Spiritual Warfare Exposed
Hey Friends,
Many of you know this because you were at FPC this past weekend, but God moved in a powerful way. We presented a full-length drama written in-house called, Home Invasion: Sacred Storm. The depiction was of a modern-day family and how the enemy enters homes and engages us. It was so awesome as people by the thousands got to see a part of the unseen world of spiritual warfare. Please pray with me for the two thousand visitors who came, that God will draw them back and into His Kingdom.
Most of you who read this blog know of the war that rages; we see the outward evidence of it daily. We all watch families fragment, drugs and alcohol use multiply, violence increase, our country divide, and see thousands of other ways that the enemy wins. It must stop and we are the only ones that can make a difference. We Christ-followers are the only ones with the answers. We must get it in gear and move out into the community.
We start a new series this coming weekend on spiritual warfare. I hope you will either come or download the messages so you will be prepared for any home invasions the enemy attempts at your house. We must be aware and alert, at least that is what our Lord said. Are you ready? Have you experienced spiritual warfare? How do you protect yourself, your family and your church against the onslaught of hell unleashed against us? Stand firm and ready for an advancement by the enemy.
Praying for you,
Pastor
33 Comments
My family has suffered from spiritual warfare. It was some horrible stuff to go through, but the big positive is that I was taught and have learned from it. Here are some things I’ve learned:
(1) Satan will pick on anyone, even children.
I nonchalantly took my family to my brother’s house for Christmas last year. My brother is in a pseudo Christian cult (teachings of William Branham). My son (who has a social form of autism) did not come away from that experience well (particularly bad was hearing my brother pray). My son went into fits whenever he knew anyone was going to pray after that and had trouble going to church (anything “God” oriented) for weeks after that. And still, my wife has seen my son tense up (and cover his ears if I remember correctly) when he thinks my brother might pray (which is why I jump in to pray for meals, etc instead of my brother).
(2) Prayer really does work in spiritual warfare.
What got my son through that was a lot of people praying for my son a lot.
(3) Test the spirits.
Make sure it’s the Holy Spirit leading you and not another spirit. I followed “spirit” leading that I thought was Holy Spirit leading, but wasn’t. I followed it and did something bizarre that had people think I was out of my mind (literally). It jeopardized my job. I strained my home life. It really hurt and really was miserable. I thank God for some Christian friends who helped me heal from that (even letting me stay and rest in their home). My small group really supported my family through that. A lot of prayer, a lot of talking & support, a lot of follow-on support. My take away message: God is never offended if you test the spirits and humbly pray for confirmation of His will.
(4) Spiritual warfare is real, so you better armor up!
Now, I frequently meditate over Ephesians 6 (the spiritual armor section). Standing firm isn’t just being a strong person… it’s knowing where your strength comes from and relying on it.
I know this post is lengthy. Please forgive the length. It’s an important subject for me.
Andy Kercher.
Last night,I started thinking about how the enemy tricked me and lead me into something that I thought was God’s will. I had prayed for one of my friends who was on drugs and lost her children and I wanted so badly for her to get help.I told my husband that I wish I knew how to get ahold of her. The very next day she was at my door. I was SOOOO excited that God had brought her to me. I let her stay with me for about a week. She even read a few chapters of your book. It was what appears to me now just a front. I was so distraught that I lost my connection with God and didn’t attend church for almost 2 months. The atmosphere in my home was much different and now I’m disgusted to know there were demons all over my house.I now know what happened and thats exactly what the enemy wanted. I was still a baby Christian at that time and I am now stronger and more aware of the spiritual warfare. I cannot wait for the series to begin.
We are very much looking forward to the upcoming series. The program this past weekend was amazing! I have become so much more aware of the demons distorting my thoughts & actions, and feel more equipped to push them aside. It is strange to actually visualize those little freaks in black hovering over you. That being said, it is so peaceful to also visualize Jesus and his angels standing guard over me and my family. I know that HE will prevail over any demon that may try to enter here as long as our focus is on HIM.
Marla- As a former professional heathen I can say with confidence. Do not be distraught by over your friends choices and spiritual warfare problems. God brought her to you and you followed what you knew to help her. Sometimes all it takes is that “mustard seed” of faith to be planted. The harvest may come some time when you never expect it. I urge you not to be disgusted for her but to pray for her. Jesus still loves her, as He does all people lost and saved.
