Spiritual Warfare What Is Spiritual Warfare? A definition of Spiritual Warfare Billy Graham explained the reality of spiritual warfare in his book Angels: “We live in a perpetual battlefield …The wars among the nations on earth are mere popgun affairs compared to the fierceness of battle in the spiritual unseen world. This invisible spiritual conflict is waged around us incessantly and unremittingly. Where the Lord works, Satan’s forces hinder. Where angel beings carry out divine directives, the devils rage. All this comes about because the powers of darkness press their counterattack to recapture the ground held for the glory of God… Since the fall of Lucifer, that angel of light and son of the morning, there has been no respite in the bitter Battle of the Ages. Night and day Lucifer, the master craftsman of the devices of darkness, labors to thwart God’s plan of the ages. We can find inscribed on every page of human history the consequences of the evil brought to fruition by the powers of darkness with the devil in charge. Satan never yields an inch, nor does he ever pause in his opposition to the plan of God to redeem the “cosmos” from his control.” Bob Hamway - the battle between us, with our spiritual weapons of intercessory prayer praise, worship, and our spiritual armor, against the spiritual forces of evil on all levels. That includes personal and corporate intercessory prayer that battles for our families, cities, states, countries, and continents, and everything in between.
Identifying the Practical Relevance of Spiritual Warfare In the lives of unbelievers: The chief purpose of the powers of darkness is to deceive and divert the un-regenerate from redemption. Eph 4:18 they are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. II Cor.4:4 the God of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. In the lives of Believers: The chief purpose of the powers of darkness is to harass and hinder the Body of Christ from enjoying and engaging in effective, fruitful service. Eph 6:10-17 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take
your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
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Hierarchy of Evil Scripture reveals that the kingdom of darkness is ruled by Satan, and operates according to a hierarchical structure as outlined below.
Satan
“Satanis”
Rulers/ Principalities
“Archai”
“strong man” “prince” “ruler”
Mk. 3:27 John 14:30 Eph. 2:2 Col. 1:16 Dan. 10:13-20
These beings, as depicted in Daniel, seem comparable to the archangels. They are the “generals” assigned to implement and oversee major aspects of Satan’s counter-kingdom. It is also apparent they have authority over certain geographical areas. Ex: Continents and countries.
Authorities
“Exousia”
Eph. 1:21
In Paul’s understanding, the “authorities” were both natural and supernatural. The fallen powers seek to promote and maximize their deception of humanity through the corruption of human institutions, e.g., governments, organizational structures, crime syndicates, school boards etc.
Powers
“Dunamis”
Eph 6:12
Evidence from clinical encounters seems to document that the “powers” are satanic forces ser over certain regions i.e., cities, geographical areas, people groups, etc. Ex: States and cities.
Spiritual Forces Of Evil
“Kosmokratoras”
Eph. 6:12
These spiritual “forces” are the variety of evil spirits that operate in the lower atmosphere and on earth to afflict and deceive. It is these spirit beings that are characteristically confronted and cast out in most deliverance encounters. Ex: Us. Demons Evil Spirits Deceiving Anti-Christ
Mk. 3:15 Matt. 12:43 1Tim. 4:1 1 John 4:3
Unclean Rebellion Fear Infirmity
Mk 1:23;6:7 Eph 2:2 2 Tim. 1:7 Luke 13:12
Scriptural Support for the Above Hierarchy: Mark 5:8-9 For Jesus was saying to him, Come out of this man, you evil spirit. Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." Dan. 10:12-13 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.” The scripture in Daniel clearly shows a hierarchy in both spiritual realms (God’s & Satan’s). Ephesians 6:12 is clear that Christians “Wrestle” against these unseen forces of darkness and are to “stand firm” in
resisting their relentless activities of deception and torment. It is Important to grasp that in the supernatural realm, there are comparable powers of light and goodness, namely, the archangel’s, (Michael Gabriel, Raphael, etc.), seraphim, cherubim, and a multitude of ministering angels (HEB 1:14). Revelation 12:4 seems to indicate that Satan succeeded in sweeping only one third of the angelic host into his rebellion, leaving two thirds subservient of the will of the Lord.
