SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Frequently in Jesus ministry He "CAST OUT DEMONS" and He firmly states "HE WHO BELIEVES IN ME WILL DO THE SAME THINGS THAT I DO AND EVEN MORE …" which definitely includes casting out demons. Jesus also tells us "BELIEVERS WILL … DRIVE OUT DEMONS IN MY NAME …". Many believers ignore these scriptures or make up many teachings or opinions to support avoiding the subject of demons. Jesus did not put any qualifiers or restrictions on our authority to drive out demons except to use His name. In response to some of His followers returning from ministry who were excited about using the power of Jesus' name for the first time over demons, Jesus affirmed their experience by stating, "I HAVE GIVEN YOU AUTHORITY, SO THAT YOU CAN … OVERCOME ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY, AND NOTHING WILL HURT YOU". Yet with all these words of support, many Christians will not take authority over demons. Some listen to the devil, who is glad to provide excuses, more than they listen to Jesus. Remember Jesus tells us the devil "IS A LIAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES". 1
How are we influenced or possessed by demons? The word possessed would indicate a lack of control yet even in Jesus' day demons did not have so much control that they could prevent people, from being around or being brought to Jesus. There is no clear pattern or teaching from God or Jesus to say how demons get influence in people's lives but sin can invite demons into a person's life. If sin history involved Satan worship or demonic activities, then the influence is almost a given. Reminder: Satan is from a Hebrew word and devil is from a Greek word and the two words, "the devil, or Satan", are used interchangeably. Rules people make to claim there is no demonic influence, may not be valid. Demonic influence can be in physical illness, mental illness, addictions, fleshly desires, etc. anything that might satisfy Satan's desire to "TO STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY". Having demons tempt you is not something to be embarrassed about. Jesus was led by God's spirit to be tempted and had to use spiritual warfare until He said, "AWAY FROM ME, SATAN! …" 2
God is more powerful than any demon, so we can ask God, in Jesus' name, to reveal to us if we have any need for spiritual warfare. Jesus tells us God will "GIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM!" If there is trouble receiving God's spirit, it may indicate that another spirit (demonic) is present. This can be a good time to take the authority given by Jesus and say "In the Name of Jesus I command every demon in and around me to shut up, leave and not come back". Taking authority over the enemy can do no harm. If in doubt cast it out! If a person experiences difficulty in being free of the enemy, having another person experienced in spiritual warfare or deliverance can help, however even with outside help a person must use spiritual warfare to stay free. Frequently the need may be more for spiritual warfare, as with sinful thoughts or actions we invite demonic interference in our lives or back into our lives. A major daily exercise in spiritual warfare is to pray the prayer Jesus told us to pray daily which includes "LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL". For many it can also be helpful to take authority daily by saying, "In the Name of Jesus I command every demon in and around me to shut up, leave and not come back". If uncertain if the problem is demonic or from one's fleshly desires, spiritual warfare, where we have "AUTHORITY, SO THAT … NOTHING WILL HURT YOU", can also help over our flesh. Authority over everything that can hurt us includes our flesh. If in doubt cast it out! When Jesus said, "ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME" He did not exclude authority over Satan or demons. 3
It can do no harm to use spiritual warfare for love ones and friends but it is better when praying daily the prayer Jesus commanded us to pray including "MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN", to mention their names. Some may want others to be in better physical condition. We may share information about why and how and pray for them but ultimately the person must want to make the effort to be in better physical condition themselves. In the same way we may share information about spiritual warfare, we may pray for them and take spiritual authority over them but ultimately the person must want to be free of demonic influence and use spiritual warfare themselves. Being in God's "WILL", will result in a person using spiritual warfare and resisting temptation. 4
Jesus says, "I AM IN YOU". And then describes the person He is in as one "WHO KNOWS MY COMMANDS AND OBEYS THEM". Having Jesus in us is more than having God's spirit or the "SPIRIT OF TRUTH". Yes, it is good to pray spiritual warfare by praying "LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL"and take authority by saying "In the Name of Jesus I command every demon in and around me to shut up, leave and not come back" daily or more frequently. However when we have Jesus in us, it is continuous protection. When demons were in Jesus presence on earth, fear was noticed in their voices. Jesus in you is continuous protection. 5
1. Lk 13:32; Jn 14:12 (ET); Mk 16:17-18 (GN); Lk 10:19: Jn 8:44 (NI)
2. Rev 20:2; Jn 10:10 (NI)
3. Lk 10:13; Mt 28:18 (NI); Mt 6:13 (KJ)
4. Mt 6:10 (GN)
5. Jn 14:20-21; 14:13 (IC); Mt 8:29; Lk 8:27
note: click here for bible verse and translation abbreviations
A Psalm for reflection "Do not condemn me with the wicked, with those who do evil-- those whose words are friendly, but who have hatred in their hearts." Ps 28:3 (GN)
Understanding the Teaching: What I share in the teaching is what I believe God wants me to share. All the direct quotes from God are highlighted in royal purple. Of course the words of Jesus are in red. Rather than follow some made up doctrine, remember that Jesus said that every thing He said (Jn 12:49) and everything He did (Jn 14:31) comes from God. All teachings and all opinions should be supported by what we learn from God or Jesus (see the scripture referred to in the footnote).
MARRIAGE WORKSHOP MOMENT
As couples are committed to each other, there can be personal dedication and constraint commitment. At first glance, constraint commitment which includes such things as social pressures, financial pressures, concern for the children or partner's welfare, termination procedures, moral factors, poorer alternative quality, etc. may appear to be lousy reasons for staying married but anything that helps you stay together is good, if it results in you working on your marriage. Research has shown that even in a very poor marriage the children usually benefit from their parents staying together. God said in Mal 2:16, "I hate divorce …". Regarding poorer alternative quality, Jesus discourages checking out what else is available when He says, in Mt 5:29 not to look at someone else "lustfully". If thinking that your partner will starve to death if you don't stay married, helps you stay married, I will not discourage you by suggesting anything to the contrary. The important thing as you stay married is to work on your marriage and the best way is to learn how to communicate better and resolve your problems with the skills you will learn in our Marriage Workshop.
The Better Half "When your partner won't support your efforts to make your marriage better" As you recognize that constraint commitment is helping you stay together, make use of that time by praying. Without your spouse's support to improve your marriage, you can still pray daily for God's will to be done in each of your lives and your marriage ("all things are possible with God", Mk 10:27 NI). Also make use of the opportunity of staying together by living in a manner that will improve your marriage like Jesus recommends in Lk 6:31 (TL) "Treat others as you want them to treat you".
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