I’m not disgusted by Her. I was just saying I was saying disgusted to think about the demons running around my house.
The most compelling presence on the stage of life is Jesus. We all, if we can be discerning enough, endure spiritual attacks. He warns us and now especially in these last days do we most need to discern these warnings. Heed them, and turn to God for both wisdom and purity. It’s not just demons and the devil who do things wrong we choose, as well. There are cases that the circumstances do not warrant anything that the person chooses, but quite often we hold hands with evil and find ourselves in need of restoration and freedom. Turning to Jesus in both Spirit and Truth, truly He becomes our White Night. The Armour of God, Andy mentioned, IS JESUS, and we in faith find ourselves wrapped in His truth when we submit and that’s how we stand strong and become changed; approved workman to battle. The devil flees and God rushes to our healing and then turns what the enemy meant for our destruction to be good. Good, in that we have learned that the Word of God is ALL TRUTH and become better for it. It strengthens our resolve the next time, and there will be a next time, to trust God for victory and freedom. Eventually we are able to help others and that is what it is about. Turn your eyes to heaven as He lifts your head above our enemy and then our enemy will not be our focus but our all powerful God and He will not let us fall if we look to Him. I assure you, not because I say so but because He says so. I learned this lesson and will spare the details because this comment is focused on God’s glory not the enemy of both God and our souls.
All of what that enemy has: death, lies, destruction, twisted perversions, false prophets and spirits, theivery, treachery, dissentions, heresies, sin…etc.etc.etc. ; IS OF NO CONSEQUENCE TO JESUS!!!!! He has overcome the world and so have we if we are found in HIM.
Remember the power of life and death are in the tongue. Choose to speak words of life against words of death and be not so spiritualy minded that we are of no earthly good. In other words give glory to the right thing, the everpresent power of God working through us to pull down the attacks. Know that they exist but that they are of no consequence and by the faith given from above, STAND.
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the WORD of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death.
Song of Solomon 2:14 O my dove, that art in the clefts of the ROCK, in the secret place of the stairs (Mt. 6:6), let Me(JESUS) see thy countance, let Me(JESUS) hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countance is comely.
These are the lessons I have learned as I turned my eyes and cried out to the only ONE who could help me when everything including my life was threatened by a lying grinning evil devil. I beseech and implore you my brethren, lay hold of this truth for the benefit of not only yourselves but the whole of the bride. Yes, try the spirits and speak His Word…in every occasion.
I also ask for grace for the length as well this is a intrinsic part of what I can see that God saved me for…many times and sustains me still. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak. Mathew 26:41.
I say Amen, Cynthia and Greg.
Coming along side several of these commentors, I can no longer abide a spiritual unrest I have been aware of since friday. Considering it is the season of spiritual warfare at FP, and knowing that; Eph. 6:12 We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. and as Andy so elequently and poignantly pointed out: Try the spirits. All things must be brought to the obediance of Christ. The Word Of God as our plumbline. I am troubled by an entry from “clanging symbol” on fridays blog.
Not that I disagreed with anything that was commented, but with the agreement and likened to “clanging symbol”. It was not very clever, whitty or cool to liken yourself to something that is so anti-Christ.I don’t know why you chose to hide your identity and even further disconnect yourself from LOVE, and that’s none of my business, but I am concerned for not just your association but also those little one’s who may follow suit. I am not drawing a line in the sand for you personally. I am however taking issue with the spirit that caused you to think it clever to walk in the shadows and choose such a title. IT IS DANGEROUS TO YOU AND OTHERS. The book of 1 John just for starters is what I stand on.
It is God’s LOVE that admonishes us as sons and daughter’s of belonging to Him the one true God. It is His mercies and His goodness that saves us from walking into darkness. It is His love and His goodness that leads us to repentance, please hear Him. We are known by our LOVE. Please harken and turn from the association of a clanging symbol and say as for me and my house we will SERVE the LORD. I pray for you and ask others to do the same for we are members of One flesh…Jesus.
I am so excited for the upcoming series!!! I cant wait!!! OH and sacred storm was AMAZING Thank you so much for that and for all you do.
The enemy is real, and he is among us during our walk. The program over the weekend was a true eye-opener. I walked into my own home after the program knowing that I was not alone — God was with me, but so was the enemy. The enemy battled hard this weekend, testing both my wife and myself and I know he used our own family to fight. But he did not win. The Home Invasion program rang in my head as a visual: we do not see our enemies, but they are present. Keeping this in my head allowed me to keep my focus on God and fight off the enemy this time. But there will be other times, too. And I, speaking from the amazing visual over the weekend, pray that we are prepared.
