STRATEGIC SPIRITUAL WARFARE
by
Ray Beeson
and
Patricia Hulsey
The noise of a multitude in the mountains,
Like that of many people!
A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms,
of nations gathered together!
The Lord of hosts musters,
The army for battle.
Isaiah 13:4
All Scripture from the New King James Version except where otherwise noted.
Copyright 1994 Ray Beeson and Patricia Hulsey
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction To The Spiritual Warfare Workbook 1
Part One: The Call To Arms
1. Open Your Spiritual Eyes To The Invisible War 3
Part Two: Induction
2. Join God's Army 19
Part Three: Basic Training
3. Identify The Enemy 30
4. Survey Enemy Territory 49
5. Meet The Captain Of God's Army 63
6. Complete Basic Training 71
Part Four: Mobilization
7. Arm Yourself With Defensive Weapons 86
8. Arm Yourself With Offensive Weapons 100
9. Employ Offensive And Defensive Strategies 109
Part Five: Invasion
10. Take Strategic Territory 125
11. Resist Enemy Propaganda 152
12. Set The Captives Free 160
13. Rescue The Wounded 173
14. Deliver The Demonized 191
Part Six: The Final Briefing
15. Prepare For The Final Conflict 213
Bibliography 221
Chapter Study Guide 224
Final Examination 229
Final Exam Answer Sheet 240
Final Exam Answer Key 241
1
INTRODUCTION TO THE
STRATEGIC SPIRITUAL WARFARE WORKBOOK
If you were to select one word to describe your daily life, what would it be? Routine? Boring? Stressful? Pleasurable? For many of us, perhaps the first word that comes to mind is "struggle", or a similar adjective. Often, life seems to be a daily battle against discouragement, disappointment, and depression. We wrestle against a maze of difficult circumstances that may include a broken home, failing relationships, poor health, or diminishing finances. Sometimes, in the midst of this battle of daily living, we feel we are all alone and that no other "mature" believers seem to have such problems.
As you pick up this workbook on "Strategic Spiritual Warfare", let us dispel one lie of the enemy right up front. You are not alone in your struggles. The entire record of God's Word, the Bible, describes men and women who faced difficult battles of life. In fact, the Apostle Paul describes life as a combat, conflict, and continual wrestling. This is the spiritual arena of life known as "spiritual warfare". No subject in Scripture is more controversial and difficult to deal with than that of spiritual warfare. Many people either have an aversion to talking about Satan and demons or demonstrate a tendency toward overemphasizing the enemies of our soul. Aside from the fear often generated when the subject arises, there is also the problem of a distorted world view. The Western mind-set is quite different from that of the cultures to which the Bible was originally delivered. If we are to really understand the world in which we live and God's desire for it, we must be instructed by the Holy Spirit in a mind-set different from that which now exists, a mind-set that incorporates the spirit world.
Regardless of the misplaced emphasis on the subject of spiritual warfare, one thing is quite clear: Jesus recognized the daily struggles we all face, He acknowledged a very real spiritual enemy, and He provided effective strategic spiritual guidelines for dealing with him. To be effective in spiritual warfare, we need to know these spiritual strategies and how to put them into action. It is for this reason that "Strategic Spiritual Warfare" has been written. Instead of just learning about spiritual warfare, you will actually begin to do warfare through a 15-step interactive program that will guide you in facing the battles of life. As you study and apply this material, please be aware that we have tried to be as scripturally accurate as possible. We have also tried to give the work an equilibrium beneficial to people from a wide range of backgrounds.
How To Use This Workbook
In each lesson you will find the following:
-A Step To Take: Each chapter title reflects an action step to take.
-Objectives: Goals for each spiritual warfare strategy session.
-Key Verses For This Study: Selected Scriptures for memorization.
Each lesson is written in an interactive format which means you will be asked to respond and apply what you are learning. The Holy Spirit will help you understand and apply spiritual warfare strategies more effectively as a result of studying this material. God is building a great and mighty army. Listen closely with your spiritual ears and you will hear the summons to battle.
2
PART ONE
The Call To Arms
A SUMMONS TO THE INVISIBLE WAR
There is a great battle being waged in the spiritual world. It is a personal battle between the flesh and the spirit. It is a social battle greatly influenced by the evil forces of this world. It is a spiritual battle with evil supernatural powers.
In Old Testament times a trumpet was used to summons God's people to battle. Today, a spiritual summons is sounding throughout the nations of the world. It is a summons to the invisible war. God is calling His people to arms.
3
CHAPTER 1
OPEN YOUR SPIRITUAL EYES
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Describe the natural and spiritual realms.
2. Identify the two spiritual kingdoms.
3. Discuss the real war.
4. Explain how the war started.
5. Relate the reason for this present war.
6. State the basic principle of spiritual warfare.
7. Identify the kingdom to which you belong.
Key Verses For This Study:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
And that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26
...lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 2:11
STEP ONE: OPEN YOUR SPIRITUAL EYES
Mankind has always believed in unseen creatures peopling the aerial spaces. The Bible sustains this idea, informing us that these spiritual intelligences do exist, and in close proximity to our world; that they are divided into two vast hosts: the one active in good ministries for our race; the other intent on annoying and injuring us; the one host designated as angels, loyal to God; the other called demons, apostates under Satan and rebels against God.
Mrs. George Needham(1)
4
To understand the invisible war, we must first understand the natural and spiritual worlds in which we live.
The natural world is that which can be seen, felt, touched, heard, or tasted. It is tangible and for the most part visible. We see the people who are part of your environment. We communicate with them. We experience sights and sounds all around us.
But there is another world in which we live. It is a spiritual world. We cannot see it with our physical eyes, but it is real nevertheless.
The Apostle Paul says:
...There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:44.
Our natural bodies live in the natural world. But we are also a spiritual being with an eternal soul and spirit.
The reason we seldom recognize the spiritual realm is because man is separated from God and therefore our spirit is not as sensitive as it should be. We are spiritually blind and cannot see past our natural senses:
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:14
Describe the natural world in which you live. What are some of the struggles you are facing in your own personal environment, your personal relationships with friends and family, your financial situation, your job or profession?
________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
In the midst of these personal struggles analyze your attitude towards God: Do you feel isolated and alone? How do you reconcile your personal difficulties to the concept of a loving God?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
In 2 Kings chapter 6 Elijah had the ability to see into the spiritual world. During this natural battle troops from Syria had surrounded a small town called Dothan where Elisha was staying.
5
Read the story of Elisha in the city of Dothan in 2 Kings 6:8-22 and answer the following questions:
Why did the king of Syria want to capture Elisha?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Which army had the most soldiers?
________________________________________________________________________
What was Elisha's response to the multitude of soldiers, horses, and chariots surrounding Dothan?
________________________________________________________________________
What was the response of his servant, Gehazi?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Elisha saw the army of the Lord, literally an angelic host, camped on the hills all around. Elisha's servant, Gehazi, could not see this wonderful protective army and became fearful. It wasn't until Elisha prayed that the young man's eyes were opened and he saw God's spiritual soldiers ready to protect them from the Syrian troops.
What unique thing happened to the soldiers of the king of Syria to cause them to become Elisha's prisoners?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
The picture of this skirmish around Dothan is similar to conditions of our day. There are some, like Elisha, who see clearly into the realm of the spirit. They understand what is happening spiritually on this planet.
There are others like Elisha's servant, who with a little help are able to see and understand spiritually. These people are open to the truths of God's Word and are ready to learn.
6
But as in Dothan, there are also numbers of us who are sleeping spiritually and cannot see into this higher dimension. We are content to live in the natural realm and do not want to be confronted with things beyond our natural senses. Some of us are concerned that too much attention might be given to understanding this unseen world and in our fear we give it no attention at all. There are also those of us who do not want our attraction to this present life threatened. We are busy building earth's kingdoms and do not want to consider eternity.
Three attitudes towards spiritual warfare are revealed in this story: Those of Elisha, Gehazi, and the people of Dothan. Which attitude have you had in the recent past towards spiritual warfare?
___The attitude of Elisha
___The attitude of Gehazi
___The attitude of the people of Dothan
Which do you desire to develop in the future?
___The attitude of Elisha
___The attitude of Gehazi
___The attitude of the people of Dothan
Do you think any of the battles you are currently facing have anything to do with the spiritual realm? Explain:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Do you believe in a personal, real spiritual enemy?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Two Spiritual Kingdoms
Within the natural and spiritual "realms" there exists natural and spiritual "kingdoms." (The word "kingdom" refers to rulership.) Like the natural realm, the spiritual realm has very real leaders.
The Bible says that the natural kingdoms of this world are under the control of the part of the spiritual kingdom that is evil. The leader of that kingdom is a personality sometimes called Lucifer but more often referred to as "Satan" or "the devil":
7
Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish." Luke 4:5-6
The kingdom of Satan consists of Satan himself, spiritual beings called demons, and all people who live in sin and rebellion against God. Satan's control, however, is limited and will someday end. God has a plan to change things and bring all the kingdoms of the world under the authority of the kingdom of God:
Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of Our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" Revelation 11:15
This is...
...to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. Ephesians 1:10 (New International Version)
God's kingdom consists of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), angels, and all people who live in loving submission to Him.
Every person alive is a resident of one or the other of these two kingdoms, the kingdom of Satan or the kingdom of God:
Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey... Romans 6:16
Changing from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God is done through the agency and finished work of Jesus Christ. Accepting Christ as the agent for making a transfer is a choice that has to be made consciously and individually. Any such transfer can be done only through
Jesus Christ. He is the one designated by God the Father to handle the legalities in making a change of kingdoms:
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Most people do not have to go too far in life to realize that they have been born into a decadent kingdom. In 1 John 5:19 we read that "the whole world is under the control of the evil one." We entered this wicked kingdom through birth.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
Psalm 51:5.(2)
8
Identify those who are part of God's spiritual kingdom.
______________________________________________________________________________
Identify the spiritual forces of evil.
______________________________________________________________________________
How did man become part of the evil spiritual kingdom?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Who is the only person who can help man change kingdoms?
______________________________________________________________________________
The Real War
Just as there are wars fought with real battles in the natural realm, there are wars and real battles in the spiritual realm. As natural warfare is understood with a natural mind, so spiritual warfare must be understood with a spiritual mind.
Many of us consider the battle in the spiritual realm to be a battle of God against Satan. Contrary to Dante, Milton, and Goethe(3) the controversy over the soul is not between God and Satan. God has no enemies that pose a threat to Him. He is stronger than anyone or anything that opposes Him. The battle is between those who have "submitted" to God and those who are in "rebellion" against Him. Simply put, the battle is between submission and rebellion.
Mankind is not a pawn in a giant cosmic chess game. God has given mankind the ability to choose, and in choosing we have rebelled against God. The question now is whether or not man will be restored to God and learn to live in harmony with Him. Satan operates as a catalyst for man's rebellion and because man chose to disobey God the enemy now holds significant power over us.
Our major battles in life are not to be against people and are never visible. They are against invisible demonic spirits:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
Here we see at least four groups or ranks of spirits that battle against us. No one is removed from this battle. All of us are engaged in this struggle, whether we like it or not. No one can
9
view it from a distance. There is no neutral ground. We are in the midst of this conflict whether we acknowledge it or not.
Read Job chapters l and 2 and answer the following questions.
What kind of man was Job?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Summarize the problems he faced as recorded in Job 1-2.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
According to chapters 1-2, was there some secret sin in his life that resulted in his trials?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Who initiated the conversation between God and Satan?
______________________________________________________________________________
Why did God allow Satan to touch Job's life?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
How did Job respond to his problems in chapters 1-2?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
How did his wife respond?
______________________________________________________________________________
10
Compare your response to problems to that of Job. What type of problems have you encountered? How did you respond? How could you have responded more appropriately on the basis of what you have learned in Job 1-2?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Do you notice that when things are going poorly in your life you are sometimes tempted to become angry with God? Have you been blaming God for areas in your life where you are presently having difficulty?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Upon the basis of your study, examine the real war which believers face.
Where does it occur?
______________________________________________________________________________
Who are the opponents?
______________________________________________________________________________
The battle between the two kingdoms is really a battle between:
______________________________________________________________________________
How The War Started
The invisible war initially started in heaven with Lucifer, originally a beautiful angel created by God and exalted to a high place of prominence.
And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought. But they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. Revelation 12:7-8
The name Lucifer carries the idea of "brightness" or that which "shines." Apparently the reason he is no longer called by this name in Scripture is because his character has changed. He is now called Satan which means "adversary, accuser, or slanderer."
11
Lucifer decided to try to take over God's kingdom. Read about his rebellion in Isaiah 14:12-17 and in Ezekiel 28:12-19.
A group of angels joined Lucifer in this revolution. Lucifer and these sinful angels were cast out of heaven by God's holy angels. The sinful angels formed their own kingdom on earth:
So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9
Jesus said he saw this event take place.
And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." Luke 10:18.
Notice He did not say that He was involved. Keep in mind that the battle is not between God and Satan but rather between submission and rebellion. Those who have submitted themselves to God (angels and redeemed men) fight a tremendous battle against those who have rebelled (fallen angels and unredeemed men).
Also note that it is Satan and his angels who fell, whereas man died. The Bible does not say that mankind is fallen. It says we are dead. The word death in Scripture means separation. Our sins have separated us from God.
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.
Ephesians 2:1-2
Read Isaiah 14:12-17 and Ezekiel 28:12-l9. and answer the following questions:
From Isaiah 14:l2-14 list the five "I will" statements made by Lucifer:
I will:________________________________________________________________________
I will:________________________________________________________________________
I will:________________________________________________________________________
I will:________________________________________________________________________
I will:________________________________________________________________________
12
From Isaiah 14:15-17, summarize the prophecy concerning Lucifer.
______________________________________________________________________________
In Ezekiel 28:14-15 what was Lucifer's previous position in heaven?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
From Ezekiel 28:17, what do you think was the motivation behind Lucifer's sin?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The name Lucifer means_____________________________________________________
The name "Satan" means_____________________________________________________
Satan's basic sin was______________________________________________________
Lucifer's spiritual fall resulted from an act of the will..."I will". Can you think of spiritual falls you have taken because of an act of your own will?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The Reason For This Present War
We were originally created in the image of God and for His glory (see Genesis chapter 2). Literally, God created us in order to provide a Bride for his Son--a Wife for the Lamb (see Revelation 19 and 21). Perhaps Satan rebelled because he felt that the creation of man would take something away from him. His pride and jealousy eventually led him to rebellion. Since that time he has been determined to destroy mankind. His plan is to separate humanity from God.
In Genesis 3, we learn that mankind's involvement in the invisible war started with yielding to temptation in the Garden of Eden. Satan influenced the first man, Adam, and his wife, Eve, to disobey God, thus beginning sin within the human race. Mankind actually joined Satan in his rebellion against God, and this resulted in men inheriting a nature opposed to God, a nature that constantly disobeys Him:
13
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. Romans 5:12.
The sin nature with which a person is born is sometimes called the Adamic nature (after Adam) or "old nature." This is the mind-set received at birth which has been programmed into us through the constant influence of demon spirits upon our forefathers. The "sin nature" of man is different from his "old nature." The sin nature is our yearning to please our bodies at the expense of our spirits. The old nature highly motivates the sin nature. We will examine this in greater detail in another chapter.
Man's sin not only separated him from God but also put him under Satan's control. In 1 John 5:19 we noted earlier that "the whole world is under the control of the evil one." Although this is true, it is important to realize that God owns this planet. He leased it to Adam who in effect gave it to Satan when he disobeyed God.
The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness. The world and those who dwell therein. Psalm 24:1
The heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord's; But the earth He has given to the children of men. Psalm 115:16
Satan is trying to destroy us while God is trying to save us from our waywardness and evil deeds.
And that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
The reason Satan appears to be nearly as strong as God when it comes to his involvement with mankind is because God refuses to force Himself upon anyone. He waits patiently for a person to come to Him in loving submission. The result is the invisible war between man and the forces of evil.
Because of sin, we have been separated from God and condemned to death. (Again, note that death means "separation" in Scripture, not "non-existence"). We are subject to two deaths. The first death is the separation of the body from the soul and spirit. The second death is separation from the presence of God for eternity. But God loved us so much that He made a special plan to save us:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send
14
His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17
The death and resurrection of Jesus not only resulted in salvation from sin, but also initiated the defeat of Satan and his demons:
He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
Jesus began the process for the final defeat of Satan. Then He passed the responsibility for finishing the work to His body, the Church, which are all those who have accepted His salvation. By fighting and conquering under the authority of Jesus, the Church is learning on-the-job-training for eventual rulership of the entire universe.(4)
The victory over Satan only "began" with Christ on Calvary. It will conclude with Him and His saints at a later date.
According to John 12:31 and Matthew 4:8-11, who currently rules the earth?
______________________________________________________________________________
According to Psalms 24:1, who owns the earth?
______________________________________________________________________________
According to John 10:10, what is the reason for this present spiritual war?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
According to Genesis chapter 3, man's disobedience to God caused two horrible things to happen. What were they?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
According to 1 Corinthians chapter 15, what are some of the results of the death and resurrection of Jesus?
______________________________________________________________________________
15
The Basic Principle Of Warfare
In order to fight effectively in the spiritual war now being waged on this planet we must first trust Christ to save us. We must then become aware of the goals and motives of Satan and of the spiritual strategies for overcoming him and his demons. As this knowledge is gradually attained we must then begin to apply it.
Satan's demons work diligently to keep us from knowing they exist and how they function. Keeping us ignorant is one of their major goals. But the Apostle Paul said it is important to know the enemy's strategies....
...lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 2:11
The call is to intelligent combat. Without becoming pre-occupied with the subject we must learn everything we can about this spiritual warfare. Basic to our understanding is this principle:
WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT THE BATTLES OF LIFE, WHETHER SPIRITUAL, EMOTIONAL, MENTAL, FINANCIAL, OR RELATIONAL ARE ALL OUTWARD MANIFESTATIONS OF A DIRECT OR INDIRECT SPIRITUAL CAUSE.
Although in the natural world things often appear to be simply "circumstances" of life, the basis of these natural events originate in the spiritual world.
Man has tried to correct the evils around him through education, legislation, and hard physical work, but all to no avail. The evils of this world are the results of an underlying spiritual cause. They cannot be corrected by natural means.
Examine each of the following areas of your life and identify battles that you may be facing:
Physical:
______________________________________________________________________________
Spiritual:
______________________________________________________________________________
Emotional:
______________________________________________________________________________
16
Mental:
______________________________________________________________________________
Financial:
______________________________________________________________________________
Relational:
______________________________________________________________________________
Think about each of the areas you have identified. What spiritual factors may be underlying these "natural" battles?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
To Which Kingdom Do You Belong?
One of the parables told by Jesus illustrates that all men are either part of Satan's kingdom or part of God's kingdom. Jesus compared the world to a field. The good seed in the field were God's children. The bad seed, which resulted in the growth of weeds, were the children of the wicked one:
The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil...
Matthew 13:38-39
The Bible teaches that we are born in sin. This means that we have a basic nature, or "seed" of sin within us. Our natural inclination is to do wrong:
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. Romans 5:12
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
There are only two divisions in the invisible war. Jesus said, "He who is not with me is against me" (Luke 11:23). We cannot be neutral. We are either on one side or the other. We are either a victor or a victim. Each person must make the choice for himself. You are either a part of God's army or a part of the enemy's kingdom.
17
To which kingdom do you belong?___The kingdom of God. ___The kingdom of Satan.
The whole message of God's Word is to appeal to us to move from the evil kingdom of self and Satan to God's kingdom. Chapter Two of this manual explains how to do this as you enlist in God's spiritual army.
NOTES
1. Mrs. George Needham, Angels and Demons. Chicago: Moody Press.
2. A question sometimes asked in regards to a person being born in sin is, "What about babies who die before they can make a decision concerning Christ. Do they go to hell?" Although the Bible is silent on the subject and makes no mention of the so-called doctrine of "the age of accountability", it is the opinion of the authors that this silence is no proof that such a truth is non-existent. What this doctrine states in general is that a person's sin is not charged to him until he reaches an age where he can take responsibility for his actions. Although there may be many more issues and ideas that arise out of this question about the death of children, our belief is that they our ushered into the wonderful presence of God when they die.
3. Dante wrote Dante's Inferno. Milton wrote Paradise Lost. Goethe wrote Faust.
4. An excellent book to explain what God is doing to prepare us for eternity is Paul Billheimer's Destined For The Throne.
18
PART TWO
Induction
BECOMING PART OF THE ARMY OF GOD
All armies in the natural world have induction procedures, steps that are required in order to join the forces.
The spiritual army about which you are learning also has induction procedures. These are specific requirements for joining the troops. Are you ready to become part of God's army?
19
CHAPTER 2
JOIN GOD'S ARMY
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Define "conversion".
2. Explain the importance of conversion.
3. Explain why repentance is necessary for conversion.
4. Discuss the importance of repentance.
5. Explain what causes men to repent.
6. Define "confession".
7. Relate the story of the prodigal son to prodigal man.
8. Define "justification".
9. List the effects of salvation
Key Verses For This Study:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Nor is their salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Jesus answered and said to him, "I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3
That if you confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame."
Romans 10:9-11
STEP TWO: JOIN GOD'S ARMY
So the chief thing He did was to call men. His presence was a call, and the crowds flocked to Him wherever He went. His life of purity and sympathy was felt as an earnest call and responded to eagerly. His doings were a very intense call. Every healed man and woman, every one set free of demon influence, every one of the fed multitudes, felt called to this man who had helped them so. His teaching was a continual call, and His preaching. But above all else stood out
20
the personal call He gave men. For our Lord Jesus was not content to deal with the crowds simply; He dealt with men one by one in intimate heart touch.
S. D. Gordon
In the previous chapter we discussed the two kingdoms, one of submission to God and the other of rebellion against Him. In this chapter we will discover in more detail God's wonderful plan for changing from the evil kingdom to the righteous one. This is how you enlist in God's army.
(If you have already joined God's army, this chapter is still important as a reminder of the elements of your salvation.)
The Meaning Of Conversion
The word conversion is often used to refer to the changing of kingdoms. It means "to turn." When it is used in connection with biblical repentance it means to "turn from the wrong way to the right way."
So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. Acts 9:35
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:21
Conversion is turning from the darkness of sin to the light of God's righteousness:
...to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light. Acts 26:18
It is turning from the power of Satan to the power of God:
...to turn them ... from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. Acts 26:18
It is turning from worldly things to spiritual things:
That you should turn from these vain things to the living God... Acts 14:15
It is turning from false gods to the true God:
...how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.
1 Thessalonians 1:9
Conversion is being "born again" spiritually.(1)
Jesus answered and said to him, "I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3
21
In your own words, write out the meaning of "conversion".
______________________________________________________________________________
Have you been converted? _____Yes _____No
The Importance Of Conversion
Since conversion is turning from one thing to another it is a process that involves "change." This change is necessary in order to enter the kingdom of heaven:
Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
It saves from spiritual death which is eternal separation from God:
...he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. James 5:20
According to these verses, why is conversion important?
______________________________________________________________________________
Repentance Is Necessary For Conversion
Conversion and repentance are related. Repentance means "to change one's mind." It is a personal and voluntary decision to forsake sin and enter into fellowship with God.
But repentance that results in conversion is impossible without God's help. That is why God sent His Son Jesus. Only Jesus is capable of providing the help that is necessary for turning to God. Scripture says that salvation is not possible through any other person but Jesus:
Nor is their salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
What does repentance mean?
______________________________________________________________________________
How are conversion and repentance related?
______________________________________________________________________________
22
The Importance Of Repentance
There are a number of reasons why repentance is considered a foundation for the Christian faith.
God commands it:
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. Acts 17:30 New International Version
It is necessary to avoid spiritual death:
...but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3
It is necessary to enter God's kingdom:
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17
It is God's desire for all:
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
It is the reason Jesus came into the world:
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. Luke 5:32
It is the message that Jesus preached:
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God and saying, "The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel." Mark 1:14-15
It is a message the disciples preached:
So they went out and preached that people should repent. Mark 6:12
Testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21
23
It is a message we are to preach still today:
Then He said to them, "Thus it is written and thus it was necessary for Christ to suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations."...Luke 24:46-47
Summarize why repentance is important:
______________________________________________________________________________
If you have not enlisted in God's army through confession and repentance, you have a wonderful opportunity to do so right now! According to 2 Corinthians 6:2, today is the day for your salvation. You can receive this wonderful gift from God by praying this prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. I acknowledge my sins before you. I repent of my sins. I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior and the Lord of my life. Thank you for your provision of salvation for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What Causes Men To Repent?
Since repentance is a foundation on which the Christian faith rests, it is important to know what causes men to repent. If believers are responsible to spread the message of repentance throughout the world, then they must understand how men are persuaded to repent from sin.
Jesus said no one could come to Him unless God the Father helped him to do so. It is God who draws us to repentance:
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him. John 6:44
The goodness of God is another way that God appeals to people to repent:
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4
The preaching of the Word of God causes people to repent:
Then Peter said to them, "Repent, let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins." Those who gladly received his words were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Acts 2:38 & 41
24
According to these verses, what causes people to repent?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What caused you to repent?
___The goodness of God
___Preaching and teaching
___The example of a Christian friend
Other:_____________________________________________
List the names of friends or relatives for whom you are praying for salvation. What practical actions might you take to draw them to accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Confession
The word "confess" comes from the Greek word, homologeo, which means "to assent or acknowledge".
Conversion is the goal. For that to be accomplished, we must turn around and go in another direction--that is, we must repent. But before this happens there has to be an acknowledgement of sin. Once we are convinced, by God's help, of our depraved condition we move towards victory by first confessing the wrong we have discovered.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Summarize in your own words the meaning of confession:
______________________________________________________________________________
The Prodigal Son And Prodigal Man
Conversion and repentance are illustrated by a story Jesus told about a rebellious son. Read Luke 15:11-24.
25
This young man left his father and his home, went to a distant land, and wasted all he owned.
Eventually he realized his condition. Hungry, lonely, in rags, and tending pigs he finally became sorry for his actions.
Then he made an important decision. He said, "I will set out and go back to my father." This inward decision resulted in a change of outward action. He changed the direction of his life and went home to seek forgiveness.
Read verses l7-l9 and notice the process. He repented. He "changed his mind." The young man realized his sinful condition. He then went to his father and confessed his sin. Conversion came about when he acted on his decision. Verse 20 records how the young man arose, left the old life, and went to his father to start a new one.
There are similar decisions we must make. We must "come to our senses" like the prodigal and recognize our spiritual condition. We must make a decision that will result in a change of spiritual direction. That change will turn us from sin towards God. This decision is to be made immediately upon hearing the Gospel message.
...Behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2
With this wonderful promise of the availability of salvation, why would we want to put off this decision for even a single day?
Explain how the story of the prodigal son illustrates conversion and repentance:
______________________________________________________________________________
Man is like the prodigal son. In his sinful condition he has his back turned to God. Each step he takes is another step away from God and another step closer to eternal separation from Him. Looking back over your life, what specific steps did you take which led you away from God?
______________________________________________________________________________
The story of the prodigal son is as much a story of the waiting father. It is a story of tremendous love and forgiveness, a story of acceptance and rejoicing. Notice the father patiently waiting for his son to return. When the son does finally come home the father throws a party for him.
Describe your process of return from sin to God, your Father:
______________________________________________________________________________
26
Justification
Justification is a judicial term meaning "to be free from blame or guilt." Repentance and confession that lead to conversion actually bring us to a place where our sins are not charged to us. In other words, we do not have to pay for them. Though the penalty for sin is very great, God has made a way for us to come to Him in such a way that we are free from any eternal consequences for our sins.
We are justified or declared free and blameless by Jesus Christ because He paid the price of our sins on the cross. He took upon Himself our penalty so that we...
...being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
...having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:9
That if you confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame."
Romans 10:9-11
When we are justified by repenting and accepting Jesus Christ as Savior we are saved from a life of sin as well as from the penalties for sin:
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
John 5:24
It is God's desire that we all obtain salvation rather than experience the wrath of God's judgment on sin:
For God did not appoint us to wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17
27
Summarize the meaning of justification:
______________________________________________________________________________
Are there things you have done in your life which bring feelings of guilt when you think about them?
______________________________________________________________________________
Remember that if you are born again you are freed of blame or guilt in these matters. Lift each one to God in prayer and release the feelings of blame and guilt to Him.
What are some of the penalties for sin from which justification has freed you?
______________________________________________________________________________
The Effects Of Salvation
What actually takes place in the salvation experience? The Apostle Paul understood there to be some mystery involved. He indicated that the Spirit of Christ literally took up residence in the human spirit upon invitation for Him to do so.
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
Christ will not enter a human heart unless invited:
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20
Even before Jesus left this earth He told of this plan:
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17
The results of Christ living in an individual by His Spirit is evidenced by a changed life:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
28
John also says:
Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in them...
1 John 3:24
The results of Christ living in an individual by His Spirit is evidenced by a changed life. What is the most significant change that has occurred in your life since accepting Jesus as your personal Savior?
______________________________________________________________________________
List some other changes in your life which have occurred.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What changes do you see that still need to be made in your life?
______________________________________________________________________________
Are you asking God to help you with changes in your life or are you trying to accomplish them on your own? Give an example.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
In addition to a changed life, another effect of salvation is that when we are born again we take the first major step towards waging effective warfare with the enemy. By transferring from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God we enlist in a great spiritual army. We join warriors from many nations that have waged this battle down through the centuries. We become part of God's troops, an army prepared for war.
NOTES
1. Much has been said over the years as to who can and cannot be saved. It is our conviction that anyone willing to repent and receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ will be saved.
29
PART THREE
Basic Training
PREPARING FOR WAR
In the natural world no soldier is sent to battle without first receiving basic training which prepares him to enter the combat zone.
In this section you will learn to identify the enemy, survey enemy territory, recognize the Captain of God's army, and complete basic training. You will receive the strategies necessary to mobilize your spiritual resources for effective battle.
30
CHAPTER 3
IDENTIFY THE ENEMY
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Discuss Satan's:
-Origin.
-Former position.
-Fall.
-Objectives.
-Involvement with humanity.
-Sphere of activity.
2. Explain the basis of the real battle.
3. Identify the attributes of Satan.
4. List the names of Satan.
5. Distinguish between what Satan is and is not.
6. Identify demons as Satan's coworkers.
7. Identify activities of Demons in general.
8. Recognize Satanic attacks against Christians.
Key Verses For This Study:
Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
Luke 22:31
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith...
I Peter 5:8-9
Therefore, submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
31
STEP THREE: IDENTIFY THE ENEMY
The modern western Christian has a difficult time processing much of the material found in the Bible, even the New Testament. We find there is a world where angels visit, demons manifest, dreams and visions guide, God intervenes, and signs and wonders occur. Has science, psychology and medicine replaced the need for Jesus' ministry of revelation and power? As westerners, we are often converted in Christianity as "Christian atheists." We believe in God the Father and in Jesus, but we do not believe in the spirit world.
This state of affairs has resulted in our inability to grasp and function in the realm of spirits, holy or otherwise. Third world converts who are not controlled by modern western theology/world view do not seem to suffer from this spiritual dysfunction. Western Christians often seem to be open intellectually while closed experientially. This need to think right while refusing to do right is counterproductive. We develop ingenious distancing tools to avoid dealing with the spiritual realm in general, and with demons in particular. Steve Robbins(1)
In chapter one we learned of a great invisible war in the spiritual realm. Now we will find out more about the chief characters in this conflict. In this chapter we will look primarily at the principle leader--Satan himself. We will study his goals and motives in order to be able to counter his moves.
In warfare in the natural world a soldier must first identify the enemy before entering the battlefield. For best results he must study all available information on his opponent. Military forces spend much time gathering intelligence information on the nature and strategies of the enemy. We must do the same.
We can only win a war if we can fight in it. And we can fight it only if we can identify our enemy. But since the forces of the evil spiritual world are not clothed in flesh, they are harder to identify. For this reason we need the Word of God to provide understanding of the enemy's nature and strategies.
Important to the study of spiritual warfare is the need to identify only those things which can be directly attributed to Satan and demons. Even if evil spirits are behind a particular thing, it is important that caution be used in attributing something to their work when no actual evidence of discernment is forthcoming. We do more damage than good by "shadow boxing" the enemy.
We should become mature early by avoiding a demon-this or a demon-that mentality. When we conclude that all problems in life are the direct results of Satanic activity, we fail to recognize that mankind himself carries a great deal of responsibility for problems on earth. Satan and his demons are not responsible for all the evil that plagues us. If they were, God would have never held us responsible for our sin. But nowhere in Scripture is Satan held responsible as if he had created all of the evil on earth.
32
As you begin this study on the enemy, pray and ask God specifically for the following things:
[ ] A biblical understanding of the demonic realm.
[ ] Discernment for identifying that which is the direct result of demons.
[ ] The ability to communicate what you are learning to other Christians in a mature and non-
threatening manner.
[ ] That the Holy Spirit will protect you and your family as you learn the truth.
The Origin Of Satan
Satan is a created individual.(2) He did not exist until God brought him into being. It was through Jesus Christ, the second person of the Godhead, that Satan was created.
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:3
For by Him [Jesus Christ] all things were created: things that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16
Satan was created perfect. There was no sin in him originally. He was a highly honored angel of God. God made him a wonderful creation. He was given a free will and the ability to make decisions. Choice gave him unique personality. But his ability to choose finally led him to make evil choices:
You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. Ezekiel 28:15
On the basis of these Scriptures, are the following statements true or false?
_____God did not create Satan.
_____Satan was perfect when he was created.
_____Satan did not have a free will.
33
The Former Position Of Satan
Read the biblical description of Satan in Ezekiel 28:12-17. The passage begins with what appears to be God's judgment of a man. A closer examination, however, reveals that it is also the judgment of Satan who was influencing this earthly ruler.
From there it proceeds to show Satan's original position as God created him. It is a beautiful picture of his splendor and power. He is described as a gem among precious stones.
But a gem has no light of its own. It is not beautiful in a dark room. Its beauty is in its ability to reflect light from without.
When God created Lucifer, He made him with a capacity to reflect the glory of God to a very great degree, perhaps greater than any other created being. God was the light that made Lucifer radiate beauty.
