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Transcript of V. SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND POWER ENCOUNTER. A. The Arena of Ministry Kingdom of God vs Kingdom of...
A. The Arena of MinistryA. The Arena of Ministry
Kingdom of God vs Kingdom Kingdom of God vs Kingdom of Darknessof Darkness– God’s Eternal Kingdom – recognize God’s Eternal Kingdom – recognize
God’s undiminished sovereigntyGod’s undiminished sovereignty– Counterfeit Kingdom of DarknessCounterfeit Kingdom of Darkness
At his fall, Lucifer’s name changed to At his fall, Lucifer’s name changed to Satan (adversary)Satan (adversary)
Formed his own kingdom (actually a Formed his own kingdom (actually a domain)domain)
God is SovereignGod is Sovereign
God did not create kingdom of darknessGod did not create kingdom of darkness—He allowed it—He allowed it
God is able to make His enemies serve God is able to make His enemies serve Him.Him.
God’s ultimate plan will not be thwarted.God’s ultimate plan will not be thwarted. Satan’s kingdom lures men as they Satan’s kingdom lures men as they
exercise moral freedom.exercise moral freedom. God wants man to relate to Him by God wants man to relate to Him by
choice.choice.
Conclusion Conclusion – Understanding two kingdoms shows the Understanding two kingdoms shows the
spiritual nature of mission – necessity of spiritual nature of mission – necessity of spiritual warfare.spiritual warfare.
– Mission must be done in light of God’s Mission must be done in light of God’s purpose, the two opposing kingdoms, purpose, the two opposing kingdoms, the authority of Christ, and the power of the authority of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit.the Holy Spirit.
Unseen Hierarchy of SpiritsUnseen Hierarchy of Spirits
The two kingdoms are in conflictThe two kingdoms are in conflict– God’s angels vs Satan’s fallen angelsGod’s angels vs Satan’s fallen angels
Satan’s representatives are positioned Satan’s representatives are positioned over geographic regions, ruling “illegally”over geographic regions, ruling “illegally”– People who are unaware fall preyPeople who are unaware fall prey
– Eph. 6:12 teaches about a possible hierarchy Eph. 6:12 teaches about a possible hierarchy
of ruling spiritsof ruling spirits
Many authors see the hierarchy in Many authors see the hierarchy in descending order in Eph. 6:12descending order in Eph. 6:12– ““Rulers/principalities” – high-level satanic Rulers/principalities” – high-level satanic
princes over nations and regionsprinces over nations and regions– ““Authorities” – supernatural forces behind Authorities” – supernatural forces behind
human government structureshuman government structures– ““Powers” operate within countries and Powers” operate within countries and
cultures to influence certain aspects of cultures to influence certain aspects of lifelife
– ““Spiritual forces of evil” – many types of Spiritual forces of evil” – many types of evil spirits that commonly afflict peopleevil spirits that commonly afflict people
Biblical examples:Biblical examples:– The prince of Persia used Nebuchadnezzar The prince of Persia used Nebuchadnezzar
to force demonic worshipto force demonic worship– The same prince tricked Darius and tried The same prince tricked Darius and tried
to kill Daniel in the lions’ dento kill Daniel in the lions’ den– Prince of Persia withstood Daniel for 21 Prince of Persia withstood Daniel for 21
days, then Michael came to help Daniel. days, then Michael came to help Daniel. (10:13)(10:13)
– Acts 19:27 – the spirit of Diana in Ephesus Acts 19:27 – the spirit of Diana in Ephesus stirred up the silversmithsstirred up the silversmiths
Evil spirits do not have sole dominion Evil spirits do not have sole dominion over over
God’s angels are on assignments God’s angels are on assignments over nations as wellover nations as well
Jacobs: “We are in a holy war for Jacobs: “We are in a holy war for souls of men, wrestling in heavenly souls of men, wrestling in heavenly places against the enemy who wants places against the enemy who wants to pervert God’s design for the to pervert God’s design for the nations.nations.– One of his greatest weapons is passivity One of his greatest weapons is passivity
of believers.”of believers.”
