Spiritual warfare

[Brasspen]

Spiritual warfare is part of my daily routine. The world is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19). So we need to ensure that we are attacking the right target. We have the authority to bind Satan's evil host. We have the power to drive out demons.

My wife is especially diligent with this. She won't go into a shopping centre without binding demons first.

Believers are God's "police force". We have been given the power and authority to enforce the victory that Lord Jesus has already won. But like a cop watching a robbery and doing nothing, if we do not exercise that authority, it is useless.

As an example, I see Islam as the direct opposition to God's kingdom. The Kingdom of God should be established all over the world. Islam is Satan's attempt to thwart that. To those who are indifferent, look at the way believers are treated in Pakistan or Afghanistan. "Can't happen here," you say. In fact, it is happening. Some nations refuse to accept Islam. Funnily enough, it is nations that are have no Christian heritage. China and Japan are the main examples.

So I pray against the wicked spirit of Islam daily. I ask God to destroy Islam as one of Satan's works. I do not curse Muslims. Their dead religion is self inflicted punishment.

Individually, we need to see that temptation is not sin. We do not have to give in. We also need to realise that Satan has access to our minds and that not every thought we have is of us or from God. (2 Corinthians 10: 3-6)

This is only a most superficial look at spiritual warfare. If you want to know more, I suggest Jesse Penn-Lewis, "War on the Saints".

Thank you for reminding me of these things.

 

[rewriter]

I do think permission is required but I wonder if there are times when they just outright attack even without permission.

I question whether they need to get specific permission or if they have general permission to test people. Originally Satan was the accuser, or almost prosecuting attorney with permission to test people. He then authorizes the lesser demons to investigate, and they get very enthusiastic about it.

 

[Blain]

Spiritual warfare is part of my daily routine. The world is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19). So we need to ensure that we are attacking the right target. We have the authority to bind Satan's evil host. We have the power to drive out demons.

My wife is especially diligent with this. She won't go into a shopping centre without binding demons first.

Believers are God's "police force". We have been given the power and authority to enforce the victory that Lord Jesus has already won. But like a cop watching a robbery and doing nothing, if we do not exercise that authority, it is useless.

As an example, I see Islam as the direct opposition to God's kingdom. The Kingdom of God should be established all over the world. Islam is Satan's attempt to thwart that. To those who are indifferent, look at the way believers are treated in Pakistan or Afghanistan. "Can't happen here," you say. In fact, it is happening. Some nations refuse to accept Islam. Funnily enough, it is nations that are have no Christian heritage. China and Japan are the main examples.

So I pray against the wicked spirit of Islam daily. I ask God to destroy Islam as one of Satan's works. I do not curse Muslims. Their dead religion is self inflicted punishment.

Individually, we need to see that temptation is not sin. We do not have to give in. We also need to realise that Satan has access to our minds and that not every thought we have is of us or from God. (2 Corinthians 10: 3-6)

This is only a most superficial look at spiritual warfare. If you want to know more, I suggest Jesse Penn-Lewis, "War on the Saints".

You are absolutely correct in that we have power and authority in Cgrist I myself have once sent a demon back to hell. now the question is how does one recognize when there is a demon or when it is a spiritual attack?

 

[Blain]

I question whether they need to get specific permission or if they have general permission to test people. Originally Satan was the accuser, or almost prosecuting attorney with permission to test people. He then authorizes the lesser demons to investigate, and they get very enthusiastic about it.

investigate yes they do indeed do this and that is why we must always be ready because they will strike when you least expect it. honestly I think they have general permission mainly because it is so common that spiritual warfare happens to us

 

[rewriter]

investigate yes they do indeed do this and that is why we must always be ready because they will strike when you least expect it. honestly I think they have general permission mainly because it is so common that spiritual warfare happens to us

Also they have a lot of hate for the physically living in general. And they really are dangerous your garden type demon is spiritually more powerful than 0ver 95% of all humans even when the humans are fully trained, and very tricky. They are more likely to draw back to convince a person that they won than to actually admit defeat, but if they can get you overconfident, watch out.

 

[Brasspen]

KJV Romans 5:1-5

{5:1} Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: {5:2} By whom
also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we
stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. {5:3} And
not only [so,] but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that
tribulation worketh patience; {5:4} And patience,
experience; and experience, hope: {5:5} And hope maketh
not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our
hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

KJV 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

12:7} And lest I should be exalted above measure through the
abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn
in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I
should be exalted above measure. {12:8} For this thing I
besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
{12:9} And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly
therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power
of Christ may rest upon me. {12:10} Therefore I take
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in
persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am
weak, then am I strong.

