1 Timothy 4:1-5 MKJV
(1) But the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons,
(2) speaking lies in hypocrisy, being seared in their own conscience,
(3) forbidding to marry, saying to abstain from foods which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
(4) For every creation of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.
(5) For it is sanctified through the Word of God and prayer.
Did you know that demons teach? Isn't that an interesting verse? If you were a demon (stretch here) what would you teach? What kind of people would you target? Would they be people of influence or common folk? Do you think they would get into the political affairs of men, or perhaps sit in the elementary classrooms of our children? Maybe both...
The Spirit expressly says that in the last days, some shall depart from the FAITH. Aha! So we at least know the demons are teaching in the 'church' arena. They are working to destroy the testimonies and faith of believers, or at least people who claimed at one time to believe. If there were a demon at work in your church, what kind of mischief would he create? Internal strife? Jealousy? Unforgiveness amongst the brethren? Unbelief?
Pray that God's light would shine in your church over the dark places. Yes, the enemy can stand a lot more scripture reading and praise music than a lot of Christians think. But what he cannot stand is the Presence of God. What he cannot tolerate is Love. Truth sickens and infuriates him. Make sure your church is saturated with these.
Showing posts with label demons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label demons. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Why Do Spirits War?
Dan 10:12-13 MKJV
(12) Then he said to me, Do not fear, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to chasten yourself before your God, your words were heard. And I have come for your words.
(13) But the ruler of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days. But lo, Michael, one of the chief rulers, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
We often use the term 'spiritual warfare', especially as it pertains to spiritual attacks upon us in the physical. However, there is a spiritual war going on in the heavens at all times which can consist of large scale conflict (Rev 12:7) to small battles for spiritual supremacy. When we consider spiritual warfare, the question arises, why do spirits war? What do eternal beings have to gain by warring? I've alluded to the answer already - spiritual supremacy - over certain people, lands, or movements.
In Daniel's dialog with Gabriel, one of God's messengers, we learn a lot about spiritual warfare. First of all, Daniel's prayer had been heard from day one, but his answer was 'spiritually delayed', for nearly 3 weeks. This should give us some insight into our prayer life. Nothing can hinder your prayer to God, but depending on how God chooses to answer you - the answer might be delayed by warfare.
Spirits in high places - principalities (Eph 6:12) - are spirits that maintain a hierarchical position. They do not wish to give up their positions any more than you care to step down the ladder at your job. In the case of Daniel, Gabriel was detained by the Prince of Persia, a prince-demonic spirit that led the nation of Persia against Babylon. Michael is referred to as a 'chief ruler' and is also identified as the 'Prince of Israel' in Daniel 10:21.
These clues lead us to believe that every dominant nation on earth is somehow ruled or otherwise controlled by a ruling spirit, either of God or not. What happened to the Prince of Persia? Certainly it was not destroyed - as spirits cannot be killed. But the seat in which he sits can be removed, as Persia eventually was overtaken by the Prince of Greece (Dan 10:20) and the Persian Empire dwindled to nothing for an age while Greece rose to power.
Once again, though, the Persian - or Iranian - empire is a world force for evil. The ruling spirit has fought back to his seat of power over the last 2000 years. The Prince of Greece is nowhere to be seen. Michael the Archangel, the protector of Israel, is still the chief ruler by heaven's decree, and Israel is 'still' not to be trifled with. It should also be mentioned that the enemy is notoriously unable to be unified in anything. The ruler of Persia was overcome by the ruler of Greece - both evil. Hamas hates the Palestinian Authority. The Shiite belief system abhors the Sunni belief system. One sect hates another. Even though the enemy can unite long enough to attack, he cannot sustain long-term unity. The scripture says that the final world empire will be one of 'iron and clay', two substances that cannot combine to create any 'real' strength. This is the character of our enemy.
On a smaller level, demonic forces desire to rule over areas of our lives. Truly, without a physical body to do the work of the enemy, the enemy can whine and complain at best. It's when a person yields to the will of the enemy in their lives that we see the horrific results; the Fox News headlines.
(12) Then he said to me, Do not fear, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to chasten yourself before your God, your words were heard. And I have come for your words.
(13) But the ruler of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days. But lo, Michael, one of the chief rulers, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
We often use the term 'spiritual warfare', especially as it pertains to spiritual attacks upon us in the physical. However, there is a spiritual war going on in the heavens at all times which can consist of large scale conflict (Rev 12:7) to small battles for spiritual supremacy. When we consider spiritual warfare, the question arises, why do spirits war? What do eternal beings have to gain by warring? I've alluded to the answer already - spiritual supremacy - over certain people, lands, or movements.
In Daniel's dialog with Gabriel, one of God's messengers, we learn a lot about spiritual warfare. First of all, Daniel's prayer had been heard from day one, but his answer was 'spiritually delayed', for nearly 3 weeks. This should give us some insight into our prayer life. Nothing can hinder your prayer to God, but depending on how God chooses to answer you - the answer might be delayed by warfare.
