Is it the Christian's responsibility to fight "territorial spirits?"

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arthurfleminger

Well-known member
Aug 18, 2021
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#21
I think that this video gives a pretty good description of the nature of our battle in both the heavenly and earthly realms:


So
I think that this video gives a pretty good description of the nature of our battle in both the heavenly and earthly realms:


So, you take this author, Derek Prince, to be the source of truth. What makes you think he has the truth? I thought that Scripture alone was truth and now you say Derek Prince is another authoritarian truth. Is he your pope? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?????????
 

arthurfleminger

Well-known member
Aug 18, 2021
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#22
These days warfare against territorial spirits—especially among the New Apostolic Reformation—has become a pretty big deal? Is there a scriptural basis for this, anyone know? I don't recall ever hearing the phrase "territorial spirit" mentioned in scripture, much less any instruction or teaching for believers to occupy themselves with such things.

Territorial spirits are just the latest 'non Scriptural' fantasies of the Pentecostals and Charismatics. These false teachings were made popular, about 10 years ago by the fantasy/fiction writer C. Peter Wagner in his book, "Territorial Spirits: Practical Strategies for How to Crush the Enemy Through Spiritual Warfare."

So, Wagner writes a fantasy novel and Christian Churches take it as Gospel truth, on a par with the Scriptures/Bible. Same thing happened with Brown's fantasy 'The Davinci Code" and Brown's other book, "Angels and Demons".

Lots of people will pick up a fantasy novel and mistake it for truth. Lots of folks are way off track.

Christians need to decide who is their authority, fiction/fantasy writers or the Scriptures/Bible.
 
L

Live4Him2

Guest
#23
So



So, you take this author, Derek Prince, to be the source of truth. What makes you think he has the truth? I thought that Scripture alone was truth and now you say Derek Prince is another authoritarian truth. Is he your pope? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?????????
Huh?

I never said that Derek Prince is "the source of truth". In fact, there are many things that he taught (he's dead now) that I disagree with, and others that I agree with.

What makes me think he has the truth?

In respect to THE ONE VIDEO THAT I POSTED, I think it's true because I've read the Bible myself a multitude of times, and I agree with what he said based upon my own reading and understanding of scripture.

When did I allegedly "say Derek Prince is another authoritarian truth"?

Of course, the correct answer is NOWHERE, so you're apparently not a very good source of truth yourself.

Work on that.

Is he my pope?

lol.

You need a lot of help.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,279
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#24
I agree there are territorial demons and spirits. But my question was: Is it our responsibility to bind or fight them? In all of the New Testament I don't recall ever hearing of this. We're told to pray, to trust Jesus and the Father, preach the good news. My question is: What is the scriptural basis for this teaching?

Even if you subscribe to the idea of casting demons out out of people, that's not the same as binding a territorial demon.
We have authority to bind and loose (Matthew 18:18). Lord Jesus has already defeated Satan and all the principalities and powers of darkness. However, they remain in the world.

Ephesians 6:12 "12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

2 Corinthians 10:4 & 5 "…The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

The war goes on. We fight because we have the victory, not to gain it. Satan is helpless before the one who will resist him. The problem is that not enough Christians take it seriously. If we could see clearly, we would be as fierce in resisting Satan as the Ukrainians are against Russia.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,279
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#25
Territorial spirits are just the latest 'non Scriptural' fantasies of the Pentecostals and Charismatics. These false teachings were made popular, about 10 years ago by the fantasy/fiction writer C. Peter Wagner in his book, "Territorial Spirits: Practical Strategies for How to Crush the Enemy Through Spiritual Warfare."

So, Wagner writes a fantasy novel and Christian Churches take it as Gospel truth, on a par with the Scriptures/Bible. Same thing happened with Brown's fantasy 'The Davinci Code" and Brown's other book, "Angels and Demons".

Lots of people will pick up a fantasy novel and mistake it for truth. Lots of folks are way off track.

Christians need to decide who is their authority, fiction/fantasy writers or the Scriptures/Bible.
Christians need to take God's word seriously. You are ignoring the Bible that states that there really is a spiritual battle going on. I'm not NAR or any other "ism", but I do know that Satan is actively against the church. Read "War on the Saints" by Jesse Penn-Lewis if you doubt me.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
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#26
What do you mean by "deal with?"
Resist Satan's temptations. Bind the Satanic powers that are deceiving the world, and too often, Christians. Loose those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18). Where possible, refute the lying teachings of deceptive demons that attack the church. Some people are too blinded to be helped. Our weapon of attack is the Sword of the Spirit, the Living Word of God. Our defence is the armour of God. Ignorance is not bliss. It puts us at risk.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
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#27
These days warfare against territorial spirits—especially among the New Apostolic Reformation—has become a pretty big deal? Is there a scriptural basis for this, anyone know? I don't recall ever hearing the phrase "territorial spirit" mentioned in scripture, much less any instruction or teaching for believers to occupy themselves with such things.
Gods does not desire His Children to go out of their way to look for trouble. He will come to our aid if trouble comes to us. Our responsibility is twofold...

Matthew
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,279
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#28
Gods does not desire His Children to go out of their way to look for trouble. He will come to our aid if trouble comes to us. Our responsibility is twofold...

Matthew
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
That is a cop out. There is a spiritual war, like it or not. There are no non combatants in God's kingdom. Sadly, there are way too many who remain captive to the devil because of ignorance of spiritual law.