Satan (Hebrew for adversary, Greek for false accuser) was originally an angel of the Cherubim class.(3) He was the leader among the cherubs. He was a "guardian" or "covering" cherub. (See Ezekiel 28). He is man's adversary and although the idea is a bit ludicrous, he professes
to be God's adversary as well. His proper name, "Lucifer", means "morning star" or "shining one."
Summarize what you learn about Satan from Ezekiel 28:12-17:
______________________________________________________________________________
The Fall Of Satan
Because of rebellion Satan failed to retain his glorious position. The Bible describes his revolt and fall:
How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! Isaiah 14:12
Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. Ezekiel 28:17
Why did Satan fall into sin?
______________________________________________________________________________
In Satan's rebellion, which was caused by pride, he originally sought to accomplish five goals which are recorded in Isaiah 14:13-14:
34
I will ascend into heaven: He desired to occupy the abode of God. God had perhaps given him a place of rulership outside of heaven but he wanted heaven itself.
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: He not only wanted the abode of God but he wanted to rule over the angelic host.
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, on the farthest sides of the north: The mount of the congregation seems to be where formal worship and praise to God takes place. If this is so, Satan wanted to be glorified in God's place.
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds: Clouds speak of glory. Satan wanted God's glory for himself. (The following verses show clouds in relationship to God's glory. Exodus 13:21; 40:28-34; Job 37:15-16; Matthew 26:64; Revelation 14:14-16).
I will be like the Most High: He did not say that he would be God himself but only that he would be like Him. He was after rulership and position that did not rightly belong to Him.
Summarize Satan's original objectives:
______________________________________________________________________________
Are these still Satan's objectives today? Why do you think this?
______________________________________________________________________________
Because of his sin Satan was cast out of heaven by God. According to Revelation 12:7, angels actually carried out the task:
...Therefore I cast you as a profane thing, Out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones...I cast you to the ground...Ezekiel 28:16-17
Jesus said:
...I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Luke 10:18
Satan's Involvement With Humanity
As mentioned in Chapter 1 it is possible that Satan fell from fellowship with God because he became jealous over God's creation of man, possibly feeling a potential encroachment upon his prominence. Regardless of the reason for his fall, it is evident from both Scripture and history
35
that Satan hates mankind and wants to destroy him.
The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
John 10:10
How Satan wound up on earth together with mankind is a mystery. During Adam's initial reign Satan had no authority here. God gave this planet to Adam and he was in control until he disobeyed God. Actually, it might be better to say that God leased or loaned earth to Adam, for the earth is the Lord's (Psalm 50:12; 89:11). Upon Adam's disobedience, the rulership of the world wound up in Satan's hands. This is evident from the words of Satan which Jesus did not deny. Satan said to Jesus:
..."All this authority I will give you and their glory for this has been delivered to me and I give it to whomever I wish." Luke 4:6
The mission of Jesus Christ to earth was, and still is, to legally get the rulership of earth out of Satan's hands.
Satan's Sphere Of Activity
Satan operates from earth, although he appears to have some access to heaven:
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the Lord and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it." Job 1:6-7
On earth he is known as the ruler of the air. This may be so because air and spirit are often associated together:
...in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 2:2
It may also be true that he actually works in direct relationship with air itself, perhaps moving it to produce sounds that affect our sub-conscious much the same as does subliminal messages that man has learned to send other men without their awareness.
We may summarize the activities of Satan by noting that they are always directed against God, His plan, and His people. The specifics of how he works will be dealt with in another chapter.
Specifically, how has Satan worked against you and the plan of God in your own personal life?
______________________________________________________________________________
36
The Basis Of The Real Battle
Many Christians believe a theology called "dualism." This is the belief that Satan and God are arch enemies locked in mortal combat. It gives the impression that God is actually threatened by Satan. It also gives the impression that there are two great forces within the universe struggling against each other -one of evil, the other of good. Let us examine this further:
First: The battle is not between God and Satan. It is between those who have submitted themselves to God and those who have rebelled against Him, both angels and mankind. There is no one even remotely capable of challenging or resisting God against His will.
Second: The battle is not between good and evil. Jesus said that the only good person was God in heaven. To have a battle between good and evil you would have to have sufficient amounts of both. The real battle in this case is between walking in the Spirit and walking in the flesh. (An explanation of flesh is found in Chapter 4.)
Third: The battle is not between success and failure. To a large degree these terms express non-biblical, cultural ideas. The battle is between obedience and disobedience to God.
Fourth: The battle is not between love and hate. It is between love and lethargy (apathy and indifference). Love is basically an action whereas hate is more an attitude. Love and hate cannot really be compared. But love and lethargy can be. Love (an action) is the opposite of lethargy (an inaction). Summarize in your own words: What do the battles of spiritual warfare actually concern?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The Attributes Of Satan
Although Satan is a spirit, he is a real being with a real personality and attributes. The Bible teaches that he is:
Intelligent and subtle:
But I fear, lest somehow as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is Christ's.
2 Corinthians 11:3
37
Emotional:
And the dragon was enraged with the woman and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17
Self-willed:
...and that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26
Proud:
...Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 1 Timothy 3:6
Powerful:
...the prince of the power of the air...Ephesians 2:2
We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 1 John 5:19
Deceitful:
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
Fierce and cruel:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith...
I Peter 5:8-9
Deceptive:
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:14
Summarize the attributes of Satan which are revealed by these verses:
______________________________________________________________________________
38
The Names Of Satan
In addition to these attributes, the names of Satan reveal much about his personality. Besides the name Lucifer, which appears to be his original given name, the Bible describes him, in part, as follows:
Abbaddon (a Hebrew word for a destroying angel): Revelation 9:11
Accuser of the Brethren: Revelation 12:10
Adversary: 1 Peter 5:8
Angel of the Abyss (bottomless pit): Revelation 9:11
Angel of light: 2 Corinthians 11:4
Apollyon (a Greek word for destroyer): Revelation 9:11
Beelzebub: Matthew 12:24; Luke 11:15; Mark 3:22
Belial: 2 Corinthians 6:15
Deceiver: Revelation 12:9; 20:3
Destroyer: Revelation 9:11; 1 Corinthians 10:10
Devil (means slanderer): 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 4:1
Dragon: Revelation 12:3
Enemy: Matthew 13:39
Evil One: 1 John 5:19
God of this world: 2 Corinthians 4:4
King of Tyrus: Ezekiel 28:12-15
Liar, father of lies: John 8:44
Murderer: John 8:44
Prince of the demons (devils): Matthew 12:24
Prince of this world: John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11
Roaring lion: 1 Peter 5:8
Ruler of darkness: Ephesians 6:12
Ruler of the kingdom of the air (prince of the power of the air): Ephesians 2:2
Satan (means adversary or opposer): John 13:27
Serpent: Genesis 3:4,14; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Revelation 12:9
Tempter: Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5
Review each name of Satan listed below. Check those manifestations of Satan which you have experienced in your life. What happened? How did you deal with it? Were you successful? How could you have improved your response?
I Have Experienced This What Happened How I Dealt With It
[ ] Abbaddon (destroying angel)
[ ] Accuser of the Brethren
[ ] Adversary
[ ] Angel of the Abyss (bottomless pit)
39
I Have Experienced This What Happened How I Dealt With It
[ ] Angel of light
[ ] Apollyon: (destroyer)
[ ] Beelzebub
[ ] Belial
[ ] Deceiver
[ ] Destroyer
[ ] Devil (slanderer)
[ ] Dragon
[ ] Enemy
[ ] Evil One
[ ] God of this world
[ ] King of Tyrus
[ ] Liar, father of lies
[ ] Murderer
[ ] Prince of the demons (devils)
[ ] Prince of this world
[ ] Roaring lion
[ ] Ruler of darkness
[ ] Ruler of the kingdom of the air
[ ] Satan (adversary or opposer)
[ ] Serpent
[ ] Tempter
In light of the nature of the enemy, the Bible gives two strong admonitions:
Be sober...be vigilant... 1 Peter 5:8
...do not...give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27
What Satan Is And Is Not
Unlike God, Satan is not omniscient (knowledgeable of all things). He has tremendous knowledge, but he does not know everything like God does.
Satan is not omnipotent (all powerful). The power of God within us is more powerful than the power of Satan.
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
40
Satan is strong only to those over whom he is master. His power is limited by the power of God (see Job 1:10-12).
Satan is not omnipresent (present everywhere at the same time). He is in only one place at one time. When people say that Satan is after them they are referring to demons and not Lucifer himself. Satan has a great host of demon spirits that he dispatches throughout the earth to do his will and accomplish his purposes.
Review: Indicate which of the following statements are true and which are false:
_____Satan is omnipotent.
_____Satan is omnipresent.
_____God is omnipresent.
_____God is omniscient.
_____Satan is not omniscient.
Demons--Satan's Coworkers
God created the angels (see Chapter 5). Because of their rebellion, some of the angels later became known as demons. They are spirits without bodies (4).
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16
When Lucifer rebelled against God, a portion of the angels participated. They were cast out of Heaven:
And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought. But they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:7-9
Again, note that Jesus said:
..."I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." Luke 10:18
There appear to be two groups of fallen angels. One group is actively opposing God and His people on earth. Another is confined in chains:
41
For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment... 2 Peter 2:4
And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own habitation, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day. Jude 6
Satan, who is also called the "prince" of demons (Matthew l2:24), leads the host of active demons.
Throughout the Bible, demons are shown as active servants of Satan doing his will and accomplishing his purposes. Their allegiance, however, is for nothing more than self-serving purposes. They constitute the "powers of the air" (Ephesians 2:2) and the "powers of darkness" (Colossians l:l3).
The attributes of demons:
When originally created as angels, demons had the same attributes as the good angels. Note their attributes as they exist today. They:
-Are spirits: Matthew 8:16; Luke 10:17,20
-Can speak: Mark 5:9,12: Luke 8:28; Matthew 8:31
-Believe: James 2:19
-Exercise their wills: Luke 8:32; 11:24
-Demonstrate intelligence: Mark l:24
-Have emotions: Luke 8:28; James 2:l9
-Recognize: Acts l9:15
-Have supernatural strength: Acts l9:l6; Mark 5:3
-Have supernatural presence: Daniel 9:21-23
-Are eternal: Matthew 25:41
-Have their own doctrine: 1 Timothy 4:l-3
-Are evil: Matthew 10:1; Mark l:27; 3:11
Have you ever witnessed demonic activity?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Have you observed other situations where you were not certain, but it appeared that demonic activity was present?
______________________________________________________________________________
42
Think about some of the problems you are presently facing. In which problems is demonic activity possibility involved? Which are a result of your own wrong choices?
______________________________________________________________________________
The names of demons in Scripture:
Demons are called evil spirits six times and unclean spirits 23 times in the New Testament. They are called the devil's angels (Matthew 25:41).
The organization of demon forces:
Satan seeks to copy God, to do things "like" God does. He endeavors to accomplish the perfect imitation. Satan is an imitator, not an originator. He has arrayed himself against us as a deceiver and a counterfeit.
His demons are organized in ranks similar to the organization of God's angelic host. The description of God's organization is given in Colossians:
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven, and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16
Notice Satan's hierarchy:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:l2
There appears to be an organized ranking of demons(5):
-Principalities: These appear to be territorial demons. They live in one geographical area and do not seem to travel very far. Their boundaries are probably mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, and other natural divisions of land. When people move from one city to another these types of demons do not usually follow.
-Powers: These demons are perhaps a little stronger than principalities and are more mobile. They may be the ones that actually inhabit people whereas lesser demons are commissioned to harass and to wear a person down so that he is vulnerable to habitation. Lesser demons would only enter after more powerful ones first gain access.
43
-Rulers of the darkness of this world: These demons seem to affect the spiritual condition of an area in an overall sense. This seems evident from the biblical example where the Prince of the powers over Persia hindered the prayers of Daniel. It suggests that a single demon, or strongman, is responsible for such activity.
-Spiritual wickedness in high places: These appear to be the strongest of the demons under Satan himself and are responsible for the development of spiritual counterfeits that keep men in bondage. They create belief systems such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Mormonism, Satanism, etc. and also operate in major government centers.
This is why the Scriptures warn:
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
We know that...the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
1 John 5:19
Concerning the original followers of Satan, the Bible teaches that:
--These individuals are somewhat united:
Luke 8:30 records the case of a man possessed by a legion of demons. They were united in their cause, that of possession. The same is true in Matthew l2:45 and in the case of Mary Magdalene who had seven demons (Luke l6:9).
Jesus spoke of the unity of demon powers:
And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? Matthew l2:26
--These forces are organized in groups:
The account in Luke 8:30 refers to a "legion" of demons. This confirms that these evil spirits are organized in groups.
A legion in the Roman army which ruled at the time of Jesus contained approximately 6,000 foot soldiers.
44
--These forces manifest different degrees of wickedness:
This is illustrated by the demon who when cast out declared he would return with other evil spirits:
When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, "I will return to my house from which I came." And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked that himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation. Matthew l2:43-45
A person delivered from demons does not have to allow them to return. He must first fill his house with the Holy Spirit so that it is occupied when the demons reappear and then he must resist all the works of the enemy.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
--These forces can change their functions:
The demon in 1 Kings 22:2l-23 declared he would be a lying spirit. This indicates he was not one previously for he said, "I will be...".
--These forces seem to serve different functions:
1. Evil spirits:
They are perhaps responsible for influencing immoral acts and other kinds of evil. They afflict the soulish nature of man.
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Matthew l0:l
When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Matthew 12:43
2. Unclean spirits:
These demons, if they serve in a different function from evil spirits, perhaps induce unclean thoughts in a person's mind.
And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out saying, "You are the Son of God." Mark 3:11
45
3. Spirits of infirmity:
They afflict the body:
And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. Luke l3:11
4. Deceiving spirits:
These spirits afflict the spirit of man, seducing him to believe a lie and be damned to eternal punishment. They are spirits that produce false doctrines, cults, false Christs, and false teachers:
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1
The manner in which demons affect people:
1. People are said to “have” an evil spirit. Matthew 11:18; Mark 7:25; Luke 4:33.
2. People are said to “be with” [Greek “in” ] an evil spirit. Mark 5:2.
3. People are said to be “demonized” by evil spirits [vexed with, influenced by, attacked with, possessed with]. Matthew 4:24; Mark 1:32; Luke 8:36.
Do you recognize influence from demon spirits in your life? If so, how is it being manifested? How are you dealing with it? How might you improve your response?
Demonic Forces How They Are Being Manifested How I Am Dealing
With Them
[ ] Evil spirits
[ ] Unclean spirits
[ ] Spirits of infirmity
[ ] Deceiving spirits
Some Activities Of Demons In General
They tempt:
Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil...
Luke 4:1
46
They deceive:
So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9
They oppress:
...Jesus of Nazareth...went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil...Acts 10:38
They bring the bondage of fear:
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14-15
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15
Summarize what you have learned about demons:
Their names:
______________________________________________________________________________
Their organization:
______________________________________________________________________________
Their attributes:
______________________________________________________________________________
Their activities:
______________________________________________________________________________
47
Satanic Attacks Against Christians
Here are some attacks demons launch in carrying out Satan's plans. Demons:
1. Quote Scripture: Matthew 4:6
2. Teach their own doctrines: 1 Timothy 4:1
3. Transform themselves into angels of light: 2 Corinthians 11:14.
4. Encourage evil men to pervert righteousness: Acts 13:10
5. Afflict the body: 2 Corinthians 12:7
6. Tempt with hypocrisy and lying: Acts 5:3
7. Sow tares. ("Tares" are wicked people planted by the enemy in the midst of God's
kingdom): Matthew 13:38-39
8. Tempt with pride: 1 Timothy 3:6
9. Produce counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders: 2 Thessalonians 2:9.
10. Attempt to fill hearts with apostasy: John 13:27
Check those attacks of demons which you have experienced in your life. What happened? How did you deal with it? Were you successful? How could you have improved your response?
I Have Experienced This What Happened How I Dealt With It
[ ] Quoting Scripture.
[ ] Teaching their own doctrines.
[ ] Transforming themselves into angels of light.
[ ] Encouraging evil men to pervert righteousness.
[ ] Afflicting the body.
[ ] Tempting with hypocrisy and lying.
[ ] Sowing tares.
[ ] Tempting with pride.
[ ] Producing counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.
[ ] Filling heart with apostasy.
Some Accounts Of Demons As Found In Scripture
To further your understanding of demonic powers, study the following Scriptural accounts of demons. Check each passage as you complete reading it:
___Matthew 4:1-11; ___4:24; ___8:16-17; ___8:28-34; ___9:32-34; ___10:1,8; ___11:18; ___12:22-30; ___12:43-45; ___13:19; ___13:36-42; ___15:22-28; ___16:23; ___17:14-21; ___Luke ___22:31; ___Acts 13:10; ___16:16-24; ___26:18; ___2 Corinthians 2:11; ___11:13; ___12:7-10; ___Ephesians 6:11-12; ___Colossians 2:15; ___1 Thessalonians 2:18; ___
48
2 Thessalonians 2:8-9; ___1 Timothy 1:18-20; ___4:1; 5:15; ___2 Timothy 2:26; ___James 4:6-7; ___1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 2:4; ___1 John 2:13-14; ___3:10; ___4:4; ___5:18; ___Jude 6; ___Revelation 2:9-10,13; ___12:11.
NOTES
1. Steve Robbins. Let The Oppressed Go Free. From the seminar syllabus, 1985.
2. The word Satan means opponent, adversary, false accuser. It is pronounced similarly in both Greek and Hebrew. In Scripture it addresses a real person and not an idea or concept. Lucifer (Hebrew: heylel) appears to be his more formal name although the word itself refers to the morning star. The idea behind it is "brightness." The root word (Hebrew: halal) from which it comes means to be "clear" or to "shine." The word devil (Greek: diabolos) also means to accuse. Specifically it means Satan. There is only one "devil" who is Satan, but many agents employed under him called "demons" (damonia).
3. Some believe that Satan was an arch angel, which he may have well been. Scripture, however, does not specifically support the idea. We, the authors, believe that he was originally in that class of angels.
4. There are many ideas as to what demons actually are. It seems that most people believe they are the spirits of fallen angels dispossessed of their bodies. Another interesting idea is that they are the departed spirits of offspring from the cohabitation of the sons of God (supposedly angels) and the daughters of men (mankind). See Genesis 6:1-6. The Apocryphal Book of Enoch supports this idea. Certainly "sons of God" in the book of Job are a clear reference to angels. (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:3-7).
5. Paul's description of demon powers puts them in what appears to be ranks. The question then becomes, "Which are the strongest and most authoritative?" We believe "principalities" to be the lesser and those performing "spiritual wickedness in high places" to be the strongest. Others believe the reverse of this. Whichever way it is, the important thing is to recognize that there is a war going on and demons are a part of it.
49
CHAPTER 4
SURVEY ENEMY TERRITORY
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Define "the world."
2. Identify the prince of the world.
3. Describe the present condition of the world.
4. Summarize the structure of the world.
5. Explain how to overcome the world.
6. Explain the relationship of the spirit to the flesh.
7. Identify two categories of people in our world.
8. Define "lust of the flesh."
9. Define the "lust of the eyes."
10. Explain how lust develops.
11. Explain the results of lust.
12. Define "the pride of life".
Key Verses For This Study:
Do not love the world, or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the yes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world.
1 John 2:15-16
"Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out."
1 John 12:31
STEP FOUR: SURVEY ENEMY TERRITORY
Our blessed Savior and his Apostles are wholly taken up in doctrines that relate to common life. They call us to renounce the world, and differ in every temper and way of life, from the spirit and the way of the world: to renounce all its goods, to fear none of its evils, to reject its joys, and have no value for its happiness: to be as new-born babes, that are born into a new state of things: to live as pilgrims in spiritual watchings, in holy fear, and heavenly aspiring after another life: to take up our daily cross, to deny ourselves, to profess the blessedness of mourning, to seek the blessedness of poverty of spirit: to forsake the pride and vanity of riches, to take no thought for the morrow, to live in the profoundest state of humility, to rejoice in worldly sufferings: to reject the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life: to bear injuries, to forgive and bless our enemies, and to love
50
mankind as God loveth them: to give up our whole hearts and affections to God, and strive to enter through the strait gate into a life of eternal glory. William Law
As we learned in a previous lesson, the prince of demons can be in only one place at one time. Because of this, Satan works through a mighty force of demons who carry out his evil designs. These evil beings work against mankind through the world and the flesh.
Definition of "The World"
On the night of his betrayal and arrest, Jesus prayed to God the Father concerning His followers. He said, "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." (John 17:14).
Paul told the church, "And do not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2). This "world" to which we are not to conform is not to be confused with the physical planet earth or its inhabitants. John tells us that God loves the world---the people who dwell here (John 3:16).
The "world" that Jesus and Paul warn against is that which makes up this planet's social system, that which incorporates all of man's beliefs and the expressions of those beliefs. This "world" involves art, music, politics, spiritual matters, science, philosophy and all other aspects of life that are contrived without God's input. It is the system that runs the inhabited earth,
a system that is opposed to God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is this meaning that is used in this lesson.
The Prince Of The World
Satan is the "prince" or "ruler" of the world system:
Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
John 12:31
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. John 14:30
Satan is also called the god of this world:
Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
2 Corinthians 4:4
51
Look at today's newspaper. Can you identify some events that reveal Satan as the ruler or god of this world? List these below:
______________________________________________________________________________
The Present Condition of the World
Sin is the reason for the present condition of the world. When the first man, Adam, and his wife, Eve, were originally created by God they were given dominion over this planet. This meant that they were to guide its systems and inhabitants according to the plan of God. When they disobeyed, they lost their rule of earth, turning it into Satan's hands.
Jesus Christ, God's Son, came to earth to retrieve mankind's lost dominion. His plan was to destroy the works of the Devil. This required payment for man's sin and resulted in His own crucifixion as that payment. This was God's way of beginning the reclamation of the planet and of pronouncing judgment on the spiritual forces of evil.
But the rebel troops of Satan still continue to fight by influencing men and women for evil. God has left the responsibility for stopping these forces in the hands of His army on earth--the church--you and me.
Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall be any means hurt you. Luke 10:19
Which of your Christian religious activities are actually helping stop the forces of evil?
______________________________________________________________________________
How could you readjust your priorities to be more effective?
______________________________________________________________________________
The World Structure
Its attitude:
The world is God's enemy:
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4
52
The world hates you:
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19
The attitude of the world is, "assert yourself and be first." God says, "esteem others better than yourself." The world says, "hoard your resources to gain wealth." God says, "give and you shall receive". The world says "strive for position." God says, "the greatest among you shall be your servant."
Its condition:
Evil is present in our world:
Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. Galatians 1:4
The world system is without God:
...having no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:12
There is deception present in the world:
For many deceivers have gone out into the world...2 John 7
Its elements:
The "elements of the world" refer to the elementary principles that govern it. These are the regulations on which the world structure rests. They are different from the principles upon which God structures His kingdom:
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. Galatians 4:3
Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations?
Colossians 2:20
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8
53
Its spirit:
The spirit of the world is in opposition to the Spirit of God:
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
1 Corinthians 2:12
Its philosophy:
Philosophies are principles of knowledge that govern how one perceives reality:
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8
Its wisdom:
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God... 1 Corinthians 3:19
Its course:
The "course" of the world is the routine or way in which it is run:
In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 2:2
Its peace:
Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
Its sorrow:
For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10
Its people:
They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 1 John 4:5
54
Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11
Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 1 John 3:1
The world's evil force is dominated by Satan. It works from the outside to attack believers. It is often veiled in the corporate organization of fleshly individuals who do not know God through Jesus Christ.
While the world attacks from without, the flesh is an evil force working from within. The same flesh that operates in the world operates in our lives if we allow it to do so.
Although the world is opposed to God, many of its laws and ordinances are from Him. The world still ascribes to a certain moral law to a limited degree and basically believes in laws that protect people. The whole nature of government is from the Lord and we have God-given obligations to abide by the laws of the land as long as they are not in direct conflict with the Word of God.
What things affect your life most in pulling you toward the world?
______________________________________________________________________________
Has the enemy ever made you feel that by giving up worldly things you would be forced to live a miserable existence? What things? Looking back now, was Satan telling the truth?
______________________________________________________________________________
Overcoming The World
Overcoming the world or any problem in life can never be accomplished in our own strength. It must be done with God's help:
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5
Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Galatians 3:3
One of the methods for overcoming requires thinking differently from the world:
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind... Romans 12:2
55
Examine your attitude toward the world. Are you able to pick out those things which violate a Christian lifestyle and stay away from them without condemning everybody and everything in the process? Can you shun evil without developing a negative and pessimistic attitude?
______________________________________________________________________________
List three areas that need attention in your life.
______________________________________________________________________________
List things that must be done in order to gain victory in these areas.
______________________________________________________________________________
The Relationship Of The Spirit To The Flesh
When we are saved the Holy Spirit indwells our spirits. As He dwells there, He begins to move us towards opposing the lusts of the flesh. He endeavors to help us resist former patterns of over-indulgence in yielding to the desires of the body.
The flesh wars against our spirit and the Spirit of God within us. The flesh entices us towards sinful activities. This is why we often cannot live the way we desire.
Paul the apostle spoke of the resulting dilemma:
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells, for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
Romans 7:18-19
Paul acknowledged that the soul stands between what we know to be right in our spirit, on the one hand, and what the senses in our bodies keep telling us to do on the other hand, and that here in this middle ground he felt a strong pull from each side. When we are out of fellowship with God, our soul stands there trying to figure out which way to go, and usually ends up going the wrong direction because it is used to cooperating with the body under the influence of the old nature. The term "flesh" refers to the soul's cooperation with the body to the exclusion of the spirit. Spiritual man is produced when the soul cooperates with the Spirit of God living in your spirit giving the body only what it rightfully needs.
56
Natural Man Spiritual Man
Body Spirit
controls controls
Soul Soul
controls controls
Spirit Body
Paul went on to say that he did not do wrong himself but, rather, "sin living in me does it" (Romans 7:20), forcing him into bondage. His inner struggle prevented him from doing the good which he desired. We often face this same inner struggle - two forces pulling in two different directions. Although it seems logical to blame sin for our problems, God still holds us responsible for the actions produced by that sin. "The soul who sins shall die." (Ezekiel l8:20).
At the end of Romans 7 it almost appears that Paul is saying that since the body is so strong, he should go ahead and let it do what it wants to do and just obey his spirit with his mind, not his body. But this is not so. The body and the spirit cannot both be in control. One or the other must govern.
Paul exhorts us to "cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in licentiousness and lewdness, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans l3:l2-l4).
The solution to allowing the spirit to control and to putting aside evil deeds produced by unrestrained body senses (flesh) is found only in Jesus Christ. Christ's Spirit, living and dwelling in you will turn you upside down--or really, right side up-until spirit controls soul and soul controls body. Old things, including your old Adamic nature, pass away and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:l7). The human spirit once again becomes dominant as it was before Adam and Eve sinned. It comes into a position for communication with God's Spirit.
The following chart illustrates the two categories of people in our world today. The Adamic man is controlled by the old nature, the body, and the soul. The Christ-like man is controlled by the new nature, the spirit of God, and his own spirit rather than his soul:
57
Two Categories of People in Our World
Adamic Man Christ-like Man
Old Nature controls... New Nature influences...
The body (senses) controls... Spirit of God influences...
The soul (will, mind, emotions) controls… The spirit of man controls the body...
Attributes of the Old Nature Attributes of the New Nature
1. Hates God. 1. Loves God through Jesus.
2. Hates God's people. 2. Loves brothers/ sisters in Christ.
3. Does not believe in eternal consequences. 3. Waits for eternal resurrection.
4. Worships self. 4. Worships God.
5. Believes the Bible is only a book. 5. Believes the Bible is God’s Word.
We may decide, in our soul, to let our spirit be in control rather than the body senses, but without help we will not have sufficient power to carry out that desire. We need Christ to accomplish that. When Christ comes in He does not want to dominate us in the sense of removing our free will. He wants to establish control in our spirit so that we have power and knowledge to make correct choices through our soul.
This is why Paul's teaching on "Christ in you" is so important. Christ's Spirit strengthens our spirit
to place us in control of ourselves. His Spirit puts our spirit in control so that we are able to function properly. He does all of this, however, only through our willing cooperation. He does not want to make us a slave to His will.
The Lust Of The Flesh
Lust is desire for overindulgence of a legitimate need or the incorrect usage of a good function. It expresses itself in the incessant demand for fulfillment in an abnormal way. It is sinful and wicked because it eventually destroys the body and soul.
The Bible warns that we should not lust after evil things. Some of the consequences of evil as experienced by Israel were warnings for us:
58
Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 1 Corinthians 10:6
Lusting after evil things which will please our fleshly nature is "lust of the flesh." It is giving the body more than it needs, gratifying its senses beyond what is normal and right.
The Lust Of The Eyes
Of the five known senses, the eye seems to be the strongest and the most prone to sin. In fact, the Bible warns about the lust of the eyes. The "lust of the eyes" refers to the fleshly temptations that enter man's spirit through this natural sense.
In order to keep from sinning with his eyes Job said:
I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?
Job 31:1
The Psalmist prayed:
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things... Psalm 119:37
Lust in the eyes "hooks" us on sin. What the eyes see inscribes almost indelible images on the mind. If they are wrong they become like leaches fastened to their prey.
How Lust Develops
Lust develops because the fall of man has resulted in the body getting whatever it wants whenever it wants it.
Lust enters through the natural senses. The eye sees and the ear hears in order to fulfill legitimate needs of the body and soul. But when the body uses any of the senses to get more than it rightfully needs it follows the course of sin. Our senses need to become acquainted with the rightful fulfillment of the needs of both body and soul:
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:14
A touch, a taste, or even a smell can foster lust. This is how Satan uses the environment of the world to tempt the flesh.
In and of themselves our natural senses are not evil, but they can be used to trigger an evil thought or desire in the mind. A lustful thought is what tempts us to do evil:
59
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God": For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. James l:l3-l4
Remember, God never tempts us. We are tempted when we are drawn away by our own sinful, fleshly desires. But we do not have to yield to this temptation. God always provides a way of escape:
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians l0:l3
John also notes that we can no longer be forced to sin as we were before we were saved:
We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18
That does not mean that we will never again sin. It means that we do not have to sin if we do not want to do so.
We read that "the Scripture has confined all under sin" Galatians 3:22. Christ has conquered sin and it has no hold on Him. If we belong to Him it has likewise no hold on us.
Since the mind is used to tempt the flesh, Paul warns:
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 8:7-8
We will learn later how the mind is one of the main battlefields of spiritual warfare.
The Results Of Lust
Lust leads to sinful actions which end in spiritual death. These sinful actions are called the works of the flesh:
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
This list can be divided into different categories of sin:
60
Sexual sins: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lasciviousness.
Worship sins: Idolatry and witchcraft.
Relationship sins: Hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, envyings, and
murders.
Personal sins: Drunkenness and revellings.
Notice how serious these sins are..."those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." People who "practice" a sinful lifestyle belong to Satan's kingdom. Christians who sometimes find themselves momentarily in sin but are not practicing it can free themselves through confession and repentance.
The world is corrupt because of lust and the resulting works of the flesh:
By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Galatians 5:l7
If you still feel compelled to sin at times as if you had no ability to withstand the temptation, read Romans 6:11-14. Paul says to "reckon" yourselves dead to sin.
One of the most wonderful aspects of our salvation is its ability to break the power of sin. Notice in verse l4 that Paul declared, "For sin shall not have dominion over you." If there is an element of sin that is plaguing you, submit it right now to the power of Christ within you. Realize that according to the Word of God you do not have to be forced to sin.
Summarize what you have learned about lust:
How does lust develop?
_____________________________________________________________________________
What is the lust of the flesh?
______________________________________________________________________________
61
What is the lust of the eyes?
______________________________________________________________________________
What are the results of lust?
______________________________________________________________________________
The Pride Of Life
Man's rebellion has created in him an independence that asserts that he needs nothing and nobody. He can make it through life on his own without help. Such arrogance, with its boasting, destroys God's intent for corporate living including marriage, the family, and the community.
For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. 1 John 2:16
Read Joshua chapters 6-9. These chapters describe three major battles of the nation of Israel fought in order to claim their Promised Land. These three incidents have a spiritual significance beyond that of Old Testament warfare.
The Promised Land represents the believer's inheritance. The city of Jericho, with all of its charm and allure, represents the world. The city of Ai, with its failure by Achan, represents the flesh. The Gibeonites, with their lies and deceit, represent the Devil.
We deal with Jericho (the world) by faith. Israel walked around the walls of the city, and on the seventh day the walls fell down.
We deal with Ai (sins of the flesh) by confession and repentance.
When it comes to dealing with the devil, we must be careful...Without seeking God, Joshua was deceived by the Gibeonites (who represent the devil) and made an alliance with them. This is why we must be aware of the "wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:ll) so we are not "ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Are you having a battle with the world? How might you win this battle by faith?
______________________________________________________________________________
Are you warring against the flesh? List your battles below, then confess and repent before God.
______________________________________________________________________________
62
Have you been deceived by the devil? In what areas? What might you do to correct these situations?
______________________________________________________________________________
63
CHAPTER 5
MEET THE CAPTAIN OF GOD'S ARMY
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Identify the Captain of God's Army.
2. Explain His mission to earth.
3. Discuss His role in spiritual warfare.
4. Identify names that reflect His character.
5. Recognize that angels execute His will.
Key Verses For This Study:
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:l6
He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
STEP FIVE: MEET THE CAPTAIN OF GOD'S ARMY
The mark of a life governed by the Holy Spirit is that such a life is continually and ever more and more occupied with Christ, that Christ is becoming greater and greater as time goes on. The effect of the Holy Spirit's work in us is to bring us to the shore of a mighty ocean which reaches far, far beyond our range, and concerning which we feel--Oh, the depths, the fullness, of Christ! If we live as long as ever man lived, we shall still be only on the fringe of this vast fullness that Christ is. T. Austin-Sparks
In this chapter you will meet the Captain of the army of God. You will discover who He is, why He came to earth, what He did, and how He relates to spiritual warfare.
