesus took Satan’s chief weapon away from him, which was accusation of mankind. In this we can have peace, knowing that he has prevailed over the forces of darkness and that through him, because of his victory on the cross ,we have been given power and authority over the enemy. Now we see we have weapons. We have power and we have authority, but how do we fight what we cannot see. How do we use it? I asked God this same question many years ago, and when I did he began to teach me of the things of the spiritual realm. I began to have experiences with God and with angels and with the enemy. I was pleased to experience the first two, but the third was something I would not have chosen except that I needed to understand. Had I been able to understand these things some other way, I’m sure God would have taken that route with me, but I have always been one who learns best by experience, and so he opened my eyes and my understanding to the things of the spirit realm and began to teach me. At the time all of this first began I had no idea what God had planned for my life and that he intended to use me in warfare. God’s plan was that I would learn and be strengthened and would afterward go and teach what I had learned and strengthen others through the truths of God’s word. And so my own personal battles against the enemy began.
The Battle For Your Mind Top of Page Pr 25:28 ¶ He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (KJV) As mentioned earlier the enemy is very subtle. Satan is a liar and he still works by deception. Deception is carried out by one or more demonic spirits interjecting deceptive thoughts into the minds of people. Because the devil is very crafty, most often these thoughts come to us in a voice or a thought that sounds like our own thoughts. Satan and his demonic entourage would have us to believe that these are our own thoughts, howbeit they are often nothing more than the voice of the enemy. We must learn to tell the difference between our thoughts and the thoughts of the enemy. The bible tells us that if we know the truth it will set us free. John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.(KJV) We are taught that the weapons of our warfare are not of a fleshly nature but that they are mighty through God and give us the ability to cast down these evil thoughts or imaginations. Every sin begins with a thought. 2Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Let me take a few moments to expound on this scripture. So many times we pass over scriptures like this one and do not glean from it it’s true value and all that it holds for us and in our haste to get through a chapter we overlook the treasures that are within. In this very short passage of scripture, there are some very powerful words and lessons that if we would but take the time to examine, it would open our eyes to something we desperately need to apply to our lives in the body of Christ today. Let us study 2Corinthians 10:3 -6 a bit and explore its valuable treasure. After all the bible tells us to study to show ourselves approved. We are taught that the weapons of our warfare are not of a fleshly nature but that they are mighty through God and give us the ability to cast down these evil thoughts or imaginations. Every sin begins with a thought. These weapons are spiritual. The scripture speaks of our weapons being through God, this speaks of that which was accomplished on the cross four our sakes. When Jesus was crucified on the cross he said, “It is finished.” He was saying that all that was needful to fulfill the plan of God to redeem mankind from the penalty for our sins was accomplished on the cross. The things that were accomplished there are the weapons of our warfare which are made available to us through God and the death burial and resurrection of Christ. The things accomplished on the cross include all of the things mentioned in the passage of Isaiah 53 1-6 Isa 53:1 ¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isa 53:10 ¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. The shed blood of Jesus was poured out for the forgiveness of our sins. He was beaten mocked and scourged and spat upon and crucified so that we could have eternal life and be free from the curses of the law of sin and death. Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; In all of this we see that God has given us through Christ , forgiveness of sins, healing for our bodies, minds, emotions and lives, even for our finances. Jesus set aside his glory in heaven and he came here to take our place to pay the penalty for our sins and to redeem us from the enemy and reconcile us unto God. When mankind sinned and fell from grace in the garden of Eden, they disobeyed God and served and believed the devil. This allowed evil to enter into a position of authority over mankind in the world. Ro 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Adam and Eve surrendered their God given authority over the earth and chose to yield to Satan, They gave him authority. When Jesus died on the cross he overcame evil and hatred with righteousness and love. He literally won back the dominion over the earth that man had lost.
Colossians 2 13-15 Col 2:13 ¶ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. He payed the price for our transgressions and gave man kind authority again. Lu 9:1 ¶ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. Lu 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. The law brought curses and death to those who sinned, but Jesus redeemed mankind from the curse of the law of sin and death.Ga 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: For those who have accepted Christ as their saviour there is now no more condemnation. Ro 8:1 ¶ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. All of the truths concerning what Christ has dome for us are the weapons of our warfare. Now what are we supposed to do with these “weapons”? 2Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. We are taught here that our weapons are mighty through God and that they can be used to pull down strongholds. Stronghold 1 (in the natural):
a fortified place Stronghold (spiritually speaking) a: a vantage point from which an enemy may hide in a place of seclusion and strike out at it’s opponent b: a fortified position held by a military type force: a guarded place of security inhabited by opposing forces. c: that which gives an opposing force a place of habitation For example; believing the lies of the enemy is what gives the spirit of deception a stronghold in ones mind and in ones life. Lack of truth is what allows this enemy to remain We are instructed to cast down imaginations and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. This means we are not supposed to adopt or accept those things which are contrary to what God says is true and that which is true concerning God and his word. Instead we are supposed to cast down those things that speak lies to us and hold fast to the truth. Imagination :
1 : the act or power of forming a mental image of something not
present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality That which exalts itself against the knowledge of God is anything that opposes God and the truth we find in God’s word. Casting Down Imaginations
1Pe 1:13 ¶ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Spiritual battles are not fought and won in the flesh they are rather fought and won in the spirit realm. The problem with all of this is people often do not recognize when they are under attack. We must learn to recognize the enemy at work in our lives, take authority over forces of darkness and learn to walk the victorious life Jesus died to give us. We must learn to walk in truth. We must learn truth. We cannot walk and live in truth if we do not know truth, God’s Word is truth, Jesus is the Truth. In Matthew Chapter four ,as Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness he answered him with great wisdom saying this: Mt 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. If we live by the words that proceed out of the mouth of God then we live by His word, both the written word ( Logos), and the spoken word (Rhema). 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Look at the scriptures below. Pr 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Ro 12:1-:2; :1 ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Many Christians live their lives in mental bondage and are not aware of the enemy’s efforts to destroy them. If Satan had his way he would destroy every one of us. Confusion, anger, hatred, bitterness, distraction and torment, thoughts of hopelessness and suicide, perversions and blasphemous thoughts often bombard the minds of people. Things like this are the fiery darts of the enemy that we must stand against and cast down.
To make matters worse often times people seek to evade the misery in their minds by looking to other devices like drugs and alcohol, comfort foods, or by placing unrealistic expectations on people with whom we have relationships expecting spouses, friends and family to “make us happy” as though somehow they are responsible for our misery or our happiness.
1Pe 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (KJV) Have you ever watched a lion hunt, or seen a documentary on lions and their hunting techniques. They often work in groups. Lions stalk their prey seeking out the weak, the wounded and the young for their prey. They strike at the most opportune time, when the prey is distracted, busily focused on something else, or sleeping unaware or when they find one who is young and inexperienced or sick and wounded. They select their prey and pursue it relentlessly. The devil is no different when it comes to prey. His purpose is to kill ,steal and destroy at every opportunity.
1Pe 1:13 ¶ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
When the mind of man has not been fortified with the truth of God’s word then that mind is open for attack.
Pr 25:28 ¶ He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
We have to exercise self control over our own minds and spirit and be diligent to guard against the lies and attacks of the enemy whether from without or within lest we be like that city without walls which is easily entered and overtaken by the enemy. We must gird up the loins of our minds and cleanse it with the truth of God’s Word. We have to change the way we think and cast down the imaginations that are contrary to God’s word and will. We have to learn the truth and fall out of agreement with the enemy of our minds.
© Copyright 2007 Cheri D. Holt
|