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Spiritual warfare is a spiritual (non-tangible) battle between opposing forces. The waging of war against an enemy are acts undertaken to destroy the strength of another.
The Webster’s Dictionary definition of warfare:
Military operations between enemies
An activity undertaken by a political unit (as a nation) to weaken or destroy another
Struggle between competing entities
The waging of war against an enemy
In Ephesians 6:12, the Apostle Paul teaches us that we are contending with an enemy. This enemy is an invisible foe. He is our adversary that seeks to oppose God’s plans for us.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”.
Many times believers refer to warfare as a position of attack by satan. There are very few of us who are willing to rest in our position with Christ, our rightful place seated with Christ at God’s right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and wage war against satan. We as followers of Christ must know that in any battle, the Holy Spirit that resides inside of us is greater than that of the world.
When engaged in warfare with the enemy we have to rid ourselves of all ungodly thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that do not align with Jesus’ teachings preserved for us in God’s word.
Our enemy’s military is made up with armed forces. Satan has an army of demons that are equipped with weapons that works against us to defile, destroy, harass, tempt and attempt to enslave mankind.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NIV)
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the word does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary; they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
These weapons that are used are not physical weapons of flesh and blood, but for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds. By using the weapons of warfare, we are able to put an end to the attacks by our adversary which results in a victorious end.
Before we talk about our spiritual weapons of warfare, I want to first expose some of the weapons that are used by satan and his demonic assailants. Satan uses fear, afflictions, rejection, unbelief or doubt, rebellion, pride, shame and lust as weapons against followers of Christ to defile the hearts of believers in effort to prevent us from fulfilling our destinies. Fear has been his greatest instrument of attack used in the battle and a root issue or strongman in the factor. Fear is the enemy of faith. Fear is bondage.
The enemy uses fear as a weapon against the saints of God. Fear disarms and immobilizes the saints to prevent activity. If in fact a child of God is inactive, He or she is also ineffective for use and therefore is sitting dormant and can not wage warfare against the enemy. Fear is also used in aiding the delays of times and seasons. If you are crippled with fear you will not be able to move into the things of God and therefore enabling the enemy to win over your confidence. In Judges 7:1-8 God commanded Gideon to send those who were filled with fear home. They were not able to confront their enemy in fear. Many Christians have experience this fear in several avenues which has allowed the enemy access of possession and control over them. Fear of public speaking- which results in not answering the call of God for that particular purpose, fear of stepping out on faith- which results in standing still and missing God opportunities to be used by Him, fear of failure- which results in missed accomplishments that overcome obstacles, fear of being alone- which results in not waiting on God for the proper mate or settling for less. This will also allow insecurities and lack of confidence to take root.
Satan wants us to live in bondage to the past and even the future, but God wants us to live in the freedom of His love and power in the present. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’”(Rom. 8:15). For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).
God has given us weapons to counter all satanic influence and activity. We have been given authority over the enemy and the ability to oppose his weapons against us. We must be effective in our warfare. So let’s move into what some of our weapons are against the enemy. You may find that God has given you more weapons and even different ones, this is simply what the Holy Spirit led me to use while on the front lines of engaging war against the enemy. I’ve called them my 5 stones to defeat the giant.
Praise- Satan and demons just hate hearing people praise God. Praise releases the presence of God in a way that satan cannot resist. And we know that in His presence there is fullness of joy according to Psalm 16:11. Praise silences the enemy. Psalm 8:2 When the devil comes at you with his weapons of doubt, fear, rejection, you have to lift you voice and praise God anyhow. It’s a difficult thing at times when your soul has been crushed. Or even when you feel as though it’s the end of the world. But when using your weapons of warfare, there is no time for emotionalism. You are in a battle. You have to focus only of truth and that’s the truth of God’s word and what He has already said about your circumstances.
The Word of God- When Jesus was tempted by the enemy in Luke 4:1-13 he overcame the enemy by using the Word of God. One of the reasons why Jesus was so effective in this victory over satan was that He knew what God’s word said. Not only was He is the Word made flesh. I found it very interesting how satan thought he knew what he could say in his attempts of temptations. He also knew God’s word. In fact he knew the Word before the Word became flesh. He even attempted to use God’s Word against Jesus. If you are going to be effective in your spiritual battle you must know the Word of God and know how to use His Word in the proper context. Don’t just be quoting scriptures for any occasion. Know the scriptures to declare for that given circumstances. If satan came to you with thoughts of feeling unworthy and worthless, made you feel as though you was less than the dirt you’ve walked on and tried to tempt your into worldly living in effort to serve him. Don’t start quoting scriptures like. “give and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your lap.” But declare that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, you are a child of the Most High God. You are more than a conqueror, You can do all things through Christ which strengthens you. You are not conformed to this world, but you are transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Amen? When we study and meditate on the Word of God that word becomes alive in us. The Word gives us victory over satan. Know the word to be more effective in spiritual warfare.
