SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Know your Enemy
Power in the Blood
Power in the Blood
Putting on the Full Armour of God
Power in the Blood
Power in the Blood
Power in the Blood
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The Blood of Jesus
The Renewed Mind
Power in the Blood
Spiritual House Cleaning
Be Transformed, not Conformed!
Spiritual House Cleaning
Spiritual House Cleaning
Spiritual House Cleaning
Objects That Carry A Demonic Influence
Angels
Spiritual House Cleaning
Demonology
I Have Commanded My Angels Concerning You!
Demonology
Spiritual House Cleaning
Demonology
War in the Spiritual Realm
Spiritual Warfare
The Full Armour of God
Knowing Your Enemy
We are now living in a time when the battle between God’s kingdom and Satan’s kingdom is raging as never before, especially as we draw nearer to the return of Christ, when Satan’s kingdom will be destroyed. If you want to stay committed and successful in the Christian life, then spiritual warfare will not be an option. We need to be spiritually equipped and prepared more than ever for the difficult days ahead, and the more you intend to do God’s will, the more Satan’s kingdom will oppose you. His kingdom is very well organised, and satanic forces unite against the Church and God’s people. He will oppose us for our faith, beliefs, attention and our values. However, God has already equipped and strengthened us with power and authority to overcome and defeat him.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)
In the military field, before a country goes into war, relevant information about their enemy is collected beforehand. If not, they are vulnerable to defeat. Jesus does not want us to be ignorant of Satan’s schemes, which is why the Bible gives us so much information on our adversary. In the army, we would have to submit to a military leader first. In the Christian life, we first need obedience and commitment to Christ before we are able to stand against the enemy in battle.
“Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee”. (James 4:7)
The battle was already won at the cross! Jesus disarmed and defeated all the powers of darkness there and as Christians we are only sending the enemy reminders of their past and future defeat. The devil and his demonic forces have been around for thousands of years which is a long time to become familiar with human nature. This makes him a powerful adversary and it would be wrong to underestimate him. He attempts to bind as many as possible through war, poverty, oppression, sickness, depression and racism, he is very skilled in all these areas. We are targets of assault by unseen forces and invisible powers in rebellion against God and His purposes. We need to look beyond the natural realm, as spiritual forces work through people and circumstances.
Temptation
Being tempted and led away by our own desires can take us out from under the protection of God and onto Satan’s territory. We need to be aware of our own faults and weaknesses because he is! It’s important we are quick to confess sin in our life as the devil has a right to dwell where sin is. In Matthew 4, we read that Jesus was tested in the wilderness, and like Him, we can overcome our enemy by using the Word of God. This is our sword!
The devil never argued when Jesus quoted scriptures, he knew it was the absolute authority. Jesus spoke the word. There is power in proclamation! In Hebrews 4:12 the word of God is described as a ‘two-edged sword’.
Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Be watchful and alert because the days are evil. (1 Peter 5:8)
Deception
Satan’s desire is to prevent God being glorified, so he can be glorified instead. He does this through false religions and occult practises, many of which claim to bring us peace, power and direct us towards God. The Bible warns that Satan appears as an ‘angel of light’. He knows the Bible and how to misuse the scriptures by using them in a wrong context. He builds his lies on part truth to deceive us. Deception is his greatest tool and as Christians we need to know the Bible. It warns us of the rise of religious deception prior to Christ’s return. Truth is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare.
Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32)
The Battle of the Mind
Satan’s biggest battleground is our mind. He reminds us of past defeats, failures, sins and hurts. Memories from the past will surface, especially any unhealed or bad memories, as these can stir up our emotions. We need to recognise and take hold of these thoughts and responses. The Bible refers to them as ‘fiery darts’ which often come as sudden thoughts! If we allow him to influence our mind, he can control us by dictating our emotions, our behaviour and our responses. We are easy prey for the enemy when we are offended, angry, hurt, raw and unforgiving. They are ‘chinks in our armour’ and strongholds for the enemy to work through.
Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)
To defend ourselves we need to have a ‘renewed mind’. A mind that is conformed to the world pays tribute to the devil. Allow the Holy Spirit to touch any area in your life that may still need healing, so you can walk in the victory and the freedom that Christ intended.
Intimidation
The Bible teaches that as Christians we need not walk in anxiety, fear and worry! We cannot feed our faith and our fears at the same time. If we allow it, fear will immobilise and paralyse us, and will hinder our Christian walk. Proverbs 28” But the righteous are bold as a lion.”
"For God did not intend for us to have a spirit of Fear, but a Spirit of Power and Love and of a Sound Mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
The Full Armour of God
In Ephesians, we are instructed to put on the full armour of God.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:10)
We are then encouraged to pray in the Spirit. This is powerful for bringing down Satan’s Kingdom and is our greatest weapon for immobilising the enemy.
Belt of truth (guards against deception)
Breastplate of righteousness
Feet (for readiness of the gospel)
Helmet of salvation (protects our mind)
Sword of the Spirit (the word of God)
Shield of faith (extinguishes flaming arrows)
Spiritual Gifts
Using the gifts of the Spirit are an essential part of spiritual warfare. Jesus performed many miracles, just as we are encouraged to also, by using the gifts of the Spirit. They are a demonstration of God’s power used for advancing the kingdom and weapons of warfare used to expose and bring down the enemy’s strongholds.
Power of the Blood
The Blood of Jesus
Blood is significant in the Bible and for a better understanding of its purpose we need to take a glance back at the Old Testament, as this was relevant to the old covenant, prior to Jesus’ death on the cross. Animal sacrifices played an important part in Jewish customs and there were many different types. But all of them point us to the redemptive work that Jesus done at the cross. The Old Testament shows the importance of blood and the need for sacrifice to atone for sins. A sacrifice was to be a perfect and spotless animal, without blemish or defect offered in was to be offered in a certain way. God’s holiness and His justice demands for our sin to be punished, and the offering of an animal or even our own death is not sufficient sacrifice to pay for our sins.
“Without the Shedding of Blood there is no Remission of Sins” (Hebrews 9: 22)
The Passover Lamb
In Exodus 11:1-12:36 we read about the Passover Lamb. A lamb was to be slaughtered and the blood was to be painted on the doorposts of each home. Although they were God’s people this was their only protection against the destroyer. The Angel of Death could not enter any household marked with the Blood.
“Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. So, this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations.” (Exodus 12:13-14)
Jesus died on the cross for our sins to replace the animal sacrifices in the old covenant, He became the sacrifice once and for all! His death involved a lot of bloodshed. Jesus is the perfect, spotless Lamb of God.
“the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19)
In the New Testament, Jesus’ blood is the foundation of the new covenant. Jesus said the night before His death on the cross, at the Last Supper with His disciples:
“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:20)
Jesus shed His blood so that we could be forgiven and released from the consequences of our sins. When we have accepted Jesus as our saviour, all our past sins and future are forgiven and covered by the blood of Jesus.
The Blood Provides Deliverance
With the blood of Jesus Christ, we are redeemed from the power of Satan! Only the blood covers and protects us. It was the blood that delivered God’s people from under Pharaoh’s rule of bondage and slavery.
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. (John 1:29)
When we take communion, the wine is symbolic of the blood of Jesus. We do it in remembrance of the blood poured out for our sins (1 Corinthians 11) and celebrate Jesus as ‘the Lamb of God’. His blood was a major part of the work at the cross, and it is still as powerful today. Only by believing in Christ’s redemptive work can we be saved. Our sins are forgiven because of the blood Jesus shed on our behalf.
Overcoming Satan Through The Blood
The blood of Jesus gives us victory. We overcome Satan by claiming the atoning work on the cross. Michael and His Angels defeated Satan by the ‘Blood of the Lamb’.
