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Spiritual WarfareESC Adult Sunday SchoolAugust 14 & 21September 4, 2011James LamReferencesSpiritual Warfare NEWT/SPIR 529 Dr. Roy MathesonBoyd, Gregory. God at War: The Bible and Spiritual Conflict. IV Press, 1997.Arnold, Clinton. 3 Crucial Questions About Spiritual Warfare. Baker, 1997.Anderson, Neil T. The Bondage Breaker. Harvest House, 2000.Anderson, Neil T. and Warner, Timothy. The Beginners Guide to Spiritual Warfare. Regal, 2008.ReferencesMacArthur, Jr. John. How to Meet the Enemy. Chariot Victor, 1992.Rankin, Jerry. Spiritual Warfare: The Battle for Gods Glory. B&H, 2009.Murphy, Ed. The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare. Thomas Nelson, 2003.

Objectives:Biblical worldview of spiritual warfareTension between the two agesOur three enemies world, flesh, devilThe Christian life as a struggleRecognizing the dominion of darknessResisting the dominion of darknessPutting on the full armor of GodMaking your home a spiritual refugeA Working DefinitionSpiritual Warfare is an awareness of the spiritual dynamics taking place around us in order to engage in spiritual conflict using our God given resources.Another definitionA war of universal proportions pitting God and His truth against Satan and his lies. Its a battle of wills between God and Satan. Its a cosmic conflict that involves God and the highest creature He ever made and it filters down to every human being. Satan and his army of demons are fighting Christ, His holy angels, the nation of Israel, and believers. The battle lines are clearly drawn. John MacArthur, How to Meet the EnemyBiblical WorldviewVersus Western worldview overly scientific, naturalistic, humanistic, individualisticVersus Animistic worldview overly superstitiousBiblical worldview collides head-on with above worldviewsBiblical worldview corresponds to realityAvoids two extremes Scripture be our guidePreliminary CautionsWe may foster a fascination with evil Be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil (Romans 16:19)Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you but rejoice that your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20)We may give the devil more than his due

Tension between the Two AgesThe Present Evil AgeSatan as the god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4)The Age to Come/Kingdom of God Jesus as inaugurator and King of a new age and reign of righteousnessThere will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Rev. 21:4)

Already-but-not-yetAlreadyKingdom has comeJesus in principle won the war, struck the decisive deathblow, vanquished Satan, restored humanity, established the kingdom; set in motion forces that will overthrowWe are now participants in the age to comeNot yeteschatologicalKingdom not yet full manifestedWar is not finished; conflict does not ceaseBattles must still be fought before ultimate victoryEternal lifeSome of kingdom manifestations AlreadyEmpowering presence of the Holy SpiritUnion and close relationship with ChristReception and manifestation of the gifts of the Holy SpiritAbility to break free from the bondage of sinAuthority over evil spiritsOur Three EnemiesAs for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed[the world] the ways of this world and of[the devil] the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying[the flesh] the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath(Ephesians 2:1-3)

Devils Influence Ignored

Devils Influence Exaggerated

Balanced View of Evil

The fleshInner propensity or inclination to do evilPart of our creatureliness tainted by the fall that remains with usContinuing connection to this present evil age, which is destined to perish but against which we struggleAs Christians we are new creatures and influence of flesh has been broken by Christs death on the crossResist inner compulsion by power of the Holy Spirit

The worldUnhealthy social environment in which we liveRepresents the prevailing worldview assumptions contrary to biblical understanding of reality and biblical valuesOur culture has profound influence on the way we think and actChristians embark on lifelong task of discerning worldly influence and adopt godly attitudes and valuesThe devilAngelic network angels, archangels, cherubim, seraphim, rulers, principalities, powersHighest angel blameless from day of his creation; sin was NOT an inherent part of the being God createdThe fall of Satan (Ezek. 28:12-18; Isa. 14:12-15)Rebelled against God because of his prideLucifer means star of the morning and son of the dawnLucifer became Satan when God cast him out of heaven I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning (Lk. 10:18)