64
Who Is The Captain Of God's Army?
The Captain of God's army is Jesus Christ.
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10
He is the Creator of all things:
God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
Hebrews l:l-2
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. Colossians 1:15-17.
He is the Son of God:
...and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:4
He is God the Son:
Jesus is not only the Son of God, He is also God the Son. Paul, the Apostle, said Jesus created
"all things" (Colossians l:l5-l7).
But notice that in the Old Testament Nehemiah says that God created "all things":
You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all things on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You. Nehemiah 9:6
Paul claims that Jesus created everything while Nehemiah claims that it was God. Therefore Jesus must be God.
Notice another similar comparison of Scripture that indicates the same thing. The writer of the Hebrews says...
65
But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: Let all the angels of God worship Him." Hebrews 1:6
But it was written long ago...
"...You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve."
Luke 4:8
If angels were to worship Jesus, and God was the only one to be worshiped, then Jesus must be God.
The reason the religious Jews wanted to destroy Jesus was because He kept referring to Himself as deity. He spoke of God being His Father. To a Jew, who was not allowed to speak or to write the name of God, it was unthinkable to associate oneself with Him in such intimate terms as that of a son to a father:
But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working. Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. John 5:17-18
Such claims by Jesus finally overwhelmed these religious Jews:
Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." Then they took up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. John 8:58-59
The statement "I AM" seems quite harmless, so why all the fuss?
These leaders no doubt knew that the expression "I AM" was one of the eternal names of God (Exodus 3). When Jesus used it, He was openly declaring His deity.
He is the God-Man:
Jesus is God in human form:
Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God. But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8
66
...God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16
By this you know the Spirit of God; Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ as has come in the flesh is of God. 1 John 4:2
Summarize what you have learned about the identity of the Captain of God's Army:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
His Mission To Earth
Jesus came to earth to accomplish at least two specific goals.
He was sent by the Father to earth so that man might be pardoned from sin and restored to fellowship with God:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:l6-l8
He also came to destroy the works of the Devil:
He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this
purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:8
The story of Jesus is recorded in the Bible in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke , and John. These books provide a partial record of His birth, life, death, resurrection, teachings, and ministry.
As part of the plan of God, Jesus came to earth in human form, ministered among men, died for the sins of man, was resurrected from the dead, and commissioned His followers to bear the Gospel of salvation to the nations of the world.
Summarize in your own words the two specific goals of Jesus on earth:
______________________________________________________________________________
67
His Role In Spiritual Warfare
Jesus ministers in two special capacities which relate to the spiritual warfare of the believer.
First, it is through Him that we claim authority over the enemy. The death of Jesus not only freed us from sin, it resulted in our triumph over the forces of evil. He gives power to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Because Jesus overcame the enemy, we too can overcome Satan's host. He has given us the authority to do so:
Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. Luke 9:l (Also Luke l0:l9-20)
Second, Jesus intercedes for us as we are engaged in spiritual warfare. This means He is talking to the Father on our behalf as we battle:
...It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34
In what specific areas do you need Jesus to help you triumph over the forces of evil in your life?
______________________________________________________________________________
What specific things do you want Jesus to intercede to God for in your behalf?
______________________________________________________________________________
Take time right now to tell the Lord about the things you have listed.
Names That Reflect His Character
The many names of Jesus recorded in Scripture help you to better understand His character. They also teach you how to relate to Him as Commander of God's army. The following is a partial list of those names.
Advocate 1 John 2:1
Almighty Revelation 1:8
Alpha and Omega Revelation 21:6
Amen Revelation 3:14
Ancient of Days Daniel 7:9
Author/Finisher of our Faith Hebrews 12:2
68
Author of Eternal Salvation Hebrews 5:9
Begotten of God 1 John 5:18
Beloved Ephesians 1:6
Branch Zechariah 3:8
Bread of Life John 6:48
Bright and Morning Star Revelation 22:16
Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15
Carpenter's Son Matthew 13:55
Chief Cornerstone 1 Peter 2:6
Chief Among Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10
Christ John 1:41
Counselor Isaiah 9:6
Deliverer Romans 11:26
Door John 10:9
Elect Isaiah 42:1
Emmanuel Matthew 1:23
Eternal Life 1 John 5:20
Faithful and True Revelation 19:11
Faithful Witness Revelation 1:5
First Begotten Hebrews 1:6
First and Last Revelation 22:13
Glorious Lord Isaiah 33:21
Great High Priest Hebrews 4:14
Head of the Body Colossians 1:18
Head over all things Ephesians 1:22
Headstone Psalms 118:22
Heir of all things Hebrews 1:2
Holy One of Israel Isaiah 41:14
Hope of Glory Colossians 1:27
I Am John 8:58
Image of the Invisible God Colossians 1:15
Jesus Christ Our Lord Romans 1:3
King of Glory Psalms 24:7
Lamb of God John 1:29
Light of the World John 8:12
Lily of the Valleys Song of Solomon 2:1
Living Bread John 6:51
Lord God Almighty Revelation 4:8
Lord of All Acts 10:36
Lord Our Righteousness Jeremiah 23:6
Love 1 John 4:8
Man of Sorrows Isaiah 53:3
Master Matthew 23:10
Messiah Daniel 9:25
69
Most Holy Daniel 9:24
Nazarene Matthew 2:23
Only Wise God 1 Timothy 1:17
Our Passover 1 Corinthians 5:7
Physician Luke 4:23
Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6
Propitiation Romans 3:25
Redeemer Isaiah 59:20
Resurrection John 11:25
Righteous Servant Isaiah 53:11
Rock 1 Corinthians 10:4
Root of Jesse Isaiah 11:10
Rose of Sharon Song of Solomon 2:1
Savior of the World 1 John 4:14
Seed of David John 7:42
Seed of the Woman Genesis 3:15
Shepherd John 10:11
Son of God Romans 1:4
Son of Man Acts 7:56
Son of Mary Mark 6:3
Stone Matthew 21:42
Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2
Sure Foundation Isaiah 28:16
Teacher John 3:2
Truth John 14:6
Unspeakable Gift 1 Corinthians 9:15
Vine John 15:1
Way John 14:6
Wonderful Isaiah 9:6
Word John 1:14
Word of God Revelation 19:13
Which of these names can you personally identify with because Christ has been that to you in the experiences of life?
______________________________________________________________________________
Which names are most important in spiritual warfare?
______________________________________________________________________________
70
Which names explain your relationship to the Lord?
______________________________________________________________________________
Which names reveal the deity and glory of Jesus?
______________________________________________________________________________
Of all the names, which one name of Jesus has been most significant to you in your Christian experience?
______________________________________________________________________________
During the next few days, take time to study the Bible reference provided for each name.
Angels Execute God's Will
Our understanding of angels is somewhat limited in spite of the references to them in Scripture. The term angel itself specifies a messenger and in different circumstances refers to both men and other unique creations of God. An angel may be one of the "sons of God" (Job 1:6) or men such as prophets and pastors (Rev. 2:1; 3:14). Those who differ from men remain behind the dark glass (1 Corinthians 13:12) through which we see only in part. What do we know about them?
1. They are created beings. Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16.
2. They are actual beings, i.e. they talk, eat, etc. Psalms 78:25.
3. They take charge in the affairs of men. Genesis 19:1,15; Hebrews 1:14
4. They are not to be worshipped. Colossians 2:18.
5. They will be judged by men. 1 Corinthians 6:3.
6. They come in large companies. Psalms 68:17; Matthew 26:53.
7. Some are good. Luke 9:26.
8. Some are bad. Matthew 25:41.
9. There are different kinds, i.e. seraphim, cherubim, archangel.
10. They are in ranks. Ephesians 6:12; Revelation 12:7.
Study each of the references about angels. From the Scriptures provided, summarize what the Bible teaches about angels:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
71
CHAPTER 6
COMPLETE BASIC TRAINING
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Develop a wartime lifestyle.
2. Receive your commission to fight.
3. Fight until you overcome.
4. Know the objectives.
5. Master basic training.
6. Recognize types of attacks.
7. Communicate with the captain through prayer.
8. Understand the importance of the warfare manual (the Bible).
9. Work with the troops.
10. Know your weapons.
Key Verses For This Study:
...To him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. Revelation 2:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
STEP SIX: COMPLETE BASIC TRAINING
General Charles James Gordon, the hero of Khartum, was a truly Christian soldier. Shut up in the Sudanese town he gallantly held out for one year, but, finally, was overcome and slain. On his memorial in Westminster Abbey are these words, "He gave his money to the poor; his sympathy to the sorrowing; his life to his country and his soul to God." Homer W. Hodge.
Many people have made the decision to join God's army but some have not taken the Scriptures about spiritual warfare seriously and therefore have not gone forth to fight.
Often the attitude is "What can I do?"; or "God has already defeated the enemy, all we need to do is sit and wait for His return"; or "If God wanted me to fight, He would tell me to do so."
God wants us to join Him in finishing the battle against Satan and his demons. In doing so we will gain on-the-job-training for ruling with Him in His marvelous universe.
72
But in order to be effective in this battle, we must adopt a wartime lifestyle, receive basic training in spiritual warfare, and learn to be overcomers.
A Wartime Lifestyle
When a nation is at war, the manner and style in which its people live is greatly affected. Men give up jobs, spend hours in preparation, and train extensively. Funds are withdrawn from the economy to aid in the battle. Residents are alerted to the potential of invasion and extra guards are posted at national borders.
We are at war!
We must adopt a spiritual wartime life-style if we are to be obedient to Christ. Spiritual warfare must become a primary focus of our lives. We must spend time in preparation and training. We must learn of and put to use our spiritual weapons. We must be alert to invasion from the enemy and post extra guards at the borders of our heart, mind, tongue, soul, spirit, home, community, and church fellowship. Our life-style must reflect the fact that we are at war.
Commissioned To Fight
Jesus waged tremendous war against the enemy and then told us to do the same:
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
John l4:12
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall be any means hurt you. Luke l0:l9
Paul the apostle also confirms the fight at hand:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Do these Scriptures indicate warfare is optional or are all believers commissioned to fight?
______________________________________________________________________________
Describe the kind of power we have over the enemy:
______________________________________________________________________________
73
Fighting Until You Overcome
The goal of this warfare is not winning a few isolated skirmishes but fighting and overcoming continuously until the end of life on this earth.
Although God does not expect us to fight or overcome in our own strength, He does expect us to fight under His leadership and guidance and with His power and authority.
The overcomer's example:
Jesus overcame the world:
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John l6:33
The overcomer's method:
Because He lives in us we can overcome:
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
We overcome by the new birth experience and our faith:
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5
We overcome by the blood of Jesus and our testimony:
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation l2:11
The overcomer's promises:
There are some beautiful promises to overcomers, to those who win this spiritual battle. Overcomers will...
Eat of the tree of life: Revelation 2:7
Eat of hidden manna: Revelation 2:l7
Be clothed in white raiment: Revelation 3:5
Be pillars in the temple of God: Revelation 3:l2
74
Sit with Jesus in His throne: Revelation 3:21
Have a new name: Revelation 2:l7
Have power over the nations: Revelation 2:26
Have the name of God written upon them: Revelation 3:l2
Have a special relationship with God: Revelation 2l:7
Have the Morning Star (Jesus): Revelation 2:28
Be confessed by Jesus before God the Father: Revelation 3:5
Not be hurt by the second death: Revelation 2:11
Not have their names blotted out of the Book of Life: Revelation 3:5
Inherit all things: Revelation 2l:7
Summarize what these verses teach about:
The overcomers example:
______________________________________________________________________________
The overcomers method:
______________________________________________________________________________
The overcomers promises:
______________________________________________________________________________
Knowing The Objectives
In order to be overcomers, we must understand the objective of this spiritual war in which we fight. That objective is to bring all things under the authority of Jesus Christ. To achieve this, our part is to win individual victories over the enemy under Christ's leadership.
Victory in natural warfare is achieved by winning many short-range objectives. Individual battles must be won and specific territories claimed. Each of these individual battles contribute to the final goal of victory.
The same is true in the spirit world. Our long-range goal is total victory over the enemy. But we must see this long-range objective in terms of short range goals.
75
Here are some objectives to consider. Evaluate yourself:
[ ] To be personally pleasing to the Lord.
(A) Attitude.
(B) Tongue-Things we say.
(C) Daily Walk-Actions.
[ ] To find God's will.
(A) His will for all mankind.
(B) His will for you personally.
[ ] To love others.
(A) Learning to give.
(B) Learning to receive.
[ ] To prepare for spiritual battle.
(A) Put on armor of God.
(B) Identify weapons with which to fight the enemy.
Can you think of other personal warfare objectives you should set? If so, list them below:
______________________________________________________________________________
Basic Training
To send a soldier to the battlefield without basic training would be ridiculous and would result in defeat. When a soldier enters basic training he leaves civilian life behind. He is no longer entangled with civilian affairs but is concerned with the army in which he has enlisted.
In the spiritual battle, in order to war a good warfare we must not be entangled in the affairs of this life. Our focus should not be on temporal material things, but on eternal matters. This present life is transitory. We are not citizens of this world, and certainly not civilians. We are warriors in the kingdom of God:
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4
There are primarily three areas of basic training:
1. Gaining knowledge and understanding of the Word.
2. Developing a prayer life.
3. Learning to interact with the rest of the Body of Christ.
76
Evaluate yourself on each of these:
Gaining knowledge and understanding of the Word.
______________________________________________________________________________
Developing a prayer life.
______________________________________________________________________________
Learning to interact with the rest of the Body of Christ.
______________________________________________________________________________
Types Of Attacks
A key to defeating the enemy is the principle of "attack and counterattack." When one side attacks, the other side counterattacks. A counterattack is to keep the other side from advancing and to regain lost territory.
Satan counterattacks offensive moves made by believers. When we decide to pray more, read the Word of God, or enter a ministry, he will immediately stage a counterattack to prevent us from advancing. If we are aware of this strategy of counterattack we will be prepared and not caught off guard.
Recall a time in which you were moving to a new level of spiritual maturity and try to remember what problems you faced immediately thereafter. How did those problems affect what God was trying to do in your life?
______________________________________________________________________________
What did you do to counter the attack?
______________________________________________________________________________
An example:
A young man feels a call to the ministry and is asked to teach a Sunday school class in his church. As he considers the task he suddenly remembers a sin committed a long time ago. Even though the sin has been confessed he feels unworthy of the assignment. He is tempted to give up because of the condemnation. Not until he discovers there is no condemnation in Jesus and that he is free from his past because of the blood of Jesus, does he find release to accept the assignment.
77
In military terms, there are basically three kinds of attacks that people face:
1. A frontal attack: These are direct attacks often involving temptation and accusation. They are direct and force a person to make an immediate decision as illustrated in the temptation of Jesus where Satan encouraged Him to turn stones to bread, jump from the pinnacle of the temple, and give allegiance to him through worship.
2. Siege or blockade: A siege or blockade is where the enemy takes control of territory not belonging to him. Consistent failure in areas of temptation can lead to a siege or blockade if not conquered. The enemy breaks into a person's spiritual existence and part of his life is brought under the enemy's control. The enemy does not actually possess the area, but he prevents a person from functioning properly for God's glory. Addiction to drugs and alcohol is an example.
3. Invasion and occupation: This occurs when the enemy (a demon) finds an open door (drugs, the occult, false religion,) and no resistance to his entering. He sometimes is able to gain such forceful control that the person involved is said to be "demon possessed." The Gadarene demoniac is an example of such powerful control (Luke 8:26-36).
Have you ever experienced any of these types of attacks in your spiritual life? What happened? How did you deal with it? How could you have improved your response to the attack?
Attack What Happened How I Dealt With It
A frontal attack:
A siege or blockade:
Invasion and occupation:
Communicating With The Captain: Prayer
"Prayer concerns conduct and conduct makes character. Conduct, is what we do; character is what we are. Conduct is outward life. Character is the life unseen, hidden within, yet evidenced by that which is seen. Conduct is external, seen from without; character is internal--operating within. In the economy of grace conduct is the offspring of character. Character is the state of the heart, conduct its outward expression. Character is the root of the tree, conduct, the fruit it bears."(1)
No soldier can fight effectively without prayer. We must pursue an understanding of prayer, our greatest source of power, if we are to overcome. Therefore, we have provided a list of references for information on the subject in the note section of this chapter.(2)
78
A soldier in an army cannot be trained adequately for warfare without communication with his leaders. Christian warriors must communicate with the Captain if they are to be overcomers in battle. This is done through prayer.
Prayer has been defined as "any thought turned heavenward." That is a good basic definition but prayer must be recognized as more than a thought towards God or even just asking him for things. Prayer is also praise, worship, singing to God, meditation, thanksgiving, listening, silence, waiting on the Lord, and confession. These are important and vitally necessary, but of all the kinds of prayer, it is intercession that gives the warfaring soldier in God's army actual fighting power.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Intercession is basically an "act of warfare." In practice it is praying for others. In reality it is warfare praying, it is violent praying.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12
It is marching into enemy territory and taking ground from the enemy.
An intercessor is one who takes the place of another or pleads their cause. When we intercede we stand before God and between the enemy and the person for whom we are praying. We do so by the authority invested in us by Jesus Christ. In intercession we command demon spirits to release their hold on individuals and the circumstances and situations surrounding them.
Hindrances to prayer:
Here are some attitudes and actions that hinder effective prayer:
James 4:2-3: Wrong motives and requests
Isaiah 59:1-2: Sin of any kind
Ezekiel 14:1-3: Idols in the heart
Mark 11:25: An unforgiving spirit
Proverbs 21:13: Selfishness
1 Peter 3:7: Mistreatment of family members
Luke 18:10-14: Self-righteousness
James 1:6-7: Unbelief
John 15:7: Not abiding in Christ and His Word
Of all the hindrances to prayer, one of the greatest is "no commitment." Until we commit ourselves to prayer we will get nowhere in the battle.
79
Are you experiencing any of these hindrances in prayer? What action could you take to remove the hindrance?
Hindrance How I Can Remove This Hindrance
[ ] Wrong motives and requests
[ ] Sin
[ ] Idols in the heart
[ ] An unforgiving spirit
[ ] Selfishness
[ ] Mistreatment of family members
[ ] Self-righteousness
[ ] Unbelief
[ ] Not abiding in Christ and His Word
[ ] Lack of commitment
Intercession is done only with the help of the Holy Spirit. In this, the highest element of prayer, God's Spirit gives breath to our prayers.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26
In order to learn to intercede we must get to know the Captain. The Apostle Paul said:
That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Philippians 3:10
The enemy will try to sever communication between the front line troops and their leader. This results in confusion on the battlefield. He works to stop prayer and the reading of God's Word. If we neglect these basic means of communication with the Captain, we can be easily defeated.
As we receive His instructions, we must be obedient to them. A soldier in the natural world does not do as he pleases. He follows orders from those in charge. Total obedience is required. There is nothing in war of greater importance than obedience.
The same is true in the spiritual realm. If we are to be effective in spiritual warfare, we must follow the instructions of our Captain. We must learn to be obedient to the communication received from Him through His Word.
80
Pray the promises:
God answers prayer according to His promises. When we do not ask on the basis of these promises, our prayer is not answered.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3
It is similar to how a father and mother relate to their children. No good parent commits to giving them anything they want or ask for. They make it clear that they will do certain things, but not others. Within limits they answer their child's requests.
Scriptural Guidelines For Prayer:
The following are Scriptural guidelines for prayer. Look up each Scripture in your Bible and study it.
[ ] Empty repetition is forbidden, but earnest repetition is not: Matthew 6:7; Daniel 6:l0;
Luke 11:5-l3; Luke l8:l-8
[ ] Do not neglect to pray for others: 1 Samuel 12:23
[ ] Pray with understanding: Ephesians 6:l8
[ ] Pray in the Spirit: Romans 8:26; Jude 20
[ ] Pray according to the will of God: 1 John 5:l4-l5
[ ] Pray in secret: Matthew 6:6
[ ] Stress quality rather than quantity. Prayer is not successful because of "much speaking":
Matthew 6:7
[ ] Pray always: Luke 2l:35; Ephesians 6:l8
[ ] Pray continually: Romans l2:l2
[ ] Pray without ceasing: 1 Thessalonians 5:l7
[ ] Pray to the Father in the name of Jesus: John 15:16
[ ] Pray with a watchful attitude: 1 Peter 4:7
[ ] Pray according to the example of the model prayer: Matthew 6:9-l3
81
[ ] Pray with a forgiving spirit: Mark 11:25
[ ] Pray with humility: Matthew 6:7
[ ] Sometimes accompany prayer with fasting: Matthew 17:21
[ ] Pray fervently: James 5:l6; Colossians 4:l2
[ ] Pray with submission to God: Luke 22:42
[ ] Use the strategies of binding and loosing in prayer: Matthew 16:19
[ ] Pray that you enter not into temptation: Luke 22:40-46
[ ] Pray for them that despitefully use you (your enemies): Luke 6:28
[ ] Pray for all the saints: Ephesians 6:l8
[ ] Pray for the sick: James 5:l4
[ ] Pray one for another (bearing each other's burdens): James 5:l6
[ ] Pray for all men, kings, and those in authority: I Timothy 2:l-4
[ ] Ask for your daily needs: Matthew 6:11
[ ] Ask for wisdom: James l:5
[ ] Pray for healing: James 5:l4-l5
[ ] Ask forgiveness: Matthew 6:l2
[ ] Seek for God's will and kingdom to be established: Matthew 6:l0
[ ] Request relief from affliction: James 5:l3
The Warfare Manual: God's Word
Understanding the battle plan is also part of basic training. God's battle plan is revealed in His Word. Here, we discover how to put on the armor of God. We discover our weapons and how to use them, weapons such as the Blood of the lamb, the Word of our testimony, the Name of Jesus, praise, singing, and intercession. We also learn how to "cast down imaginations" and how to "bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." This is why understanding His
82
Word is vital for effective warfare.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:l05
The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalms 119:130
In meeting the temptations of Satan, Jesus used the Word of God. He quoted specific Scriptures applicable to the immediate battle situation. In order to use the Word of God effectively in spiritual warfare, we must know not only what it says, but what it means. We must study, meditate on, and memorize it. Many defeats in life come because we do not know and understand God's Word:
Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God." Matthew 22:29
Working With The Troops
Basic training also includes instruction in how to cooperate with other soldiers in the army. Although God has many troops, He has only one army. Each believer enters God's army as a private and has a relationship to all other soldiers. Contrary to what some believe, God does not have sixty million, or so, armies with one person in each army.
For in fact the body is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
1 Corinthians 12:14-21
Based on his ability to be teachable, a soldier grows and matures into greater degrees of usefulness and effectiveness.
As in any army we have a responsibility to protect each other. Attitudes of negativism, bitterness, and criticism are Satan's strategies for defeating us from within.
Satan also leads numbers of soldiers astray through isolationism, factions, envies, jealousies, hatred, selfish ambitions, and other kinds of discord. He tries to destroy teamwork by instilling a lust for power that results in "all leaders and no followers." Just as in a natural army, God's army also has an organizational structure:
83
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2
Warfare is a team effort. Soldiers must cooperate with one another in order to defeat the enemy. They must come under the direction of one Commander (Jesus) and His delegated authority wherever He establishes a body of believers. They must move forward as a united front.
In the natural world when a soldier is wounded, his companions make every effort to rescue him. They do not leave the weak behind, but place them under protection until they recover from their wounds. This, however, is not always the case in the Christian army.
As one theologian suggests, the Christian army tends to "shoot its wounded." When a believer falls in battle he is frequently viewed with contempt. We are quick to place blame, find fault, and condemn. Often he is given up to the enemy. Instead, we should rescue these spiritually wounded individuals and surround them with our strength.
According to Ephesians 4:32 and 1 Corinthians 2:7, what does Paul say we should do to the repentant sinner?
______________________________________________________________________________
According to James 5:16, what should we do for other members of Christ's body?
______________________________________________________________________________
What About Weapons?
In every war there are weapons. They may be simple weapons such as a spear or bow and arrow, or they may be complex weapons such as a missile system. In God's army our weapons are spiritual:
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
84
The Christian soldier must know what weapons are available and how to use them. Some weapons are specifically designed for defense while others are for offense. In the next two chapters we will learn about these weapons.
NOTES
1. E. M. Bounds. The Necessity of Prayer. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.) p.79.
2. Recommended books on prayer:
No Easy Road. Dick Eastman.
The Hour That Changes The World. Dick Eastman.
Prayer is Invading The Impossible. Jack Hayford.
When You Pray. Harold Lindsell.
Creative Prayer. E. Herman.
Power Through Prayer. E. M. Bounds.
The Power of Prayer. Dr. Herbert Lockyer.
The School of Christ. T. Austin-Sparks.
Quiet Talks on Following the Christ. S. D. Gordon.
Power From on High. Charles G. Finney.
The Necessity of Prayer. E. M. Bounds.
The Life of Reverend David Brainerd. Jonathan Edwards.
85
PART FOUR
Mobilization
ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE IN GOD’S ARMY
To mobilize means to “put in a state of readiness for active military service.” Mobilization is the process of being deployed as part of God’s army.
In this section you will learn to arm yourself with both defensive and offensive weapons and to employ offensive and defensive strategies in spiritual warfare.
86
CHAPTER 7
ARM YOURSELF WITH DEFENSIVE WEAPONS
Objectives: Upon completion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Make personal preparations for power by:
Gaining knowledge of God's Word
Resisting the sins of the flesh
Relinquishing the cares of this life
Conquering spiritual pride
2. Arm yourself with defensive weapons including:
The belt of truth
The breastplate of righteousness
Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel
The shield of faith
The helmet of salvation
The sword of the Spirit
Key Verses For This Study:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12.
STEP SEVEN: ARM YOURSELF WITH DEFENSIVE WEAPONS
Quite often Christian experience founders on the rock of conduct. Beautiful theories are marred by ugly lives. The most difficult thing about piety, as it is the most impressive, is to be able to live it. It is the life which counts, and our praying suffers, as do other phases of our religious experience, from bad living.
E. M. Bounds
87
In the previous chapter we discussed basic training for spiritual war. In this chapter we will look at the power that is available for overcoming Satan's demons and the defensive weapons available for waging effective warfare.
Preparations For Power
The victory that comes as a result of the manifestation of God's power, as well as any other blessing from Him, is conditional. There are certain steps we must follow in order for God to fulfill His promises. These steps are usually very simple for anyone who is sincere about his or her relationship with the Lord. Let's take a brief look at four things that are basic to defense in spiritual warfare.
1. Gaining knowledge of God's Word:
In warfare, ignorance of the enemy can cause defeat. How can any army operate effectively if it doesn't know the tactics of those it is fighting? The Apostle Paul fought Satan well and offered this affirmation as part of the reason for his success:
...for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11.
Evidently Paul never took Satan for granted. He no doubt studied, searched, and pursued ways to understand the demonic realm. He did not become preoccupied with it, but he certainly became aware of it in order not to be deceived.
Charles Swindoll cautions:
"Before any opponent can be intelligently withstood, a knowledge of his ways must be known. Ignorance must be dispelled. No boxer in his right mind enters the ring without having first studied the other boxer's style. The same is true on the football field. Or the battlefield. Days (sometimes months) are spent studying the tactics, the weaknesses, the strengths of the opponent. Ignorance is an enemy to victory."(1)
In the Old Testament God says:
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6
Many have the idea that just "being a Christian" is good enough. "Since you belong to God, sit back and relax. He will take care of you. After all, God will put a hedge around you so that Satan can't get through. Forget Satan. He'll go away. Just don't talk about him."
88
Whereas it is tragic that some dwell too much on themes related to Satan and demons, the enemy himself would also like believers to ignore his existence. Is it any wonder that some Christians are overcome? They perish from lack of knowledge.
Beware of the mistaken idea that it is not good to know too much of the Word of God because "the less we know the less we will held be accountable." The sad truth is that we will be held accountable not only for what we know but for what we could have known. God will consider "availability" of the truth when we are judged.
2. Resisting the sins of the flesh:
Sin causes separation from God. It allows Satan to gain influence and sometimes control. Sinning is a hindrance to the power needed to combat the Evil One, especially when it is a known sin.
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
James 4:17
Indulging in the sins of the flesh recorded in Galatians 5:19-21 inhibits God's power life.
All people, including Christians, have trouble with sinning. That is why God provides a solution to the problem in 1 John 1:9. But as Christians, we are not to live bound by sin. From this we have already been freed. In addition we are not to consider the grace of God such that
once we are saved we can go on living any way we please:
What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Romans 6:1-2
When Jesus confronted the adulteress He told her to...
...go and sin no more. John 8:11
The writer of Hebrews told his readers to:
...lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us... Hebrews 12:1
Paul told the Corinthians to:
Flee sexual immorality. 1 Corinthians 6:18
89
They were also warned to...
...flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10:14
Paul also told Timothy to...
...flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11
This admonition reveals that it is not enough just to forsake sin. We must substitute in its place righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
3. Relinquishing the cares of this life:
Because this planet is in rebellion and there is a war going on, it is essential to give undivided attention to the Captain of our salvation. As most soldiers know, there are times when many of the good and legitimate pleasures of life need to be put aside to assure victory. This does not mean that we must live depressed or poverty stricken lives. It does not mean we cannot enjoy life or experience pleasure. It simply means that sacrifices must be made in order to win battles.
When a nation is faced with sending its men off to war, that nation brings certain demands upon its soldiers in order to save lives and protect national interests. The same is true in spiritual warfare. Strict demands must be made on all God's soldiers of the cross in order to triumph.
Ralph Winter suggests that "we must be willing to adopt a wartime lifestyle if we are to play fair with the clear intent of Scripture that the poor of this earth, the people who sit in darkness, shall see a great light."
Materialism, riches, and even the necessities of life can cause distraction. Scripture warns against misplaced priorities. Jesus said:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness... Matthew 6:33
It is easy to preach a materialistic gospel that makes God look like a "divine errand boy" or a "big sugar daddy in the sky." Certainly there is nothing wrong with preaching that God will meet all our needs if we meet His conditions. However, some preach that there ought to be a fine car in every driveway, along with any number of other luxuries. Soon the focus is not on the warfare but on materialism.
Again, there is nothing wrong with having good things in life. But material possessions become wrong when they occupy the center of attention. The same is true even with the basic necessities of life. If Jesus were to expound on Matthew 6:25-34, we might find Him saying:
90
"As important as food and clothing are, you must realize that the battle being waged in the heavenlies needs to be your first priority. Don't worry or be concerned about secondary matters. If your Father can take care of birds and flowers, which He does quite easily, then it will be an easy matter for Him to take care of your needs as well."
How often we are tempted with one of Satan's subtle deceptions. "Just take enough time to get ahead monetarily. Once you have reached financial security, you will be able to serve God better. You won't have to worry about money." What a lie! And sadly, many Christians fall for it. Many spend a major portion of their time and their energy seeking riches rather than seeking God, riches that can never secure happiness or a place in God's kingdom. If you place your confidence and security in money, what will you do with God's promises and provisions in Matthew 6 or for His promise to supply all of your needs in Philippians 4:19.
True, we need to pursue life's needs and fulfill basic obligations, but only after first seeking the kingdom:
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1 Timothy 6:9
It isn't the riches so much that cause trouble, it's the desire and constant attention placed on them. Scripture doesn't say, "Where your heart is there will your treasure be also." It says, "For where your treasure is there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).
4. Conquering spiritual pride:
Most of those people who have been effectively used of the Lord will, no doubt, confirm that pride is no small enemy. According to Paul Billheimer:
"Very few can take honors, either from the world or from God, without becoming conceited. What servant of the Lord does not know the subtle temptation to spiritual pride that follows even mediocre success? How often one relates an answer to prayer in such a way as to reflect credit upon oneself--and then ends up blandly saying "To God be the glory." The ego is so swollen by the fall that it is an easy prey for Satan and his demons...
Who knows how much God would do for His servants if He dared. If one does not boast openly following an anointed fluency of speech, a specific answer to prayer, a miracle of faith or some other manifestation of spiritual gifts, or even graces, he is tempted to gloat secretly because of the recognition. Except for special grace on such occasions, one falls easily into Satan's trap. Because most
91
men are so vulnerable to any small stimulus to pride, God, although He loves to do so, dares not honor many before the world by special displays of His miracle-working power in answer to prayer."(2)
It is absolutely necessary for God to deal with pride before we can be used in any meaningful way. Billheimer continues:
"For until God has wrought a work of true humility and brokenness in His servants, He cannot answer some of their prayers without undue risk of producing the pride that goes before a fall. If God could trust the petitioner to keep lowly, who knows how many more answers to prayer he could readily give?"(3)
Power, mighty power, is available to the believer who prepares properly to receive it. However, God has special timing for much of what He does. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to understand this concept and discouragement easily sets in when things do not happen as fast as anticipated.
How do you rate on these "preparations for power"?
Good Need Improvement
Knowledge of God's Word
Resisting the sins of the flesh
Relinquishing the cares of this life
Conquering spiritual pride
Write out a plan for improving in areas where it is needed:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Although we have tremendous power available, we still need God's armor to shield us from attack. The Bible speaks in specific terms concerning this armor.
Arming For Defense
We are commanded in Scripture to be properly attired for battle. This is not an option, nor is it something that arbitrarily happens through some kind of spiritual osmosis as a result of being a Christian. We are to conscientiously and prayerfully...
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
92
1. The belt of truth:
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness. Ephesians 6:14
Here are two ways in which truth protects us:
First: Through knowledge and understanding. When we know the truth about a given situation we are able to avoid error that could lead to bondage.
Second: By keeping out harmful spirits. By learning to tell the truth we avoid the problems that arise from lying. A lying spirit produces inferiority, fear, guilt, doubt, and a lack of confidence and trust. Everything that flows from us must convey truth. It is not just our words that are important but what people believe we have said that counts as well. Some people give factual statements fully aware that they were misunderstood and then blandly say, "Well, at least I told the truth." Not so! Statements must be both sent and received correctly if they are to fit into the realm of truth.
It is the truth that frees us from bondage through obedience to Christ:
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free". John 8:31-32
Notice that freedom from bondage is directly related to obedience to the teachings of Jesus: "You will know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." When will you know the truth? When and "if you abide in My word."