2 Cor. 10:3-4 “…the weapons of our 2 Cor. 10:3-4 “…the weapons of our warfare…are mighty in God for warfare…are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”pulling down strongholds.”
Eph. 3:10 “…the manifold wisdom of Eph. 3:10 “…the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the God might be made known by the church to the principalities and church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.”powers in the heavenly places.”
Paul Billheimer: “The [praying] Paul Billheimer: “The [praying] church holds the balance of power in church holds the balance of power in world affairs.”world affairs.”
Very controversial issue in our circlesVery controversial issue in our circles My own experiences have tempered my My own experiences have tempered my
thinking to some extentthinking to some extent– Ship on way to PhilippinesShip on way to Philippines– GreeceGreece– Experiences at IBCExperiences at IBC– Iloilo – conflict & fighting; church at standstill Iloilo – conflict & fighting; church at standstill
for yearsfor years– Apartment in BellevueApartment in Bellevue– Vision of missiles of fire in BrusselsVision of missiles of fire in Brussels
DefinitionsDefinitions
Power Encounter – any clash Power Encounter – any clash between kingdoms of God and Satanbetween kingdoms of God and Satan
Three enemies of our faith: world, Three enemies of our faith: world, flesh, and devil (Eph. 2:1-3)flesh, and devil (Eph. 2:1-3)
Spiritual warfare – daily struggle Spiritual warfare – daily struggle against evil influences that come against evil influences that come from philosophies of the world, from philosophies of the world, desires of flesh, and the devildesires of flesh, and the devil
Strategy for Warfare Strategy for Warfare
Jesus’ Strategy – His TemptationJesus’ Strategy – His Temptation– He humbled Himself by submitting to He humbled Himself by submitting to
baptism (James 4:6)baptism (James 4:6)– He fasted so he was spiritually readyHe fasted so he was spiritually ready– He was “full” of the WordHe was “full” of the Word– He addressed the enemy, ending the He addressed the enemy, ending the
battle with great authority, “Away with battle with great authority, “Away with you, Satan!” (Matt. 4:10)you, Satan!” (Matt. 4:10)
We minister in arena of spirit We minister in arena of spirit worldworld
Not trying to defeat the devilNot trying to defeat the devil But enforcing the victory of the crossBut enforcing the victory of the cross
Non-Christians convinced by a power Non-Christians convinced by a power greater than their godsgreater than their gods
Power Encounter Power Encounter EvangelismEvangelism
Evangelism is spiritual warfareEvangelism is spiritual warfare– Matthew 11:12Matthew 11:12– Satan deploys agents to counteract evangelismSatan deploys agents to counteract evangelism– Satan uses supernatural signs & wondersSatan uses supernatural signs & wonders– Jesus’ mission = to defeat Satan (1 Jn 3:8)Jesus’ mission = to defeat Satan (1 Jn 3:8)– Assurance of victory for believers (1 Jn 4:4)Assurance of victory for believers (1 Jn 4:4)– Holy Spirit baptism with supernatural Holy Spirit baptism with supernatural
phenomena for evangelism (Acts 2:21,38-9)phenomena for evangelism (Acts 2:21,38-9)– Apostles had encounters with satanic powers & Apostles had encounters with satanic powers &
were mightily used of God in evangelismwere mightily used of God in evangelism
Great Weakness: Fail to Great Weakness: Fail to recognize supernatural recognize supernatural dimension of ministrydimension of ministry
Satan’s strategy = distract church Satan’s strategy = distract church from primary mission of evangelismfrom primary mission of evangelism
John Stott: “One might say that the John Stott: “One might say that the Church is better equipped for every Church is better equipped for every other task than…making known the other task than…making known the gospel of Christ and winning others gospel of Christ and winning others to Him.”to Him.”
