You Better Be Skeered 2 Series

A. Fear of Angelic Hosts (v. 10-14)

1. As I mentioned, from these verses on, it is an angel speaks. And yet Daniel was still afraid. This is the most common reaction to angelic beings in the bible. These beings reflect in a powerful way the glory of Christ. And many think that the first part of this chapter is an angel. He tells Daniel not to be afraid, in fact he touched Daniel twice, strengthening him. Then the angel speaks of the “prince of the Kingdom of Persia, who held him up on his journey to Daniel (interestingly enough, it was for the same amount of time that Daniel was fasting). This was not a human prince, but a demon. We get a glimpse of the spiritual battle going on constantly. Territory that is attacked by specific demons, and angels given duties to defend and fight with certain area’s demons, or to protect certain people. And if you can imagine the fear that Daniel expresses of the angel, then imagine the being that could withstand this angel, requiring the help of the archangel Michael. And the implication is that Daniel was somehow caught up in the battle in the spiritual realm aiding in the deliverance of this angel. He says, “I have come b/c of your words.”

2. Heb 1:14, Rom 8:38, Eph 6:12, Col 1:16, 2:15, James 4:7, 1 Pet 5:8-9, 1 John 3:8, 4:4, 2 Cor 10:3-5, 2:11, 2 Tim 2:26, 1 Thess 2:18, Jude 1:9, 2 Kings 6:16, Mark 9:29,

3. Illustration: in the fall of 1984 a group of pastors and leaders from the San Nicolas/Rosario area of Argentina gathered to discuss and pray about spiritual warfare, “the intensification of spiritual conflict may take on dimensions foreign to our somewhat domesticated spirituality? Be on the alert! Let us not be ignorant of any of Satan's devices (neither personal nor cosmic). Let us learn how to "resist him, firm in our faith." And let us never forget the word of Revelation 12:11, "They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” –Piper, Tozer handling warfare in Chicago on his face by the river. “Take the supernatural seriously and realize that we are in a warfare that cannot and should not be domesticated by reinterpreting everything in the biblical worldview so that it fits nicely with secular, naturalistic ways of thinking about the world. Be ready for the extraordinary as well as the ordinary ways that evil spirits work. Don't be presumptuous, as though demons were weak; and don't be anxious, as though they were stronger than Jesus.” Our experiences in Peru, territorial spirit? Lest we be “terrified by our adversaries,” it is well to remember that Satan’s power is not inherent but permitted (Rom. 13:1). It is not unlimited, but controlled (Job 1:12; 2:6). It is not invincible, but broken (Luke 11:21-11). It is not assured of success, but is surely doomed (Rev. 20:2-3). Satan knows well that there is no ultimate victory for him. The pronounced sentence has only been postponed. But he works to hinder and postpone Christ’s final triumph. –Oswald Sanders

4. So what are we to feel and think of these major angelic/demonic battles that are going on, influencing countries, rulers, and peoples? Are their demons that have been assigned by Satan to torment and lead our country stray? Sure. And the battle is going on now. Are there ones assigned to attack you? Are their guardian angels assigned to guard and protect? Sure. Should we be afraid? No. The same kind of fear due to the Lord of Glory is not due to angels/demons. Respect is a better word. Respect that they are there, they are powerful, they are warring against us, wary of their schemes, but not fear. We are apathetic and indifferent to these truths. There is at least the implication that we should be warring in this arena. However, we don’t necessarily see him praying for or against angels. We see him wrestling spiritually because of the war having effects on his people—spiritual lethargy, stopping of the rebuilding work in Jerusalem, attacks there. But we must be involved with the knowledge that this battle is ongoing, and that we are in it. We are to fast and pray and agonize for the advance of the gospel, for revival in our church, for the opening of people’s minds and hearts in our church, city, country, and in Peru. When was the last time that you agonized (not just were concerned, or mentioned it in prayer) over the state of our church? Some of you have never agonized about anything other than a health issue that affects yourself or someone close to you. The church, this church, our church family, the lost world is in dire need of prayer warriors who will agonize in the Spirit and pull down strongholds, and aid in the battle against spiritual wickedness in high places. Are you willing to enter the battle? It may cost you more than time, but it will reap eternal results. You could help be responsible in part for a city wide revival, or the evangelization of the entire state of Junin in Peru. Allow me to beg you in the name of Christ and for the sake of His Kingdom, go to work on your knees!