Spirits in high places - principalities (Eph 6:12) - are spirits that maintain a hierarchical position. They do not wish to give up their positions any more than you care to step down the ladder at your job. In the case of Daniel, Gabriel was detained by the Prince of Persia, a prince-demonic spirit that led the nation of Persia against Babylon. Michael is referred to as a 'chief ruler' and is also identified as the 'Prince of Israel' in Daniel 10:21.
These clues lead us to believe that every dominant nation on earth is somehow ruled or otherwise controlled by a ruling spirit, either of God or not. What happened to the Prince of Persia? Certainly it was not destroyed - as spirits cannot be killed. But the seat in which he sits can be removed, as Persia eventually was overtaken by the Prince of Greece (Dan 10:20) and the Persian Empire dwindled to nothing for an age while Greece rose to power.
Once again, though, the Persian - or Iranian - empire is a world force for evil. The ruling spirit has fought back to his seat of power over the last 2000 years. The Prince of Greece is nowhere to be seen. Michael the Archangel, the protector of Israel, is still the chief ruler by heaven's decree, and Israel is 'still' not to be trifled with. It should also be mentioned that the enemy is notoriously unable to be unified in anything. The ruler of Persia was overcome by the ruler of Greece - both evil. Hamas hates the Palestinian Authority. The Shiite belief system abhors the Sunni belief system. One sect hates another. Even though the enemy can unite long enough to attack, he cannot sustain long-term unity. The scripture says that the final world empire will be one of 'iron and clay', two substances that cannot combine to create any 'real' strength. This is the character of our enemy.
On a smaller level, demonic forces desire to rule over areas of our lives. Truly, without a physical body to do the work of the enemy, the enemy can whine and complain at best. It's when a person yields to the will of the enemy in their lives that we see the horrific results; the Fox News headlines.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Don't Leave Your House Empty
Mar 9:25-27 LITV
(25) And seeing that a crowd is running together, Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, Dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, Come out from him, and you may no more go into him!
(26) And crying out, and convulsing him very much, it came out. And he became as if dead, so as for many to say that he died.
(27) But taking hold of his hand, Jesus raised him up, and he stood up.
I fear this relays a fundamental truth to us. If the evil was eradicated from the world, much of the world would have no life or movement at all. Things would grow deathly quiet. The only life this person had was demonic - to the point when it was cast out, the person appeared dead.
But then Jesus raised him up, and he stood. This is the Hope of Glory, when we are all raised up and we stand. Right now, evil is a present reality. We coexist with it. Jesus did what He commands us to do - run it off. But once we do this, we have to ask the Spirit of God to fill the void. Jesus later offers a warning:
Mat 12:43-45 LITV
(43) But when the unclean spirit goes from a man, he goes through dry places seeking rest and does not find it.
(44) Then he says, I will return to my house from which I came out. And coming, he finds it standing empty, swept and decorated.
(45) Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more evil than himself, and entering dwells there. And the last things of that man become worse than the first. So it will be also to this evil generation.
(25) And seeing that a crowd is running together, Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, Dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, Come out from him, and you may no more go into him!
(26) And crying out, and convulsing him very much, it came out. And he became as if dead, so as for many to say that he died.
(27) But taking hold of his hand, Jesus raised him up, and he stood up.
I fear this relays a fundamental truth to us. If the evil was eradicated from the world, much of the world would have no life or movement at all. Things would grow deathly quiet. The only life this person had was demonic - to the point when it was cast out, the person appeared dead.
But then Jesus raised him up, and he stood. This is the Hope of Glory, when we are all raised up and we stand. Right now, evil is a present reality. We coexist with it. Jesus did what He commands us to do - run it off. But once we do this, we have to ask the Spirit of God to fill the void. Jesus later offers a warning:
Mat 12:43-45 LITV
(43) But when the unclean spirit goes from a man, he goes through dry places seeking rest and does not find it.
(44) Then he says, I will return to my house from which I came out. And coming, he finds it standing empty, swept and decorated.
(45) Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more evil than himself, and entering dwells there. And the last things of that man become worse than the first. So it will be also to this evil generation.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Credentials In The Spirit World
The earthly realm is the chessboard for spiritual warfare. The good news is that the Kingdom of Heaven is growing, and the numbers of the demonic are staying the same. But, not unlike children, demons will do what they can get by with doing. Stewardship of the Kingdom and its progress has been granted to the Church. We expand Kingdom territory by the authority granted to us, not by our own might or power.
Here is a problem. Many Christians do not understand authority. They cannot - or will not - place themselves under the authority of a local church. They've never yielded to discipleship - or a spiritual mentor - or the guidance of a pastor. But this aside, they hope the Holy Spirit will grant them victory in the spirit realm.
