The Invisible War: Spiritual Warfare 101
Thesis: Every believer needs to know that there is an invisible war raging around you each day and night. The Bible says it’s a spiritual war between good = God and His army and Evil = Satan and his demons.
Quote: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils (demons). One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. C. S. Lewis
Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:10-12:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Note: This sermon is inspired, quoted and gleamed from Ingram, Chip. The Invisible War Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Case In point from Scripture revealing the Invisible war: 2 Kings 6:8–23: The story of Elisha, prophet of the Lord and the invisible war!
Elisha Traps Blinded Arameans
8Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”
9The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.”
10So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
Point to note: Elisha who is in tune with the Lord knows through the power of the Holy Spirit what the King and his army is planning and warns the king of Israel and defeat their ambushes.
11This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Will you not tell me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
12“None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
13“Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.”
The king of Aram enraged figuring they have a spy discovers it’s not a spy, but a prophet of God named Elisha who keeps informing the king of Israel of their plans! So, he sends an army out to capture him so he can fulfill his plan to defeat Israel’s King and steal, kill and destroy them.
14Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
15When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked.
Elisha’s servant wakes up in the morning to discover them surrounded by these enemy soldiers. But Elisha seems unshaken by the whole event. The reason he knows who he is in the Lord and who is on his side!
16“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
17And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Elisha has learned to see into the spiritual realm by having a deep connection with the Lord. Whereas his servant does not have this spiritual depth– so Elisha asks the Lord to open his eyes – The Lord does open his eyes and he sees, the fiery host of spiritual soldiers on their side. By the way this army outnumber the enemy forces! I have a prayer this month for each of you listening to this message “I pray the Lord would open your eyes into the Invisible realm of spiritual warfare and you would see things you never saw before to build your faith and boldness in Jesus.”
18As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Strike these people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.
19Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria.
20After they entered the city, Elisha said, “LORD, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria.
21When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?”
22“Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill men you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.”
23So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So, the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.
Notice Elisha’s insight into the spiritual realm stopped the attacks of the Aram king and his army!
Chip’ take on the Invisible War:
The “basic truth number one” ...there is an invisible world that is just as real as the visible world (Eph. 6:12). The Bible doesn’t inform us of this invisible world in passing references or isolated verses here and there. The witness is resounding and pervasive (Throughout the Bible and Church History). If the spiritual world of angels and demons is not reality, neither is the Bible. The context of the invisible world in Scripture is just that emphatic. It can’t be rationalized out of the Word.” Ingram, Chip. The Invisible War (pp. 32-33). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Out story from the life and times of Elijah confer there is an invisible spiritual world around us – we may not literally see this world but it is there – many times we can see the impact of it or destruction of it – like we do with Severe high winds – yes, we cannot see the wind but we see what it impacts – when it gets severe it rips trees up, destroys’’ houses and devastates community’s.
Introduction:
The month of October which centers around harvest time, pumpkins, apples, cornstalks and fall which are great to celebrate also host’s Halloween – please note this is not a Christian Holiday by the way! It’s Satan’s high holy day to be sacrificed to and worshipped!
In the month of October and even more so in recent years the “Invisible War or Spiritual War” is between demonic powers and heavenly powers and October highlights this battle – I think this war has become more visible over the last 10 years. Just look at some people’s yards, talk shows, advertising, the horror movies, the TV shows, check out the internet and many other media venues – you will notice they are consistently more promoting the dark side as good and fun. But evil things, horror-based plots, causing fear filled stuff is not Christian based or Biblical. By the way this evil promotion of the demonic side is always in opposition to the good side or God side of life.
I have been in the ministry for about 40 years, and I have noticed a pattern happening whenever we move into the month of October – there is more spiritual warfare, more bizarre things that happen in the church and society. I see a heightened sense of evil in the world this time of year. I sense the assault of evil on the church increase and on Christianity too – I sense the spiritual attacks even on this ministry!
During my ministry – I have encountered witches and warlocks - I know some of you are like raising an eyebrow but it’s true. I recall one time when a satanist witch, placed a curse on a work project I was doing. I have dealt with demon possessed people like Jesus did. Yes, I have heard demons talk to me and manifest in front of me. I once was even praying for a woman to be set free from demonic possession, in the middle of praying for her we had a bat fly out of nowhere and start swooping at our heads. I have dealt with Satanist and Cultist who even tried to come to church to cause problems and issues in a church and or service. In a few cases I have had Satanist seek to curse and cast a spell on the ministry I was involved in.
So, I have seen parts of this “Invisible War” manifested in my own time of ministry – but today our society has drifted so far from Biblical morals and values I see more manifestations of evil than I have ever in my 40 plus years of ministry. But I get amazed at how many cannot see the evil because of the deception they are under. By the way I mean Christians and even some other Christian leaders!
