SPIRITUAL WARFARE - Vital Christianity

1SPIRITUAL WARFARELars Wilhelmsson

2CONTENTSPagesPREFACE 4-7INTRODUCTION 8-91. WE ARE IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE 10-13A. Twin Errors to AvoidB. Evidence of our Spiritual BattleC. The Structure of Satan’s Spiritual Forces2. THE KINGDOM OF THE WORLD AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD 14-23A. The Kingdom of the WorldB. The Kingdom of God3. THE CITY OF MAN & THE CITY OF GOD 24-304. ENEMY OF OUR SOUL: THE WORLD 31-385. ENEMY OF OUR SOUL: THE FLESH 39-456. ENEMY OF OUR SOUL: THE DEVIL 46-527. UNITY IS ATTACKED BECAUSE WHAT THE CHURCH IS 53-58A. What is UnityB. We Must Work Hard To Keep the Unity1. The Challenge to Unity2. Prayer for Unity3. Weapons of Unity8. THE ARMOR OF GOD 59-82A. The SoldierB. The Armor1. The Belt of Truth2. The Breastplate of Righteousness3. Shoes of Peace

34. Shield of Faith5. Helmet of Salvation6. Sword of the SpiritC. The Communication in Battle: Prayer1. The Characteristics of Prayer2. The Frequency of Prayer3. The Variety of Prayer4. The Recipients of Prayer9. THE OCCULT 83-109A. DemonologyB. Fortune TellingC. The Worship of Demons and Demon “Possession”D. Spiritualism or SpiritismE. The Powers of DarknessF. Why the Occult is ForbiddenEXORCISM (DELIVERANCE MINISTRY)A. Characteristics of DemonsB. The Kingdom of God and MiraclesC. Symptoms of DemonizationE. Dangers in this MinistryF. Preparation for Deliverance MinistryG. Ministering DeliveranceH. Satanic CounterattacksI. A Suggested Form of PrayerJ. Example of DemonizationK. A Prayer to be Offered by the Counselee, Commands to Demonic Spirits,Questions for Testing the SpiritsL. Warfare PrayerM. The Three R’s: Remember, Renounce, ReclaimNOTES 110-115BIBLIOGRAPHY 116-117

4PREFACEThere is no doubt that the history of the church’s belief in Satan, demons and witcheshave been used by superstitious people to bring about much evil and suffering. Yet in spite ofabuses of the concept, neither science nor philosophy can prove or reasonably affirm thatsuperhuman spirits or beings do not exist. If for a priori rationalistic reasons we reject Jesus’belief in the existence of a realm of evil spiritual powers, it is difficult to see why His belief in apersonal God may not be eliminated also, or why such a process of evaporation might not besuccessfully applied to all contemporary literature. When theories of accommodation and mentalillness and the impact of a powerful personality have been taken into account we are left withmystery and many unanswered questions.In spite of centuries of neglect and confusion, belief in Satan and demonic influence isgrowing. In fact, the interest in the supernatural in the last forty years, and especially the lastdecade, has been astonishing! People are more willing to entertain the possibility of the spiritualthan ever before. And more people are yearning for spiritual experience. This is partly due to thecontinuing power of evil in society and human life. In the view of many, “reasonable” andoptimistic scientific views of progress have failed to account for escalating evil in our time. Thisseems to call for at least a serious look at the biblical view. The Bible gives an explanation of thereason for the evils that are submerging our age into darkness, leaving us with a sense of horrorand helplessness. Can we adequately explain the genocidal campaigns of Adolf Hitler or IdiAmin, the murder sprees of Charles Manson or Ted Bundy, the suicide/murder of Jim Jones andhis followers in Guyana, or the success of the “kiddie-port” industry without at least consideringthe possibility of a personal power of evil in the universe.Another reason for the surge of interest in the supernatural is the fact that a naturalisticworldview no longer seems as compelling as it used to. The golden era of science is over.People no longer believe that science and technology is the answer to everything. Thus a vacuumdeveloped which has made people curious for the spiritual dimension of life. While materialismhas served as an integrating agent for modern society that integration has been bought at the costof neglecting spiritual realities. The result is that the modern world now finds itself without anadequate vocabulary for dealing with powers as real today as they were two thousand years ago.Basil Jackson, professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin, opened aconference on the demonic at the Notre Dame Conference Center by confessing:“A sense of desperation has come upon some of us. We cannot cope with certainproblems that we have been faced with clinically. The people with these problemsmake little response to our professional ingenuity. Perhaps we have missed somethingquite important both psychologically and spiritually because we have ignoredthe material in the Bible about Satan and the demonic.” 1

There is the story about an old, uneducated preacher who was confronted by a welleducated and sophisticated person who said, “You don’t mean to tell me that you really believein a personal devil?” The preacher replied, “Well, I figured with all the evil in this world therehas to be a headquarters somewhere.”5Psychiatrist Scott Peck says that, before witnessing his first exorcism, he had beenintrigued but not convinced by Malachi Martin’s book on exorcism (Hostage to the Devil). It wasanother matter after he had personally met Satan face-to-face. He put it, “I now know Satan isreal. I have met him.” 2 He wrote his book, People of the Lie, in the hope that, as a result of hisexperience and that of Martin, closed-minded readers will become more open-minded in relationto the reality of Satan.I have personally been involved in a dozen exorcisms which have further convinced meof the reality of a personal devil and of personal demons. I have conversed with these evilcreatures through other peoples’ voices (the persons demonized). They have expressedknowledge not known to human beings.We are often mystified by what looks like devilish harassment, exaggerated humanimagination, a psychological malady, or a chemical imbalance. In trying to find some kind ofcontrol over out-of-control phenomenon, we are tempted to either unrelenting skepticism ornaive gullibility. We tend to either dismiss the possibility that the demonic may be involved orwe see demons under every bush. We are fooled by either believing what isn’t so or by refusingto believe what is so.The challenge then is to be able to discern what is demonic and what is not. Whatcomplicates this process is the fact that demonization may go hand in hand with apsychological disorder, physical illness and sinful habits. Demonic invasion emulates themost ordinary symptoms and thus leads many astray. Therefore skepticism about the demonic ishealthy, yet we dare not dismiss the stories of those who have been helped by exorcism anddeliverance.The following pages address such matters. It begins by looking at the problem of sin ingeneral and moves toward supernatural evil. Too often in studies on spiritual warfare “the flesh”and “the world” are overlooked as is sin in general. This is a grave mistake which leads todistortion. After all, our greatest enemy is self or “the flesh.”When the devil is seen in the context of sin in general we are protected from either notrecognizing him for the enemy that he is or for giving him too much credit. Both are pitfalls weneed to avoid.

6There is much practical help offered in this treatment because there is so much confusionon the subject. I have attempted to soak everything in Scripture to ensure that outlandish viewsare not presented. Although, as Martin Luther points out, “. . . for still our ancient foe does seekto work us woe,” we need not be intimidated by such a foe since Apostle John points out in hisfirst letter,“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, becausethe one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 Jn 4:4).

7“Finally, be strong in the Lordand in His mighty power.Put on the full armor of Godso that you can take your standagainst the devil’s schemes.For our struggleis not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers,against the authorities,against the powers of this dark worldand against the spiritual forces of evilin the heavenly realms.”--Ephesians 6:10-12

8INTRODUCTION

101. WE ARE IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE

“It is indeed a very poor Christian who is so ineffective that he is not onthe devil’s black list.” 111--Oswald Chambers“Life from the moment of our regeneration by the Holy Spirit is peace withGod, but it is war with the enemy of our souls.”--AnonymousAs Christians we are at war! The church lives in hostile territory! These are ominousdays. The great increase of knowledge and technology is paralleled only by man’s inability toharness it. Thus we seem to be sitting on a bomb that may explode momentarily.What is behind the lawlessness and moral breakdown in the world today is satanic inorigin. And all that is good in the world stands as a target for all that is evil. We, who are“pilgrims” or “sojourners” in this dark and evil world, will stand strong only by constantalertness and the providential protection of Almighty God. Just as anyone may be in gravestdanger when unaware of any trouble at all, so Christians may be in greatest peril by notrecognizing the presence of peril or the source from which it comes.Twin Errors to AvoidHuman nature tends toward extremes by a kind of evil magnetic attraction. Weinstinctively run to one of two excesses, and that is why so often we are in error. This propensityis clearly seen in our attitude toward the devil. C. S. Lewis pointed out long ago in his book, TheScrewtape Letters, the twin errors we must avoid in our approach to Satan, the enemy of oursouls:“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about thedevils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feelan excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleasedby both errors, and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.” 2(Emphasis added)One common error in our approach to Satan is to deny or ignore Satan. The problem isthat denying or ignoring him will not make him go away. As we will see in this study, the devilis real and there is a spiritual battle going on.Another faulty approach is to be preoccupied with Satan. An obsessive preoccupationwith Satan is as dangerous and deadly as denying or ignoring him. There are scores of people inmental institutions who have become preoccupied with the enemy of their souls.

Our focus must always be on God while we are aware of Satan’s schemes. A balancedapproach to life generally, and spiritual warfare specifically, is that while we are to be amazedwith God, we dare only be aware of the devil. Otherwise we will be in perilous danger.12Evidence of our Spiritual Battle1. A marked intensification and manifestation of evil. This should be no surprisesince the Bible states that the devil is “filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short”(Rev 12:12; see also 1 Ti 4:1).2. Strongholds have to be defeated for prayer to be answered (Da 10:12-21; 12:1).The “prince of the Persian kingdom” (v. 13) and the “prince of Greece” (v. 20) were apparentlyfallen angels exercising influence over the Persian and Grecian realms in the interests of Satan.Their resistance was finally overcome by the archangel Michael, “the great prince who protects”the people of God (12:1). Gabriel assists Michael.3. There is warfare in the heavens (Rev 12:7-9). Michael, the archangel, defeatsSatan in heavenly warfare.4. Our fighting is not with human beings (“flesh and blood”) but with Satan and hisdemonic spirits (Eph 6:12; 2 Co 10:3-4). Neil Anderson and Steve Russo did a recent survey of1291 professing Christian high-schoolers. They found that● 47% have experienced a presence in their room (seen or heard) that scared them.● 54% struggle with bad thoughts about God.● 37% say it is mentally hard for them to pray and read their Bibles.● 70% have heard “voices” in their heads like there was a subconscious self talkingto themselves, or struggled with really bad thoughts.● 20% frequently have thoughts of suicide.● 24% have impulsive thoughts to kill someone, like “Grab that knife and kill thatperson.”●71% have thoughts that they are different from other people (“It works for othersbut not for me”). 1In the last twenty years I have counseled hundreds of adults who are hearing voices andstruggling with irrational, evil thoughts.

13The Structure of Satan’s Spiritual ForcesThe structure appears like a human military chain of command with everythingfunneling to and from Satan.“Principalities” or “rulers” come from the Greek word archon, the root of some Englishwords that have “arch” in them. For example, an archenemy is the principal, chief enemy.“Powers” or “dominions” come from the Greek word exousta and seems to be related to a realmor sphere of rulership. “Rulers of the darkness” (kosmocrator), seems to have even more power.It possibly refers to demons who have infiltrated various political systems of the world,attempting to pattern them after Satan’s realm of darkness (Da 10:13; Col 1:15). Perhaps thePrince of Persia, with whom the angel Michael struggled in the supernatural realm duringDaniel’s intercession (Da 10:12-21), is one such kosmocrator.“Spiritual wickedness in high places” seems to be the highest level of dark power. Suchdemons may be involved in the most wretched and vile immoralities such as perverse sexualpractices, the occult, Satan worship, etc.Paul’s purpose here is not to give a detailed description of the satanic hierarchy but topoint to its sophistication and power so we realize that we face an incredibly evil and potentenemy. Therefore our great need is not to recognize every specific feature of our adversary, butto turn to God who alone provides us with protection and victory. Although it is impossible toknow the precise identity and role of each of these forces, none of these powers pose any contestfor the strength of God’s might.When there is “a clear and present danger,” life brings a great purpose and a great choice:life or death, blessing or curse, victory or defeat, God or Satan (Dt 30:19).

142. THE KINGDOM OF THE WORLD AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD

15The whole issue of spiritual warfare must be seen in the light of two kingdoms:The Kingdom of the World and the Kingdom of God.These two kingdoms vie for superiority. They will seek supremacy until“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of HisChrist, and He will reign for ever and ever” (Rev 11:15; see also Da 2:44).The Message of the Coming KingdomMark points out that following His baptism by John the Baptist, Jesus entered upon aministry of proclaiming the Kingdom of God:“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good newsof God. ‘The time has come,’ He said, ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent andbelieve the good news!’” (Mk 1:14-15).Matthew gives a similar version:“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the goodnews of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”(Mt 4:23)Luke tells about an incident in Nazareth when Jesus read a prophecy about the coming ofone anointed by the Spirit of the Lord who would proclaim “the coming of the acceptable year ofthe Lord,” and then announced, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk4:18-21).The message and miracles of Jesus must be interpreted in the setting of His view of theworld and humanity, the kingdom of the world, and the need for the coming of the Kingdom ofGod.THE KINGDOM OF THE WORLDIts MeaningThe “kingdom of the world” refers to “this age” of which Satan (meaning “to oppose” or“to be or act as an adversary”) is “god”:“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot seethe light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Co 2:4).

This means that the devil is the archenemy of God and the unseen power behind allunbelief and ungodliness. Those who follow him have in effect made him their god.Similarly, the “kingdom of the world” refers to the “world system” which is “under thecontrol” of Satan:“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under thecontrol of the evil one” (1 Jn 5:19).16John does not say that the world belongs to Satan, for Satan cannot lay claim to creatingit. Jesus calls Satan “the prince of this world” (Jn 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). This is why God’schildren are warned:“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, thelove of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings ofsinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comesnot from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away,but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 Jn 2:15-17).From the biblical account of Genesis (Gn 3:1-19), we know that by deception Satan tookcontrol of the entire world. When Satan tempted Jesus, he showed Him all the kingdoms of theworld and said,“I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me” (Lk 4:6).Jesus did not challenge Satan’s claim to authority and power, but He did resist histemptation to set up a kingdom that would be mightier far than that of the Romans. He resistedthe world’s methods. It meant casting out demons by Beelzebub. For Jesus it meant turning Hisback on His calling. His Kingdom was of a very different kind (Jn 18:36f.). He had alreadyidentified Himself with the sinners He had come to save (Lk 3:21). That meant the lowly path,not that of earthly glory. It meant a cross, not a crown.The phrase “it has been given to me” in reference to “authority and splendor” (4:6) meansthat the whole world lies passively in his power. The authority and splendor was given to Satanin the sense that since he (the serpent in the Garden) was instrumental in the fall of mankind hereaped the authority and splendor that once belonged to man.It is no question that Satan exercises a very powerful influence for evil over the lives ofall those wicked people and spirits (demons) that acknowledge him as their master. But this doesnot mean that the devil is the ultimate owner and ruler of the nations, with the right and the mightto dispose of them and of their wealth as he pleases, so that Christ Himself, at least during thepresent dispensation, would have to take a back seat to him. In fact, the very opposite is true(Gn 3:15; Ps 2: Mt 11:27; 28:18; Ro 16:20; Eph 1:20-23; Col 2:15 and Rev 12; 20:3-4,10). Some

17argue that some of these passages refer to the power given to Christ in His exaltation, however, itmust be remembered that during Christ’s humiliation Satan was able to do no more than Christallowed him to do (Mt 4:11; 12:29; Lk 10:18; Jn 8:44; 12:31). Further-more, Satan knows thatJesus has come to drive him out and that Jesus claims the world which rightfully belongs toGod.Paul calls Satan“. . . the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in thosewho are disobedient” (Eph 2:2).This means that Satan is no mere earthbound enemy (6:12). As “spirit” he is a created,but not a human, being (Job 1:6; Eze 28:15; Isa 14:12-15). In the Synoptic Gospels Satan ispictured as a supernatural evil spirit at the head of a host of inferior evil spirits called demons. Assuch he is “the prince of demons” (Mk 3:22). And his chief function is to oppose the redemptivepurpose of God.The reality of Satan and demons means that evil is not imposed upon people directly byGod, nor it is blind chance or capricious fate. Evil has its root in personality. Yet evil is greaterthan human beings. It can be resisted by the human will, although the human will can yield to it.Yet evil is not a disorganized, chaotic conflict of powers, as in animism, but is under thedirection of a single will whose purpose it is to frustrate the will of God. Furthermore, arationale for the creation of spiritual powers that were allowed to become hostile to God is notlacking.The Activities of SatanThe work of Satan is seen in several aspects though his activities are mainly ethical.● In the Parable of the Weeds and the Wheat, which represents the mixed society inthis world, the wheat represents the “sons of the kingdom” while the weeds are“the sons of the evil one” (Mk 13:38).● Satan is pictured as snatching away the word of the Kingdom from hearts thatare too hard to receive it (4:15).● He tried to divert Jesus from His redemptive mission in the temptation (Mt 4:11).● He spoke through Peter urging that it could not be the role of Messiah to sufferand die (Mk 8:33).● He entered into Judas, leading him to betray Jesus to the priests (Lk 22:3).

18● He desired to lay his hands upon Peter to prove the unreality of his faith, toshow his was nothing but chaff (Lk 22:31). In this instance his purpose wasfrustrated by Jesus’ prayer for Peter.● A woman who had been a cripple for eighteen years is spoken of as “bound bySatan” (13:16). 1In the synoptic Gospels, the most characteristic evidence of the power of Satan is theability of demons to take possession of the center of people’s personalities. Demons arerepresented as evil supernatural spirits. At the very beginning of His ministry in Capernaum,Jesus came face to face with demonic power. Immediately, the demon recognized Jesus by directintuitive insight and said,“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?I know who you are, the Holy One of God” (Mk 1:24).The demon recognizes a supernatural power in Jesus that is capable of crushing satanicpower here and now.The Spiritual ConflictAs Jesus looked at people, He did not always see them as rational moral units; rather, Hesaw their souls as a battle-ground, an arena or theatre of tragic conflict between the opposedcosmic powers of the Holy Spirit of God and Satan. 2As New Testament scholar George Ladd put it,“The theology of the Kingdom of God is essentially one of conflict and conquestover the kingdom of Satan.” 3 (Emphasis added)Scripture shows no speculative interest in either Satan or demons. Rather, it recognizesthe supernatural power of evil, and its concern is the redemptive work of God in Christdelivering people from these malignant forces.THE KINGDOM OF GODIts MeaningOf the references to an eternal kingdom in the New Testament, more than 70 refer to theKingdom of God. The Hebrew word has the abstract dynamic or idea of reign, rule, ordominion.

“They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power. . . .Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion enduresthroughout all generations” (Ps 145:11,13).“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rulesover all” (103:19).19This seems to indicate that the Kingdom of God means God’s rule or sovereignty. TheGreek word basileia is best translated “kingship,” “kingly power,” “rule” or “reign” (Lk 19:12;23:1-2; Jn 1 8:36; Rev 17:12). The kingdom that Jesus appointed for His disciples is “royal rule”for it is the same kingdom that God the Father conferred on Jesus (Lk 22:29-30). The coming ofthe Kingdom for which we pray in the Lord’s Prayer means that God’s will be done on earth,i.e., that His rule be perfectly realized as it is in heaven (Mt 6:10). 4How can the Kingdom of God be both present and future? God is now the King, but Hemust also become King. This means that It is the coming of God’s Kingdom (v. 10) or itsappearing (Lk 19:11) that will bring this age to its end and inaugurate the Age to Come. TheKingdom of God can designate both the manifestation or coming of God’s kingly rule and thefuture realm in which God’s rule is enjoyed. Inheriting eternal life and entrance into theKingdom of God are synonymous with entering into the Age to Come. When the rich youngruler asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, he was thinking of the future life ofDaniel 12:2. Jesus replied that it is hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. Then,turning to His disciples, He assured them that because they had left house and family to followHim, they would receive eternal life in the Age to Come (Mk 10:17-31). 5The Present KingdomJesus saw His ministry as a fulfillment of the Old Testament promise in history. This isparticularly clear in two passages. In the synagogue of Nazareth, Jesus read the messianicprophecy from Isaiah 61:1-2 about the coming of an anointed one “to proclaim the acceptableyear of the Lord”; and He then solemnly asserted, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled inyour hearing” (Lk 4:21). When John the Baptist, in doubt, sent emissaries to ask Jesus if Hereally was the Coming One, Jesus replied by citing the messianic prophecy in Isaiah 35:5-6 andtold them to report to John that the prophecy was truly being fulfilled (Mt 11:2-6). Throughoutthe Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), Jesus’ mission is repeatedly understood as thefulfillment of the Old Testament promises. 6The sayings about the Kingdom of God as a present reality must be interpreted againstthis background. The strongest statement is Matthew 12:28:“But if it is by the spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of Godhas come upon you.”

20The parallel verse in Luke 11:20 reads “finger of God.” One of Jesus’ most characteristicmiracles was the exorcism of demons. Jesus amazed people because He spoke words ofcommand and people were at once delivered from satanic bondage (Mk 1:28). When accused ofHimself exercising satanic power, He replied that He cast out demons by the power of God, andthis was proof that the Kingdom of God had come upon them (Mt 12:22-28). 7The Greek word ephthasen, “has come,” in Matthew 12:28 most likely refers to thekingly power of God, attacking the dominion of Satan and delivering people from the power ofevil. “Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds thestrong man? Then he can rob his house” (Mt 12:29). In these words, Jesus declares that God hasacted in His kingly power to curb the power of Satan. 8This means that God’s Kingdom in Jesus’ teaching has a twofold manifestation:● At the end of the age to destroy Satan● In Jesus’ mission to bind SatanBefore Satan’s final destruction, people may be delivered from his power. “Binding” is ametaphor and designates in some real sense a victory over Satan so that his power is minimized.It is obvious that this metaphor does not mean that Satan has been rendered completelypowerless since he continues to be active. It seems that while he is bound, he still has a longrope. Even though his power has been broken by Jesus’ victory on the cross, he is not powerless.Although the decisive battle has been won and the tide of battle has turned the final victory isstill in the future. As George Ladd put it:“The whole mission of Jesus, including His words, deeds, death, and resurrection,constituted an initial defeat of satanic power that makes the final outcome andtriumph of God’s Kingdom certain.“ 9Every time evil spirits were driven out by Jesus was a defeat of Satan and a victory ofJesus. Furthermore, it was an anticipation of the time when Satan will be visibly robbed of hispower. Any victory over Satan’s dominion is a foretaste of the eschaton (the End).This power over Satan is also seen in the authority and power Jesus gave to His discipleswhen He commissioned them to travel throughout Galilee preaching the Kingdom of God (Lk10:9). When they returned from their missions, they reported with joy that even the demons weresubject to them in Jesus’ name (v. 17). Then Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning fromheaven” v. 18). Jesus saw in the successful mission of the seventy disciples an evidence of thedefeat of Satan. In the mission of Jesus and His disciples a decisive victory was won, Satan wasbound, he fell from his place of power, but his final destruction still awaits the end of the age.

