Spiritual Warfare

By Jana Alcorn

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTING RESOURCES
Author: Jana Alcorn
Editors: Teresa Seputis, Bob Hawley

Sections:

1. The Warfare is Real

2. Our Spiritual Armor

3. Special Forces

4. Disarming Satanic Power


Lesson 1
The Warfare is Real

We Have An Enemy

There is no doubt that we, as Christians, are involved in spiritual struggle between the forces of Light and the forces of darkness. Words such as battle, conflict, struggle, fight, war, torture, destruction, soldier, enemy, weapon, strategy, tactics, army, victory and strongholds indicate that the Christian life is truly a "battlefield," not a "recreation field."

Satan and his hosts of demonic platoons are called and typed by various terminologies in the Bible. Here are a few of them:

Ephesians 2:2

According to the prince of the power of the air

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Colossians 1:13

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness

John 12:31

Now shall the prince of this world be cast out

Luke 11:15

But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub,the chief of devils.

Isaiah 14:12

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer

Matthew 13:19

Then cometh the wicked one and catcheth away that which is sown in heart

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil and Satan which deceiveth whole world.

2 Corinthians 6:15

What concord hath Christ with Belial?

Revelation 12:10

For the accuser of our brethren is cast down

1 Thessalonians 3:5

Let the tempter have tempted you and our labor be in vain.

John 10:10

The thief cometh not but for to kill, steal, and destroy

John 8:44

For he is a liar and the father of it

John 8:44

he was a murderer from the beginning

Psalms 91:3

I will keep thee from the snare of the fowler

Did you notice the following terms in these verses?

These names and descriptions are, it's hoped, not describing your local Sunday School teacher, but rather a force so heinous and evil that any camaraderie with it is strictly forbidden by the Holy Spirit.

"Have NO fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness" Ephesians 5:11.

In fact, Jesus said, "The prince of this world cometh and hath NOTHING in me" John 14:30.

Why All The Fuss?

Obviously, due to the colossal victory that Jesus Christ has purchased for the Church, His Body, there are counterattacks in the spiritual realm that are still being launched by the devil. He doesn't seem to get the directive that our victory has already been secured!

When Jesus cried out, "It is finished!" He was saying that the great plan of redemption was finally accomplished and that included Satan's terrible, ultimate doom.

Why Is This Battle So Intense?

Consequently and ultimately, Satan's last line of attack is to try to "get back at our God" for His achievements and victories wrought for all who would surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. If the enemy of our souls can use his deceptive powers to keep Christians tormented, oppressed, bound, and struggling, then and only then can he seem to portray that Christ's life and victory was in vain.

Simply put, Satan and his hosts hate our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. His spirit of revenge will grow in fervency until the final chapter of the Book of Revelation is totally and completely fulfilled.

You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby, But Oh Just Look At You Now!

This can describe the origin of Satan. Satan was created as Lucifer, the most beautiful being of light, so much fairer than even any of the angels. But his great wisdom became corrupted with pride and he was cast out of heaven. Since that time, Satan has known his ultimate punishment and knows that he can never recapture his previous position. He was once the anointed cherub who lived next to the very Presence of God. He can never recover the Presence of the Anointing that was once his earmark. Now, since we as Christians have unlimited access to the Presence of God, he seeks revenge to fulfill the emptiness of his being.

The fact that, through the power and victories of the Lord Jesus Christ, even the weakest Christian can resist and defeat him is just too much! (See Romans 16:20, Ephesians 6:11, James 4:7, I Peter 5:9, I John 2:13, Revelation 12:11)

Now You Know

Please understand, the battle is not just about you. The battle is over the will of God. Satan and his cohorts detest what Jesus has done and are determined to launch their tactics. You are valuable to God, but your purpose is connected to the purposes of God and this is why your battle is so severe. The destructive forces of the enemy that have been sent out against you are not directly aimed at you, but at the God of glory within who has purposed to take your life, anoint you with the Holy Spirit and cause you to become meaningful and productive for His glory.

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).

Satan attacks only what he fears and he fears your future.

But have no fear, child of God, for God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of love, power and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7).

God has great plans for you! "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you" (Jeremiah 29:11).

And He has provided you with full armor!

Stay tuned!