Prayer- Proverbs 8:34-35 Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord; Prayer is simply communicating with God. The importance of communicating with God in spiritual warfare is that when you release your concerns God is able to fill you with solutions. He imparts revelation into you that will give you the answers to whatever problem at hand. When communicating with God, He will release wisdom to you so that you will know the proper steps to take in a matter. Proverbs 15:29 states The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. The Lord is a God of justice, He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry when he hears it he will answer you.
The Name of Jesus- Jesus has the name above all names. I found it very effective to just say the name of Jesus. There is so much power in the name Jesus. There is great authority exercised when using the name of Jesus. By using the name of Jesus you are using authority over all that His name represents. What does His name mean to you? Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Ephesians 1:18-25 “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparable great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority , power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Fasting- Fasting when done according to the Word of God is a very powerful weapon to use. “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6 Fasting is a lifestyle for a spirit filled believer. I have applied God’s instructions on fasting to my lifestyle and have seen remarkable results, spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially. When engaged in warfare, fasting will enable you to successfully view God’s plans in any given circumstance. Even if God leads you to just fast for whatever purpose, fasting will pierce through darkness and lift false burdens from your path. I’ve also notice that fasting is a cure for busyness. Often times people become “too busy” for the things of God and are consumed with the cares of the world. Fasting will redirect your focus to a purposeful life with God. It was during a 21 day fast that I was able to purchase my home after trying three years. I didn’t fast to get anything, but while fasting I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to begin the process. While fasting, the Holy Spirit will lead you to make the proper decisions that are in alignment with God’s plans for that season of your life. Meditate on Isaiah 58 when fasting.
It is my prayer that God will continue to bless you and release revelation as you walk with Him on your journey!
by James W. Goll
What is Spirit Empowered Prayer?
A. Letting the Holy Spirit Lead
1. Romans 8:14 states, “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.”
2. Just like in a great waltz or dance, you want another to take the lead and gently nudge you in the direction you are to go. Follow the lead of the Holy Spirit and He will guide you into a power prayer that is strong and effective.
B. Letting the Holy Spirit Empower
In Spirit empowered prayer, as it was on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit will light upon you and give you power that you previously did not know. When you add the Holy Spirit’s power to the force of prayer, it is like getting a booster to your missile or rocket. A burst of energy that is not your own will come upon you or even through you, and your prayers will hit the target!
There are various forms of Spirit Led and Spirit Empowered Prayer. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Praying in the Gifts of Tongues
A. Praying in the Spirit through the Gift of Tongues
While there can be many expressions of Spirit empowered praying, praying with the gift of tongues is one of the foremost ways. The following are some key points concerning this type of prophetic intercession.
1. Praying in the Spirit is your spirit communicating directly with God. It is primarily for use in your devotional prayer life for intercession, praise, and worship.
a. 1 Corinthians 14:2 – “For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.”
b. 1 Corinthians 14:28b – “…let him speak to himself and to God.”
2. Praying in the Spirit is a Perfect Prayer
a. Romans 8:26 – “And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
b. 1 Corinthians 14:14 – “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.”
c. Since you do not always know how or what to pray in a given situation, you can bring the need before the Lord by praying in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit, your Helper, enables you to pray as you ought thereby praying in the Lord’s will.
d. Praying in the Spirit is a means by which the Holy Spirit intercedes through your spirit. This is where we get the term “prayer language.”
3. Praying in the Spirit has Definite Meaning
a. Although you do not understand what you are praying, God does. He who inspired it also comprehends it.
b. 1 Corinthians 14:10 – “There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning.”
4. Praying in the Spirit Edifies the Person Praying
a. As you use this prayer language consistently, you become built up, strengthened, and encouraged. You then have the refreshing ability to continue on in your intercessory warfare task.
b. 1 Corinthians 14:4a – “One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…”
c. Jude 1:20 – “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit.”