Jesus sent the 12 (Matt 10:1-14) and Jesus sent the 12 (Matt 10:1-14) and the 70 (Luke 10:1-20) with clear the 70 (Luke 10:1-20) with clear instructions to preach the Kingdom of instructions to preach the Kingdom of Heaven—to heal, cleanse lepers, Heaven—to heal, cleanse lepers, raise dead, cast out demons raise dead, cast out demons (demonstrations of the Kingdom they (demonstrations of the Kingdom they proclaimed).proclaimed).
Jesus had encounters with powers of Jesus had encounters with powers of Satan – always to an evangelistic endSatan – always to an evangelistic end– Territorial demonismTerritorial demonism– Political and social injusticesPolitical and social injustices– Religious blindness & bigotryReligious blindness & bigotry– Spiritual & moral depravitySpiritual & moral depravity– Physical, mental, & relational sicknessPhysical, mental, & relational sickness– Demonization of individualsDemonization of individuals
Truths about Great Truths about Great CommissionCommission
Imperative, not optionalImperative, not optional To be done by every believerTo be done by every believer To be done in power of SpiritTo be done in power of Spirit To be done through To be done through
preaching/teachingpreaching/teaching To produce supernatural resultsTo produce supernatural results
Methods of Power Encounter Methods of Power Encounter EvangelismEvangelism
Prayer, Fasting, ExorcismPrayer, Fasting, Exorcism– Daniel 9, 10Daniel 9, 10– Jesus’ teaching – Matt. 17:17-21Jesus’ teaching – Matt. 17:17-21– Early church fasted – Acts 4:23-31Early church fasted – Acts 4:23-31
NOTE: Power encounters were not a NOTE: Power encounters were not a specialty ministry, but were normal as specialty ministry, but were normal as needed in the course of daily ministry.needed in the course of daily ministry.
Witnessing & CounselingWitnessing & Counseling– Acts 4:26,47; 20:20 – house to houseActs 4:26,47; 20:20 – house to house– Acts 8:26-38 – individualsActs 8:26-38 – individuals– Acts 17:17 - marketplaceActs 17:17 - marketplace
Preaching and TeachingPreaching and Teaching– Most used by Jesus and early ChurchMost used by Jesus and early Church– Definite correlation between progress of Definite correlation between progress of
Church and emphasis on preaching Church and emphasis on preaching GospelGospel
– Satan hates preaching & attacks it every Satan hates preaching & attacks it every way possibleway possible
Worship and Gifts of the SpiritWorship and Gifts of the Spirit– In worship meetings Church filled and refilled In worship meetings Church filled and refilled
for supernatural enablementfor supernatural enablement– Routed Satan and demons with praiseRouted Satan and demons with praise– Attracted unbelieversAttracted unbelievers– Motivated for evangelism (Acts 2:42-47)Motivated for evangelism (Acts 2:42-47)– Unbelievers convicted and convinced through Unbelievers convicted and convinced through
tongues, interpretation, and prophecytongues, interpretation, and prophecy– Gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and discerning of Gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and discerning of
spirits exposed deceit of devil and contributed spirits exposed deceit of devil and contributed to success of evangelismto success of evangelism
Power Encounter and Authority Power Encounter and Authority of Believerof Believer
John 14:12 “Whatever you ask in my John 14:12 “Whatever you ask in my name, that will I do…”name, that will I do…”– Unlimited power is available.Unlimited power is available.– But omnipotence must be wielded only But omnipotence must be wielded only
under guidance of omniscience.under guidance of omniscience.– We exercise this power as God’s We exercise this power as God’s
sovereign discretion indicates.sovereign discretion indicates.– The Name of Jesus is not a magic formula.The Name of Jesus is not a magic formula.– Using His name requires being in harmony Using His name requires being in harmony
with His character and His will (Jn 15:7).with His character and His will (Jn 15:7).
Binding and LoosingBinding and Loosing
Matthew 16:19 KJV Whatsoever thou Matthew 16:19 KJV Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;…”heaven;…”
Better translated: “What you bind on Better translated: “What you bind on earth will be what has been bound in earth will be what has been bound in heaven.”heaven.”