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Devil- Diabolos- a compound word- dia means penetration, ballo means “to throw” like a ball or rock. Diabolos describes the repetitive action of hitting something again and again, until finally it is so worn down that it can be completely and thoroughly penetrated. Once the breakdown occurs, they strike with a fury to penetrate the soul in order to take him/her into mental, emotional, or spiritual captivity. Wrestle/ struggle- Greek is Pale. It means hand-to-hand combat; the word comes from Palastra, a house of combat. They fought till death, strangling, choking, breaking fingers/ ribs, gouging the eyes, were all acceptable (no rules), few ever retired, mostly died in the ring. Note: We have an enemy who will repeatedly stop at nothing in order to steal, kill, or destroy
How does Satan try to achieve his purposes – Steal – Kill –Destroy. A. Afflicts the righteous – DESTROY – Job 2:7 so Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores. B. Blinds the eyes of the unbeliever – KILL – II Cor.4:4 the God of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. When you pray, just reverse the thoughts: I ask you Lord to bring revelation to [name an unbeliever] so they can see the light of the Gospel. C. He hardens their hearts (as Gentiles) – KILL –Eph 4:18 they are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Reverse the thoughts: I pray that [name an unbeliever] heart would be softened by Your love, and they would understand Your salvation and be united to Jesus Christ. D. INSTIGATING MEN TO SIN – ACTS 5:3 Ananias and sapphire. How is that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Sprit? E. SATAN USES THE WORLD AND OUR HUMANITY – 1 John 2:16 the world –cravings of sinful man – lust of eyes--boasting of what he has and does. F. Satan will not tempt you in an area unless he sees a weakness or an evil desire waiting to be conceived and birth. Jam 1:14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived it, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death. G. Removing the good seed – STEAL – Mat 13:19 when anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed along the path. H. Sowing the weeds – KILL – Mat 13:38 the field is the world and the good seed stands for the sons of the Kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one and the enemy who sows them is the devil. I. Preying Upon men – KILL – I Pet 5:8 be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Satan’s Power compared to God’s Power. Job 1:6-12 GOD Creator – Gen 1:1 Sovereign – Ps 103:19 Omnipresent – all present - Jer 23:24 Omniscient – All Knowing – Heb 4:13 Divine Protection Job 1:10, Ps 125:2, Zec 42:2 Gives Permission – Job 1:12, I Cor 10:13 Sets limits – Job 1:12, Isa 48:10, Zec 13:9
SATAN Creature – Ezk 28:13 Gives account to God – Job 1:6 Not all present - Job 1:7 Not all knowing – Job 1:8 Can’t Break through God’s protection - Job 1:10 Satan cannot touch a child of God unless God gives permission – Job 1:12 Satan has to stay within God’s Boundaries Job 2:6
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The Full Armor of God Attitude: A winner’s mentality (“Ready, Set, Go!”) vs. “I’ll fight back once I have been knocked down a couple of times.”
Roman Soldiers were told 3 things before going into battle: 1. “Someone out there wants to hurt or kill you.” (Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy.) 2. “Don’t come back until the enemy is destroyed.” 3. “It’s better to die on the battlefield than to come back and tell us that the enemy has won.”
* The soldiers went into battle prepared to win!* Eph. 6:12 (Phillips Translation) For our fight is not against any physical enemy: (Flesh & Blood) it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We are up against the unseen powers that control this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil.
Put On: We are Physical beings; but we are Spiritual Soldiers. Roman Soldiers would never go into battle without their armor. You have a choice: Put it on, or go into battle without your defensive weapons! Eph. 6:11&13
Stand: The word means to “stand upright.” It is the image of one who is so confident, that he is holding his head up and his shoulders back. Eph. 6:11&13 Stand in prayer with Authority - Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matt. 28:18 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matt. 16:19 Stand in prayer with Believers- - Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for; it will be done by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matt. 18:19-20 Stand in prayer opposed to the Evil One –Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 the order is key. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9 NOTES:
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I. Belt of Truth Buckled Around Our Waist (Eph. 6:14) The Belt of Truth is the written Word of God (Logos). A Roman soldier’s belt was vital because it held in place the other parts of his armor. The belt was a resting place for his shield, it was used to hang his sword, and it kept his breastplate form flapping. The Spiritual man’s armor is all connected to the word of God. If you lay your Bible aside, you begin to lose your sense of righteousness and peace, plus the joy of salvation and your ability to walk in faith. NOTE: The believer cannot “stand upright” without the Word of God being at the center of his life. A. The Belt and Righteousness. II TIMOTHY 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. B. The Belt and Peace. COLOSSIANS 3:15-16 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. C. The Belt and Faith. ROMANS 10:17 consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. ; LUKE 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. D. The Belt and Salvation. Salvation conveys the ideas of deliverance, safety, preservation soundness of mind, and healing. II Timothy 3:14-15 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. NOTE: The Word is able to make us wise for deliverance, safety, preservation, soundness of mind, and healing.