Although Jesus reinforces their authority over Satan, He also warns them:21“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcomeall the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice thatthe spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”(Lk 10:19-20)The “snakes and scorpions” may represent evil spirits; the enemy is Satan himself. Thepoint Jesus is making is that salvation is more important than power to overcome the evil oneor escape his harm.In the New Testament the enemies of God’s Kingdom are not seen as hostile nations as inthe Old Testament, but spiritual powers of evil. The victory of God’s Kingdom is a victory in thespiritual world:“He must reign until He has put all his enemies under His feet” (1 Co 15:25).In His own person and mission Jesus has invaded human history, has wrestled with thepowers of evil, won a decisive victory over them, and in the end of the age these powers will befinally and forever broken.When the Pharisees asked when the future Kingdom was coming Jesus answered themthat it was already in their midst, but in an unexpected form. It was not accompanied by the signsand outward display the Pharisees expected and without which they would not be satisfied:Present in the Person of JesusThe presence of the Kingdom is asserted in Luke 17:20:“Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come,Jesus replied, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation,nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God iswithin you.’”The Greek phrase entos hymon can mean either “within you,” that is, in your hearts, or“in your midst.” It is unlikely that Jesus would have said to the Pharisees, “the Kingdom of Godis within you” since they were unbelieving. The translation “in your midst,” in Jesus’ person,therefore, best fits the total context of His teaching. This means that the Kingdom is present inthe person of its King, Jesus.

22To Be Received in the Inner PersonMark 10:15 makes it clear that the Kingdom is to be received in the inner person:“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a littlechild will never enter it”Jesus is probably indicating that the Kingdom is spiritual and internal (Mt 23:26), ratherthan physical and external (Jn 18:36).Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of God radically modifies the redemptive time line.The Old Testament and Judaism looked forward to a single day—the Day of the Lord—whenGod would act to establish His reign on the earth. George Ladd diagrams it with a straight line:The Age to Come moves on a higher level than this age, and the time between theresurrection and the parousia is a time of the overlapping of the two ages. The church lives“between the times”; the old age goes on, but the powers of the new age have irrupted into theold age.George Ladd explains:“There is a twofold dualism in the New Testament: God’s will is done in heaven;his Kingdom brings it to earth. In the Age to Come, heaven descends to earthand lifts historical existence to a new level of redeemed life (Rev 21:2-3). Thisis hinted at, although not elaborated on, in the Gospels. Those who “attain tothat age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given inmarriage, for they cannot die any more, because they are equal to angels andare sons of God, being sons of the resurrection” (Lk 20:35-36). Here is a trulyinconceivable order of existence. There are no human analogies to describeexistence without the physiological and sociological bonds of sex and family.But this is the will of God: to conquer evil and to bring his people finally intothe blessed immortality of the eternal life of the Age to Come.The diagram also suggests that God’s Kingdom was active in the Old Testament.In such events as the Exodus and the captivity in Babylon, God was acting in hiskingly power to deliver and judge his people. However, in some real sense God’sKingdom came into history in the person and mission of Jesus.” 11The coming of God’s Kingdom will mean:● The final and total destruction of the devil and his angels (Mt 25:41).

23● The formation of a redeemed society unmixed with evil (13:36-43).● Perfected fellowship with God at the messianic feast (Lk 13:28-29).In this sense the Kingdom of God is a synonym for the Age to Come.● A heavenly Kingdom (Mt 6:33; 19:24) that is eternal (Ps 145:1,11-13; Da4:3; 2 Pe 1:11) and universal (Ps 103:19) in which the “poor in spirit” (thehumble) will be welcomed and rewarded (Mt. 5:3) and in which the righteouswill rule (Mt. 5:10; 6:33). In fact, in God’s Kingdom all believers will partakeof His glory (Ro 8:16-17; 1 Th 2:12).● A Kingdom where God will exercise His sovereignty without resistance(Mt 13:43; 26:29) since Satan will have been forever vanquished (Rev 12:10-11) and where worship will take precedence as the Lamb of God will beadored as He should be (Heb 12:28).

243. THE CITY OF MAN AND THE CITY OF GOD

25THE CITY OF MAN (Rev 17:1-8; 18:1-5,8-10)The last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, gives us images of two cities: the cityof man and the city of God. God gave visions to John where he sees the ultimate collapse ofhuman history. History, as we know it, is not to continue forever. Civilization awaits theawesome and sure judgment of God. Ultimately the city of man must give way to the city ofGod, the secular city to the Holy City. Babylon must fall, God says, only the New Jerusalem canremain.Revelation 17 and 18 depict the images John sees and the voice he hears. While theimages are earthly, the voice is heavenly.A Seductive MistressIn the city of man, the first image is that of a seductive mistress (Rev 17:1-18). Johnrefers to Babylon, the city of man, as "the great prostitute" (v. 1), "the mother of prostitutes" (v.5). Rather than being a cheap prostitute who sells her body on some dark alley, this mistress is anattractive, stunning woman who wears the latest fashions, whose neck glitters with gold andwhose hands are filled with diamonds and precious stones.The Bible says that this woman sits on a beast which energizes her. While he is picturedas an ugly animal—a monster; she is pictured as a beautiful woman—a model. While he—theanti-christ—oppresses the church, she—Babylon—seduces it. Because of her beauty andattraction, she is to be feared just as much, or more, as the beast.This mistress invites us to drink from her cup. Caught in sexual sin, she seduces us intodelusion whereby we rationalize: "It's not an affair; its a relationship." "Some-thing that feels sogood must be right."Making sure that we have enough money to live on, we cheat, just a little bit, on ourtaxes. We reason, "After all, everybody is doing it. Anyway, our government wastes so much ofour money. Why should I give so much of my hard earned money." So we also rationalize Jesus'statement, "Give to God what belongs to God and give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar" (Mt22:21).The mistress lures us into thinking that things are more important than relationships.We end up treating people with less than dignity as we use them to further our goals.This woman seduces us into such a preoccupation with temporal concerns that there isno time nor energy left for the eternal, the spiritual concerns of our life.Wanting to live a comfortable and safe life, we, unlike Jesus and His disciples, secureour future by avoiding suffering at all cost.

26A Powerful MistressThis mistress is not only attractive, but she is also powerful. John views her as one "whosits on many waters" (17:1). The language is obviously figurative with the meaning given byJohn: "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, crowds, nations andlanguages" (v. 15). Her influence extends to all. This includes common people as well as peopleof royalty (v. 2). And her influence extends throughout all ages (vv. 8ff.). This means that herpower and influence are virtually without limitations.Unlike the beast, however, who persecutes the people of God, this woman seducesthem. She lures us into thinking that by embracing her we will experience "the good life," but herbed has within it the stench of death. John writes that she holds a "golden cup in her hand" (v. 4),but just when a person thinks she is going to bring the best wine, she brings "abominable thingsand the filth of her adulteries" (v. 4).A Destructive MistressThis woman, representing the city of man, who is both attractive and powerful, is alsodestructive. Jim Jones and David Koresh serve as a powerful reminder of the seductive anddestructive powers of evil. As Jim Jones and David Koresh started out in their ministry they weregenuinely concerned about the needs—the hurts—of their people. Jim Jones spoke of humandignity to people who were oppressed and rightly opposed racial prejudice and proclaimed thevalue of every person. But he, like David Koresh, became drunk with power and pride which inturn gave way to delusion. The tragedy is that as scores of followers blindly flocked to thePeople's Temple and to the Waco compound, fully expecting to drink the life of the wine, foundonly the chalice filled with cyanide.In various ways we follow the attractive, seductive lure of the values and standards of theworld and in so doing we become deceived, compromised, and eventually destroyed (vv. 16-17).IDENTIFICATIONThis mistress, this seductive, powerful, destructive woman is called "Babylon the Great."The Bible states that the following title was "written on her forehead":"MYSTERYBABYLON THE GREATTHE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTESAND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" (v. 5).The word "mystery" tells us that this mistress is to be understood figuratively rather thanliterally, symbolically rather than geographically, theologically rather than politically.

27A Representative CityThis mistress, the city of Babylon, therefore, is not a real city to be built. Rather, she is arepresentative city in history waiting to be destroyed. Throughout the Bible she stands for thecity of man which is opposed to the city of God. The cities of today, as then, are marked byloneliness, insignificance, apathy, hatred, violence, suspicion, selfishness and despair—the veryopposite of the community life planned for us by God, a life marked by love and service.Babylon, the city of man, represents:● Godless Society● False Religion● Proud HumanityA DESOLATE CITYWhile the first image we see of the city of man is that of a seductive mistress, the lastimage we see is that of a desolate city:"After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. . . . With a mighty voicehe shouted: 'Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home fordemons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestablebird" (Rev 18:1-2).Here the angel announces the demise, the collapse of every pagan civilization--past,present, and future.Then John is given the reason for the collapse of civilization:"Her sins are piled up in heaven, and God has remembered her crimes" (v.5).Though we boast about our security and make great plans for the future, the Bible warnsof the inevitable judgment of God:"In one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She willbe consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her" (v. 8).Funeral SongsIn this chapter 18 of Revelation there are three funeral songs which mourn the death ofthe city of man. The first funeral song is sung by the politicians of the earth (vv. 9-10) becausetheir power has come to nothing as the city over which they held power is burning.

28The second funeral song is sung by the earth's economists (vv. 11-17) who are weepingbecause the great monetary institutions such as Wall Street have collapsed and because therewill be no more people to buy their goods and services.The third funeral song is sung by common laborers—sailors and merchant marines—thetrade unionists of the world (vv. 17-19) who are weeping because they will never again beemployed in the world.Such is the fate of the city of man!Song of JubilationAt the very time this earthly crowd weeps and mourns, a song of jubilation erupts inheaven:"Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God hasjudged her for the way she has treated you" (v. 20).While people may forget God, God never forgets people!The aftermath of God's judgment as described by John, will be like the devastation of anuclear explosion. This is the awesome fate of the world in which we live.Every civilization, every empire, every culture, every political ideology, every falsereligion will one day be buried. Only those who live in the city of God are secure eternally.IS THERE ANY HOPE?If this prophecy of the collapse of every human institution and culture is true, then isthere any legitimate reason for hope? John, who received the vision, responds positively as hesees images and hears a voice thundering from heaven:"Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that youwill not receive any of her plagues" (18:4).Come out of her or you will be destroyed with her, warns God. If you don't reject her,she will reject you. If you give in to her seduction, you will share in her judgment.

29IDENTITYGod is identifying us with Babylon. The crucial question for every one of us is: Whereare you encountering Babylon, the world, the city of man? Where is she insidiously seducingyou? Where is she ruthlessly destroying you?Although most of us describe the fall of civilizations as we speak of the rise and fall ofthe Roman Empire, in the Bible, however, the demise of nations and persons is spoken of interms of spirituality. Just as a nation either remembers God and submits herself to Him or rebelsagainst Him, so individuals either submit to God or rebel against Him.Martin Luther said,"Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your god."What do we love more than God? Money, status, prestige, power, pleasure, things?Whom do we love more than God? Spouse, child, parent, friend, lover?We Westerners have not yet met the beast as we have not yet experienced the iron fist ofpersecution. But we do know this seductive mistress and we have already sensed her seductiveembrace. While we have not been physically persecuted, we have been lured. Though we havenot been physically harmed, we have been deceived.If we are going to get rid of Babylon from our lives, we will have to examine theattitudes, thoughts, dreams, words, and lifestyles we embrace, not those we despise and detest.DETHRONEBut it is not enough to merely identify Babylon in our lives; we must dethrone her. Howcan we be sure that people or things do not enslave us? We do so by loosening our grip onthem.We must always guard against allowing the things we own to own us. The danger ofthings is that though they come to us as a trust from God, we end up trusting in them instead oftrusting in God. The tragedy is that what was designed to be our servant ends up as our master.God's answer to a materialistic spirit is generosity. Thus He calls us to give. If we havemuch we are called to give much, and if we have little, we are still called to give awaysomething. This is God's formula to dethrone Babylon: Give away what you have.Beware of the world's warm, but deadly embrace! Why do you invest your time, energy,and money in the city of man? They are headed for destruction. The Bible puts it:

30"With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to befound again" (18:21).ONLY TWO CITIESThe choice is clear: there are only two cities to choose from. Babylon—the city ofman—the secular city, and the city of God—the Holy City. We must stop embracing Babylon.We must reject her before it's too late. We must renounce our allegiance to the city of man andpledge allegiance to the city of God. Babylon the Great will one day be destroyed by thejudgment of Almighty God. Only the city of God will endure. Therefore we must imitateAbraham about whom the Bible states:"For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose Architect andBuilder is God" (Heb 11:10).No one can serve both cities. We cannot at the same time serve the city of God, whichwill last forever, and the city of man, that will one day be utterly destroyed. We cannot live inone city and enjoy the pleasures of the other.We must choose and our choice will determine our eternal destiny!

314. ENEMY OF OUR SOUL: THE WORLD

32We have already seen that although in a real sense we only have one enemy, that is, thedevil (he is the only one of these who is actually called an “enemy”), the world and the flesh arealso called enemies because Satan uses these as means to work his diabolical plans.The WorldSins from Without (Jas 4:4; Eph 2:2; 1 Jn 2:15-17)“The world” does not mean the material planet. God created that, and pronounced it good(Gn 1). Rather it refers to the world system or evil empire of Satan. It is the evil era or order ofthings that began not with the Creation but with the Fall (Jn 16:11; 1 Jn 5:19; Eph 6:12). It beganwhen our remote ancestors—Adam and Eve—rebelled against God. The world is the world ofthe Fall, not of the Creation. The world is the sins from without man which tempts him.Babylon stands for the world and all that is in it—the world system whose values andstandards are opposite to God's. John, the apostle, said:"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world,the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravingsof sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires passaway, but the man who does the will of God lives forever" (1 Jn 2:15-17).The World and Its Motivating DesiresThe world's motivating desires are contrary to God's nature. The world consistsbasically of three things.The “Lust of the Flesh”—The Cravings of Sinful ManThe world is the passionate craving to gratify the physical body. The “lust of theflesh” goes beyond the satisfaction of normal bodily needs and makes the body’s pleasure thehighest priority. The world is that which appeals to our physical appetites, our need for a “high,”whether it is lust, excessive food which leads to gluttony, alcohol and other drugs, etc. Lustdraws us to relationships and things that encourage us to feed unhealthy sexual appetites. Weallow our imagination to take flight as we imagine people, places and things that stimulate oursinful human nature.The “Lust of his Eyes”—Greed and EnvyThe world is also the craving to obtain what we see. Restless greed. Covetous desiresthat are not of God—but physical, intellectual, and emotional desires which lead to materialism—possessions—and/orsensuality. The “lust of the eyes” is that which appeals to ourmaterialistic nature, our dissatisfaction whereby we never have enough and our jealousy in which

33we are upset with those who have more than we or who are more successful than we are. Thiswas the sin of Achan (Jos 7:21), and it manifests itself today in the restless greed forpossessions—cars, real estate, clothing, electronic conveniences, furniture, and the money thatcan provide these and much more.The “Pride of Life”—The Boasting of What He Has and DoesThe world is also the craving for recognition and prestige. “Pride of life” wouldhave us measure our success in life by who we are, what we have and do. It is the craving forrecognition and prestige. This finds glory in what a person is, owns, and accomplishes (1 Jn2:16). It takes pride in appearance, possessions, achievements, talents, moral uprightness—andeven humility! It glories in nationality, social rank, appearance, talents, achievements,possessions and even moral uprightness (self-righteousness which is spiritual pride). Thereforethe more we have and the more we accomplish the more reason we have to be proud. This leadsthen to a proud and haughty spirit which looks down on others.The world appeals to the pride of race (racism), face (vanity), place (status and prestige),and grace (self-righteousness). It ensnares the youth with physique and beauty, the miser withmoney, the ambitious with power, the intellectual with snobbery, and the zealous with falsedoctrine (false religions or cults).OppositionThe world represents man and society in opposition to God. In the opening chapters ofthe Bible, humanity gathered itself together and said,"Come, let us build a city, with a tower that reaches the heavens, so that we maymake a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the earth" (Gn 11:4).IndependenceThe city in Scripture has come to symbolize the world in her independence from God.Thus God warns us:"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatredtoward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes anenemy of God. . . . Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyoneloves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (Jas 4:4; 1 Jn 2:15).The Temporal, Transient Nature of Satan's DomainIt is also foolish to be a friend of the world, to love the world because it is Satan'sdomain since he is "the god of this world" and because it is so temporal, so transient. TheBible puts it:

34"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God livesforever" (1 Jn. 2:17).The world focuses on the tangible, the superficial, the apparent, the expedient. This iswhy the real needs of people are often overlooked. People's needs, all too often, are viewed asmeans to their own ends.Distortion of God-Given DesireNote that in all of these drives there is a distortion of God-given desire. The desire forfood ends up in gluttony, the concern to look presentable turns into vanity, the normal attractionand desire for the person of the opposite sex, ends up in lust and sensuality. The healthy pride indoing one’s best, ends up in egoism, where man takes the credit for his accomplishments and theinnate desire to know God turns into religiosity or fanaticism.PrioritiesIn Revelation 18:12-13 twenty-nine articles are listed. The order is important as it listsgold first and people last. Isn't that always the order of the world, the city of man? Gold first,people last. Things first, relationships last. Instead of worshiping God, relating to people, andusing things; we worship things, use people, and pay lip service to God.In the city of God, however, gold is used to pave the street since its purpose is for peopleto walk on, to use. But in the city of man, people get passed up for gold and used for silver.Non-Christians● Thinking that this Christianity stuff is all a bunch of nonsense.● Thinking that in order for us to commit ourselves to Christianity, we have to commitintellectual suicide.● Thinking to ourselves that Christianity is only for the ignorant and the weak.● Thinking that we can get along just fine without God.Christians● Ready to compromise our standards, just a little, so we can fit in, so we can bebetter accepted and even popular.● Consider a serious relationship with a non-Christian of the opposite sex, or maybe weare even about to marry a non-Christian.

35● Involved physically, or at least emotionally with someone other than our spouse.● Start a business partnership with someone whose ethical values you question.● Involved in a relationship or business venture that is slowly pulling us away fromour commitment to Christ.Babylon—the world—is out to seduce you! Her attraction is stunning. Her power iscunning. And her destruction is utterly devastating.How to Respond to our EnemiesWe need discernment in fighting our enemies. Fighting one enemy with weapons fit foranother is foolishness. It is like attacking a ship with a sword or a sword with a ship. Ourstrategies against our three enemies must be different. We need to be detached from the world.We need to master and control the flesh, to tame it like a wild horse. And we need to be freedfrom the devil; only God can conquer him.We dare not interchange these strategies. For instance, if we try to conquer the worldinstead of being detached from it, we take it too seriously. Christ has already conquered theworld (Jn. 16:33), not by power, but by suffering. If we think of our temptations of the flesh ascoming straight from Satan, we become obsessed with them—just what he wants. Or if we thinkthe devil’s work comes only from the world, from society, we underestimate him and think wecan defeat him with social progress or revolutions.An army would have a clear advantage if the opposing army overestimated or underestimatedits power. Therefore it is as essential for us to identify our spiritual enemies and assesstheir real power, as for an army to identify and assess its physical enemies and their resources,and to use the necessary weapons against each, to use “the whole armor of God” (Eph 6:11).Response to the WorldAlthough as Christians we have been rescued from this realm (Col 1:13), we constantlyencounter its lures.No LoveWe are also not to love the world, but to be have a holy hatred for it (Ro 12:9), that is, tobe crucified to it (Gal 6:14). Jesus prescribed radical surgery as He knew that it is the only wayto deal with lust (Mt 5:27-30). We’re not to be squeezed in by the world’s standards andvalues—all its evil and corruption. We’re bombarded daily by its anti-God messages, somewhich are subtle and some which are not so subtle.

37The remedy is transformation! The word “transformed” in the Greek language is theword from which we get “metamorphoses,” the change from one form to another, as in thetransformation of the tadpole to the frog or the caterpillar to the butterfly. Such transformation isinner change through “the renewal of the mind” in which not only the thinking and reasoningis affected, but the inner disposition, that is, the inner being or the heart (Ro 7:22-25).This means that we must think critically. As Harry Blamiers says in his book, TheChristian Mind,“Because secularism is in the saddle, it follows that the Christian mind issuspicious of fashionable current conformities.” 1We must be careful about what we read and watch. We must not fear to challenge others’presuppositions. Above all, we must not be afraid to be different.Paul uses the present tense of the verb “transform” to emphasize that such a transformationis continuous: “Continue to let yourselves be transformed.” In using the passive voicehe is not saying, “Transform yourselves,” but “Let yourselves be transformed.” This is crucialsince transformation is not a matter of self-help and self-improvement, but the work of theHoly Spirit. This is what is referred to as “progressive sanctification”:“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformedinto His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord,who is the Spirit” (2 Co 3:18).Although the verb is in the passive voice, it is also in the imperative mood. This meansthat believers are not completely passive. Rather they must allow the Spirit to do His workwithin their hearts and lives. Their duty is to respond or cooperate to the full (Php 2:12-13;2 Th 2:13).The result of such a process of continuous transformation is so that we will “be able totest and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Here we see that inorder to discern the will of God for our lives, we cannot just depend on our conscience as ourguide, but we must receive instruction from the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth (Jn 16:13), whoinspired Scripture (2 Pe 1:20-21), and who will teach (Jn 14:26) and will guide us into all truth(16:13).Paul ends this verse by pointing to the contents of God’s will: “that which is good,pleasing and perfect.” God’s will is good in that it leads to the spiritual and moral growth of thebeliever. It is pleasing to God, that is, not necessarily pleasing to us. God’s will is perfect sinceno improvement can be made on the will of God. The aim of the life of the believer, says Paul, isnothing short of “perfection” (maturity—Mt 5:48; Php 3:7-11). As Christians we find out thewill of God not to contemplate it but to do it.