The Scripture also speaks of...
...rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
By this we know the spirit of truth... 1 John 4:6
Satan tries to tell man that truth is different things to different people. He inspires the pessimistic question, "What is truth?"
There is perhaps no Scripture more vital to our total understanding of truth than John 14:6. It is here that we begin to realize that truth is not wrapped up in facts but in a person. To truly have truth one must have Jesus Christ.
I am the way and the truth and the life. John 14:6
93
2. The breastplate of righteousness:
Stand therefore, having...put on the breastplate of righteousness. Ephesians 6:14b
We often associate righteousness with perfection and although there are some similarities there really are more differences. Perfectionism frequently leads to self-righteousness. It suggests that the sufficiency of Calvary is not enough. It places attention on the individual rather than on Jesus. It results in heavy amounts of self-introspection which in turn usually leads to false guilt and false condemnation.
The strength of righteousness, which is simply doing things the way God meant and said they should be done, is found only in Jesus. Scripture makes it clear that He is our righteousness and that it is only through Him that we are able to do things correctly.
But of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30
3. Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace:
Stand therefore...having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:14b-15
The following three suggestions are necessary for activities that involve spreading the Gospel:.
A) Be ready for good works.
B) Always be up to date with God.
C) Be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).
4. The shield of faith:
Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16
How do you respond to the fiery darts of Satan (ie., those thoughts that bring worry, fear, anxiety, depression, and discouragement)? Think about how you would use the shield of faith to defend yourself from each of the following attacks. Record your answers to use them in the next attack you may encounter in these areas.
Selfishness:
______________________________________________________________________________
94
Covetousness:
______________________________________________________________________________
Pride:
______________________________________________________________________________
Doubt:
______________________________________________________________________________
Fear:
______________________________________________________________________________
Depression:
______________________________________________________________________________
Discouragement:
______________________________________________________________________________
Lust:
______________________________________________________________________________
Greed:
______________________________________________________________________________
Anger:
______________________________________________________________________________
Here are some important considerations as we look at the subject of faith.
(a) Faith has surety and certainty:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
95
(b) Faith has size:
...I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "move from here to there", and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20
(c) Faith has measure:
For I say...to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:3
Because faith has surety, certainty, size, and measure we must assume that it is more than something found only in the mind. Therefore we conclude that:
(a) Faith is not assumption: It is not something accepted as true without proof or demonstration.
Notice Paul's words to the Corinthians:
And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. 1 Corinthians 2:4
(b) Faith is not presumption: It is not arrogant acceptance or belief without reasonable evidence.
(c) Faith is not mental assent: It is not an accumulation of facts that we believe to be true. Nor is it trying to make ourselves believe something of which we are not reasonably sure.
What then is faith? Faith can only be recognized in the deepest part of our being--our spirit. It cannot be adequately described by using the reasoning of the mind. Therefore it is almost impossible to define, diagram, or detail. And yet it is as real as any tangible thing that we can see or touch. God's word does not expect us to analyze faith, only to receive and use it.
The following are ways of getting and building faith:
First: Faith comes by hearing God's Word.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 (King James Version).
96
Second: Acting upon present faith increases faith.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith". Romans 1:17 (King James Version)
Third: Faith comes from seeking God.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith... Hebrews 12:2
Fourth: Building faith requires learning to live by His faith.
And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Acts 3:16
I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Ephesians 3:12
Write out a plan for increasing your spiritual faith. How can you:
Have more time to hear the Word of God:
______________________________________________________________________________
Act upon your present faith to increase your faith:
______________________________________________________________________________
Set aside more time to seek God:
______________________________________________________________________________
Learn to live by faith:
______________________________________________________________________________
97
5. The helmet of salvation:
And take the helmet of salvation...Ephesians 6:17
It's important that we protect our minds from the kind of thinking that can cause bondage. This does not mean we remain uninformed or naive about what is happening in the world. It does not mean that we do not know what sin is all about.
What it does mean is that we have decided not to participate any longer in wrong doing. We have decided not to be influenced and tempted toward sin. We have decided not to deliberately allow it to enter our mind.
In order to protect the mind it is necessary to consider what goes into it. Here are five important things to protect against as we put on the mind of Christ through the Word of God.
First: Guard against negative thinking.
To take an opposite view of something is not the kind of "negative" that always destroys. In fact it is good to be negative towards such things as sin and rebellion. The kind of negative thinking that is damaging is displayed by an attitude usually involving bitterness, jealousy, hatred, anxiety, worry, and fear.
A person with such a disposition often generates a spirit of hopelessness. Their very demeanor seems to have as much corruption about it as do the words of their mouth. For example, some Christians fall prey to a negative mind-set by allowing a certain gloom and doom mentality concerning the prophesied end time events of Scripture to somehow blot out the wonderful promises of God toward His children. The result is that many people are afraid to make plans or to hope for anything good in life because terrible things are to happen in the last days. The "fear not" of Matthew 10:31 and Luke 12:32 seems to have little effect on their thinking.
Second: Guard against criticism.
For the most part there is nothing wrong with evaluation, but as in point one the manner or attitude with which something is done often determines whether or not it is right or wrong. It is often how something is said or what people think was said that creates a problem.
Third: Guard against anything that makes sin acceptable or fashionable.
We live in a day and age in which society is setting the standards for living rather than the Word of God. With this, men and women begin to consider right and wrong as relative. What may be wrong for one person is not necessarily considered wrong for another regardless of what God has to say. Currently, television programming, judicial decisions, and legislative actions place a stamp of approval on sin. Adultery, fornication, and homosexuality, which the Word of God indicates are not right, are looked upon as acceptable lifestyles.
98
Fourth: Guard against fantasizing sin.
Daydreaming can be a wonderful way to relax as well as a way of visually foreseeing some new invention, but to allow the mind to carry such thinking into the realm of sin is wrong. Some would argue that it is not sin to "look" as long as one does not "touch." But God's word declares that sin is conceived in the mind.
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7
An appropriate translation of the above Scripture would be: "A man becomes what he opens his mind to."
Fifth: Guard against anything that seeks to control your mind.
God made mankind with a mind capable of making decisions. Anything that hinders this capacity is contrary to His will. Satan's desire is to make the human mind passive and submissive to his suggestions and demand without the ability to resist. Slavery develops out of this kind of relationship. God Himself is not interested in controlling a person's mind. In allowing choice He creates a dynamic individual with personality and character unlike any other creature in the world.
Examine yourself in each of the areas discussed:
Yes No
___ ___I often think negatively
___ ___I often criticize others
___ ___I compromise with thoughts that make sin acceptable or fashionable
___ ___I fantasize sin in my mind
I am involved with the following:
___mysticism___horoscopes___crystal balls___palm reading___satanic games___fortune telling
6. The sword of the Spirit (The Word of God):
And take the...sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
99
Here God's Word is described as a defensive weapon. Later we will see that it is also an offensive weapon. It is a two-edged sword. It is God's time-honored proclamation to bring knowledge of the truth:
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
We can ward off the enemy with Scripture. When our minds come under assault, the word--quoted, or read--is capable of stopping the attack. We must learn to find Scripture to fit the situation and then use it boldly. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we must speak it forth, directing it specifically at the problem we are facing.
Here are a few examples:
-If you fear, quote 2 Timothy 1:7.
-If you are worried, read Matthew 6:25-34.
-If you are in financial trouble, note Philippians 4:19.
-When you sin, remember 1 John 1:9.
-When you need strength, read Isaiah 40:31.
-When temptation strikes, quote Romans 8:37.
-When you are unhappy, consider Nehemiah 8:10.
You can make other additions to this list of specific Scriptures for special needs. Continue the list in the space provided:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Paul ends his description of the armor of God with these words:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
NOTES
1. Charles Swindoll, Demonism (Portland, OR: Multnomah, 1981), p.5.
2. Paul Billheimer, Destined For The Throne (Fort Washington: Christian Literature Crusade, 1975) pp. 98-99.
3. Paul Billheimer, Destined For The Throne (Fort Washington: Christian Literature Crusade, (1975) pp.98-99.
100
CHAPTER 8
ARM YOURSELF WITH OFFENSIVE WEAPONS
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
Arm yourself with offensive weapons including:
1. The blood of the Lamb.
2. The word of your testimony.
3. The name of Jesus.
4. Praise.
5. Fasting.
6. Intercession.
7. Obedience.
8. Abandonment.
Key Verses For This Study:
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11
STEP EIGHT: ARM YOURSELF WITH OFFENSIVE WEAPONS
Peter and John's ministry among the newly redeemed in Samaria (Acts 8:15), and Paul's inquiry of the Ephesian believers upon his arrival (Acts 19:1-12) clearly demonstrates a basic posture in the early church. In essence it was: "We're under instructions to change the world. Once you have been rescued from it, you'll need power to become a threat to it. The world which contained you in its grasp until now will not release its hold on others without a fight. Power is the key to our victory, and prayer is the pathway to power."
Jack Hayford (1)
God has not only given us armor for defending ourselves, He has given us the ability and the weapons to advance into enemy territory and wage warfare.
101
Offensive Weapons
Our offensive weapons include:
1. The blood of the Lamb:
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 12:11
Through sin, man turned his dominion of earth over to the enemy. Because of this, Satan has had a legal right to adversely affect us and bring us into bondage. Man's disobedience left him under the lawful control of Satan, completely powerless to effect his own deliverance and totally subject to the influence of diabolical schemes. Man has become Satan's slave.
But when Jesus came to earth He was not under Satan's control because He was sinless. Satan was actually powerless against Him until Jesus took upon Himself our sin. At that point a tremendous battle began in which Jesus came forth the victor. Satan soon found he was no match for the Son of God. Jesus quickly conquered death, hell, and the grave, and in the process His shed blood became the substitution for ours. He died in our place.
It's important to realize that our redemption has been secured only through the shed blood of Jesus.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14
The power of the blood comes from God's willingness to forgive us as we accept Christ as our sacrifice for sin. Whereas our blood should have been shed for our own offenses, Christ's blood has been substituted.
The blood of Jesus is like a two part document. We can hold up one part to God securing legal access to His throne because Christ took our place setting us free, and the other part up to Satan claiming legal release from his power.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ Ephesians 2:13
102
What are some of the spiritual bondages in your life to which you need to apply the "legal document" of the blood of Jesus Christ?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. The Word of your testimony:
And they overcame him...by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11
There are at least two ways in which the word of your testimony is an offensive weapon:
First, the word of your testimony is the righteous record you leave because Christ worked within you changing you into a new creation. This record greatly affects the lives of other people, giving them courage to go on. The word "testimony" means "evidence" or "record" like that used in a court case.
One of the greatest examples of an effective testimony is the life of David Brainerd. Brainerd was a missionary to the Indians in New York state during the early 1700's. He was saved at age
21, ordained into the ministry at age 25, and died of tuberculosis at age 29. In the few short years of his life David Brainerd encountered and overcame some tremendous difficulties. As a result, the life of this man, which was filled with much suffering and sorrow, encouraged countless numbers of men and women to continue serving the Lord in the midst of their own pain. Men like Payson, McCheyne, Carey, Edwards, and Wesley were moved by the testimony of Brainerd's life fresh upon their souls. Numbers of other people, many of them in full-time ministry, have found tremendous strength from experiences recorded in his diary.
But the word of your testimony will be of little value unless it is full of the Word of God:
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130
Since you overcome by the word of your own testimony, you should be prepared to give it. Outline your testimony here. Be sure it includes the following:
1. What I was before I came to Christ.
2. How I was born again.
3. How my life has changed.
4. Related Scriptures from God's Word.
103
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Second, overcoming by the word of your testimony perhaps implies the commanding of evil spirits to leave specific situations, and also refusing to be moved by their accusations.
In the ministry of Jesus demons were removed by the spoken word. In Matthew 8:30-32 these evil spirits were cast out and allowed to go into swine by one word--"Go." Jesus actually commanded them to depart by speaking directly to them:
...with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out. Luke 4:36
Christ's desire is to give His followers the same authority He had here on earth:
Most assuredly, I say to you, that he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do... John 14:12
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19
In Chapter 7 we learned that the Word of God is a defensive weapon. God's Word is also a powerful offensive weapon. The Word of God is called the "Sword of the Spirit." A sword in the natural world is an offensive weapon that can be used to launch an attack. Spiritually, the Sword of the Spirit is an offensive weapon to be used to cut into Satan's territory.
There are two different words used in Scripture for the Word of God. One is "logos" which refers to the total utterance of God and the complete revelation of all He wants mankind to know. It is the Bible.
The second word is "rhema" and refers to specific sayings of God that have special application to individual situations. This is the word used in this passage calling the Word of God the "Sword of the Spirit."
In defense, Jesus used specific "rhema" Scriptures to meet the temptations of Satan. He also used "rhema" Scriptures to wage offensive spiritual warfare:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted. To preach
104
deliverance to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:l8-19
When Jesus used this specific passage from the Old Testament, He was waging offensive warfare on Satan by declaring the purposes for which He had come into the world. It was a declaration of war. He had come to set captives free!
List the current problems you are facing. Beside each problem list a "rhema" Scripture from the Word of God which applies specifically to that situation:
Problem Scripture Reference
Example:
I am fearful over an impending decision. "God has not given us a spirit of fear."
1 Timothy 1:7
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. The name of Jesus:
The name of Jesus carries authority against the works of the enemy. It is a powerful offensive weapon. Note the power for healing in his name:
Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk"... And His name, through faith in His name, had made this man strong whom you see and know...
Acts 3:6,16
There is also power in His name for other miracles.
And these signs will follow those who believe; In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. Mark 16:17
The name of Jesus is not a magical name to be used to conclude a prayer in order to guarantee its answer. The name of Jesus signifies power through invested authority. When a police officer detains a person, he has the right to say "I arrest you in the name of the law." He is saying "I arrest you according to the authority invested in me by the government I represent." No magic is involved at all, just delegated authority.
105
Since all power, both in heaven and on earth, now belongs to Jesus (see Matthew 28:18). He can give it to those that belong to Him. We can stop demon activity "In the name of Jesus." We can actually say, "I arrest you according to the authority invested in me by Jesus Christ." But we had better be authorized to use His power or we might meet with a similar fate as the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-17. Study this passage in your Bible and answer the following questions:
Do demons recognize a person who has been in the presence of God?
______________________________________________________________________________
Did the demons know Paul's name?
______________________________________________________________________________
Did the demons recognize the name of Jesus?
______________________________________________________________________________
Did they recognize the names of the sons of Sceva?
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Praise:
Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. 2 Chronicles 20:22
The three tribes mentioned in this passage of Scripture were set against Judah in direct opposition to God. They were men ruled by the enemy. Amazingly it was the power of praise that destroyed Satan's endeavors in them.
Although God is pleased with praise, Satan and the demons that follow him hate it. It appears that it is something he has wanted desperately, but has never really received. Satan cannot truly be praised because praise is a response to love and he does not love mankind. Praise is verbally esteeming the virtue of another. Since there is no virtue left in Satan, it is impossible to praise him. All so-called Satan worship is a counterfeit.
When Satan's demons hear us praise God from our hearts they hate it and flee. It is quite possible that the joyous sound coming from the singers in this biblical account in 2 Chronicles 20 drove the demons possessing these invaders into a such a frenzy that the men actually began killing each other.
106
Praise adds strength to the life of a believer. The Psalmist loved to praise God:
But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense and refuge in the day of trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, the God of my mercy.
Psalm 59:16-17
Turn to the book of Psalms. Read several Psalms aloud and then try singing some of them. Use the Psalms to help you praise and worship God in your prayer time. Record the references of some of the Psalms you can effectively use for this purpose:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Fasting:
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions...So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. Ezra 8:21,23
Fasting is not intended to secure the attention of a reluctant God. It is intended to bring us to a place where we can hear Him. Fasting does not change God, it changes us. Since God responds to us on the basis of our actions, when we change, God's response to us may change. For example, when the wicked residents of Ninevah fasted, God responded and did not destroy their city.
God desires to communicate with the human spirit. This becomes virtually impossible if our spirit is subject to the body and soul rather than the soul and body being subject to the spirit. Fasting sets the desires of the body aside temporarily so that the spirit is unhindered in communing with God.
Here are some Scriptural guidelines for fasting. Check each reference as you complete the study of that passage:
[ ] Fasting is a personal matter between an individual and God: Matthew 6:l6-l8
[ ] The total fast is when you do not eat or drink at all: Acts 9:9
[ ] The partial fast is when the diet is restricted: Daniel l0:3
[ ] Leaders may call a public fast and request the whole church fellowship to fast: Joel 2:l5
107
[ ] The purposes of fasting include:
[ ] To humble yourself: Psalms 35:13; 69:10
[ ] To repent of sin: Joel 2:12
[ ] For revelation: Daniel 9:2; 3:21-22
[ ] To loose the bands of wickedness, lift heavy burdens, set the oppressed free, and break every bondage: Isaiah 58:6
[ ] To feed the poor, both physically and spiritually: Isaiah 58:7
[ ] To be heard of God: 2 Samuel 12:16,22; Jonah 3:5,l0
6. Intercession:
The prayer of intercession is another powerful offensive weapon. It allows one to stand before God on behalf of someone else. When we intercede we are united with God to do spiritual warfare for other people.
The most unique aspect of intercession is that it is violent praying. It radically re-orients the spiritual dimension around us. It is not much used where Christians do not understand the violence of the war going on about them:
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12 (King James Version)
All Christians are to intercede at times, but there is a special calling to intercession for some. This powerful ministry brings the intercessor before the Lord where mighty battles are waged in the unseen realm.
On a separate sheet of paper make a list of names of people you know who are in need of prayer. Use the pattern below to organize your list. Intercede specifically for them in your prayer time. Record the results on the chart.
Name Problem Scripture To Claim Date Began Date
For This Individual Praying Answered
7. Obedience:
Spontaneous obedience out of a heart filled with love and respect makes it difficult for the enemy to bring bondage by encouraging sin. People in love with God just don't want to sin. Jesus is our example of perfect obedience. He was obedient to God the Father in every area of life and ministry. He was also obedient in suffering the death of the cross for the sins of all mankind. In every arena of life and spiritual warfare, Jesus was obedient to God the Father.
108
Prayerfully examine your life. Are you being obedient to God in finances, business, relationships, thought life, etc. In which areas do you need prayer?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
8. Abandonment:
...they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11
We try desperately to hold onto the things of this life, hoping they will provide the security and peace of mind we need. Yet the very act of holding only separates us further from the One that can fulfill our deepest needs.
As we learn to place everything we have in His hands there comes a sweet communion producing a confidence that enables us to assume a powerful offensive position in confrontations with the enemy:
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do... John 14:30-31
Rate yourself on how you are using the offensive weapons described in this chapter:
I am using this weapon I am not using this weapon
The blood of the Lamb ______ ______
The word of your testimony ______ ______
The name of Jesus ______ ______
Praise and singing ______ ______
Fasting ______ ______
Intercession ______ ______
Obedience ______ ______
Abandonment ______ ______
NOTES
1. Jack Hayford, Prayer is Invading The Impossible (Plainfield, NJ: Logos International, 1977),
p.29.
109
CHAPTER 9
EMPLOY OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
Use defensive battle strategies including:
Putting on the whole armor of God
Submitting and resisting
Not giving place to the devil
Recovering yourself from the devil
Abstaining from fleshly lusts
Shunning profane babblings
Standing your ground
Trying the spirits
Rejecting false teachers
Laying aside worldly entanglements
Putting off evil behavior
Use offensive battle strategies including:
Arming yourself with the mind of Christ
Waging war against the enemy
Pulling and casting down strongholds
Binding and loosing
Wrestling with the enemy
Speaking the Word
Learning to abide
Key Verses For This Study:
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8-9
STEP NINE: EMPLOY OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
Some have taken the extreme position of assigning to Satan the material universe and everything that is in the world today, not recognizing the fact that no material
110
or physical thing is evil of itself. God created all things good. Satan has created nothing, and his present relation to the world is only as a permitted usurper who appropriates and devastates the things of God in the interest of his own ambition. Lewis Sperry Chafer(1)
In the previous two chapters we studied offensive and defensive weapons. In this lesson we will learn strategies of spiritual warfare for using these weapons.
Defensive warfare is battle waged to defend territory. It is warfare that pulls its forces together in defensive response to a strike by the enemy. This type of warfare does not advance into enemy territory. It defends territory already claimed. It is also warfare that builds defenses in areas where the enemy might repeat attacks.
Offensive warfare is aggressive warfare. It is not a warfare of waiting and responding in defense. It is warfare which takes the initiative of attack. The enemy is identified, his strategy recognized, and offensive advances made against him.
Offensive warfare gains territory rather than defending it. Offensive advances are the only type of spiritual warfare which will reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We cannot remain in our comfortable homes and churches and practice defensive strategies only. The army of God must advance into enemy territory. We must go to the strongholds of Satan with the power of the Gospel message. We must wage aggressive offensive warfare.
Defensive Strategies Of Spiritual Warfare
The Bible teaches the following defensive actions to be taken by the believer:
Put on the whole armor of God:
Is the armor of God in place? If it isn't or we are not sure, then the strategy is to learn how to put it on. "Put on" indicates action that must be taken. This does not happen automatically. There is something we must do.
The best way to begin is to prayerfully go before the Lord and ask Him to show us how to spiritually put on the six pieces of spiritual armor:
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
In Chapters Seven and Eight of this manual, you studied about this spiritual armor. Now it is time for armor inspection. Evaluate yourself on your use of the following weapons:
111
The belt of truth: Jesus Christ and His Word are truth. Are you receiving and acting upon the truth of the Word of God as it is revealed to you?
______________________________________________________________________________
How are you effectively using the truth of God's Word in your life?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
How could you expand the application of God's truths in your life?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The breastplate of righteousness: Jesus Christ is the basis of your righteousness standing before God. If you have the breastplate of His righteousness on, your heart and emotions are protected against attacks of the enemy that would tempt you to engage in sinful thoughts or actions. How are you using the breastplate of righteousness to cover your heart and emotions?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
How do you need to use the breastplate more effectively to cover your heart and emotions?
______________________________________________________________________________
Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace: It is the peace resulting from the Gospel that makes us able to fight.
How are you applying the Gospel of peace to the difficult circumstances of life?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
112
In what areas of life do you need to more effectively apply this defensive weapon of "peace"?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The shield of faith: Faith is acting on your belief, trusting God in spite of the battles of everyday life, evidencing a real faith in God in the difficult circumstances of life. Such faith deflects the "fiery darts" of unbelief hurled by the enemy.
Are you effectively using your shield of faith to deflect the "fiery darts" of unbelief hurled at you by the enemy? How are you doing this?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
How could you more effectively use your faith to deal with the strategy of unbelief?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The helmet of salvation: This "helmet" is designed to protect the mind. "Salvation" includes covering for the penalties of sins of the past, including our feelings of guilt and shame. We can also be "saved" from the power of sin in the present.
How are you effectively using the helmet of salvation to cover the guilt of past sins and the power of sin in the present?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
How could you use the helmet of salvation more effectively?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
113
The Sword of the Spirit: The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God which is to be used both offensively and defensively in our spiritual warfare.
How have you recently used the Sword of the Spirit to defend against enemy attacks?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
How have you recently used the Sword of the Spirit to wage offensive spiritual warfare?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What steps could you take to more effectively use the Sword of the Spirit in your spiritual walk?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Submit and resist:
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Resistance must be preceded by an attitude of submission to God. Defeat will result if we act independently of the Lord. It is the humble, not the arrogant and self-confident, who overcome the enemy.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. 1 Peter 5:6
To resist means to "stand firm against and oppose the enemy at every point."
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9
Our resistance to enemy forces is based on faith. To resist in the faith means to resist on the basis of the authority of God's Word.
114
Both submission and resistance are necessary to make Satan flee. What areas of your life do you need to submit to God? List these and pray about them.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
In what areas of your life do you need to resist Satan? List these and pray about them.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Do not give place to the devil:
Do not leave room for Satan to operate. Identify every element of godlessness that endeavors to creep into your life and refuse its operation:
...nor give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27
Giving "place" to the devil is like providing him a foothold where he can operate in our lives. Such footholds are generally granted through such things as alcohol, drugs, pornography, immorality, witchcraft, cults, and rebellion.
List any footholds where the enemy is operating in your life and pray about these:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Attitudes and words towards others that tend to strain and ruin relationships are areas where demons endeavor to gain footholds. Watch carefully your demeanor and the things you say.
Recover yourself from the devil:
We have a responsibility in recovering our own selves from Satan's snare. Simply put, we are responsible for a certain amount of personal deliverance:
And that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26
Think about any bondages you have in your life. What can you do to recover yourself from the trap of the devil in these areas?
115
Bondage Steps I Can Take To Recover From Satan's Trap
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Abstain from fleshly lusts:
To "abstain" means "to deliberately refrain as often as is necessary from an evil practice." There are some seventeen works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21 from which we need to abstain.
Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality. 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Avoid every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Take a few minutes for a personal checkup. Read the definition of the works of the flesh. Place a check mark by those with which you struggle and pray about these areas. The works of the flesh are:
[ ] Adultery: Intercourse by a married person with someone who is not their spouse or by an
unmarried person with someone who is married.
[ ] Fornication: Sexual intercourse, with mutual consent, by two people not married to each
other.
[ ] Uncleanness: Spiritually and morally sinful.
[ ] Lasciviousness: Lust, sinful emotions, lewdness.
[ ] Idolatry: Worship of idols.
[ ] Witchcraft: Practice of witches.
[ ] Hated: Strong feelings of dislike.
[ ] Variance: Disagreement and dissention.
[ ] Emulations: Rivalry, desire to copy others to equal or excel them.
[ ] Strife: Quarreling and fighting.
[ ] Wrath: Violent anger, rage.
[ ] Seditions: Stirring up discord.
[ ] Heresies: Beliefs contrary to God's Word.
[ ] Envyings: Jealousy excited by the success of others.
[ ] Murders: Taking the life of another.
[ ] Drunkenness: Excessive drinking, addiction.
[ ] Revellings: Worldly boisterous merrymaking or festivities.
116
Shun profane babblings:
To "shun" means "to avoid or to turn away from." We should avoid everything related to the enemy and to sin. Idle and unnecessary words cause many problems:
But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
2 Timothy 2:l6
"Profane and vain babblings" is evil talk and pointless chatter. It could include swearing, cussing, telling off-color jokes, and other types of evil communication. Do you have a problem with this in your life? What could you do to avoid this?
______________________________________________________________________________
Stand your ground:
When we "stand our ground", we are defending that which is rightfully ours.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand, Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness. Ephesians 6:l3-l4
Has the enemy taken spiritual territory which is rightfully yours? What can you do to reclaim it?
______________________________________________________________________________
Try the spirits:
We must be alert to the deceptions of the enemy:
You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.
2 Peter 3:l7
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1
We can defend against deception by trying the spirits. "Trying" the spirits means "examining for discernment". Trying the spirits helps prevent deception. We must be careful to test every spirit, including impressions that come to our minds, in the light of God's Word:
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
117
According to these verses is every teacher and preacher truly ordained by God?
______________________________________________________________________________
Reject false teachers:
There are differences between false, immature, and deceived teachers. We must be careful not to place all of them in the same category.
-A false teacher is one who teaches doctrines, both true and false, for his own gain. He is not really interested in truth or in other people. His only interest is in himself.
-An immature teacher often espouses things not totally accurate but corrects them as he grows in the Lord.
-A deceived teacher is one who believes he is doing right but is not.
The Bible says:
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; For he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
2 John l0-11
According to this passage, how can you recognize a false teacher?
______________________________________________________________________________
Do you presently know any false, immature, or deceived teachers? How should you respond to them?
______________________________________________________________________________
Lay aside worldly entanglements:
We are to lay aside worldly affairs which prevent us from being a good soldier.
Therefore, lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James l:21
You therefore must endure hardship as a good solider of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3
118
Are there some "worldly entanglements" in your life? If so, list them below and indicate how you might deal with each.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Put off evil behavior:
Study Ephesians 4:l7-32. Note the defensive action a believer is to take in "putting off" evil behavior.
Now...take time to rate yourself on defensive warfare strategies discussed in this lesson:
Defensive Strategies I am using this strategy I am not using this strategy
Put on the whole armor of God
Submit and resist
Do not give place to the devil
Recover yourself from the devil
Abstain from fleshly lusts
Shun profane babblings
Stand your ground
Beware of deception
Try the spirits
Do not receive false teachers
Lay aside worldly entanglements
Offensive Strategies Of Spiritual Warfare
In addition to waging defensive warfare, we are also to put on the proper attitudes and actions of a true Christian warrior and wage offensive warfare. We are to war against the strongholds of the enemy--those places where he has bound the lives of men and women:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. 2 Corinthians l0:3-4
Here are some things to consider as we prepare ourselves to be used of the Lord against the enemy.
119
Arm yourself with the mind of Christ:
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. 1 Peter 4:l
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8
The mind of Jesus is not automatically developed in us. We must "let" or "permit" it to be developed. We must take aggressive action to arm ourselves with a similar mental attitude:
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans l2:2
To be "transformed" means "to experience a complete change which will be expressed in character and conduct." Renewing and arming our minds with Christlikeness results in such transformation.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Rate yourself on a scale of 1 (low) to l0 (high) in each of the following areas:
[ ] I am "letting" the mind of Christ be developed in me.
[ ] I am submitting to the process of transformation.
[ ] I am conforming to the world in the following areas:
______________________________________________________________________________(pray about these)
[ ] I have problems with my thought life in the following areas:
______________________________________________________________________________
(pray about these)
120
Wage war against the enemy:
To be an effective warrior we cannot stand on the sidelines. We must wage war and fight against the enemy. To "war a good warfare" offensive action must be taken:
This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.
1 Timothy l:l8
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:l2
We are to fight intelligently with purpose:
Therefore I run thus; not with uncertainty. This I fight; not as one who beats the air. 1 Corinthians 9:26
Offensive warfare takes territory rather than simply defending ground. For example, defensive warfare responds when Satan attacks your child with rebellion. You become concerned and start to pray for and instruct that child from God's Word. Offensive strategies work in behalf of that child before a rebellious spirit has opportunity to develop, through prayer for and with the child, training them in the ways of the Lord, and teaching them of the sin of rebellion. In what areas of your life do you need to switch from defensive to offensive strategies?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Pull and cast down strongholds:
One of the goals of offensive warfare is to pull and cast down the strongholds of the enemy:
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians l0:4-5
To "pull down" means "to take down by effort or force." To "cast" means "to throw or hurl." We are told to cast off the works of darkness (Romans l3:l2) and cast out demon powers (Matthew l0:8). We are to demolish arguments and pretensions and to take captive any thought that is contrary to the thoughts of Christ.
121
"Strongholds" of Satan are areas in our lives where the devil has established a bondage. These may be bad habits, wrong attitudes, addictions, etc. List the strongholds of the enemy in your life below.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
List some strongholds you have seen in others which you need to guard against.
______________________________________________________________________________
Bind and loose:
We have the power to bind the forces of evil and loose the forces of good:
And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew l6:l9
The authority to bind and loose implies offensive rather than defensive action. Through delegation of power and authority from Jesus, we can stop (bind) and initiate (loose) spiritual forces. For example, we can bind the spirit of iniquity at work in the life of a lost loved one. We can loose the spirit of adoption (a ministry of the Holy Spirit) to work in that person's life
to bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is done in prayer.
Use this spiritual weapon right now. Identify the forces of evil presently coming against you. Bind these and loose the spiritual forces of the Holy Spirit.
Forces Of Evil To Be Bound Spiritual Forces To Loose
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Wrestle with the enemy:
One of the most powerful verses on offensive spiritual combat is:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:l2
122
God's choice of the word "wrestle" is significant. To wrestle means to "contend in struggle for power over an opponent."
Speak the word:
Jesus used the Scriptures in coming against Satan. Being deputized by Him gives us the right to do the same. Not only is Scripture to be memorized for comfort but it is to be used as a weapon. For instance, when fear tries to invade quote authoritatively 2 Timothy 1:7:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Locate verses that apply to the following common satanic attacks. List these and use them next time you are attacked in these areas:
Attack Of Satan Scripture Reference To Use
Fear
Discouragement and depression
False guilt
Loneliness
Temptation
Attack Of Satan Scripture Reference To Use
Anger
Addictions
Lust and immoral thoughts
Negative thinking
Bitterness
(Note: The presence of the above conditions may not always represent a satanic attack, but satanic attacks can trigger these conditions.)
Learn to abide:
Life has many disappointments that faith is supposed to overcome. In many cases faith does persevere and the battle is won, but in many other situations there remains pain and unanswered questions. Someone may say, "The problem is not God, it is you"; or "If you only had faith, this wouldn't be happening to you"; or "There must be some secret sin in your life." Sometimes these things may be true, but often they are not. There are many things in life that we do not
123
have answers to and will not understand until eternity. These are situations where we learn to abide, to head on down life's road with God despite unanswered questions.
Now it is time to rate yourself on offensive warfare strategies discussed in this lesson:
Offensive strategies I am using this strategy I am not using this strategy
Arm yourself with the mind of Christ
War against the enemy
Pull and cast down strongholds
Bind and loose
Wrestle with the enemy
Speak the Word
Learn to abide
NOTES
1. Lewis Sperry Chafer, Satan (Grand Rapids: Zondervan). p.122
124
PART FIVE
Invasion
ENTERING THE COMBAT ZONE
Basic training is useless unless what is learned is put into action. Even a mobilized army equipped with weapons is not effective if it stands inactive on the sidelines. To be effective in warfare, you must actually enter the combat zone.
During an invasion in the natural world, an army enters the combat zone to conquer its foes and claim territory. In this section you will do just that. You will invade the enemy's territory and learn to take strategic territory, resist enemy propaganda, set the captives free, rescue the wounded, and deliver the demonized.
125
CHAPTER 10
TAKE STRATEGIC TERRITORY
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Identify the spiritual battlefield.
