When it comes to teachings on demons and spiritual warfare, there is often more smoke than fire.
I don’t want to sound negative–I am looking forsolid foodbut findmany are long on generalities and short on personal, practical tools to apply. From my perspective as a deliverance minister, I find much tobe biblically accurate, but the focus is on Satan (which misses the point), and directives are vague or inadequate. If you want to develop as a spiritual warrior, you need practical, the nuts-and-bolts information you can use.
Several months ago, I completed the first teaching with a client. The focus was on open doors for demonic torment. When we got done, the man shook his head and looked at me.
“Why isn’t the church talking more about this? People need to know.”
If you stay with us (check out our free Resource Library), questions will be answered, and you’ll gain new vision and hope for the struggles before you.
In an earlier article, I gave you our definition and five elements of spiritual warfare. I want to set the stage for upcoming posts that will reveal more specifics about spiritual warfare, but mustbegin with a short primer.
We Are More Than Conquerors
Below are twelve things you need to understand about the spirit realm. (There are more than twelve, but it’s such a biblically compelling number that I’m going to run with it.) They provide a foundation for moving ahead and getting more skilled for battle.
- Our struggle is against demonic spirits assigned to us, not Satan himself. This distinction is important because we must put the conflict in the proper context.
- Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, but skirmishes still occur. The demonic kingdom is actively at work to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10) and will labor to derail your destiny. At salvation, your battle is not over, rather it’s just beginning!
- There are not demons behind every problem, but you cannot counsel demons out of people. You can receive and act on biblical advice when the torment is gone.
- There is more to spiritual warfare than praying and rebuking. Sadly, many never progress beyond this elementary level.
- If you cannot wage spiritual warfare well, it will be hard to reach your destiny in Christ.Everyone is called to battle; it’s not a call open only to some. Failure to learn and grow can lead to bad results (Hosea 4:6).
- Demon spirits are created beings with minds, wills, and emotions and operate in a hierarchical structure (Matt 12:45). They are your real enemy.
- We have been given power and authority over demons, and they know it. Do you know it – and believe it?
- Knowledge is essential otherwise, fear rules. Demonic movies are designed to put fear into you so avoid them; that is not the real spiritual world. Ignorance is not bliss here.
- Get your knowledge and training from trusted sources and not random internet searches. Much of what you’ll find, even from Christian sites, is incomplete at best misleading or inaccurate at worst.
- There are three heavens. Demonic activity happens only in the first two. There are different demons in each realm, and strategies and tactics must reflect that. We will clarify the approach in future articles.
- Most interpersonal problems are grounded in spirit world issues. Paul, in Ephesians 6:12, reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (people) but against evil forces in the heavenly and earthly realms.
- Our human mind is the primary battlefield for individuals. After you are delivered from demons (the fourth element of warfare), this is where much of the struggle occurs. It is vital that you grow in knowledge and spiritual gifts so you can maintain the victory.
As we continue in this series, I will expand on the different elements and offer you new ways of viewing the enemies of our soul. I hope you will persevere?
You are the head, not the tail, more than a conqueror in Christ (Rom 8:37). Did you know that? Do you believe it? If you do, then you must begin to walk that reality out in your life. The demonic realm knows and believes, and if you begin to grow and mature in these areas, substantial and lasting fruit will start to manifest in your life. Fruit of the Spirit in you and salvations and changed lives in your family. It’s worth the effort.
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