38Jesus’ high priestly prayer (Jn 17) consists of a series of petitions to the Father for themission of the church. A new, distinctive community has been born by hearing the word,knowing the truth and believing it (v. 8). The main thrust of the four petitions of this prayer is aprayer for the protection of this church from the “world.”Notice that Jesus prayer for His church is that it be “in the world, but not of it.” He praysnot that His church be taken out of the world, but that the church be guarded from the power ofthe world. The first of the four petitions of this prayer is linked to the last (vv. 18-19) as Jesusprays for the sanctification of his followers. They are to be holy, distinctive, recognizable fromthe world. The church, as the body “sanctified” or “set apart” in truth (v. 19), is a body that issent into the world in the same way Jesus was sent into the world (v. 18). The world looked uponJesus and “did not know Him” (1:10-11), yet His light shown in a darkened world. Now Jesusprays for His people who are to be similarly in the world.It is a constant danger for us Christians that we feel ourselves to be at home here on earth.As long as we are aliens we cannot forget our true homeland which is that other kingdom, thekingdom of God. Just as a boat is to be in the water, it is not to have water in it.We have been sent into the world as a witness (17:8) by being “salt” and “light”(Mt 5:13-16). We must therefore not embrace the sin of isolation whereby we completelyseparate ourselves from the people of the world (non-Christians). Such a response would thwartGod’s purpose for placing us here as His agents of reconciliation (2 Co 5:9-10).We must live in the world in much the same way as Jesus—distinctive, at odds with aworld that does not know or worship God.

395. ENEMY OF OUR SOUL: THE FLESH

40The FleshSins from Within (Gal 5:17-21; Jas 4:1-3)The word “flesh” has two different Greek roots and sometimes means the “physicalbody.” In most cases, however, the word does not mean the skin or the body or sex or anythingmade by God and declared good (Gn 2:7; 1:27-28,31). The flesh referred to in these verses is notthe body as such but the addictive, selfish, bodily desires of fallen man: not sex, but lust; notmoney, but greed; not self, but selfishness and self-centeredness. The flesh refers to the sins fromwithin man.Malcolm Muggeridge says that sin is the only Christian dogma that can be verified justby reading the daily newspapers. Contrary to what psychologists, psychiatrists, sociologists andanthropologists say, sin is not merely maladjustment, ignorance, mistakes or errors, badeducation or miss-programming. Sin is missing the mark! That is, the mark of God’s standard ofrighteousness.Moral Sins (Gal 5:19)1. Sexual immorality—It refers basically to unlawful sexual intercourse and probablyincludes illicit relationships of every description (1 Co 5:1; 6:13,18; 7:2; 2 Co 12:21;Eph 5:3; Col 3:5; 1 Th 4:3). Christianity came into a world where sexual immoralitywas not only condoned, but was regarded as essential to the ordinary working of life.2. Impurity—This is a very comprehensive concept which includes not onlyuncleanness in deeds but also in words, thoughts, and desires of the heart (2 Co12:21; Eph 4:19; 5:3; Col 3:5; 1 Th 2:3; 4:7). It is that which makes a person unfit tocome before God, the soiling of life with things which separate us from Him.3. Debauchery—Words such as indecency, licentiousness and lasciviousness are usedalso to describe a person who is unrestrained, who totally lacks self-control, andtherefore gives free play to every impulse of his sinful nature (Mk 7:22; Ro 13:13;2 Co 12:21; Eph 4:19; 1 Pe 4:3; 2 Pe 2:18; Jude 4). Such a person is so far gone indesire that he has no concern for what other people say or think.Religious Sins (Gal 5:20)1. Idolatry—This refers not only to the worship of images as such but also to any evilpractice in connection with such worship. For example, to eating meats that had beenoffered to idols when conscience forbids this, and, in fact, to the substitution ofanything at all for the adoration of the true God who has revealed Himself in JesusChrist (1 Co 10:14; Col 3:5). Thus we often see in Scripture that greed is closelyassociated with idolatry, for by means of it a person has substituted self for God.

412. Witchcraft—The Greek word for this means literally “the use of drugs.” It can meanthe use of drugs by doctors but it can also mean poisoning, and it came to be speciallyconnected with the use of drugs for sorcery, of which the ancient world was full. Itprimarily refers to sorcery by means of which mysterious powers were erroneouslyascribed to certain articles, formulas, or incantations (Ex 7:7:11,22; 8:14; Isa 47:9,12;Ac 8:9; 13:8; 19:13,19; Rev 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15). The sorcerer generally claimedto have access to this or that supernatural power by means of which he used his trade.When faith in magic replaces trust in God it is exposed as a form of idolatry.3. All kinds of false religious teachings and systems.(Dt 32:17; Ps 94:4-5; 1 Ti 4:1-4; 1 Jn 4:1-4; Rev 13:4,15)Social Sins (Gal 5:20-21)This is the longest list and this list has often been referred to as the “Christians sins”because they are so typically practiced and accepted by the Christian community.1. Hatred—Another word used of hatred is enmity which describes a person who ischaracteristically hostile toward others (Eph 2:16).2. Malice (Discord)—This refers to strife, contention, quarreling, and rivalry. While itcan be used in a good sense in that connection (e.g. in the sense of competition), morecommonly it means the rivalry which has found its outcome in quarrels andwrangling (Ro 13:13; 1 Co 1:11-12; 3:3; 2 Co 12:20).3. Jealousy—This is the word from which we get the word zeal but it degenerated tomean “the desire to have what someone else has” (Ro 13:13; 1 Co 3:3; 2 Co 12:20).4. Fits of Rage—This is uncontrolled temper which describes not an anger which lasts,but anger with fiery flashes of rage (fury) but which then dies (Ro 2:8; 2 Co 12:20;Eph 4:31; Col 3:8).5. Selfish Ambition—Another word used is self-seeking. It originally meant “the workof a hired laborer.” It then came to mean canvassing for political or public office. Itdescribes the person who wants an office, not from any motives for service, but forwhat he can get out of it (Ro 2:8; 2 Co 12:20). Such ambitions at times invade eventhe Christian ministry (Php 1:17; 2:3).6. Dissensions—Literally the word means “a standing apart.” It describes a society inwhich members fly apart instead of come together (Ro 16:17). This happens whenpeople are actuated by selfish motives, each craving honor for himself. Groupsworking and scheming against each other (1 Co 11:19) in which one member choosesone side and another the side of another leader.

427. Factions—This refers to heretical division and comes from our word heresy whoseroot means “to choose.” It was used for a philosopher’s school of followers or for anyband of people who shared a common belief. The tragedy of life is that people whohold different views very often finish up by disliking, not merely each other’s views,but each other. It should be possible to differ with a person and yet remain friends.8. Envy—Greek philosopher Euripides called it “the greatest of all diseases amongmen.”5 The essence of this word is that it does not describe the person who wantswhat someone else has, but rather begrudges the fact that the other person has thesethings at all. It does not so much want the things for itself; it merely wants to takethem from the other. The Stoics defined it as “grief at someone else’s good.”6 Basilcalled it “grief at your neighbor’s good fortune.”7 It is the quality which leads tobitterness. It was envy that caused the murder of Abel, threw Joseph into a pit, causedKorah, Dathan, and Abiram to rebel against Moses and Aaron, made Saul pursueDavid, gave rise to the bitter words which the elder brother (in the Parable of theProdigal Son) addressed to his father, and crucified Christ. Love never envies (1 Co13:4).9. Drunkenness—This refers to excessive drinking of alcohol. It was not a commonvice in the ancient world. Although the Greeks drank more wine than they did milk(even the children drank wine), they drank it in proportion of three parts of water totwo parts of wine. Greek and Christians alike would have condemned drunkenness asa thing which turned a person into a beast. Scripture considers alcoholism to be a sin,not merely a disease (Lk 21:34; Ro 13:13). It states that drunkards will not inherit thekingdom of heaven (1 Co 6:10). Though the disease aspect of this evil should begiven its due, the responsibility aspect must not be ignored. Minimizing personalaccountability has been the destroyer of several civilizations.10. Orgies—The word carousing is also used to describe orgies and the original wordmeant a band of friends who accompanied a victor of the games after his victory asthey danced and laughed and sang his praises. It also described the bands of thedevotees of Bacchus, god of wine. It has come to mean unrestrained revelry,enjoyment that has degenerated into license.11. Lust—This means turning a subject into an object. Treating a human being as anobject of sexual gratification. Persons of the opposite sex are always to be consideredas fellow human beings and be treated with honor and respect. It is sexualgratification whereby we feed unhealthy sexual appetites. It is allowing ourimagination to take flight as we imagine people, places, and things that stimulate oursinful human nature.12. Evil Desires—This refers to desires that have to do with evil things. Thinking ofways to take advantage of others and thinking of various ways to hurt them.

4313. Greed—This means never being satisfied but always wanting more (Col 3:5).Therefore it is closely related to jealousy. This sin places undue attention to thatwhich is material. Preoccupation with, and bondage to, things.14. Slander—This refers to gossip where we tell things that hurt others and also wherewe tell things about others that may not be true (v. 8).15. Filthy Language—Using words that are not honoring to God and often degrading topeople (Col 3:8).16. Lying—Not telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (v. 9). Adistortion of truth. Exaggeration is typical of many people.17. Prejudice—Thinking less of people because of appearance, race, ethnicity, status, etc.(v. 11). It may also mean showing preference to some.This list of vices is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather it is representative, as is indicatedby the words, “and the like” or “and things like these.”Deadly EnemiesTwentieth-century prophet and pastor A. W. Tozer has also added the following that hesaw as deadly enemies of the soul: unbelief, complacency, self-righteousness, and the fear ofman. 1Unbelief is deadly in that it tempts us to reject what we cannot explain, or at least towithhold belief until we have investigated further. This approach tries to circumvent faith as it isdependent upon proof. It turns upside down the biblical notion that we know because we believefor it says that we think and know in order that we may believe. Such a stance always ends uprequiring just one more evidence before there is a wholehearted commitment. Faith must rest inthe Person and work of God alone.Complacency is perilous because to be complacent is not to be in danger of attack, forsuch a person has already been attacked. He is sick and does not know it. The only way out ofsuch a condition is to declare war on contentment and “press on to take hold of that for whichChrist Jesus took hold of me . . . and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the markfor the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:12).Self-righteousness is another dangerous enemy as it makes us feel morally pleased withourselves as we advance in our spiritual journey. The antidote to such smugness is to remindourselves that our, that is, everyone’s hearts, are “deceitful above all things and desperatelywicked” (Jer 17:5) and that “all our righteousness are but filthy rags” (Isa 64:6). A spirit ofpenitence in which we remember where we have come from—our past guilt—and a knowledgeof our present imperfections are not incompatible with our joy in the Lord. In fact, such soberingreminders is what Paul means when he says that we are to “work out our salvation in fear and

44trembling” (Php 2:12). A realistic and serious estimation of God’s work in our lives will soberus to the point of humility which is so essential in fighting against our proud enemy. Pride, evenspiritual, that is, especially, spiritual pride, cannot overcome pride, even pride from the pit sinceall pride is from the pit though it may look religious.The fear of man will prove to be a snare, says Solomon (Pr 29:25). The worldincessantly tries to wear us down so we are brought into conformity to all the rest of mankind.Any deviation from such uniformity is quickly punished. Since we cannot love God and theworld (1 Jn 2:15-16) at the same time, we must choose God. Such a choice will bring us in forthe displeasure of the world. It is then that we dare not cave in to fear, but stand strong in thefear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom (Pr 1:7; 9:10) and which, along with humility,will bring “wealth and honor and life” (22:4).● Preoccupation with Everyday Living—Allowing everyday activities to so consumeus and absorb our time and energy so that little, if any, time and energy is left for spiritualpursuits.● Workaholism—Excessive value and devotion to work. Too busy in the work of manand too unattentive and/or lazy in the work of God. The person prone to being a workaholiceither is overly anxious about finances and thinks he has to provide apart from God's sovereignprovision or he has an abnormal love for work and/or is a person who is seeking ego satisfactionthrough work, through accomplishment.● Religiosity—The focus on religious externals. The belief and thinking that as long asyou attend church and go through certain religious rituals a person is made spiritual.● Pride—Pride is considered by theologians to be the mother of all sin—the root sin. It isthe universal disease which, unlike other sins, follows us to the very throne of God as it so easilydisguises itself to others, and even to ourselves.Pride is a chameleon that fits in everywhere.● Racial Pride—Elevating one or more races above others.● Physical Pride—Measuring the value of human beings by their physique or beauty.● Educational Pride—Measuring the value of human beings by their degree ofintelligence.● Vocational Pride—Measuring the value of human beings by their status, prestige, andpower gained by their position.● Religious Pride—Pharisaical, legalistic pride where meticulous attention is given toexternal religious forms "having a form of godliness but denying itspower" (2 Ti 3:5).

45Pride leads us to make sure others know when we receive recognition or when we dosomething for others. The ego does not mind helping others as long as people hear of our gooddeeds. The ego is not bothered if we contribute financially as long as our benevolence isrecognized. Pride makes sure that credit is given where credit is due! That is, that any deed donethat has any semblance of what is good or important is recognized.There are many activities that are not wrong in and of themselves but when one of themlures us away from the presence, love, and power of God, that activity becomes Babylon.Most of us, if we are honest, have to confess that it is easier to talk about God, to eventeach about God, than it is to talk to Him. It is much easier to read and study books about Him,even write books about Him, than it is to read His Book (the Bible, the Word of God).While the former Soviet Union and the Eastern-block countries of the world feel the hardhand of the beast who persecutes the people of God, we in the Western world know the warmand cuddly embrace of the woman whose beauty, rationally or passionately entices us intoungodly relationships, questionable practices, a dependence upon the externals of religion, andinto a dependence upon material things.ResponseTo be dead (to reckon) to the flesh (Ro 6:3-13)—Living a life of denial of self ,which is the first requirement of being a disciple (Mt 16:24-26; Mk 8:34; Lk 9:23). To be dead tosin and self is to be quick to say “No” to the temptations of our sinful human nature which warsagainst the Spirit of God (Gal 5:16-17; Ro 7:15-23; 1 Pe 2:11). To follow Jesus requires selfdenial,complete dedication and willing obedience.Live by the Spirit (Gal 5:16,25), be led by the Spirit (v. 18; Ro 8:14) and Keep in stepwith the Spirit (Gal 5:25)—Paul’s phrase “live by the Spirit” is in the present tense meaning“go on living” (used of habitual conduct). Living by the promptings and power of the Spirit isthe key to conquering sinful desires (v. 25; Ro 8:2-4). To be “led by the Spirit” means that weare not under the bondage of trying to please God by minute observance of the law for salvationor sanctification.This does not mean that as Christians we have been freed from all moral authority.Rather, it means that we have been freed from the law in the manner in which God’s people wereunder law in the Old Testament era. Law provides no enablement to resist the power of sin; itonly condemns the sinner. But grace enables (6:14).

466. ENEMY OF OUR SOUL: THE DEVIL

47The Devil (1 Pe 5:8)Sins from Above (“the ruler of the kingdom of the air”—Eph 2:2).“The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture,is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn.” 1“The devil . . . the proud spirit . . . cannot endure to be mocked.” 2--Thomas More--Martin Luther“The devil’s snare does not catch you unless you are first caught by the devil’s bait.” 3“It is easy to bid the devil to be your guest, but difficult to get rid of him” 4--Danish Proverb--Saint AmbroseOur third enemy, the devil, is not the mythical person in red tights, with horns and hoofsand a pitchfork. Rather he is the fallen angel Lucifer who has a personality with a mind and awill.That Satan is a person is clear:Personhood● Personal Pronouns are applied to him (Job 1:8,12; 2:2-3,6; Zec. 3:2; Mt 4:10;Jn 8:44).● Personal Attributes are ascribed to him (will—Isa 14:13-14 and knowledge—Job 1:9-10)● Personal Acts are performed by him (Job 1:9-11; Mt 4:1-11; Jn 8:44; 1 Jn 3:8;Jude 9; Rev 12:7-10).NamesHis names give us insight into his personality and strategy.1. Satan (1 Ch 21:1; Job 1:6; Zec 3:12; Mt 4:10; 2 Co 2:11; 1 Ti 1:20)—The name“Satan” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to be the enemy.” It means“adversary” (1 Pe 5:8)—the one who takes a stand against another. He is theadversary of both God and man.

482. Devil (Mt 4:5; 13:39; Jn 13:2; Eph 6:11; Jas 4:7)—This name occurs only in the NewTestament (33 times). As the devil he is the “slanderer,” the accuser of the Christians(Rev 12:10). He slanders God to man (Gn 3:1-7), and man to God (Job 1:9; 2:4).3. Tempter (Mt 4:3; 1 Th 3:5)—This name indicates that one of his chief aims is toinduce man to commit sin. He would cause man to disobey God and His Word bypresenting the most attractive motives to sin.4. Deceiver (Job 12:16)—Deception is one of the most effective ways that Satan uses toinfiltrate God’s people and their work. In fact, in the Parable of the Wheat and theTares (Mt 13:24-30,36-43) Jesus points out that Satan is so effective that only JesusHimself knows who really belong to Him.5. Evil One (Mt 6:13; 13:19,38; Eph 6:16; 1 Jn 2:13-14; 5:19)—Satan is the source ofsin in the universe (Isa 14:13-14) and on the earth (Gn 3:1-7). He is wicked in bothcharacter and conduct.6. Beelzebub (Mt 10:25; 12:24-27)—The Prince of demons. This term means “lord ofthe house,” that is, the one in charge.7. Prince of the Power of the Air (Eph 2:2; 6:11-12)—This shows that he is over thehosts of evil spirits (Mt 9:34; 12:24,26; Lk 11:14-18). There is doubtless allusion hereto the fact that the world of evil spirits is organized, and that Satan is its head, itsleader.8. Dragon (Isa 51:9; Rev 12:3,7; 13:2; 20:2)—This is a great monster, whether of landor sea. The term is more commonly applied to some kind of serpent or reptile, but notexclusively restricted to that sense.9. Serpent (Gn 3:1; Isa 27:1; Rev 12:9; 20:2)—By this term Satan’s crookedness (Job26:13) and deceitfulness are pointed out (2 Co 11:3).10. Belial (1 Co 6:15)—This term means worthlessness, recklessness, lawlessness.(2 Th 2:7)11. Lucifer (Isa 14:12)—This may refer to his brightness (Eze 28:12-13; 2 Co 11:14).12. Prince of this World (Jn 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Eph 2:1-2; 1 Jn 5:19)—This points outhis influence over the governments of this world (Mt 4:8-9).13. God of this World (2 Cor. 4:4)—This associates him with the false religions of theworld. As such he has his “ministers” (2 Co 11:15), “doctrines” (1 Ti 4:1),“sacrifice” (1 Co 10:21), and “synagogues” (Rev 2:9).

49We are not to be Ignorant of the Devils Strategies (Schemes)“The devil wrestles with God, and the field of battle is the human heart.” 5“The serpent--subtlest beast of all the field.” 6--John Milton“Our adversary is a master strategist, forever fogging up our minds withsmokescreens.” 7--Dostoyevski--Charles SwindollPersonal sin is usually due to our evil desires (Jas 1:14) rather than to direct tempting bythe devil. However, Satan can use our sins—especially those, like anger, that are directed againstothers—to bring about greater evil, such as divisions among Christians.Basic Dealings with ManThe following are the basic ways in which Satan deals with non-Christians andChristians.1. Non-Christiansa. Blinds them to the truthfulness and reality of the Gospel.(Mk 4:15; 2 Co 4:3-4,13,15; 2 Th 3:1-3)b. Encourages Disobedience—Paul speaks of “the spirit who is now at work inthose who are disobedient” (Eph 2:2).2. Christiansa. Entices to Sin (Gn 3; Mt 1:11; 16:23; Mk 1:12-13; Lk 4:1-13).b. Accuses Falsely (Rev 12:10)His Work DirectlyGenerally speaking, Satan’s objective is expressed in Isaiah 14:14: “I will make myselflike the Most High” (assuming Isa. 14 symbolizes Satan). The Word of God represents him ashaving power, a throne, and great authority (Rev 13:2; Mt 4:8-9). To achieve this purpose,Satan sought to tempt Christ to bow to him (v. 9); and when that effort failed, to induce Him toworship him (Lk 4:6-7). Had Christ failed, Satan would have achieved the first part of hispurpose: to establish his rule on earth.

50His Work IndirectlySatan uses various methods in the realization of this purpose. Since he cannot attack Goddirectly, he attacks God’s master-creation: man.Roaring Lion (1 Pet. 5:8-9)1. Seeks to Devour—It means to swallow up. He is never satisfied and he is extremelypatient as he waits for an opportune time (Lk 4:13).2. Tries to get a Foothold (Eph 4:27)—A foothold may be provided for the enemyby anger, nursed grievance, deliberate sin, involvement with false cults or theoccult.3. Sets a Trap (2 Ti 2:26)—The purpose of the trap is to “take people captive todo his will.”4. Falsehood (vv. 17-18)—Since Satan is “a liar” and “the Father of Lies” when he lies,he speaks his native language (Jn 8:44). It is not surprising then that he tempts humanbeings with such lies (2 Co 11:3). Toward the end of the age we can expect the devilusing “powers, signs, and lying wonders (2 The 2:9).5. Iniquity or Wickedness (2 Ti 2:19,22)—This refers to any unrighteousconduct in the broadest sense. It is used of unsaved people (Ro 1:18), ofmoney (Lk 16:9), of parts of the human body (Ro 6:13; Jas 3:6), and ofactions (2 Th 2:10).6. Foolish Arguments (2 Ti 2:23)—The reason we must stay away from thispractice is that the purpose of foolish questions is to stir up controversy anddivision.7. Oppression (Da 7:25)—One of the four characteristics of Satan’s rule isoppression which refers to “wearing out” God’s people by a long drawn-outpersecution (e.g. wearing out, as a garment).5) Intimidation by fear (1 Pe 5:8).Thief (Jn 10:10)1. Steal—Our inheritance in Christ through infiltration as the “god of this world”(“the whole world is under the control of the evil one—1 Jn 5:19) and through outrightopposition. He also makes the world with its standards and values look very attractive.

