V. SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND POWER ENCOUNTER. A. The Arena of Ministry Kingdom of God vs Kingdom of...

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V. SPIRITUAL V. SPIRITUAL WARFARE WARFARE AND AND POWER ENCOUNTER POWER ENCOUNTER

Transcript of V. SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND POWER ENCOUNTER. A. The Arena of Ministry Kingdom of God vs Kingdom of...

V. SPIRITUAL V. SPIRITUAL WARFAREWARFARE

ANDANDPOWER ENCOUNTERPOWER ENCOUNTER

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

Guidelines for Tearing Guidelines for Tearing Down StrongholdsDown Strongholds

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.

How We Can BeHow We Can BeVictoriousVictorious

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.

Know the enemyKnow the enemy

Give him no ground.Give him no ground. Study his ways.Study his ways.

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