And thank for Lord Jesus for the scriptures, your word.

 

[Blain]

Also they have a lot of hate for the physically living in general. And they really are dangerous your garden type demon is spiritually more powerful than 0ver 95% of all humans even when the humans are fully trained, and very tricky. They are more likely to draw back to convince a person that they won than to actually admit defeat, but if they can get you overconfident, watch out.

They are dangerous but we also have doninon over them as believers in Christ, for the unsaved they are extremely dangerous and they can also inhabit such a person

 

[rewriter]

I cited the first rule for battling the demonic, be afraid because they really are that dangerous you just referenced the second, don't stay afraid as believers have great backup and do not forget that. But they can even overpower believers and inhabit them, if the believer is foolish enough to allow them. Even charging into battle when God says wait is bad for believers. God does not remove our free will when He grants the Holy Spirit, we can still make very serious mistakes. I was lucky to survive mine and come out on top, most who make major mistakes are not that lucky.

 

[ResidentAlien]

For those in Christ, the war has already been won, already decided. Why should we continue to strive with Satan like he has any power over us? Spiritual warfare is misplaced energy. Rather than fighting with Satan we should just have faith in the Lord and rest in His promises.

 

[ResidentAlien]

How do we know if a so-called attack of the enemy isn't just our own flesh. We can wage war against Satan till the cows come home, but if the flesh is still controlling us we're wasting time fighting the wrong enemy.

 

[rewriter]

For those in Christ, the war has already been won, already decided. Why should we continue to strive with Satan like he has any power over us? Spiritual warfare is misplaced energy. Rather than fighting with Satan we should just have faith in the Lord and rest in His promises.

Good point, you know so much more than the apostles who engaged in spiritual warfare according to Acts and various epistles. Paul was especially ignorant as shown in Ephesians 6 where he actually calls for believers to be ready to engage in spiritual warfare.

As for knowing when it is an action by Satan or his minions, that is something that requires spiritual maturity. They will give themselves away to anyone who has the knowledge to recognize the signs, but as children do not understand all the signs that an adult does, not knowing the signs indicates the level of maturity

 

[homwardbound]

Yes it is far more common than most people think and you are absolutely right that the demonic studies us they look for any kind of weakness to exploit and then jab at that weakness and even in our thoughts they whisper to us they place suggestions in our minds and I like how you mentioned it is subtle because most of the time it is

perfect God is perfect, with Son as Won for us to be in by choice to trust and stand in trust. As said in Col 1:21-23 for the sincerity of all those in God, are safe and secure, even in adversities. The new learn the new given them to continue to rejoice in God's done work for us all in risen Son to us all to choose and remain in the choice made. During when Stephan as stoned to death and rejoiced over it, right in front of Saul. that had to perplex Saul, then the road to Damascus. I know if I were Saul then and went through watching that, I would turn to God too. I mean we see it even when Paul was in Jail, he still rejoiced as the jail help saw this and wondered who still rejoices in jail? They came to belief too.
See, it is the love and mercy of God that won and wins, we have te risen Son to stand and rejoice in, even if in troubles here still. Anyone?

 

[Brasspen]

They practiced spiritual warfare. And sometimes that war took place against people. Also my Pastor has said to me in the past long ago, "We fight from victory, not for victory."

KJV Ephesians 6:10-20

{6:10} Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in
the power of his might. {6:11} Put on the whole armour of
God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil. {6:12} 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. ]{6:13} Wherefore take unto you the whole
armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil
day, and having done all, to stand. {6:14} Stand therefore,
having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness; {6:15} And your feet shod
with the preparation of the gospel of peace; {6:16} Above
all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. {6:17} And take
the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God: {6:18} Praying always with all prayer and
supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all
perseverance and supplication for all saints; {6:19} And for
me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open
my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
{6:20} For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein
I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

 

[Blain]

I cited the first rule for battling the demonic, be afraid because they really are that dangerous you just referenced the second, don't stay afraid as believers have great backup and do not forget that. But they can even overpower believers and inhabit them, if the believer is foolish enough to allow them. Even charging into battle when God says wait is bad for believers. God does not remove our free will when He grants the Holy Spirit, we can still make very serious mistakes. I was lucky to survive mine and come out on top, most who make major mistakes are not that lucky.

Be afraid? why should we be afraid when we have Jesus? in the believer at least a true believer there is the authority of Christ how many times in scripture are we told to be afraid of the darkness? The answer is zweo he always says to fear not to trust him to walk in his powe and authority.