And There was war in heaven, and Michael and his angels fought back, The Dragon (devil) was not strong enough and they Overcame him by The Blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12: 10-12)
There is power in the blood of Jesus
The Bible regards blood as the symbol and source of life. The blood of Jesus gives us life, just as the blood in our physical body gives us life. Anaemia is the lack of iron in red blood cells. The iron compound in red blood cells is haemoglobin. If this is low our body becomes weary and fatigued. The blood carries this compound to all parts of our body to give it strength. It also brings healing to the physical body. Jesus’ blood does the same spiritually for the body of Christ, it brings life! The blood:
· Cleanses
· Redeems
· Protects
· Overcomes
· Heals
Pleading the Blood
When we ‘plead the blood’ this is not as a superstition. We are proclaiming its supernatural power. There is power in proclamation. Apart from knowing the power of the blood, we need to speak it out. To overcome the enemy, we have to proclaim its power. The powers of darkness flee when the Blood of Jesus is proclaimed. It as a marker over our life against the enemy.
The renewed mind
The Helmet of Salvation
The renewed mind is the most powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Protecting our mind is essential, it is a common battleground for Satan. We are in a spiritual battle and we can only engage with spiritual weapons.
“And take the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of The Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17)
The Human Mind
The mind is the most sensitive and most powerful part of the body, and a subconscious part of the heart. The mind is busy and always active. Satan tries to influence and distract us by bombarding our minds with negative thoughts. He battles for our beliefs, values and morals with deceptive schemes. By influencing the minds of people, he can control them.
Why Does Our Mind Need Renewing?
If we don’t renew our mind, we will not experience the freedom Jesus died to give us, which is peace with God and within ourselves. Unbelievers naturally conform to the world’s ways. A mind conformed to the world pays tribute to Satan, a renewed mind through the word of God pays tribute to Christ. Instead of being conformed we need to be transformed! When Paul speaks of the world, he means the ‘spirit of the world’.
Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12 :2)
Before we were Christians our thought life and actions were dictated by the world, as Christians, we need to have the mind of Christ. Not ‘conforming to the world’ does not mean avoidance or isolation from the world, only it’s influence, morals and behaviour. The only way to replace the error of the world’s way of thinking, is to replace it with God’s truth (His word). Although we are in the world, we are not of it (John 17:14-15). Our thought life affects our emotions and behaviour. Satan is an accuser, he likes to remind us of past failures, our weaknesses and hurts, as these stir up emotions. But we have a choice, we can choose our thoughts and what we focus on. Something constructive can keep us from harmful and obsessive thoughts.
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
The Holy Spirit Renews the Mind
We work with the Holy Spirit, as he is our counsellor. He helps us to renew our mind, so we are transformed from the inside out and the outside in. There are thoughts we can capture that are contrary to God’s word and prevent them taking root in our mind and heart. We are not responsible for all the harmful thoughts, but we are responsible for taking them captive. To take control, we first need to identify where certain thoughts come from.
Negative, impure and condemning thoughts are not from God. When a thought enters, we can examine it in light of scripture, we either dwell on it or replace it. We need to identify damaging thought patterns. A hardened heart blinds and corrupts the mind. If we dwell on the past, it is a barrier to moving forward. If bad thought habits have developed over time, it is more difficult to change the direction of our thinking, and we need the Holy Spirit to help reprogram our mind!
Man’s Thoughts:
We have thousands of thoughts in a day and many are focused on our regular tasks and things to accomplish. Some of them are self-focused. Most of us have conversations inside our head and overthink. This is normal if studying or concentrating on detail, but if we overanalyse and they dominate our thoughts, it is more harmful than helpful. If we focus on a problem long enough, it becomes bigger and more exaggerated in our mind. We tend to overthink on events we are uncertain of or fear the outcome. Our emotions often lead us to overthinking. We tend to process words and actions, especially something we do not understand or struggle to come to terms with.
