Spiritual Warfare: Born in A Warzone

We were born in a

It started before man was created (Isaiah 14:12-21, Ezekiel 28:1-10)

It accelerated in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:17)

It continues to this day (Ephesians 6:10-20)

It will end in victory (Revelation 20:10)

A Few Examples of the battle

Jesus was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11)

Paul had a messenger of Satan, a thorn in the flesh (2 Cor 12:6-10)

Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Satan has evil designs (2 Corinthians 2:11)

What is the nature of this conflict?

• For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)
• The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
• …we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18)
• Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
• Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

There is an and we need

“Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us (believers) from evil. (Matthew 6:9-13)

 

The Conflict and the Hierarchy of Evil

• Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
• 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but
  • against the rulers,
  • against the authorities,
  • against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
  • against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)

The amor is real and so are the weapons

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 firm. 14 Stand therefore,

• having fastened on the belt of truth, and
• having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and,
• as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
• 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
• 17 and take the helmet of salvation,
• and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word (rhema) of God, (Ephesians 6:13-17)

The activity of the battle. How we .

praying at all times in the Spirit,

with all prayer and supplication.

To that end, keep alert with all perseverance,

making supplication for all the saints,

19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
(Ephesians 6:13-17)

Don’t give the Devil an

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:25-29)

Do not the Spirit

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:30-32)

Be with the Spirit

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:16-21)

(Take a picture of the stage screen)

Greek for demonic influence

“Demonized”/ “demon oppressed”: δαιμονίζομαι (Strongs #1139)

As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons (demonized) begged him that he might be with him. (Mark 5:18)

“to have”: ἔχω  (Strongs #2192)

To Have: And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” (He has Beelzebul) and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.”

So, how does this practically play out?

• God’s will – Matthew 6 and other promises
• the devil
• for yourself
• for others: But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)

Angels participate in the war

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. (Psalm 34:7)

Let them (my enemies) be like chaff before the wind,

with the angel of the LORD driving them away!

6 Let their way be dark and slippery,

with the angel of the LORD pursuing them! (Psalm 35:5-7)

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11)

And that night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. (2Kings 19:35)

When the Syrians surrounded Elisha…

When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:15-18)

Then the devil left him (Jesus), and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Matthew 4:11)

Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)

Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:53)

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back… (Revelation 12:7)

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How do we know we can win?

• Jesus overcame temptation
• Jesus rose from the dead
• Jesus is coming back
• Jesus will cast Satan into the lake of fire

We will see the of the enemy

• The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (Romans 16:20).
• I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise/crush your head, and you shall bruise/crush his heel.” (Genesis 3:17)