2. Know where the battle begins.
3. Identify two kinds of minds.
4. Explain why Satan attacks the mind.
5. Recognize the fiery darts from the enemy.
6. Resist Satan's work against the mind.
7. Explain the results of Satan's fiery darts.
8. Win the battle of the mind.
9. Control your spiritual gates.
Key Verses For This Study:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians l0:3-5
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter l:l3
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5
STEP TEN: TAKE STRATEGIC TERRITORY
Humanity is beset by a host of self-conscious evil spirit personalities called demons, who are responsible for much, if not most, of the personality difficulties, complexities, spiritual pressures, and strains and the aggravated forms of evil that characterize our modern social order. We hold that the fallen condition of mankind, the sin of the human heart alone does not explain the abnormal psychoses and the universal snarling and fouling of human relations. This constant and fiendish disruption of the human social order is explained only by the mass activity behind the scenes of a vast, well organized host of wicked spirits under the control of their master prince. Any spiritual method or technique
126
which ignores the presence and activity of these occult forces cannot possibly offer and adequate solution for the problems plaguing mankind. Paul Billheimer (1)
This chapter concerns the main battlefield of spiritual warfare. We will learn where major attacks occur, the strategies Satan's demons use, and counterstrategies to defeat the enemy in spiritual combat. Note that whenever we use the term Satan in regards to warfare that demon spirits are the ones who are actually carrying out his plans. We believe that Satan cannot be in more than one place at one time and therefore an army of demon spirits must do his bidding.
On the major natural battlefields of this world devastation is apparent everywhere. The scene is one of destruction and death. In spiritual warfare, similar conditions exist. People are destroyed spiritually.
The Spiritual Battlefield
Spiritual warfare begins in the soul, literally in the mind. This is the battlefield on which most spiritual warfare is fought. The mind is the part of our being where thoughts, intellect, reasoning, understanding, and remembering take place.
Knowing Where The Battle Begins (2)
In order to fight properly in any kind of spiritual battle it is important to understand our own makeup--how God has made us. Knowing how we are put together better enables us to access the part of us that must fight the battles.
A common understanding of our makeup considers us to be constructed in two parts--body and soul. The body is thought to be the outer tangible part, while the soul is the inner intangible part. This observation, however, fails to acknowledge another inner, intangible aspect of humanity called the spirit. If we ignore the existence of the spirit, or if we assume it to be the same as the soul, we may remain confused about spiritual life and warfare.
The Word of God teaches that we are made up of body, soul, and spirit. Paul introduces this theme in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 where he says:
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Here is one of life's primary purposes--that we are to be kept blameless until we see Jesus. Paul indicates you need to consider three specific areas in which this is to be accomplished--body, soul, and spirit. It is a theme we readily discover in other passages also.
Genesis 2:7 likewise describes this trichotomy of man:
127
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7
Here we discover that God formed Adam's body from ground elements and "breathed into his nostrils." Adam's soul evidently was necessary for the uniting of body and spirit.
The soul enables us to function in both the material and spirit realms. The soul allows the human spirit to operate in a physical body like the transmission in a car allows the engine to transfer power to the wheels.
Note also the distinction between soul and spirit in the following verse:
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Two Kinds Of Minds
There are basically two kinds of minds described in God's Word: The carnal and the spiritual:
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. Romans 8:6-7
The carnal mind always listens to the desires of the body while the spiritual mind is concerned about how the human spirit relates to God.
Why Satan Attacks The Mind
Satan wants to make our minds carnal (sinful, worldly, fleshly) in order to keep us away from God. God wants us to be spiritually minded so that we might commune with Him. Satan battles for our minds because it is the entrance to the spirit where we fellowship with God:
Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment."
Matthew 22:37-38
The greatest commandment in Scripture includes loving God with all your mind. Satan battles for the mind because it is closely tied to the deepest part of our being, which is our spirit:
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. Matthew l5:l8-l9
128
Satan attacks the mind because the way we think affects the way we act. Thoughts affect attitudes which affect actions:
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he...Proverbs 23:7
Satan's work almost always starts with your thinking processes. Here he implants his doctrines. Here we are tempted. Once he gains some control by influencing thoughts, even if only in a small area, he eventually tries to reach out to other areas within the body and spirit.
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
That is, let nothing flow through your soul that will harm either body or spirit.
Christ also works first in the mind. Our initial response to repent takes place here. Repentance actually means "to change one's mind."
The mind is vulnerable to attacks by the enemy at two points: First, when it is not being renewed in Christ through the Word of God; Second, when it is not steadfastly trusting in Him.
Fiery Darts From The Enemy
In Old Testament times, fiery darts were used as weapons of warfare. They were set on fire and then shot from bows over the walls of cities to thatched roofs within. In Ephesians 6:11-17 Paul describes the spiritual battle with Satan. He speaks of "the fiery darts of the wicked." The enemy continuously hurls "fiery darts" at us in the form of thoughts. We enter the battle by dealing with the thoughts that come our way. And God gives us the ability to bring...
...every thought into captivity...2 Corinthians 10:5
Paul also warns that we should not be "soon shaken in mind" (2 Thessalonians 2:2). If you can take hold of something and shake it, you have a good deal of control over it. Satan wants to "shake" or exert control over our minds. In the Greek, "shake" means to "agitate, disturb, topple, and destroy."
Hebrews 12:27 indicates that whatever can be shaken in your life will be shaken. What is the purpose of this "shaking"?
_____________________________________________________________________________
What things do the Bible indicate can never be shaken?
______________________________________________________________________________
129
Demons work to deceive the mind in order to teach their doctrines:
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive. Ephesians 4:14
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:6-8
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Matthew 7:15-17
And, finally, Paul says to Timothy:
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Timothy 4:2-4.
The enemy also works to blind the minds of individuals:
Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
2 Corinthians 4:4
The enemy uses "religious" demon spirits to deceive many. Believers fall prey to what appear to be "good" thoughts and ideas that appear Godly and seem to be right. Because these thoughts and ideas seem good, there is never the inclination to question them. But because they were not born in the spirit by the Holy Spirit they do not bear fruit. Many Christians with good hearts fall
130
for the lies of these "spirits of religion" and their efforts do little to further the kingdom of God. They are busy people but not very effective.
Many Christians want to hear from God, but they need to constantly be aware of counterfeit voices. Mature Christians are careful when they use the expression "God told me." They understand that whatever it is they hear must be carefully confirmed by God's Word as well as by other mature Christians. Jack Hayford says, "God gives direction but man gives confirmation", meaning that God reserves the right to tell us what to do, but He allows confirmation to come through other believers as we fellowship together, sharing our lives with each other. It is the Holy Spirit in others that bears witness with your spirit, either confirming or denying the input.
It is extremely important to prove every theory and to determine the source of every thought. Failure to discover the origin of what we hear or read provides the enemy with a place to work. Many become confused at the dynamic of revelation from demon spirits. Because it is phenomenal and powerful they conclude it must come from God.
Satan's Work Against The Mind
Each of the sections that follow begin with the words "Satan works against the mind." The implication is that he is trying to bring about some kind of activity that will harm a person or others about him. It must be realized that he cannot do his work arbitrarily. He has to find an open door into the life of a person. Men and women who become Christians are to learn from the Word of God how to close doors of access.
1. Satan works against the mind to cause us to question the authority of God:
The first temptation of man started in the mind. It started with questioning the authority of God. Satan said to Eve, "Yea, hath God said?..." That is, "Did God really say that you could not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil?" Questioning God and His Word can lead to doubt, unbelief, and skepticism. Jesus closed this door of temptation by telling the enemy to get behind him. We are to do the same.
2. Satan works against the mind to cause us to use the flesh the wrong way:
We previously studied about the flesh as a source of evil.
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Romans 7:23
We begin closing the door to the flesh by strengthening our spirits through the Word, prayer, and
fellowship.
131
3. Satan works against the mind to cause us to develop wrong motives:
A motive is a reason for doing something. Motives are important because, although man looks on the outward appearance (actions), God knows what is in man's heart:
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Samuel l6:7
But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
John 2:24-25
Christians do many religious activities and even enter Christian ministry for the wrong reasons. God is more concerned with motive than ministry. This is where we should place our concern as well. When motives are proper then ministry will follow naturally.
Everyone is to have a ministry and our motives for ministry must be right:
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:2-3
We must enter ministry (no matter what form it may take---witnessing, teaching, Sunday school, etc.) willingly, not because of any advantages or benefits of the position or service, not as dictators, but as examples. Satan will try to create in the mind the wrong motives for any Christian activity.
Satan will also cause wrong motives for desiring God's power. An example of this is recorded in Acts 8:l8-23 in the story of a man named Simon.
Note several incorrect motives found in Scripture. The disciples wanted to call down fire from heaven (Luke 9:54). Jonah wanted Ninevah destroyed (Jonah 4). David had a wrong motive in numbering the people:
Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.
1 Chronicles 2l:l
We close the door to wrong motives by learning to become servants.
132
4. Satan works against the mind to cause wrong attitudes:
The enemy endeavors to insert "fiery darts" (thoughts) into the mind in order to produce envy, jealousy, suspicion, unforgiveness, distrust, anger, hatred, intolerance, prejudice, competition, impatience, judging, criticism, covetousness, and selfishness.
He will also try to cause wrong attitudes of greed, discontent, pride, vanity, egocentricity, arrogance, intellectualism, self-righteousness and much more.
We close the door to wrong attitudes by allowing the Spirit of God to help us in our daily walk.
5. Satan works against the mind to cause rebellion:
He inserts rebellious thoughts, the result of which is defiance against God's authority. Rebellion includes self-will, stubbornness, and disobedience.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry... 1 Samuel 15:23
Rebellion was the original sin of Satan. His five "I will" statements demonstrate this rebellion (Isaiah l4:l2-l4). The "I will" spirit is a way to recognize the operation of Satan through rebellion.
We close the door to rebellion by learning to submit to God.
6. Satan works against the mind to bring hurtful accusations:
Satan is called the "accuser of the brethren" (Revelation l2:l0). By way of demon spirits he
sends thoughts of accusation into our minds to bring about inferiority and condemnation. His thoughts bring feelings of shame, unworthiness, and embarrassment when all such are unwarranted.
We close the door to Satan's accusations by learning to refuse to listen to him.
7. Satan works against the mind to cause sexual impurity:
Regardless of the fact that Satan is sometimes involved in temptation we are still responsible for the way we direct our eyes. What we read and other things we see affect the way we think. Our momentary yielding to sin gives the enemy ground on which to provide higher degrees of temptation in the future.
"But I say unto you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:28
133
We close the door to impurity by making a covenant with our eyes to look only on pure things.
8. Satan works against the mind to cause confusion:
Satan is able to cause indecision, confusion, and frustration in the mind when his thoughts are not resisted. We must remember that God is never the author of such things.
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33
We close the door to confusion by knowing and understanding the Word of God.
9. Satan works against the mind to get us to compromise ethics and morality:
The enemy tries to imbed compromising thoughts into our minds. To compromise is "to settle conflicting principles by adjustment".
The principles of God and Satan are in opposition. Satan tries to get a person to compromise or adjust his spiritual standards. For example, he will tell us it is not necessary to be so holy or believe the Bible so literally. Also, "A little of sin should be tolerated, after all, no one is perfect."
We close the door to compromise by refusing to settle for less than what is right.
10. Satan works against the mind to bring a wrong mental focus:
The enemy constantly tries to get our focus on things of the world rather than on eternal matters:
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:l5
The cares of this life can actually cause the Word of God to be ineffective in our lives. Read the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, Mark 4, or Luke 8.
Worldly cares can make us unaware of the shortness of time and the eventual return of Jesus:
But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.
Luke 21:34
Satan will occupy our thoughts whenever possible with material rather than eternal values. Read the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21.
Paul warns us of many who "mind worldly things" (Philippians 3:18-19) and also warns...
134
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10
We close the door to a wrong outlook on life by realizing that all that is seen with natural eyes will soon pass away.
11. Satan works against the mind by dredging up old memories that need to be forgotten:
The enemy will often use memories of things that came through the eye gate to hold us in bondage. He will flash pictures in our minds which excite our bodies. In this way demon spirits get us to succumb to the flesh.
Tim LaHaye notes:
"The old truism, `You are what you read,' could be enlarged to, `You are what you see.' What the eyes feast upon forms an impression on the mind, which in turn feeds the emotions. Just as drugs or alcohol influence us physically, what we see and hear affects our thoughts and emotions."
Often these evil spirits will reveal themselves by planting foreign thoughts that do not come from our memories because we have never seen or experienced what we are thinking. Rather they are brought to us firsthand by demons. Many ungodly writings and works of art have come about by such direct satanic inspiration.
We close the door to the past by confessing our sins to God, who, because of the blood of Christ, cancels all penalties.
12. Satan works against the mind by causing it to be either inactive or overactive:
A mind that will not shut off and a mind that will not switch on are frequently the effects of demonic activity. At times demons will endeavor to force the mind into excessive thinking while at other times they try to render it incapable of normal mental activity.
We close the door to mental damage and pain by putting on the mind of Christ and by resisting the demon involved. This may require the prayerful help of others.
13. Satan works against the mind to cause it to become impatient:
Demons will often apply mental force which is much different from the gentle constraint of the Holy Spirit when God gives direction. This powerful coercion from the enemy commands us to carry out the order without question. God's admonition to "try the spirits" (1 John 4:1) is seldom beneficial at this point because the demon involved has already suggested to our minds that any
135
questioning is disobedience. Such demons usually apply additional pressure by instilling the thought that the matter must be accomplished in haste. "Don't ask questions, just hurry." If we are not aware of the enemy's devices we scurry about at the suggestion of these evil spirits until we are spiritually, mentally, and physically worn out. Satan wants to wear out the saints (Daniel 7:25).
We close the door to impatience by learning to wait on God.
14. Satan works against the mind to get us to withdraw from seeking God and from fellowshipping with His people:
The purpose of this strategy is to isolate the believer from the rest of the Body of Christ. Since believers function together in ministry as a body, withdrawal makes the believer non-functional. Examples of men of God who withdrew under mental stress are Elijah (1 Kings l9) and Jonah (Jonah 4:5-ll).
We close the door to isolationism by learning to fellowship with God's people.
Now...review what you have just studied by explaining how you would deal with each of the following attacks. The first one is completed as an example for you to follow:
1. The attack: Questioning the authority of God
What the enemy might say: "Has God really said you cannot do this?"
How you would respond:
Following the example of Jesus, I would tell the enemy to "get behind me" I would keep the commands of God's Word regardless of my questions or feelings.
2. The attack: Using the flesh in the wrong way
What the enemy might say: "If it feels good, do it!"
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
136
3. The attack: Wrong motives
What the enemy might say: "This would be a great ministry position for
you...people would really look up to you and it pays quite well."
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
4. The attack: Wrong attitudes
What the enemy might say: "The pastor thinks he is so smart. He really is a big
know-it-all."
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
5. The attack: Rebellion
What the enemy might say: "Don't listen to what the pastor says. You are just
as anointed as he is. Go ahead and do it anyhow,
even if he doesn't approve."
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
6. The attack: Accusations of Satan
What the enemy might say: "You are no good. Everyone knows you are a
failure. You might as well give up."
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
7. The attack: Sexual impurity
What the enemy might say: "You are going to be married in a few weeks
anyhow...what's the harm?"
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
137
8. The attack: Confusion
What the enemy might say: "You will never be able to understand this..."You
just can't remember anything anymore."
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
9. The attack: Compromise
What the enemy might say: "Everyone else is doing it...why not you?"
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
10. The attack: A wrong mental focus
What the enemy might say: "There is nothing really to live for...life is passing
you by. You will never be able to get ahead in life."
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
11. The attack: Old memories
What the enemy might say: "If God really loved you, he would not have let
your parents abuse you when you were a child."
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
12. The attack: An overactive or inactive mind
What the enemy might say: "You must keep wrestling with this problem. No
one else is going to solve it for you. There is no way
you can rest until this issue is resolved. Maybe if you just keep going over and over it in your mind...."
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
138
13. The attack: Impatience
What the enemy might say: "You have been waiting for God to move all these
years. Maybe you should just go ahead and do it
yourself!"
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
14. The attack: Withdrawing from God and His people
What the enemy might say: "Those people down at that church won't miss you
anyhow. They don't really care about you...they
only want your money."
How you would respond:
______________________________________________________________________________
The Results Of Satan's Fiery Darts
Depression:
Depression can be described simply as a low spirit. It is basically a problem with the human spirit, even though it may be experienced in the soul by feelings of despair and with other kinds of severe mental pain, and in the body by sensations that tend to go beyond normal fatigue.
There are various forms of depression, ranging from simple depression, which is characterized by feelings of sadness, to severe clinical depression which can totally debilitate a person. In the latter case, the depressed person may refuse to eat or communicate, he may withdraw from social contacts, and he may even experience delusions and hallucinations.
It is also important to understand that all depression is not necessarily Satanically induced. Many cases of depression have been linked to physical disorders or chemical imbalances in the body. These often have responded positively to medical treatment.
Satanic inspired depression, however, comes as a result of a spiritual attack on the mind. Here, demonic thoughts which are not properly resisted tend to bring your spirit low. This is especially true in people who are not already strong in spirit and who are not aware of how Satan works in this manner.
What things can Satan's demons use against you to bring on depression?
139
-First, loss and the fear of loss can bring on depression. Losing a loved one through death, loss of a job, self-esteem, health, friendship, or family unity--virtually any kind of loss--may cause depression. Simply being aware of our vulnerability during these times of crisis allows us to defend ourselves against mental misery; it also will help us know when to give aid to others to keep them from being overcome with this inner pain. Whenever a brother or sister in Christ suffers a significant loss, we should prayerfully recognize our responsibility to give immediate ministry.
-Second, Satan uses suppressed anger to bring on depression. Hidden anger is the source of many deep emotional problems. It is probably a greater cause of depression among Christians than among non-believers. Christians sometimes have the mistaken idea that it is a sin to be angry. Yet Scripture says:
Be angry, and do not sin...Ephesians 4:26
This indicates that if we handle anger in a proper way--not suppressing it until it forces its way out in some undesirable manner--it is an emotion that is approved of by God.
Jesus became very angry at times. On one occasion he overturned the table of the money changers because they were making God's house of prayer a den of robbers (Matthew 21:12-13).
Many of us have trouble expressing anger without sinning in the process. Properly expressed, anger should not inspire:
...hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath...Galatians 5:20
Note that Paul tells us not to "let the sun go down while you are still angry" (Ephesians 4:26). In other words, do not go to bed upset.
-Third, unfulfilled expectations often trigger depression. What person hasn't had his or her heart set on something they didn't get? What person hasn't had a dream that over the years fizzled? We have many hopes, desires, and plans we believe will make us happy. We sometimes strive after them so intently that when they fail to materialize we tend to fail in spirit right along with them.
There isn't a thing wrong with utilizing good plans and realistic dreams. These, however, should never be the source of our hope. Only Christ can fill that place in the human heart. He and He alone is to be our hope. Then we can go ahead and desire and plan with the attitude that "if it is the Lord's will, you will live and do this or that" (James 4:15). If what we desire comes to pass we can say "Praise the Lord." If it doesn't, we can still say "Praise the Lord" because we know God delights in giving good things to his children and that He will do so if we wait. (See Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 7:11; James 1:17.)
140
-Fourth, negativism can cause depression. This is an extremely dangerous attitude because it is a basis for hopelessness. Negativism destroys faith and refuses the gift of love. It enhances rebellion and promotes deception. People have been tempted to take sides and give up allegiances all because someone spoke negatively. Without grounds for their decisions, they move on emotions alone. It doesn't take long and soon such negativism reduces the spirit to heavy bouts of depression. Human nature seems to thrive on the destruction brought about by the human tongue.
One of the best gifts God gives to the redeemed is the inner caution to stay away from a negative spirit. In Christ we become encouraged to check out all sides of a given situation before making an evaluation. Never choose sides until you have all the facts. And then think twice about it.
God moves in our hearts to help us see the best in everything instead of the worst. A positive attitude allows Him to fulfill Romans 8:28 in us on a regular basis:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
-Fifth, low self-esteem often leads to self-pity which in turn leads to depression. And along the way, negativism and suppressed anger are usually picked up making the weight of depression unbearable.
The self-life has glamour and glitter but never any substance. It screams the loudest and offers the most but never pays off. It claims to be the real you but isn't even close to what God created you to be. It is one of the deepest and ugliest aspects of rebellion. It is the part of man to which Satan offers deification in order to capture his attention and then his loyalty.
The old nature of self has been crucified in a believer. Evil spirits, however, work to resurrect that old nature with all of its old ways. Satan tempts us with the belief that we deserve something better in life. But we need not give in to a selfish spirit, to let it affect or inhabit our thinking. Jesus tells us that only death to self will bring about new life:
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. John 12:24
Let's look at three more Scriptures to help overcome depression:
A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance. But by sorrow of the heart, the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13
All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15
141
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
Read about Elijah's depression in 1 Kings 19:1-14 and 18-21. For background see 1 Kings 16 and 17. Answer the following questions:
Describe the background events which led to Elijah's depression.
______________________________________________________________________________
Describe Elijah's attitude which brought on depression.
______________________________________________________________________________
How did God deal with Elijah's depression?
______________________________________________________________________________
How have your thoughts affected your attitude? How could you be more positive and deal with negative thoughts?
______________________________________________________________________________
It is not possible to describe in the short space allotted the tremendously adverse effects depression can have against our total being. Those suffering from this malady should not take it lightly, but rather research the subject through good literature and, if necessary, get professional help. There is nothing wrong with seeking Christian doctors, counselors, and pastors to help overcome the effects of depression. We fulfill the law of Christ by bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). Should you need to seek help, make sure your counsel is coming directly from the Word of God.
Discouragement:
Discouragement means to be without courage. Such is the condition when hope seems gone. It puts heavy pressure on the spirit and brings the soul into disarray.
An unknown writer describes how the devil uses discouragement to impoverish the spirit:
It was announced that the devil was going out of business and would offer all his tools for sale to whomever would pay the price. On the night of the sale they were all attractively displayed: Malice, Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Sensuality and Deceit among them. Each was marked with its own price.
142
To the side lay a harmless-looking wedge-shaped tool, much worn, and priced higher than any of them. Someone asked the devil what it was. "That's Discouragement," was the reply.
"Why do you have it priced so high?"
"Because," replied the devil, "it is more useful to me than any of the others. I can pry open and get inside of a man's consciousness with that when I could never get near him with any of the others."
Satan often uses the circumstances of life to discourage a person. He did this with King David. He and his men were away from their encampment when the Amalekites invaded and captured all the women and children. When they returned they were met with tremendous discouragement. They had no idea of the welfare of their loved ones. Not only was David himself distressed, but his men were now talking of stoning him.
David could have collapsed under the weight of discouragement, but he didn't. Instead, he began to solve his problem. First, he dealt with his spirit. Scripture says, "But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God" (1 Samuel 30:6). Next he turned to God for direction. The end of the matter was that "David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away" (1 Samuel 30:18). David's victory began when he refused to accept defeat in his spirit.
Let's look at two Scriptures to help overcome discouragement. The psalmist writes:
Be of good courage, and He shall strength your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24
Again the psalmist approaches the subject:
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God: For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
Psalm 43:5
Fear:
There are at least two kinds of fear. The first is wholesome and good. We might call it "normal" fear. It is basically a respect for something that is potentially dangerous. There is nothing wrong with having a fear of rattle snakes and angry dogs when they are threatening.
But there is another kind of fear. It is basically an inordinate dread. Ancient Greek physicians called it phobos from which we get our English word phobia. There are literally hundreds of phobias, many of which hinder us from reaching our full potential in life and especially our full potential in Jesus Christ.
143
Some common fears include: Failure, rejection, the unknown, death, God, Satan, demons, people, water, darkness, responsibility, financial loss, sickness, eternity, heights, loneliness, and authority.
The author of Proverbs says:
Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes. Proverbs 3:25
Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31
Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
Worry is a form of fear. When a Christian worries he is saying that God is not capable of taking care of that which is His.
And He said to His disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing." Luke 12:22-23
Anxiety is a form of fear:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Let's look at two more Scriptures to help overcome the spirit of fear:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid. When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Psalm 27:1-2
False guilt and condemnation:
There are at least two kinds of guilt. The first is wholesome and good and causes an awareness of danger. It comes as a result of the knowledge of sin. Such guilt when reckoned with leads to confession and repentance which leads to liberty. As long as we are sensitive to this kind of guilt it becomes a safeguard. But it is possible to neglect it and loose its benefits. Paul told Timothy that there were those...
...having their own conscience seared with a hot iron. 1 Timothy 4:2
144
Guilt becomes damaging when constant thoughts of past sins and failures bring us into spiritual bondage, even after they have been confessed to the Lord. Such prolonged remorse damages our relationship with God.
But Scripture makes it clear that through Christ we have the forgiveness of sins. Let's look at two Scriptures to help overcome guilt:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more. Hebrews 8:12
Inferiority:
Psychologists refer to an unusual sense of inadequacy or persistent attitude toward self-diminishment as an inferiority complex. Such feelings are warranted in light of man's fall. Our entrance into sin has severally crippled our makeup. This results in an intuitive sense that something is wrong, which it is. The solution is that we are to be made right in Jesus Christ:
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
A true spirit of inadequacy and unworthiness is beneficial to serving the Lord. There is a certain amount of real humility that needs to be constantly working in us. We should never see ourselves as capable of accomplishing things in and of ourselves. But in Christ we have strengths and abilities necessary for doing great things.
Let's look at three more Scriptures to help overcome inferiority:
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
...Let the weak say, "I am strong." Joel 3:10
Pride:
There are at least two kinds of pride like there are two kinds of fear and guilt. Good pride develops out of patriotism, love, loyalty, dedication, and devotion. We are proud of our children,
145
and rightly so, when they do good things. We can be proud to be Christians. And we can be proud that we live in a free country.
Evil pride involves a spirit of arrogance. It expresses an excessively high opinion of oneself. Proverbs calls it a "haughty spirit."
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 16:18-19
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Romans 12:16
Humility is the opposite of pride. But humility is not pushing oneself down. It is lifting others up. Some think they are humble by driving old cars, wearing ragged clothes, and living without much in this life. Humility is an attitude of the heart, not a circumstance we are in. False humility may say we must live in poverty or do some self abasing thing to truly be humble.
Pride eventually results in bondage:
Therefore pride serves as their necklace, violence covers them like a garment.
Psalm 73:6
Let's look at two more Scriptures to help overcome pride:
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5
Hatred:
Hatred is an intense dislike for someone. It manifests itself in repulsion, disgust, contempt, hard feelings, holding grudges, coldness, hostility, ill will, bitterness, and prejudice. It is one of the deadliest sins known to man. Jesus actually equated it to murder:
Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15
Jesus was not speaking figuratively. That hatred equals murder is a literal statement. Medical science today affirms this fact noting that many ailments come directly from wrong thinking. A great deal of what is wrong with the human body is the result of psychosomatic disorders. The
146
way a person thinks literally affects the condition of his body. Hatred, bitterness, negativism,
and animosity creates dysfunctions within the chemical and electrical systems of the human body resulting in illness. When these illnesses shorten a life span, God calls it murder.
Many diseases can be cured simply by rearranging your thinking.
The Bible says:
You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:17-18
Let's look at three more Scriptures to help overcome hatred:
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Proverbs 3:27
The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. Proverbs 11:17
Think about the results of Satan's fiery darts which you studied in this section. How can you deal with:
Depression:
______________________________________________________________________________
Discouragement:
______________________________________________________________________________
Fear:
______________________________________________________________________________
False guilt and condemnation:
______________________________________________________________________________
147
Inferiority:
______________________________________________________________________________
Pride:
______________________________________________________________________________
Hatred:
______________________________________________________________________________
Winning The Battle Of The Mind
What a huge arsenal of fiery darts Satan has targeted for the mind! But God has given spiritual strategies for overcoming the attacks of Satan on the mind. These include:
Letting the Holy Spirit search your heart:
Ask God to search your mind and reveal any wrong attitudes, motives, and thinking which has been inserted by the enemy:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalms l39:23-24
As He reveals things to you, act upon the revelation.
Using your spiritual armor:
Three pieces of spiritual armor are to defend you from attacks on the mind. The first is the helmet of salvation, which is worn on the head and implies protection of the mind. The second is the Word of God, which is the Sword of the Spirit. The third is the shield of faith, specifically designed to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy.
Claiming a sound mind as God's will for your life:
To eliminate tormenting thoughts, claim the peace that is rightfully yours:
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
148
Pray this prayer:
"Dear God, I claim the peace of God, which passes my own human understanding, to guard my heart and every thought of my mind. I claim a sound mind as your will for me. Cover me with your peace."
Letting this mind be in you:
Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5
...we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:l6
Preparing your mind for action:
Here, Peter is saying you should prepare your mind to be strong. Again, it is something you do.
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13
In the natural body, the loins are the central portion of the body below the waist. The loins are one of the strongest parts of the body.
Thinking on these things:
One way to prepare your mind for action is to think on proper subject matter. Paul said:
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
Here are positive mental qualities you should develop. How do you measure up?
[ ] A ready mind: 2 Corinthians 8:l9
[ ] A pure mind: 2 Peter 3:l
[ ] A stayed mind: Isaiah 26:3
[ ] A renewed mind: Ephesians 4:23
[ ] A humble mind: Colossians 3:l2
[ ] A sober mind: Titus 2:6
[ ] A sound mind: 2 Timothy l:7
149
[ ] A mind of love: Matthew 22:37
[ ] A serving mind: Romans 7;25
[ ] A fully persuaded mind: Romans 14:5
[ ] A fervent mind: 2 Corinthians 7:7
[ ] A willing mind: 2 Corinthians 8:12
Renewing your mind:
...be made new in the attitude of your minds. Ephesians 4:23
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans l2:2
You renew your mind by prayer and meditation on God's Word.
Encouraging yourself in the Lord:
Remember that David encouraged himself in the Lord when everything seemed to be going against him:
Then David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6
Again, you must take action. You must encourage yourself in God. Do not wait for others to do it. Do it yourself! This is God's strategy for attacks of depression and discouragement.
Recognizing the source of confusion:
Confusion is not of God:
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians l4:33
Refuse to accept the spirit of confusion in your mind.
Keeping your mind steadfast on God:
Keep your mind centered on God:
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
150
This is a great promise! If you keep your mind centered on God, you can have peace regardless of the attacks of the enemy.
Rate yourself on your use of spiritual strategies for overcoming the attacks of Satan on the mind.
I am using I am not using
this strategy this strategy
Let the Holy Spirit search your heart
Use your spiritual armor
Claim a sound mind as God's will for your life
Let this mind be in you
Gird up the loins of your mind
I am using I am not using
this strategy this strategy
Cast down negative thoughts/imaginations
Think on these things
Renew your mind
Encourage yourself in the Lord
Recognize the source of confusion
Keep your mind steadfast on God
Controlling The Gates
In Old Testament times cities were surrounded by walls for defense against enemy forces. The walls had gates where guards controlled the entrance. Whoever controlled the gates of the city controlled the city.
A similar situation exists in terms of controlling our minds. The "gates" to our innermost being are the five senses. It is vitally important that we do not allow anything to enter us that has the ability to destroy from within. The following elements can bring about demonic activity and they literally have the ability to weaken inner resistance to evil forces, eventually causing bondages:
Addictions, such as drugs and alcohol, often result in mental and physical addictions leading to depression, suicidal thoughts, violence, and other bizarre behavior.
Activities such as pornography, certain kinds of music, witchcraft, cultic activity, mind control teaching, and traumatic experiences are also entrance points.
These things are dangerous because they reduce the ability to adequately control our thought life. For more detail see section "How Demons Gain Access" in Chapter 12.
151
NOTES
1. Paul Billheimer, The Technique of Spiritual Warfare.
2. Additional information on this subject was provided in Chapter 4 under the heading "The Relationship of the Spirit to the Flesh."
152
CHAPTER 11
RESIST ENEMY PROPAGANDA
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Recognize Satan's method.
2. Resist Satan's appeals and promises.
3. Reject Satan's lies and accusations.
4. Identify other things Satan causes men to say.
Key Verses For This Study:
Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 2:11
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9
STEP ELEVEN: RESIST ENEMY PROPAGANDA
Satan is a liar and a deceiver. He is a great imitator. As we have seen as far back as the Garden of Eden, Satan's purpose was not to make Eve as ungodly as possible, but to make her as godlike as possible without God. Satan's plan has always been to imitate God. The Scripture says, "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve".
Billy Graham(1)
Which of the following do you believe to be true?
Satan's goal is to destroy the human race.
Deception is Satan's primary tool.
There is a lot of creative ability in Satan.
One of the basic tenets of many false religions is the promise of deification.
Horoscopes, tarot cards, and crystal balls are basically harmless games.
Satan plants his doctrines in a person's mind.
153
(Check your initial answers to these questions as you proceed with this strategy session.)
Satan wants mankind to hear what he has to say. He endeavors to communicate false information in such a way that it will cause humanity to self-destruct. His goal is the destruction of our race. If we are to survive his attacks we must understand his schemes and discern his ways. As good Christian soldiers, we must learn to resist enemy propaganda.
Throughout this chapter keep in mind again that whenever we refer to Satan it is really demons that are doing his work. It is all too easy to believe that Satan is omnipresent like God when, in fact, he is only in one place at one time.
Satan's Method
Deception is the enemy's primary tool. And lying is the basic way he operates that tool.
...He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. John 8:44
Counterfeiting and imitation are part of his deceptive practices. Of the five "I will" goals of Satan recorded in Isaiah chapter 14, one of them was "to be like" God. Basically everything he does is an imitation or counterfeit of something God is or has done. There is no real creative ability in him. Even his ranking of demons is a counterfeit of that found within the angelic host. He uses a system of blood sacrifice similar to that found in covenant relationship with God. He desires adoration similar to that given to God. The only original thing that can be attributed to him is rebellion.
Satan's Appeals And Promises
Deception - "You can become a god":
The enemy first appealed to Eve in Eden's garden with the promise of godhood. She could be "like" God. All she had to do was disobey Him and eat of the forbidden "tree of the knowledge of good and evil."
The king of Tyrus also fell for the lie (Ezekiel 28:1-19). He proclaimed, "I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods, in the midst of the seas." In his deception he actually allowed the enemy so much control that at one point when God spoke to him He was literally speaking to the enemy residing in him.
