SESSION #10
Spiritual Warfare & Deliverance
Presented by: Pastors, Calvin Bergsma
Video: vimeo.com/gcf/70-principle-10
Audio:
Notes: PDF Notes
▪ Overview of the Battle
▪ Spiritual Weapons
▪Tactical warfare / Deliverance
Embedded Files
OVERVIEW OF THE BATTLE
Life can be difficult; it can feel like a “Battle” (can any of you relate?)
From birth to death our lives are a series of struggles and obstacles that need to be overcome
Many words could be used to describe this struggle but “WAR” seems to be most fitting.
The word “War” conjures up a lot of mental imagery, Warfare has many components:
●Enemies ● Territory ● Weapons ● Strategy ● Battles ● Casualties ● Winners and Losers
The Bible describes our struggle as a battle; “fight the good fight.” “put on the armor of God”
Ep.6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
We know what natural war is and dread and avoid it if possible, but at times it comes to our door step!
If our country was under attack we could not avoid it, we would have to fight or be conquered. In the same way God’s kingdom is under attack and we cannot avoid the this conflict!
What does the spiritual battlefield look like, and how do we fight this enemy?
The Bible tells us that there are things in this world which are not seen; everything that is, is not necessarily visible. (Read 2 Kings 6: 8-23 where Elisha saw the armies of the Lord)
If we could see everything that was going on around us every day (the way that Elisha and his servant saw that day), we would be shocked and probably act very differently than we do now.
Through the Bible, God reveals to us what this invisible realm looks like.
This diagram might help you better understand what the Bible describes as two Kingdoms that war against each other; God’s Kingdom of Light versus Satan’s Kingdom of Darkness.
Both kingdoms have angels.
The Bible makes over 100 references to angels.
Ps.91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
Ps.103:20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey His word.
Dan.3:28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!
Dan.6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king."
The world is fascinated by angels - A recent poll revealed that over half (54 percent) of university graduates believe in angels -close to the 61 percent in the general population. (HAVE YOU EVER SEEN AN ANGEL?)
You say you don’t know about this devil stuff - Bob Momford said;
“If we never meet the devil head on, chances are you’re walking the same direction”.
SATAN; Devil, fallen angels, demons (Spiritual principalities and powers)
One-quarter of Jesus’ ministry was casting out demons.
Jesus sent out 35 teams of two (the 70) instructing them to fan out into the villages of Judea to heal the sick and preach that the Kingdom of God is at hand. When they returned the common theme from all the teams during their informal debriefing was: "Wow! Even demons submit to us in your name!" Listen to Jesus' response…
Luke 10:17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
We are still dealing with these forces of darkness - Whether we know it or not!
Two examples of spiritual battles:
Rev.12:7-9 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
What does this mean? It means there is more going on than we can see with our eyes.
Satan is on this earth and actively fighting against those of us who follow God, we are involved in the conflict, and there can be no conscientious objectors!
I recommend you read Daniel 10:1-20 to see how Daniel was part of the battle between Michael the Arc angel and the demonic principalities that held a position over the land of Persia.
We really are soldiers locked in combat between the kingdom of Light and of darkness.
Eph.6:10-20 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
We fight these spiritual battles on two fronts; know which enemy you are fighting!
We do not just fight the powers of darkness (Satan, fallen angel, and demon)
We also fight our own Fleshly appetites
Romans 7:23 I see another law (sinful nature) at work in the members (parts) of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my (body) members.
Romans 8:13 I see an appetite for sin at work in all the parts of my body, it wages war against that what I know is God's way and life and (if I let it) it can make me a prisoner to the carnal desires of my own body. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the (Holy) Spirit you put to death the wrong desires of your body, you will live.
You need to cast out the devil and put to death (crucify) the sinful desires of your flesh matter how hard you try you cannot cast out the flesh and you cannot crucify the devil.
SPIRITUAL WEAPONS
Our Primary Spiritual weapon is declaring (speaking) God’s Word.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Helmets might make a good weapon but that is not what it’s made for.
The Sword of the Spirit is a multi-propose weapon!