Some Benefits of Gods Word It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. It never changes. Psalms 119:89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. We live on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. The word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Ps. 119:105 your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
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II. The Breastplate of Righteousness in Place (Eph. 6:14b) The breastplate covered the soldier’s body from the neck to the knees, both front and back. It weighted approximately 40 lbs. It was held together by brass up on the shoulders. The belt (Word) kept the breastplate from flapping in the wind or in battle. The breastplate protected the vital areas of the soldier’s body (heart, stomach, liver, etc.). These parts represent our physical lifeline and our emotions. Without the breastplate, the soldier is vulnerable to deadly wounds. A. Spiritual Application: Believers cannot exist without the righteousness of Christ. Righteousness simply means right standing with God. We have no standing with God unless we are covered by the righteous sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. NOTE: The righteousness of Christ is a Gift. We did nothing nor can we do anything to earn it. Christ gave it to us when we accepted His work of salvation. Romans 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.; Romans 4:1-5 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about--but not before God. What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. [5] However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
The enemy attacks by trying to breakthrough our breastplates by making false and slanderous accusations against the righteousness we have through Christ. Example: “You are not worthy to be a child of God.” “You are the worst of sinners. “ “God isn’t going to answer any of your prayers.” “God can’t use a sinner like you.” These types of attacks by evil spirits will weaken our hearts and create confusion in our minds. B. Righteousness as A Defensive Weapon: Defend by speaking the truth and proclaiming the Word. II Corinthians 6:7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; II Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Attack: “You aren’t worthy.” Truthful Statement: In myself or by myself I am not worthy. (All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God). But the blood of Christ makes me acceptable to God and righteous in His sight. II Cor. 5:21 – “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” NOTE: It’s not a matter of worth, it’s a matter of accepting the payment of Christ’s sacrifice or the worth of the Sacrifice. Attack: “You’re a sinner or the worst sinner.” Truthful Statement: I’m the temple of God; I am a joint heir with Christ. I am a new creation, I am God’s workmanship. I am one of God’s living stones and yes, I do occasionally sin. My righteousness does not depend on my actions; it is a gift from God. Romans 6:18 – “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” NOTE: Paul was the worst, so I can’t be. I Timothy 1:15 – “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am worst.” Attack: “God will not answer your prayers.” Truthful Statement: God will not answer my selfish prayers or prayers with wrong motives; but He will answer the prayers of a righteous man. James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Attack: “God can’t use you.” Truthful Statement: Satan, I often wonder how God could use a weak vessel as myself; but then I think about Peter’s failures, Thomas’s unbelief, David’s sins, and Mary Magdalene’s demons (she was the first to see Christ). It’s God’s grace and power that chooses and uses a vessel. I Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (Read II Cor. 4:7). NOTE: A way to test if your breastplate is in place: Saints who do not walk in the righteousness of Christ tend to walk in guilt. Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
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III. Feet Fitted With the Gospel of Peace (Eph. 6:15) Feet Fitted With Readiness: Shod or fitted – binding something very tightly – Secure. This is NOT a picture of a loosely fitted shoe. Peace is NOT something that should be loosely fitted into our lives. We must bind peace to our minds, attach it to our hearts and cover it over our emotions. Readiness or Preparation: You don’t wear hiking shoes to play football. Our shoes need to fit the circumstances. For the soldier prepared for action- the soldier needed to know that his shoes would stay in place – they had to be steady, firm and ready for the battlefield- all different kinds of terrain to walk, hills, rocks, etc. Shoes with peace will help us walk with confidence. Our PEACE has to be so secure that we can move out with confidence. That we can face adversity in the face knowing our Peace is secure and solid. We can’t be wondering if our peace is in place - - it has to be there. The Greek word for Peace in this scripture is Eirene – meaning a peace that prevails or a conquering peace. This word along with blessings and prosperity from the Gospel of Peace indicate that the Peace of the Gospel will be a conquering force that will remove former chaos plus continue to bring continued Peace. Two Types of Peace Before we talk offensive and defensive let us look at the 2 kinds of peace: First – Peace with God belongs to believers, it comes as the barrier between God and man is dissolved– this is what a person experiences when they come to the Lord for salvation. The hostility of the old man is gone and a new peace with God floods our Soul. Col 1:20 And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Second – Peace of God – Many believers are at Peace with God through conversion but are not walking in the Peace of God. Instead of being dominated by the Peace that surpasses all understanding; we are fretful, fearful, anxious, and worrisome. This is the reason the Peace has been given as a weapon, it protects us from the fearful heart, anxious mind and fretful emotions. Phil. 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Eph 2:14a For He Himself is our peace! Defensive Weapons of the Soldier The Roman soldier’s shoes were not an ordinary kind of shoe – they were composed of 2 parts – usually of brass or bronze. Greve: A piece of beautifully tooled metal that began at the top of the knee and extended down past the lower leg, finally resting on the upper portion of the foot. It was made to fit around the calf of the Roman soldier’s leg. Shoe: The shoe itself was made of 2 pieces of metal top and bottom- the foot was covered with fine pieces of brass, the sides of the shoe were held together by multiple pieces of durable leather. On the bottom, these shoes were affixed with extremely dangerous spikes – one to three inches long.