The Army of SatanWhen Satan fell, he did not fall aloneswept away a third of the stars of heaven (Rev. 12:4)Fallen angels or demons allied with SatanAngels neither procreate nor die (Matt. 22:30)Army of demons highly organizedbelievers struggle against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12)Unseen spiritual global conspiracy (tight-knit lethal organization)Satans ruleSatan has illegitimately seized the world and exercises a controlling influence over it (1 Jn. 5:19)god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4)ruler of this world (Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11)ruler of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2)strong man (Mk. 3:27)tempter (1 Thess. 3:5)roaring lion (1 Pet.5:8)accuser (Ps. 109:6; Rev. 12:10)deceiver of the world (Rev. 12:9)father of lies (Jn. 8:44)murderer (Jn. 8:44)NOT omnipresent like GodJesus did not dispute Satans rulership of the earth, but He refused to give in to Satans temptation and worship him (Lk. 4:5-8)Nature of Evil Influences

Three Stranded Rope3 influences do not work separately, but in concertLarge area of overlapHolds us in bondage prior to coming to ChristSatan works in harmony with the fleshActivity of the devil closely connected to the worldImplications for life and ministryThe Christian Life as a Struggleour struggle is not against flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12)Involves strenuous effort, stamina, and proper spiritual fitnessStruggle is a daily affairSupernatural opponents hierarchy/rankingsRulers (principalities)AuthoritiesPowers of this dark worldSpiritual forces of evil in heavenly realm

Warfare in the GardenThe world (God created a perfect environment)The flesh (God created a perfect man and woman before they sinned)The devil (Satan, disguised as a serpent)Attacks against the mind of EveAssaults Gods motives and Gods character

The Enemys Strategy - DeceptionRecognizing Satans Lies (Gen. 3:1-5)Lie # 1 Did God really say?Satan wanted Eve to doubt GodUndermined Gods character and credibilityLie # 2 You must not eat from any tree in the gardenDistorted Gods commandsQuestioned fairness of Gods commands God had a selfish, ulterior motive in forbidding Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil

DeceptionLie # 3 You will not surely dieThere is no death, no afterlife, no hell, no consequences for sinGod will not see your sinGod is too merciful to punish sinLie # 4 For God knows that when you eat of itGod is keeping important knowledge from youGod is not concerned for what is good for you or mankind

DeceptionLie # 5 your eyes will be openedYou will share in exclusive mystery knowledgeYou will attain true enlightenmentLie # 6 you will be like GodGod is your equalThere is something wonderful and exciting awaiting you which you have not experienced beforeLie # 7 knowing good and evilGod is both good and evilYou can decide for yourself what is good and evilGood and evil are two sides of the same coinThere are no absolutesEves response:when the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Gen. 3:6Satans lies to Eve appeal to Eves flesh food, eye (For everything in the world the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has or does comes not from the Father but from the world 1 John 2:15)Deception Disobedience spiritual deathThe Enemys StrategyDOUBTDoubt His Word, power, grace, mercy, forgiveness, lovePERSECUTIONHardship, difficulties, trialsPhysical, mental, emotional, spiritualFALSE TEACHINGDistorted gospel (other sources of spirituality) False prophets (Mt. 7:15; 24:11; 24:24)SELF-SUFFICIENCYTrust in our own resources, rather than God

Symptoms suggesting spiritual involvementUnusual fatigueHopelessnessSuicidal tendenciesScreamingFrightening nightmaresPersistent fearInternal voicesOppressive depressionPain that cannot be explained medicallySymptoms HeadachesDizzinessExtreme anger and ragePornographic enslavementCompulsive behavioursSpeaking with another voiceSexual perversionsgrowlingHow to know if there is spiritual involvementExperience unusual discomfort, watering eyes, emotional confusion and/or distraction when reading Scripture or spiritual warfare prayersSpiritual discernmentAnalysis of opportunities where spiritual involvement could have been given access e.g. involvement in the occult, drugs, habitual sexual sin, inviting of spirits into ones life, curses, hexes, spells, involvement with witchcraft or satanic ritual, worship or blood sacrificesPossible that access are passed down through ancestral lines

How do spirits of darkness influence us?See our imperfections and weaknesses Piggyback (latch) on our woundedness and augment the problemSecondary problem as they pile on and attack our minds (with deception) and add to our feelings and accentuate our emotionsEnd result being separate from Gods truth and spiritually blindedCan a Christian be demon-possessed?Are those symptoms of the typical struggle believers have with the flesh? Or is it possible the influence of actual spirit beings?Advances in medicine and behavioural sciences help see variety of alternative explanationsNumerous accounts of demonization and exorcism in every century of the history of the churchStrong assumption demon possession was a phenomenon associated with the lands where idolatry flourishedDemon possessionDebate and controversy among evangelicals Arguments against demon possession:A Christian cannot be demon-possessed because his or her body is a temple of the Holy SpiritA Christian cannot be demon-possessed because he or she is already owned by Godpossession = ownership ?demon possession English translationdaimonizomai Greek word (tormented, vexed, troubled); words for ownership or possession are absent in the original text

Reframe the questionCan Christians come under a high degree of influence by a demonic spirit?Is it possible for Christians to yield control of their bodies to a demonic spirit in the same way that they yield to the power of sin?

