SPIRITUAL WARFARE
By W. G. Guy
While in prayer the other morning, the Spirit of the Lord impressed on me that spiritual warfare has been very heavy recently, and that it was going to become much more intense soon. The problem we face is that the body of Christ isn’t prepared to deal with it. Why? Very few preachers teach on this topic; many even deny such a spiritual warfare exists. What is spiritual warfare? What did Jesus, the apostles Peter, Paul, and even James, have to say about it?
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Clearly our battles with spiritual wickedness and forces is not in the natural realm, but in the spirit and soul (in the thought) realm.
Ephesians 610-18 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Warfare has two modes, defensive and offensive. In the above scripture the apostle Paul identifies who it is that our warfare is against: Satan and his forces. He also gives us the command to stand firm against the assaults of these spiritual forces. Then he lists the weapons we are to use to defeat the attacks of these spirit forces. Please note that each piece of spiritual armor is an application of the Word of God; this includes the main offensive weapon we are to use against the enemy – THE WORD OF GOD, called the Sword of the Spirit.
Jesus demonstrated the use of the Word of God to defeat the enemy’s attacks and temptations.
Matthew 4:3-11 – And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him,
Thus, the Word of God, and our faith in His Word, is both our defensive armor as well as our offensive weapon. Note that Satan tried to use the Word of God against Jesus, (as he does today against believers to deceive and entrap them), but he has no authority to use it against us as Jesus gave that authority to His followers.
Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
In addition, according to His Word, we are given the use of His name which is all authority and power in heaven and on earth.
Luke 10:17-19 – And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
The use of His name is part of the commission to go into all the world with His gospel and to take the enemy’s territory.
Mark 16:17-18 – And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Much of the church today lacks this divine power because they do not accept what the Word of God teaches us about this spiritual warfare and the power by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
They deny the power as the apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy; which also describes the decline of the effectiveness of the church in these last days.
2 Timothy 3: 1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Note: where do you find “a form of godliness” but in a powerless church. He then says to get out of such a church and have nothing to do with them as they do not preach against sin but allow it; they also deny the power of the working of the Holy Spirit and the power of His name to defeat the enemy.
The apostle Peter also warned about the wiles of the enemy whom we are to resist.
1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Before you attempt to engage the enemy in this spiritual warfare it is vital to obey what James declared in order to walk in the power that God has provided to you.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Jesus taught His disciples the importance of humbling yourself before God and abiding in His presence. It was His answer as to why they could not cast out a certain evil spirit:
Matthew 17:19-21 – Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Jesus said the reason for their failure was due to lack of faith. Their confidence was shaken when they saw that the powerful demon appeared to resist their efforts. The reason is because demons, and those enemy forces, know when you have been in the presence of almighty God, which comes as a result of fasting and prayer. You must know that you are a child of God through the blood of Jesus Christ and that His name is given to you to show forth the love and power of God in this earth. The enemy knows when you are full of the Spirit of God and full of His Word and that you have confidence in Him so your faith is not shaken.
John 14:12-14 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and eater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Too many churches do not believe in the above verse or deny that it is for today. The word ask as used in the above scripture actually means “to make demand on that which is given”: this as when you write a bank check to someone and that person can goes to your bank to make a demand on your account because you gave them your name on that check. Believers have a great account in the heavenly bank to make demand in Jesus’ name to receive from His account for what He has provided.
Matthew 28:19-20 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you
As stated at the beginning of this article, most Christians are not properly equipped to engage in spiritual warfare because the power to do so is not being presented to them in their churches. This spiritual warfare, and the lack of resisting the enemy, has caused the moral decline that is currently being experienced in America and the rest of the world. It is also the cause of the opposition to the gospel that this nation’s government, educational institutions and corporations have created.
What is involved in this spiritual warfare? Bring divine light into areas of spiritual darkness and evil. Casting out demons or removing demonic oppression. Demonic possession is not so much of an issue as is demonic oppression. Demonic oppression is when evil spirits come on a person and entice them to certain desires and behaviors that are contrary to the Word and Will of God. When people submit themselves to such thoughts and temptations, that evil spirit then gains control over that behavior and the person finds that behavior irresistible.
Engaging in spiritual warfare means resisting the fiery darts of the enemy; the temptations and efforts to control certain behaviors, including mental, emotional or physical conditions; not only in ourselves but in others to whom we can minister.
This warfare is dealing with those activities inspired and directed by demons, fallen angels and Satanic forces that oppose the Body of Christ, both corporately, individually and nationally. Such as ideologies that are counter to the Word of God; false religions that hate Jesus and His people; also those involved in witchcraft, sorcery, and who promote abortion, same sex marriage, homosexuality, and wickedness.
This is also the reason that Paul instructed us to pray for those in positions of authority and responsibility because they are very much targeted by the enemy to engage in evil in passing unjust laws and judgments.
2 Timothy 2:1-2 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Another weapon that we are free to employ is the power of the Blood of Jesus which cleanses from all sin and righteousness.
1 John 1:7-9 – but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Note that unrighteousness is anything that is contrary to God, Jesus Christ and His Word: this includes anything that is of and from the devil and his forces of spiritual wickedness. The BLOOD of Jesus cleanses from ALL such things! Therefore, just as the Israelites placed the lamb’s blood on the door posts of their residences at the time of Passover, so we can plead the blood of Jesus over our houses and over our loved ones as protection against spiritual wickedness of the enemy.
Conclusion: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. We need to be able to stand and fight the good fight of faith!