King Herod was likewise trapped. During one of his public speeches the people exclaimed, "The voice of a god, and not of a man" (Acts 12:22). This pleased Herod immensely. Instead of
154
giving the praise to God he allowed the people exalt him. "Then immediately, an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died." Josephus writes, "He fell into deepest sorrow...and he died after five days of illness."
Even today this doctrine of "godhood" is taught by demons. Hinduism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and many other cults promise deification to their followers.
God's Word says:
...yet for us there is only one God...1 Corinthians 8:6
We become like God only as we allow Christ-like characteristics to be developed in us.
Deception - "You can know the future":
God wants us to trust our future to Him. Satan works at destroying God's guidance by getting people to dabble in predicting the future. Ouija boards, crystal balls, tarot cards, horoscopes, and palm reading are but some of the things the enemy uses to distract men from God. And although many are tempted to believe these things are harmless, they carry the power of demon spirits within them. They are not harmless games.
Concerning the future, God's Word says:
My times are in Your hand... Psalm 31:15
Deception - "You have been here before and will be here again":
This is the doctrine of reincarnation. It is basically a sub-doctrine of "You can be a god." It is taught with the idea that the state of perfection required of a "god" takes such a long time that it may take many life times and many different life forms to accomplish. The feeling that we have been here before, maybe in another life (dejavu), may at times have its roots in satanic suggestion.
God's Word says:
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
Hebrews 9:27
Deception - "Your eternal destiny is already determined and there is nothing you can do about it":
Demons actually teach that we were born with our eternal destination already pre-determined. "Some were created for heaven, others were created for hell." The demon then whispers, "You are one of the ones created for hell."
155
God's Word says:
...[God] is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Have you fallen for any of Satan's deceptions? Check any which apply:
[ ] "You can become a god."
[ ] "You can know the future."
[ ] "You have been here before and will be here again."
[ ] "Your eternal destiny is already determined and there is nothing you can do about it."
Pray about any items you have checked.
Satan's Lies And Accusations
What Satan says:
"You've got to clean up your life before you can come to God."
What God says:
"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18
What Satan says:
"Everyone is a child of God."
What God says:
He who is not with Me is against Me.... Matthew 12:30
And to some He said:
"You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do...He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." John 8:44 & 47
What Satan says:
"God is too good to send anyone to hell."
156
What God says:
"Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord" shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21
"Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?"
Matthew 23:33
What Satan says:
"All God expects you to do is lead a good life and do the best you can."
What God says:
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." John 3:3
What Satan says:
"You have failed so many times. He won't take you back."
What God says:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
What Satan says:
"You will have to give up too much in order to be saved."
What God says:
"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold and inherit everlasting life." Matthew 19:29
What Satan says:
"It is too hard to serve God."
157
What God says:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
What Satan says:
"Jesus is not the only way to heaven."
What God says about Jesus:
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
What Satan says:
"There are too many ways to interpret the Bible."
What God says:
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21
What Satan says:
You deserve to go to heaven because you've done the best you could.
What God says:
But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousness are like filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6
...There is none who does good, no, not one. Romans 3:12
What Satan says:
"You are too weak to serve the Lord."
158
What God says:
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
2 Corinthians 12:9
...out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle... Hebrews 11:34
What Satan says:
"You need not worry about eternity just yet. You can do it later."
What God says:
...Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2
Have you believed any of these lies of Satan? Check the lies Satan has used against you:
[ ] "You've got to clean up your life before you can come to God."
[ ] "Everyone is a child of God."
[ ] "God is too good to send anyone to hell."
[ ] "All God expects you to do is lead a good life and do the best you can."
[ ] "You have failed so many times. He won't take you back."
[ ] "You will have to give up too much in order to be saved."
[ ] "It is too hard to serve God."
[ ] "Jesus is not the only way to heaven."
[ ] "There are too many ways to interpret the Bible."
[ ] "You deserve to go to heaven because you've done the best you could."
[ ] "You are too weak to serve the Lord."
[ ] "You need not worry about eternity just yet. You can do it later."
Pray about the items you checked.
Other Things Satan Causes People To Say
There are many other things Satan causes people to say. Have you ever made any of these statements?
[ ] "Christianity may be good for some but it is not for everyone."
[ ] "If God is a loving God, why does He send people to hell?"
[ ] "Churches have too many hypocrites."
[ ] "The Bible is so complicated you can't understand it, so why bother."
[ ] "You have committed the unpardonable sin. There is no hope for you."
159
[ ] "There are too many religions. How can you know who's right?"
[ ] "Jesus is not God."
[ ] "It is not necessary to think very much about eternity."
[ ] "As long as you are sincere, that is all that matters."
[ ] "I "believe" in God. (Belief is not enough...even demons "believe" in God.)"
[ ] "I believe when we die that's it."
[ ] "I'm as good as anybody."
[ ] "I'm not appreciated."
[ ] "I deserve better."
[ ] "I do not deserve to be treated this way."
[ ] "I'm going to get cancer."
[ ] "My loved ones will never be saved."
[ ] "Nobody cares about me."
[ ] "I'm not going to make it."
[ ] "Who cares?"
[ ] "Why doesn't God do something?"
[ ] "Where was God when I needed Him?"
[ ] "Why did God take that from me?"
[ ] "I'm no good."
[ ] "It's hopeless."
Pray about the items you checked.
NOTES
1. Billy Graham, Approaching Hoofbeats (Waco, TX: Word Books, 1983). p.105.
160
CHAPTER 12
SET THE CAPTIVES FREE
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Identify cities and territories taken captive by the enemy.
2. Identify individuals taken captive by the enemy.
3. Recognize demon spirits.
4. Explain how demons gain access.
5. Escape dangers of the occult.
6. Guard against transference of spirits.
Key Verses For This Study:
In humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:25-26
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1
STEP TWELVE: SET THE CAPTIVES FREE
Doubt about the existence of a malign focus of evil is to be found, by and large, only in Christian lands. It is only where the victory of Christ is so well known, only where the defeat of the devil is so celebrated, that doubts are expressed. If he exists, it must please him mightily to have his existence denied by the only people who know his inherent weakness, and are aware of the fact of Christ on Calvary that spelt his doom. Were he better known he would be more hated, more resisted, more defeated in the lives of Christians. So it suits him admirably for them to slumber in the bland assurance that he does not exist. Michael Green
Satan has a vast network of demon spirits that work diligently to espouse doctrines that keep man from finding fulfillment in his Creator. These evil spirits are formed into ranks and divisions and control geographical areas of our world, working within those areas to control specific individuals.
161
Cities And Territories Taken Captive By The Enemy
The Bible tells of a demon spirit who controlled Persia (today called Iran). In the Old Testament when Daniel set about to seek the Lord, his prayer was heard in heaven and immediately God sent an answer by way of an angel. As the angel proceeded, it was necessary that he pass through the land of Persia. As he did, the prince of Persia, a powerful demon, stopped him. The help of the archangel Michael was necessary for the angel to prevail against this demonic force and get through to Daniel where he proclaimed:
"...Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia." Daniel 10:12-13
From this passage, it appears that demonic forces rule specific geographic areas. It is possible such forces still reign over other territories of our world. This may be why evil characteristics such as murder, homosexuality, suicide, etc., are more prevalent in various cities and geographical areas.
For example, in the early history of one small California town it was recorded that there was a specific area where "opium dens" and "criminal activity" were prevalent. Now, l00 years later, that town has grown into a city. It is in the same geographic area of that city that major drug trafficking occurs.
It may be possible to identify the ruling spirit of an area by studying its history. Certain patterns of demon activity can be observed in historical record. To study the history of your area to determine the ruling spirits, do the following:
[ ] Visit the public library and review historical books which recount the history of the city.
[ ] Visit the local newspaper office and review its files.
[ ] Talk with elderly residents of the area.
[ ] Observe what spirits are now operative and see if you can trace these in the history of your
town.
Individuals Taken Captive By The Enemy
Among the demons there appear to be those who are high ranking officials, such as lieutenants and generals. Then there are those who are the troops, those who directly affect individual people.
Perhaps one of the greatest areas of misunderstanding and misinformation within the Church of Jesus Christ lies in the area of demon control. Few have taken the time or the energy to
162
adequately research this realm in order to speak knowledgeably on it; some perhaps because, when they endeavored to do so, were personally attacked themselves; some because of fear; others never really had an interest. Whatever the reason, one fact remains--there is a great deal of ignorance when it comes to this deepest of enemy workings--that which is frequently called possession.
For our study, let's begin with the word possessed and its meaning. First of all, let's consider a basic word in the Greek for this kind of demon activity. It is daimonizomai or "demonized." It means "to be vexed with or possessed with" a demon. But when the word is translated "possessed" we somehow get the idea that the person involved belongs to a demon or demons. This is not the case. The word daimonizomai would carry a much clearer meaning if it were translated "overwhelming influence" rather that "possession."
C. Fred Dickason suggests,
"Demons do not possess or own anything. God owns them. They are His creatures and He is their judge. If they inhabit a person, they have only squatters' rights. They violate God's laws of the sanctity of the person and his body."
That men can be "possessed" of demon spirits is evident from Scripture. Study the following
verses in the book of Matthew:
[ ] 4:24
[ ] 8:16
[ ] 28-34
[ ] 9:32-34
[ ] 10:1,8
[ ] 12:22; 43-45
[ ] 15:22-28
[ ] 17:14-21
Let's examine, then, the areas of influence/possession in relation to our body, soul, and spirit. If the spirit of man is seen as his inner "holy of holies" (the residence of the real person housed in a body of flesh and bones and given a soul for the purpose of relating both to a material world on the one side and a spiritual world on the other), then within that inner sanctuary it would be impossible for God and demons to dwell together. If demons are found dwelling in this realm, they are intent on bringing the person involved to total ruin. If God is allowed to dwell there, He is intent on establishing wholeness and completeness. These are two vastly different goals from two opposing realms.
When demons enter a person's spirit they begin to "possess" him. That is, their strong influence now controls that person. If Christ lives there, demon possession, or what amounts to almost total control of the individual involved, isn't possible. But, unfortunately, some influence still is! Demons find occasion to work against Christians through the realm of their souls--mostly by
163
mind and emotions causing wrong actions. And they are capable of doing so even if Christ has entered, or put another way, is influencing the spirit of the person. That is why we must resist the enemy.
Since the Spirit of Christ never operates by force, we become responsible for what takes place in the realm of the soul. It is here that we must choose to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is here we must choose to actively enter warfare against the devil. It is here we must choose to deny sin and be obedient to God's Word. In doing these things we combat the work of the enemy against our souls.
Many Christians are in need of deliverance from the influence of demons (remember we are not calling this "possession" in the classical case, but rather strong, sometimes almost overwhelming, influence). In certain cases, the influence is so strong that some believers appear to be possessed. They have allowed the enemy to work in their souls. Although Christ still lives in their spirits, demons working through their souls do to them many of the things they do to unbelievers.
This is why it is so important to "resist" the enemy. When he is found to be working in our minds, we need not worry about the semantics of possession, oppression, influence, etc., we need simply to resist him. When he is found to be moving our emotions in order to make us psychological wrecks, we need to do the same--resist him. When we are tempted to allow hostility, resentment, or animosity to govern, again the key is resistance. In severe cases some Christians may find it necessary for other believers to help them bind and break the powers of the enemy through intercessory prayer. Both resisting and binding become ways in which to overcome.
Recognizing Demon Spirits
How can we recognize the presence of demons? The following list represents certain kinds of manifestations of those who are demonized. It is important to note, however, that the presence of these kinds of behaviors do not always mean a demon is at work.
-Violent, uncontrolled behavior usually accompanied by incredible physical strength.
-Heavy and excessive amounts of blasphemy.
-Immediate and abrupt behavior change when the name of Jesus is mentioned.
-Inability to say the name of Jesus (while the demon may say the name of Jesus, it usually tries to prevent the person involved from doing so).
-Inability to control the desire for pornography, adultery, fornication, masturbation, homosexuality and other addictions.
-Strong compulsions toward suicide, murder, stealing, lying and other forms of known sin.
164
-A driving force toward hatred, jealousy, backbiting, envy, pride, bitterness, negativism, and criticism.
-Abnormal attitudes: Bitterness, criticism, negativism, contempt for authority, rejection, unforgiveness, etc.
-Sickness that does not yield to treatment.
Recognition of demonic presence may come through:
1. The gift of discernment imparted by the Holy Spirit.
2. The witness of the Holy Spirit (often confirmed in other Christians).
3. A sensation - smell, taste, feeling.
When "Christians" manifest the presence of demons, some are shocked at what they see, but often fail to do anything about it because of a theology that refuses to believe what is right before their eyes.
Consider Matthew 12:22-28 and 43-45 where Jesus discusses the reality of spirits both inhabiting and affecting people. In view of these and other Scriptures it is impossible for us, as conscientious, thinking Christians, to say we believe in the Bible and yet deny the reality of demons and their work.
How Demons Gain Access
The following is a partial list of pathways and entry points the enemy uses to subdue people. Place a check mark by any in which you have previously been or are presently involved:
[ ] Mind-altering substances such as drugs and alcohol. These substances reduce our ability to resist demons and therefore grant them increasing influence and access.
[ ] Mind-control teaching. Teachings, especially the kinds that encourage passivity (blanking out the mind) and unquestioned devotion to an individual, provide entrance points for demon activity.
[ ] Participation in the occult (see next section). This allows the enemy major degrees of control. Ouija Boards, tarot cards, crystal balls, palm reading, and horoscopes provide open doors for enemy activity.
[ ] Environment. Influence can be gained when we visit places where demon activity is abundant (i.e., rock concerts, bars, certain kinds of parties, and any other
place where sinful activity is "practiced").
165
[ ] Family influence. Certain kinds of demons appear to affect some families for generations (see next section).
[ ] Fear. This emotion seems to be an open door for demons in some people. A traumatic situation is sometimes an entrance point as well.
[ ] Sinful habits. To practice sin, especially known sin, grants enemy influence.
[ ] Defiance and rebellion. Demon activity is often abundant wherever these attitudes exist.
[ ] Emotional violation. Severe hatred, intimidation, rejection, etc.
[ ] Physical violation. Rape, incest, molestation, violence, sexual abuse, etc.
If you checked any of the items above, you may become disturbed by wondering if you might have a demon affecting your actions. Many who think they do, for the most part probably do not. Others who are unaware of the existence of demons are actually plagued by them. The first step in either case is not to be afraid. Next, begin to examine any behavior that is inappropriate or out of character and deal with that manifestation.
By turning to Jesus and resisting the enemy, many if not all problems will cease. If this is not effective, certain people within the body of Christ have been given special abilities to break the chains of the enemy over demonized individuals. Seek them out and ask for their intervention on your behalf.
(A note of caution: There are some who because of their experiences in the demonic realm assume a self-styled deliverance ministry without really being called of God. This is both dangerous for this person and the people to whom he is endeavoring to minister. A little bit of knowledge can do a lot of damage. Only those directed of the Lord to do so should attempt to practice deliverance.)
Review again the access points for demonic activity. Pray specifically about those which you checked, binding the powers of Satan and repenting where necessary.
Dangers Of The Occult
There are numerous types of occult practices which may fit under the general categories of divination, spiritualism, or witchcraft:
Hydromancy: Water divining.
Prognostication: Predicting or foretelling the future by means of signs and omens.
166
Belomany: Shooting arrows - form of prognostication.
Astrology: Consulting stars, horoscopes.
Heptascopy: Examining the liver of dead animals.
Chromotherapy: Color therapy - currently practiced in New Zealand, et al.
Necromancy: Consulting spirits of the dead.
Seances: Anything depending on a spirit-guided medium.
Any activities to get "supernatural knowledge" where you and the God of the Bible are not in control: These include fortune-telling, palm reading, crystal-ball gazing, automatic writing or speaking, casting spells, curses, "psychic blasts", levitation of objects, telepathy, ESP, ouija-board, crystals, tarot cards, patterning bones, et al.
The practice of curanderos: Such as psychic surgery, demonic inspired "cures" through folk medicine and superstition, magic, sorcery, ad infinitum.
Transference Of Spirits
One of the most powerful and influential strategies used by the enemy is called transference of spirits. Recognition of this strategy will answer many questions concerning the negative, changes sometimes seen in people. The term "transference of spirit" refers to assuming the character, mannerisms, attitudes, and motives of another. To "transfer" means to convey from one person to another." The actions of each person exhibit a certain "spirit." For example, a person can demonstrate a gentle spirit, a boisterous spirit, or a rebellious spirit by his actions. A person's spirit can be influenced by the spiritual forces of good or evil and he can transfer his spirit to others on a personal or group basis.
The importance of the spirit:
Before we study Biblical examples of transference of spirits, it is necessary to understand our own spirit and why it is an important target of Satan's attack.
God created our spirit:
...Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: Zechariah l2:l
167
It is the spirit that gives life:
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:26
At death, the spirit returns to God:
Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward...Ecclesiastes 3:2l
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes l2:7
God is Lord of our spirit:
Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation. Numbers 27:l6
God weighs or judges our spirit:
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes. But the Lord weighs the spirits. Proverbs l6:2
God desires to put His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) within us so we will be able to live for Him:
I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Ezekiel 36:27
God wants to preserve our spirit in holiness until the return of Jesus Christ:
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
God speaks to us in our spirit:
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Romans 8:l6
The human spirit is the innermost part of man:
The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. Proverbs 20:27
168
God acknowledges a person with a humble spirit:
...But on this one will I look; On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word. Isaiah 66:2
God lives with a person who has a humble spirit:
For thus says the High and Lofty One, Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Isaiah 57:l5
The tongue is a powerful force and can endanger the spirit of other people:
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Proverbs l5:4
Is transference of spirits scriptural?
The powerful anointing of God upon Moses was transferred from him to other elders:
So the Lord said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers, over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting that they may stand there with you. Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them..." Numbers 11:l6-l7
Transference of an evil spirit:
There is a story of twelve men sent by Moses to spy out the land God promised to Israel. Read the account in Numbers l3:l7-l4:39. Ten of these spies returned with a negative report. They told of great walled cities and a powerful enemy within the land. They transferred a spirit of fear and unbelief to the rest of God's people:
But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we...There we saw the giants...and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight." Numbers l3:3l,33
This report caused Israel to fail to obey the command of God. Subsequently, many did not see the promised land. But two of the twelve spies had a different spirit:
And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel saying, "The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us
169
into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey." Numbers l4:6-8
But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring him into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it. Numbers l4:24
Two different spirits were seeking to control the people. One was the spirit of unbelief, the other the spirit of belief:
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it." Numbers l3:30.
Look how the negative spirit of the ten spies affected the people:
Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, "If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?" So they said to one another, "Let us select a leader and return to Egypt." Numbers l4:l-4
There were also spirits of despair, murmuring, and rebellion transferred by the ten spies to God's people. God's people were not kept out of the Promised Land because of an inferior army. They were kept out because of a wrong spirit.
Why were the people affected by the evil spirit instead of the good? Our sin nature tends to immediately accept and believe an evil report. There is also a tendency in us to "follow the crowd." Also, if Israel had accepted the positive report, it would have meant putting their lives on the line. They would have had to expose themselves to great danger. Our human nature always wants to take the easy way out.
Transference of spirits accounts for many of the spiritual battles fought by believers today. It explains some behavior changes, especially those where people go abruptly from positive to very negative attitudes. It resolves the questions as to why two children, raised in the same home and who receive the same training, can turn out so differently. It is often the reason behind divisions in homes, friendships, and church fellowships. When we maintain close association with or come under the influence of a person with a spirit more powerful than ours, we are open to the transference of that person's spirit to ours.
170
Preventing transference of an evil spirit:
God has given spiritual counterstrategies to prevent the transference of an evil spirit:
1. Control your own spirit:
...Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.
Malachi 2:16
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls. Proverbs 25:28
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32
2. Guard your ears:
The ear is the primary entry point for evil spirits that produce slander, backbiting, gossip, dissension, disunity, and division:
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. Proverbs 20:19
3. Guard your tongue:
The tongue can be used to create a breach in the spirit and provide access for the enemy. Watch what you say!
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking. But he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19
4. Guard your eyes:
Pornographic material and violent movies can transfer spirits of adultery, lust, and violence.
5. Guard your affections:
Do not give your respect and love carelessly to just anyone. Open yourself up emotionally only to those who are trustworthy:
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23
171
6. Carefully select your associates:
The book of Proverbs warns repeatedly of the danger of associating with those who have wrong spirits. We are warned:
Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways and set a snare of your soul. Proverbs 22:24-25
Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on. Proverbs 4:14-15
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. Proverbs 14:7
Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life... Proverbs 29:24
If we walk with wise men their spirits will be transferred to us:
He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20
Choose your close associates carefully. If you are a parent, carefully monitor the associates of your children.
7. Watch carefully such things as the laying on of hands. Without considering the Scriptures some churches allow everybody in the congregation to lay hands on everybody else. This can be extremely dangerous. We must be assured of the spirit of the individuals who lay hands on others. Getting to know them over a period of time allows us to discern better their spirit.
Notice that in Timothy's case it was the elders who laid hands on him:
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 1 Timothy 4:14
Paul also wrote to Timothy telling him not to be in a hurry to lay hands on others:
Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins: Keep yourself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22
Do you feel you have been affected by the transference of an evil spirit? Who do you believe influenced your spirit? What were the results of this negative influence?
______________________________________________________________________________
172
If you have been affected by the transference of an evil spirit and to defend against being affected by such, write out a plan to follow the strategies discussed in this chapter:
Control your own spirit:
______________________________________________________________________________
Guard your ears:
______________________________________________________________________________
Guard your tongue:
______________________________________________________________________________
Guard your eyes:
______________________________________________________________________________
Guard your affections:
______________________________________________________________________________
Carefully select your associates:
______________________________________________________________________________
Watch carefully such things as the laying on of hands:
______________________________________________________________________________
173
CHAPTER 13
RESCUE THE WOUNDED
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Identify the source of suffering.
2. List the reasons for suffering.
3. Develop proper attitudes toward suffering.
4. Explain the positive benefits of suffering.
5. Distinguish between the two types of storms of life.
6. Realize that Christian soldiers sometimes suffer.
7. Rescue the wounded soldier.
Key Verses For This Study:
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:19
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3
STEP THIRTEEN: RESCUE THE WOUNDED
Tremendous victory is only possible in the face of a tremendous battle. As we consider affliction, our desire should be to help each other find victory in hidden places and "overcome him by the blood of the Lamb" in very practical moment-by-moment happenings in our day-to-day lives. Edith Schaeffer
In natural wars there are losses. Soldiers get wounded. Some recover from their injuries to return to the battlefield. Others become permanent casualties.
The same is true in spiritual warfare. Christian soldiers are not immune to the attacks of Satan, nor are they exempt from the effects of suffering.
Many of us do not like to talk about pain, and we do not hear a great deal of preaching on the subject. We prefer to hear messages on victory and prosperity. Perhaps we avoid the subject of suffering because there are things about it that are hard to understand and difficult to explain.
174
But the Bible is not just a book of promises concerning the abundant life. It is a record of suffering, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.
When Jesus was here on earth and spoke of the suffering He was to face on the cross, many of His followers deserted Him (John 6:55-66). They had expected the Messiah to immediately reign in power and glory. Instead, He spoke of trouble and sorrow. Void of understanding, they turned away.
If you do not understand suffering, you too may turn from following Jesus when you face difficult circumstances. You will become a casualty of the war instead of a conqueror.
The Source Of Suffering
Suffering, sorrow, and pain entered the world because of sin, but God did not create sin. Man created it with the free will God gave him. Sometimes we are tempted to blame Satan for our sin, but God's Word nowhere holds him responsible for our wrongdoing. He created his own sin, tempted us, and we did likewise.
The Reasons For Suffering
The Bible has much to say concerning suffering and sorrow. In summarizing its teaching, we discover a number of ways that pain can come to the life of a believer:
Suffering and sorrow may come through other people:
Joseph is an example of this type of suffering. Through no fault of his own, he was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers and was later imprisoned falsely because of Potiphar's wife. The actions of other people around him brought adversity into his life.
Sometimes suffering comes to the Christian soldier by what the Bible calls an "evil report" or gossip. Much hurt comes because of what we say about others, and what they say about us. The tongue is a powerful weapon, and can create many casualties in war by the words it speaks.
Suffering and sorrow comes through the circumstances of life:
This is illustrated by the story of Naomi recorded in the book of Ruth. She was overwhelmed with sorrow and grief at the death of her husband and sons. When Naomi experienced these difficult circumstances of life, she said, "No longer call me Naomi (which means blessed), but call me Mara." The name Mara means "bitter."
Until Jesus returns, death will continue to be a part of life. Death entered through the original sin of man and is a natural circumstance which all must face. "...As it is appointed for men to die once..." (Hebrews 9:27).
175
Suffering and sorrow comes because of your faith in Jesus:
The New Testament speaks of suffering for His name's sake (Acts 9:16); in behalf of Christ (Philippians 1:29); for the kingdom of God (2 Thessalonians 1:5); for the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:11-12); for well-doing (1 Peter 2:19-20; 3:17); for righteousness sake (1 Peter 3:14); as a Christian (1 Peter 4:15-16); and according to the will of God (1 Peter 4:19).
The Apostle Paul is an example of suffering resulting from ministry. Some people view all suffering as a sign of failure or of a lack of faith. If this is true, then Paul had no faith and was the greatest failure in the history of the church.
Paul said that while in Asia he was so utterly crushed that he despaired of life itself (2 Corinthians 1:8). He presents a different image than that of the cheerful evangelist who promises believers nothing but peace and prosperity.
When Paul was first called of God to ministry he was told of "great things" he would suffer for the sake of the Lord. (Acts 9:16 King James Version). His response to suffering was to endure "the loss of all things to win some [people] for Christ." He wrote the believers:
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Philippians 1:29
Paul was not alone in suffering for the ministry. The whole church suffered in early New Testament times. Acts 8 and Hebrews 11 also record the stories some of the cruel persecutions they endured.
It is true that many men and women of faith throughout history have been delivered by the power of God. Prison doors were opened and they walked out. They were sentenced to death in fiery furnaces but emerged unaffected by the flames.
But some of them, who are also called men and women "of faith", did not receive such deliverances. They were imprisoned, afflicted, tormented, and even martyred because of their testimony for the Gospel (Hebrews 11:36-40).
We may focus primarily on living faith but God also reveals His power in dying faith. This is a faith that stands true in the bad times, not just in good times when mighty deliverances are manifested.
Suffering and sorrow comes as a result of Satanic activity:
This is evident in the story of Job. This book wrestles with the question, "Why do the righteous suffer?"
176
God's testimony of Job was that he was a righteous man (Job 1-2). Job did not suffer because he had sinned, as his friends claimed. On the contrary, he suffered because of his great love for God.
Job's friends tried to make a universal application based on individual experience. It would be similar to saying that because God delivered Peter from prison He will do the same for you. This is not true. Many have been martyred in prison despite their great faith and sinless lives.
We must be careful when we view the suffering of others that we do not accuse them of sin, faithlessness, or unbelief. The Bible does teach that a sinful person reaps a bitter harvest because of sowing in fleshly corruption (Galatians 6:8). But sowing and reaping cannot be used to explain the suffering of the innocent.
Job did not suffer because of anything he had done. He was a righteous man. This was God's testimony of him, his testimony of himself, and his reputation before man. Behind the scenes, in the spiritual world, there was a battle going on over the dedication of Job to God. Sometimes God permits stressful situations in order to toughen us spiritually. Spiritual muscles, like natural ones, only develop by being exercised.
An important truth evident in Job's suffering is that nothing can enter the life of a believer without the knowledge of God. God does not cause our suffering and although some of it is inflicted by Satan, God sets limits on what we face. God's power is greater than that of Satan, and we will experience victory if we continue to trust the Lord when the enemy attacks.
Sometimes suffering and sorrow comes as a result of our own sin:
A good deal of human pain comes from the law of sowing and reaping. Jonah is an example of such suffering. In disobedience to the known will of God, he headed the opposite direction from Ninevah where he had been commanded to go and preach repentance. Because of his sin he experienced a terrible storm at sea and ended up in the belly of a great fish (Jonah 1-2).
Trouble should always be treated as a call to consider our ways and examine our hearts before God. We may be suffering because of our own sin. If that is the case, we need to humble ourselves before God and repent.
Sometimes suffering and sorrow comes as a result of God's chastening:
The Bible reveals that God chastises those who are living in disobedience to His Word. "Chastise" means "to discipline, reprove, and correct":
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
177
God uses suffering to correct us and bring us back to His will for our lives:
Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Lamentations 3:32-33
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word...It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes...I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
Psalms 119:67,71,75
Are you currently experiencing suffering?__________If so, how are you suffering?
______________________________________________________________________________
Review the reasons for suffering discussed in this section. Which reasons might be behind your current suffering. Check those which apply:
[ ] Others around you
[ ] Circumstances of life
[ ] Your faith
[ ] Direct Satanic activity
[ ] Reaping the results of your own sin
[ ] Chastening of the Lord
If your suffering is caused through your own sin, the biblical remedy for this is found in I John 1:8-9. You must recognize that you have sinned, confess that sin to God, and ask His forgiveness. If your suffering is caused by any of the other reasons, what might be the purposes God has for allowing this?
______________________________________________________________________________
Proper Attitudes Toward Suffering
As we look at the different reasons for suffering and sorrow we discover that trouble is not necessarily a sign of being out of God's will. The Bible declares that "many are the afflictions of the righteous" (Psalms 34:19).
Whatever the source of our suffering, the most important thing is that, regardless of them, we labor to develop positive attitudes towards people and God. That may be difficult, but it is vitally necessary.
178
The real test of our spirituality is how we respond in the day of distress:
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Proverbs 24:10
Be careful not to make too much out of some of the minor difficulties of life. God's Word cautions against lamenting over small things.
If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the flooding of the Jordan? Jeremiah 12:5
The Bible describes the attitude we should have when we suffer as a believer within the will of God:
We should not be ashamed:
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:16
We should commit our souls (your suffering) to God, knowing He works all things for our good:
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:19
We should rejoice when we suffer according to the will of God:
So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5:41
Paul says we should be:
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
Romans 12:12
...being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure it. 1 Corinthians 4:12
But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God; in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses. 2 Corinthians 6:4
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:8
179
That no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 1 Thessalonians 3:3
But you, be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5
We should not think it strange when we experience suffering:
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13
Paul summarizes the proper attitude toward suffering in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9:
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Suffering was a part of what the early church endured. Note some of the other words of Paul:
...But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings... 2 Corinthians 6:4-5
...as unknown, and yet well-known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6:9-10
For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.
2 Corinthians 7:5
Analyze your response to suffering in relation to the positive attitudes which should be maintained.
180
When I suffer... Yes No
I maintain a positive attitude towards God
I maintain a positive attitude towards other people
I lament over small things
I am ashamed to suffer because others may think I am weak
I commit my suffering to God, knowing He works all things for my good
I think it is strange that I should have to suffer
I easily lose heart when I suffer
Pray about those areas where you need an attitude adjustment.
Positive Benefits Of Suffering
Our faith is tested and made stronger:
Everything we understand about the spiritual world is based on faith (not blind acceptance, but spiritual evidence). True faith, however, only comes through God's word. But for it to be strong it must be tested:
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
It is a trial of faith when we pray for our difficulties to pass, and yet they do not and instead, we are forced to drink deeply of suffering.
Eventually we discover that our prayers are not unanswered just because they were not answered the way we wanted them to be.
We are equipped to comfort others:
Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
181
Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12-13
We learn not to trust in ourselves:
Paul spoke of the purpose of his sufferings:
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia; that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9
Paul came to recognize that....
...we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
We develop positive spiritual qualities:
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
1 Peter 5:10
These qualities conform us to the image of Jesus, which is God's ultimate plan. (Romans 8:28-29; Hebrews 2:10,18.)
The works of God are manifested:
When the disciples saw a man who was blind from birth, they asked Jesus who was responsible for his condition. Was it the sin of his parents or of the man himself?
Jesus answered:
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him." John 9:3
182
The power of God is perfected:
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
That which is unstable is removed:
Suffering results in all that is unstable being shaken out of our lives. We cease to depend so much on people, programs, or material things as these all fail in the time of need.
God permits...
...the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Hebrews 12:27
During the storms of life, everything crumbles that is not built upon God and His Word.
Our focus is changed:
When we experience suffering we often focus our attention on cause and effect. We are concerned with what caused the difficult circumstances and the terrible effect it is having in our lives. We often ask, "Why did this happen to me?" Although, at times, it is necessary to know why we are suffering so that we can do something about it, often we are occupied with self pity and insult arising from a mind that says, "Pain had no right to touch me."(5)
God wants to change our focus from our own self-centered needs, pains, problems, and desires to an understanding of and a commitment to the eternal:
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things we are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13
If we endure, we shall also reign with Him... 2 Timothy 2:12
The old self-nature is changed:
God said of the nation of Moab:
183
Moab has been at ease from his youth; he has settled on his dregs and has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, nor has he gone into captivity. Therefore his taste remained in him and his scent has not changed. Jeremiah 48:11
Because Moab was at ease and settled in prosperity, the nation did not develop and mature in a proper spiritual manner. Therefore there was no change.
Suffering rids us of the old self-nature. As we are stirred by the troubles of life our lives are changed from carnal to spiritual.
We are prepared for ministry:
We have asked God to use us. We desire to be more like Jesus and have prayed to be chosen vessels for His use. Sometimes God answers our prayers through suffering:
Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10
It is through affliction that we move beyond the calling as a "child of God" to become "chosen of God." Affliction, according to the will of God, refines us for His use just as metals are refined and purified in a furnace.
God actually prepares us through suffering to wage warfare against the enemy!
We are prepared to reign with Christ:
If we endure, we shall also reign with him... 2 Timothy 2:12
We receive spiritual blessings:
Jesus said:
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12
We learn obedience:
Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. Hebrews 5:8
184
The Word of God is tested within us:
The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Psalms 12:6
We are humbled:
Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the rock of flint; who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end. Deuteronomy 8:15-16
We are increased spiritually:
This means we "grow" spiritually:
Thou has enlarged me when I was under pressure. Psalms 4:1 RSV
We come to know God intimately:
God often comes very close to those who have suffered. Job learned this truth and said...