Chrisitians CANNOT be owned by SatanThe issue of ownership is settled once and for all when a person turns to Christ; Satan loses any legal claim to ownership on the basis of the blood of Christ shed on the crossLegally acquitted by God from our guilt due to sin (Rom. 5:1)Transferred from the domain of Satan into the kingdom of God (Col. 1:13)Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13)Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:38-39)Temple of God, but a dwelling for demons?Misconception that a demon cannot occupy the same space as the Spirit of GodSin can reign in your mortal body (Rom.6:12)After conversion, flesh continues to be present with the believer; the locus of much of the struggle for the believer; resident in the same body as the Holy SpiritDemons will take as much room as we will give to themThe Old Self

The New Self

The New SelfCore transformation (new identity as child of God, citizen of heaven, a saint) has occurred, the continued impact of the presence of sin still feltStill retains a structure of the present evil age (flesh)Sinner nature still present (Rom. 7:18; 8:8)Inner conflict between Gods law and law of sin (Rom. 7:21-24)Demonic spirits cannot penetrate to the core of the persons being and snatch away what belongs to GodA believer can choose to embrace sensual desires and succumb to the flesh, or to resist evil impulse

My heart Christs Home

Christians can be inhabited and controlled by demonsGiving turf to the devil In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Eph. 4:26-27)Foothold inhabited spaceAllowing evil to reignDo not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires (Rom. 6:12)Sin attempts to reassert its controlEvil asserts its influence in 3 different but related ways flesh, world, and SatanDeliverance MinistryDeliverance is part of a bigger COUNSELING process. Counseling is part of a much bigger HEALING process of moving towards wholeness.Deliverance should not be practiced as an isolated event. Wherever possible, deliverance should be set in the context of the larger HEALING process.COUNSELING should take place in partnership with a faith community.45% pre-deliverance counseling10% deliverance45% post-deliverance counselingDeliverance Team individual, discerner(s), contronter, support person (spouse, minister, friend)

Reflection:Have you ever questioned Gods Word and asked if He actually said this? Have you rationalized your belief or have you looked into Scripture to finds answers?How easy or hard it is to detect Satans lies?Have you bought into Satans lies? How can you discern Gods truth has been distorted?What kind of doubts do you have about Gods character or truths? What makes believing His Word difficult?Re-trace your story of succumbing to temptationdoes it follow a similar pattern? Have you experienced similar kind of demonic influence? How did you handle it?How have you given the devil a foothold?Resisting the dominion of darknessEndure HardshipEndure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs he wants to please his commanding officer. (2 Tim. 2:3-4)Taking up the cross daily costly, sacrifice, persecution, ridiculeHymn Onward Christian Soldier

Fight the good fightFight the good fight of the faith. (1 Tim. 1:18-19; 1 Tim. 6:12)Struggle continually to uphold the truth of ScriptureConcentration, effort, and discipline needed to winKeep the faith (uphold sound doctrine) and a good conscience (live holy lives)contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints (Jude 3)J.C. Ryles quote from Holiness, 1989, p.62

Resist the devilSubmit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9)Spiritual resistance spiritual bodybuildingno discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painfulproduces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Heb. 12:11)Resist to stand against, begins with self-controlResist the devil, not people

Put on the full Armor of GodRepeated twice (Eph. 6:11, 13)take your stand against the devils schemes (Eph. 6:11b)stand your ground (Eph. 6:13)stand firm (Eph. 6:14a)List of combat equipment (Eph. 6:14-17)Belt of truthBreastplate of righteousnessShoes of the gospel of peaceShield of faithHelmet of salvationSword of the Spirit

Belt of TruthTunic large square piece of material hung low and looseGirding ones loins pull the four corners of his tunic up through the belt; cinch up the loosely hanging materialReference to preparation, readiness, and commitmentRefers to attitude of truthfulness, sincerity, honesty, and integrityCondition of your private life; having a pure heartCommitment to fight and win without hypocrisy