Important difference between: Important difference between: – Guaranteeing divine alignment with Guaranteeing divine alignment with
believers’ actions – andbelievers’ actions – and– Promising that believers’ actions will be Promising that believers’ actions will be
in alignment with the divine willin alignment with the divine will Rather than trying to dictate God’s Rather than trying to dictate God’s
will to Him, we must align our wills to will to Him, we must align our wills to His.His.
When people hear Gospel under When people hear Gospel under dynamic of Spirit, they are “bound or dynamic of Spirit, they are “bound or loosed” depending on their response.loosed” depending on their response.
Thus, using the name of Jesus and Thus, using the name of Jesus and the privilege of binding and loosing the privilege of binding and loosing link the believer to the authority and link the believer to the authority and omnipotence of God for evangelistic omnipotence of God for evangelistic purposes.purposes.
Principles of Power Encounter Principles of Power Encounter Evangelism (early Church)Evangelism (early Church)
They were unlearned, despised, and They were unlearned, despised, and under Romeunder Rome
Doctrinal beliefs based on revelationDoctrinal beliefs based on revelation—offensive to intelligentsia—offensive to intelligentsia– Salvation by graceSalvation by grace– Simple worshipSimple worship
Exclusive commitment to Lordship of Exclusive commitment to Lordship of Christ – almost a death sentenceChrist – almost a death sentence
Growth of Church only accounted for Growth of Church only accounted for by supernatural ministry of Spiritby supernatural ministry of Spirit
Did not compromise with Did not compromise with cultures/religions but contrasted and cultures/religions but contrasted and contradicted them – all subsequent contradicted them – all subsequent genuine growth has been genuine growth has been accomplished in same wayaccomplished in same way
Holy Spirit is “executive Holy Spirit is “executive director” of evangelismdirector” of evangelism
Spirit-prepared body of believers Spirit-prepared body of believers (Eph. 4:11-16)(Eph. 4:11-16)
Spirit-oriented worship (Acts 13:2-3)Spirit-oriented worship (Acts 13:2-3) Spirit-directed outreach (Acts 13:2-4Spirit-directed outreach (Acts 13:2-4 Spirit-enabled ministry (Acts 13:5-12 Spirit-enabled ministry (Acts 13:5-12
and ff chapters)and ff chapters) Spirit-produced results (ch 13,14)—Spirit-produced results (ch 13,14)—
negative and positivenegative and positive
Healing as Power EncounterHealing as Power Encounter
Healing is a sign that Kingdom of God Healing is a sign that Kingdom of God has come in power (Luke 7:22; 9:1,2; has come in power (Luke 7:22; 9:1,2; 10:9)10:9)
Power Encounter Evangelism demands Power Encounter Evangelism demands that healing be a vital part of ministrythat healing be a vital part of ministry– We must pray for the sick.We must pray for the sick.– Don’t use “God’s sovereignty” as way outDon’t use “God’s sovereignty” as way out
—pray and leave healing to God.—pray and leave healing to God.– Easier to tell people about salvation after Easier to tell people about salvation after
signs and wonders than without them.signs and wonders than without them.
Christ healed and cast out demons Christ healed and cast out demons throughout the Gospels.throughout the Gospels.– He depended on power/anointing of He depended on power/anointing of
Spirit.Spirit.– John 20:21 “As my Father has sent me, John 20:21 “As my Father has sent me,
so send I you” – to a powerful ministry so send I you” – to a powerful ministry guided and anointed by Spirit.guided and anointed by Spirit.
Supernatural power displays are Supernatural power displays are especially important in developing especially important in developing countries.countries.– Western culture magnifies propositional Western culture magnifies propositional
truth.truth.– Other people relate to deeds—signs and Other people relate to deeds—signs and
wonders—which prepare them to hear wonders—which prepare them to hear truth of Gospel.truth of Gospel.