How to recognise Satan’s Thoughts
Thoughts from Satan often come spontaneously, FIERY DARTS! Especially when praying and reading the Bible. Wandering and condemning thoughts are sent to distract. The Holy Spirit does not convict of sin that has already confessed, this is the accuser! He tries to get into our thoughts just as we wake up, so we begin our day with negative . He is able to transmit thoughts, but cannot read them, only God can read our thoughts!
“take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Ephesians 6:16)
How can we pursue and enjoy this renewal?
Satan plants doubt and fear about spiritual and eternal things, especially in the mind of unbelievers.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God”
A stronghold is a term used for an area dominated by an enemy. If we allow Satan’s thoughts to take root in our mind, they become a stronghold. A stronghold is something contrary to God’s word, such as evolution, humanism, atheism, a cult, the occult or false religions.
“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)
Trusting God With A Renewed Mind
A right mindset will benefit you, a bad mindset will hinder you. Colossians tells us to ‘set our minds’. Our minds needs to be ‘set in the right direction’. It comes down to choosing whether we will believe God’s word, Satan’s lies, our emotions or the comments of others.
“Set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:2)
We don’t want to live in reaction to the devil, but in response to the Father, just as Jesus did. We can either trust the word of God instead of letting our emotions dictate. The renewal of the mind will be an ongoing process on our spiritual journey. We cannot fight bad thoughts with our own willpower, we need to read the Bible regularly, so we can think and act according to it. It should gradually transform our thinking, instead of just acquiring Bible knowledge like the Pharisees, who were ‘religious in their thinking’.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1)
Experiencing freedom is when we believe God’s word, and our mind has been liberated by the Holy Spirit. Many Christians still live with constant negative, anxious and fearful thoughts. If so, then something has to change as this is living contrary to the faith. God wants us to experience His peace within our hearts and minds. A renewed mind is relevant to our faith.
More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
If we want the peace Paul describes, which is beyond understanding we have to let go of our own understanding. Romans tells us when our mind has been renewed, we can understand God’s will, which is what He wants to do through us and not what He can do for us.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12 :2)
Other Sources That Influence our Thoughts
If we want to experience love, joy and peace from the Holy Spirit, we have to guard our ‘ear gates and eye gates’, the Bible describes them as the windows to our soul. TV, internet and media can educate, encourage and entertain us. However, this is also where the ’spirit of the world’ mainly operates. It influences the minds, values and morals of many of us. Music is powerful, heavy rock, heavy metal, trans and rave music are hypnotic, which Influences the subconscious part of our mind. Other people can influence our thoughts. Alcohol, drugs and hypnosis also affects our mind.
Be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind…Ephesians 4:23
Bible Characters Influence By Their Thoughts
NEGATIVE (-)
Adam & Eve (Genesis 3)
Cain (Genesis 4)
Saul (1 Samuel 18)
Judas (John 13)
POSITIVE (+)
Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John)
Joseph (Genesis)
Moses (Exodus)
Abraham (Genesis)
Paul (Acts)
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”
(2 Corinthians 3:17)
Spiritual House Cleaning
What is a Curse?
A curse is supernatural, when evil is called upon and used against someone or something to cause them harm, it is also when angry words are spoken with hatred, a strong angry exclamation! Even though this type of curse may not be intentional, unfortunately words spoken in the heat of the moment can still be effective.
A curse is a barrier and an obstruction, a spiritual force that works against you that can’t be seen or identified. It acts as a hindrance in certain or all areas of your life. Just as you start to prosper in that area, circumstances prevent it. Many people battle with problems with-out realising they could be under a curse or spell. When the cause of a problem can’t be identified, or an Illness can’t be diagnosed it could be spiritual.
There are also curses that we can bring upon ourselves. Occult practises and objects, idols, religions and idolatry also bring curses. Blasphemy commonly used in society today brings a curse. Curses can also be generational. Blessings & curses are all explained in Deut:28.