Probing Instrument
Heb.4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Devouring Flame
Jer. 5:14 Therefore this is what the LORD God Almighty says: "Because the people have spoken these words, I will make my words in your mouth a fire and these people the wood it consumes.
Crushing Hammer
Jer. 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? says the Lord; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
Look at how Jesus (our example) fought Spiritual Battles.
Mat. 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, He will command His angels concerning You’; and On their hands they will bear You up, So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’”
Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.
THE NAME OF JESUS AS A WEAPON
Matt. 1:21 “...you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
.Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
In many parts of the world Jesus is a popular name, as it was in the time Jesus lived on earth.
Jesus, Yeshua, (or any other derivative) has no power in its sound; its power is in who it represents.
It is the authority of Christ we invoke when we use the name of Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior!
If you are not authorized to use it, it will not bring deliverance.
Acts 19: 11-16 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
The authority to use the mighty name of Jesus belongs to those who have made Him their Lord.
Mark 16:15-20 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
TACTICAL WARFARE
The Bible is filled with stories and passages that teach a great deal about the devil, demons, and the kingdom of darkness. It also warns us that all occult involvement is in disobedience to God's Word.
(Deut. 18:9-12) ... you shall not learn to do after the abomination of those nations. There shall not be found with you anyone. . . that uses divination (fortune telling), or an observer of times (soothsayer), or an enchanter (magician), or a witch (sorceress), or a charmer (hypnotist), or a consulter with familiar spirits (medium possessed with a spirit "guide"), or a wizard (clairvoyant or psychic), or a necromancer (medium who consults the dead). For all that do these things are an ABOMINATION unto the Lord!
The Scriptures condemn all forms of occultism as sorcery and warn that
"…they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal. 5:19-21), but "…are an abomination unto the Lord" (Deut. 18:12), and "…shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone" (Rev. 21:8). From earliest times God forbid occultism as spiritually defiling (Lev. 19:31), and made participation in it punishable by death (Ex. 22:18; Lev. 20:27), and cause for rejection of that soul by God (Lev. 20:6). (See also: Ex. 7:11-12 with 2 Tim. 3:8; Ex. 22:18; Lev. 19:26, 31; 20:6; 1 Sam. 15:23; 28:3; 2 Kings 21:5-6; 2 Chron. 33:6; Isa. 2:6; 8:19; Jer. 27:9-10; Zech. 10:2; Mal. 3:5; Acts 8:9 f.; 16: 16f.; 19:19; 1 Tim. 4: 1.)
The Scriptures warn us there will be an increase in occult activity in the last days.
1 Timothy 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, listening to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
There's never been a time in history when the warning against the dangers of occultism are more necessary than the present. Many people (even some Christians) in an attempt to get relief from physical or emotional pain have turned to psychics, hypnotists or New Age healers or techniques. These are not new techniques just the same old occult practices repackaged. Although they may provide some temporary relief, eventually they bring those who expose themselves to their influence into more bondage and spiritual oppression.
The Bible is filled with warnings about Satan; we need to know how the enemy operates.
2 Cor. 2:11 The Bible says: I do not want to be ignorant my brethren concerning the devil in his devices.
John 10:10 The thief (Devil) comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.
How does Satan attempt to do this... just like a roaring lion seeks whom he may devour?
How do lions hunt? • They’re not the fastest • Not the strongest
But they’re very effective; • they’re opportunistic • Separate the weak from the group then attack!
Christians need to stay in fellowship to survive.
The concept of just me in Jesus is not enough (it's a distortion)
Jesus grafted us into his body the church
God speaks to us through each other (iron sharpened iron)
We need each other - Satan would separate you to defeat you.
Another tactic is distorting the Truth – “Satan is a liar and the Father lies”
How does he deceive? He changes himself into an angel light
He’s subtle - He makes it look like dealing with him is a game, intriguing, or financially profitable.
We would probably never knowingly go to visit the devil.
But many people go to fortune tellers • or follow Horace Scopes • or go to hypnotist's
or call the psychic hotline • or have their palms read • or play with Ouija boards
The Devil uses deceptively innocent tactics to bring people into bondage (Deut.18:9-12)
If any of you have ever seen MTV or so many dark TV shows (and I don't recommend it)
You’ll see a blatant combination of music, sexuality, and the occult.