"I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:5-6
Some of us know God on a second hand basis. When we are experiencing the blessings of life, God is often a luxury instead of a necessity. But when we have a real pain, He is suddenly needed.
Job came to know the Lord more intimately through his trials. Before he suffered, much of what he knew of God was theological. Afterwards, he knew Him personally.
Paul's trials caused him to want to know Christ all the more:
That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Philippians 3:10
We can only come to know God in resurrection power through the intimate fellowship of suffering.
In his pain, Job questioned God as to the cause of his trouble. It is not wrong to ask God questions when we want to know reasons for why things happen. It is wrong, however, to question His right to allow adversity into our lives.
185
Even Jesus asked questions of the Father. He knew He had come into the world to die for the sins of all mankind. Yet in His hour of suffering He cried, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"
It is what follows the questioning that is important. Jesus' next words were, "Into thy hands I commit my spirit."
Despite the questions, Job's response was...
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him...Job 13:15
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.
Job 19:25-26
After all the questioning is finished, the emphasis must change from "me" to "Thee." You must commit your suffering, with all its unanswered questions, into the hands of God.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
God may reveal some of the purposes in your suffering, but by no means all of them:
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter... Proverbs 25:2
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29
There are some things we will never understand in this life:
Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way? Proverbs 20:24 The Living Bible
When God finally talked with Job, He asked him to explain some of the natural things occurring around him. Job was unable to do so. God then stressed that if Job could not understand what he saw in the natural world, he certainly could not understand that which he could not see in the spiritual world.
When Job faced God, it no longer mattered that he did not get an answer to his questions about suffering. He was in the presence of God, and that was all that mattered. He was no longer controlled and tormented by human reasoning. Questions were replaced, not with answers, but with God.
186
When we come to know God intimately through suffering, we see ourselves as we really are. That face-to-face encounter with God does what arguments and discussions cannot do.
Analyze suffering you have experienced or you are presently experiencing. What positive benefits might result from your suffering?
[ ] Faith tested and made stronger
[ ] Equipped to comfort others
[ ] Learning not to trust in ourselves
[ ] Developing positive spiritual qualities
[ ] The works of God manifested
[ ] The power of God perfected
[ ] Removing that which is unstable
[ ] Changing my focus
[ ] Changing my old self-nature
[ ] Preparing me for ministry
[ ] Preparing me to reign with Christ
[ ] Receiving spiritual blessings
[ ] Learning obedience
[ ] Testing the Word of God within me
[ ] Being humbled
[ ] Increasing spiritually
[ ] Coming to know God intimately
The Storms Of Life
Suffering is sometimes compared to a natural storm. When we suffer we experience an inner disturbance. This "storm" may affect us spiritually, mentally, physically, or emotionally.
As Jesus and His disciples were crossing a lake to the region of the Gerasenes, a violent storm arose and nearly swamped the boat. At the time Jesus was fast asleep in the back on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
Immediately Jesus took authority over the tempest. He commanded its violence to stop. "Quiet, be still," He said. Calm returned to the sea and they continued their journey unhindered.
There are many kinds of storms in life. A storm of Satan is a situation in which the enemy tries to hinder us from fulfilling the will of God. It is not suffering resulting from disobedience. Neither is it suffering "according to the will of God." When we face this type of storm, we must exercise authority over the enemy. Jesus has given us power over every power of Satan.
187
Two other stories of natural storms recorded in the Bible illustrate suffering by chastisement for sin and suffering according to the will of God. Read the story of Jonah's storm in Jonah chapter 1. Then read the story of Paul and the storm in Acts 27. Afterwards, study the following comparisons:
Jonah Paul
Jonah put Paul was in the
himself in the storm through no
storm....He paid the fare. fault of his own...
He tried to prevent
them from sailing.
Jonah was the Paul was the
cause of the remedy to
storm. the storm.
Jonah slept Paul fasted
during the and prayed
storm. in the storm.
God's blessing God's blessing
was not with Jonah. was with Paul.
The crew was The crew was
fearful. of good cheer.
To be saved: To be saved:
Jonah must be All must abide in
cast out of the ship. the ship.
There are differences between going through a storm of life within God's will and experiencing a storm out of His will.
When we go through a storm out of the will of God, it is a situation which we have created through sin. For example, a believer who marries an unsaved person will experience trouble because they have violated a scriptural principle.
We are the causes of the storms that result from disobedience. We have violated God's will and His commands. Often we are not even aware of the seriousness of our situation. We sleep spiritually while a storm rages around us.
188
When we recognize a "storm" resulting from disobeying God's voice, there is only one remedy. Ask Him for forgiveness!
But when we suffer according to the will of God, the situation is different. The suffering comes through no fault or sin of our own. In such circumstances we must simply weather the storm. We must not bail out of the ship or run from trouble. We must abide in this "ship" of suffering for it is the will of God. Eventually, He will bring us safely to a calm harbor.
The Suffering Soldier
Many "storms" of life are inevitable and often uncontrollable. Read the parable of the two houses in Matthew 7:24-27. Storms will come to those who have built their lives upon God's Word as well as those who have not. The foundation of a man's life is what will determine the outcome of the storm.
When you suffer according to the will of God, you are not alone. Many others in God's army are experiencing similar situations:
...the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:9
Suffering is to be expected (but not sought) as part of the will of God. And much of our suffering will come as a result of persecution:
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Philippians 1:29
...that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. 2 Thessalonians 1:5
For in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. I Thessalonians 3:4
Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. Matthew 24:9
...they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. Luke 21:12
189
Remember, the word that I said to you, `A servant is not greater than his master'. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you...John 15:20
Part of the follow up plan in establishing early churches was to teach believers that they would experience suffering. This is missing in many churches today:
Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."
Acts 14:22
The call of Jesus to followers is one of denial and suffering:
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. Matthew 10:38
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matthew 16:24
...Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Mark 8:34
Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:27
You must never make yourself suffer believing it would be pleasing to God. God is never pleased when people suffer. He allows it only for the good it can bring. To purposefully make ourselves to suffer (an act called asceticism) is a grievous sin. Many people do this with the desire to appease God's anger. But God's anger is only appeased through the shed blood of His Son Jesus. We make peace with God by accepting Jesus fully into our lives. Others make themselves suffer in order to appear pious and religious before men. Again, such a practice is sin.
Spiritual warfare does not immediately result in great victories and celebrations of praise. As a soldier in God's army, we are called to endure hardship:
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3
190
Rescuing The Wounded
In natural warfare, soldiers help one another in the battle. When one soldier is under attack, others come to help him. They can fire their weapons at the enemy to provide cover for him so he can run to safety. Do you know of a wounded warrior, a casualty of war for whom you can provide such spiritual cover? Can you help someone in their battle with the enemy by praying for them and encouraging them? Identify the person and write out a plan:
______________________________________________________________________________
191
CHAPTER 14
DELIVER THE DEMONIZED
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Cite biblical examples of the reality of demons.
2. Know who is to deal with demonic forces.
3. Detect the presence of demons.
4. Use the methods of Jesus.
5. Summarize guidelines for dealing with demons.
6. Prepare yourself to deliver the demonized.
7. Prepare others to deliver the demonized.
8. Determine the place for ministry to the demonized.
9. Minister deliverance.
10. Recognize signs of deliverance.
11. Provide follow up care.
Key Verses For This Study:
And Jesus asked him, saying, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. Luke 8:30-31
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons...Mark 16:17
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Matthew 10:1
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons... Matthew 10:8
And He called the twelve to Him, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. Mark 6:7
STEP FOURTEEN: DELIVER THE DEMONIZED
Satan cannot stand an exposition of the blood of Christ. He turns pale at every view of Calvary. The flowing wounds are the signal of his retreat. A heart besprinkled with the blood is holy ground, on which he not only dares not tread, but he dreads and trembles and cowers in the presence of the blood-besprinkled warrior. A clear-ringing word of testimony to the power of that blood he fears
192
more than the attack of a legion of archangels. It is like the charge of an irresistible phalanx which bears everything down before it. It is the blood applied, and the testimony to its application, the martyr witness in life and by tongue of the power of that blood is more a barrier to Satan than a wall of fire.
E.M. Bounds(1)
If we are to wage effective warfare, we must learn how to deal with demonic powers that affect the lives of people. This chapter presents guidelines for ministering to those troubled by demons.
Biblical Examples Of The Reality Of Demons
Perhaps the most noted story of demon possession in the Bible is the account of the demon possessed man of the region of Gerasenes. Jesus had gone to the area by boat and as He stepped ashore was met by a naked man who had been living in the tombs. When he saw Jesus he cried out, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!".
And Jesus asked him, saying, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. And they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. Luke 8:30-33
Other accounts of people affected by demons are found in Matthew 9:32-33, 12:22; Mark 9:14-29.
Perhaps the greatest argument against the reality of demon spirits comes from those in Christian nations, sometimes Christian leaders. The lack of demonic manifestations in these lands in contrast to the overwhelming evidence of them in many pagan lands has led some people to question their existence in spite of the biblical record. In the 1940's Dr. Rudolf Bultmamn, a noted New Testament scholar scoffed at the idea of angels and demons. Such non-biblical views have spawned fierce debates. Their reality today, however, is observed not only from Bible accounts but from actual cases where they have been evidenced in controlling people.(2)
Who Is To Deal With Demonic Forces?
Dealing with demon powers is not something to be left to professional ministers. Jesus said all believers would have the ability to overcome demonic powers:
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons...Mark 16:17
193
Jesus has given His followers the ability to deal with the demon realm. He first delegated such power to the disciples:
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Matthew 10:1
And He called the twelve to Him, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. Mark 6:7
There is no biblical basis for believing God intended this important ministry to be restricted to a particular group of people. A layman named Philip was used by God to cast out evil spirits in Samaria (Acts 8). But this does not mean we should rush into encounters with the enemy without proper preparation, as the sons of Sceva did (Acts 19). (3) Only under the guidance of the Holy Spirit should we seek to fulfill this kind of ministry.
It is also important that we do not become overly demon conscious. We are not called to major in demons. There is no spiritual gift called "casting out demons." Our highest calling is to exalt Jesus.
But we are not to fear demon spirits. When confronted with people who are oppressed or possessed, we have the power from God to bring deliverance.
What has been your attitude in the past towards dealing with demon forces?
[ ] Ignored them
[ ] Feared them
[ ] Recognized them, but did nothing about it
[ ] Recognized the forces and dealt with them in spiritual battle
How might your response differ in the future when you come in contact with demon forces?
______________________________________________________________________________
Detecting The Presence Of Demons
To overcome demon spirits it is important to be able to recognize their presence and tactics. The Holy Spirit has provided a special spiritual gift for this purpose. This gift is called "discerning of spirits" (1 Corinthians 12:10).
To discern means "to discover, evaluate, and make a distinction between." The gift of discerning of spirits enables a believer to identify the presence of a demon. This is necessary because
194
identification is not always easy even when actions of individuals are bizarre. At times mental illness and demon possession have similar characteristics.
For example, some deafness and muteness (according to the biblical record) is caused by a spirit. Other deafness and muteness might be the result of an accident or illness. Discernment would enable a person to determine the cause behind the condition.
In many cases preliminary diagnosis is made by observing the actions of individuals. When the Canaanite woman came to Jesus with an appeal that He cast out an evil spirit from her daughter, she said "My daughter is severely demon possessed." (Matthew 15:22)
How did she know this? She knew it by the symptoms. Detection is often made by observing certain mannerisms. But again extreme care must be taken to assure proper identification. Severe damage can be done by suggesting the presence of a demon when in fact there is none, or in properly suggesting there is one without giving the person involved some hope for deliverance.
We have already discussed how to recognize demon spirits in Chapter 12 of this manual. You might want to review that lesson again before proceeding.
The Methods Of Jesus
Let us examine three cases that illustrate the methods of Jesus in dealing with demons:
1. Consider the man attending the local synagogue in Capernaum when Jesus was present (Mark 1:21-28):
a. Unlike the scribes, Jesus taught with authority: Verse 22.
b. The man is overwhelmed by the unclean spirit influencing him and he cries out in the service: Verses 23-24.
c. Jesus counterattacks, telling the spirit to be quiet and come out: Verse 25.
d. The spirit convulses, the man cries out, and the spirit leaves: Verse 26.
e. The people are shocked and amazed because of the unparalled authority exercised by Jesus in their midst: Verses 27-28.
2. Consider the Gerasene (Gedarene) demoniac (Mark 5:2-5):
a. He was greatly tormented: Verses 2-5.
195
b. He saw Jesus, ran and worshipped Him. Notice that no matter how demonized someone is, the will can still move towards deliverance from bondage: Verse 6
c. Demon influence takes over and challenges Jesus. One demon speaks for all others present: Verse 7.
d. Jesus goes through a process of expelling the demons. The chief demon was possibly quite resistant. The Greek word "saying" in the phrase "Jesus was saying to him..." is imperfect in form and connotes a continual action: Verses 8-10.
e. The ex-demoniac is glad to be set free: Verses 15, 18, 20.
f. The herdsmen are angry because of lost pigs: Verses 14-17.
g. The ex-demoniac is told by Jesus to stay there and tell his friends about what the Lord had done for him, and how He had mercy on him: Verse 19.
3. Consider the woman who was bent over and could not straighten up for 18 years (Luke 13:10-17):
a. Jesus called her a daughter of Abraham: Verse 16.
b. Jesus discerned that she "had a spirit of infirmity" and was bound by Satan for 18 years: Verses 11, 16.
c. Jesus spoke to her saying, "Woman, you are free from your infirmity." He then put his hands on her and immediately she straightened up and praised God: Verses 12-13.
d. The woman and the common people were glad, but the religious leaders were angry: Verses 13, 14, 17.
Notice several things as Jesus dealt with demons:
1. His presence stirred them up and they manifested in unmistakable ways so they could be dealt with.
2. There was a power encounter. Jesus spoke to the demons and commanded them to leave.
3. Finally, the person was set free.
196
Summarize what you have learned from these three examples as to how Jesus dealt with demon spirits:
______________________________________________________________________________
Guidelines For Dealing With Demons
Here are some suggestions for dealing with demon spirits:
1. Pray for discernment. Demons must be dealt with only on the basis of the authority which is in Jesus Christ. Do not attempt deliverance outside of His guidance.
2. Recognize the symptoms. (see Recognizing Demon Spirits in Chapter 12). Diagnosing demonization is a basic skill learned by practice and aided by discernment. Often you will discover two or more "symptoms" in observing the person involved.
3. Be slow to make judgments. A misdiagnosis can be damaging.
4. Recognize the person as well as the demon(s). Don't forget the individual who is being influenced. They are still in that body and know what is going on even if they are having trouble dealing with it.
5. Do not deal with the situation alone. Demonized people sometimes exhibit incredible strength. You will be less likely to be intimidated and deceived by their cunning if there are several other people with you. We recommend 4-6 people. Some should be praying while others are working with the situation.
6. Recognize tactics. These are described in The Ministry of Deliverance section of this chapter.
7. Do not be afraid. If you know Jesus personally you have the assurance that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4.
8. Keep what you discover confidential. That the person was ever affected can be a great source of embarrassment.
9. Continue ministering to the individual after demons have been dealt with. Good instruction will help the person begin resisting the enemy properly. If you cannot do the ministering see to it that someone else does.
10. Do not be discouraged by an apparent failure. Deliverance for some may come in stages. Several sessions may be necessary to get things "cleaned up."
197
11. Do not be distracted by extreme fatigue while dealing with demons. Eight hours of hard labor may be easier than one hour with a demonized person.
12. Be ready to stay for an extended period of time. It is not unusual for it to take many hours before a person is delivered.
13. Remember your weapons. The name of Jesus and the blood of the Lamb are primary elements in casting out demons. We studied these in Chapter Eight of this manual. You will recall that the name of Jesus signifies power through invested authority while the blood of Jesus serves as a legal document. We hold it up before God claiming legal access to the throne and up before Satan's demons claiming release from their power.
14. Be on guard yourself for several days after you have been in a session. Be especially sensitive to the thought patterns developing in your mind. Resist all attacks tenaciously. If needed, get help. Brothers and sisters in Christ should be praying for you if you sense trouble.
15. Keep in mind that although you are dealing with demons you are also dealing with a person. In your anger against the demons, don't forget to be sensitive to the person.
16. Watch for distractions. Demons will makes noises, cry, and carry on in various ways to distract you. Some may say, "This is my house, I'm not leaving." Also be on guard for their deceptions. For instance, they may say, "They're gone, I'm free," making you think they have been cast out. When they are gone you will know it. There will be an obvious change in the person involved.
17. Keep in mind that demons are afraid of Christians who walk with Jesus.
Personal Preliminary Preparations
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, the specific or "rhema" Word. Begin to build faith in your own heart by reading the New Testament through with a new attitude:
-Whatever Jesus told His followers to do, you begin to do.
-Whatever He said He would do, expect Him to do it.
-If He said you can deliver those afflicted by Satan, then expect to see them delivered.
-If He said to cast out Devils, then do it in His name and expect them to obey you...but do this only under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Accept that the New Testament means exactly what it says. Accept it as true and act accordingly.
198
You are an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). An ambassador never doubts that the country he represents will back up its word.
When possible, fast and pray before you go to minister deliverance. Since power and authority for deliverance comes from God, we must be in touch with Him. Some demons will come out only by prayer and fasting. Isaiah 58 teaches that God honors the fast which focuses on ministering to the needs of others. Read this chapter and summarize its teachings regarding fasting:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Prepare Others To Deliver The Demonized
Whenever possible, a team of believers should be used when binding or casting out demons. Jesus sent out His disciples in pairs for this ministry:
And He called the twelve to Him, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. Mark 6:7
This does not mean you cannot minister alone to a demonized person when you encounter them, but there is strength in unity of prayer with another believer. Since strength comes from unity, those who are joining you in the ministry of deliverance should be similarly prepared with prayer and fasting.
In cases of oppression and obsession (such as depression, demonically caused illnesses, etc.), prepare the person who is to receive the ministry. They need to have their faith built through the "ramah" word of God about deliverance. (This may not be possible in the case of possession).
When sharing the Gospel a wise soul winner does not press for a decision too quickly. There is preliminary ministry to be done. Proper instruction must be given. The same is true of deliverance. Sometimes, God delivers without such instruction. But in ministering deliverance we want to properly use every channel prescribed by God's Word to see the work done. Faith is one channel for God's delivering power and it comes by hearing God's Word, so instruction is important.
Jesus combined preaching and teaching with healing and deliverance and He instructed His followers to do so also. When He sent them out, He told them to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons.
199
The Place For Ministry
The ministry of deliverance to those affected by demon spirits can be done during a regular part of the church service. Such ministry need not be confined only to private sessions. However, because of the need for counseling and the amount of time usually needed beyond the length of a normal service, it is often best to move a person into another part of the church away from the main sanctuary.
Jesus ministered to the demon possessed as part of a regular church service (Mark l:2l-25). But it is not necessary to wait until a regular service to deal with demon powers.
Does your church minister to the demonized? How, when, and where?
______________________________________________________________________________
Can you think of improvements in the time, place, and procedures of such ministry in your church?
______________________________________________________________________________
The Ministry Of Deliverance
When you are ready to minister deliverance...
1. Begin with worship and praise:
We enter His presence (where there is deliverance and healing) through worship and praise. Deliverance can come through worship and praise, even without ministry by prayer, because God inhabits the praises of His people. When we praise, He is present to heal and deliver.
2. Create an environment of faith:
Unbelief hindered even the ministry of Jesus in Nazareth. Sometimes Jesus put unbelievers out when He ministered (Mark 5:35-40). Other times He led people out of their village (an environment of unbelief) in order to minister to them (Mark 8:23).
On occasion as God leads, you may need to ask those struggling with unbelief, fear, etc., to leave.
3. Pray first:
Ask for wisdom and discernment before you begin to minister deliverance. During prayer, God may reveal to you...
200
A word of knowledge: Specific facts and information about a person or condition so you will know how to pray. A "word of knowledge" can include a deep sense of knowing or an impression in your spirit. The Word of knowledge may reveal what the sickness is or why the person has the condition.
A Scripture verse: The rhema word for that situation, condition, person, or group.
A vision: Pictures in the mind's eye pertaining to the one to whom you are ministering.
Words of faith: Special words of encouragement and faith specifically for that individual.
A special anointing: A sudden infusion of power.
4. Conduct a brief interview:
This is not required. It is optional and should be done according to the leading of the Lord. God may give you specific words of wisdom about the person's condition and you will not need to interview.
But if God does not supernaturally reveal something to you, do not hesitate to use the interview. Jesus used both natural and supernatural methods. On occasions He discerned people's conditions by the Holy Spirit. At other times He asked them what they wanted and how long they had been afflicted.
An interview helps you gain information so you can pray more specifically. It also helps you determine if the person needs further instruction before you pray.
Jesus often did this. He asked people questions concerning their faith and then dealt with negative elements of unbelief before ministering.
Study the following examples:
Mark 5:l-20: Jesus questions the demonized man.
Mark 8:22-26: Questioning the blind man.
Mark 9:l4-27: A boy with an evil spirit.
Mark l0:46-52: Questioning blind Bartimaeus.
Ask the person, "What is the problem?" Speaking a request for prayer is important. Jesus delivered many after they had made their needs know. The request is in itself an act of faith that can set in motion the healing processes (James 5:l4-l5). Ask for a specific statement. You need only brief facts. You do not need a complete history or a life's story.
201
Do not try to psychoanalyze the information you are given. Your function is to minister deliverance. Some unique cases may require privacy and more time for counseling with a trained counselor.
Ask the person who is to be prayed for, "Do you believe Jesus can deliver you?" If they answer positively, then ask, "Do you believe Jesus will do it now?".
If the answer is "no" to either of these questions, further instruction from God's Word is needed.
5. Determine the specific problem:
Use the information from the interview and/or the wisdom God has given to you to determine if the problem is in the:
A. Spiritual realm: Problems related to sin. These require the ministry of salvation, repentance and forgiveness of sin.
B. Physical realm: Bodily sickness caused by demonic spirits of infirmity.
C. Emotional realm: Problems concerning anxiety, fear, anger, bitterness, resentment,
guilt, doubt, failure, jealousy, selfishness, confusion, frustration, perfectionism in the
energy of the flesh and unforgiveness.
Deliverance in the emotional realm is often referred to as "inner healing", but the term has been abused. It is not necessary to rehearse in detail past emotional experiences. It is not necessary to spend weeks, months, or years to recover from such traumas. If you do this, you are trying to heal the old person instead of helping them become a new creation in Christ.
Problems in the emotional realm are often related to the social realm of a person's life, i.e., they affect and stem from family and social relationships. Deliverance comes through identifying, asking forgiveness, and forgiving the other parties involved.
The greatest barrier to emotional healing is usually unforgiveness, so emotional healing includes the healing of social relationships.
We are called to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:l8-2l).
You may need to instruct the person in forgiveness. It is not:
...Justifying someone else's wrongs which they have done ("They were under a lot of pressure").
202
...Denying we were hurt in the first place.
... Accepting with resignation what was done to you.
... Waiting for "time" to heal the hurt.
True forgiveness comes by:
...Recognizing what was done to us was wrong, the result of sinful men in a sinful world.
...Confessing the hurt to God and asking Him to heal the harmful emotions (i.e., hate, bitterness, etc.). You may not ever forget the act of the incident... What you are in need of is healing for the wrong emotions relating to it.
...Asking God to help you forgive others involved, then forgiving even as Christ forgives you. Recognize that God extends forgiveness to you as you forgive others: "Forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us".
...Acknowledge the sin that causes the guilt and/or sinful emotions, confess it to God, and repent. Ask Him to forgive your sin and heal your emotions.
...Recognize when God forgives, He doesn't keep bringing it up. (He casts our sins as far as the east is from the west).
...Claim 1 John l:8-9 and Romans 8:l.
...By an act of your own will, release yourself from condemnation. Control future thought patterns by taking "captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians l0:5).
D. Mental realm: Problems stemming from negative thinking, attacks of Satan
on the mind, mental retardation.
Remember: Because man is a triune being, problems in one realm affect the whole person. As you minister, deal with the whole person, not just one area. Man is body, soul, and spirit: Wholeness implies dealing with all of these.
203
6. Determine the proper time to pray:
Determine whether or not it is time to pray the healing prayer. In most cases, you will pray, but in some, do not be surprised if the Lord directs you not to pray or to delay prayer.
Jesus delayed healing in the case of the Syrophonecian woman's daughter and Lazarus. He did not do many works at all in Nazareth because of unbelief.
The Lord may also direct you to delay until further instruction is given, i.e., they may need to deal with a sin problem, need more instruction on deliverance, etc.
7. Pray the prayer of deliverance:
Pray a prayer of deliverance which focuses on the specific problem of demonic influence which you have identified.
You do not have to persuade God to deliverance by your prayer. Just as salvation is readily available, the same is true of deliverance. Just as salvation is based on the condition of faith, so is deliverance. Sometimes the power of God is present in a special way for deliverance (Luke 5:l7), but we can always pray for deliverance because Jesus commanded us to do so just as He told us to spread the Gospel and He wants to deliver just as He wants to save.
Use others to help you minister if you are in a group setting. There is multiplication of spiritual power when more people are praying (Matthew l8:l9). "Body ministry" discourages giving glory to man.
Jesus taught that first you should bind the enemy, then you can exercise power over him:
Or else how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. Matthew l2:29
In cases of demon possession, we have the authority to cast demons out in the name of Jesus. We have no authority on our own. It is His authority we use. It is important to use the name of Jesus in the actual prayer of casting out the demon.
Faith, fasting, and prayer are necessary to cast out demons. (Read the account in Matthew l7:l4-2l). This is why preliminary preparation is encouraged in these areas. The Word of God (Ephesians 5:l7; Hebrews 4:l2); the blood of Jesus (Revelation l2:11), and the infilling power of the Holy Spirit (Acts l:8; 2:38) are also "tools" for deliverance.
Yelling and screaming at the demons is not necessary. It is your authority in the name of Jesus that will cause them to come out, not the volume of your voice during the prayer of deliverance.
Always forbid the demons to reenter. This is an important part of the prayer of deliverance:
204
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, "You deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him, and enter him no more!" Mark 9:25
Do not spend time talking with the demon, should it manifest itself through spoken words. Jesus rebuked demons and told them to be quiet (Luke 4:34- 35). Remember that any conversation with demons is dangerous because there are lying spirits.
The Holy Spirit will direct you in the prayer of deliverance, but if you are new to this ministry here is a sample prayer pattern to study:
"On the basis of the authority in the name of Jesus Christ, His power, His Word, His blood, and the Holy Spirit..."
...This establishes the power base for deliverance...
"...I bind you...."
...Jesus taught to bind the strong man first before attempting to cast him out...
"...and I command you..."
...Ministering deliverance is a prayer of authority, not of entreaty. You can speak quietly, but you must take authority over the forces of evil in the name of Jesus. Look directly into the eyes of the person as you speak.
"...spirit of_________"
or
"...you foul spirit of Satan..."
...if the spirit has been identified either through spiritual or natural discernment, then name it specifically; otherwise, generally.
"...to depart...."
...this is the casting out process...
"...without harming________(name of person being delivered), or anyone in this house, and without creating noise or disturbance"
...Sometimes the demon will try to harm the person or create disturbance.
"I forbid you to reenter this person..."
205
...Remember that Jesus used this command...
"...and I loose the Holy Spirit to fill of this person with the cleansing, delivering power of the blood of Jesus."
...We are told to loose as well as bind. If you have identified a specific spirit at work, loose the opposite spirit. For example, bind the spirit of pride and lose the spirit of humility.
"and I further forbid you to touch anything related to___name_____ or myself, or anyone in this house."
Do not make a show of such ministry by allowing crowds to be attracted. When Jesus saw the actions of a demon attracting a crowd, He immediately stopped the performance being staged by the evil spirit and cast it out:
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, "You deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him, and enter him no more!" Mark 9:25
Do not attempt to cast demons into Hell. Jesus and His disciples did not do this. We have authority only to bind, loose, and cast out. There is a set time for the final judgment of demons in the future. The demons said to Jesus:
...What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" Matthew 8:29
Prayer for those affected by demons can be done with or without the laying on of hands. Jesus used the laying on of hands to minister to the woman oppressed with the spirit of infirmity in Luke l3:ll-l3. In other cases, He did not lay on hands but simply spoke to the demons (Luke 9:42).
8. Praise God for the answer:
Follow prayer with praise to God for deliverance. Remember that in the biblical example of the ten lepers, all were healed, but only the one who returned to praise was made whole (Luke 17:17-19).
Praise by faith and not by sight. You have done what God's Word said to do. Believe He has done what He said He would do. Thank Him for it.
206
Signs Of Deliverance
In cases of demon possession, sometimes the demons come out with a struggle, such as crying out or throwing the person on the floor. When demons have departed (whether in possession or oppression), there will be a sense of release like the lifting of a weight.
Have you ever seen a demonized person delivered? If so, what additional signs of deliverance did you note?
______________________________________________________________________________
Follow Up Care
After deliverance, those who have been possessed by demons should be led in a prayer of confession, repentance, and renouncing any sins or involvements connected with the demonic activities. If the person has any occult items (for example idols, voodoo materials, witchcraft equipment, etc.), these should be destroyed.
Additional follow up care is very important for those delivered from demon possession. When a demon is cast out, he will seek another body through which to operate. Jesus taught that the departure of evil spirits leaves an empty place. There is danger of a demon returning to his former victim accompanied by worse spirits:
When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, "I will return to my house from which I came." And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Luke 11:24-26
When a demon is cast out it is restless and discontent outside of a human body. It is only by indwelling and controlling a human life that a demon is able to fulfill Satan's evil purposes.
This is why casting the demon out is not enough. The spiritual "house" must be filled by the new birth experience and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Follow up counseling and ministry is necessary. The person should be immersed in the Word of God and prayer and become part of a community of believers.
Those experiencing deliverance from demon powers also should be encouraged to give their testimony. Jesus told the demoniac of Gadarene:
..."Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.
Mark 5:l9-20
207
Now...summarize the eight steps for ministering deliverance discussed in this strategy session:
1. ______________________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________________________
6. ______________________________________________________________________________
7. ______________________________________________________________________________
8. ______________________________________________________________________________
Having received these basic guidelines for delivering the demonized, continue your study of how Jesus dealt with demon powers by analyzing the following incidents:
Incident: Woman in the synagogue with the spirit of infirmity (Luke l3:l0-l7).
Summary: This woman was attending Sabbath day services and Jesus called her a "daughter of Abraham." We can assume she was a righteous, God fearing person. Yet a spirit of infirmity had bound her for l8 years.
In His ministry, Jesus distinguished between normal physical illnesses, which were cured by laying on of hands or anointing with oil, and cases of demon affliction.
In cases of a believer being bound from the outside as a result of demon affliction, the binding spirit was loosed.
If it was an unbeliever with physical infirmities resulting from demonic possession, the demons were cast out.
208
The deliverance of this woman occurred during a regular church service (Luke 13:10). It raised opposition from the spiritual leaders, including the ruler of the synagogue.
Dealing with demon powers still raises objections from many spiritual leaders. Some deny their existence. Others deny their power to oppress or possess.
In this deliverance, Jesus laid hands on the bound woman. Immediately, she was made straight and glorified God.
In all true ministry to demon oppressed or possessed people, God should receive the glory, not the person used of God in the deliverance process.
Incident: The Syrophonenican woman's daughter (Mark 7:24-30; Matthew l5:2l-28).
Summary: This young girl and had an unclean spirit which her mother recognized by outward manifestations of the spirit. She described her daughter as being "grievously vexed".
Jesus healed the girl because of the great faith shown by her mother (Matthew 15:28). The daughter was never in the presence of Jesus, which demonstrates actual physical presence is not necessary for effective ministry to those oppressed or possessed by Satan.
This and the following incident prove children can be possessed and oppressed by Satan.
Incident: The deaf mute boy (Mark 9:l4-29; Matthew l7:l4-2l; Luke 9:37-43).
Summary: The father of an only son sought Jesus for the healing of his boy.
The demon possession of this boy included physical deafness and an inability to speak. The combined descriptions of Matthew, Mark, and Luke reveal that the demon sorely vexed the boy, causing him to fall into the fire and water.
At times the demon would tear him and cause fits with foaming at the mouth and grinding of teeth. He was often bruised (injured) by the spirit, and the demonic presence caused a general pining away physically. His father called him a "lunatic", which indicated there were also mental problems associated with his condition.
The disciples of Jesus tried to cast the demon out of the boy, but failed.
Luke records that as the boy was coming to Jesus, the demon caused him to react. Jesus commanded the spirit to leave and the child was delivered. Matthew records that Jesus rebuked the spirit and he departed and the lad was cured that very hour.
209
Mark's record of this demonic encounter is more extensive than those of Matthew and Luke. He records that Jesus questioned the father as to how long the boy had been possessed. The father said the condition had existed from early childhood.
Jesus stressed to the father the importance of belief, then spoke to the deaf and mute spirit and told it to come out and enter no more. The spirit cried and came out leaving him in such a condition that many thought him dead. But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up.
When the disciples asked Jesus why they were unable to cast out the demon, Jesus answered:
...If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:20-21
His answer reveals the importance of faith, prayer, and fasting in dealing with demon spirits. It also proves some demons are more difficult to cast out than others. Jesus said "THIS KIND does not go out" except by prayer and fasting.
Incident: Demon in the synagogue (Mark 1:23-28; Luke 4:31-37).
Summary: Although this man was present in the synagogue, Jesus does not refer to him as a son of Abraham or indicate He was a follower of God.
There can be those present in a church fellowship who are unbelievers and demon possessed. Church attendance does not guarantee a born again experience or freedom from demon powers.
This possession included more than a single demon as evidenced by the spokesman referring to all of them as "us."
When the demon began to speak, Jesus told it to "hold its peace", which means to be quiet. He rebuked the demons, they tore the man, cried out, threw him down, and came out.
The witnesses of this event marveled at the authority and power with which Jesus dealt with unclean spirits.
Incident: The blind and mute demoniac (Matthew 12:22-29; Mark 3:22-27; Luke 11:14-22).