512. Kill—Literally kill by planting irrational thoughts in our minds at weak moments(e.g. “Drive into that semi and end your misery. Everybody will be better off thatway”).3. Destroy—As the “accuser of the brethren” (Rev 12:10), who accuses us “night andday” (v. 10) and “harasses” God’s servants (2 Co 12:7), he destroys our peace andjoy. When that happens unity is threatened. By the way, the next time the devilcomes to remind you about your past, remind him about his future. Satan bringscondemnation (contrary to Ro 8:1) in which there is no hope (despair). When Godby His Spirit brings conviction, we are encouraged to make things right.4. Hinder—Paul testified, “For we [Paul, Silas, and Timothy] wanted to come toyou—certainly I, Paul, again and again—but Satan stopped us” (1 Th 2:18).Repeatedly Paul was “all set to go” but Satan threw up a roadblock (the metaphorimplied in 1 Th 3:11). The obstacle was human rather than an event in nature.The devil uses sinful people as his agents.The Thessalonian authorities might have forbidden the return of the preachers, or atany rate of their leader; or the Jews might have raised problems which detainedthem. Without doubt, the desired journey was a subject of prayer (v. 11)—which isan answer to those who would limit prayer to “spiritual” matters.What Paul himself sought to avoid (1 Co 9:12), Satan accomplished for the moment.(2 Co 2:11; 12:7)5. Deceive and Lead Astray—There is no doubt but that Elizabeth Barrett Browningwas right when she said, “The devil’s most devilish when respectable.” 8It is when Satan appears as “an angel of light” that he is most dangerous. Just as “Evewas deceived and led astray from our sincere and pure devotion to Christ by the serpent’scunning,” so we must guard our minds against a spirit other than the Spirit of Christ (11:3-4).Satan’s subtlety is seen in tempting is seen in tempting people in their weak moments (Mt4:1-11; Lk 22:40-46); after great successes (Jn 6:1-15); by suggesting the use of right things inthe wrong way (probably the most common method of temptation since it is so subtle—Mt 4:1-11); and in deluding his followers by signs and wonders (24:24; 2 Th 2:9-10).Other Strategies of Satan and his Demons1. They cause or intensify physical ailments or hurts. They can cause seizures (Mk9:20; Lk 9:39); physical crippling (13:11,16); blindness (Mt 12:22); the inability to hear or speak(9:21,33; Mk 9:17-29); and some physical injuries (5:5; 9:22; Lk 9:39).

522. They cause severe storms and sometimes control the elements in order to helpSatan carry out his plans (Job 1:12,16,19; 2:7).3. They promote sexual perversions and the vilest kind of human behavior.(Ro 1:18-32; 1 Co 5:1-5; Eph 2:1-3; Rev 18:2-3)4. They influence God’s people and cause them to dishonor the Lord Jesus Christ.(Ac 5:1-6; Eph 6:10-18; 1 Ti 4:1-4; Rev 2:12-17)5. They cause severe emotional disorders and try to bring individuals to selfdestruction(Mk 9:22; Lk 8:27-35).6. They masquerade as good spirits doing good things to lead people into deception andbondage (2 Co 11:3-5,13-15).7. They destroy things through violence (Mt 10:28).8. They encourage double-mindedness by compromise whereby man tries to serve Godand mammon (Mt 6:24; 2 Co 6:14-15; 7:1).9. They encourage doubt by inducing hesitation (Ro 14:23).ResponseSubmit to God (Jas 4:7)—Humility brings God’s grace and protection or covering(1 Co 11:10) whereas pride brings God’s resistance. The godly servant OswaldChambers put it:“The only soul Satan cannot touch is the soul whose spiritual life and rationallife and physical life is hid with Christ in God; that soul is absolutely secure.” 9--Oswald ChambersResist (Oppose—Jas 4:7; 1 Pe 5:9) and Take a Stand Against (Eph 6:11) the devil.To resist is to openly and actively oppose Satan, the enemy of our souls. Peter adds the phrase“standing firm in the faith” (1 Pe 5:9). When Paul similarly says that we are to “take a standagainst” he is picturing an individual soldier withstanding assault.Oswald Chambers reminds us: “Resist the devil, [do] not attack him.”10 We are notasked or encouraged to chase Satan, but be ready for him when he comes to us, as he will.Courage and resolve then is what is needed.

537. UNITY IS ATTACKED BECAUSE IT IS THE CORE OF WHAT THE CHURCH IS

54“Nothing doth so much keep men out of the church, and drive men out of thechurch, as breach of unity.” 1--Francis Bacon“The church of Christ is always quarreling, but did you ever hear that the deviland his confederates quarrel? They are so united that if at any special momentthe great prince of hell wishes to concentrate all the masses of his army at oneparticular point, it is done to the tick of the clock, and the temptation comes withits fullest force just when he sees it to be the most likely that he will prevail. Ifwe had such unanimity as that in the church of God, if we all moved at theguidance of the finger of Christ, if all the church could move in one great massto the attack of a certain evil, how much more easily might we prevail! Butalas, the powers of hell far exceed us in unanimity.” 2Oneness describes the essence of the church:--Charles Spurgeon“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope whenyou were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father ofall, who is over all and through all and in all” (Eph 4:3-6).In ages past God worked through a nation—Israel, but now He is working through thechurch to make known His wisdom, which is the reconciling and uniting of Jews and Gentiles(3:6):“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of Godshould be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,according to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesusour Lord” (vv. 10-11).The word “manifold” refers to variegated or multifaceted in the way that many facets of adiamond reflect and enhance its beauty.It is a staggering thought that the church on earth is observed, so to speak, by thesespiritual powers and that to the degree the church is spiritually united it portrays to them thewisdom of God.Division reflects merely the wisdom of the world in which personal rights andfreedoms are so elevated that the good of the people is lost. “Do your own thing,” “Look outfor number one,” “If you don’t look out for yourself, who will?” etc. are phrases that reveal whatthe message of the world is. When we as God’s people are not united, we display the wisdom ofthe world rather than God’s wisdom and thus lose our witness.

55The greatest target is the unity of believers since without it the church is ineffective andthe world will continue in confusion and unbelief.1. Ineffective as a witness to the world (Jn 17).1. Confusion about who Jesus is—the Messiah, the Son of God (v. 23).2. Unbelief concerning God’s love—for the world (v. 23).What is Unity?Likemindedness—This does not mean uniformity (Ro 14:5,10-13,22) but havingthe “same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Php 2:1-2).Be personally persuaded (Ro 14:17). You don’t have to agree on everything. And ifyou think some of your thoughts may be easily misunderstood or objected to, keep them toyourself.Unity is not dependent on form or methodology, in which there must be freedom. Ratherunity has to do with fundamental things, not merely cultural and generational issues—secondarymatters. Worship is fundamental, styles of worship are not. Being in the Spirit when we worshipis fundamental, the way we find most helpful in being in the Spirit, is not. For instance, Cubans,Messianic Jews, and most Black people can hardly imagine worshiping meaningfully (“in theSpirit”) without dancing, whereas Scandinavians and Britishers can hardly imagine worshipingmeaningfully with dancing.We Must Work Hard Toward Keeping UnityPaul challenged the believers at Rome:The Challenge to Unity“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutualedification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food” (vv. 19-20).We can add,“Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of holy days or any other thingof secondary importance” (Rom. 14:19).Paul told the Christians in the region of Ephesus:

56“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another inlove. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond ofpeace” (Eph 4:2-3).Notice here that we do not have to try and create unity. Rather we are to keep unity.When we become Christian we are placed in the body of Christ by the Spirit of God (1 Co12:13). Our new identity as God’s children means we are united with Christ. And because we areunited with Christ we are also united with each other through Him. The problem is that we maynot live up to our new identity—as God’s children—and live our former way of life where wefocused on self instead of Christ and our union in Him.“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility considerothers better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your owninterests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be thesame as that of Christ Jesus” (Php 2:3-5; see also vv. 6-11).Prayer for UnityAgain at Rome, Paul makes an appeal to the believers to pray for unity:“With one heart and mouth may glorify God and Father of our Lord” (Ro 15:6).Weapons of UnityPaul pointed out to the Christians at Corinth:“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. Theweapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary,they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish argumentsand every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and wetake captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Co 10:3-5).The context in which Paul makes these statements is that he found himself the victim ofinjustice, false report and personal abuse. The circumstances of this attack grew out of Paul’sresidence and work in Corinth. For a year and a half he had given himself, his time and hisenergy in prayer and teaching. When the church reached a certain stage of maturity Paul movedon to other places. Since leaving he heard of an effort on the part of certain religious leaders tosabotage his character and reputation. They had succeeded in turning some of Paul’s convertsaway from confidence in him. They had succeeded in destroying the friendship of Paul’s oldfriends. What was worse, these personal enemies were stopping at no lengths to so effectivelydamage Paul’s reputation as a servant of Christ as to make it difficult for him to carry on hisministry. As Paul moved out other leaders moved in who immediately set out to build up theirown reputations by destroying Paul’s reputation.

57How would Paul respond? By taking everything personally and hitting back or bylooking to God for his defense? He points out that God has provided weapons unlike theweapons prized by this fallen world and fashioned by human pride and arrogance. God’sweapons have divine power.This divine power is available, says Paul, to do two things:1. To demolish arguments and every pretension (2 Co 10:5).2. To take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (v. 5).What does it mean to “demolish arguments and every pretension”? These are the faultyreasonings by which the false apostles have been trying to shake the faith of the Christians atCorinth. As Paul said earlier to these Corinthian believers:“This is what we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom but in wordstaught by the Spirit expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The manwithout the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God,for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because theyare spiritually discerned” (1 Co 2:13-14).In order for us to demolish human arguments and pretensions we must be indwelt by theSpirit of God. Otherwise we simply cannot understand spiritual realities. They simply make nosense. Without the Spirit of God we will be “looking only on the surface of things” (2 Co 10:7)just like the religious enemies of Paul.What does it mean to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”?It means literally to subject all our thoughts to the lordship of Christ. In the book of Proverbs itsays:“What a man thinks so is he” (Pr 23:7).If what we think is what we are then it is critical to think correctly. Our first battle withourselves (our sinful human nature), the world, and Satan, takes place in the mind. No one doesthings without having thought about those things initially. Our deeds are the result of ourthoughts. This is why a tree always falls in the direction it has been leaning.A motto that was given to me when I was very young and which I have found to behelpful through the years is:

58“Sow a thought, you reap an act.Sow an act, you reap a habit.Sow a habit, you reap a lifestyle.Sow a lifestyle, you reap a destiny.” 3--AnonymousOur destiny is dependent upon our thought life! Paul tells us:“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whateveris pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent orpraiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or receivedor heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peacewill be with you” (Php 4:8-9).God’s peace is promised to those who think about the right and good things and who putsinto practice what Paul has taught and lived. How do we find out what Paul taught and lived?We find it from the Bible, the Word of God. Another motto I learned early in life and which I puton the open page in the beginning of my Bible was:“This Book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Book.”We must become saturated with God’s thoughts. Since God’s thoughts are contained inHis primary revelation to mankind, the Bible, we must make it our lifetime study if we are tofind any success against the enemy of our souls.

598. THE ARMOR OF GOD

60“And though this world with devils filledMay threaten to undo us,We will not fear for God has willedHis truth to triumph through us.” 1--Martin Luther, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”“We cannot stand the wiles of the devil by our wits. The devil only comes alongthe lines that God understands, not along the lines we understand, and the onlyway we can be prepared for him is to do what God tells us, stand complete inHis armor, indwelt by His Spirit, in complete obedience to Him.” 2THE SOLDIER--Oswald Chambers“We Protestants are an undisciplined people. Therein lies the reason for muchof the dearth of spiritual insights and serious lack of moral power.” 3--Albert Edward DayIt should not be surprising that Paul used military illustrations in his letters since he livedin a military state and often was in prison himself. Seneca said, “To live is to be a soldier.” 4 Paulcalls Archippus, in whose house a church met, “our fellow soldier” (Phm 2) and he callsEpaphroditus, the messenger of the Philippian church, “my fellow soldier” (Php 2:25). He saw inthe life of the soldier a picture of the life of the Christian. His use of the military imagery of asoldier then has great bearing on what it means to be a Christian. He uses the same imagery laterin 2 Timothy 2:3:“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving asa soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commandingofficer. Similarly, if any one competes as an athlete, he does not receive thevictor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworkingfarmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops” (2 Ti 2:3-6).Here we see that Paul gives three examples for Timothy to follow: (1) a soldier whowants to please his commander; (2) an athlete who follows the rules of the game; and (3) afarmer who works hard.CharacteristicsSince it is the imagery of the soldier that Paul uses in spiritual warfare, what are somecharacteristics of the soldier?

611. He Endures Hardship (2 Ti 2:3)—To be a Christian is to be a soldier since we arein a battle that requires spiritual endurance (Eph 6:10ff.). Part of the hardship is thecall to sacrifice. Early Church father Tertullian said, “The man who is afraid to suffercannot belong to Him who suffered.” 5 The Christian must be ready to sacrificehimself, his wishes and his fortune, for God and for his fellowmen.2. He Avoids Worldly Entanglements (2 Ti 2:4)—Once a man has enlisted in thearmy he can no longer involve himself in the ordinary daily businesses of life for hemust concentrate on his service as a soldier. The Roman code of Theodosius stated,“We forbid men engaged in military service to engage in civilian occupations.” 6 Asoldier is a soldier and nothing else.A Christian soldier is totally committed to his commanding officer, the one whoenlisted him. In our case, this is Jesus Christ. Loyalty to Him means that we arefaithful to death, if need be.Unquestioned obedience or is part of what it means to be committed and loyal to thecommanding officer. Complete trust is vital because there may come a time when suchinstinctive obedience will save his life and the lives of others. It is not always necessary to knowthe reason why his commanding officer gives certain commands. Since he is involved in themidst of the battle, he cannot see the over-all picture. The decisions he must leave to thecommander who sees the whole field. The first duty of the believer is obedience to the voice ofGod and acceptance even of that which he cannot understand.1. He Magnifies Jesus Christ (2 Ti 2:8-9)—”Remember Jesus Christ!” is Paul’s pointto Timothy. He put it:“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of beingchained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained” (vv. 8-9).The great missionary, J. Hudson Taylor, often said, “It is not by trying to be faithful,but in looking to the Faithful One, that we win the victory.” 72. He Thinks of the Whole Army (v. 10)—Paul not only suffered for the Lord’ssake, but he also suffered for the sake of “the elect,” the church:“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that theytoo may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”(v. 10)

62There were yet many people to reach with the gospel, and Paul wanted to help reachthem. A soldier who thinks only of himself is disloyal and undependable.All three metaphors chosen by Paul also convey the importance of discipline. No soldier,athlete, or farmer could ever be successful in their vocations apart from discipline. The same istrue of the Christian life. A. W. Tozer lamented over 40 years ago:“We must face the fact that many today are notoriously careless in their living.This attitude finds its way into the church. We have liberty, we have money,we live in comparative luxury. As a result, discipline practically has disappeared.What would a violin solo sound like if the strings on the musician’s instrumentwere all hanging loose, not stretched tight, not ‘disciplined’?” 8If this were true 40 years ago, how much more true it is today!We are told throughout Scripture to be disciplined in our life.“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdomand discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplinedand prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair . . . The fear of the Lordis the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”(Pr 3:1-3,7)“For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections ofdiscipline are the way to life” (6:23).“Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.”(23:23)“Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who isself-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined” (Titus 1:8).Discipline leads to freedom. Elton Trueblood demonstrates the relationship betweendiscipline and freedom by his statement:“We have not advanced very far in our spiritual lives if we have not encounteredthe basic paradox of freedom. . . . that we are most free when we are bound.But not just any way of being bound will suffice; what matters is the characterof our binding. The one who would be an athlete, but who is unwilling todiscipline his body by regular exercise and abstinence, is not free to excel on thefield or the track. His failure to train rigorously denies him the freedom to runthe desired speed and endurance. With one concerted voice, the giants of thedevotional life apply the same principle to the whole of life: discipline is theprice of freedom.” 9

63Although it is true that discipline is “the price” of freedom, it is also true that freedom isthe reward of discipline.Jesus is the Captain of our salvation and our purpose is to bring honor and glory to Him.Jesus died and rose again, proving that suffering leads to glory, and that seeming defeat leads tovictory. Jesus was treated as an evildoer, and His soldiers will be treated the same way.Discipline is essential if we are to endure to the end.RewardPaul’s statement, “The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of thecrops” (2 Tim. 2:6) shows that dedicated effort will be rewarded—not necessarily monetarily,but in enjoyment of seeing the gospel produce changed lives.THE ARMOREph 6:11-13Why do we need armor? Paul gives two reasons for putting on the whole armor of God?1. That we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (v. 11). The word“schemes” (methodia) from which we get “method” in English has to do with strategy,craftiness, cunning, and deception. The term was often used of a wild animal who cunninglystalked and then unexpectedly pounced on its prey. Stealth and deception are used by the enemyof our souls to enslave and destroy us.2. That we may be able to stand our ground (withstand) and to stand in the evil day(v. 13). This has the idea of holding a critical position while under attack.It is our responsibility to resist and stand firm!We need the armor of God for just as the strength which we need is not from ourselves(“be made powerful in the Lord”—v. 10), so neither are the means of defense or offense.The armor of God is to be lifelong companions for the Christian as it provides divinepower from “Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His gloriouspresence without fault and with great joy” (Jude 24).The following are six pieces of armor God provides and expects us to wear(Eph 6:14-17):

64THE BELT OF TRUTHThe Belt of Truth—The belt was used by the Roman soldier to tuck up his tunic, and itwas the first piece of armor he put on. It ensured him that he could fight unimpeded by a flowinggarment. Another use for the belt was to hold his weapons, both his large and small swords.Paul says that the Christians belt is truth. “The belt of truth” is a reference to the truth ofGod. This means the content of that which is true. Without knowledge of biblical teaching, theChristian is subject to being “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there byevery wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming”(Eph 4:14). Paul warned in his first letter to young Timothy that “The Spirit clearly says that inlater times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with ahot iron” (1 Ti 4:1). There are almost 5,000 cults in our country that teach “the doctrines ofdemons.” Such false teachings can only be encountered successfully with the truth of God’sWord.Since Jesus claimed to be “the truth” (Jn 14:6), He is the very basis for life. Everythingwe do must be anchored in Him if we are to fight this battle with success.Truth also refers to our knowledge of, and belief in, the truth. A body of truth isirrelevant unless it is understood and believed. It is our faith in the truthfulness of God and HisWord that makes truth become real in our lives.This is also a reference to truth in the sense of integrity “truth in the inward parts”(Ps 51:6), that is, Christian character in which a person lives a life-style that conforms toScripture. Character, not brute force, is the first step in winning battles against Satan. The girdlegives ease and freedom of movement so that we can move freely and quickly.Truth is foundational because it is only truth that can dispel the devil’s lies (Eph 4:21;5:6,9). We can’t win against the Liar of liars by lying. Even “white lies” are a lie by definition.All lying therefore is of the realm of Satan and we are called to reject it.Satan’s first attack in the Garden of Eden was in the realm of truth as he questioned whatGod said by asking, “Did God really say . . .” (Gn 3:1)? This was also Satan’s strategy intempting Jesus. As William Shakespeare put it, “The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.” 10It is therefore crucial that we use Scripture properly, in a truthful way. When we do Satan has togive in. This is why Jesus used Scripture when He was tempted in the wilderness. His defenseeach time was truth: “it is written” (Dt 8:3; 6:13,16). As Jesus Himself put it, “You shall knowthe truth and the truth shall set you free” (Jn 8:32).

65BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESSBreastplate of Righteousness—The breastplate covered both the front and back of thesoldier. It was a major piece of equipment that protected the soldier’s heart. In Proverbs 4:23Solomon says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well-spring of life.”“The breastplate of righteousness” refers to either the righteousness of God which isgiven to us (“imputed righteousness”—Ro 3:21f.; 5:1,33-34) which means our justification andforgiveness of sins or it means the uprightness of character (“imparted righteousness”) whichis loyalty in principle and action to the holy law of God (Eph 4:24; 5:9). Or it refers to both.Since the breastplate protects the heart it seems first of all to refer to the condition of theheart as it is the heart that determines the course of our lives. Good character, not words, is thebest defense against accusations.In Philippians 3 we see the relationship between these two forms of righteousness. Paul isvery clear that his salvation was based solely on God’s imputed righteousness, “not having arighteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—therighteousness that comes from God and is by faith” (Php 3:9). Yet his Christian life involvedanother kind of righteousness:“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect,but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thingI do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press ontoward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward inChrist Jesus” (Php 3:12-14; see also Heb 12:1).Imputed righteousness will protect us from the fires of hell in the life to come, but it willnot necessarily protect us from Satan and his minions in this life. Although imputed righteousnessgiven by God makes practical righteousness possible, only obedience to the Lord makespractical righteousness a reality.The breastplate of righteousness that we put on as spiritual armor against our adversary isthe practical righteousness of a life lived in obedience to God’s Word. It is the righteousbehavior in line with the “new self” that Paul refers to in Ephesians 4:24-27 and Colossians 3:9-14, which having been done, will “not give the devil an opportunity.”Peter warned, “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstainfrom sinful desires, which war against your soul” (1 Pe 2:11). Sinful desires are part of Satan’sarsenal in fighting God’s people. As believers we must have our minds “set on things above, noton earthly things” (Col 3:2) so we can “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”(2 Co 10:5). Similarly Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome:

66“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deedsof darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in thedaytime . . . Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do notthink about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Ro 13:12,14).To neglect what we know to be right action is to leave a big hole in our armor. When evilpresses against our hearts the breastplate of “right action”—simply doing right when we knowwe should—is crucial to our victory. This means living by faith since our emotions will likelytell us to do something different.Any righteousness that originates in us is self-righteousness, which is not righteousnessat all but the worst form of sin. Self-righteousness is thinking that our own character andlegalistic behavior and accomplishments please God and will bring His reward. A cloak of selfrighteousness,instead of protecting the believer, gives Satan a ready-made weapon to stifle andsmother our spiritual life. Such so-called “righteousness” brings us no favor with God and noprotection from Satan.Not only did Jesus say that He is the truth, but He also claimed to be “our righteousness”(1 Co 1:30). In our battle against the enemy of our souls we dare not come in our ownrighteousness, which is “filthy rags” (Isa 64:6), but we must come in dependence on therighteousness of God in Christ. We need to get our eyes off of ourselves and back on theprovision of the cross. And God has made His grace available so we can live a holy life in whichwe live in daily, moment-by-moment obedience to our heavenly Father. Such a life “makes theteaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10).SHOES OF PEACEShoes (sandals or boots) with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace—Romansoldiers wore protective and supportive footgear. Tied to their ankles and shins with ornamentalstraps, their boots equipped them for long marches and gave them a solid stance.A soldier’s footgear are more important even than an athlete’s shoes, because his verylife could depend on them. A soldier must be ready for any kind of terrain! And when it comes toterrain, his shoes are the most critical part of his armor. Why? Because he will not be able tohandle his sword or shield effectively if he cannot retreat or advance rapidly. Good boots allowsthe soldier to be ready to march, run, or climb—essential to successful combat.When Paul refers to “the preparation of the Gospel of Peace” he is probably making twopoints. “Preparedness” means first that we are ready for action in the conflict with evil bysharing the alternative to that evil which is “the gospel of peace.” This means knowing how totell others about Christ and being open to the Holy Spirit’s leading in specific situations.

