1. ESC Adult Sunday School August 14 & 21 September 4, 2011 James Lam
Spiritual Warfare
ESC Adult Sunday School
August 14 & 21
September 4, 2011
James Lam

2. References Spiritual Warfare NEWT/SPIR 529 Dr. Roy Matheson
Boyd, Gregory. God at War: The Bible and Spiritual Conflict. IV Press, 1997.
Arnold, Clinton. 3 Crucial Questions About Spiritual Warfare. Baker, 1997.
Anderson, Neil T. The Bondage Breaker. Harvest House, 2000.
Anderson, Neil T. and Warner, Timothy. The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare. Regal, 2008.

3. References
MacArthur, Jr. John. How to Meet the Enemy. Chariot Victor, 1992.
Rankin, Jerry. Spiritual Warfare: The Battle for God’s Glory. B&H, 2009.
Murphy, Ed. The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare. Thomas Nelson, 2003.

4. Objectives: Biblical worldview of spiritual warfare
Tension between the two ages
Our three enemies  world, flesh, devil
The Christian life as a struggle
Recognizing the dominion of darkness
Resisting the dominion of darkness
Putting on the full armor of God
Making your home a spiritual refuge

5. A Working Definition
Spiritual Warfare is an awareness of the spiritual dynamics taking place around us in order to engage in spiritual conflict using our God given resources.

6. Another definition
“A war of universal proportions pitting God and His truth against Satan and his lies. It’s a battle of wills between God and Satan. It’s a cosmic conflict that involves God and the highest creature He ever made and it filters down to every human being. Satan and his army of demons are fighting Christ, His holy angels, the nation of Israel, and believers. The battle lines are clearly drawn.” John MacArthur, How to Meet the Enemy

7. Biblical Worldview
Versus Western worldview  overly scientific, naturalistic, humanistic, individualistic
Versus Animistic worldview  overly superstitious
Biblical worldview collides head-on with above worldviews
Biblical worldview corresponds to reality
Avoids two extremes
Scripture be our guide

8. Preliminary Cautions We may foster a fascination with evil
“Be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil” (Romans 16:19)
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20)
We may give the devil more than his due

9. Tension between the Two Ages
The Present Evil Age
Satan as “the god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4)
The Age to Come/Kingdom of God
Jesus as inaugurator and King of a new age and reign of righteousness
“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:4)

11. Already-but-not-yet Already… Not yet…eschatological Kingdom has come
Jesus in principle won the war, struck the decisive deathblow, vanquished Satan, restored humanity, established the kingdom; set in motion forces that will overthrow
We are now participants in the age to come
Not yet…eschatological
Kingdom not yet full manifested
War is not finished; conflict does not cease
Battles must still be fought before ultimate victory
Eternal life

12. Some of kingdom manifestations – “Already”
Empowering presence of the Holy Spirit
Union and close relationship with Christ
Reception and manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit
Ability to break free from the bondage of sin
Authority over evil spirits

13. Our Three Enemies
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed… [the world] the ways of this world and of [the devil] the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying [the flesh] the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3)

14. Devil’s Influence Ignored

15. Devil’s Influence Exaggerated

16. Balanced View of Evil

17. The flesh Inner propensity or inclination to do evil
Part of our creatureliness tainted by the fall that remains with us
Continuing connection to this present evil age, which is destined to perish but against which we struggle
As Christians we are new creatures and influence of flesh has been broken by Christ’s death on the cross
Resist inner compulsion by power of the Holy Spirit

18. The world Unhealthy social environment in which we live
Represents the prevailing worldview assumptions contrary to biblical understanding of reality and biblical values
Our culture has profound influence on the way we think and act
Christians embark on lifelong task of discerning worldly influence and adopt godly attitudes and values

19. The devil
Angelic network – angels, archangels, cherubim, seraphim, rulers, principalities, powers
Highest angel blameless from day of his creation; sin was NOT an inherent part of the being God created
The fall of Satan (Ezek. 28:12-18; Isa. 14:12-15)
Rebelled against God because of his pride
Lucifer means “star of the morning” and “son of the dawn”
Lucifer became Satan when God cast him out of heaven
“I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning” (Lk. 10:18)

20. The Army of Satan When Satan fell, he did not fall alone
“swept away a third of the stars of heaven” (Rev. 12:4)
Fallen angels or demons allied with Satan
Angels neither procreate nor die (Matt. 22:30)
Army of demons highly organized…believers struggle “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12)
Unseen spiritual global conspiracy (tight-knit lethal organization)