By W. G. Guy
While in prayer the other morning, the Spirit of the Lord impressed on me that spiritual warfare has been very heavy recently, and that it was going to become much more intense soon. The problem we face is that the body of Christ isn’t prepared to deal with it. Why? Very few preachers teach on this topic; many even deny such a spiritual warfare exists. What is spiritual warfare? What did Jesus, the apostles Peter, Paul, and even James, have to say about it?
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Clearly our battles with spiritual wickedness and forces is not in the natural realm, but in the spirit and soul (in the thought) realm.
Ephesians 610-18 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Warfare has two modes, defensive and offensive. In the above scripture the apostle Paul identifies who it is that our warfare is against: Satan and his forces. He also gives us the command to stand firm against the assaults of these spiritual forces. Then he lists the weapons we are to use to defeat the attacks of these spirit forces. Please note that each piece of spiritual armor is an application of the Word of God; this includes the main offensive weapon we are to use against the enemy – THE WORD OF GOD, called the Sword of the Spirit.
Jesus demonstrated the use of the Word of God to defeat the enemy’s attacks and temptations.
Matthew 4:3-11 – And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him,
Thus, the Word of God, and our faith in His Word, is both our defensive armor as well as our offensive weapon. Note that Satan tried to use the Word of God against Jesus, (as he does today against believers to deceive and entrap them), but he has no authority to use it against us as Jesus gave that authority to His followers.
Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
In addition, according to His Word, we are given the use of His name which is all authority and power in heaven and on earth.
Luke 10:17-19 – And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
The use of His name is part of the commission to go into all the world with His gospel and to take the enemy’s territory.
Mark 16:17-18 – And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Much of the church today lacks this divine power because they do not accept what the Word of God teaches us about this spiritual warfare and the power by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
They deny the power as the apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy; which also describes the decline of the effectiveness of the church in these last days.
2 Timothy 3: 1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Note: where do you find “a form of godliness” but in a powerless church. He then says to get out of such a church and have nothing to do with them as they do not preach against sin but allow it; they also deny the power of the working of the Holy Spirit and the power of His name to defeat the enemy.
The apostle Peter also warned about the wiles of the enemy whom we are to resist.
1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Before you attempt to engage the enemy in this spiritual warfare it is vital to obey what James declared in order to walk in the power that God has provided to you.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Jesus taught His disciples the importance of humbling yourself before God and abiding in His presence. It was His answer as to why they could not cast out a certain evil spirit:
Matthew 17:19-21 – Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Jesus said the reason for their failure was due to lack of faith. Their confidence was shaken when they saw that the powerful demon appeared to resist their efforts. The reason is because demons, and those enemy forces, know when you have been in the presence of almighty God, which comes as a result of fasting and prayer. You must know that you are a child of God through the blood of Jesus Christ and that His name is given to you to show forth the love and power of God in this earth. The enemy knows when you are full of the Spirit of God and full of His Word and that you have confidence in Him so your faith is not shaken.
John 14:12-14 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and eater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Too many churches do not believe in the above verse or deny that it is for today. The word ask as used in the above scripture actually means “to make demand on that which is given”: this as when you write a bank check to someone and that person can goes to your bank to make a demand on your account because you gave them your name on that check. Believers have a great account in the heavenly bank to make demand in Jesus’ name to receive from His account for what He has provided.
Matthew 28:19-20 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you
As stated at the beginning of this article, most Christians are not properly equipped to engage in spiritual warfare because the power to do so is not being presented to them in their churches. This spiritual warfare, and the lack of resisting the enemy, has caused the moral decline that is currently being experienced in America and the rest of the world. It is also the cause of the opposition to the gospel that this nation’s government, educational institutions and corporations have created.
What is involved in this spiritual warfare? Bring divine light into areas of spiritual darkness and evil. Casting out demons or removing demonic oppression. Demonic possession is not so much of an issue as is demonic oppression. Demonic oppression is when evil spirits come on a person and entice them to certain desires and behaviors that are contrary to the Word and Will of God. When people submit themselves to such thoughts and temptations, that evil spirit then gains control over that behavior and the person finds that behavior irresistible.
Engaging in spiritual warfare means resisting the fiery darts of the enemy; the temptations and efforts to control certain behaviors, including mental, emotional or physical conditions; not only in ourselves but in others to whom we can minister.
This warfare is dealing with those activities inspired and directed by demons, fallen angels and Satanic forces that oppose the Body of Christ, both corporately, individually and nationally. Such as ideologies that are counter to the Word of God; false religions that hate Jesus and His people; also those involved in witchcraft, sorcery, and who promote abortion, same sex marriage, homosexuality, and wickedness.
This is also the reason that Paul instructed us to pray for those in positions of authority and responsibility because they are very much targeted by the enemy to engage in evil in passing unjust laws and judgments.
2 Timothy 2:1-2 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Another weapon that we are free to employ is the power of the Blood of Jesus which cleanses from all sin and righteousness.
1 John 1:7-9 – but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Note that unrighteousness is anything that is contrary to God, Jesus Christ and His Word: this includes anything that is of and from the devil and his forces of spiritual wickedness. The BLOOD of Jesus cleanses from ALL such things! Therefore, just as the Israelites placed the lamb’s blood on the door posts of their residences at the time of Passover, so we can plead the blood of Jesus over our houses and over our loved ones as protection against spiritual wickedness of the enemy.
Conclusion: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. We need to be able to stand and fight the good fight of faith!