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The Greve protected the soldier’s legs from being bruised, lacerated or broken in battle. A bruise would impair the soldier’s ability to respond quickly in an attack. Lacerated meant loss of blood which would weaken him. A broken leg meant he could not stand to protect himself. Spiritual- Bruise – A set back, a difficult circumstance that could shake your peace. Laceration – Loss of spiritual strength Broken Leg- Our peace is broken by fear, anxiety or worry causing us not to be able to stand under the pressure of our circumstances. The Shoe with its spikes in the ground defends us by giving us firm footing. Psalm 92:12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon. Psalm 92:13 planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. A palm tree when blown viciously by the winds will bend over but doesn’t break. When the storm passes, it will pop right back up. The roots keep the palm tree in place and our conquering peace will keep us standing during the winds of life. The spikes on the shoes will keep our peace firm in God. Offensive Weapons of the Soldier Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The man or woman of God who joins with the Power of God to walk in the Peace of God will crush Satan under his feet like crushing a grape. 1Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to
devour. Satan, the World and even other people will attempt to disturb our peace of God but the only ground that the evil one or his demons own is directly under our feet. Don’t be foolish enough to think you can place him under feet. You can’t, but the Peace of God can keep him from causing anxiety, fear, and worry. The Scripture says that the devil is like a roaring lion roaming around, seeing whom he can devour – The Peace of God will pull out his teeth and will render him ineffective! As we walk in Peace we continue to step on him – he tries to: Bring fear--------------- Crush It. Worry-------------------Crush It. What If’s---------------Crush It. Should Of’s-----------Crush It. Anxiety-----------------Crush It. Maybe we can’t------Crush It . . . God can!
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IV. Shield of Faith (Eph. 6:16) In addition – These words point directly to the 3 previous pieces of armor. ! The belt of truth (written Word) ! The breastplate of righteousness (Christ’s gift to us) ! The shoes of peace (the peace of God) keeps us prepared and stable for everything that comes into our lives. The words in addition mean above all or beside all, the basic meaning is out in front of all or out front. NOTE: The life of faith is not a life of mounting up with wings, but a life of walking and not fainting. Faith is to be tried and proved by standing in the test. Two Types of Shields 1. A small round shield that was primarily a decorative piece of equipment to be used in public ceremonies and parades. The shield was beautiful and its engravings depicted previous (past) military victories. This shield was too small for battle. 2. The shield in this passage is (Thureos) which means “Door.” This shield was shaped like a door and its width and length completely covered the soldier. Some Spiritual Applications A. Our faith (the first shield) is not for show, it is a weapon. Proverbs 24:10 If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength! B. Faith does not live on previous (past) victories. Philippians 3:13b But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, C. Your God given faith (shield) is big enough to cover your life. NOTE: The soldier’s shield was tough and durable. It was composed of multiple layers of thick animal hide tightly woven together. The animal skin, once tanned and woven together, became strong as steel and exceptionally durable. Two Requirements for an Effective Shield (Faith) 1. Oil – every morning the soldier woke up and reached for a small vial of oil. He would saturate a cloth with oil then rub a heavy dose of oil into the leather portion of the shield to keep it soft and flexible. Spiritual Application – The oil represents the Holy Spirit. The physical shield needed frequent applications of oil; our spiritual shields (faith) need frequent and fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. No Oil
Hard – closed to the move of God Brittle/stiff – Easily broken – cracks under pressure
Frequent Oil
Soft – Open to God’s move and direction Flexible/bendable – able to handle the pressure of the battle.