21. Satan’s rule
Satan has illegitimately seized the world and exercises a controlling influence over it (1 Jn. 5:19)
“god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4)
“ruler of this world” (Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11)
“ruler of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2)
“strong man” (Mk. 3:27)
“tempter” (1 Thess. 3:5)
“roaring lion” (1 Pet.5:8)
“accuser” (Ps. 109:6; Rev. 12:10)
“deceiver of the world” (Rev. 12:9)
“father of lies” (Jn. 8:44)
“murderer” (Jn. 8:44)
NOT omnipresent like God
Jesus did not dispute Satan’s rulership of the earth, but He refused to give in to Satan’s temptation and worship him (Lk. 4:5-8)

22. Nature of Evil Influences

23. Three Stranded Rope
3 influences do not work separately, but in concert
Large area of overlap
Holds us in bondage prior to coming to Christ
Satan works in harmony with the flesh
Activity of the devil closely connected to the world
Implications for life and ministry

24. The Christian Life as a Struggle
“our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12)
Involves strenuous effort, stamina, and proper spiritual fitness
Struggle is a daily affair
Supernatural opponents  hierarchy/rankings
Rulers (principalities)
Authorities
Powers of this dark world
Spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realm

25. Warfare in the Garden The world (God created a perfect environment)
The flesh (God created a perfect man and woman – before they sinned)
The devil (Satan, disguised as a serpent)
Attacks against the mind of Eve
Assaults God’s motives and God’s character

26. The Enemy’s Strategy - Deception
Recognizing Satan’s Lies (Gen. 3:1-5)
Lie # 1 – “Did God really say?”
Satan wanted Eve to doubt God
Undermined God’s character and credibility
Lie # 2 – “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”
Distorted God’s commands
Questioned fairness of God’s commands – God had a selfish, ulterior motive in forbidding Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil

27. Deception… Lie # 3 – “You will not surely die”
There is no death, no afterlife, no hell, no consequences for sin
God will not see your sin
God is too merciful to punish sin
Lie # 4 – For God knows that when you eat of it…”
God is keeping important knowledge from you
God is not concerned for what is good for you or mankind

28. Deception… Lie # 5 – “your eyes will be opened”
You will share in exclusive mystery knowledge
You will attain true enlightenment
Lie # 6 – “you will be like God”
God is your equal
There is something wonderful and exciting awaiting you which you have not experienced before
Lie # 7 – “knowing good and evil”
God is both good and evil
You can decide for yourself what is good and evil
Good and evil are two sides of the same coin
There are no absolutes

29. Eve’s response:
“when the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” Gen. 3:6
Satan’s lies to Eve appeal to Eve’s flesh – food, eye (“For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has or does –comes not from the Father but from the world”
1 John 2:15)
Deception  Disobedience  spiritual death

30. The Enemy’s Strategy Trust in our own resources, rather than God DOUBT
Doubt His Word, power, grace, mercy, forgiveness, love
PERSECUTION
Hardship, difficulties, trials
Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual
FALSE TEACHING
Distorted gospel (other sources of “spirituality”)
False prophets (Mt. 7:15; 24:11; 24:24)
SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Trust in our own resources, rather than God

31. Symptoms suggesting spiritual involvement
Unusual fatigue
Hopelessness
Suicidal tendencies
Screaming
Frightening nightmares
Persistent fear
Internal voices
Oppressive depression
Pain that cannot be explained medically

32. Symptoms … Headaches Dizziness Extreme anger and rage
Pornographic enslavement
Compulsive behaviours
Speaking with another voice
Sexual perversions
growling

33. How to know if there is spiritual involvement
Experience unusual discomfort, watering eyes, emotional confusion and/or distraction when reading Scripture or spiritual warfare prayers
Spiritual discernment
Analysis of opportunities where spiritual involvement could have been given access – e.g. involvement in the occult, drugs, habitual sexual sin, inviting of spirits into one’s life, curses, hexes, spells, involvement with witchcraft or satanic ritual, worship or blood sacrifices
Possible that access are passed down through ancestral lines

34. How do spirits of darkness influence us?
See our imperfections and weaknesses
Piggyback (latch) on our woundedness and augment the problem
Secondary problem as they pile on and attack our minds (with deception) and add to our feelings and accentuate our emotions
End result being separate from God’s truth and spiritually blinded

35. Can a Christian be demon-possessed?
Are those symptoms of the typical struggle believers have with the flesh? Or is it possible the influence of actual spirit beings?
Advances in medicine and behavioural sciences help see variety of alternative explanations
Numerous accounts of demonization and exorcism in every century of the history of the church
Strong assumption demon possession was a phenomenon associated with the lands where idolatry flourished

36. Demon possession… Debate and controversy among evangelicals
Arguments against demon possession:
A Christian cannot be demon-possessed because his or her body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
A Christian cannot be demon-possessed because he or she is already owned by God
“possession” = ownership ?
“demon possession” – English translation
“daimonizomai” – Greek word (tormented, vexed, troubled); words for ownership or possession are absent in the original text

37. Reframe the question…
“Can Christians come under a high degree of influence by a demonic spirit?”
“Is it possible for Christians to yield control of their bodies to a demonic spirit in the same way that they yield to the power of sin?”

