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

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Feb 24, 2022
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#61
What do you mean by "deal with?"
Recognize these dark spirits behind every evil thought, and cast them out by the name of our Lord Jesus. In modern terms, redpill the clueless sheeple who have been brainwashed by the narrative.
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
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#62
Is it the Christian's responsibility to fight "territorial spirits?"
Absolutely!!!
When we witness, teach, preach, pray, etc., we are fighting directly against Satan's kingdom, to deliver souls from darkness to light. That in and of itself is spiritual warfare!
When God sends an evangelist to preach a revival in a certain township/city, that's spiritural warfare against whatever spirit is holding people captive there.
When people pray for revival in a certain place, that's the same thing.
When people come into those services to cause a commotion, what spirit do you think sent them there?
How many heard the stories of witches sent to churches? Who do you think sent them there? The spirit ruling over that area.
So yes, we do fight against territorial spirits.
Somebody already quoted it:
2Cor 10:4
English Standard Version
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
New King James Version
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
New American Standard Bible
for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
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#63
well

when the gospel was frst preached the holy spirit told Paul and his bunch of missionaries NOT to go into Asia. At the time, there were probably reasons for that
Now you can, but its still very difficult to preach there.

However, that doesnt mean we dont keep building up our own faith and resisting Satan. And there will come a time when the gospel can be preached freely in places where it was difficult before. GOd needs to do some prep before we can go somewhere cos Hes looking out for us too.
It's not as hard as you imagine. The church in China flourishes. Persecution is ongoing, but believers are resilient. Watchman Nee founded countless fellowships on Bible principles, not on tradition. Even small groups have more than one qualified in God to preach and teach. If one comes to the attention of the authorities, another is equipped to take his place. Persecution means that complacency is not a problem!

China's Christians are sending missionaries to North Korea. That's the most dangerous place on earth to be a Christian.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
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#64
It doesn't matter what I think it means. What you say it means doesn't make any sense. First of all it says: Whatever you bind on earth. Territorial spirits aren't of the earth. The passage doesn't say anything even remotely connected to territorial spirits. You're desperately grasping at straws.
Fine. I really don't care if you agree with me or not. What do you think binding and loosing refers to?
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
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#67
Nowadays the teaching about territorial spirits goes hand-in-hand with the Seven Mountains Mandate. If you're not familiar with the SMM it's very easy to find information about it. Essentially it's a kind of dominionism that says Christians have to take over the seven spheres of influence. The spheres are:

1) Education
2) Religion
3) Family
4) Business
5) Government/Military
6) Arts/Entertainment
7) Media

Here's how it works. For example, before Christians can take over the Arts/Entertainment mountain for God they must first infiltrate Hollywood. By learning what territorial spirits rule Hollywood they can bind them and cast them out, making the way open for God.

Territorial spirits and the SMM are very closely aligned. This teaching is standard fare for the New Apostolic Reformation.

I'm still trying to figure out what the scriptural basis is for any of this.
 
L

Live4Him2

Guest
#68
Nowadays the teaching about territorial spirits goes hand-in-hand with the Seven Mountains Mandate. If you're not familiar with the SMM it's very easy to find information about it. Essentially it's a kind of dominionism that says Christians have to take over the seven spheres of influence. The spheres are:

1) Education
2) Religion
3) Family
4) Business
5) Government/Military
6) Arts/Entertainment
7) Media

Here's how it works. For example, before Christians can take over the Arts/Entertainment mountain for God they must first infiltrate Hollywood. By learning what territorial spirits rule Hollywood they can bind them and cast them out, making the way open for God.

Territorial spirits and the SMM are very closely aligned. This teaching is standard fare for the New Apostolic Reformation.

I'm still trying to figure out what the scriptural basis is for any of this.
Again, there is no scriptural basis for this.

Far from directly battling against any "territorial spirits" which may indeed hold powerful sway over these parts of society, we are rather to confront the lies which they have ensnared people with by our proclamations of Biblical truths.

It's really that simple.
 

Blade

Well-known member
Nov 19, 2019
1,768
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#69
"territorial spirits" are we talking about " For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."?

There are few views.. short is some believe as the word says man has all authority in this earth and heaven but 2nd heaven and more God alone has that authority. We know that is where the battle is and then we see the effects here. Some say when we fight that..were going into a area where we were not given that authority. Simple fact if a demon shows up most would be scared.. and shout IN JESUS NAME! It would be scared yet unless you knew your authority over it..it will not move. Amp that up by a fallen angel. You can shout the name of Jesus all day they will not move. Were nothing to them..

Most don't know that NAME above every name.. every knee shall bow at that name. Peter and John said we did nothing..it was no by our power is FAITH in that name. So I truly believe most believers have no idea no clue who they are and what they are. We see flesh and blood and sin yet GOD sees us holy righteous because we believe in Jesus. Now were not just flesh and blood.. we are a new creation we have GOD the great I AM in us. We are one with Christ who is one with the Father and the Father with Him.