Pseudonyms (in response to Sabrina’s comments):
Sabrina, your posts often have insightful thoughts to reflect on, but I think you’re off base with your criticism of the name “Clanging Cymbol”. For me reading your post, it came on a little harsh (although I can tell you didn’t mean to do so from your intro).
Using BlueLineBible.com, I only found one use of “cymbol” or “gong” in KJV or NIV… that’s in 1st Corinthians 13. Who knows why he/she picked it? It could have special sentimental or symbolic meaning to them. Could be a marching band person. Could be someone who is known for their bold speech. Perhaps they know that scripture well and realize they have difficulties with living & showing God’s love (although I doubt it). Perhaps they don’t recall that scripture at all. I don’t use a pseudonym anymore, because I followed someone’s advice and using my full name has helped me be more open, honest, and more considerate to others (I hope). For others, I think pseudonyms often are just like a nickname… and it really doesn’t matter.
From lessons learned from Pastor Chris’ old blog at Faith Promise, let me say this above all: It’s easy to get hurt feelings on a blog and it’s easy to inadvertantly run someone of… particularly when they are talking about their Christian beliefs. Whenever speaking contrary to someone’s opinion, please always proofread your posts (& perhaps also pray). I apologize if I’m making too much of this. Sabrina & Clanging Cymbol, I hope y’all take this post as intended.
Andy Kercher
Harshness it may seem, but we live in a very real “spiritual” world and who we make know our association is vital. It is not good to transverse in shadows. Jesus is an open book and so should we be . Transparent. I read KJ because of the ease to Strongs for I am not a theologin nor do I understand Greek or Hebrew unless I have access, that said:”Thou I speak with the tonges of men and angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass,or a tinkling symbol.” Yes, it is 1 Cor 13:1. Charity is Love. We can’t afford the lack thereof. I do not judge them I grieve for them. I do not want to say anything contoversial, I am timid by nature, but when the Spirit points out something and it is confirmed in His Word what do you do? Do we idly sit by so as to cherish our lives above others or do we make a stand against anything that is contrary to the WORD and health of the whole? Has Jesus constucted a people in His own image or a weak shadow? He declares that we are warriors and overcomers. The enemy is very adept at craftiness and slipping mickis to those unawares. I choose to believe Jesus’ assuredty over the enemies subtlety. My feelings aren’t hurt I assure you my spirit is however concerned, for I am of no importance here. Remember our conversation at Pastor’s blogs expense the last time about the talent burier? If we, know that we know because of the Word our Plumbline, that something is not right do we shrink from the Holy Spirits directives in deferance to our comfort level or do as He bids even if it bring condemnation from others? What do we do? Are we His Army or the worlds? I ask.
Andy, I see that you know more than you are giving yourself credit for. I referance Pastors’ blog entry Oct. 28 number 6. Your words must be seasoned with salt, yes?
Well written Andy.
We must keep in mind that there are people of all levels of Christian maturity and knowledge reading this.
Grace is needed for our replies, and some are much better left for private discussion.
I will say this once and leave it alone. We as Christians are supposed to be edifying each other. In other words if it is not edification it is not of God or His Spirit. Let judgement and unkind words stand for those who refuse the truth.
I would go as far as saying that a Spirit check need be made here, division is exactly what the devil wants to happen within the Church. Stand together and politely help each other in our journey rather than critize openly in public for the entire world to read.
You may not agree with me but it is a Biblically sound principal.
Be Blessed! (faith in action)
Greg
this weekend, the blog and the upcoming message has and will speak to my heart and may. This weekend has reopened my eyes to the spiritual warfare and today has brought a start of healing to my marriage.
Thanks for listening to the voice of the Father!
Thanks guys, keep it up I believe many are beining helped by your comments.
My husband and I have been attending FPC for right at a year and we were at Saturdays performance. We brought his mother with us, just sure it would be something wonderful for all of us to witness. What we left with was confusion. I have read many comments about the drama and ALL of them have been glowing. However, I am lost. I feel like I missed something in translation.
There were no hidden forces revealed. The forces highlighted were OBVIOUS threats to a family. Am I not digging deep enough? Am I not reading between the lines?