Lesson 2
Our Spiritual Armor

A Well Dressed Christian

"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God!!!" (2 Cor 10:3,4)

Since our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with Satan and all his hosts of demons, we must use spiritual weapons. Paul used the armor worn by a Roman soldier to teach us about militant victory in the Lord. (Read Ephesians 6:11-18.) Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God and prayer become power -- missiles in the heart of the believer.

Actually, the Christian's armor is called the "Armor of God." It is not only the armor that belongs to God, but it is being armed with God Himself! We become "clothed" with God insomuch that, with this Armor totally in place,the enemy won't know whether he faces the believer or God Himself working as a Shield of Armor!

Paul called it the "armor of Light." Romans 13:12 says, "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." And 1 John 1:5 says, "We know that God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all!"

Paul also called our armor the "Armor of Righteousness" in 2 Cor 6:7. "By the Word of Truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left." And 1 Cor 10:30 says, "And we know that Jesus Christ, alone, is our Righteousness."

Our weapons are defensive and offensive. Let's take a look at some of this awesome armor!

Ephesians 6:11-18 AMP

11 Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.13 Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the gospel of peace.[Isa. 52:7].16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

The Belt Of Truth holds the armor in place. All must be done in Truth. Satan is the father of lies. He stands in contrast to our God who cannot lie. (John 8:44, Titus 1:2)

The Breastplate of Righteousness protects our heart and vital organs. It is only as we walk in Christ as our Righteousness and abandon our sins that we can have this protection in battle.

Our feet are fitted with the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace. These shoes are not ordinary flipflops. These shoes were studded thickly with heavy nails. This served two purposes -- No.1 - Our feet can stand firm in battle and No. 2 - You can give the devil a good kick in the hiny as he frantically and fearfully runs from the Christian outfitted with these shoes of the Gospel Peace!

The Shield of Faith extinguishes all the flaming missiles of the evil one. Faith comes by knowing God, His nature, His character, as is revealed in the Word of God. Faith doesn't look at what it sees with the natural eyes, but what it knows in the inner man! That's why it's such an impenetrable armor! Faith keeps your eyes off circumstances and onto the victory that Jesus has already decreed for the Church!

The Helmet of Salvation protects and covers the head and brain, as well as the ears and the eyes. God has made provision in this battle for the attacks against your mind, things that you hear, and even the eyes of your understanding. Confusion is not of God and is a tool of the enemy in time of battle. You can render attacks ineffective by securely covering these areas with the helmet of salvation! Salvation is total deliverance!

Our weapons of offense are the Word Of God and Prayer!

We have a Sword, the Word of God. It is the Spirit's sword! As we use the Word in battle, we are yielding to the Spirit His own chosen, forged instrument so that He can truly fight our battles for us! If you don't open up your mouth and start speaking the Word of God in the midst of your battle, you will remain oppressed, defeated, and bound. Give the Holy Ghost something to powerfully wield against the attacking forces. Your enemies are in the realm of the spirit and the spirit realm responds by commands of the Spirit!

God's Word is spirit! John 6:63 makes that clear when Jesus says, "The words I speak unto you, they are spirit!!! And they are life!!!!" The Word has been given to work in the Spirit realm so victory can be released in the natural realm. The Word of God becomes effective when released by faith. Start speaking His Spirit Words of Life.

Communication With God

Prayer is communication with God, and it is vital in spiritual warfare. Matthew 17:21 says, "This kind [demon] goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." It demonstrates how prayer plays a key role in exercising authority over enemy spirits.

Prayer is vital to victory. God speaks to His people through prayer. Prayer is the vehicle and faith is the fuel. Prayer is vital to our battle plans. Mark 11:24 says, "Whatever you ask for, in prayer, believing, you will receive it."

Strength and strategy come through prayer. God's mind and methods can be communicated in the strategy room of the secret place of prayer. In addition, we have been given the Conquering Name of Jesus, and the overcoming blood of Jesus. The name of Jesus and the blood of Jesus are effective artillery. Remember, Jesus said, "In My name shall they cast out devils...." (Mark 16:17), and Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb!"


Lesson 3
Special Forces

Here and now, in this life, this is war! There are terms in the Bible that are for the here and now. Terms such as warfare, weapons, and armor are not for heaven, they are for earth. Spiritual forces are in this world and we are here among the artillery fire. We are strategic targets because we represent the walking "will of God" effective in the earth.