2. Water – As the soldier prepared for battle, he would dip his shield into a tub of water and left it there until it was completely saturated. Why? Paul said our shields of faith protects us against flaming arrows, these arrows had combustible fluids that would explode on impact. The enemy would shoot these arrows into the camp and the soldiers would raise this shield that was saturated in water and it would contain the explosion of the arrow. Flaming arrows or fire arrows are aimed at our emotions; they are designed to cause a fire inside you that is seemingly out of control. The targets range from anger, bitterness, rage and anxiety to worry and unbelief which cause us to doubt God’s ability to handle our situations. Our faith coupled with God’s Word puts out the fire of the arrows. Promise: 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
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V. Helmet of Salvation (Eph 6:17a) The Helmet was a fascinating piece of armor; it was decorated with all kinds of etchings and engravings. To highlight all this was a huge plume of brightly colored feathers, or brightly colored horsehair which stood straight up out of the top of the helmet. The helmet was made of bronze and equipped with pieces of armor specifically designed to protect the cheeks and jaws. The helmet was very strong so that nothing could pierce it, not even a hammer or battle-axe. Spiritual application – Our salvation is the most gorgeous and elaborate gift God has given us. When a person is truly transformed through the salvation of Christ, then they walk in confidence and their lives become walking testimonies of God’s changing power. Our salvation should be seen in our actions, words, behavior, and countenance. The Holy Spirit should be the plume that sticks out in our lives. A. Our helmets protect our minds against Spiritual attacks Definition of salvation - The word means saved or delivered from danger [sin, the enemy] and brought into a safe place [In Christ] Eph 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ Note! Too many Christians see themselves out of the Kingdom of Darkness, but not in a safe place. We allow the enemy to pull too many strings Eph 1:3-15 Verse 4- Chosen in Him Verse 5- Adopted as sons Verse 6-Freely gives us grace Verse 7- Redemption through His blood Verse 7- Forgiveness of sins Verse 13- We are marked with a Seal, the promised Holy Spirit
delivered from rejection defeats feeling unworthy defeats earning God’s love or salvation destroys the penalty of sin breaks power of present and past sin breaks all fear and doubt
How does the enemy attack the mind? Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Wiles or Schemes of the enemy – The word literally means a road or path. Road or Path to Where? 2 Corinthians 2:11 For we are not ignorant of the devil’s devices.
Device – A scheming of the mind or a mind game-The enemy takes a road to our minds. NOTE! We typically open up those roads. Deception – (One of Satan’s names is deceiver) – To deceive with a purpose – Bait in order to catch. Put it together – The enemy enters through a road leading to the mind in which he tries to deceive you in order to bait the believer into believing his lies and allegations. James 1:14-15 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then,
after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Road Our own evil desire
Mind Dragged away or enticed
Deception With a purpose Desire is conceived
B. Our Helmets defend against strongholds.
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Unbelief/Sin Birth to Sin
2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Stronghold – A stronghold is a deception through the mind which has taken root mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. People who encounter strongholds feel hopeless about that area and accept it as unchangeable, even when it directly contradicts God and His Word. Strongholds do not happen overnight, they are a series of deceptive thoughts that go Unchallenged until they seen impenetrable. Strongholds have 2 elements – Prison / Fortress Prison: Can’t get out – This prevents you from releasing the thought. Fortress: Prevents other thoughts or people from coming into help. Oppression – When a stronghold remains in place it eventually moves into oppression. Oppression is a force that dominates a person’s (mind) thinking, emotions, and beliefs about his/her spiritual blessings in Christ. It causes the person to doubt God’s ability to change whatever they have been deceived about – it can be about the future, self-image, hope, healing, and deliverance, etc. Acts 10:38 (Peter speaking to the household of Cornelius) God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit
and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of
God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
Final Thought 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind. The Greek means a saved mind or delivered mind (sanctified brains) – A delivered mind thinks Biblically and not worldly Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. NOTES FOR HELMET:
VI. The Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) We need a good defense and offense. The Lord, in His wisdom, has provided an arsenal of assorted weapons for us to use against our spiritual enemies. The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is designed to work directly with the Helmet of Salvation. The Helmet protects (defends) our minds
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from spiritual attack but the Sword of the Spirit is an offensive weapon designed to kill and mutilate our spiritual enemies. The Sword was called Machaira, this is the word used by Paul in Ephesians 6. This weapon was 19” long and razor sharp on both sides of the blade. The other blades used were only sharp on one side. The very end of the sword was turned upward, causing the point to be extremely sharp and deadly. This weapon would completely rip the enemy’s insides to shreds. A. The Sword of the Spirit (Rhema) – Rhema describes something that is spoken clearly, spoken in unmistakable terms, Spoken vividly, spoken in undeniable language, or something that is spoken in unquestionable, certain, and definite terms. John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