So, I thought it was fitting – crucial – since we are striking the ground for revival to teach on spiritual warfare! The truth is “The Invisible War” is a spiritual war raging right in front of you every day – whether you see it or not – I think it is raging like never before! I also thought that the month of October was the perfect time to address this Biblical subject and open your spiritual eyes to this spiritual war.
You may ask again why are you addressing this subject Pastor Mike? You may be thinking, “Pastor why can’t you preach on love, be motivational, be funny, do positive messages which are not scary or frightening.” Here is my answer: “Because I want you to know how to do war with demonic spiritual forces which are attacking you, your church, your schools, your communities, your state, your country and most importantly your family. You need to know how to defend and attack the enemy who is fighting to destroy you as a Christian. You need to become Satan’s worst nightmare of light!”
• 1. The Spiritual War raging this October and Halloween (Note: It praises and worships Satan and evil) – which is the opposite of Hallelujah (Which praises and worships God).
a. This invisible spiritual war of October is in direct connection to the celebration of Halloween!
i. Halloween – means “All Hallows Evening” which is connected to a Celtic Pagan celebration called Samhain, (Celtic: “End of Summer”) also spelled Samain, in ancient Celtic religion, one of the most important and sinister calendar festivals of the year.
1. This entity which was worshipped and sacrificed too was said to be a horned god as pictures from the time reveal.
ii. At Samhain, held on November 1, the world of the gods was believed to be made visible to humankind, and the gods played many tricks on their mortal worshippers; it was a time fraught with danger, charged with fear, and full of supernatural episodes. Sacrifices and propitiations of every kind were thought to be vital, for without them the Celts believed they could not prevail over the perils of the season or counteract the activities of the deities. Samhain was an important precursor to Halloween.
1. This from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Samhain.
b. The Puritans who were part of founding America rejected any connection with celebrating “Halloween” – they celebrated the Harvest with the connection to - Thanksgiving – and praising and thanking God for the harvest but they rejected anything associated with demons, doing any sacrifice to demonic powers, or have anything to do with connecting with the dead spirits (or Ghosts). In their view and in the view of the Bible associating with anything rooted in demonism and witchcraft was a sin against God. The holiday did eventually migrate to America with the immigration of many Irish and Scottish people to America.
c. I came across a warning from a former Satanist High General: John Ramirez
i. He was asked the question: Should Christians celebrate Halloween? The article noted, “Opinions differ between Christian leaders, lay people and church members. According to a CBN News Facebook poll, 87% of believers feel that Christians should not celebrate Halloween, while 13% believe it's okay. Former Satanist John Ramirez recently joined Charlene Aaron on CBN News' Prayer Link to talk about Christians and Halloween. "I was a general to the kingdom of darkness in witchcraft," Ramirez said. "I would sit with the Devil and talk to him like I'm talking to you today. It was that kind of communication. It was that kind of relationship." Ramirez, now a pastor, knows all about the dark reality of Halloween. He once sacrificed animals as part of satanic rituals and his friends even knew him as "Lucifer's son."
1. The article even notes: What Anton LaVey said about Halloween, the late founder of the Church of Satan, once said “He took joy in believers taking part in the tradition. I am glad that Christian parents let their children worship the devil at least one night out of the year," he said. "Welcome to Halloween. Article and information from https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2017/october/former-satanist-warns-christians-about-celebrating-halloween
ii. Ramirez who is now a “Born Again” believer and pastor, strongly warns Christians against celebrating Halloween! Ramirez warns Halloween isn't just about costumes and candy – there's a much darker spiritual reality which is connected to the worship and sacrifice to Satan on his High Holy Day. This day is marked with animal sacrifices to Satan and even some say human sacrifices. The warning is that Halloween is direct opposition to the teaching of Scripture and promotes a demonic fear, evil which cripples and attacks people’s spirits and souls. He notes, “This is not child’s play this is spiritual warfare at its core and very dangerous!”
d. Listen to what Paul says about this is Ephesians 5:3-13: 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
e. Share your story of when I first realized that there is an Invisible War being waged in the spiritual realm for people's souls!
i. Story: The Witches Houses – House 1 and House 2 when working for Urban Coalition!
ii. Story: The demon possessed girls who came into Outreach looking for food.
• 2. The Invisible War in the spiritual realm!
a. Summary of Introduction to Chip Ingraham “Invisible War” book: Chip states this about our 3 key verses above in Ephesians 6:10-12 and the Invisible War we are all entrenched in (whether we believe it not) – He states, “Spiritual Warfare 101 — cover Paul’s general command in v. 10, his specific command in v. 11, and the reason he gives these in v. 12 for both commands.”
i. The General Command — “Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might” (v. 10)
ii. The Specific Command — “Put on the full armor of God” (v. 11)
iii. The Reason for the Commands — “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (v. 12)
1. From Ingram, Chip. The Invisible War (p. 17). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
b. Today is October 2, 2022 – The month of October as we have established is famous for Halloween - “Satan’s” High Holy Day.
i. Let me re-emphasize in my 40 years of ministry experience this month always comes with a higher level of spiritual warfare than many others.