The Word of God gives us ultimate "fire power" to effectively combat Satanic maneuvers. Sometimes in the middle of the conflict, we must bring in the special forces! These are intensity points that the Holy Spirit uses to give extra strength and to expedite victory.

A Conquering Spirit

Romans 8:37 says, "In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Of all the important characteristics of the Christian soldier, strength and courage are paramount in this warfare.

How do you get it? You get it from the Spirit of God who is a conquering Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of the conqueror! God will equip His soldiers with the inward fortitude to stand and to endure in every battle.

We have been given the mind of Christ.

Do you remember the words of Joshua chapter one? God told Joshua, "Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Three times in one chapter we are commanded to have strength and courage.

You are responsible for your own mental attitude in this battle. Part of the discipline required to excel in the army of the Lord is outfitting yourself with an effective mental fortitude. We are commanded to renew our minds. We do this through constant use of the Spirit's sword of battle -- the Word Of God!

Battles are won and lost in the mind.

Golgotha, the scene of the ultimate conflict, was also called the place of the skull. Remember, we are commanded to "gird up the loins of our mind" (1 Peter 1:13).

Casualties of this war will surmount if you don't take advantage of the Spirit's sword. Once while involved in a horrific defense against the enemy, I cried out to God, "Lord, I am tormented in my mind at the words Satan is hurling against me." Immediately the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me: "If Satan is tormenting you with his words, start tormenting him with My words!" Instantly, I was energized in the midst of the battle. The Holy Ghost at once began to wield the sword of the Word and ultimately the victory was realized.

The Word of God will give us the spirit of the conqueror!

Peace In The Midst Of Terror

"And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God" (Phil 1:28).

All fear must go. Jesus did not give you that spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear..."

TERROR AND THE IMAGINATION

"Casting down imaginations..." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

The might of terror is magnified by one's imagination. Your mind begins to play out scenarios in battle of your defeat. You begin to be afraid of what tomorrow will hold. Fear has torment. (See 1 John 4:18) Call fear for what it is and begin to battle against this spirit and cast down your imaginations by the weapons of our warfare. You will never conquer if you have fear. It must go in Jesus' name!

WHEN TERROR LEAVES AND PEACE COMES

"And in nothing terrified..."

There is a point in warfare when peace that passes understanding comes to flood your heart and mind, even in the midst of destructive, combative warfare.

This will be a sign and a token to you that your enemies are about to come face to face with downfall. Remember, your opponents are not flesh and blood, but spiritual forces. However, they often work through yielded vessels who become victims of Satan in battle. Remember, Satan is vicious and cruel. He has no friends and knows no loyalty. Even those he uses against you, he destroys.

When you reach the victory point of knowing that the Lord is standing by you, giving you the strength in battle to go through the pain, to withstand the rejection, to endure the betrayal, then the situation begins to yield to the peace of God that passes human comprehension. What was once an impregnable force, must yield to God's peace. Why is peace such an important part of a winning strategy? It's because peace comes from our confidence in knowing Who our God is! Peace is born out of confidence. Reliance upon Him to manifest His victory is terrifying to the enemy. When the peace of God comes, we are focused upon our Victor, not our battle!

In the midst of your battle, build your confidence in the advance of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God!

God has already told you that the shoes of peace are a vital part of your armor. Put them on! They will carry you, they will transport you into victory! "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace!" (Ephesians 6:15)

God's peace has keeping power for our minds during the battles. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). "And the God of peace shall be with you" (Philippians 4:9). "And let the peace of God rule" (Colossians 3:15). "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

Fasting

The first mention of fasting in the Bible was just before a time of battle. (Judges 20) Fasting is part of God's special forces before, during and after battle. Some demonic forces, such as the evils of unbelief and doubt, can't be broken without the combined forces of prayer and fasting. Jesus explained this when He said in Matthew 17:21, "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

Fasting crucifies the flesh so that we may become intense in our ability to commune with God. Old patterns and habits can be broken through fasting. Appetites and lusts of the flesh are reckoned with through the special force of prayer.

Praise

Take the stick of Judah and beat the devil to death!!!!