A Rhema is a specific Word, Bible verse or thoughts which the Holy Spirit quickens in our heart and mind at a specific time and for a special purpose. The person who receives this word knows in the depth of their hearts that they have heard from God. The Rhema word is used with the Helmet but it is directly connected to the Belt of Truth (the written word, Logos). The attacks come through a path into the mind and create a deception that entices us to walk in unbelief or sin in some other manner. The Rhema word is the Holy Spirit‘s rebuff to the lies and deception of the enemy. The Rhema word stabs and shreds up the lies and closes the path and the mind. Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’" Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: “`He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, "It is also written: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.”All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: `Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' “ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Three times the Lord used Scripture that was already in his heart. The Holy Spirit gave Jesus the Rhema to fight off the temptation of the Enemy. Note: The Logos, written word, has to be part of your life. The Lord Jesus used Deuteronomy 8:3b man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 6:16 Do not test the LORD your God. Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before me. B. A Two Mouthed Sword or Double Edged Sword First Blade – When God first spoke His Word and inspired Biblical writers recorded it, it was a one–mouthed sword – it had only come out of one mouth at that time! Yes, it was the word of God and yes, it is a Sword. Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. In fact, when the Word begins to work inside of you, it begins to cut through the muck and mire of your mind and emotions, to go straight to the heart of the matter. The one-mouthed sword works in our lives to transform us into the image and likeness of God. Second Blade – As you are confronted by a challenge from the demonic realm, the Holy Spirit is now able to reach down into that reservoir of the Word of God that you have stored up on the inside of you; He is able to pull one of those verses or Bible promises right up out of your inner man! When those verses begin to fill your mind and come out of your mouth they become the second sharp blade of the Sword. The Word will work in you personally, but it will never release its full power until it comes out of your mouth. Two reasons why some don’t have results: 1. They speak the Word before God has done His life-transforming work in their hearts in that area. 2. They refuse to confess or speak the word – Jesus Himself spoke the Word back at Satan.
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Revelation 1:16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword.
His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. C. Some Practical Safeguards of Receiving a Rhema Word 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. When encountering any kind of spiritual attack and the Holy Spirit quickens your heart to a specific scripture verse, then respond by confessing the word (two-mouthed sword) There are approximately 70 examples of Rhema Words in Scripture. Noah – Genesis 6:13-7:4, God instructs him to build an ark with no rain in sight Abraham – Genesis 12:1-3, Abraham is instructed to leave his land. Joseph – Genesis 37:6-9, The Holy Spirit speaks to Joseph about his future in a dream. Moses – Exodus 3:4, The Lord appeared to Moses and revealed to him that he was to lead Israel out of Egypt. *God will most likely give brief instructions as opposed to long drawn out paragraphs. How Do I Know When It’s From God and Not A Deception of the Enemy? First accept the fact that when we open our hearts to the Spiritual realm then all our thoughts are not from ourselves, they will come from the Holy spirit, ourselves or the Enemy. Rehma Words can come as a series of spontaneous thoughts. A. B.
Check the thoughts against the Word of God Check the thoughts against these two column’s Satan Holy Spirit Accuser Edifier Adversary Comforter Liar Teacher Destroyer Creator Condemnation Forgiver Thief Healer Murderer Giver of Life
C. D.
Take your thoughts to your Spiritual covering – wisdom in counsel. Ask yourself a vital question – Did I have my eyes on Jesus when I received the Rehma Word or Words. If I pray about an item and the item is more prominent in my vision or my consciousness than my vision of the Lord, the answer that comes back will be from the item rather than from the Lord. On the other hand, if my vision of the Lord is more prominent in my consciousness than my vision of the issue I am praying about, then the answer will come back from the Lord and will be pure revelation not contaminated by my own desires.
PS 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Be prepared to inhabit [rule] what you conquer [set free]. Luke 11:24-26 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left. When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.” Speak blessing over the area, places, streets etc. a blessing puts them at the Lord`s feet, and He can remove and change people and places better than we can. (Luke 10: 1-20) Note : Send people out in groups, no lone rangers, verse 5 speak peace [blessing], when you enter a town and are welcomed, eat [fellowship] - heal the sick [meet the needs that are in front of you ] - then tell them the Kingdom of
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God is near. verses 17-20 the 72 return, Lord demons submit to us in your name, Jesus replies - I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven, Jesus just isn`t referencing when Satan was tossed out of Heaven, He is confirming yes, every time you followed the pattern, blessing [peace], fellowship, meet the need [heal], the Kingdom is near, I saw Satan fall like lightning. I have given you authority, to trample etc. but rejoice that your names are written. We do not curse people, we curse principalities etc., when we curse people, example, negative words about our President or government we are putting into motion reaping and sowing. As hard as it might be, I know it is for me, bless our President, government, etc. God can work with blessings, but he can`t work with curses toward other people.