In short unless GOD leads you..its best not to touch this. :) we are blind to the demons evil around us and do nothing .. you think you can just pray over some "territorial spirits"? Gabriel had to call on Michael to come help him. So just what are you going to do? Its like one day praying reading the word I asked Him why is this man who I visit in a elderly home that could only moan but oh praise God loved to hear the word so I would read it play it for him. So I asked the lord "you gave me this burden for him so I have the right to ask why is he not being healed?" I didn't expect God to answer.. but He did He said "remember when Daniel prayed?" I said ok if this is you where is that written? He said "Daniel 10 9-12". I looked it up and haha wow that was it. For me the greatest part about that was.. at that time I had never read the OT. I knew about Daniel and Gab but never knew where in the bible that was at.

See He said a simple prayer will not be enough. Only by fasting and great prayer. Satan had like a hedge around him. Anyway.. its best to pray and ask Him to make sure HE is leading. I have all power over the enemy but if I walk over to say Iran and start preacher I am going to get killed. Going into the enemys Territory he has rights and going in with out GOD sweet holy Spirit leading I will get stomped on. This is what I believe..
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
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#70
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. 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. 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
I agree. Even exprcist who work with demons neverr attempt to personally confront them, they only confront them in the name of Christ.

When we live through Christ we repent of sin and give them to Christ for for forgiveness then live as if the kingdom of heaven is our home, not the world. Christ then if our shield against evil, Christ has that power, we don't. We are to resist not evil, but do only good.
 

Amanuensis

Well-known member
Jun 12, 2021
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#71
Nowadays the teaching about territorial spirits goes hand-in-hand with the Seven Mountains Mandate. If you're not familiar with the SMM it's very easy to find information about it. Essentially it's a kind of dominionism that says Christians have to take over the seven spheres of influence. The spheres are:

1) Education
2) Religion
3) Family
4) Business
5) Government/Military
6) Arts/Entertainment
7) Media

Here's how it works. For example, before Christians can take over the Arts/Entertainment mountain for God they must first infiltrate Hollywood. By learning what territorial spirits rule Hollywood they can bind them and cast them out, making the way open for God.

Territorial spirits and the SMM are very closely aligned. This teaching is standard fare for the New Apostolic Reformation.

I'm still trying to figure out what the scriptural basis is for any of this.
You'll want to look up Peter Wagner on how he uses scriptures to justify these teachings. His writings on it are what has been used in theological academia to discuss and refute it.

I am not saying that I agree with him but he is no joke. He is an excellent theologian and is well respected even by those that don't agree with his hermeneutic on this subject. He was well known for Church growth concepts before he started focusing on this whole Strategic Spiritual Warfare topic.

His presentations have been answered in theological circles by peers of his equal and I don't think many agree with him. However, if you are looking for a case for why some think it is scriptural you'll probably find nothing better than Peter Wagner's papers on it.

I think it is a fad that has already lost momentum but will have a fan base of well meaning people.

I believe God answer prayers of faith. He sees the heart. If a believer is praying for a city and doing a lot of binding of territorial spirits and and loosing revival etc. I believe God hears them as requesting that people be saved and be freed from sins and that laborers be sent into the harvest, and that God understands exactly what they are asking for.

So They are praying to God and believing. If they mix in a few "I Bind satan from this of that in the Name of Jesus" I believe it is still interpreted as petitioning God and that He hears and will answer the prayer of faith.

I can pray with these saints in the same room, and I don't talk to satan or demons, but their addressing such things does not bother me. I understand what they mean. God will lead them as they study and learn. It's not a show stopper. People mature over time. I used to do the binding and loosing thing but I just pray to the Father in Jesus name today. God heard me back when I was binding and loosing also. He knew what I was asking for. And he answered. Praise God.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
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Brighton, MI
#72
"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," (Rev. 1:5)
Revelation 1:5
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and freed[a] us from our sins by his blood,

You are using a poor translation, friend, Brother.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
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#73
Amen.
Prince refers to the Principality or 'higher being" that rules over the kings (which are men).
Jesus being the Prince and King above and over all. That's my perspective.
Revelation 1:5
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and freed[a] us from our sins by his blood,

Another person using a poor translation.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
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Brighton, MI
#74
Freindly discussion all, but some are using an outdated inferior translation of Scripture.
 

JeffA

Minstrel
Mar 31, 2022
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#75
Revelation 1:5
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and freed[a] us from our sins by his blood,

Another person using a poor translation.
There was no translation. This was my perspective of why "Prince" in some cases seemed to be higher in rank than kings.
The "prince" being the "principality" i.e. Daniel referring to the "Prince of Persia". This was no human.
"Kings" usually are men. (I'm not referring to Jesus).

It was just a commentary. Not a translation.
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
1,555
649
113
#76
Nowadays the teaching about territorial spirits goes hand-in-hand with the Seven Mountains Mandate. If you're not familiar with the SMM it's very easy to find information about it. Essentially it's a kind of dominionism that says Christians have to take over the seven spheres of influence. The spheres are:

1) Education
2) Religion
3) Family
4) Business
5) Government/Military
6) Arts/Entertainment
7) Media

Here's how it works. For example, before Christians can take over the Arts/Entertainment mountain for God they must first infiltrate Hollywood. By learning what territorial spirits rule Hollywood they can bind them and cast them out, making the way open for God.