Ezek. 37:15-28

15 Again a message came to me from the Lord:16 "Son of man, take a stick and carve on it these words: `this stick represents Judah and its allied tribes.' Then take another stick and carve these words on it: `this stick represents the northern tribes of Israel.' 17 Now hold them together in your hand as one stick. 18 When your people ask you what your actions mean, 19 say to them, `this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will take the northern tribes and join them to Judah. I will make them one stick in my hand.' 20 Then hold out the sticks you have inscribed, so the people can see them. 21 And give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: I will gather the people of Israel from among the nations. I will bring them home to their own land from the places where they have been scattered. 22 I will unify them into one nation in the land. One king will rule them all; no longer will they be divided into two nations. 23 They will stop polluting themselves with their detestable idols and other sins, for I will save them from their sinful backsliding. I will cleanse them. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God. 24 "My servant David will be their king, and they will have only one shepherd. They will obey my regulations and keep my laws. 25 They will live in the land of Israel where their ancestors lived, the land I gave my servant Jacob. They and their children and their grandchildren after them will live there forever, generation after generation. And my servant David will be their prince forever. 26 And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give them their land and multiply them, and I will put my temple among them forever. 27 I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 28 And since my temple will remain among them forever, the nations will know that I, the Lord, have set Israel apart for myself to be holy."

Leah is the first one to introduce praise in the Word of God. In Genesis 39:25, "She brought forth her fourth son and named him Judah, for she said, 'Now will I praise the Lord!' "

Judah means praise. It was Judah who came between the situation with Joseph so that his life was spared. (Genesis 37:26) Praise will keep you from the devil's destruction. It's a weapon. Judah will defeat its enemies (Genesis 49:8).

Are you surrounded by an impossible situation? Judah will get you through. Are you in a prison? Are you in bondage? At midnight Paul and Silas sang praises to God and the shackles fell off! (Acts 16:25, 26)

Praise will silence the enemy! Psalms 8:2 says, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." Psalm 138:1 says to "praise Him in the midst of demons!" David said, "Before the gods, will I sing praise" (Psalms 138:1). Why? Because such front-line warfare strategies will bring victory!

The time to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness is come! There's such a spirit of heaviness released against the Body of Christ. The effective strategy against this particular spirit is the garment of praise! Isaiah 61:3 tells us God will "give unto them the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."


Lesson 4
Disarming Satanic Power

Stripping The Satanic Armor

In Luke 11:20-22, Jesus said, "But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed, keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils."

There are scriptural keys to disarming Satanic power. Years ago, in a dream, the Holy Spirit revealed to me this truth -- If you can call the demon spirit by name, you weaken its power. For instance, in the Scriptures certain strongholds are called by name and others are clearly identified.

Satan moves against us through strongholds (fortresses set up in our lives), imaginations, and thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought."

Some of these strongholds, are easily identifiable. Others, require scriptural testing and trying of the spirit.

Discern The Spirit

The supernatural gift of discerning of spirits is given by the Holy Spirit. It enables the believer to determine, not only demonic spirits, but angel spirits, human spirits, and the Spirit of God as well. We need an understanding of the spiritual realm to properly and effectively wage an overcoming war. "Beloved believe not every spirit, but try the spirits..." (1 John 4:1,2). "Whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him" (Ecc 10:8).

We must keep our lives shielded through the blood of Jesus Christ. We have protection through the Word, the Name of Jesus and the Blood of Jesus against all the power of the enemy. Jesus said, "Behold I give unto you power over all the power of the enemy and NOTHING shall by any means harm you" (Luke 10:19).

Demonic Strongholds

Let's look at some of these areas of strongholds and entering in of demonic fortresses.

  1. spirit of divination - Acts 16:16 (This spirit is called PYTON in the Greek.)
  2. familiar spirit - Leviticus 20:27
  3. lying spirit - 2 Chronicles 18:20-22
  4. perverse spirit - Isaiah 19:14
  5. haughty spirit - Proverbs 16:18
  6. spirit of heaviness - Isaiah 61:3
  7. spirit of whoredoms - Hosea 4:12
  8. spirit of infirmity - Luke 13:11-13
  9. deaf and dumb spirit - Mark 9:17-29
  10. spirit of bondage - Romans 8:15
  11. spirit of fear - 2 Timothy 1:7
  12. seducing spirits - 1 Timothy 4:1
  13. spirit of antiChrist - 1 John 4:3
  14. spirit of error - 1 John 4:6

As you can see from the Scripture, many other related demonic spirits join themselves to these and others to form the bastion of satanic power in one's life. Apollyon, religion, Jezebel, seducing spirits, doctrines of devils, and others have their roots in one or more of the stronghold spirits mentioned previously.