1. It’s been a pattern for many years!
ii. Remember - Halloween's theme is all fear based and promotes the power of evil -- Halloween's fear-based shows, and horror-based movies, have infiltrated our society.
1. Have you been seeing the previews of shows and movies coming?
iii. We need to understand fear in these designed scenarios are a destructive force impacting millions of lives – especially young people. It can cause one to lose their perspective in life and to even lose hope. It will cause you to be in traumatic fear! This evil force of fear has caused many destroyed lives throughout the history of time – more than you could ever imagine. It causes physical, emotional and spiritual illness and destroys lives. It has at times caused people to lose their faith in God. It attributes more power to the element feared “The Evil” than to God himself.
iv. Scriptures says this about evil’s casting of fear:
1. I John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
2. II Cor. 6:15-17: “What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." "Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."
3. I Peter 5:8-9 warns us: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
4. John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
a. This Jesus own words by the way!
c. A survey from a few years back by Ron Ritchie asked a question, "Do you believe in the devil, in demons, and demon possession? According to a Gallup Poll taken among 1,236 adults and reported a while ago in local papers more than ½ the people polled believed in the devil (or 55%, with 8% not sure and 37% don't believe the evil one exists). One in ten claim- to have talked to the devil. Some 49% believe that people are at times possessed by the devil, and 22% are not sure, leaving 35% of the population who do not believe in demonic possession."
i. I am not sure what a current poll would reveal today!
ii. But we can say with accuracy from the Bible that Jesus, Peter, Paul, the disciples and even Legion (The demon possessed man in Mark 5:1-20) all believed in demons and Jesus always dealt with them.
iii. Mark 5:1-20: The Healing of a Demon–possessed Man
1. 1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me!” 8For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” 9Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon–possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon–possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
a. I challenge you if you are one of the ones that do not believe in the demonic realm to just look around you this month – observe all the yards, cartoons, movies, Tv shows coming your way this month. Read the papers and note what’s on the internet!
b. Phillips states, "Most of us are all cognizant of the fact that fear plays a leading role in television and theater productions. People want to be, 'scared to death', and are usually not knowledgeable, or don't care about the ill effects that fear, whether in reality or in "fun", has on our health and general well being."
d. I believe that the Invisible War is actually becoming more visible in light of how dark our society has drifted away from Truth and Scripture. So as a believer do you understand how to wage war in this spiritual battle ground of today?
• 3. Spiritual warfare 101 from Ephesians 6: 10-12 “What every believer needs to know about Spiritual Warfare and the Invisible War.”
a. The General Command: “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might!”
i. Chip states, “People who suddenly find out that they are in the midst of a cosmic conflict (Of Good and Evil) often have one of two extreme reactions: fight or flight.”
1. Ingram, Chip. The Invisible War (p. 26). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
2. Question: Be honest do you fight or runaway when confronted with spiritual warfare?
a. My desire is that you fight them and not runaway by the way!
ii. A person who knows who they are in Christ – in other words they understand their identity in Christ will usually stay and fight. But a person who does not know who they are in Christ will run away from the fight. They may even deny there is a fight or battle raging!
1. Those who fight know their identity in Christ and know where their strength comes from to fight against this evil.
2. Those who flee know they lack the power to fight, and they know they are inadequate to deal with this evil power.
3. This why Paul says “Be strong on the Lord” he does not say – be slightly connected to God – or have a knowledge of him but be strong in the Lord and rooted in a relationship with Him!
iii. Chip states this about our General Command: “If I were to paraphrase this verse, it would look something like this: “Allow yourselves to be continually strengthened by the power already available to you in your new position and relationship with Christ.”
1. “And if we were to dig into the meaning of power, we would find that it is the Greek word from which we get dynamite. This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and now dwells in us. That may take a while to sink in, but it needs to. That’s the basis for winning this battle.”
a. Ingram, Chip. The Invisible War (pp. 26-27). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
iv. Do you know who you are in Christ as a believer? Do you know where your strength comes to stand up against evil forces?
1. It comes from a strong connected relationship with the Lord and the Holy Spirit!
b. The Specific Command: “Put on the full armor of God” (v. 11)
i. Chip states, “The second command tells us how to fulfill the first one. It is a specific command. We are to put on the full armor of God for the purpose of standing firm—or literally, holding our ground. How? By continually and repeatedly putting on the spiritual protection God has given us.”
ii. Chip adds: “This lifestyle of putting on the armor implies consistent and multiple efforts.”