Territorial spirits and the SMM are very closely aligned. This teaching is standard fare for the New Apostolic Reformation.

I'm still trying to figure out what the scriptural basis is for any of this.
Just because the seven mountain mandate believes in territorial spirits means nothing. There's things that JW's & Mormons believe like we do, and it doesn't change that theology a bit.
Territorial spirits were over the empires Daniel talked about when telling the meaning of the dream the king of Babylon had about the great image. The Prince of Persia was in charge of the Medo-Persian empire.
 
Feb 24, 2022
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#77
It's not as hard as you imagine. The church in China flourishes. Persecution is ongoing, but believers are resilient. Watchman Nee founded countless fellowships on Bible principles, not on tradition. Even small groups have more than one qualified in God to preach and teach. If one comes to the attention of the authorities, another is equipped to take his place. Persecution means that complacency is not a problem!

China's Christians are sending missionaries to North Korea. That's the most dangerous place on earth to be a Christian.
Wow, if that's true, then God is really working in miraculous ways. I knew some of their culture background, they'd been atheists long before communists took over, their unofficial belief is reincarnation, which means the moment you die, your soul is immediately transferred into another conception to start another life, it goes to an extent that if you're doing good with upright moral character, you may be reborn in an affluent widwest middle class American family in a nice suburb with a white picket fence. Also, their morality is based on honor and shame instead of right and wrong, there's no equivalent word for "sin" in Mandarin, the closest in their translation is "guilt", "crime" or "felony" in a legal sense, and like most leftists they generally believe that everyone is born as a blank canvas, all the evil is acquired from society. I can't imagine how Christianity could flourish in such a place.
 
Feb 24, 2022
1,346
288
83
#78
Nowadays the teaching about territorial spirits goes hand-in-hand with the Seven Mountains Mandate. If you're not familiar with the SMM it's very easy to find information about it. Essentially it's a kind of dominionism that says Christians have to take over the seven spheres of influence. The spheres are:

1) Education
2) Religion
3) Family
4) Business
5) Government/Military
6) Arts/Entertainment
7) Media

Here's how it works. For example, before Christians can take over the Arts/Entertainment mountain for God they must first infiltrate Hollywood. By learning what territorial spirits rule Hollywood they can bind them and cast them out, making the way open for God.

Territorial spirits and the SMM are very closely aligned. This teaching is standard fare for the New Apostolic Reformation.

I'm still trying to figure out what the scriptural basis is for any of this.
That's not the same at all. "Territorial spirits" in the bible are "watcher" angels, also known as "sons of God" who were given dominion over specific ethnic groups in specific geographic areas. Originally there were seventy of nations coming out of the tower of babel, and they were listed in Genesis 10, aka "table of nations". Among the seventy, Peleg (Abraham's ancestor at the time) was chosen by God as his portion, which He would deal with personally. That's totally different from the "seven mountains".
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
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#79
Wow, if that's true, then God is really working in miraculous ways. I knew some of their culture background, they'd been atheists long before communists took over, their unofficial belief is reincarnation, which means the moment you die, your soul is immediately transferred into another conception to start another life, it goes to an extent that if you're doing good with upright moral character, you may be reborn in an affluent widwest middle class American family in a nice suburb with a white picket fence. Also, their morality is based on honor and shame instead of right and wrong, there's no equivalent word for "sin" in Mandarin, the closest in their translation is "guilt", "crime" or "felony" in a legal sense, and like most leftists they generally believe that everyone is born as a blank canvas, all the evil is acquired from society. I can't imagine how Christianity could flourish in such a place.
Insightful post. 👍
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,279
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#80
Wow, if that's true, then God is really working in miraculous ways. I knew some of their culture background, they'd been atheists long before communists took over, their unofficial belief is reincarnation, which means the moment you die, your soul is immediately transferred into another conception to start another life, it goes to an extent that if you're doing good with upright moral character, you may be reborn in an affluent widwest middle class American family in a nice suburb with a white picket fence. Also, their morality is based on honor and shame instead of right and wrong, there's no equivalent word for "sin" in Mandarin, the closest in their translation is "guilt", "crime" or "felony" in a legal sense, and like most leftists they generally believe that everyone is born as a blank canvas, all the evil is acquired from society. I can't imagine how Christianity could flourish in such a place.
Christianity flourishes because there is power in the gospel that overcomes every objection. Watchman Nee was one of the most influential Christians ever. His mother was a Christian and he went to a Christian school. However, he did not believe. His mother wronged him one time. And she apologised. This was unheard of in Chinese society. Watchman Nee was saved as a result of his mother's witness. Nee founded thousands of churches, a genuine, modern day apostle.

The communists feared Nee so much that they imprisoned him shortly after Mao took power. He died in prison, 20 years later, still maintaining his faith. They found a note to that effect that they passed onto his family.

Christianity is real in China, unlike much of the Western world, where it costs little to claim to be saved. In the USA, it's an advantage to call yourself a christian. Not so much here in Australia.