You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them. For I the Lord your God, am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me.” (Exodus 20 1-5)
Objects Which Carry A Demonic Influence
Any Items in the home related to luck, idolatry, false religions, cults, satanic practises, or any objects which have been used as a channel for supernatural power, for good or evil purposes, will act as a curse and an entrance for evil spirits into the home.
Divination & Tools
Tarot Cards; crystal balls; runes; pendulums
healing crystals; Ouija-boards
Hexes; spell books
Garments used in ritual ceremonies
Gothic Items
Inverted crosses or Swastika signs
(Especially items used to mock Christ)
Clothing with Satan or satanic signs
(Such as hex, goats head, skull & bones etc)
Religious Objects
Feng Shu, Ying & Yang,
Buddha, Gurus & Other Gods
Crucifixes or rosary bead
Ornaments or jewellery of saints
Charms (zodiac & Lucky)
Music
Satanic music, Heavy Rock, Heavy Metal; Trans & Rave
(Most of which is hypnotic and back masked with a satanic blessing)
New-age Items
Dream catcher, spirit guides or chimes
Books promoting new age teaching & religion
Freemasonry Items
Books, clothing (aprons, rings, cufflinks, ties)
Movies & Magazines
Horror & Pornography
Children’s Accessories
Pokémon
Harry Potter
Certain Play Station games
Repent
Repentance is required for any items that have been brought into the home (or area).
Recommended Action
Renounce:
Verbally reject any practises (or sins) that the items have been used for and command any spirits to leave, declare and render them powerless. All items should be burned if possible (If not, pray over them, declare any spirits powerless and dispose of). Ornaments or altars should be smashed. Pray around the home. Communion is powerful, along with the proclamation of scriptures. Anoint windows and door (all entrances) to the home or area with oil (any oil) as this is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.
You shall burn the carved images of their gods with fire, you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it, for it is an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it, but you shall utterly detest it and abhor it, for it is an accursed thing. (Deuteronomy 7: 25-26)
Angels
God created angels as well as human beings and angels are mentioned many times in the Bible. God uses the angels as His messengers, they are His warriors, protectors and also servants. They are spiritual, heavenly beings with emotions, freewill and intelligence. Some angels appeared in a bright and shining form, but they can also appear as human-like.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2)
Angels were created before mankind and were present during the creation of the world, the birth of Christ, His resurrection and ascension. They will also be present at His ‘Second Coming’ and the’ Rapture of the Saints’.
Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: "...Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? ...while the morning stars sang together, and all the angels shouted for joy?" (Job 38:1-7)
Angels can move much quicker than humans, they can fly between the heaven and earthly realms.
And I saw another angel flying through the sky, carrying the eternal Good News to proclaim to the people who belong to this world—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. (Revelation 14:6)
Only three angels are mentioned by name in the Bible. Gabriel, Michael and the fallen angel Lucifer (Satan). Angels all have their different ranks and assignments. There are Archangels, Cherubim & Seraphim. The most common image we have of the angels are human beings with wings. Cherubim are described in Ezekiel's vision in chapter 10 as having four wings and under their wings were human-like hands. Revelation describes similar creatures but with six wings each. Seraphim are in Isaiah 6:1-8 and are described as tall angels each with six wings. Michael is the only one that is referred to as an ‘archangel’, this is a high-ranking angel in charge of other angels and he fights against the fallen angels.
Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. (Revelation 12:7,8)
Daniel’s prayer had been blocked by spiritual forces and it was Michael who came to his assistance. Michael is described here as one of the ‘Chief Princes’.
“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain under-standing and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the Prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia”. (Daniel 10:12-13)
Gabriel’s role was a ‘principal messenger’. He was used to deliver messages of high importance.
While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. (Daniel 9:21)
He also appeared to the Virgin Mary as a Messenger regarding the birth of Christ.