Examples of Spiritual Examples of Spiritual WarfareWarfare
Indonesia – presence of God on campus; Indonesia – presence of God on campus; footsteps and flying fruitfootsteps and flying fruit
Malaysia – Carlos Anacondia meetingMalaysia – Carlos Anacondia meeting Roman Catholics in Asia – syncretism Roman Catholics in Asia – syncretism
with animistic beliefswith animistic beliefs Guatemala – girl paralyzed and unable to Guatemala – girl paralyzed and unable to
speak because of curse by witch doctorspeak because of curse by witch doctor Philippines – “faith” healer by IBC, CebuPhilippines – “faith” healer by IBC, Cebu
Personal LevelPersonal Level
Close up all holes in armorClose up all holes in armor Be free from known sin and Be free from known sin and
relationship problemsrelationship problems Give up our “rights” which enemy Give up our “rights” which enemy
uses against us: to be offended, to uses against us: to be offended, to our time, to control possessions, to our time, to control possessions, to self-pity, to self-justification, to be self-pity, to self-justification, to be understood, to criticizeunderstood, to criticize
Mental LevelMental Level
A stronghold is a hopeless mindset A stronghold is a hopeless mindset that causes the believer to accept as that causes the believer to accept as unchangeable something that he unchangeable something that he knows is contrary to God’s will.knows is contrary to God’s will.– ““This city can never be won for Christ.”This city can never be won for Christ.”– ““That individual is too hardened to That individual is too hardened to
reach.”reach.”
Corporate LevelCorporate Level
Pastor and believers must be in unityPastor and believers must be in unity—no competition or comparison.—no competition or comparison.
Corporate LevelCorporate Level
Pastor and believers must be in unityPastor and believers must be in unity—no competition or comparison.—no competition or comparison.
Pray protection over each Pray protection over each person/family.person/family.
Corporate LevelCorporate Level
Pastor and believers must be in unityPastor and believers must be in unity—no competition or comparison.—no competition or comparison.
Pray protection over each Pray protection over each person/family.person/family.
Take advantage of crisis times to Take advantage of crisis times to tear down pride and self-satisfaction.tear down pride and self-satisfaction.
Corporate LevelCorporate Level
Pastor and believers must be in unityPastor and believers must be in unity—no competition or comparison.—no competition or comparison.
Pray protection over each Pray protection over each person/family.person/family.
Take advantage of crisis times to tear Take advantage of crisis times to tear down pride and self-satisfaction.down pride and self-satisfaction.
Move in the opposite spirit (if needing Move in the opposite spirit (if needing to overcome greedy spirit, give).to overcome greedy spirit, give).
Corporate LevelCorporate Level
Pastor and believers must be in unity—Pastor and believers must be in unity—no competition or comparison.no competition or comparison.
Pray protection over each Pray protection over each person/family.person/family.
Take advantage of crisis times to tear Take advantage of crisis times to tear down pride and self-satisfaction.down pride and self-satisfaction.
Move in the opposite spirit (if needing Move in the opposite spirit (if needing to overcome greedy spirit, give).to overcome greedy spirit, give).
Seek for God’s time to move together Seek for God’s time to move together to confront the enemy.to confront the enemy.
Fast and pray together; ask God to Fast and pray together; ask God to reveal strongholds over area or reveal strongholds over area or individual.individual.
Fast and pray together; ask God to Fast and pray together; ask God to reveal strongholds over area or reveal strongholds over area or individual.individual.
Fill the vacuum when evil spirits Fill the vacuum when evil spirits depart with lots of God’s Word.depart with lots of God’s Word.
Fast and pray together; ask God to Fast and pray together; ask God to reveal strongholds over area or reveal strongholds over area or individual.individual.
Fill the vacuum when evil spirits Fill the vacuum when evil spirits depart with lots of God’s Word.depart with lots of God’s Word.
Speak restoration of individual or Speak restoration of individual or place to God’s will and original place to God’s will and original purpose.purpose.
Know your LeaderKnow your Leader
Follow Him faithfully.Follow Him faithfully. Keep eyes on JesusKeep eyes on Jesus
Know the enemyKnow the enemy
Give him no ground.Give him no ground. Study his ways.Study his ways. Remember his attacks are external.Remember his attacks are external.