1. We have too, put it on every day!
a. This is a must – you put clothes on everyday right – you also need to put your armor for spiritual warfare on everyday too.
b. I was praying Tuesday night in our prayer meeting – and this thought struck my mind - Paul is writing this letter from prison with a Roman Guard standing right next to him as he writes!
i. The Roman soldier had to get up every morning and put on their armor! It was mandatory as a soldier in the Roman army!
ii. They were required to do this because they never knew when the fight would come to them, so they had to be ready for a fight – everyday!
iii. Ingram notes, “How do you allow yourself to be strong in the Lord? By continually and repeatedly putting on the spiritual protection God has provided for you at specific points in time, for the express purpose of holding on to your position in Christ as you are bombarded by satanic strategies designed to destroy you or render you ineffective in kingdom pursuits.
1. Ingram, Chip. The Invisible War (p. 17). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
iv. So let me challenge you to put on God’s armor everyday so you are ready for the spiritual fight!
c. The Reason for the Commands Paul gives: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood”
i. Chip states, “The real issue, he says, is behind the scenes. They are in an intense, to-the-death wrestling match with supernatural, evil beings. That’s what his word struggle really means. It’s a hand-to-hand combat practiced in ancient Greece in which two people would fight until one could hold the other person down.”
1. Ingram, Chip. The Invisible War (p. 28). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
ii. The Bible highlights stories unveiling the Invisible War in many places I have shared a few with you to help you see the struggle and the war: But let me highlight another one:
1. The story of Daniel in Daniel10: An angel reveals to Daniel the battle he has been waging.
a. Daniel 10: Daniel’s Vision of a Man : In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. 2At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. 4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. 6His body was like chrysolite, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. 7I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. 8So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. 9Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. 10A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. 12Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” 15While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless. 16Then one who looked like a man£ touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I am helpless. 17How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.” 18Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. 19“Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.” 20So he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; 21but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.
i. Important point: The story reveals how God heard Daniel’s prayer’s but war was being waged in the spiritual realm for the breakthrough!
ii. We need to pray and even fast to get victory in the spiritual war – seriously!
b. We need the armor Ephesians 6: 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
d. The Bible's speaks to us to be ready to battle evil – fight against it – but it also has many warnings on making sure we avoid playing or doing anything with evil.
i. The Word of God states.
1. Deut. 18: 10-13: Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,(Deut. 18:10 NIV) or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. (Deut. 18:11 NIV) Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. (Deut. 18:12 NIV) You must be blameless before the LORD your God. (Deut. 18:13 NIV)
a. In this spiritual war we are to having nothing to do with evil.
2. Gal. 5: 19-21: The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
a. Once again, this Scripture warns us to avoid evil – we are to have nothing to do with evil things or practices.
b. Witchcraft and Satanism is not child’s play! So don't play with evil it will burn you and there is nothing good about it.
e. Christian’s should not want to try and or attempt to give any scriptural or even logical reason for participation in, or approval of, that which is unmistakably associated with paganism, devil-worship, and Satanism because these are all condemned in Scripture?
i. I Thess. 5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
ii. I Cor. 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
iii. So put on the armor of God and don’t play with or participate in anything evil.
Conclusion:
What do we need to know/do from this message?
Answer:
Chip states, “Your first responsibility is to be aware of the battle, your second responsibility is to depend on God’s strength, and your third responsibility is to use the protection God has provided.” Ingram, Chip. The Invisible War (p. 29). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Question: Do you believe in this Invisible War?
Question: Are you depending on the strength of the Lord to fight in this battle – are you in relationship with the Lord to trust him in a spiritual battle?
Question: Have you put on the full armor of God and chose to have nothing to do with evil?
What You Need to Remember in the middle of spiritual warfare (Chips notes):
• Satan is a defeated foe.
a. “Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out” (John 12:31).
• Jesus destroyed the works of the devil.
a. “[Jesus] canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Col. 2:14–15).
• We are victors in Christ.
a. “‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:55–57).
• We have the power and resources to resist Satan and demonic attacks.
a. “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
• We must learn how to put on the full armor of God to experience in daily living the victory we already possess.
a. “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:13–17).
i. Points from Ingram, Chip. The Invisible War (pp. 22-24). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
In light of this message, we need to participate in Communion today to “Remember” who Jesus is, was and will be and that He is our “Protector”. He has empowered us with the same power that rose Him from the dead to defeat the forces of evil in this world. We need the Holy Spirit when it comes to spiritual warfare! Let’s remember today, His sacrifice on the cross - which made it possible to win in this spiritual war. Yes, Jesus defeated the powers of darkness to set us all free from evil – we need to remember that and thank Him for it.
Communion elements!
Communion – play song Red Rock Worship “Something has to Break!”