Breastplate of RighteousnessTough, sleeveless piece of leather or heavy materialCovers the soldiers full torso, protecting the heart and other vital organs protect your mind and emotionsRighteousness imputed righteousness assures us of ultimate victory over Satan Gods clothing a person in the righteousness of Christ at the moment of salvation (2 Cor. 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him)Produces practical righteousness through holy living

Gospel of PeaceProper footwear equipped for battleFeet suggests idea of spiritual authorityFeet are to be shod with the preparation for the Gospel of peace; wont slip or fallGod took the initiative to make peace (2 Cor. 5:19)Good news that believers are at peace with God (Rom. 5:1); He is on our sideConfidence of divine support to stand firmCommissioned with the ministry of reconciliation (Matt. 5:9)Shield of FaithRectangular shield 4 ft x 2 ftThick plank of wood covered on outside with metal or leatherDeflect flaming arrowsReference to endurance faith steadfastness and enduranceFaith is trusting completely and unconditionally in God and His wordJames 1:3 the testing of your faith develops perseveranceAbility to remain under fire of long, drawn out trial without breaking down or blowing upHelmet of SalvationProtects the head, a major target in battle (fatal blow)Satan seeks to destroy believers assurance of salvation with weapons of doubt and discouragementSalvation is eternally protected and secured through the finished work of Christ on the crossSecurity (fact); assurance (feeling comes to obedient Christian)By appropriating this salvation as their helmet, believers have every reason to be confident of the outcome of the battleSword of the SpiritThe Word of God (Ps. 19:7-11)Infallible has no mistakes in its entirety; faultless, flawless, without blemishInerrant no errors, fallacies, blunders or delusions (Prov. 30:5)Complete nothing needs to be added or taken away from itAuthoritative God is final authority; to listen and obeySufficient (2 Tim. 3:16-17)EffectivePower of the SpiritSword is spiritual because it was given to us by the Holy SpiritGods word has divine origin, nothing can overpower itActs 1:8 you will receive power when the Holy Spirit come on youTruth of Scripture used defensively (to fend off Satans attacks) and offensively (to help destroy enemys strategies)Weapon of PrayerEph. 6:18 pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requestsHas militant purpose to overcome the dominion of darknessSpiritual blindness prayerlessnessGrowing awareness of spiritual warfare increasing commitment to prayCommon elements listening to, talking with God; asking (Jam.4:2); believing (Mk. 11:24)Jam. 5:16 the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective The Necessity of PrayerPrayer is not a 7th piece of spiritual armorPrayer is woven into the armor; foundational for the deployment of all the other weaponsAs we put on the full armor, we are to be engaged in prayerThe atmosphere in which all our fighting occursThe key to appropriating our resources in ChristSpiritual armor is neither mechanical or magical; must be infused with divine power and energyThe Commands for VictoryBe alert (Eph. 6:18)For temptationFor false teachersFor Christs returnBe firm (1 Cor. 16:13)Being rooted or grounded in Gods WordBe mature (Eph. 4:14-15)Be strong (1 Cor. 16:13)Be loving (1 Cor. 16:14)

Grand FinaleSatan shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10)

But until then.We are always in spiritual warfare.

ReflectionAre you aware you are always in spiritual battle ?Are you fit for spiritual battle ?Are you ready for spiritual battle ?What part (s) of the full armor do you need to develop or sharpen ?What are the challenges youre facing ?What are the resources to help you win the battle ?What is your appetite for God`s Word ?What is the condition of your prayer life ?

Make your home a spiritual refugeActs of cleansingActs of consecrationActs of protectionPrayer for the HomeAlmighty and Sovereign God, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I/we come to you in the power of the Holy Spirit. We ask you to search out and bring to light any unconfessed in or act of wickedness committed in this place and drive away any lingering spirits of the kingdom of darkness. In Jesus name I bind any spirits who would seek to exert any influence in this dwelling. We acknowledge Father that this is your property. Cleanse and sanctify this place through the blood of the cross and fill it with your presence and glory.Use this home for your purposes. Set angels at the boundaries of this property to shield and protect the members of my family (give names) from all evil influences. I proclaim that the scepter of the wicked will not remain over this home. I pray this through the name that is above every name, that of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.From Tom White, Believers Guide to Spiritual Warfare