Understanding Prayer as Spiritual Warfare “There is nothing on earth that Satan so fears as prayer…Satan is more afraid of your praying than of your pure life of zealous witness. Prayer is a militant force that has the potential of defeating Satan, destroying his works, and driving him out of places and lives he claims for his own. He yields only when he is compelled to. You must repeatedly call his bluff, reaffirm and insist on Calvary’s victory, and force his vacating all he has so arrogantly usurped.” Wesley Duewel, Mighty Prevailing Prayer. P233. “Prayer isn’t so much another weapon on our list of weaponry as it is the battle itself. It is the arena of conflict in which we engage our enemy.” Dick Eastman, Love on Its knees. P. 65 While many of the devil’s devices may appear complex, breaking them is scripturally simple. FAITH in the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus’ name (Mk. 11:22-24; Mt, 18:18-20), confidence in the power of His atoning blood (Rev. 12:11), courage to claim and use His authority in resisting evil (Luke 10:19), and total trust in the immanent power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38), will break satanic oppression. Recognize that some strongholds may require persistent faith and fasting prayer over time (Mk. 9:29). Don’t fall prey to discouragement…..God will move according to His perfect purpose if conditions for victory are being met. In short, you possess the authority and power as a believer-priest to resist evil and conquer the devil’s devices. Ask the Lord to help you get over any “humps of hesitation, fear, or inadequacy,” and to courageously trust Him to honor your faith. You will probably feel weak, unprepared and afraid. You will make mistakes. Don’t give up – He will overrule your humanity and help you. He helped Moses, Gideon, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah and many others overcome fear and inadequacy in the face of evil. He will help you. (Josh. 1:5-9; Is. 43:1-3). Call on His name, Yahweh Jireh, the faithful provider. Expect Him to answer with wisdom and power in any circumstance. And … don’t forget to enjoy yourself as you are used to set others free. It is a distinct delight defeating the devil. The joy of the Lord Jesus is your strength!
Prayer of Repentance Loving heavenly Father, I come again to worship You in the wonder of who You are. I confess my sins to You, dear heavenly Father. Wash me clean in my Savior’s precious blood from all that offends You. I recognize within my person a fleshly nature that can be rebellious in Your sight. I affirm that in my union with Christ in His death I am dead to the rule of the fleshly nature. I desire the new nature You have placed within me to be in charge through the power of my Savior’s resurrection. Thank You for having made this new creation in righteousness and true holiness, so I can love You deeply and serve You fully. May Your Holy Spirit enable me to manifest before You and others the fruit of His full control. I confess that, as a believer, I show my poor, blind, and naked condition. Thank You that my Lord Jesus Christ has invited me to come and buy from Him gold refined in His disciplining fires. I want that gold for myself and for Your church. Anoint our eyes with the eye salve that enables us to see things as our Lord Jesus Christ sees them. I base every request on the merit of our Lord Jesus Christ’s finished work. Amen.
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Prayer for Spiritual Victory Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You that I am united with the Lord Jesus Christ in all of His life and work. By faith I desire to enter into the victory of the incarnation of my Lord today. I invite Him to live His victory in me. Thank You, Lord Jesus Christ, that You experienced all temptations that I experience and yet never sinned. I enter by faith into the mighty work of the crucifixion of my Lord. Thank You, dear Father, that through Jesus’ blood there is moment-by-moment cleansing from sin, permitting me to fellowship with You. Thank You that the work of the Cross brings Satan’s work to nothing. I enter by faith into the full power and authority of my Lord’s resurrection. I desire to walk in the newness of life that is mine through my Lord’s resurrection. Lead me into a deeper understanding of the power of the Resurrection. By faith I enter into my union with the Lord Jesus Christ in His ascension. I rejoice that my Lord displayed openly His victory over all powers as He ascended into glory through the very realm of the prince of the power of the air. I enter into my victory aggressively and claim my place as more than a conqueror through Him who loves me. I offer up this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus with thanksgiving. Amen.