67Second, “preparation” may mean a “prepared foundation” in the sense of being preparedto share the gospel because we are at peace with God. Such peace gives us a firm foothold inconflict as it allows us to fight with confidence, boldness and perseverance. Better not attempt tofight an external enemy if we are already defeated within. But if we have peace with God we’reready to move forward. After all, Jesus promised:“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and toovercome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Lk 10:19).Then notice what Jesus says next:“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that yournames are written in heaven” (v. 20).Their authority was not based on their intrinsic or spiritual power. Rather it was based ontheir salvation—the Gospel of peace—the fact that their names were written in God’s Book ofLife in heaven (Rev 3:5; 20:12,15; 21:27).When Peter took out his sword as the soldiers came to arrest Jesus in the Garden ofGethsemane, he thought he was invincible since he had just seen all the soldiers fall to theground simply at Jesus’ words, “I am He” (Jn 18:6). But this was not Peter’s battle to fight. Norwas it Peter’s battle to fight with man’s resources—a sword. So Jesus rebuked him by telling himto put away his sword and asked if He (Jesus) was not meant to “drink the cup the Father hasgiven Me?” (v. 11) Peter should have known that Jesus was to drink the cup of suffering, the cupof God’s wrath, to secure man’s redemption. And as a further rebuke to Peter taking things intohis own hands, Jesus healed the ear of Malchus (Lk 22:51), the servant of the high priest, whichPeter had cut off (Jn 18:10). After having observed His Master for over three years Peter alsoshould have known not to take things into his own hands. If Jesus needed help, He could havecalled a whole realm of His angelic hosts.As the Israelites faced the great Midianite army that numbered about 32,000 men, theLord told Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into theirhands, otherwise Israel may become boastful, saying, ‘My own power has delivered me’”(Jdg 7:2). After Gideon had trimmed his own army down to only 300 men, the Lord gave Israel aremarkable victory without their using a single weapon (v. 22). God does not wage war as peopledo.As Judah was about to be invaded by the powerful armies of Ammon and Moab, the Lordpromised King Jehoshaphat, “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for thebattle is not yours but God’s” (2 Ch 20:15). As God’s people

68“began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammonand Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir todestroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men fromSeir, they helped to destroy one another. When the men of Judah came to theplace that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw onlydead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped” (vv. 22-24).As with Gideon’s band against Midian, the Lord won the victory without His peopleraising a weapon.The Christian who stands in the Lord’s power need not fear any army, even Satan himselfand his scores of demons. When he comes to attack us, our feet are rooted firmly on the solidground of the gospel of peace.As the risen and ascended Master of the universe, Jesus has taken His rightful place, “farabove all rulers and authorities and powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forcesof evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12) and God has “put everything under His feet” (1 Co15:27; Ps 8:6). Now He directs you and me to wear shoes gained through His victory. He thuscalls us to march forward through the fires of hell’s worst attacks without fear.THE SHIELD OF FAITHShield of Faith—The Roman army used small round shields and large rectangular ones.The large curved shield was a heavy shield about 4 ft. long by 2 ½ ft. broad and was made of twowooden layers covered with canvas, with an outer hide covering which covered the body of thewarrior. The soldier would plant the shield and squat behind it.The soldiers who carried these shields were in the front lines of battle, and normallystood side by side with their shields together, forming a huge phalanx extending as long as a mileor more. The archers stood behind this protective wall of shields and shot their arrows as theyadvanced against the enemy. Anyone who stood or crouched behind such shields was protectedfrom the barrage of enemy arrows and spears. The “flaming arrows” were arrows dipped inpitch, lit, and fired at the enemy. Frequently the soldiers would dip their shields in water beforebattle so they would extinguish the flaming arrows.Thus the Christian is here depicted as a heavy-armed soldier who is engaged in war andnot merely a skirmish. These shields were held up to form a wall of protection that could betrusted as the army moved forward. “The shield of faith” is the true safeguard in the evil day.

69The “faith” to which Paul refers is not the body of Christian teaching which he refers toin Ephesians 4:3, but basic trust in God. The substance of Christianity is “believing that Godexists and that He rewards those who seek diligently Him” (Heb 11:6). This means putting totaltrust in God’s one and only Son (Jn 3:16) as the crucified, buried, risen, and ascended Lord andSavior.Since faith is only as reliable and helpful as the trustworthiness of its object, the Christianfaith is powerful and effective since its object of faith is Jesus Christ who is infinitely powerfuland absolutely dependable. Christian faith never fails simply because the One in whom that faithis placed never fails.John Paton was a missionary in the South Seas. When he was translating the Bible for aparticular tribe, he discovered that they did not have a word for faith or trust. One day a nativewho had been running hard came into Paton’s house, flopped himself in a large chair and said,“It’s good to rest my whole weight on this chair.” Immediately Paton said to himself, “That’s it,I’ll translate faith as ‘resting one’s whole weight on God.” 11When the flaming arrows of temptations of anxiety, doubt, distrust, fear, despair, anger,bitterness, resentment, hatred, covetousness, envy, immorality, and pride come our way we mustrest our whole weight on God who alone can protect us from Satan’s diabolical schemes.At the heart of temptation is the temptation to doubt and distrust God. There is no doubtbut that all of Satan’s arrows are designed to drive a wedge between believers and God bycausing believers to forsake their trust in God.Doubting God is to disbelieve God, which, as John tells us, makes a liar of Him “whocannot lie” (1 Jn 5:10; Titus 1:2). All sin results from failure to act in faith in who God is and inwhat He is. Solomon put it:“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar” (Pr 30:5-6).Similarly David reminds us:“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He isa shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord?And who is the Rock except our God” (Ps 18:30-31).John put it:“This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it thatovercomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God”(1 Jn 5:4-5)

70faith:Our protection lies not in introspection, but in the Godward look which is the essence of“My eyes are ever on the Lord,for only He will release my feet from the snare” (Ps 25:15).Paul points out that, “Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heardthrough the word of Christ” (Ro 10:17). We cannot muster faith by mere human resolve or willpower.To strengthen our faith then, we must give attention to the words of Christ found in theBible. To be a people of faith we must be a people of the Book.By faith the Christian is justified (Ro 3:26,30; 4:5; Eph 2:8-9), by faith he lives (Hab 2:4;Ro 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38), and by faith he fights (1 Co 9:26; 2 Co 10:4; 1 Ti 1:18; 6:12;2 Ti 4:7). Jesus alone can be trusted to empower us to move ahead even in difficult andconfusing situations.THE HELMET OF SALVATIONHelmet of Salvation—The typical helmet was made of iron, brass or bronze, althoughsome were constructed of leather. They had attachments on the side for protecting the face and a“shelf” on the back to cover the neck and shoulders. Such a helmet was essential for the survivalof a soldier in battle. No soldier in his right mind would enter battle without the helmet.The helmet obviously protected the head from injury, especially from the dangerousbroadsword commonly used in the battles of that day. This was the large two-handed, doubleedgedsword that measured three to four feet in length and would be used by cavalrymen whowould swing at the heads of enemy soldiers to split their skulls or decapitate them.Since the helmet is mentioned in reference to salvation we see that Satan’s blows aredirected at the believer’s assurance and security in Christ. Since the head is the seat of ourthought life, many Christians are incapacitated because they do not know how to protect theirthought life.Probably the two most effective and dangerous and therefore common edges of Satan’sbroadsword are doubt and discouragement. To cause doubt the devil points to situations in lifethat don’t make much sense and reminds us of our lack of answers to prayer. To causediscouragement he points to our failures, sins, unresolved problems, irreconcilable differenceswith people, poor health, or whatever else seems negative in our lives to make us lose confidencein the love, wisdom and power of our heavenly Father.

71For Satan the battle is never over. He loves to attack us with discouragement the momentwe think we are safe. The Lord told the disciples of the Parable of the Importunate Widow “toshow them that they should always pray and not give up” (Lk 18:1). The test of a person’scharacter is what it takes to stop him. Satan will try every means to discourage us and deter us(as he did with Job), reminding us of defeats as he puts every possible object in our way so hecan destroy our assurance in Christ.Our adversary tempts us to become discouraged also by the trials and sufferings of otherbelievers. Paul assured the believers in the region of Ephesus:“I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you,which are your glory” (Eph 3:13).Another form of discouragement is the lack of results. Paul told the believers in Galatia:“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reapa harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us dogood to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”(Gal 6:9-10)“The helmet of salvation” is the knowledge of salvation which removes from theChristian all sense of condemnation, all doubt, all uncertainty concerning his possession ofeternal life. John put it:“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is inHis Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of Goddoes not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of theSon of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 Jn 5:11-13).The Bible is clear: eternal life is a matter of having Jesus Christ in our lives. Suchbelief—living faith—enables us to know that we have eternal life. Once we understand fully ourposition as children of God, as heirs of the eternal possessions and of our security in the Lord(Ro 8:17; Eph 1:11), we have a sufficient helmet to protect us from all evil.Our salvation provides forgiveness of past sins (justification) and strength to conquerfuture sin (sanctification).In Philippians 2 we see the two sides of God’s initiative and man’s response:“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in mypresence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out yoursalvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to willand to act according to His good purpose” (Php 2:12-13).

72Notice here that Paul did not say that we are to work “for” our salvation. We cannotwork for our salvation since it is by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9), but we can, and we must,work out our salvation. We cannot work out what we do not have. It is because we have beengiven salvation as a free gift (v. 9) that it can be worked out. The idea here is that we are to workit out to the finish as an expression of our spiritual growth and development. Salvation,then, is not only a gift received once for all; it expresses itself in an ongoing process in whichthe believer is strenuously involved (Mt 24:13; 1 Co 9:24-27; Heb 3:14; 6:9-11; 2 Pe 1:5-8)—theprocess of perseverance, spiritual growth and maturation.12Paul’s reference to “fear and trembling” does not point to doubt or anxiety; rather, thereference is to an active reverence and a singleness of purpose in response to God’s grace.His phrase “to will and to act” refers to the fact that intention, or faith, and our obedience cannotbe separated (Gal 5:6; Jas 2:18,20,22).Similarly in Colossians Paul states:“To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully worksin me” (Col 1:29).As believers in Christ we do not merely look on as our Lord and Master works as passiveobservers. Rather we work by the energy our Master provides. Such expenditure of energy onbehalf of the Lord may lead to afflictions, hardships, distresses, beatings, punishment, labors,sleeplessness, hunger, glory and dishonor, evil report and good report, sorrow, and poverty(2 Co 6:4-10; 4:8-18; 11:23-28). When this happens we should see them as badges of ourfaithfulness as Paul did.In 2 Peter 1:5-7 we are told that by cultivating the qualities listed (faith, goodness,knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love) we can be assuredthat God has chosen us and called us (Mt 7:20). The genuineness of our profession will bedemonstrated as we express these virtues (Gal 5:6; Jas 2:18). When God elects and calls, it is toobedience and holiness (1 Pe 1:2; Eph 1:3-6), and these fruits confirm their divine source. Thosewho in this way give evidence of their faith will never cease to persevere.It is Satan’s plan to cause believers also to doubt God’s promises, power, goodness, truth,and above all, His keeping power—our assurance of salvation. If our security is in the holdingpower of our faith rather than in the keeping power of God’s faithfulness, then our security isjeopardized. God’s keeping power, however, is our assurance.God’s armor will always be needed as long as we live on this earth since the adversarywill never lay down his sword against us. Only when our work is finished on earth can we saywith Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith”(2 Ti 4:7). May we follow the example of the Ephesian church in the book of Revelation in thatthey had “persevered and endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary” (Rev 2:3).

73THE SWORD OF THE SPIRITSword of the Spirit—The Roman soldier carried a small dagger and a large doubleedgedsword used for thrusting. The sword was usually about 18 inches long and was attached tothe belt. It was used in close, personal fighting. The Roman soldier would look for chinks in hisopponent’s armor and then attack them with his little sword. This sword was the primary piece ofequipment used to attack and thus advance.“The sword of the Spirit” is a reference to Scripture. It is both our weapon of defenseagainst sin and of offense against demonic invasion. The writer to the Hebrew Christians statedconcerning Scripture:“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges thethoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb 4:12).God’s Word is dynamic as it is active in accomplishing God’s purposes. It is a livingpower that judges as with an all-seeing eye, penetrating a person’s innermost being.Then the writer says:“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncoveredand laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account” (v. 13).Here we see that the author associates the activity of the Word with the activity of God asthough they are one and the same—which in a sense they are.Like the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, this weapon is always to be at hand,ready to be taken up and used when a battle begins. Why is this so essential? Because it is atreasure of unfathomable riches. The following tribute states it well:“There are words written by kings, by emperors, by princes, by poets, by sages,by philosophers, by fishermen, by statesmen, by men learned in the wisdomof Egypt, educated in the schools of Babylon, and trained at the feet of rabbisin Jerusalem. It was written by men in exile, in the desert, in shepherd’s tents,in green pastures, and beside still waters. Among its authors we find a taxgatherer,a herdsman, a gatherer of sycamore fruit. We find poor men, richmen, statesmen, preachers, captains, legislators, judges, and exiles. The Bibleis a library full of history, genealogy, ethnology, law, ethics, prophecy, poetry,eloquence, medicine, sanitary science, political economy, and the perfect rulesfor personal and social life. And behind every word is the divine author, GodHimself.” 13Is it any wonder Scottish pastor Thomas Guthrie claimed:

74“The Bible is an armory of heavenly weapons, a laboratory of infallible medicines,a mine of exhaustless wealth. It is a guidebook for every road, a chart for everysea, a medicine for every malady, and a balm for every wound. Rob us of ourBible and our sky has lost its sun.” 14The Bible teaches many things, and most importantly, it claims God as its author:“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came aboutby the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin inthe will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along bythe Holy Spirit” (2 Pe 1:20-21).“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correctingand training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughlyequipped for every good work” (2 Ti 3:16).With God as its author it is no surprise that it meets the needs of man. It is helpful inteaching as it provides information to show us the path to walk on, rebuking in showing wherewe have gotten off God’s path, correcting in showing us how to get back on the path, andtraining in righteousness as it shows us how to stay on God’s narrow path.Since Scripture is God-breathed, and since God is true, so is His Word:“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (Jn 17:17).In the Bible we have the source of all truth about God and man, life and death, time andeternity, men and women, husbands and wives, parents and children, right and wrong, heavenand hell, salvation and damnation.David, the psalmist, testifies about the Word of God:“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. . . .The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous . . .” (Ps 19:7-9).Similarly Solomon says:“Every word of God is flawless;He is a shield to those who take their refuge in Him” (Pr 30:5).Since it is divine it is effective:

75“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to itwithout watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yieldsseed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My word that goes out fromMy mouth; It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what Idesire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isa 55:11).What sets Scripture apart from all other writing is that it is divine (God-breathed) as wellas human. And since the Spirit of God superintended human beings in the writing of Scripturewhat they wrote is what He wanted written. Therefore Scripture is infallible, right, trustworthy,faultless, flawless, perfect, effective.This is why Solomon warns:“Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar” (Pr 30:6).This is also a reference to all words (rhema) that come from God by His Spirit. Suchwords from the Spirit are given to assist us in defending ourselves against the enemy. This isexactly what Jesus did when He encountered Satan and demons: He rebuked them and drovethem away.As a defensive weapon the sword of the Spirit is able to deflect the blows of ouropponent, the devil. Unlike the shield, however, which gives broad and general protection, thesword must be handled skillfully and thus correctly if it is to be effective. This is why Paulinstructed us:“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman whodoes not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”(2 Ti 2:15)When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, His defense was not, “I believe,”but “it is written” (Mt 4:1-10). His defense for each temptation was a passage of Scripture thatprecisely contradicted the devil’s word (Dt 8:3; 6:16; 6:13 as quoted by Jesus in Mt 4:4,7,10).If we do not know the Word well we will not be able to use it effectively for althoughGod promises us that the Holy Spirit will remind us of everything He has said to us (Jn 14:26),He does not promise to remind us of things we have never heard. Such a promise would be acontradiction of terms since the word “remind” means “to bring back to our thoughts”something we have heard or known. If we have never heard it or known it, this would benonsensical. God uses that which we have heard and known. It is therefore vital that we hear thevoice of God as He speaks to us through His Holy Word.

76J. I. Packer says concerning Satan’s strategy:“If I were the devil, one of my first aims would be to stop folk from digginginto the Bible. Knowing that it is the Word of God, teaching [people] to knowand love and serve the God of the Word, I should do all I could to surround itwith the spiritual equivalent of pits, thorn hedges, and man traps, to frightenpeople off. . . . At all costs I should want to keep them from using their mindsin a disciplined way to get the measure of its message.” 15It is because of the importance of Scripture that Satan so powerfully and skillfully fightsagainst it. In the Parable of the Soils we see that Satan is quick to snatch God’s Word from ahearer’s heart before it has a chance to take root (Mt 13:19). How often we see people whogladly listen to the gospel, but before they fully commit themselves to embrace it, they allowsome intrusion to distract them and thus the effectiveness of the Word is lost as is the soul of thehearer. In this same parable we also see how the devil works in another person’s heart as thatperson initially accepts God’s word with joy. But then Satan sends trouble or persecution andthat person “quickly falls away” (v. 21).We have no excuse for not knowing and understanding God’s Word. As believers wehave the Holy Spirit who has promised to illumine the Word He inspired so that it reveals itsriches to us. This means we must be teachable. And to be teachable we must submit to Hisinstruction by studying the Bible with sincerity and commitment. It is then not a question ofignorance and inability, but disinterest and neglect.If we misquote Scripture and are confused about its teachings we will not be successful inusing the sword of the Spirit. The more we study, understand, love, and apply Scripture, themore we will be able to deflect Satan’s blows, conquer his strongholds, and lead people from hiskingdom to God’s.PRAYER“The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fearsnothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion.He laughs at our toil . . . mocks at our wisdom . . . but trembles when wepray.” 16--Samuel ChadwickCommunication is key to any battle. This is why prayer must pervade all aspects of ourspiritual warfare. Putting on God’s armor is not a mechanical operation but an expression of ourdependence on God, as prayer itself is. So it is no surprise that Paul ends this section onspiritual warfare with an exhortation to pray:“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph 6:18).

77The Characteristic of PrayerPrayer is to be “in the Spirit” (Eph 6:18). Jude said virtually the same thing: “But you,dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 20).Zechariah, the prophet, put it, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LordAlmighty” (Zec 4:6). This means that prayer is to be energized by the Spirit of God (Eph 6:18).Righteous people understand this since they know they are totally dependent upon God.James points out that it is the prayer of a righteous person that is “powerful and effective” (Jas5:16). Our prayer life is no more effective than our walk with God. Integrity is critical to genuinecommunication. Without it prayer becomes hypocritical and hollow.Although the phrase “in the Spirit” may refer to the gift of tongues as we find in1 Corinthians 14:14-19, it does not always refer to that. In Romans 8:26-27 we find it meanspraying in tune to the Spirit of God “in accordance with God’s will.” If praying in the Spiritalways means praying in tongues, then the only kind of prayer we should ever pray is praying intongues. For the contrast in Scripture is between praying in the Spirit or praying in the flesh.The simplest definition of praying in the Spirit is, “We pray in the Spirit when the HolySpirit prays in us.” It matters little whether that is in English or any other tongue or language.The important thing is that it is He, the Holy Spirit, who prays in us. Praying in the Spirit isprayer that is prompted and guided by the Spirit of God and with the power of the Spirit (Gal4:6). Therefore to pray in the Spirit is to pray in the name of Christ (Jn 14:14; 16:23), to prayconsistent with His nature and will (15:7) and to pray under the Spirit’s control (Eph 5:18). It isto pray in concert with the Spirit, who“helps us in our weakness; for we do not know what we ought to pray for, butthe Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express;and He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spiritintercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” (Ro 8:26-27).We see here that praying in the Spirit has at least three components. First, it isacknowledging that it is the Spirit who is praying through us (v. 26). He is our source.Second, praying in the Spirit is praying with the Spirit’s cooperation (v. 27). Third, it is alsopraying in the Spirit’s communion. Communion with God is the highest sense of prayer as itspeaks of the deepest and most sacred intimacies of love which are both human and divine. Suchintimate prayer is often wordless (“with groans that words cannot express” as Paul put it). Theimplication of what Paul says in Ephesians 5:18 is that praying in the Spirit is also prayingunder the Spirit’s control.R. A. Torrey put it:“If I pray in the Spirit and look to the spirit to teach me God’s will . . . He willlead me out in prayer along the lines of that will. And He will give me faiththat the prayer is to be answered.” 17

78The Frequency of PrayerPrayer is to be made on “all occasions” since we are constantly in the world which isrun by Satan. The fact that we are to pray all the time in all circumstances shows that Paul is nottalking about formal or ritualistic prayer every waking moment of our lives, for that would beimpossible. Even Jesus and the apostles did not do that. In fact, we are warned about the dangersof “meaningless repetition” which results from reciting prayers mechanically (Mt 6:7). WhatPaul means by praying on “all occasions” is that we, as God’s people, are to live in constantconsciousness or awareness of God’s presence whereby we silently commune with Him as wecontinually commit everything to Him. It is what Brother Lawrence called, “Practicing thePresence of God.”In speaking of the end of the age, Jesus warned, “Be always on the watch, and pray thatyou may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand beforethe Son of Man” (Lk 21:36).Jesus practiced what He preached! He provides us with an example as to when to pray:● In the morning (Mk 1:35)● All night (Lk 6:12)● Before important business (vv. 12-13)● In times of crisis (Mt 26:36)● Before temptation comes (3:21-22; 4:1)● After some great achievement or victory (14:23)● When usually busy (Lk 5:15-16)The early Christians “devoted themselves . . . to prayer” (Ac 2:42) and the God-fearingCornelius who was the recipient of the message of salvation through Peter “prayed to Godcontinually” (10:2). And Paul assured Timothy, a young pastor that he prayed for him “night andday” (2 Ti 1:3). It is no wonder then that Paul urged his people to regularly devote themselves toprayer (Ro 12:12; Php 4:6; Col 4:2).In addition to praying at all times in general, we are also to have stated times for prayer(Ps 55:17,19; Da 6:10; Ac 3:1) and special occasions should drive us to special prayer (Ps50:15; Lk 6:12-13; 22:39-46; Jn 6:15).Closely related to such continual prayer is persistence. “. . . always keep on praying”says Paul (Eph 6:18). We are told in several places in Scripture to persist in prayer (Mk 7:7; Lk11:9-10; 18:1). This again emphasizes that prayer is a constant process, a lifestyle (1 Th 5:15-18).Prayer is also to be earnest prayer like that of Elijah, the prophet (Jas. 5:17). Everywherein Scripture we see God emphasizing the importance of wholeheartedness. We must meanbusiness with God if we are to gain victory over our enemy and if we are to get anywhere in ourwalk with Him.