Please do not take my comment to be rude. I don’t intend them to be that way. I am truely looking for some insight.
First let me start by saying that the drama this past weekend was great. As far as this blog goes, let us remember that one of the things that Satan enjoys the most is when Christians divide and argue against each other. We as Christians are supposed to be edifying each other. In other words if it is not edification it is not of God or His Spirit. Let judgment and unkind words be used against no one.
Let’s not forget the 2nd greatest commandment that Jesus gave us, and that is to love each other, even if we might disagree. If a non-Christian reads some of the posts on some blogs, he or she may never want to become a Christian.
Also let’s not forget a few facts that we about know Satan and our Lord Jesus Christ:
1st let’s keep in mind that Satan was defeated a long time ago on the cross when Jesus was raised from the dead on the 3rd day. If you think Satan has power over you and you are a Christian then your giving Satan and his demons to much credit. When Satan fell from heaven he only took one third of the angles with him. That means for every one demon that might be influencing you or your family there is at least three angles from heaven protecting you.
2nd, Satan or his demons are not omni-present, meaning they cannot be everywhere at once, the way that Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is. Satan is a lier and he wants us to believe that he has as much power as God has. Just claim your authority over him in Jesus name and he will flee from you. Satan is a wimp, a lier and a thief. Giving him to much credit, is just what he wants us to believe.
@ Anne, your question is well taken. The forces we face are common to all families and indivudauals. In the drama there was not only Satan but spirits that the Scripture says we all face. Spirits of fear, disbelief, anger, lust, confussion, doubt and others. The Scripture is filled with references to the war we all face. Just come for the next 4 weeks as we will dig deeper. thanks
Anne – just to let you know so you know you aren’t alone – Im not totally sure I understand it all either – never heard of “spiritual attack” before the last 6 months – very anxiously awaiting the series.
I will probably never get the visual of the demons hovering over that childs bed out of my mind – but I surely will pray in my home and reclaim every inch of it and teach my kids that that these spirits of fear, anger, confusion etc can be removed in the name of Jesus. this was a very difficult week for me, my mom passed away unexpectedly 2 weeks ago and I have been very angry and depressed – the only thing that is helping is prayer and scripture – and now trying to discern what is spiritual attack in this – I thought I had come so far and in the midst of this crisis I have not been hearing Gods will for me – but I think the static and attack are too loud and I will continue to pray through it. I have stopped beating myself up for not being good enough or smart enough to understand it all- that isn’t of God. It surely wasn’t an easy drama – but it was amazing and I will share my copy of the DVD when it is available. Keep seeking – enjoying this blog and glad people share here.
Jeff,
Can you direct me to the place in the bible that you get some of the facts you stated? 1. The references to Satan falling from heaven and taking a third of the angels with him. 2. The one that says Satan cannot be everywhere.
Thanks
In the verses that follow, God laments the fall of this great spiritual being (read Ezekiel 28:13-19). If this passage is about Satan (and I think it is), we learn several important foundational facts about him that correct popular misconceptions.
Satan is a creature; he had a beginning, and he is finite. There is no spiritual dualism, as in Taoism (yin-yang) or Zoroastrianism or “Star Wars” (“The Force”). This is why John reminds us, “Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4).
We also learn in Ezekiel 28:14 that he is an angelic creature. The term “cherub” refers not to a winged baby in diapers, but to a class of powerful angels whose appearance totally undid Ezekiel (1:28; 10:22). The fact that God calls him the “anointed” cherub who “covers” (“guards”) indicates that he is a very high (perhaps the highest) angelic being ever created by God. Other passages (Rev. 12:4,7,9; Jude 1:9) also suggest this. Apart from God’s authority, we are absolutely no match for him.
We also learn in 28:12, 15 that he has not always been evil—that he was created perfect in beauty, wisdom and morality. This makes sense, since God is good and creates only good things. He had unique access to God’s presence (“Eden” as “Paradise,” the presence of God), and evidently led the rest of the angels in their worship of God.
How then did he become evil? Not because of a negative environment or because of a design flaw, but by his own un-programmed choice to revolt against God’s rulership (28:15,16a,17a,18a). The reference to the abundance of his trade is ambiguous. Another passage (1 Tim. 3:6) suggests that it may refer to the praise of other spirit beings directed through him to God. After a period of internal upheaval, he chose to become ego-centric, slander God (“devil” means “slanderer”) and become his adversary (“Satan”). He persuaded one-third of the angelic beings to join him (Rev. 12:4,7)—which are evidently the “demons” mentioned in the Bible. God cast him (and them) from his role and presence (28:16b).