The results can be catastrophic, as it very nearly was for the seven sons of Sceva. Acts 19 records the story of these men who were operating out of association, but not operating out of relationship. Had these sons subjected themselves to the authority of the Holy Spirit, they would have had His authority to cast the demons out. It's really a question of spiritual credentials. If someone knocks on my door and says, "You need to come with me by order of the President of the United States.", then I'm going to want to see credentials. If it's my next door neighbor, Ed, with a crayon colored ID tag, I'll probably go back to my knitting. However, if I know Ed works for the President, I'd go.
Demons know your credentials.
God is a god of order. He ordains the order, we follow it. If we do not, it is impossible to be spiritually victorious. IF we are in right-standing with the God and abiding in Him, then we are under His authority, which means we are also accountable to others in our spiritual walk. If our pride prevents us from doing this, it's best to stick with Sunday school hand puppets and stay away from the demonic.
Here is a problem. Many Christians do not understand authority. They cannot - or will not - place themselves under the authority of a local church. They've never yielded to discipleship - or a spiritual mentor - or the guidance of a pastor. But this aside, they hope the Holy Spirit will grant them victory in the spirit realm.
The results can be catastrophic, as it very nearly was for the seven sons of Sceva. Acts 19 records the story of these men who were operating out of association, but not operating out of relationship. Had these sons subjected themselves to the authority of the Holy Spirit, they would have had His authority to cast the demons out. It's really a question of spiritual credentials. If someone knocks on my door and says, "You need to come with me by order of the President of the United States.", then I'm going to want to see credentials. If it's my next door neighbor, Ed, with a crayon colored ID tag, I'll probably go back to my knitting. However, if I know Ed works for the President, I'd go.
Demons know your credentials.
God is a god of order. He ordains the order, we follow it. If we do not, it is impossible to be spiritually victorious. IF we are in right-standing with the God and abiding in Him, then we are under His authority, which means we are also accountable to others in our spiritual walk. If our pride prevents us from doing this, it's best to stick with Sunday school hand puppets and stay away from the demonic.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
They Knew Him
Mar 1:34
(34) And He healed many who had illness of various diseases. And he cast out many demons, and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
Jesus, being the creator of the Universe, had a small problem once He came to walk amongst us. He came to set the captives free, give sight to the blind, heal the lame, cleanse the lepers, but most of all - to give Himself to judgment for the sake of all mankind. To accept such a wonderful gift, man must have faith in who Jesus was and is, and here is the problem. Much of creation knew who Jesus was. Jesus even said the stones would cry out in praise if nobody else did. The wind listened to Him. The waves obeyed Him. Creation knows its maker (Creation also knows His children, but that's another blog). Jesus had to take the necessary steps of making certain the faith-element was never removed. For truly, God does have the ability to remove all doubt that Jesus is who He said He is - He just has not chosen to convince us so.
A humiliating truth: humanity will believe in the demonic far sooner than heeding the voice of the Creator. Why? Perhaps we are more familiar with the demonic voice. Jesus did not allow the demons to speak.
When looking at the Greek for the word used here 'knew', the word is eido. It doesn't mean to know like we know our neighbor. It means 'perceive', or 'see'. The demons could SEE who He was. They could tell. Do you think the demons ever huddled up and tiffed about whether or not Jesus was the Son of God? Maybe they still argue that the Buddha is the threat, or perhaps Mohammed is the bane of their existence. Not.
They know because they see His works and they know His authority. They fear Him. We stand to learn a few things - even from the enemy.
(34) And He healed many who had illness of various diseases. And he cast out many demons, and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
Jesus, being the creator of the Universe, had a small problem once He came to walk amongst us. He came to set the captives free, give sight to the blind, heal the lame, cleanse the lepers, but most of all - to give Himself to judgment for the sake of all mankind. To accept such a wonderful gift, man must have faith in who Jesus was and is, and here is the problem. Much of creation knew who Jesus was. Jesus even said the stones would cry out in praise if nobody else did. The wind listened to Him. The waves obeyed Him. Creation knows its maker (Creation also knows His children, but that's another blog). Jesus had to take the necessary steps of making certain the faith-element was never removed. For truly, God does have the ability to remove all doubt that Jesus is who He said He is - He just has not chosen to convince us so.
A humiliating truth: humanity will believe in the demonic far sooner than heeding the voice of the Creator. Why? Perhaps we are more familiar with the demonic voice. Jesus did not allow the demons to speak.
When looking at the Greek for the word used here 'knew', the word is eido. It doesn't mean to know like we know our neighbor. It means 'perceive', or 'see'. The demons could SEE who He was. They could tell. Do you think the demons ever huddled up and tiffed about whether or not Jesus was the Son of God? Maybe they still argue that the Buddha is the threat, or perhaps Mohammed is the bane of their existence. Not.
They know because they see His works and they know His authority. They fear Him. We stand to learn a few things - even from the enemy.
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