5. Praying in the Spirit has the Authority of Heaven Behind It
a. There is no way you could know in the natural when satan and his demonic forces will launch an attack. But the Holy Spirit will prompt you at the strategic, opportune time and keep you on the alert.
b. James 5:16b – “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
c. 1 Corinthians 14:15 – “What is the outcome, then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also; I shall sing with the spirit and I shall sing with the mind also.”
d. Like Paul, you can pray in the spirit and praise and worship Jesus. As you do this, you regain territory from the demonic kingdom in the lives of those for whom you are praying.
e. This perfect prayer and praise weapon is powerful and always on target. Praise and prayer in tongues is God’s secret anti-ballistic missile!
B. Diversities of Tongues
1. 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-7, 27-28:
“Concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal
“Now ye are the Body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”
2. There are Different Types of Tongues
There is more than one kind of tongue. In 1 Corinthians 12:28 (above), the word translated “diversities” is the Greek word genos, which means “kin” or “offspring.” It is a term that is used to refer to a collection of different things belonging to the same group or family. In other words, diversities of tongues are heavenly utterances that are all different from each other, yet all are related to one another by the same Spirit.
3. Examples of Diversities of Tongues
a. Tongues at the filling of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46; Mark 16:17.
b. Tongues for interpretation – 1 Corinthians 12:7-10; Isaiah 28:11.
c. Tongues of edification – Jude 1:20; 1 Corinthians 14:4.
d. Tongues as a sign to the unbeliever – 1 Corinthians 14:22.
e. Tongues of intercession – Romans 8:26. The word groanings in this verse can be translated “inarticulate speech.” It refers to speech that does not originate in the intellect or with the understanding. It is speech that is not related to race of nationality. Inarticulate speech includes, but is not limited to “other tongues.”
f. Tongues of Warfare
There is a place where the Holy Spirit goes on the offensive. He battles through us. Sometimes there is a coupling together of the gift of faith with tongues. A rising within occurs and a push or urge to launch out against the demonic forces happens. Sometimes it is the wedding between discerning of spirits and tongues. You combat or attack the dark force, commanding it to flee.
In these situations, you are operating in a “militant tongue” or “warring with the gift of tongues.” When you pray in this type of tongue, you are attacking the powers of darkness. You are taking authority over the power of satan. You are rebuking the enemy and rejecting his plans for your life by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within you. This is the tongue of intercession engaged in warfare. Deliverance, healing, and liberty can come through the power of warring in the gift of tongues.
Being Tenacious!
A. Never Give Up!
Never Give Up! Passionately pursue God and tenaciously pursue your enemy until you prevail! Love never quits and as intercessors we are called to prevailing prayer motivated by the love of God – not just sporadic praying! Be constant in your prayers. Never Give Up!
B. The Watchmen’s Anointing
In Spirit empowered prayer, an anointing of a watchman can be granted to you. You are watching to see in the Spirit what the enemy is doing and what the Holy Spirit desires to do. You take the keys of the Kingdom and bind up darkness and may see the opposite spirit of the Lord’s presence. Watch! Be alert! Be vigilant! Be on your guard!
C. The Words of Jesus’ Word from Matthew 11:12
“The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force.”
Such will be the Holy Spirit empowered intercessors in a last generation! Will you be among them? Will you volunteer freely?
Let’s Pray: Father, I want to make a difference! I want to take the Kingdom by force. Teach me Spirit empowered and Spirit led prayer. Anoint me with a prayer power that goes beyond my natural mind. Take me further than I have ever been before, for Your Kingdom’s sake.
In Jesus name, Amen and Amen!
by Bill BurnsNovember 16, 2008
The instruction to the Church at this time is to get past unbelief. This is a new era, and we must get over disappointment. There is a prevailing sense of unbelief because of disappointment and unanswered prayer. Things that many of us expected to happen didn’t. This unbelief must be dealt with before we can receive the rain of this season. God wants us to interact on a new level; not just prayer, but spiritual interaction. The invitation is to move to a new spiritual plateau. The Lord will show us the prophetic implications of the times and seasons. Everything we’ve been taught was for the purpose of bringing us to prophetic reality, and the anointing will come to produce that prophetic reality in us.
by Charles Polston
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praise of His people.
5. God will still pour out His blessings upon His people.
6. There will still be God-anointed teaching and preaching.
7. There will still be singing of praise to God.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love His own.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
Today, tomorrow, forever…
God is still in control.
Oh Lord,
I pray that Your eye’s will always be before my own.
That my feet may not stray from the straight and narrow road where You hold and lead me by my hand.
I pray that my heart will always know You wherever You may be.
In words or deeds
In thoughts or feelings
Will I know You, and You only.
In Your name, Jesus I pray
Amen