I know from experience that they have no power over us if we understand the authority in Christ given to us then they have no say in the matter faith and trust in God will always over power them. now if we were to try to do this by our own strength then yes we would be overtaken because it is not our strength that makes them tremble it is the strength of our king that does.

But you said they can even inhabit us? Where has this appeared in scripture? and if the holy spirit resides in us then there is no room for any other other spirit to reside. our bodies are the temple of God and so darkness cannot live in the holy of holies

 

[rewriter]

Be afraid? why should we be afraid when we have Jesus? in the believer at least a true believer there is the authority of Christ how many times in scripture are we told to be afraid of the darkness? The answer is zweo he always says to fear not to trust him to walk in his powe and authority.

I know from experience that they have no power over us if we understand the authority in Christ given to us then they have no say in the matter faith and trust in God will always over power them. now if we were to try to do this by our own strength then yes we would be overtaken because it is not our strength that makes them tremble it is the strength of our king that does.

But you said they can even inhabit us? Where has this appeared in scripture? and if the holy spirit resides in us then there is no room for any other other spirit to reside. our bodies are the temple of God and so darkness cannot live in the holy of holies

Where in scripture does it explain how one becomes possessed? If it doesn't tell us how, then how can we know that believers cannot be? Free will is not taken away from believers unless you can cite some scripture to support that, so if free will is involved in possession, believers may be possessed.

Remember, computers are not mentioned in scripture as an acceptable means of witness or even teaching. Perhaps we should then not be using computers since they are not scripturally approved. Or maybe scripture does not tell us everything, tough choice.

 

[Blain]

Where in scripture does it explain how one becomes possessed? If it doesn't tell us how, then how can we know that believers cannot be? Free will is not taken away from believers unless you can cite some scripture to support that, so if free will is involved in possession, believers may be possessed.

Remember, computers are not mentioned in scripture as an acceptable means of witness or even teaching. Perhaps we should then not be using computers since they are not scripturally approved. Or maybe scripture does not tell us everything, tough choice.

A believer in Christ would never willingly invite a demon into them because they are a light a shining beacon of God's presence and the darkness cannot stand the light. in scripture the only people ever posessed were not followers of Christ and the word of God is our source of truth

So by what standard or evidence is there to assume that a believer would even begin to willingly allow a demon into them?

 

[ResidentAlien]

Paul was especially ignorant as shown in Ephesians 6 where he actually calls for believers to be ready to engage in spiritual warfare.

In Ephesians 6, Paul is talking about protecting ourselves with the armor of God. It's a defensive posture, not an offensive one. We're never instructed to actively go to war with Satan. We are always instructed to take refuge in Christ. In Ephesians 6, the only one actively doing anything is Satan; he's attacking, but Paul doesn't say attack back but to be at peace in the power of His might (v. 10).

 

[Roger316]

I find this verse encouraging. 1 Corinthians 10:13 God is faithful and will not allow you to be tested beyond what you can bear, but will also provide a way of escape so you can endure it.

 

[rewriter]

A believer in Christ would never willingly invite a demon into them because they are a light a shining beacon of God's presence and the darkness cannot stand the light. in scripture the only people ever posessed were not followers of Christ and the word of God is our source of truth

So by what standard or evidence is there to assume that a believer would even begin to willingly allow a demon into them?

The key word is "willingly". Why would Adam have willingly eaten of the tree of knowledge unless he had been deceived? Or are you claiming that a Christian cannot be deceived? Remember Genesis 3:1 and the outcome of an act of deception or the warnings issued about very human con artists, how much more effective can an entity that most people cannot detect be when whispering in one's ear, and acting to arrange events to support the "warning" whispers and offering guidance to avoid the problems.

 

[rewriter]

In Ephesians 6, Paul is talking about protecting ourselves with the armor of God. It's a defensive posture, not an offensive one. We're never instructed to actively go to war with Satan. We are always instructed to take refuge in Christ. In Ephesians 6, the only one actively doing anything is Satan; he's attacking, but Paul doesn't say attack back but to be at peace in the power of His might (v. 10).

Matthew 16:18, the "Gates of Hell" will not prevail against the church, this sounds more like an offensive operation than a defensive one to me. In Acts, when being followed by a person under demonic control, not attacking but just proclaiming the apostles as servants of God, the apostles take the initiative and rebuke the python spirit, again an offensive action. Jesus expelling demons from other people is likewise hard to justify as purely defensive, rather He saw a problem and took positive action to correct it, and even went so far as to send out disciples to take such actions.