38. Chrisitians CANNOT be owned by Satan
The issue of ownership is settled once and for all when a person turns to Christ; Satan loses any legal claim to ownership on the basis of the blood of Christ shed on the cross
Legally acquitted by God from our guilt due to sin (Rom. 5:1)
Transferred from the domain of Satan into the kingdom of God (Col. 1:13)
Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13)
Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:38-39)

39. Temple of God, but a dwelling for demons?
Misconception that a demon cannot occupy the same space as the Spirit of God
Sin can “reign” in your mortal body (Rom.6:12)
After conversion, “flesh” continues to be present with the believer; the locus of much of the struggle for the believer; resident in the same body as the Holy Spirit
Demons will take as much room as we will give to them

40. The Old Self

41. The New Self

42. The New Self
Core transformation (new identity as child of God, citizen of heaven, a saint) has occurred, the continued impact of the presence of sin still felt
Still retains a structure of the present evil age (flesh)
Sinner nature still present (Rom. 7:18; 8:8)
Inner conflict between God’s law and law of sin (Rom. 7:21-24)
Demonic spirits cannot penetrate to the core of the person’s being and snatch away what belongs to God
A believer can choose to embrace sensual desires and succumb to the flesh, or to resist evil impulse

43. My heart – Christ’s Home

44. Christians can be inhabited and controlled by demons
Giving turf to the devil
“In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph. 4:26-27)
Foothold – inhabited space
Allowing evil to reign
“Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires” (Rom. 6:12)
Sin attempts to reassert its control
Evil asserts its influence in 3 different but related ways – flesh, world, and Satan

45. Deliverance Ministry
Deliverance is part of a bigger COUNSELING process. Counseling is part of a much bigger HEALING process of moving towards wholeness.
Deliverance should not be practiced as an isolated event. Wherever possible, deliverance should be set in the context of the larger HEALING process.
COUNSELING should take place in partnership with a faith community.
45% pre-deliverance counseling
10% deliverance
45% post-deliverance counseling
Deliverance Team – individual, discerner(s), contronter, support person (spouse, minister, friend)

46. Reflection:
Have you ever questioned God’s Word and asked if He actually said “this”? Have you rationalized your belief or have you looked into Scripture to finds answers?
How easy or hard it is to detect Satan’s lies?
Have you bought into Satan’s lies? How can you discern God’s truth has been distorted?
What kind of doubts do you have about God’s character or truths? What makes believing His Word difficult?
Re-trace your story of succumbing to temptation…does it follow a similar pattern?
Have you experienced similar kind of “demonic” influence? How did you handle it?
How have you given the devil a foothold?

47. Resisting the dominion of darkness
Endure Hardship
“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer.” (2 Tim. 2:3-4)
Taking up the cross daily  costly, sacrifice, persecution, ridicule
Hymn “Onward Christian Soldier”

48. Fight the good fight
“Fight the good fight of the faith.” (1 Tim. 1:18-19;
1 Tim. 6:12)
Struggle continually to uphold the truth of Scripture
Concentration, effort, and discipline needed to win
Keep the faith (uphold sound doctrine) and a good conscience (live holy lives)
“contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3)
J.C. Ryle’s quote from Holiness, 1989, p.62

49. Resist the devil
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9)
Spiritual resistance  spiritual bodybuilding
“no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful…produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:11)
Resist  to stand against, begins with self-control
Resist the devil, not people

50. Put on the full Armor of God
Repeated twice (Eph. 6:11, 13)
“take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Eph. 6:11b)
“stand your ground” (Eph. 6:13)
“stand firm…” (Eph. 6:14a)
List of combat equipment (Eph. 6:14-17)
Belt of truth
Breastplate of righteousness
Shoes of the gospel of peace
Shield of faith
Helmet of salvation
Sword of the Spirit

52. Belt of Truth
Tunic – large square piece of material hung low and loose
Girding one’s loins – pull the four corners of his tunic up through the belt; cinch up the loosely hanging material
Reference to preparation, readiness, and commitment
Refers to attitude of truthfulness, sincerity, honesty, and integrity
Condition of your private life; having a pure heart
Commitment to fight and win without hypocrisy