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee to a virgin. She was engaged to marry a man named Joseph from the family of David. Her name was Mary. (Luke 1: 26,28)
Angels announced the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:10-14. The appearance of angels was a regular occurrence in Acts. Philip in Acts 8:26 was given specific instructions from an angel. In Acts 12: 1-9, we read about Peter’s amazing release from prison by an angel, which was an answer to the church praying for his release.
A light shone in the prison, an Angel of the Lord appeared and struck Peter on the side, his chains fell off and the angel led him out. (Acts 12:5)
Acts 10:3-6 it was through an angel that Cornelius got saved. The Bible says there is much rejoicing by angels in heaven when a sinner repents.
I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."( Luke 15:10)
Angels are also worshippers. They glorify the Father and the Son in Revelation 4:8 (also in Hebrews 1:6)
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night, they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty’ Who was, and is, and is to come.
Revelation 5 mentions thousands of worshipping angels encircling the throne of heaven.
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:11-12)
Cherubim angels are close to God in heaven. The Psalms and 2 Kings mention God being enthroned between the cherubim. Angels were used to encourage God’s people and keep them from danger. They also act as guardians and comforters.
“For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.”
(Psalm 91:11)
When Elijah ran from Jezebel's threats in 1 Kings 19:4-5, he became discouraged, so much that he wanted to die. An angel found him and brought him food and water. Angels also attended Jesus after He was tempted in the wilderness by Satan (Matthew 4:11). The water at the pool of Bethesda was stirred up by an angel and healing came to all those who stepped in (John 5:2-4). An angel came and rolled away the stone from the tomb where Jesus lay and informed the two Marys of His resurrection. He also instructed them to go and tell the disciples He was risen in Matthew 28:2,7. Angels can deliver God’s judgment. Acts 12: 20-25 records an angel striking Herod down dead. Angels are God's servants. They also play a large role in events at the second coming.
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?' (Revelation 5)
The return of Jesus to earth is proclaimed beforehand by the voice of an archangel.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
In Revelation, seven trumpets are sounded by seven angels. Seven angels also pour out the seven bowls of judgment upon the earth, as and when they are commanded to.
Demonology
Demons are evil spirits, disembodied beings and messengers of Satan under his command. They were once angels but are now ‘fallen angels. The Bible says Lucifer (Satan) served God as a ‘cherub’, a powerful angelic being prior to the creation of man. But he rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven, taking with him one third of the angels (Revelation 12:14). Like Satan, who disguises himself as an ‘angel of light’, demons also come disguised as angels. They are also referred to as unclean, familiar or lying spirits.
When it comes to the subject of demons, very often there are those who do not believe they exist, and there are others obsessed with their existence. Satan loves both ignorance and obsession! We need to be cautious and keep a proper balance. Jesus treated Satan only as an obstacle that needed to be removed, which He did, so people could be reached and set free.
We read in 1 Samuel 16:14-23 King Saul, because of his disobedience was inflicted by an evil spirit. King David ministered to King Saul, which only brought temporary relief. We read throughout the scripture how demons harass, torment, addict, bind, weaken, intimidate and manipulate people and prevent people from coming to the knowledge of the gospel.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)
Demons all have different assignments, strengths and ranks but they all have the same purpose: to control, enslave, intimidate and obstruct God’s purposes. Even though we cannot see them, the Bible makes us aware of their purpose and activities. Just as we ourselves are a spirit inside a body, although we cannot see it, we know we have one. Although we cannot see what is happening in the spiritual realm, we can discern by the atmosphere and effects around us. Just like the wind, although it is invisible its effects can be seen.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. (Colossians 1:16)
THE MINISTRY OF JESUS
There was evidence of Satan’s kingdom when it was challenged by God’s kingdom, as in the ministry of Jesus. He had authority from the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit to overpower and drive out demons. He was the first to do so and His ministry gives us insight into how they operate. When Jesus prayed for the sick, he dealt with more illnesses that were spiritual than physical. The woman bent over with a spirit of infirmity in Luke 13:11–1 is an example. This was a physical condition caused by an evil spirit. Jesus didn’t just pray for her healing but cast out the spirit. Healing and dealing with the demonic cannot be separated. When Jesus cast out a demon, there were at times powerful physical manifestations.