79Prayer, more than any other spiritual discipline, most accurately captures our relationshipto God—dependence—and our rich privilege with God—fellowship.The Variety of PrayerIn addressing the variety of prayer Paul begins by giving the command to be “alert.”Throughout His ministry Jesus emphasized the need for watchfulness in view of theunexpectedness both of His return and of the onset of temptation (Mk 14:34-38).The apostles also echoed this same admonition (1 Co 16:13; Rev 3:2-3) for the followingreasons:● The devil is always on the prowl like a hungry lion (1 Pe 5:8).● False teachers like fierce wolves (Ac 20:31).●So that we are not overtaken by surprise by the return of Christ.(1 Th 5:1-8; Rev 16:15)● Our tendency to sleep when we should be praying (Eph 6:18; Col 4:2).“Watch and pray” Jesus urged. It was failure to obey such an order that led the apostlesinto their disastrous disloyalty as they all fled when Jesus was taken to stand trial and becrucified. Similar failure leads to similar disloyalty today.We are to offer up a variety of prayers: “all kinds of prayers and requests.” This iscrucial because the battle with the enemy of our souls is persistent and creative. Even if thesoldier is armed from helmet to sandals with his equipment thus being in perfect condition, whatgood is he if he goes to sleep as he stands on sentinel duty? What good does his armament andgood intentions do him since a soldier’s duty is to be alert at all times (Eph 6:18).Peter warns the dispersed and persecuted Christians in the early church, “The end of allthings is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” (1 Pe 4:7).Anticipating the end times, particularly Christ’s return should influence our attitudes, actions andrelationships (2 Pe 3:11-14). As Christians we are to be characterized by reason so that we makewise, mature decisions and that we have a clearly defined, decisive purpose in life. Otherwisewe will not be in a position to pray much less know how to pray. To pray effectively is to praysensibly, with a clear mind and understanding.Paul’s specific prayer request was that whenever he opened his mouth, words wouldbe given him to that he would fearlessly (mentioned twice in this verse) make known themystery of the Gospel, for which he was an imprisoned ambassador (Eph 6:19-20).

80Since our greatest problems and challenges are spiritual, our greatest prayer concernshould be for spiritual protection, strength and healing. Although it is legitimate to bring physicalneeds before our heavenly Father, our sharpest focus should be for our spiritual needs:forgiveness of sin, victory over temptation, courage for witnessing, etc.Since the context of Paul’s call to prayer is spiritual warfare, our prayer should certainlybe about such warfare. Our chief concern, whether for ourselves or fellow believers, should bethat we will be victorious in our battle against the enemy of our souls.The Recipients of PrayerPaul ends his exhortation to prayer by pointing out that the recipients of our prayers is“all the saints” (Eph 6:18). Although we are told in other places in Scripture that we are to prayfor various people such as government officials, unbelievers, enemies, etc., here the focus is on“saints.” This makes sense since only saints or Christians are involved in spiritual warfare.It is important we notice that we are not challenged to pray for ourselves. This is not tosay it is always inappropriate or wrong to pray for ourselves, but that Paul practiced praying forothers rather than for himself. Throughout his letters we see Paul praying for the spiritual wellbeingof the people of God (2 Co 1:4-7; Php 1:9-11; Col 1:9-11; 2 Th 1:11-12). He did,however, ask other believers to pray on his behalf, as he does in the next two verses in thepassage on spiritual warfare (Eph 6:19-20). What greater thing can we do for a fellow believer,and that they can do for us, than to pray?Samuel said to the people of Israel, “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin againstthe Lord by failing to pray for you” (1 Sa 12:23). With the Holy Spirit to indwell us (Ro 8:15-16) and help us in our praying (v. 26), what excuse can we give for not praying or for not prayingmore, for our fellow believers?While psychological and spiritual sickness is evidenced by the preoccupation with self--selfishness and self-centeredness—spiritual health and maturity means devotion to God and toothers. Our very self-centeredness cuts us off to others who would otherwise know us wellenough to know our needs and thus to pray for us.English physician and preacher D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that before the Spanishcivil war that Spain was experiencing such an epidemic of neuroses that psychiatrists had adifficult time handling all the cases. But the war unexpectedly “cured” many of the thousands ofpeople suffering from neurosis in Spain. Even though the war brought its own terrible anddestructive aspects its very destructiveness had the effect of changing the focus of those sufferingfrom neurosis from lesser concerns to the greatest concern, that of survival. When they wereforced to think about the welfare of their families, friends and country instead of their ownproblems, their neurosis disappeared and hospitals and clinics were almost emptied of suchcases. As Lloyd-Jones put it, “These neurotic people were suddenly cured by a greater

81anxiety.”18 This greater anxiety—survival—reached beyond their own selfish welfare and thusbrought healing to their self-absorption which resulted in neurosis. This same thing alsohappened in Lloyd-Jones own country of England during World-War II.It is a biblical principle that it is in giving that we receive (Gal 6:7-10). James points outthat it is in praying for others that we are healed:“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let himsing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders ofthe church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord willraise him up.; If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess yoursins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Theprayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (Jas 5:13-16).“Pray for each other so that you may be healed” shows that in focusing on the needs ofthe “other” person our needs are met (here specifically it happens to be physical healing—“makethe sick person well”—v. 15).Freedom is what Paul longs for, but not freedom from confinement, but freedom topreach the gospel. When Paul asks for prayer for himself he does not ask that they pray for hissore ankles as he was chained in a prison cell nor did he pray for healing or even release from hismiserable environment. Rather he wants prayer for courage and boldness, that as he was temptedby Satan to keep quiet about his witness in the dungeon (prison), that he would be bold infaithfully proclaiming the gospel by which he sought to rescue people from the devil’s dominion“turning people from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God” (Ac 26:18).As a leader, Paul recognized his great need for prayer as leaders become special targets ofSatan. Jesus warned: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered”(Mt 26:31 quoting from Zec 13:7). Since the fall of leaders has such enormous fallout, it onlymakes sense that Satan will go after them especially hard. And since God’s leaders are to “equipthe saints for the work of service” (Eph 4:12), if Satan can thwart the leaders in any way he willthwart the equipping and the works of service of other Christians. Here we see a dominoaffect. Push the leader over and his followers will go with him. Why extend unnecessary energyin going after Christians individually if they can be reached through one or more leaders. So thisis why Satan targets leaders. And this is why fellow believers need to uphold leaders in prayercontinually.Paul’s exhortation to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers andrequests . . . [being] alert and always keeping on praying for all the saints” (Eph 6:18) too oftentranslates to Christians praying sometimes in the Spirit and sometimes in the flesh, with somekinds of prayers, with some degree of perseverance, for some people. This explains partly whyChristians are not experiencing victory over Satan, why they are not living life as Jesus meant itto be lived—life to the full (Jn 10:10).

82In a letter written shortly after Paul’s request for prayer as recorded in Ephesians 6, hetestified:“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has reallyserved to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughoutthe whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have beenencouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”(Php 1:12-14)Here we see that the prayers of the Christians in the region of Ephesus were answered.It was Paul’s boldness that attracted the Praetorian Guard to the Gospel and that same courageinspired other believers in being bold in their witness for their Master.As the hymn, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” urges, the Lord’s soldier should put oneach piece of the armor with prayer. Such contact with God makes triumph possible.Jesus told us: “. . . you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32).Ephesians 1:15-2:6 points out that because the Father has placed all things under our Master’sfeet that Christ’s resurrection and ascension set believers far above every power of evil. Andbecause we as children of God have identified ourselves with the Master in His death,resurrection and ascension, we will share Christ’s triumph. Being spiritually united with Him, wefind that God has already seated us with our Lord and Savior in the heavenly realms (Eph 2:6).All we have to do is believe such a promise. When we do we will exercise our position inpractical experience against the accusations and deceptions of the dark powers and enjoyconsistent victory in spiritual warfare.

839. THE OCCULT

84A. DemonologyB. Fortune TellingC. The Worship of Demons and Demon “Possession”D. Spiritualism or SpiritismE. The Powers of DarknessF. Why the Occult is ForbiddenSince there is so much ignorance and confusion about demonic “possession” it isimportant that it is dealt with in a thorough and balanced manner. David Pytches, in his book,Spiritual Gifts in the Local Church, gives a good treatment on the subject. Thus most of thefollowing material dealing with this sensitive topic is taken from his book.The Bible is clear that some mental and physical illness is the result of demonic activity.The Greek word daimonizomai, most often translated “demon possessed,” is most accuratelytranslated “demonized.” There are degrees of demonization from the milder form of “afflicting”demons to the acute form of “controlling” demons.As Pytches points out, “Sickness caused by a demonic influence may have all or some ofthe symptoms of any spiritual, emotional or physical disease.” 1 It is vital, therefore, that healingin such cases include the deliverance from whatever demonic influences may be causing thedisease.CHARACTERISTICS OF DEMONSJohn Wimber gives the following characteristics of demons as found in the NewTestament.● They are spirits (Mt 8:16; 12:43-45; Lk 10:17-20; 24:39; Rev 16:14).● They have separate identities (Lk 11:24).● They have intelligence (Ac 16:16-18; 19:15-16).● They are able to evaluate and make decisions (Lk 11:25).● They are able to combine forces (v. 26).● They can exist outside or inside humans (Mk 5:12).● They travel at will because they are spirits.● They manifest themselves in different forms (2 Ki 6:17; Rev 9:1-12; 16:13-14).● They are malevolent (Mt 12:43-45; Mk 1:27; 3:11; Lk 4:36; Ac 8:7; Rev 16:13).● They vary in degrees of wickedness (Mk 9:29; Lk 11:26; Eph 6:12).● They are able to communicate (Lk 11; Mt 8:28-34).● They have supernatural strength (Mt 12:29; Mk 5:4; Lk 8:29; Ac 19:13-16).● They must bow to Jesus’ name (Mt 8:28-34; Mk 5:7; Lk 8:26-33).● They know their own end (Mt 8:29; 25:41; Jas 2:19). 2

85The Kingdom of God and MiraclesJesus’ public ministry included basically two elements:● Proclamation of the Good News of the Kingdom of God● Demonstration of the Power of the Kingdom of GodJesus commissioned the Twelve and the Seventy-two to preach and demonstrate thekingdom of God. Healings and miracles are given to demonstrate the power of the kingdom sinceGod the Father sent Jesus to destroy the kingdom of Satan and its evil works (Jn 12:31; 1 Jn 3:8)and to establish the kingdom of God.The following sums up Jesus’ instruction on the kingdom of God:1. God’s reign entered the world in the Person of Jesus (Mt 12:28).2. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, people redeemed from the world,the flesh and the devil and thus come under the reign or rule of God’s kingdom (Jn 3:1-21).3. The kingdom of God is destroying the kingdom of Satan (1 Jn 3:8).4. At the second coming Satan will be eternally destroyed as Christ ushers in the fullnessof the kingdom of God (Mt 13:36-43).X. EXORCISM(DELIVERANCE MINISTRY)Deliverance of demons was part and parcel of Jesus’ healing ministry. As Jesus preachedthe kingdom He healed the sick and cast out demons. The following are a few examples:1. Two demon-controlled men (Mt 8:28-34).2. Gerasene demoniac (Mk 5:1-20).3. Epileptic boy (Mt 17:4-21; Mk 9:14-29; Lk 9:37-45).4. Man in the synagogue (Mk 1:21-28; Lk 4:31-37).5. The Canaanite woman’s daughter (Mt 15:22-28; Mk 7:24-30).6. Others who were demonized (Mt 8:16; Mk 1:32-34; 3:10-12; Lk 4:41; 6:18). 3

86The Greek word for “exorcist” (exorkistes) means “to send out,” “to leave,” “to expel,”“to cast out,” “to release,” “to call forth,” “to free.” Demons or evil spirits require a form oftreatment different from that offered through the gifts of healings. To be demonized or possessedby an evil spirit is not a “normal” illness, nor is it purely a psychological problem. It is a state ofbeing bound by an alien force. Therefore the only way for a cure is an expulsion of that alienforce (demon).Of the seven deacons, both Stephen and Philip performed great wonders and signs (Acts6:8; 8:6), some of them being healings and some exorcisms (Ac 8:7). Later Paul and Barnabasperformed signs and wonders in Iconium (14:3), and on his second missionary journey Paul castout the evil spirit of clairvoyance from the slave girl (16:16-18). “The apostles performed manymiraculous signs and wonders among the people . . . and they brought their sick and thosetormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed” (5:12,16). God did extraordinarymiracles through Paul. Handkerchiefs and aprons that touched him were taken to the sick, andtheir illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them (19:11-12).Symptoms of DemonizationJohn Wimber gives the following list of symptoms for demonization. He is careful topoint out that the presence of one or more of these symptoms indicates the possibility, though notthe necessity, that the person is demonized. Many symptoms that may look demonic are notnecessarily so. Most people who claim they are demonized are not.1. Contorted physical reactions, especially when the power of the Holy Spirit is present,as in a worship service or prayer meeting.2. Addiction to drugs or alcohol (which in reality is also a drug).3. A problem with compulsions such as eating disorders, lust, fornication, pornography,masturbation, homosexuality, stealing, murder, lying, or suicide.4. Bondage to emotions such as fear, depression, anxiety, and rage.5. Bondage to sinful attitudes like self-hatred, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, andcontempt.6. Chronic physical sickness, especially sicknesses that have been in the family forseveral generations.7. A history of occult involvement.8. A disturbed family history involving, for example, incest, alcoholism, and variousforms of child abuse. 4

87Michael Scanlan and Randall Cirner, in their book, Deliverance, describes four types ofdeliverance. The first is the mild form which is personal and self-deliverance, “where bondage isbroken by the individual apart from a special ministry session.” 5Wimber suggests the following steps for those who suspect a personal problem (mildform) with demons.1. In faith turn to Christ, committing every area of your life to His lordship.2. Confess and renounce the area of sin and temptation with which you are havingdifficulty.3. Take on the authority and power that is rightfully your in Christ and command anyspirits that you sense is present to leave. This may be done with a simple prayer like:“In the name of Jesus, I command you, spirit of [fear, homosexuality, etc] to leaveand stay out of my life.”4. Destroy all objects associated with the area of sin you are struggling with, especiallyoccult objects and books. 6Wimber then points out other kinds of deliverance that may be necessary.“Some people are too severely demonized for self-deliverance to be effective.They need other types of deliverance. Fraternal deliverance is when Christianbrothers and sisters help cast out demons. Pastoral deliverance, ministryfrom pastors, is helpful in more extreme cases of demonization. In theseinstances there is usually need for ongoing pastoral care after the person hasbeen delivered. The last type of deliverance comes from people whom Godhas given special gifts of discernment, revelation, and authority to overcomeSatan and evil spirits at their most profound levels of activity.” 7David Pytches provides the following lessons from Christ’s deliverance ministry:1. Jesus did not seek out the demonized. He dealt only with those who were brought toHim or to His attention.2. He never argued with demons.3. He sometimes “bound” a demon before casting it out.4. A few times He commanded demons never to return.5. He addressed the demons directly.

886. He once cast out demons from a distance.7. He delivered demonized children.8. He ministered to the demonized in synagogues, the open air and in their homes.9. He asked questions to help diagnose the problem before beginning His deliveranceministry.10. He showed that demons had to obey His orders.11. His deliverance ministry illustrates that multiple demonization is possible.12. His ministry indicated clearly that healing and deliverance from demons weresometimes linked (Mt 9:32-33; 12:22; 17:14-20; Mk 9:14-29; Lk 8:35; 9:38-43; 13:12). 8Deliverance of demons was central not only in the life and ministry of Jesus, but alsowith the disciples. Jesus commissioned the Twelve to preach the kingdom, heal the sick and castout demons (Mt 10:1,7-8). He commanded the Seventy-two to preach the kingdom, heal the sickand cast out demons and they reported back by rejoicing that even the demons were subject tothem in His name (Lk 10:17). Jesus, by the way, rebuked them for their arrogant attitude andwarned them of the danger of being taken up with the issue of power and authority. Instead theywere to focus on their relationship with Him—the fact that they have been given the free gift ofeternal life.Jesus also told His disciples to make other disciples and teach them “to do everything”He had taught them (Mt 28:20) which obviously included casting out demons. We also see thatthe disciples developed this ministry of deliverance as they reached out to people with every kindof need (Ac 8:7; 16:16-18).Pytches gives the following analysis of the different categories (degrees) ofdemonization.“The Greek word daimonizomai does not indicate degrees of demonization. Thiswill become manifest by the nature of the afflicted person’s problem in theprocess of ministry or be discerned through the relevant gifts of the Spirit, i.e.,discernment of words of knowledge. It is almost impossible by the nature ofthe subject to categorize spirits, since so much depends on the gift of discernment.Some are clearly more powerful than others, but it may be helpful todefine according to the area/origin of the spirit’s influences on the body, mindor personality of the sufferer.” 9

89Degrees of Demonic AfflictionsFiery DartsSome afflictions seem to be “temporary” and “external,” even though they may cause aninternal illness. Such afflictions can be lifted or cast off in the name of Jesus. 10FootholdsWe are warned in Ephesians 4:27: “Do not give the devil a foothold.” Footholds may beprovided for the enemy by anger, nursed grievance, deliberate sin, involvement with false cultsor the occult (this latter even through such seemingly innocent games as glass-tipping, ouijaboards,fortune-telling and horoscopes, etc.). All such practices need to be renounced andrepented of. 11StrongholdsThese result from a long-standing rebellion, feud or some deep trauma (in the consciousmemory or suppressed). Where repentance is called for it should be made and forgivenessreceived. Often there is a primary need for inner healing, which begins when forgiveness isreleased to those who have been perceived as causing the hurts. Inner healing alone may expelthe spirit by closing a stronghold against the enemy. 12BondagesSome long-term oppressions are caused by such things as covetousness, idolatry, spells,curses, involuntary bonding with the past through the blood-lines or present family relationships,an overbearing parent or any other unhealthy relationships (“soul-ties”). Such bondage mayproduce a pattern of compulsive behavior. The bond can be broken in the name of Jesus(Mt 18:18; Jn 20:23). 13PossessionThe degree of demonization referred to as “possession” is not common, but could be oneof the preceding in an acute form. The condition is generally caused by a deliberate contract withthe devil, either by the sufferer himself or by an ancestor. The whole personality is affected whenthe spirit “seizes” the sufferer periodically. The person suffering from this demonization mayadmit to a root cause, such as blood sacrifice to the devil or selling his soul to Satan, or the Lordmay reveal the occult cause through one of the gifts of the Spirit. The spirit/s should be bound inthe name of Jesus and the case reported to the church leadership to deal with as, when, if andhowever it is deemed right. 14

90Severe DemonizationJohn Wimber gives a very perceptive analysis of what he calls “severe demonization.”Jesus’ healing of the demented man in the region of the Gerasenes (the name of theregion varies in the gospels and the textual traditions) provides a classic illustration of severedemonization (Mt 8:28-34; Mk 5:1-20; Lk 8:26-39). This is the story in which demons, whenthey were cast out of a man, went into a herd of pigs. The result was the complete healing of theman. A close examination of this account (the Lucan account specifically) reveals characteristicsthat distinguish severe demonization from mild demonization and from mental illness:1. The severely demonized person still has some control over his own life. Thedemonized man from the region of the Gerasenes met Jesus when he came across from Galilee;his coming forward to meet Jesus was perhaps an indication that he wanted healing.2. Inhabiting demons exercise influence episodically, often precipitating epileptic-likeseizures with convulsions and other symptoms like rigidity, screaming, and foaming at themouth. For example, when the demonized Gerasene saw Jesus, “he cried out and fell at His feet,shouting at the top of his voice” (Lk 8:28). Sometimes the attacks are self-destructive, and theymay last for only a few minutes or go on for several days.3. Evil spirits may actually reside in a severely demonized person. They take overalmost complete control of the person at will, even blotting out the person’s consciousness.Sometimes the person may be unable to speak or hear (Mk 9:25; Lk 11:14). He becomes a slave, atool to the demons.4. Many demons can inhabit a person simultaneously. Scripture says that “manydemons had gone into him” (8:30). The Gerasene demoniac was inhabited by demon called“legion” (v. 30). A Roman legion normally consisted of 6,000 men.5. Frequently a severely demonized person has unusual physical strength. “Many timesit [the evil spirit] has seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard,he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places” (v. 29; see alsoAc 19:16).6. The severely demonized person frequently projects a new personality. The demonspeaks directly to others through the person it inhabits. The demon refers to itself in the firstperson, bystanders in the second person, and the person the demon is inhabiting in the thirdperson. The man approached Jesus when he first cam on shore, then the demon threw him downand begged Jesus not to torture it (the evil spirit—Lk 8:27-28).7. A severely demonized person has a strong resistance and opposition to Jesus.“What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” (v.28)