Summary: Possession here included the physical afflictions of blindness and muteness.
Jesus healed this man by casting the demon out of him. He was able to speak and see after the deliverance.
It was in connection with this deliverance that Jesus gave His most extensive teaching regarding the casting out of demons. A summary of this teaching reveals:
210
-A house with division cannot stand. Demons call the bodies in which they reside their "house." It is not possible for demons and the spirit of God to exist in the same house.
-Kingdoms or cities divided cannot stand.
-Satan cannot cast out Satan.
-Casting out of demons is part of the ministry of God's kingdom.
-Demons are cast out by the Spirit of God.
-It is necessary to bind the strong man (the chief demon) before attempting to cast him out (spoil his works).
-There is no neutral ground in this spiritual battle. If you are not with Jesus, you are against Him.
-When an unclean spirit is cast out of a person, it seeks reentry into a human body.
-If the person from whom the demon has departed does not fill his spiritual house, the demon will return with other demons. The final condition of that person will be worse than in the beginning.
Incident: Demoniac of Gadarene (Mark 5:l-20; Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-34).
Summary: According to Matthew, two men possessed by demons, so fierce that no man could control them, lived in the tombs. Mark and Luke stress the terrible condition and the deliverance of one of the two, whose condition was perhaps the worst ever encountered during the ministry of Jesus.
Possession here was by many demons. Both men were so affected that they could not live in normal society. They lived in the graveyard.
The demons in one man called themselves "Legion" for they were many. They made it impossible to bind the man even with chains. The demons tormented him so badly that he went around crying out, cutting himself with stones, and living without clothing.
The demons recognized Jesus and asked if He had come to torment them before their time. "Their time" refers to their final judgment confined to the lake of fire (Hell).
211
Jesus permitted them to enter a herd of pigs when He cast them out, which resulted in the death of the pigs.
The residents of the city asked Jesus to leave. Pigs, which were their livelihood, were more important to them than the deliverance of men from demon powers.
Other incidents: In addition to these specific encounters of Jesus, the Bible makes general references of His ministry to those affected by demons.
In the following references the term "healed" is used to describe how Jesus dealt with the demons: Matthew 4:24; Luke 6:l8.
In the following references the term "cast out" is used to describe His strategy: Mark l:32-34,39; 6:l3.
Luke 4:41 simply records that the devils "came out." Luke 7:21 states that He "cured" them. Matthew 8:16 records that He "cast them out with His word."
Mark l6:9 and Luke 8:2-3 state that Jesus cast seven devils out of Mary Magdalene.
NOTES
1. E.M. Bounds, Satan, His Personality, Power, and Overthrow (Grand Rapids: Baker Book house, 1963), p.143.
2. Moody Press has published a unique little book called Demon Experiences In Foreign Lands. It is a compilation of strange occurrences on foreign mission fields.
3. It is not known whether or not these men were true believers. To say that if they were not, the enemy could not have harmed them, is about as ludicrous as saying that natural death cannot touch a Christian. Christians that either run ahead or lag behind the leading of the Holy Spirit make easy targets for the enemy.
212
PART SIX
The Final Briefing
...FOR THE LAST GREAT BATTLE OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE
There is a great and final conflict which will bring this spiritual war of the ages to a triumphant conclusion. Satan and his evil forces will be defeated and Jesus will reign forever as King of Kings.
In this concluding session of Strategic Spiritual Warfare, you will prepare for the final conflict.
213
CHAPTER 15
PREPARE FOR THE FINAL CONFLICT
Objectives: Upon conclusion of this strategy session you will be able to:
1. Identify events preceding the final conflict.
2. Summarize events of the final conflict.
3. Explain Satan's final destiny.
4. Identify the time of judgment.
5. Achieve victory in the spirit world.
6. Apply the strategy of maintaining.
Key Verses for This Study:
The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Revelation 20:10
I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world.
Revelation 3:10
He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. Revelation 20:2-3
STEP FIFTEEN: PREPARE FOR. THE FINAL CONFLICT
We must never view ourselves as experts in this matter of spiritual warfare. The moment we do, we become the victims of our enemy. Only total humble reliance upon the Lord Jesus Christ can secure our victory. Never let this subject of warfare with Satan and his kingdom divide you from your union with the body of believers. -Mark I. Bubeck
Final judgment upon Satan has already been pronounced through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But this judgment will not be carried out until Jesus returns to earth.
This chapter concerns the final conflict, that last great spiritual battle in which all the forces of evil will fall in defeat. The final conflict will result in the crowning of our King, the establishment of the kingdom of God in visible form, and judgment of the spiritual forces of evil. It will be the final victory in spiritual warfare.
214
Events Preceding The Final Conflict
The Return Of Jesus
The Bible teaches that the Lord will return to earth for believers. Jesus promised His followers,
"I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3
Believers also refer to this return of Jesus as the rapture. First Thessalonians 4 provides details about the return of Jesus for believers.
• Jesus Himself will return (v. 16).
• Believers will be resurrected from the grave (v. 16).
• A "rapture" will occur: Living believers will be taken from earth to meet Christ (v. 17).
• Believers who have died, believers living at the time of Christ's return, and the Lord Jesus Christ will be reunited (v. 17).
Some believe the rapture will occur before the tribulation (discussed below) and that believers will not have to experience any of this terrible time on earth. Others believe the rapture will happen midway through this period. Still others believe the rapture will happen at the end of the tribulation. More important is to be prepared to go with Jesus no matter when or how He returns for His people.
No one can know the exact time of this great event:
"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only." Matthew 24:36
Although we don't know the exact timing of the rapture, Jesus did identify some prophetic signs that will indicate when the time is near. Read about these in Matthew 24. List the events that will occur before the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
215
The Tribulation
The Bible tells of a terrible time on earth called the tribulation, during which the spiritual forces of evil will be more active than ever in the history of the world. Demons will do signs, wonders, and deceive many (Revelation 16:13-14). They will seek worship and condemn people with a special mark of ownership. Three things will distinguish the tribulation from all other times of trouble.
• It will be worldwide, not just local. "I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world" (Revelation 3:10).
• People will realize the end of the world is near: "And said to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?'" (Revelation 6:16-17).
• The intensity of the trouble will be greater than ever before experienced.
These intense judgments from God that will affect the earth are described in Revelation 6,8,9, and 16 and in Matthew 24:4-14. The world must be punished for sin and for rejecting God.
Summarize the conditions on earth during the tribulation.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What three things will distinguish the tribulation from other times of trouble?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The Millennium
The millennium is a period of one thousand years after the tribulation, during which Jesus will rule the earth in righteousness.
"And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be the Lord is one, And His name one." Zechariah 14:9
216
The city of Jerusalem will be the center of government.
"Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. . . For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." Isaiah 2:2-3
Before the start of and during this millennial period, Satan and his evil forces will be bound. A great war will occur on earth.
"[God] laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while." Revelation 20:2-3
Summarize the conditions on earth during the millennial period (also see Isaiah 11:6-9):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The Final Conflict
After the thousand years, the final conflict with Satan will occur.
"Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four comers of the earth. . . to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the I beloved city Jerusalem."
Revelation 20:7-9
God will send fire from Heaven and end all opposition of the forces of evil.
This final battle will occur because Satan must be defeated and Jesus acknowledged as Lord of all. This will complete God's plan of the ages. This is the final battle in the spiritual warfare that has raged from the rebellion of Satan through the history of the world.
217
What is the reason for the final battle?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Summarize events occurring during the final battle.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Satan’s Final Destiny
The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Revelation 20:10
Then He will also say to those on the left hand, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41
Demons themselves recognize their own destiny. When Jesus met the two demon-possessed men, the demons cried out to Him, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" (Matthew 8:29).
Describe the destiny of Satan and his demons.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The Time Of Judgment
All unbelievers will be resurrected to face judgment. Because they did not repent from sin and accept Jesus as Savior, they will be condemned to eternity in Hell:
And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged
218
according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12-15
True believers who repented from sin and accepted Jesus as Savior will escape this terrible fate, and for them, the great spiritual battle will be over!
"Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away.
And His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed." Daniel 7:14
What is the destiny of unbelievers?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What is the destiny of believers?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Victory In The Spirit World
This chapter concludes this course on spiritual warfare. In reality, this side of Heaven you will never stop studying and learning about this subject. Just as a soldier in the natural world, you will continue to develop your skills and strategies as you battle the enemy.
We want to assure you that you can be victorious over all the power of the enemy and in every battle of life. Just remember:
• Your victory is assured, because it is not dependent upon you but upon God.
"Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle." Psalm 24:8
219
• God protects you in battle.
"Oh God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my
head in the day of battle." Psalm 140:7
• If you become discouraged during battle, God will comfort you.
"For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us." 2 Corinthians 7:5-6
• God will encourage you in the midst of your warfare.
"Do not fear, nor be afraid;
Have I not told you from that time, and declared it?" Isaiah. 44:8
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, "Fear not, I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
I, even I, am He who comforts you.
Who are you that you should be afraid Of a man who will die,
And of the son of a man who will be made like grass? Isaiah 51:1
• No weapon formed against you will succeed.
"No weapon formed against you shall prosper." Isaiah 54:17
• You will attain victory over the world.
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1 John 5:4-5
• You will attain victory over the flesh.
"And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:24
• You will attain victory over the devil.
"And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly." Romans 16:20
• You will attain victory over death and the grave.
"I will ransom them from the power of the grave;
I will redeem them from death." Hosea 13:14
• You will attain victory over all that exalts itself against God.
"Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God." 2 Corinthians 10:5
• You will attain victory over all the power of the enemy.
"Behold, I give you the authority. . . over all the power of the enemy."
Luke 10:19
• And when the battle is over, you will stand victorious.
"So use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy whenever he at tacks, and when it is all over; you will still be standing up." Ephesians 6:13 TLB
You are now prepared to be an overcomer! God has made some beautiful promises to the overcomers. Claim these now by making a verbal confession of faith. I am an overcomer and I will...
220
• Eat of the tree of life: Revelation 2:7
• Eat of hidden manna: Revelation 2: 17
• Be clothed in white raiment: Revelation 3:5
• Be a pillar in the temple of God: Revelation 3:12
• Sit with Jesus in His throne: Revelation 3:21
• Have a new name: Revelation 2: 17
• Have power over the nations: Revelation 2:26
• Have the name of God written upon me: Revelation 3:12
• Have an intimate relationship with God: Revelation 21:7
• Have the morning star (Jesus): Revelation 2:28
• Be confessed by Jesus before God the Father: Revelation 3:5
• Not be hurt by the second death: Revelation 2:11
• Not have my name blotted out of the book of life: Revelation 3:5
• Inherit all things: Revelation 21:7
•
If you have studied each chapter of Strategic Spiritual Warfare and completed all of the assignments, you have obtained a great deal of knowledge and experience that will enable you to wage spiritual warfare more effectively.
It is sometimes harder to maintain a thing than to obtain it. The Bible addresses this issue in a parable told by Jesus in Luke 19:12- 26. As you read this passage, you will note that the servants who used and increased the money were given more money. The one who did nothing with the money he received lost it.
If you use what you have been given, it will increase.
"For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not
have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” (Luke 19:26)
To maintain what you have learned in this study, you must use it in your everyday life and ministry. You must apply the strategies of spiritual warfare and wage battle against the enemy. As you enter the battlefield, remember that the Captain of the Lord of Hosts marches beside you.
You will continue to fight spiritual battles until you go to be with the Lord. As you fight each battle, you will learn more about warfare from both your successes and your failures.
Always remember that failure is temporary. You may lose a battle now and then, but the final victory has been assured by our Lord of Hosts!
221
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Demon Experiences In Many Lands. Chicago: Moody press, 1960.
Barnhouse, Donald Grey. The Invisible War. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1965.
Barrett, Ethel. The Great Conflict. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1969.
Basham, Don. Deliver Us From Evil. Washington Depot, Connecticut: Chosen Books, 1972.
Billheimer, Paul. Adventure In Adversity. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1984.
Billheimer, Paul. Destined For The Throne. Fort Washington, PA: Christian Literature Crusade, 1975.
Billheimer, Paul. The Technique of Spiritual Warfare. Santa Ana, CA: Trinity Broadcasting Network.
Bounds, E. M. Power Through Prayer. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
Bounds, E. M. Satan, His Personality, Power, and Overthrow. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1963.
Bubeck, Mark. The Adversary. Chicago: The Moody Bible Institute, 1975.
Bussel, Harold L. Unholy Devotion. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1983.
Chafer, Lewis Sperry. Satan. New York: Gospel Publishing House, 1909.
Chamers, Oswald. If You Will Ask. Grand Rapids: Discovery House Publishers, 1958.
Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost for His Highest. New York: Dodd, Mead, and Company, 1935.
Eareckson, Joni, and Estes, Steve. A Step Further. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978.
Eastman, Dick. A Celebration of Praise. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1984.
Eastman, Dick. No Easy Road. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1971.
222
Graham, Billy. Angels: God's Secret Agents. Garden City, New York: Doubleday and Company, 1975.
Graham, Billy. Approaching Hoofbeats. Waco, TX: Word Books, 1983.
Green, Michael. I Believe in Satan's Downfall. Grand Rapids: W. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1981.
Gurnall, William. The Christian in Complete Armor. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth.
Harper, Michael. Spiritual Warfare. Plainfield, NJ: Logos International, 1970.
Hayford, Jack. Prayer Is Invading The Impossible. Plainfield, NJ: Logos International, 1977.
Herman, E. Creative Prayer. Cincinnati, OH: Forward Movement Publications.
Huegel, F. J. Bone of His Bone. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1940.
LaHaye, Tim. The Battle for the Mind. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1980.
Lewis, C. S. The Screwtape Letters. New York: Macmillan, 1961.
Lindsell, Harold. The World, the Flesh, and the Devil. Minneapolis: World Wide Publications, 1973.
Lloyd-Jones, D. M. Romans: The New Man. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1972.
MacNutt, Francis. Healing. Altamonte Springs, Florida: Creation House, 1988.
Miller, C. Leslie. All About Angels. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1973.
Murray, Andrew. With Christ in the School of Prayer. Springdale, PA: Whitaker House, 1981.
Nee, Watchman. The Spiritual Man. New York: Christian Fellowship Publications, 1968.
Needham, David. Birthright. Portland OR: Multnomah Press, 1979.
Needham, Mrs. George C. Angels and Demons. Chicago: Moody Press.
Penn-Lewis, Jesse. The Spiritual Warfare. Dorset, England: The Overcomers Trust.
Penn-Lewis, Jesse. War On The Saints. Fort Washington, PA: Christian Literature Crusade.
223
Phillips, Coleman. Your Spiritual Arsenal. Old Tappan, NJ: Chosen Books, 1988.
Sanders, J. Oswald. Satan Is No Myth. Chicago: Moody Press, 1975.
Swindoll, Charles R. Dropping Your Guard. Waco, TX: Word Books, 1983.
Swindoll, Charles R. Demonism. Portland, OR: Multnomah, 1981.
Tozer, A. W. The Pursuit of God. Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications, 1982.
Watson, David. How To Win The War. Wheaton: Harold Shaw Publishers, 1972.
Watson, David. The Hidden Battle: Strategies for Spiritual Victory. Wheaton: Harold Shaw Publishers, 1980.
Wiersbe, Warren W. The Strategy Of Satan. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1979.
Wimber, John. Power Healing. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1987.
224
STRATEGIC SPIRITUAL WARFARE
CHAPTER STUDY GUIDE
CHAPTER ONE: OPEN YOUR SPIRITUAL EYES
1. Contrast the natural world and the spiritual world.
2. Name the two spiritual kingdoms, identify their leaders and their "inhabitants."
3. How did the spiritual war begin?
4. What is the reason for the present spiritual war?
5. State the basic principle of spiritual warfare.
6. How can you change residency from the kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of God?
CHAPTER TWO: JOIN GOD'S ARMY
1. Define "conversion".
2. Explain the importance of conversion.
3. Explain why repentance is necessary for conversion.
4. Discuss the importance of repentance.
5. Explain what causes men to repent.
6. Define "confession".
7. Relate the story of the prodigal son to prodigal man.
8. Define "justification".
9. List the effects of salvation.
CHAPTER THREE: IDENTIFY THE ENEMY
1. Discuss Satan's:
-Origin
-Former position
-Fall
-Objectives
-Involvement with humanity
-Sphere of activity
2. What is the basis of the real spiritual battle in which we are engaged?
3. List some attributes of Satan.
4. List some names of Satan.
5. Distinguish between what Satan is and is not.
6. Who are Satan's coworkers?
225
7. What are some of the activities of demons? Describe some ways they carry out
Satan's plans in attacking believers.
CHAPTER FOUR: SURVEY ENEMY TERRITORY
1. Explain what is meant by "the world" in this chapter.
2. Who is the prince of the world?
3. Describe the present condition of the world.
4. Summarize the structure of the world.
5. How can you overcome the world?
6. Explain the relationship of the spirit to the flesh.
7. What are the two categories of people in our world today?
8. Define "lust of the flesh."
9. Define the "lust of the eyes."
10. Explain how lust develops.
11. What are the results of lust?
12. Define "the pride of life."
CHAPTER FIVE: MEET THE CAPTAIN OF GOD'S ARMY
1. Who is the Captain of God's Army?
2. What was the purpose of Christ's mission to earth?
3. Discuss Christ's role in spiritual warfare.
4. List some names that reflect Christ's character.
5. What is the role of angels in spiritual warfare?
6. Summarize what the Bible teaches about angels.
CHAPTER SIX: COMPLETE BASIC TRAINING
1. What is meant by "a wartime lifestyle?"
2. Summarize what you learned about the overcomer's:
-Example
-Method
-Promises
3. List some objectives of spiritual warfare.
4. What are the three primary areas of basic training in spiritual warfare?
5. List the three types of spiritual attacks discussed in this lesson.
6. How do you communicate with the Captain of God's army?
7. Summarize the Scriptural guidelines for prayer given in this lesson.
8. List some of the hindrances to prayer.
9. What is the main manual of spiritual warfare and why is it important?
10. Explain why cooperation and unity are important in God's army.
226
CHAPTER SEVEN: ARM YOURSELF WITH DEFENSIVE WEAPONS
1. Discuss the four ways you can prepare for spiritual power.
2. Summarize what you learned in this lesson about the defensive weapons of:
-The belt of truth
-The breastplate of righteousness
-Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel
-The shield of faith
-The helmet of salvation
-The sword of the Spirit
CHAPTER EIGHT: ARM YOURSELF WITH OFFENSIVE WEAPONS
Write a paragraph summarizing what you learned in this lesson about each of the following weapons:
1. The blood of the Lamb
2. The word of your testimony
3. The name of Jesus
4. Praise
5. Fasting
6. Intercession
7. Obedience
8. Abandonment
CHAPTER NINE: EMPLOY OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
Write a paragraph summarizing what you learned about each of the following warfare strategies:
1. Putting on the whole armor of God
2. Submitting and resisting
3. Not giving place to the devil
4. Recovering yourself from the devil
5. Abstaining from fleshly lusts
6. Shunning profane babblings
7. Standing your ground
8. Trying the spirits
9. Rejecting false teachers
10. Laying aside worldly entanglements
227
11. Putting off evil behavior
12. Arming yourself with the mind of Christ
13. Waging war against the enemy
14. Pulling and casting down strongholds
15. Binding and loosing
16. Wrestling with the enemy
17. Speaking the Word
18. Learning to abide
CHAPTER TEN: TAKE STRATEGIC TERRITORY
1. What is the main spiritual battlefield where warfare begins?
2. Describe the two kinds of minds.
4. Why does Satan attack the mind?
5. What is meant by "fiery darts" and from where do they come?
6. Fourteen attacks of Satan against the mind were discussed in this chapter. List
each and briefly describe how you would combat it.
7. Define each of the following "fiery darts" of Satan and explain how to combat them:
-Depression
-Discouragement
-Fear
-False guilt and condemnation
-Inferiority
-Pride
-Hatred
8. List the ten strategies presented in this lesson for winning the battle of the mind.
9. What are your "spiritual gates" and how can you control them?
CHAPTER ELEVEN: RESIST ENEMY PROPAGANDA
1. What is Satan's primary method in warfare?
2. Make a list of the deceptions of Satan discussed in this chapter and explain how you
would deal with each one.
3. List the lies and accusations of Satan discussed in this lesson and explain how you
would deal with each of them.
CHAPTER TWELVE: SET THE CAPTIVES FREE
1. Can cities and territories be taken captive by the enemy? How? How you can
discover what forces are in operation in your city?
2. What are some evidences of the operation of demonic powers?
3. How do demons gain access in people's lives?
228
4. What is meant by "transference of spirits?" Is it Scriptural? How does it occur?
5. Why is the spirit important?
6. List the seven strategies given in this lesson that prevent transference of an evil
spirit.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: RESCUE THE WOUNDED
1. What is the source of suffering?
2. List the reasons for suffering discussed in this lesson.
3. What are the proper attitudes toward suffering that should be manifested by
believers?
4. What are some of the positive benefits of suffering?
5. Distinguish between the two types of storms of life.
6. Do Christians sometimes suffer? Is it ever God's will?
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: DELIVER THE DEMONIZED
1. Give some examples from the Bible that prove the reality of demons.
2. Who is qualified to deal with demonic forces?
3. How can you detect the presence of demons?
4. What methods did Jesus use to deal with demons?
5. Summarize the guidelines given in this lesson for dealing with demons.
6. How can you prepare yourself to deliver the demonized?
7. How can you prepare others to deliver the demonized?
8. Summarize the guidelines given in this lesson for ministering deliverance to a
demonized person.
9. What are the signs that a person has been delivered from demons?
10. How would you provide follow up care to a person who has been delivered from
demons?
11. Where should deliverance ministry be done?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: PREPARE FOR THE FINAL CONFLICT
1. List the events that will precede the final conflict.
2. Summarize the events of the final conflict.
3. What is Satan's final destiny?
4. When will judgment occur?
5. How do you know that you can achieve victory in the spirit world?
6. What is meant by "the strategy of maintaining?"
229
STRATEGIC SPIRITUAL WARFARE
FINAL EXAMINATION
Do not write on this examination. Mark your responses on the answer sheet that accompanies this test.
Multiple Choice: Select the correct answer and mark it on your answer sheet:
1. The two divisions made in I Corinthians l5:44-49 are:
A. Milk and meat
B. Good and evil
C. Satan and demons
D. Natural and spiritual
2. The two invisible kingdoms in the world today are:
A. Communists and capitalists
B. Protestants and Catholics
C. Kingdoms of God and Satan
D. None of the above
3. Our major spiritual battles in life are with:
A. Our families
B. Political systems
C. Other people
D. None of these
4. "Spiritual warfare" is:
A. A vain imagination
B. A supernatural battle
C. A natural battle
D. A social condition
230
5. The spiritual battle was originally started:
A. On earth
B. By God
C. In Heaven
D. All of these
6. The basic reason behind great spiritual conflict is:
A. Unknown
B. Man
C. God
D. Sin
7. The basic principle for understanding spiritual warfare is:
A. Natural battles of life have Spiritual causes
B. All problems are from God
C. All problems originate with man
D. All problems are from Satan
8. "Repentance" is:
A. An inward decision
B. Turning towards God
C. A change of mind
D. All of these
9. Repentance is important:
A. Because God commands it
B. In order to escape purgatory
C. Because church membership requires it
D. All of these
10. "Conversion" is:
A. The same as repentance
B. To turn from the wrong way to the right way
C. The same as self-improvement
D. All of these
231
11. "Justification" means:
A. An inward decision
B. Self-improvement
C. Right standing before God
D. All of these
12. "To be saved" means:
A. The same as self-improvement
B. To be delivered from problems
C. To be delivered from a life of sin
D. All of these
13. The word "angel" means:
A. Messenger
B. Spirit guide
C. Holy
D. Deliverance
14. Jesus Christ is active in spiritual warfare as:
A. Commander of the spiritual forces of good
B. Our intercessor
C. Our power of authority over the enemy
D. All of these
15. The goal of spiritual warfare is:
A. Win a few, loose a few
B. Offensive warfare only
C. Defensive warfare only
D. Fight until you overcome
16. A main subject of basic training is:
A. Understanding and applying the Word of God
B. A well developed prayer life
C. Interaction with the Body of Christ.
D. All of these
232
17. The realms in which good angels minister are:
A. Hades
B. Hell
C. Purgatory
D. None of these
18. Which of the following are angels?
A. Seraphims
B. The archangel
C. Cherubims
D. All of these
19. Angels are:
A. Ministering spirits
B. Messengers
C. Both of these
D. Neither of these
20. Lucifer, now known as Satan, was created by:
A. Demonic forces
B. Evolution
C. God
D. The false prophet
21. Satan's former position was:
A. A demon
B. Part of the Trinity
C. Unknown
D. An angel of God
22. Satan's fall was caused by:
A. Sin
B. God
C. Man
D. The world
233
23. Satan's main sphere of activity is in:
A. Purgatory
B. Hell
C. Hades
D. None of these
24. An activity of Satan is:
A. Deceit
B. Discouragement
C. Deception
D. All of these
25. Demons originated:
A. When Satan fell
B. Through evolution
C. When Satan created them
D. When man sinned
26. The main sphere of activity of demons is:
A. Heaven
B. Purgatory
C. Earth
D. All of these
27. It is possible for demons to:
A. Deceive unbelievers
B. Deceive believers
C. Both of these
D. Neither of these
28. An attribute of demons includes:
A. Supernatural strength
B. Omnipresence
C. Omnipotence
D. All of these
234
29. Originally demons were:
A. Men
B. Part of the Trinity
C. Angels of Satan
D. Angels of God
30. The word "flesh" as it is used in this course means:
A. The basic sin nature
B. Willful defiance against God
C. Compulsive inner force
D. All of these
31. The word "world" as it is used in this course means:
A. The planet
B. The same as "flesh"
C. The present condition of human affairs in opposition to God
D. Geographic boundaries
32. The "prince of this world" is:
A. Satan
B. Jesus
C. God
D. The Holy Spirit
33. The reason for the sinful condition of the current world system is:
A. Poverty
B. Sin
C. Lack of education
D. Lack of natural resources
34. The attitude of the world toward believers is one of:
A. Hatred
B. Acceptance
C. Love
D. Appreciation
235
35. "Lust" means:
A. Strong evil desires
B. Strong good desires
C. Hope
D. The same as love
36. Lust may be fostered by:
A. Sight and smell
B. Touch and taste
C. Hearing
D. All of these
37. If you do not control lust it results in:
A. Evil thoughts
B. Temptation
C. Sin
D. All of these
38. The works of the flesh are described in:
A. Ephesians 5:l-3
B. Galatians 5:l9-2l
C. Romans 1:3-6
D. I Corinthians 3:2-6
39. The strategy of the enemy in relation to God is:
A. To oppose activities of God
B. To oppose the nature of God
C. To become like God
D. All of these
40. Faith is:
A. Assumption
B. Mind over matter
C. Presumption
D. None of these
236
41. An important preparation for power is:
A. Resisting the sins of the flesh
B. Relinquishing the cares of life
C. Conquering spiritual pride
D. All of these
42. Defensive warfare:
A. Responds to protect territory
B. Initiates aggressive action
C. Both of these
D. Neither of these
43. Offensive warfare:
A. Responds to protect territory
B. Initiates aggressive action
C. Both of these
D. Neither of these
44. According to the Scriptures, you should pray for:
A. All those in authority
B. Only good men in authority
C. Only bad leaders who need it
D. None of these
45. A hindrance to answered prayer is:
A. Unbelief
B. Satanic hindrances
C. Unforgiveness
D. All of these
46. A purpose of fasting is to:
A. Humble yourself
B. Break bondages
C. Repent
D. All of these
237
47. "Devices" means:
A. A scheme
B. A plan
C. A plot
D. All of these
48. The original source of suffering is:
A. Sin
B. God
C. Demons
D. Unknown
49. Transference of spirits means:
A. Demons are sharing spirits
B. You put a curse on someone
C. To come under the influence of another stronger spirit
D. You are involved in Satan worship
Matching: Match the type of warfare in List One with the correction definition in List Two:
List One List Two
50. Frontal attack A. Results in occupation
51. Siege or blockade B. Controlling access to an area
52. Invasion C. Direct assaults
Matching the armor: Pick the best answer to complete each sentence.
A. Righteousness B. Truth C. Spirit D. Salvation
53. The girdle of___________.
54. The breastplate of_____________.
55. The helmet of___________________.
56. The sword of the_______________.
238
Matching: Match each demonic rank to the correct definition:
57. Principalities A. Rule territories
58. Powers and rulers of darkness B. At work in social, political, and
cultural systems
59. Spiritual wickedness in high places C. Religious structures
True Or False: Mark your answer under either T or F on the answer sheet:
60. Satan's control on earth is not limited by God.
61. People are basically good; they are not born in sin.
62. Conversion means the same as justification.
63. Confession means to acknowledge.
64. "Dualism" is a sound Scriptural explanation for spiritual warfare.
65. The Bible reveals that Satan is deceitful but not very intelligent.
66. It is impossible for people in modern times to be demonized.
67. Satan is no longer active on earth.
68. Satan is omnipresent.
69. The "I will" spirit is a good way to recognize Satan's operating in our minds.
70. As soon as you are born again, the flesh automatically starts cooperating with your spirit.
71. Lust enters through the natural senses.
72. Guilt can be either positive or negative.
73. The Bible does not describe any offensive spiritual weapons.
74. The Bible teaches that to be carnally minded is life.
75. The main battlefield of spiritual warfare is in the mind.
76. Suppressed anger often results in depression.
77. Discouragement and depression are the same thing.
78. You cannot really know your eternal destiny.
79. There is no danger in trying out occult practices as long as you aren't serious about them.
80. True believers never suffer.
81. You are not to worship angels.
82. If an angel reveals something contrary to God's written Word you should believe it.
83. God has an organizational plan for his angels.
84. Satan's angels are not organized.
85. If you ignore Satan he will leave you alone.
86. You can be neutral in spiritual warfare.
87. All angels were originally created by God.
88. Satan is omniscient.
239
89. Satan is omnipotent.
90. It is impossible to detect the presence of demons.
91. Jesus has defeated Satan but the enemy is still "at large" in the world.
92. You can recover yourself from the snare of the enemy.
93. You should never "try " the spirits because that would be judging which is wrong.
94. Once you are a believer you will not experience tribulation in the world.
95. Our major battles in life are against invisible spiritual forces.
96. The condition of the present world is good and getting better.
97. You do not have power over all the power of the enemy.
98. Spiritual armor is not specifically identified in Scripture.
99. The tribulation will be a wonderful time of peace on earth.
100. Satan was originally part of the Trinity of God before his fall.
240
STRATEGIC SPIRITUAL WARFARE
ANSWER SHEET
PART ONE: To be completed by student. Please print:
Name of course:____________________________________________Date:_________
Your name__________________________Telephone: ( ) __________________________
Address:_______________City___________State_____Zip_______Country__________
Instructions: Mark the correct answer with an X as this example (x). Use the T or F columns for true and false questions or A, B, C, or D columns for multiple choice questions.
T F T F
A B C D A B C D
1. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 21. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
2. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 22. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
3. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 23. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
4. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 24. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
5. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 25. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
6. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 26. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
7. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 27. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
8. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 28. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
9. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 29. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
10. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 30. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
11. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 31. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
12. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 32. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
13. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 33. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
14. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 34. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
15. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 35. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
16. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 36. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
17. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 37. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
18. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 38. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
19. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 39. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
20. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 40. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
241
T F T F
A B C D A B C D
41. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 71. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
42. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 72. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
43. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 73. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
44. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 74. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
45. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 75. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
46. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 76. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
47. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 77. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
48. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 78. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
49. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 79. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
50. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 80. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
51. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 81. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
52. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 82. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
53. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 83. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
54. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 84. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
55. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 85. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
56. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 86. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
57. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 87. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
58. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 88. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
59. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 89. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
60. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 90. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
61. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 91. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
62. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 92. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
63. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 93. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
64. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 94. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
65. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 95. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
66. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 96. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
67. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 97. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
68. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 98. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
69. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 99. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
70. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 100. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PART TWO: For instructor use only. For office use only:
Date examination was received: __________ [ ] Course completion certificate issued
Number of points possible: __________ [ ] Grade transcript recorded
Minus number incorrect: __________ Graded By:__________________ Total correct: __________ Comments:
Letter grade: __________
242
STRATEGIC SPIRITUAL WARFARE
FINAL EXAMINATION ANSWER KEY
T F T F
A B C D A B C D
1. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 21. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x)
2. ( ) ( ) (x) ( ) 22. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
3. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 23. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x)
4. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 24. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x)
5. ( ) ( ) (x) ( ) 25. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
6. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 26. ( ) ( ) (x) ( )
7. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 27. ( ) ( ) (x) ( )
8. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 28. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
9. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 29. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x)
10. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 30. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x)
11. ( ) ( ) (x) ( ) 31. ( ) ( ) (x) ( )
12. ( ) ( ) (x) ( ) 32. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
13. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 33. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
14. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 34. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
15. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 35. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
16. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 36. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x)
17. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 37. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x)
18. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 38. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
19. ( ) ( ) (x) ( ) 39. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x)
20. ( ) ( ) (x) ( ) 40. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x)
243
T F T F
A B C D A B C D
41. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 71. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
42. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 72. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
43. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 73. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
44. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 74. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
45. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 75. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
46. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 76. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
47. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 77. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
48. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 78. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
49. ( ) ( ) (x) ( ) 79. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
50. ( ) ( ) (x) ( ) 80. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
51. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 81. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
52. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 82. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
53. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 83. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
54. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 84. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
55. ( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 85. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
56. ( ) ( ) (x) ( ) 86. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
57. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 87. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
58. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 88. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
59. ( ) ( ) (x) ( ) 89. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
60. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 90. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
61. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 91. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
62. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 92. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
63. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 93. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
64. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 94. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
65. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 95. (x) ( ) ( ) ( )
66. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 96. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
67. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 97. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
68. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 98. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
69. (x) ( ) ( ) ( ) 99. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )
70. ( ) (x) ( ) ( ) 100. ( ) (x) ( ) ( )