Prayer to Wear the Armor of God Heavenly Father, I put on the armor of God with gratitude and praise. You have provided all I need to stand in victory against Satan and his kingdom. I confidently take the belt of truth. Thank You that Satan cannot stand against the bold use of truth. Thank You for the breastplate of righteousness. I embrace that righteousness which is mine by faith in Jesus Christ.; I know that Satan must retreat before the righteousness of Christ. You have provided the solid rock of peace. I claim the peace with God that is mine through justification. I desire the peace of God that touches my emotions and feelings through prayer and sanctification (Philippians 4:6). Eagerly, Lord I lift up the shield of faith against all the blazing missiles that Satan fires at me. I know that You are my shield. I recognize that my mind is a particular target of Satan’s deceiving ways. I cover my mind with the powerful helmet of salvation. With joy I lift the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. I choose to live in its truth and power. Enable me to use Your Word to defend myself from Satan, and also to wield the sword well, to push Satan back, to defeat him. Thank You, dear Lord, for prayer. Help me to keep this armor well oiled with prayer. All these petitions I offer You through the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Prayer to Remove Demonic Influence Those who have prayed to remove demonic harassment may also choose to pray the following: Spirit of the living God, I ask You to evict from my conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind all control of any wicked powers. Break all of their power and manipulation of my thought processes. Sweep them away and make my mind clear of any wicked spirit dominion. Renew and sanctify my mind, Holy Spirit I now ask the Holy Spirit to look all through my emotions on the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious levels. Evict any controlling powers of darkness. Gracious Holy Spirit, take control of my emotions. Fill them with the Spirit’s fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, meekness, faithfulness, and self-control. I now ask the Holy Spirit to look all through my conscious, unconscious, and subconscious will for any control of wicked powers. Evict them now to where the Lord Jesus Christ is commanding them to go. Sweep my will (choices) totally clean from evil control and manipulation. I offer my body in all of its parts and functions as an expression of my spiritual worship to my heavenly Father. Holy Spirit, look through all my body for any controlling activity of wicked spirits. I surrender all my physical appetites to Christ’s lordship and my sexuality for the glory of God. In the Name of worthiness of my Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Prayer – Tearing Down Strongholds Lord God, we affirm that You alone are the Almighty, and that You have sovereign dominion over (town, state, nation, people-group, tribe, etc.) By faith, we write the triumphant, conquering name of Jesus above and claim it for Your glory. We stand against evil, in the strength of Your name. The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land You have provided for Your people. Thank You for giving the enemy into our hand. We bless Your name. We give You glory, honor and praise, with thanksgiving. In the sovereign authority of Jesus Christ, at whose name every knee will bow, we loose the Holy Spirit as light to now penetrate the strongholds of (e.g., witchcraft, pornography, New Age Movement, materialism, sexual perversion, etc.) that rule over this territory. Through the Blood of Jesus Christ, we stand against and break the power of . Satan, we proclaim your exposure and defeat. We remove your yoke of evil bondage with the liberating love of Jesus, and with the power of His resurrection. In the authority of the King of Kings, the Lord of all glory, we tear down and triumph over your strongholds. Our God reigns. Amen.
Understanding Prayer as a Lifestyle “From a biblical point of view, prayer is related to everything that we are and everything that God is. God does not respond to our prayers. God responds to us: to our whole life. What we say to him cannot be separated from what we think, feel, will and do. Prayer is communication from whole persons to the wholeness which is the living God. Prayer is misunderstood until we see it this way.” W. Bingham Hunter, The God Who Hears 1. Talk to God before you talk to man, pray over the area, streets, etc., before you try to connect with people. 2. Develop prayer groups, intercessory prayer teams. Assign streets and or places to your groups/teams. Possibly assign schools and teachers to teams. 3. Walk the streets and pray, remember its s spiritual battle, you have to win in the heavenlies before you will see harvest on the earth. 4. In prayer ask the Holy Spirit for the names of the spirits you are encountering. Some you can see just by observing behavior in the people. Others will be revealed by His Spirit. 5. Have designated times of fasting and prayer. Leaders, small groups, intercessors, including corporate fasting as the Holy Spirit guides your leaders
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Breaking curses and casting out generational spirits
1- I am redeemed from the curse of the law Gal 3:13 2- I break all generational curses of pride, lust, perversion, rebellion, witchcraft, Idolatry, poverty, rejection, fear, confusion, addiction, death, and destruction in the name of Jesus. 3- I command all generational spirits that came into my life during conception, in the womb, in the birth canal, and through the umbilical cord to come out in the name of Jesus. 4- I break all spoken curses and negative words that I have spoken over my life in the name of Jesus. 5- I break all spoken curses and negative words spoken over my life by others, including those in authority in the name of Jesus. 6- I command all hereditary spirits of lust, rejection, fear, sickness, infirmity, disease, anger, hatred, confusion, failure, and poverty to come out of my life in the name of Jesus. 7- I break the legal rights of all generational spirits of idolatry, witchcraft, false religion, lust, perversion, pride, anger, disease, and rejection to come out of my life. You have no legal right to operate in my life. 8- I break all curses on my finance from any ancestors that cheated or mishandled money in the name of Jesus. 9- I break all curses of sickness and disease and command all inherited sickness to leave my body in the name of Jesus. 10- I break all generational rebellion that would cause me to resist the Holy Spirit acts 7:51 11- I break all curses of death spoken by people in authority in my nation over my nation in the name of Jesus.
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