Satan uses this seductive mixture to advertise
It is presented as fun and cool and very chic to party with the devil.
His lie never changes, he's been telling the same ones since he deceived man in Eden.
But we have been given a way to defeat this crooked adversary
Jesus Christ came to the world to destroy the works of the devil
He has given us a testimony.
And we overcome the devil by the blood of the lamb in the word of our testimony.
The Bible says that we are more than conquers through him who loved us.
The way we destroy Satan is with the truth.
The Bible says you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
I love the words of Jesus when he said
"I am the way the truth in the life no one comes, unto the Father except through me." (John 14:10)
SATAN’S BIG LIE; ● Be true to yourself ● Put yourself first. ● You can do it your own way (Look where that got him)
Jesus tells us the truth when he says.
He who seeks to save his life will lose it but the one who loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mt.16:25)
Putting God and others first brings happiness.
Many people believe the Devil’s lies and are already living in bondage to some degree.
DELIVERANCE
How can we (as Christians) set free those bound by demons?
There’s no magic formula (set of words) that will set someone free from the oppression of the enemy.
You need to know as a follower of Jesus Christ.
You have the authority over the enemy.
In the name of Jesus, by the finger of God, you have the right to set free those who are oppressed of the devil.
1.) As a Christian deliverance is your right; Jesus came to set US free!
Matt.15 21-28 Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.” But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us.” But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” And He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.
2.) We need to be led by the Holy Spirit when we engage in spiritual warfare.
(Read the story in Acts 16:16-19)
Do you think the first time the lady spoke Paul knew that she had demons?
Why then did he wait before he commanded the demon to come out of her?
I believe he waited till she came to repentance, then he commanded the unclean spirit to leave her.
3.) Lead them through Repentance before deliverance.
4.) Jesus was in control of the situation, He silenced the demons.
Mark 1:34 And he (Jesus) healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
It is true that, Jesus told a demon to identify itself. (But that was the end of the conversation)
There are those who incorrectly try to get demons to talk.
They think that they can interrogate the unclean Spirits into giving up valuable secrets.
How foolish to believe a demon would produce valuable information when everything they say is a lie.
When you cast out a demon make sure you get your information from God.
God will give you the gifts of His Spirit, the word of knowledge, and the discerning of spirits
(in order to be able to see what is unseen to others). 1 Cor. 12:7-10
Demons have a way of hiding until they are exposed.
Once exposed to try to draw attention to themselves and away from God.
Examples: When we first became involved with dealing with demons and were not familiar with all his tricks:
I remember a couple of cases: (cat & picture) the demons left but took one last swat.
5.) It is imperative to fill that which deliverance has left vacant
Luke 11:20-26 “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. “But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder. “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.“When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ “And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. “Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”
How do you know if you need deliverance?
If you are currently (or ever have been) involved with the occult or dabbled with things like ESP (Extra Sensory Perception), séances’, mental telepathy, hypnotism, fortune telling, drugs, sexual in morality, or intentionally listen to music that promotes any of these, there is a good chance you may need deliverance.
I was sexually abused as a young child and I continued in sexual perversion until I became a Christian at the age of 15. Though I gave my heart to Jesus and sensed a tremendous amount of freedom in my life I still had problems in the area of lust that continued for more than a year.
My father set up an appointment for me to talk to a Christian friend of his man who prayed with me leading me through deliverance. After that, I lived in freedom for quite a while until I did slip back into the same sin for a time. When I did that I opened myself up for further demonic attack and needed to go back and have deliverance once again. I again had victory and the Lord blessed me with a wonderful wife and family in the years that followed. I thank God for the freedom deliverance brings. “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”
Another way people find themselves oppressed by the demons; they can be born with them.
The Bible clearly teaches that sometimes the sins of the parents visit the children to the third and fourth generations. In my own family, more than one of our children has needed to be prayed for to be set free from demonic oppression which I believe was generational oppression.
The key to being free is:
Confess your involvement with such things as sin
Ask for God’s forgiveness
Then resist the devil the Bible says to resist the devil he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
As Christians, we have been given the authority and a commission to set the captive free!
IN JESUS NAME, JUST DO IT!
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