Know the enemyKnow the enemy
Give him no ground.Give him no ground. Study his ways.Study his ways. Remember his attacks are external.Remember his attacks are external. Beware of deception through Beware of deception through
seducing spirits, “angel of light,” seducing spirits, “angel of light,” performing miracles, bad advice performing miracles, bad advice through good peoplethrough good people
Know the enemyKnow the enemy
Give him no ground.Give him no ground. Study his ways.Study his ways. Remember his attacks are external.Remember his attacks are external. Beware of deception through seducing Beware of deception through seducing
spirits, “angel of light,” performing spirits, “angel of light,” performing miracles, bad advice through good miracles, bad advice through good peoplepeople
Don’t get too busy to maintain Don’t get too busy to maintain relationship with God.relationship with God.
Know the enemyKnow the enemy
Give him no ground.Give him no ground. Study his ways.Study his ways. Remember his attacks are external.Remember his attacks are external. Beware of deception through seducing Beware of deception through seducing
spirits, “angel of light,” performing spirits, “angel of light,” performing miracles, bad advice through good peoplemiracles, bad advice through good people
Don’t get too busy to maintain relationship Don’t get too busy to maintain relationship with God.with God.
Remember Satan is not omniscient.Remember Satan is not omniscient.
Know your weapons – use Know your weapons – use them in power of Spiritthem in power of Spirit
Girdle of Truth – protects from false Girdle of Truth – protects from false doctrinedoctrine
Know your weapons – use Know your weapons – use them in power of Spiritthem in power of Spirit
Girdle of Truth – protects from false Girdle of Truth – protects from false doctrinedoctrine
Breastplate of Righteousness – Breastplate of Righteousness – enables right relationship with God enables right relationship with God and manand man
Know your weapons – use Know your weapons – use them in power of Spiritthem in power of Spirit
Girdle of Truth – protects from false Girdle of Truth – protects from false doctrinedoctrine
Breastplate of Righteousness – Breastplate of Righteousness – enables right relationship with God enables right relationship with God and manand man
Shoes of Peace – enable to walk Shoes of Peace – enable to walk safely as we herald Gospel of Peace safely as we herald Gospel of Peace in enemy territoryin enemy territory
Know your weapons – use Know your weapons – use them in power of Spiritthem in power of Spirit
Girdle of Truth – protects from false Girdle of Truth – protects from false doctrinedoctrine
Breastplate of Righteousness – Breastplate of Righteousness – enables right relationship with God enables right relationship with God and manand man
Shoes of Peace – enable to walk safely Shoes of Peace – enable to walk safely as we herald Gospel of Peace in as we herald Gospel of Peace in enemy territoryenemy territory
Shield of Faith – protects whole body, Shield of Faith – protects whole body, but not the back!but not the back!
Helmet of Salvation – keeps mind Helmet of Salvation – keeps mind under Christ’s control as we fill our under Christ’s control as we fill our minds with Word and prayerminds with Word and prayer
Helmet of Salvation – keeps mind Helmet of Salvation – keeps mind under Christ’s control as we fill our under Christ’s control as we fill our minds with Word and prayerminds with Word and prayer
Sword of Spirit – the Word of God – Sword of Spirit – the Word of God – used by Jesus to overcome Satanused by Jesus to overcome Satan
Helmet of Salvation – keeps mind under Helmet of Salvation – keeps mind under Christ’s control as we fill our minds with Christ’s control as we fill our minds with Word and prayerWord and prayer
Sword of Spirit – the Word of God – used Sword of Spirit – the Word of God – used by Jesus to overcome Satanby Jesus to overcome Satan
Praying in Spirit – links us with omnipo-Praying in Spirit – links us with omnipo-tence of God (Satan fights more than any)tence of God (Satan fights more than any)– Edifies saints; disarms Satan; exposes Edifies saints; disarms Satan; exposes
presence of demonspresence of demons– Fruit of Spirit = characteristics of Jesus – Fruit of Spirit = characteristics of Jesus –
compel us to set captives freecompel us to set captives free