918. A severely demonized person often has the ability to convey knowledge that theinhabited person did not have access to in his normal state. The man knew immediately whoJesus was, even though the man had never met Him before. He also recognized Jesus’ authorityto cast the demon out (vv. 29,31; see also Ac 16:16-18).9. Severely demonized people often speak with voices and languages other than theirown. The man was described as “shouting at the top of his voice,” an unnatural way to speak (Lk8:28). It is common for demonized people to speak with strange voices. At times men will speaklike women, but more commonly, women will speak like men. After a specific demon (the onespeaking in the strange voice, since, typically, there are usually other demons in the person aswell) is cast out of a person, he does not speak with that voice again.10. Severely demonized persons are marked by moral depravity, depending on thepersonality of the demon who lives in them. Frequently they may go naked. This man had “for along time . . . not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs” (v. 27). It seemsthat every severely demonized person has struggled with some form of serious sexual sin. Manyalso struggle with alcohol and drug abuse.11. Immediate deliverance from the evil spirit is possible for the demonized person. Forthose whose mental illness is caused purely by demons, the cure is immediate. Those whosemental illness is other in origin must go through a long and costly process of psychologicalhealing. The severely demonized man was immediately and completely healed: “When theycame to Jesus, the found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet,dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people howthe demonized man had been cured” (vv. 35-36).12. Demons resist leaving their host. They may plead for their own well-being (v. 31).13. When demons leave a person they seek out other bodies to inhabit. “The demonsbegged Jesus to let them go into a herd of pigs, and He gave them permission. When the demonscame out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into thelake and was drowned” (vv. 32-33). 1514. Demons respond to authority. Jesus issues a command on His own authority. Incontrast to exorcists of His day, who used elaborate rituals and incantations, Jesus simply uttersthe command, “Come out of the man!” Based on our union with Christ, our being filled with thesame Spirit by which he cast out evil spirits (Mt 12:28; Lk 11:20), and our right to exerciseauthority in His name over this realm, we can issue a firm and direct command to an intrudingspirit with the expectation that it will leave.Symptoms of those who are DemonizedDiagnosis by physicians and psychiatrists:

921. Personality changes including changes in intelligence, moral character, demeanorand appearance.2. Physical changes: preternatural strength; epileptic convulsions; foaming; catatonicsymptoms; falling (often forward rather than backwards); clouding of consciousness;anaesthesia to pain; changed voices.3. Mental changes: uncontrollable glossollalia; understanding unknown languages;preternatural knowledge; psychic and occult powers, e.g. clairvoyance, telepathy,and prediction.4. Spiritual changes: reaction to and fear of Christ, sometimes causing blasphemyadverse reactions to prayer. 15Acute Demonic AttackThe above diagnostic indication of acute demonic attack have been collated by theRev. John Richards from eight different authorities and David Pytches testifies that his ownexperience in this area is similar.1. Public Knowledge. There are extreme cases of people possessed by spirits whichmake them violent and who are, therefore generally ‘diagnosed’ by the local community(“Legion” was a case in point--Mk. 5).2. Natural discernment: If a demon manifests itself, both those who witness it and theafflicted person know it, or the afflicted person becomes aware of a definite pattern of compulsivebehavior (bondage) which may be symptomatic, such as addiction, sexual perversion ofsome kind, self-destructive thoughts, etc.3. Through the gift of “discerning of spirits” the kind of spirit at work is revealed.(1 Co 12:10)In one meeting Smith Wigglesworth ministered to two people who seemed to everyonebut Wigglesworth to have identical problems: both were deaf and dumb. Wigglesworth put hisfingers into the first person’s deaf ears and said “be opened in the name of Jesus.” He thenplaced his hand on the person’s lips and said, “Tongue be loosed” The man was healed. He dealtwith the second problem in a different manner. He looked the man straight in the eye and said,“Thou deaf and dumb spirit, come out of him in the name of the Lord Jesus.” The person waswonderfully delivered and received his hearing back.4. Through the gift of a “word of knowledge” the spiritual cause behind the affliction isrevealed.

935. When the Holy Spirit is invoked over an oppressed person there is frequently amanifest “power encounter”--shaking, contortions of some kind, eyes rolling upward, localizedpain.6. Sometimes the speech is unusual in its pitch and strange in its content. Sometimesthere is a manifestation of al false “tongue” which is not of God--it is almost uncontrollable in itsspeaking or its singing. Sometimes there is clearly another voice speaking through the personbeing ministered to, usually vocalizing such things as a boast of its power, a claim to long timeownership, a plea to be left alone, a threat to expose something in the life of one of thoseministering or a challenge to his authority. Sometimes the other voice utters a stream of filthylanguage and blasphemy.7. General spiritual sensitivity and experience by which those ministering detect thepresence of demonic influences. The pattern of symptoms becomes recognizable; coveringemotional, and sexual problems, addictions, physical infirmities and religious error, etc.8. It would be quite wrong to suggest to the afflicted person that the cause of a problemwas due to an evil spirit without other corroboration and some manifestation of its presence.Many people seeking help have been greatly frightened by such a suggestion and have retreatedfrom a fellowship which has real help to offer, feeling terrified, condemned or rejected.9. It is far too easy and damaging to jump to such a simplistic solution. There needs to beclear confirmation: either by evidence of a spirit’s “control” in the sick person’s history orthrough the gifts of the Spirit or experience.10. Sometimes a sufferer is convinced he has an evil spirit but the counselor is notcertain. In such a case it may be right in the name of Jesus to command any dark spirit tomanifest itself—which it will do, producing such symptoms as in #6 above.11. Beware of assuming that all shaking, bodily contortions, hysterical screaming orsudden physical pain, etc., is demonic. Many people have deep reserves of suppressed emotionwhich may be manifest when they are being surfaced to the conscious mind by the Holy Spiritfor healing. 16DANGERS IN THIS MINISTRYPytches continues by pointing out the dangers in this ministry:1. “If all life is seen as a battle with demons in such a way that Satan and his hosts getblamed for bad health, bad thoughts and bad behavior without reference to physical,psychological and relational factors in the situation, a very unhealthy demonic counter part ofsupernaturalism is being developed.” 17

942. This ministry should never be engaged in without authority from the leadership of thechurch.3. It would be unwise to engage in this ministry alone, but in exceptional circumstancesthere may be no other option.4. Do not be distracted by exhibitionist or mining spirits, nor be deceived by lying,boasting, mocking, threatening or bargaining spirits. These should be ignored or silenced. “Bequiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” (Mk 1:25).5. The exercise of forceful physical restraint may easily provoke a physical reaction.Lack of a proper relationship with the Lord on the part of those ministering may also producethis response (Ac 19:16).6. There is always a danger of those ministering that they are operating on the basis of atechnique, when only the operation of God’s Spirit will be effective.7. The suggestion from an affiliated person that the cause of his problem is a demon isnot sufficient grounds in itself for initiating8. Beware of those Christians who are persistently avoiding taking responsibility for theirown lives and seek deliverance from demons as an escape. Such people waste precious ministrytime. Sooner or later they have to make decisions for themselves if they are to be healed. 18PREPARATIONIn no ministry is spiritual preparation more important than in this most difficult ministry.The following are essential:1. A right relationship with the Lord is paramount (Jn 15:4).2. Prayer and “The Lord’s Prayer” is especially relevant.3. Fasting. This may not always be necessary, but there are some kinds of spiritualafflictions for which it is helpful (Mk 9:29).4. Scriptures which recount Jesus’ victory on the cross, the defeat of Satan, and theauthority which Christ gives to his disciples should be meditated upon (Mk 16:15-20; Lk 11:21-22; Ro 8; 1 Co 2:14; 2 Co 10:3-5; Col 2:15; Rev 18, etc.).5. All known sin must be confessed and cleansed (1 Jn 1:7,9).6. The whole armor of God should be put on (Eph 6:10-18). 19

95MINISTERING DELIVERANCE1. It is always best to minister in groups to encourage each other; to allow some tominister whilst others pray or sing praises and still others listen to God.2. It is possible to minister quietly but firmly at all times.3. It is helpful to sit in a circle with the leader of the group facing the afflicted person.4 It is better to minister in a private place—preferably in some room in the churchbuilding, where noninterruption may be ensured; better not late at night.5. In the course of this ministry some dark secret or sin may come to light. Thoseministering must avoid any appearance of shock or disgust if such is mentioned.6. The afflicted person needs to feel secure in the love and confidentiality of the group.7. A prayer may be offered for protection through the blood of Christ over all who arepresent and the members of their families just where they are.8. It may help someone in the group to lay one hand lovingly on the person’s shoulder togive him a sense of assurance. The dignity of the person being ministered to should be preserved,though this may not always be possible.9. The ministry may begin with a brief dialogue covering the following areas:a. Personal occult involvement.b. Family history—especially of those who died immediately prior to the onset ofthe symptoms.c. Any false religion, cult involvement or masonic links.d. Any sexual liaison with another demonized person or one with occultinvolvement.e. General case history.10. The afflicted person will need to repent and renounce all the work of the occult and ofthe flesh (Gal 5:14-21: Col 3:5-10).11. One of the group will call down the Holy Spirit upon the one seeking help. Theafflicted person will be encouraged to invite the Holy Spirit to come into his life, welcome Him,and thank God for His coming.12. Sometimes by the infusion of the Holy Spirit (a power encounter may be manifest),demons are driven out by the same operation.

9613. It is possible to exercise a degree of deliverance ministry without any mention ofdemons at all. It is possible to simply addressed the “darkness” in a person and commanded it toleave. The affliction may be commanded to go or its power broken in Christ’s name. It isimportant to remember this when any mention of demonic activity would be counter productive.14. The afflicted person should cooperate and share the nature of the demon’s activity asfar as he can recognize it, where it is and what it does. The ministry group will need to keep theireyes open--even in prayer--to see what God is doing to the person or may be saying to the othersin the group.15. When ministering, we may address the afflicted person or the evil spirit and it isnecessary to specify to whom we are speaking.16. The voice should be clear and commanding, but to speak too loudly or excitedly isundesirable and is often counter productive.17. In addressing the evil spirit, it is good to look straight into the afflicted person’s eyes(Mt. 6:22), though sometimes the eyes will roll upwards, hiding the pupils.18. The spirit may speak aloud through the person afflicted own voice or within his ownmind, especially to maintain “a lie” such as “I don’t have to go,” “Don’t believe him,” etc. It isnot uncommon for demons clearly say they are demons!out.19. When the spirit speaks, the afflicted person’s own mind is often somehow blanked20. It is important to sense God’s leading before beginning any deliverance ministry. Tominister to someone who is unwilling to continue in obedience to Christ is to risk the last statebeing worse than the first (Lk 11:26).21. Demons may try every delaying device or tactic, pretending they will not come outright up to the last minute—but they have to yield to Christ’s name, the sword of the Spirit whichis the Word of God, and prayer.22. In the case of a spirit manifestly resisting the command to come out in the name ofJesus, it may be better to stop the proceedings and ask the Lord to reveal what foothold theenemy still has in the afflicted person’s life.23. Spirits get wary and fearful (this sometimes manifests itself in the afflicted person).24. Experience in this ministry will help in discerning when the spirit has left the afflictedperson. This could be manifest in a variety of ways. When Jesus delivered the deaf and dumbboy, “The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like acorpse that many said, “He’s dead’” (Mk 9:26). But the act of deliverance may simply producean immediate sense of peace.

9725. In ordering an evil spirit to leave, it is wise, for some people’s peace of mind (thoughnot essential), to command the spirit to go to the place God has prepared for it.26. The afflicted person should put his own will to his deliverance and should himselfrenounce the spirit, telling it to go. “Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and hewill flee from you” (Jas 4:7).27. Experience would indicate that there are sometimes more than one spirit to cast out(Mk 5:9-10; Lk 8:2).28. Forgiveness and repentance are normally a prerequisite, but not necessarily so. 20SATAN’S COUNTERATTACKSIt is important to be alert to the enemy’s tactics. He hates any penetration of his kingdom.1. He may attempt to make us boast of the fact that God is using us in this ministry.When the seventy-two disciples returned from their first mission saying “Lord, even the demonssubmit to us in your name,” Jesus warned them, “Do no rejoice that the spirits submit to you, butrejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Lk 10:20).Lord.2. On the other hand he may try to convince us that we have “bungled” it and failed our3. Frequently, those who have been ministering (especially women) sense a felling ofoppression following this deliverance ministry. It is vital to learn to resist the devil (Jas 4:7). 21CONCLUSION1. If any attempt is made to write up what has happened (which is always useful) itshould be done in such a way as to disguise the treated person’s real identity.2. Once a person has been “delivered” he should be encouraged to seek and receive agreater fullness of the Holy Spirit to fill any void left by the spirits expelled (Mt 12:43-45).3. The person delivered must be warned of the dangers of falling into similar sin again.4. When a person has been “delivered,” it is important that he should be integrated into ahome group or a caring cell. Some other follow up ministry may also be necessary.5. All objects which have contributed to, or were associated with, the demonic affliction--books, jewelry, symbols, cards, etc., are best destroyed (Ac 19:19).

986. Some who have experienced genuine deliverance have subsequently suffered a briefperiod of disconcerting turmoil, causing confusion about the effectiveness of the ministryreceived--a kind of “post op depression,” including feelings of condemnation and rejection andfears that nothing has changed at all. Alarmingly, some problems reassert themselves moreintensely than ever. This will normally pass after a few days when the person has regained hisspiritual psychological and emotional equilibrium. During this time the person will needsomeone to minister the truth of God’s word to him; to talk and pray with him.7. If any further deliverance ministry is required, it is important that the afflicted personreturns to those who previously ministered, unless the church leadership feels one of the otherstaff should take it over.8. Some who have experienced genuine deliverance may be open to any suggestion fromthose ministering and will respond psychologically, emotionally and physically to the merest hintof residual demonic activity. Such need to be discouraged from being ministered to further andtaught of their security through the blood of Christ (1 Pe 1:2) and how to put on the whole armoror God (Eph 6:10-18).9. Some who have experienced genuine deliverance and are very open to God easilybegin to blame demons for every sinful response in their own fallen nature. Such need to betaught the biblical truths about fallen man’s old nature and his new nature in Christ and be led tounderstand that sanctification (holiness) is a process of daily dying to self and rising to Christ(Lk 9:23; 1 Co 15:31).10. We should not assume the role of demon seekers for every spiritual problem. The devilwould love to preoccupy our ministry time with this and it is very counterproductive for the onereceiving ministry.11. If it is clear that there is a case of demon control which needs exorcism, the spiritshould be bound in the name of Jesus and the case referred to the leadership of the church.12. It is essential to give God the glory for every victory won. 22A SUGGESTED FORM OF PRAYERA suggested form of prayer of renunciation and ministry for release from the occult.Person being ministered to:I thank you, Lord God, for your life as man on this earth; for your death on the cross formy sins; for your triumph over evil by the resurrection from the dead and your ascension intoglory. I thank you for your intercession for me now as my High Priest, and the hope of yourcoming again to establish your reign for ever as my King. Amen.

99I CONFESS:I have disobeyed you, Lord; I need your help and grace to repent and ask you now tocleanse me in body, soul and spirit through the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.I have sought supernatural experience apart from you. Please forgive me, Lord.I renounce all witchcraft and magic, both black and white.I renounce all ouija-boards and all other occult games.I renounce all necromancy, seances and spiritualistic mediums, all ESP, second sight,mind reading, levitation, body lifting or hypnosis for evil purposes.I renounce all astrology and interest in horoscopes.I renounce all table tipping, psychometry and automatic writing, numerology andmetaphysics of the occult.I renounce astral projection and other demonic arts.I renounce all literature I have ever read which encourages such practices and promise todestroy all such books in my possession.I renounce every cult that denies the power of Christ’s shed blood.I renounce every philosophy that denies the divinity of Christ.I renounce the heresy of the reincarnation and participation in Yoga meditation.I renounce any spirit that binds or torments me. 23The Person ministering:In the name of Jesus I break any curse placed on you from occult sources. I break allpsychic heredity and any demonic hold upon your family line due to any disobedience of yourancestors. I break any bonds of physical and mental illness and all demonic subjection to yourmother, father, grandparents, great grandparents or any other human beings. 24

100EXAMPLESThe following account is given by Rev. Charles Bryant, a Methodist pastor and author ofthe book, Rediscovering the Charismata.My training was in liberal theology and clinical psychology (the psychology being basedon the Rogerian technique of nondirective counseling, the pastoral theology being based on themode of the 1950's—facilitating and enabling ministries). I believed that the ills of the worldcould be solved with the preaching of love, justice, and brotherhood, and supplementing thosewith deeds of mercy, social services, and the right liturgy. It took me a long time—twenty fouryears—to confess how burned out I was, how bankrupt I had become. How I longed for theauthoritative word of Jesus or someone “in the name of Jesus” to release me from a bondage Iwas in, but could not describe! It happened, but in solo fashion.After an eight week struggle all the way to hell and back, finally being willing to look atmyself as God presented me to me, piece by piece, I was lying in the middle of the floor in apitch dark bedroom telling God that I was through fighting him and hurting myself, I had foughtthe “unbeatable foe,” had given up dreaming the “impossible dream”—the “scorn” and “scars”with life, with me. At that moment, in the thick blackness of the midnight hour, I saw and felt aneven blacker thing move up through and out of me leaving in its wake a peace and calm I neverdreamed existed. I watched the “thing’ as it silently moved upward from my body and vanishedin the darkness.It would be verbally impossible to describe what began to change in my life. Suffice it tosay, nearly every aspect of my life and faith took an 180 degree turn. I had been possessed bysomething that was alien to God’s will for my life. I was now emptied of it. A new beginningwas given me. That was three years ago and I praise God now, hundreds of times every dayand night. My life is turned around now. Virtually everything is approached from a differentattitude—prayer, Scripture, devotions, hard work and long hours, loving and appreciating(without using) others, serving the church for what I may be privileged to offer rather than forpolitical and status aspirations—and I am actually dreading the day when retirement is forcedupon me. I am not where I want to be, but it is great fun to be in process. 25Michael Easton, a 54-year-old businessman, found that his conversion in 1979 did notstop him from multipartner jomosexuality, alcoholism, and a drug habit. In the days when he was“drinking to get drunk” in 1987, Easton attended a deliverance meeting in Montana led by avisiting pastor Win Worley, a controversial exorcist, author of Battling the Hosts of Hell: Diaryof an Exorcist (1976), and then-leader of Hegewisch Baptist Church in Indiana. During the 30minutes Worley prayed for Easton, evil spirits oozed out of him through “deep heavy coughing,lots of tears, things coming out of my nose, a substance that came out of my stomach--it’s just asif a faucet was turned on,” Easton recalls. Since that day 14 years ago, Easton hasn’t engaged inany homosexual acts, he has stopped smoking pot, and the self-described “fallen-down-drunk”hasn’t touched alcohol. 26

101Worley also exorcised Thierer’s demons. Thierer was a narcotics addict and dealer in1979 when he spent 8 to 10 months “on the floor,” he recalled in an interview withCHRISTIANITY TODAY. Once Thierer got rid of his rock music collection, which he believeswas blocking his deliverance, Worley wrestled “all kinds of drug spirits” out of the man whowould eventually marry his daughter and take over Hegewisch Baptist’s leadership afterWorley’s death in 1994. Since his deliverance in 1979, Thierer’s drug addiction has been gone. 27Arnold also tells a story of a successful demon expulsion. A college student had episodesin which her pulse would sometimes shoot up to 150 or more beats per minute; she would blackout and often end up in the emergency room. Cardiologists were stumped by her condition.Wearing a monitor to track her heart rate, the young woman stopped by Arnold’s office one dayto tell him that the heart condition originated when a demon startled her out of sleep. Knowingthat she was under the care of a cardiologist, Arnold decided to investigate if there was a spiritualroot to her condition. He made sure that she knew Jesus as her Savior, and talked with her aboutthe possibility of unconfessed sins and her background. 28Having eliminated these as causes of the woman’s condition, Arnold had her ask Jesusfor strength and told her to address any afflicting spirit by saying, “I command you in the nameof the Lord Jesus Christ to leave. I am a child of God and his property, and I don’t want you.” Hethen joined the student in commanding any spirit that was present to leave. A “shudderingsensation” went through her body as Arnold, the woman and her roommate prayed fordeliverance, the woman later told Arnold. At the end of this “power encounter,” the womanrecommitted herself to Christ and announced her allegiance to him, and “that was the end of theheart problem,” Arnold says. He admits that he still has questions why this took place, but “therewas not doubt that something seemed to me to be a clear example of the reality of the demonic.Demons attack Christians, but we have the resources in Christ to command them to go.” 29C. S. Lewis and others have helped us overcome the faulty and childish image of thedevil with horns and tail by pointing out that he is “an angel of light” (2 Co 11:14). As an angelof light he often works in subtle ways to destroy the work of God. Whether his methods aresubtle or obvious God has provided the means whereby His children can be freed from any andevery kind of satanic force that would bind and destroy.A PRAYER TO BE OFFERED BY THE COUNSELEECOMMANDS TO DEMONIC SPIRITSQUESTIONS FOR TESTING THE SPIRITSLead the Counselee in this or a similar Prayer:Heavenly Father, I want to belong wholly and completely to you. I give my whole self to youbody, soul and spirit. I want you to reign in every area of my life. I refuse permission for Satan tooccupy any part of my life.

102I take my position with the Lord Jesus Christ in the place of authority with you, Father. I put myfeet upon all demonic forces. If there are any demonic spirits in me, I ask you, Lord Jesus, toforce them to identify themselves so they can be cast out in this session and be sent to the Abyss.I ask that I may be completely freed in this session. I worship and praise you and ask this in thepowerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.Some Commands to Demonic Spirits:In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by his authority, I command the binding of theStrongman so that we may take away all the forces of evil that may be in.By the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ I make the following commands:There is to be no exchange of communication in either direction, either inward or outward, eitherof information or power. I close all gateways into ‘spersonality. There is no further entry permitted--only upon command.There is to be no distraction, harm or violence toor to anyone inthis room, or to any of our families. When we command you to go, you are to go directly to theabyss where God sends you, permanently and promptly.We command the punishment of Christ on all disobedience and lying. There is to be no hiding;no sharing of strength between demonic spirits.I cancel all previous commands to Satan. I break all occult holds, satanic pacts, and any cursesthat may be upon. I break the authority and hold of any generationalspirits that may be upon.I command that all absent demonic spirits who normally make their home within .Be permanently cut off with no authority ever to enter him/her again. This command includes:--any who may have fled to escape this session--any that are shared with another person--all parts of divided demonic spirits--any absent communicators.I bind all demonic spirits to silence, except as we command you to speak. When we commandyou to speak, you are to respond truthfully and immediately. I command that all demonic spiritsmust be in complete subjection to us, because of our authority over you in the Lord Jesus whichyou now exist.