We are commanded to resist the devil. We are warned that we are at war. We are warned that it possible to be devoured by Satan. We need to take God seriously.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,279
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#29
I think that this video gives a pretty good description of the nature of our battle in both the heavenly and earthly realms:

Derek Prince is one of the few preachers and teachers who had real insight into the spiritual realm. I went to a couple of his meetings. He ministered deliverance and a lot of people were set free. No theatrics, he just exercised his authority in Christ.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
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#30
These days warfare against territorial spirits—especially among the New Apostolic Reformation—has become a pretty big deal? Is there a scriptural basis for this, anyone know?
Territorial spirits are included in the list of evil spirits given in Ephesians 6. They do control/influence the affairs of each nation, particularly those committed to evil ideologies or false religions. There are powerful hierarchies of evil spirits under "the prince of the power of the air" (Satan) who are constantly at work, and what we are seeing today in the world is more intense evil activity than ever before. But greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. So Christians are to simply STAND against all the assaults of the devil, clothed in the spiritual armor given to us in Christ.
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
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#31
Daniel tells us many things in his book, such as how God can answer our prayers, & how Satan occupies places with his hierarchy of demons.
Since Satan is as a roaring lion seeking who he may devour, IDT he sends demons to stand guard over occupied territories. They are there for war.
Certainly we should pray & ask the Lord what is going on.
Yes we are required to know as much about God as we can, but also we are to know our enemy.
Also, we must count the cost of such an endeavor. You can't win a battle you're not prepared to fight.
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#32
There is a way that seems right to a man but at the end is destruction.

I beleive all demonic influence is under the power of anti christ. The spirit of antichrist was present even in johns day.
Its the spirit of rebellion which causes lawlessness. This lawlessness turns into knowing lawlessness which is the worst kind. It is a lawlessness that one knows it is wrong but insist on doing it any way.
Which brings about a seared consciousness which is reprobate.
Thats why we are commanded to know and trust Gods word.
Many things seem right to do but is it Gods word. In the old testament you will read "and each one went about there own way doing what seemed right in there own eyes.
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
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#33
"and each one went about there own way doing what seemed right in there own eyes.
Otherwise know now as "do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law".
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
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#34
Interestingly, I watched this video yesterday. It is on the YouTube channel "LongforTruth1", hosted by Daniel Long and his wife Robin. The video tackles the subject of territorial spirits and how we as believers should (or not) deal with them:

That's a good video. Something that stood out to me is a quote they presented from Hector Torres' book The Restoration of Apostles and Prophets. It says:

"Although every believer has rank to cast out devils [from individuals], apostles walk and minister in the highest rank. Evil spirits and angels recognize this rank (emphasis added)."​

So it's very evident these "apostles" see themselves as some kind of authority figures who those of lesser rank must recognize. And I hate to break it to Torres, the only rank evil spirits and angles recognize is that of the Lord Jesus!
 

eXric

Active member
Mar 31, 2022
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#37
Gods does not desire His Children to go out of their way to look for trouble. He will come to our aid if trouble comes to us. Our responsibility is twofold...

Matthew
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
I do like your point of view.
What I think about God not want us to go out of there way looking for trouble is true. If God is not leading ones way in that direction of trouble they should not do this. Religious zeal is not a replacement for God's leading be spiritual faith. It does seem that the Holy Spirit leads some that way when they are ready and equipped properly for that task. I would not say to a just saved person who does not know anything about demons, to cast out a demon. That would be like saying go out of God's leading and get into trouble. Even if a none believer could cast out some by the name of Jesus. Not advised do not do this! I think God has grace for new believers and will back them up if the got in trouble. I still would not advice this, do not do this! I agree with this quote but wanted to expand on it hoping I am in the same theme the author was intending.
 
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Live4Him2

Guest
#38
Gods does not desire His Children to go out of their way to look for trouble. He will come to our aid if trouble comes to us. Our responsibility is twofold...

Matthew
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Christ's call to follow him is a call to spiritual war:

Luke chapter 14

[25] And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
[26] If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
[27] And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
[28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
[29] Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
[30] Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
[31] Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
[32] Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
[33] So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
[34] Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
[35] It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Whether we're coming to Christ ourselves or attempting to help lead others to him, we must "sit down FIRST, and consult" whether or not we can endure the spiritual war which we're about to enter into.

The only other option apart from actively fighting in the same is to "send out an ambassage, and desire conditions of peace" with the very enemies of our souls or Satan and demons.

Sad to say, multitudes of professing Christians have chosen this latter option.
 
L

Live4Him2

Guest
#39
Derek Prince is one of the few preachers and teachers who had real insight into the spiritual realm. I went to a couple of his meetings. He ministered deliverance and a lot of people were set free. No theatrics, he just exercised his authority in Christ.
Although I don't agree with everything that Derek Prince taught in general, he was pretty much spot on in relation to his teachings concerning deliverance from evil spirits.

In fact, God initially used Prince's teachings on this topic to get me delivered from some serious demonic problems early on in my Christian walk. I say "initially" because I ultimately confirmed, and even added to, Prince's teachings via my own in depth study of scripture.

Anyhow, should I meet Derek on the other side some day, then I'll personally thank him for not shying away from this very important aspect of Christ's/Christian's ministry.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
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Brighton, MI
#40
They may be referring to principalities. Satan has a hierarchy. He is unable to be everywhere at the same time, unlike God. There are high level fallen angels that rule geographical areas. Those with discernment can tell. A friend of mine went to Canada for a while. He said that he could immediately tell the difference when he crossed the border into the USA.

It is necessary to deal with these powers. To be fully effective, the local churches need to quit fighting each other and turn their attention to the ruling Satanic forces. I've read testimonies where a city has been transformed by Christians fighting the true enemy. Where I live had a reputation for being rough. Now it is nowhere near as bad. I suspect that it could be even better if the church locally would unite. (Psalm 133)
It only takes one Christian in the Universe to ask the Holy Spirit to intercede Romans 8:26. Thus it is silly to....whatever nonsense they do.