Finally, there is no doubt about his final destiny. His defeat and destruction are so certain that God describes this in the “prophetic past tense” (28:17b,18b,19), even though it hints that this defeat is still future (28:19b; Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10).
I’m sure if you ask pastor Stephens he can give you more references and better insight on this subject than I can.
Thank you Jeff!
I also found some more information: Because Satan is a angel he cannot be omnipresent. He cannot be in more than one place at a time. Only God the father, the son and the holy spirit can be everywhere, only God knows everything, while Satan must rely on his army of demons to do his bidding.
Can Satan and/or his demons read our minds? Scripture does not say specifically whether or not Satan can read our minds. The Bible does teach us that Satan indeed is very powerful. Likely he was the highest of all the fallen angels, as he was persuasive enough to convince one third of the angels to join him in his rebellion (Revelation 12:4). Even after his fall from heaven, not even Michael the archangel dared to confront him without the Lord’s help (Jude 9). Satan is the “the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:2b). Believers are exhorted “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7b).
The Bible gives us no reason to believe Satan and his demons can read our minds. Clearly that would take a measure of omnipresence and omniscience, which they do not have. However, Satan and his demons have been observing and tempting human beings for thousands of years. In addition, they can overhear our speech when we talk to others (and to ourselves!). Surely they have learned a few things about us over the years. Even without the ability to know our thoughts, they can probably make a well-educated guess as to what we are thinking, and then attempt to use it to their advantage. That is why we are commanded to “Submit yourselves, then, to God” (James 4:7a), before we are told to “Resist the devil” (James 4:7b).
Put simply, the Bible defines Satan as an angelic being who fell from his position in heaven due to sin and is now completely opposed to God, doing all in his power to thwart God’s purposes.
Satan was created as a holy angel. Isaiah 14:12 possibly gives Satan’s pre-fall name as Lucifer. Ezekiel 28:12-14 describes Satan as having been created a cherubim, apparently the highest created angel. He became arrogant in his beauty and status and decided he wanted to sit on a throne above that of God (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:15; 1 Timothy 3:6). Satan’s pride led to his fall. Notice the many “I will” statements in Isaiah 14:12-15. Because of his sin, God barred Satan from heaven.
Satan became the ruler of this world and the prince of the power of the air (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He is an accuser (Revelation 12:10), a tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), and a deceiver (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:3). His very name means “adversary” or “one who opposes.” Another of his titles, the devil, means “slanderer.”
Even though he was cast out of heaven, he still seeks to elevate his throne above God. He counterfeits all that God does, hoping to gain the worship of the world and encourage opposition to God’s kingdom. Satan is the ultimate source behind every false cult and world religion. Satan will do anything and everything in his power to oppose God and those who follow God. However, Satan’s destiny is sealed—an eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
When read in context, the only verses that described Satan was in Revelations 12 where he is described as a dragon or ancient serpent – which I cannot identify as an angel – it even says that the angels fought against the dragon. This is also where you stated Satan convinces a third of the angels to follow him – the only reference was to a third of the stars being swept from heaven by this dragon – I can’t see that stars are angels.
Ezekiel 28 is speaking to the ruler of Tyre and describes this person as a man in verse 2 and again in verse 9. Isaiah 14 is another speaking to the King of Babylon and is described as a man in verses 16 and 17. The name Lucifer appears only in one translation (KJV) and seems to be a mistranslation if compared to all other translations. If it is a name, it would have to be the name of the King of Babylon.
Satan was definitely a created being, but by saying he was first an angel it would infer that God made a mistake and didn’t know that Satan would turn bad. I have a hard time swallowing this, as I believe God is in complete control and knows all.
Where it comes to Satan being everywhere, you gave the reference to him being the ruler of the kingdom of the air makes the most sense when it comes to him being everywhere because air is everywhere.
I can’t say what is fact except where scripture is clear. I don’t ever want to assume anyone’s opinion or interpretation of scripture is truth or fact unless it is clear.
Satan is at work in the world and should not be taken lightly or dealt with using anything but Truth.