A doctor can treat a disease if he knows what it is. Likewise, we can effectively battle when we understand the enemy that we are facing.

Early in my ministry I encountered demonic attack. I wrestled spiritual powers for my very life. I was attacked by a python-like spirit that almost took my life from me. Let's take a look at some principles from this one particular stronghold. (Remember, if you can identify a spirit, you weaken its power.)

When Little Python Grows Up

Paul was an apostle well experienced in spiritual warfare. Anyone in pursuit of his destiny will encounter various levels of spiritual battle. What did your battle feel like? What did it look like? What were the aftereffects of the war?

Remember that a battlefield is a place that effects change. Things are shifted. Landscapes are altered. Reformation takes place and modifications are sometimes made.

Paul encountered a spirit of divination in Acts 16:16. This spirit is translated as the "spirit of python."

Let's take a look at some principles of this subtle spirit.

  1. PYTHONS ARE NOT SO DANGEROUS WHEN THEY ARE SMALL.

    Actually, pythons are nonpoisonous and are often pets. Just because you have discerned a "little" spirit at work, doesn't mean it won't grow up. Never think that any demonic spirit can ever be your "pet."

    Jesus said, "The prince of this world cometh and hath NOTHING in me." Be aware that just as God plants seeds and not trees, even so the enemy plants "little" foxes to spoil the vines of ministry. Be aware that spiritual skirmishes can turn into full-scale spiritual battlefields.

    A little python can become a big python. Don't ever trust a "snake" in your ministry, even if it's a small one. In Gen. 19:20 we read, "...And Lot said, '....is it not a little one?' " And Leviticus 11:17 discerns between varying levels of spiritual power when it says, "....the little owl and the great owl."

  2. PYTHON'S POWER IS IN ITS ABILITY TO CONSTRICT.

    Constrict means to squeeze, to limit, to tighten, to apply pressure. Do you sense this happening in your life or ministry? Are you being "squeezed" by a spirit? Has the enemy tried to "limit" your ability to progress in your vision? Is something or someone being used who is "applying pressure"?

    The only press we should feel is forward progression by the Spirit of God. Never should we be "pressured" by the enemy to make a wrong move. Don't let this python spirit gain strength.

    The Delilah-like spirit is one that always presses a Samson-like minister. "And it came to pass when she pressed him daily..." (Judges 16:16).

  3. PYTHONS SUFFOCATE AND CRUSH THEIR VICTIMS.

    Spiritual asphyxiation occurs when a python grows and has the strength to overcome its victims. With their strength, pythons are able to not only suffocate, but to crush, even to death.

    Are you being overwhelmed by this spirit? Is your ministry or walk with God under such an intense attack that you sense the "breath of God" is being snuffed out of your life? Are you in a time of spiritual crushing, brought about by the spirit of python?

    Satan is clearly referred to as a dragon that has the power to take one's breath. (Rev. 12) And Jeremiah 14:6 paints a clear picture of what we are discussing. It says, "They snuffed up the wind like dragons."

    The wind of the Spirit is blowing in the Body of Christ. Just as on the day of Pentecost, a rushing wind is filling the Church. This wind will bring cleansing and refreshing. No wonder this spirit of python is set on destruction against the leadership.

    This spirit must be defeated and victory must be declared! Recognize it. Don't pet it. Don't feed it. Don't let it grow. Get it out!

Victory Over All The Power Of The Enemy

We are overthrowing and overcoming. Paul said it plainly -- "Fight, wrestle, war!!" We are told in the book of James to "resist!"

Regardless of the conflict you are facing, God is greater! Don't let wrong focus take your eyes from the Power of God. The weapons of our warfare are mighty through God!

We have put the devil's picture on a poster in the post office and he is caught! We have identified him, disarmed him, and humiliated him, and reminded him of the victory that Jesus Christ has obtained for the believer. Now, let's move forward in the triumph, so that we can accomplish the mission that our Commander has given! We are not waving flags of surrender to the powers of darkness, but rather overcomers and more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

To God be the glory!

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