53. Breastplate of Righteousness
Tough, sleeveless piece of leather or heavy material
Covers the soldier’s full torso, protecting the heart and other vital organs  protect your mind and emotions
Righteousness  imputed righteousness assures us of ultimate victory over Satan – God’s clothing a person in the righteousness of Christ at the moment of salvation (2 Cor. 5:21 – “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”)
Produces practical righteousness through holy living

54. Gospel of Peace Proper footwear equipped for battle
Feet suggests idea of spiritual authority
Feet are to be shod “with the preparation for the Gospel of peace”; won’t slip or fall
God took the initiative to make peace (2 Cor. 5:19)
Good news that believers are at peace with God (Rom. 5:1); He is on our side
Confidence of divine support to stand firm
Commissioned with the ministry of reconciliation (Matt. 5:9)

55. Shield of Faith Rectangular shield 4 ½ ft x 2 ½ ft
Thick plank of wood covered on outside with metal or leather
Deflect flaming arrows
Reference to endurance faith – steadfastness and endurance
Faith is trusting completely and unconditionally in God and His word
James 1:3 – “the testing of your faith develops perseverance”
Ability to remain under fire of long, drawn out trial without breaking down or blowing up

56. Helmet of Salvation
Protects the head, a major target in battle (fatal blow)
Satan seeks to destroy believer’s assurance of salvation with weapons of doubt and discouragement
Salvation is eternally protected and secured through the finished work of Christ on the cross
Security (fact); assurance (feeling comes to obedient Christian)
By appropriating this salvation as their helmet, believers have every reason to be confident of the outcome of the battle

57. Sword of the Spirit The Word of God (Ps. 19:7-11)
Infallible  has no mistakes in its entirety; faultless, flawless, without blemish
Inerrant  no errors, fallacies, blunders or delusions (Prov. 30:5)
Complete  nothing needs to be added or taken away from it
Authoritative – God is final authority; to listen and obey
Sufficient (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
Effective

58. Power of the Spirit
Sword is spiritual because it was given to us by the Holy Spirit
God’s word has divine origin, nothing can overpower it
Acts 1:8 – “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit come on you…”
Truth of Scripture used defensively (to fend off Satan’s attacks) and offensively (to help destroy enemy’s strategies)

59. Weapon of Prayer
Eph. 6:18 – “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…”
Has militant purpose  to overcome the dominion of darkness
Spiritual blindness  prayerlessness
Growing awareness of spiritual warfare  increasing commitment to pray
Common elements – listening to, talking with God; asking (Jam.4:2); believing (Mk. 11:24)
Jam. 5:16 – “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”

60. The Necessity of Prayer
Prayer is not a 7th piece of spiritual armor
Prayer is woven into the armor; foundational for the deployment of all the other weapons
As we put on the full armor, we are to be engaged in prayer
The atmosphere in which all our fighting occurs
The key to appropriating our resources in Christ
Spiritual armor is neither mechanical or magical; must be infused with divine power and energy

61. The Commands for Victory
Be alert (Eph. 6:18)
For temptation
For false teachers
For Christ’s return
Be firm (1 Cor. 16:13)
Being rooted or grounded in God’s Word
Be mature (Eph. 4:14-15)
Be strong (1 Cor. 16:13)
Be loving (1 Cor. 16:14)

62. Grand Finale Satan shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire
(Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10)
But until then….
We are always in spiritual warfare.

63. Reflection Are you aware you are always in spiritual battle ?
Are you fit for spiritual battle ?
Are you ready for spiritual battle ?
What part (s) of the full armor do you need to develop or sharpen ?
What are the challenges you’re facing ?
What are the resources to help you win the battle ?
What is your appetite for God`s Word ?
What is the condition of your prayer life ?

64. Make your home a spiritual refuge
Acts of cleansing
Acts of consecration
Acts of protection

65. Prayer for the Home
Almighty and Sovereign God, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I/we come to you in the power of the Holy Spirit. We ask you to search out and bring to light any unconfessed in or act of wickedness committed in this place and drive away any lingering spirits of the kingdom of darkness. In Jesus’ name I bind any spirits who would seek to exert any influence in this dwelling. We acknowledge Father that this is your property. Cleanse and sanctify this place through the blood of the cross and fill it with your presence and glory. Use this home for your purposes. Set angels at the boundaries of this property to shield and protect the members of my family (give names) from all evil influences. I proclaim that the scepter of the wicked will not remain over this home. I pray this through the name that is above every name, that of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. From Tom White, Believers Guide to Spiritual Warfare