103You are not permitted to split, to rename yourselves or regroup yourselves in any way.On behalf of all persons present (the leader here should name each intercessor and her/his ownname), I break all subjections to demonic spirits encountered in any way through our dealingwith .All these commands I make in the name of, and by the authority of, our Lord Jesus Christ.Questions for Testing the Spirits:Do you love the Lord Jesus Christ?Do you love (the counselee)?Who is your Lord? (1 Co 12:3)Is Jesus Christ the Son of God?Is Jesus Christ the Lord? (v. 3)Is Jesus Christ your Lord? (v. 3)Does all the fullness of the Godhead dwell in Jesus Christ bodily?Do you wantto resist Satan so that Satan will have to flee?Do you want to see people to come to the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved?Do you honor the blood of Jesus Christ?Do you call Jesus Christ accursed? (v. 3)Ask a question that arises out of the person’s immediate problems he/she may have spoken of(e.g., Do you wantto be filled with anger?).Do you confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh as a human being? (1 Jn 4:2-3)Did Jesus Christ defeat all demonic spirits on the cross?Doeshave any indwelling demonic spirits?It is useful to make the following Identification:What is the name of the demonic spirit?When did the spirit enter? What happened that opened the door?What is the demonic spirit’s function in the person?Why is the demonic spirit still there?What grounds has the individual given that allows the demonic spirit to stay?What is the name of the demonic leader? What other demonic spirits are present? 30WARFARE PRAYER“Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before You. I cover myself with the bloodof the Lord Jesus Christ as my protection during this time of prayer. I surrender myselfcompletely and unreservedly in every area of my life to Yourself. I do take a stand against all theworkings of Satan that would hinder me in this time of prayer, and I address myself only to thetrue and living God and refuse any involvement of Satan in my prayer.

104Satan, I command you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to leave my presence withall your demons, and I bring the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ between us.Heavenly Father, I worship You , and I give You praise. I recognize that You are worthyto receive all glory and honor and praise. I renew my allegiance to You and pray that the blessedHoly Spirit would enable me in this time of prayer. I am thankful, heavenly Father, that Youhave loved me from past eternity, that You sent the Lord Jesus Christ into the world to die as mysubstitute that I would be redeemed. I am thankful that the Lord Jesus Christ came as myrepresentative, and that through Him You have completely forgiven me; You have given meeternal life; You have given me the perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ so I am nowjustified. I am thankful that in Him You have made me complete, and that you have offeredYourself to me to be my strength.Heavenly Father, come and open my eyes that I might see how great You are and howcomplete Your provision is for this new day. I do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, take myplace with Christ in the heavens with all principalities and powers (powers of darkness andwicked spirits) under my feet. I am thankful that the victory the Lord Jesus Christ won for me onthe cross and in His resurrection has been given to me and that I am seated with the Lord JesusChrist in the heavens; therefore, I declare that all principalities and powers and all wicked spiritsare subject to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.I am thankful for the armor You have provided, and I put on the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, and the helmet of salvation. I lift up the shield offaith against all the fiery darts of the enemy, and take in my hand the sword of the spirit, theword of God, and use Your word against all the forces of evil in my life; and I put on this armorand live and pray in complete dependence upon You, blessed Holy Spirit.I am grateful, heavenly Father that the Lord Jesus Christ spoiled all principalities andpowers and made a show of them openly and triumphed over them in Himself. I claim all thatvictory for my life today. I reject out of my life all the insinuations, accusations, and thetemptations of Satan. I affirm that the Word of God is true, and I choose to live today in the lightof God’s Word. I choose heavenly Father, to live in obedience to You and in fellowship withYourself. Open my eyes and show me the areas of my life that would not please You. Work inmy life that there be no ground to give Satan a foothold against me. Show me any area ofweakness. Show me any area of my life that I must deal with so that I would please You. I do inevery way today stand for You and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life.By faith and in dependence upon You, I put off the old man and stand in all the victory ofthe crucifixion where the Lord Jesus Christ provided cleansing from the old nature. I put on thenew man and stand in all the victory of the resurrection and the provision He has made for me tolive above sin. Therefore, in this day, I put off the old nature with its selfishness, and I put on thenew nature with its love. I put off the old nature with its fear and I put on the new nature with its

105courage. I put off the old nature with its weakness and I put on the new nature with its strength. Iput off today the old nature with all its deceitful lusts and I put on the new nature with all itsrighteousness and purity.I do in every way stand into the victory of the ascension and the glorification of the Sonof God where all principalities and powers were made subject to Him, and I claim my place inChrist victorious with Him over all the enemies of my soul. Blessed Holy Spirit, I pray that Youwould fill me. Come into my life, break down every idol and cast out every foe.I am thankful, heavenly Father, for the expression of Your will for my daily life as Youhave shown me in Your Word. I therefore claim all the will of God for today. I am thankful thatYou have begotten me unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I amthankful that You have made a provision so that today I can live filled with the Spirit of Godwith love and joy and self-control in my life. And I recognize that this is Your will for me, and Itherefore reject and resist all the endeavors of Satan and of his demons to rob me of the will ofGod. I hold up the shield of faith against all the accusations and against all the insinuations thatSatan would put in my mind.I do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, completely surrender myself to You, heavenlyFather, as a living sacrifice. I choose not to be conformed to this world. I choose to betransformed by the renewing of my mind, and I pray that You would show me Your will andenable me to walk in all the fullness of the will of God today.I am thankful, heavenly Father that the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, butdivinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses, and for destroying speculations and everylofty things raised up against the knowledge of God, and to bring every thought into obedience tothe Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore in my own life today I tear down the strongholds of Satan, and Ismash the plans of Satan that have been formed against me. I tear down the strongholds of Satanagainst my mind, and I choose to think my thoughts after You, blessed Holy Spirit. I affirm,heavenly Father, that You have not given me the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of asound mind. I break and smash the stronghold of Satan formed against my emotions today, andI give my emotions to You. I smash the strongholds of Satan formed against my will today, andI give my will to You, and choose to make the right decisions of faith. I smash the strongholds ofSatan formed against my body today, and I give my body to You, recognizing that I am Yourtemple; and I rejoice in Your mercy and Your goodness.Heavenly Father, I pray that You would renew me with Your life; show me the way thatSatan is hindering and tempting and lying and counterfeiting and distorting the truth in my life.Enable me to be the kind of person that would please You. Enable me to be aggressive in prayer.Enable me to be aggressive mentally and to think Your thoughts after You, and to give Yourrightful place in my life. Again, I now cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ andpray that you, blessed Holy Spirit, would bring all the work of the crucifixion, all the work of theresurrection, all the work of Pentecost into my life today. I yield my life to You. I refuse to be

106discouraged. Your are the God of all hope. You have proven Your power by resurrecting JesusChrist from the dead, and I claim in every way Your victory over all satanic forces active in mylife, and I reject these forces; and I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving.Amen.” 31The Three R’s: Remember, Renounce, Reclaim“A simple formula, applying God’s truth in your life!” “A pattern affirmed in Scripture.”“Spiritually very powerful.” 32The Three R’sThe “Three R’s” are a spiritual discipline you as a child of God can use for personal innerhealing and victory. It is a way of affirming the Lordship of Christ in your life, so it is a kind of“truth encounter,” committing yourself to the truth of who you are in Christ!Actually, there are three such “encounters.” An “allegiance encounter” occurred whenyou committed your life to the control of Jesus. Then a “truth encounter” occurs whenever youreaffirm Jesus as Lord of the whole or any part of your life. The third is a “power encounter”which occurs when God works powerfully to defeat the forces of darkness and set someone free--such as a prayer session asking for deliverance from something in your life. That is why werecommend the use of the “Three R’s” as a preparation before coming to a deliverance prayersession. 33The process involves three steps that begin with the letter R: Remember, Renounce,Reclaim. Here are some suggestions how to go about it:RememberTake a sheet paper and have a pen handy. Ask the Lord to bring to your remembrancehappenings, or issues that Satan might have used as a gateway, or “grounds” for activity in yourlife. Write down the ones you already know, and let Jesus remind you of others that may beimportant to list.This may be a very painful exercise, but it is only a steppingstone to the second and thirdR’s, so don’t get bogged down with the remembering step. As soon as you have anything on thelist, you can go on to do the second R, and then the third. You can also keep coming back to additems to your remember list as other things come to mind. 34People sometimes ask, “What kind of things should I list?”▸ List happenings, traumatic events that occurred in your life, things that left youwondering if God is really in charge, of if He really cares about you.

107▸ List sins or questionable activities. It may be something you have confessed numeroustimes but just do not seem to be able to get victory over. It may be something you have confessedand Jesus has forgiven you for, but Satan keeps throwing it in your face and condemning youabout it, even though it may be something from long ago that you are not directly involved incurrently. Remember, Jesus loves to forgive—it is Satan that condemns and makes you feel likethere is no way out.▸ List any involvement with the occult: use of ouija boards, tarot cards, horoscopes, fortunetelling, seances, witchcraft, satanic rituals, any curses or pacts.▸ List anything that seems generational, that is, some problem that seems to be passed on inyour lineage. I would caution against delving deeply into your past, since it is usually unwrittenhistory and hard to know what is true and what is legend. However, if the Lord impressessomething on your mind, go ahead and list it.▸ List attitudes or emotions that control you—anger, depression, fear panic attacks,contempt or bitterness. Sometimes these emotions are linked with any of the above sins, and youcan deal with them paired with the traumatic event or sin that seemed to be the starting point. Oryou may list them separately and deal with them individually. As Jesus brings something to yourmind, be sure it gets on your list. When you have anything on your Remember list, you can moveon to the second and third R’s. 35RenounceIn the Renounce step, we are doing what James admonishes us as believers to do: Resistthe devil, and he will flee from you (4:7).Starting with the first item on your list, then, resist the devil by saying (out loud ifyou want), “Satan, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I renounce your using this________________ (name what you have listed) as a gateway into my life. I renounce yourusing it as a reason for staying. I belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am his child, and He lives inmy heart by his Holy Spirit, so you may not use __________________ (name it) as grounds forinvolvement in my life any longer. I renounce you. I command you in the name and authority ofthe Lord Jesus Christ to leave me and go to the Abyss where Jesus sends you.” Renouncing isnot done in your own strength, but always clearly in the name and authority of our Lord JesusChrist (Eph. 1:19-21). 36Renouncing involves recognizing Satan’s lies, and countering them with God’s truth. Forinstance, one of the lies that Satan often uses is, “Obviously God does not love you. If he did,that terrible thing (whatever it was) would not have happened to you.” And then he follows it upwith, “But God is Love, so the problem must be with you—you are just not lovable—you are notworthy of his love, so he can not love you. 37

108It is very easy to fall into Satan’s lies because they seem to make such good sense. Butthey are lies straight from the Pit! Nonetheless, they must be countered with the truth of God’sWord. If not, the lies keep going on and growing. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tells us they become“strongholds” built up from “false arguments” and “every proud obstacle that is raised againstthe knowledge of God.” 38It is important that these lies be countered by the affirmation of God’s Truth. Sing theSunday School chorus, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so . . . Little ones tohim belong. They are weak, but he is strong.” Affirm God’s Truth: “For God so loves the world(me), that he gave his only Son” to die on the cross for me. Look up other verses (such as Ro8:31-39) that state clearly that God’s love for us is not based on our worthiness, but is steady andstrong and unchangeable in every circumstance. As you do this it will become easier to see thatthe bad things that happen to us do not come from God—they come from Satan. 39Sin has skewed the whole universe, bent it out of shape, so that even as Christians we“groan,” waiting for the day when Christ returns and things are put right again (vv. 14-25). But,in the meantime, Satan lies to confuse us and make us think that it is God’s fault that bad thingshappen, so that we do not see that it is Satan’s evil work. By affirming God’s truth, that he lovesus unconditionally, we can call Satan’s bluff and tear down the stronghold of lies that the devilhas built up. 40Renouncing is “saying NO” and you can say NO to Satan in as many ways as you canthink of. Then be sure to move on to the third R, Reclaim.ReclaimWhen James tells us to “Resist the devil’ he also admonishes us to “Submit yourselves toGod . . . come near to God and he will come near to you” (Jas 4:7-8). Reclaiming is saying toGod, “I give this whole area of my life to you (Name the item that you have written down. If it isan emotion, say “my emotions.” If it is in the area of your sexuality, say “my sexuality.” Or, if itis a happening from the past, you can say “my memories.”) I give it to you. I love you and I wantto belong to you, body, soul, and spirit. I want you to be Lord in this area of my life. I cannothandle it, but you can, so I give it to you.” If it is a sin, confess it and ask Jesus to forgive you. Ifit is a sin that has already been confessed, but Satan keeps throwing it back at you, you may needto specifically verbalize that you receive God’s forgiveness. 41Getting HelpSome find the Three R’s very difficult to do themselves. If you do, finding a friend to doit with might help. Often we think that we out to be able to come to God all by ourselves to getthe help we need. Some people may be able to do that, but actually God does not mind when weneed a friend, a prayer partner, a sister, or a brother. In fact, the Bible says, “If two of you onearth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done . . . by my Father in heaven” (Mt 18:19).See what works best for you. 42

109The Three R’s may seem so simple, just a formula, and you may think, “It cannotpossibly help.” Actually, it is applying God’s truth in your life, and it is a pattern affirmed againand again in Scripture. It is spiritually very powerful. 43

110NOTESPREFACE1Topical Encyclopedia of Living Quotations, edited by Eliot Wirt (Minneapolis, MN:Bethany House Publishers, 1982), 41.2Scott Peck, People of the Lie (New York: Simon & Shuster, Inc., 1983), 12.CHAPTER 11C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (New York: MacMillan Publishing Company,1961), 3.2Neil T. Anderson, The Bondage Breaker (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers,1990), 173.CHAPTER 21George Eldon Ladd, A Theology of the New Testament (William B. EerdmansPublishing Company, 1974), 48.2Ibid.3Ibid.4Ibid., 61.5Ibid., 62.6Ibid., 63.7Ibid.8Ibid.9Ibid., 64.10Ibid., 67.

111CHAPTER 31William Barclay, “Idolatry: Or Home-Made Gods,” The Bible Speaks To Our Day, 38.2C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, 3.CHAPTER 41Harry Blamiers, The Christian Mind (Ann Arbor, MI: Servant Books, 1978), 94.CHAPTER 587-88.1A. W. Tozer, That Incredible Christian (Harrisburg: Christian Publications, Inc., 1964),CHAPTER 61Topical Encyclopedia of Living Quotations, edited by Eliot Wirt, 215.2Edyth Draper, Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Chrisitan World, (Wheaton:Tyndale House Publishers, 1992), 150.3Ibid., 148.4Ibid., 150.5Ibid.6Ibid., 148.7Ibid., 150.8Oswald Chambers, The Best from All His Books, edited by Harry Verploegh, Vol. II(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), 311.9Ibid., 63.CHAPTER 71R. E. O. White, You Can Say That Again (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House,1991), 322.

1122Tom Carter, Spurgeon at His Best (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1988), 214-215.3Eleanor Doan, The Speaker’s Sourcebook of 4,000 Quotations (Grand Rapids:Zondervan Publishing House, 1964), 264.CHAPTER 81Martin Luther, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” The Hymnal for Worship &Celebration (Waco, TX: Word Music, 1986), No. 26.2Oswald Chambers, The Best from All His Books, edited by Harry Verploegh, Vol. I(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1987), 82.3Edythe Draper, Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World, 150.4William Barclay, The Letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon, The Daily Study BibleSeries, Revised Edition (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1975), 159.4Ibid.5Ibid.6Ibid.7Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Faithful (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1984), 141.8A. W. Tozer, That Incredible Christian (Harrisburg: Christians Publications, Inc.,1964(), 87-88.9Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Colorado Springs, CO:NavPress, 1991), 61.10Edythe Draper, Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World (Wheaton:Tyndale House Publishers, 1992), 150.11Elton Trueblood, Leadership, Vol. 10, No. 3 (Summer 1989), 60 cited in Whitney,Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, 21.12John MacArthur, Ephesians, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago:Moody Press, 1986), 368.13Ibid.14R. C. Sproul, Knowing Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979), 9-10.

11315J. I. Packer, Knowing Scripture (Wheaton: InterVarsity Press, n. d.), n. p.16http://www.wts.edu/alumni/relations/prayer_requests.html (9-27-2011), 1.17R. A. Torrey, How to Pray cited inhttp://www.bibleteachingprogram.com/btp/life/prayer/prayer1/prayer1web/ch3torrey.htm (9-27-2011), 1.18Martin Lloyd-Jones, The Christian Soldier (Grand Rapids: Barker, 1977), 342 cited inhttp://gardenheights.org/sermons/pre2010/1-8-06.htm (9-27-2011), 1.CHAPTER 91David Pytches, Spiritual Gifts in the Local Church (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany HousePublishers, 1985), 196.2John Wimber with Kevin Springer, Power Healing (San Francisco: Harper & RowPublishers, 1987), 106.3Pytches, Spiritual Gifts in the Local Church, 196-197.4Ibid.5Wimber and Springer, Power Healing, 124.6Ibid.7Ibid., 124-125.8Pytches, Spiritual Gifts in the Local Church, 197.9Ibid., 198.10Ibid.11Ibid.12Ibid., 198-199.13Ibid., 199.14Ibid.

11415Wimber and Springer, Power Healing, 110-113.16Pytches, Spiritual Gifts in the Local Church, 199-200.17Ibid., 200-201.18Ibid.19Ibid., 202.20J. I. Packer, Keep in Step with the Spirit (Wheaton: InterVarsity Press, 1984), 196 cited inPytches, 202.21Ibid., 202-203.22Ibid., 202-205.23Ibid., 206-207.24Ibid., 209-210.25Charles Bryant, Rediscovering the Charismata (Nashville, TN: Abington Press), 130-131.26Agnieszka Tennant, “In Need of Deliverance,” Christianity Today (September 3, 2001), 56.27Ibid.28Gerald McGraw, War Manual, Shamaim Ministries, n. d., n. p.29Ibid.30Mark Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1984), 140-144.31Ibid32John and Helen Ellenberger, “The Three R’s: Remember, Renounce, Reclaim” Pamphlet,Deliverance Ministries (July, 1999).33Ibid.34Ibid.35Ibid.

36Ibid.37Ibid.38Ibid.39Ibid.40Ibid.41Ibid.42Ibid.43Ibid.115

116BIBLIOGRAPHYAnderson, Neil T. The Bondage Breaker. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1990.Barclay, William. The Daily Study Bible Series: The Letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon,Revised Edition. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1975._____________. The Daily Study Bible Series: The Letter to the Galatians and Ephesians.Revised Edition. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1976._____________. “Idolatry: Or Home-Made Gods.” The Bible Speaks To Our Day, n d.Birch, George A. The Deliverance Ministry. Horizon House Publishers, 1988.Blamiers, Harry. The Christian Mind. Ann Arbor, MI: Servant Books, 1978.Bryant, Charles. Rediscovering the Charismata. Nashville, TN: Abington Press, n. d..Bubeck, Mark. Overcoming the Adversary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1984.Carter, Tom. Spurgeon at His Best. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1988.Chambers, Oswald. The Best from All His Books. Edited by Harry Verploegh. Vol. I. Nashville:Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1987._______________. The Best from All His Books. Edited by Harry Verploegh. Vol. II. Nashville:Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989.Dayton, Edwaerd. Spiritual Warfare. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 1994.Dickason, Fred C. Demon Possession and the Christian. Chicago: Moody Press, 1987.Doan, Eleanor. The Speaker’s Sourcebook of 4,000 Quotations. Grand Rapids: ZondervanPublishing House, 1964.Draper, Edythe. Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World. Wheaton: Tyndale HousePublishers, 1992.Ellenberger, John and Helen. “The Three R’s: Remember, Renounce, Reclaim” Pamphlet,Deliverance Ministries. July, 1999.Ferguson, Everett. Demonology of the Early Christian World, Symposium Series, Vol. 12 NewYork: Edwin Mellen Press, 1984.Foster, K. Neill with King, Paul. Binding & Loosing. Camp Hill, PA: Christian Publications,1998.Frangipane, Francis. The Three Battlegrounds. Lockman Foundation, 1989.Green, Michael. I Believe in Satan’s Downfall. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1981.Harper, Michael. Spiritual Warfare. London: Hodder & Stoughton, n. d.Ladd, George Eldon. A Theology of the New Testament. William B. Eerdmans PublishingCompany, 1974.Lewis, C. S. The Screwtape Letters. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1978.Lloyd-Jones, Martin. The Christian Soldier. Grand Rapids: Barker, 1977.Luther, Martin. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” The Hymnal for Worship & Celebration. No.26. Waco, TX: Word Music, 1986.MacArthur, John. Ephesians, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary. Chicago: MoodyPress, 1986.McGraw, Gerald. War Manual, Shamaim Ministries, n. d.Packer, J. I. Keep in Step with the Spirit. Wheaton: InterVarsity Press, 1984._________. Knowing Scripture. Wheaton: InterVarsity Press, n. d.Peck, Scott. People of the Lie. New York: Simon & Shuster, Inc., 1983. Penn-Lewis, Jesse. Waron the Saints. 9 th ed. New York: Thomas E. Lowe, Ltd., 1973.

117Pytches, David. Spiritual Gifts in the Local Church. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany HousePublishers, 1985.Richards, John. But Deliver Us From Evil. Darton, Longman & Todd, 1974.Scanlon, Michael & Cirner, Randall J. Deliverance from Evil Spirits. Ann Arbor, MI: ServantBooks, 1980.Sproul, R. C. Knowing Scripture. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979.Tennant, Agnieszka. “In Need of Deliverance,” Christianity Today. September 3, 2001.Topical Encyclopedia of Living Quotations. Edited by Eliot Wirt. Minneapolis, MN: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1982.Tozer, A. W. That Incredible Christian. Harrisburg: Christians Publications, Inc., 1964.Trueblood, Elton. Leadership, Vol. 10, No. 3. Summer 1989.Unger, Merrill F. What Demons Can Do to Saints. Chicago: Moody Press, 1977.White, R. E. O. You Can Say That Again. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1991.Whitney, Donald S. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Colorado Springs, CO:NavPress, 1991.Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Faithful. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1984.Wimber, John with Springer, Kevin. Power Healing. San Francisco: Harper & Row Publishers,1987.http://www.wts.edu/alumni/relations/prayer_requests.html (9-27-2011), 1.http://gardenheights.org/sermons/pre2010/1-8-06.htm (9-27-2011), 1.