The people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" (Luke 4: 40-41)
The Great Commission
The early church was also active in the deliverance ministry, as many of the gentiles had been involved in idolatry and occult activity. Jesus gave His disciples and the 72 apostles the same power and authority in the Holy spirit He had in the Holy spirit, He sent them out equipped!
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. (Luke 9:1)
A disciple is a follower of Jesus, one who is dedicated and follows His teachings. We read in Acts 19:13-16 how the seven sons of Sceva did not have the authority to cast out evil spirits. Demons know an imposter, those disguised as religious people and no relationship with God. There were occasions when Jesus asked demons their names, but He then muzzled them and commanded them out, Jesus did not hold a conversation with them.
Demons are disembodied beings that seek to work within a body and would rather be in an animal than be without one. In Matthew 8:28-34, when Jesus was in the region of the Gadarenes and was about to cast demons out, they begged Jesus to send them into a herd of pigs instead. They do not like being removed from their territory, if so they attempt to return.
When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So, it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself. (Matthew 12:42-44)
What we know from scriptures:
· They speak and are intelligent
· They know the scriptures
· They have supernatural strength and power
· They know who Jesus is and fear Him
· They know if you have authority or not
· They know their own future (in Revelation)
· They come disguised as angels
When Jesus drove them out, He never commanded them to go to hell. There is a time appointed when all evil spirits are bound and punished.
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41)
Demonic Objects
Objects can be demonised as well as people. Temples, altars, buildings and structures to false and pagan gods are dominated by demonic and territorial spirits. Behind every idol is a demon. 1 Corinthians 10: 19 ,20.
Entrance Points for Demons
(Curse or Spirit)
· Pride
· Rejection
· Hate
· Unforgiveness
· Unrepentance
Idolatry Practices
· Freemasonry
Ruling Spirits
Principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places: Just as spirits need entrance into a person, ruling spirits need an entrance to move into an area. Strongholds are satanic commands and control centres. Demonic strongholds can exist in a nation or a city, which affects society in general or a person’s mind. Demonic strongholds can be discerned, especially where there is a strong resistance to the gospel. The Goddess Diana in Ephesus was a territorial spirit which caused a major stir in the city.
Spirit of the Anti-Christ
Apart from an actual person who will eventually arise as the antichrist, 1 John 4 mentions the spirit of the antichrist in the world. This is a ruling spirit that works in opposition to God’s purposes. As Christians, we constantly come against this and are surrounded by it in the world. This will oppose and pressure us even more, especially as we near the end of age. It works against and inside the church, through politicians, media, religion and false teaching.
Jezebel Spirit
The Jezebel spirit is also a worldwide ruling spirit that displays all the characteristics as the person Jezebel is portrayed in the Bible. She represented witchcraft and fury: manipulation, Idolatry; sexual Immorality false prophecy; intimidation; murder; rebellion; lust; pride; fear and depression. This is the demonic force that deceives, disunites and split churches, it attempts to seduce Christians and church leaders into sin.
Spirit of Fear
Although fear is part of our normal emotions, the Bible also mentions a ‘spirit of fear’.
For God did not intend for us to have a “spirit of fear and timidity”, put a spirit of power and love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 7)
Religious Spirit (Legalistic)
A religious spirit is a cold, harsh and discouraging spirit which holds to church traditions and legalistic beliefs, just like the Pharisees. It opposes a move of the Holy Spirit or any-thing new and acts as a barrier. Where there is a spirit of religion, there is also a spirit of pride that keeps it active.