Ron,
What I have wrote down is not just my opinion, it is based on the facts I have found in the bible. It “is” based on the truth. It is also the opinion of most conservative Christian theologians. But, most of the books in the bible that deal with prophecy such as the book of Revelations have a lot of symbol’s, and these symbol’s can be interpreted in many different ways. Also remember one of the things that Satan enjoys most is when Christians argue.
For any Christians who are reading this please remember two things: Greater is he (the Holy Spirit) that lives in you than he who lives in the world(Satan). Resist the Devil and he will “Flee” from you. This is a pretty strong statement. This is not my opinion, it is the facts that are in the bible.
Some of the places that have helped me in my research are from the following conservative Christian websites:
www . carm . org
www. got questions. org
www. learn the bible. org
www. carm. org
^Please check out the website above^
Isaiah 14:12-18 describes the fall from heaven of one called “Lucifer” in the King James Version and the “morning star, son of the dawn” in the NIV. Other Bible versions call him “Day Star,” “shining star,” and “the bright morning star.” These variations are due to differences of opinion about how to translate the Hebrew word helel. Regardless, the description of the one referred to shows us it can be none other than Satan. We know from Jesus’ own words in Luke 10 that Satan fell from heaven. So, when Isaiah refers to Lucifer or helel being cast down to earth (Isaiah 14:12), it can be none other than Satan. The reason for his fall is found in verses 13 and 14: “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’” This has always been Satan’s desire – to be God, and it is the very temptation he used in the Garden of Eden to get Eve to disobey God: “You shall be as God” (Genesis 3:5).
Ezekiel 28 is another passage thought to refer to Lucifer/Satan. Although it begins with Ezekiel being commanded by God to “take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre” (v. 12), an evil idolatrous king, it soon becomes clear that the passage is referring as well to the power behind that king—Satan. Verse 13 says he was “in Eden, the garden of God.” Clearly, the king of Tyre was never in Eden. Verse 14 says, “You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you.” Apparently, Lucifer/Satan had a position of guardian angel in heaven “among the fiery stones,” thought to be the shining precious jewels that are seen in other descriptions of heaven (Exodus 24:10; Revelation 21:18-21). Since the king of Tyre was never in heaven, either, this can only be describing Lucifer. The rest of the passage describes the reason he was cast out of heaven. Because of his beauty, his heart became proud and his wisdom was corrupted (v. 17). Pride in his perfection, wisdom and beauty (v. 12) became the source of his downfall, and God threw him to the earth (v. 17). This was witnessed by the Lord Jesus in heaven before His incarnation (Luke 10:18).
To summarize, the Hebrew word helel is translated “Lucifer.” He was cast out of heaven for his sin of pride and his desire to be God. Jesus referred to seeing Satan being cast out of heaven. Therefore, we can conclude that Lucifer and Satan are one and the same.
The question has been asked as to how Satan could sin if he were created perfect. First of all, we need to understand that this is a fact stated in scripture.
1.God is absolutely perfect.
2.God cannot create anything imperfect.
3.But perfect creatures cannot do evil.
4.Therefore, neither God nor His perfect creatures can produce evil.
To many, this seems to be the perfect argument to discredit the scriptures and Christian doctrine, but it is not. Here is a true solution to the problem:
1.God is absolutely perfect.
2.God created absolutely perfect creatures.
3.One of the perfections God gave some of His creatures was the power of free choice.
4.Some of God’s creatures freely chose to do evil.
Therefore, a perfect creature caused evil.
Higher created beings had to have greater abilities than lower ones. One of those abilities is the power of free choice. God wanted creatures who served and worshipped Him because they chose to do so. That is not possible without free choice. However, the ability to choose rightly is also the ability to choose wrongly. Satan fell of his own choice being lifted up with pride. Consider his willfulness in the following passage:
Isaiah 14:12-14 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
As stated in 1Timothy 3:6, Satan fell from being lifted up with pride. He decided that he did not want second place to God. He wanted to rule– not serve. His own free will brought sin into the world.
Consider the following. Matthew 25:41 refers to “the devil and his angels.” Revelation 12:7-9 describes the fighting of the dragon (identified as the devil) and “his angels.” If nothing else, this indicates a master-servant relationship between the devil and the fallen angels. They follow him. They obey him. This relationship had to begin at some time in the past. Revelation 12:4 gives another small piece of the puzzle. Of the dragon, or devil, this verse states: “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.” In context, the stars certainly refer to the angels. In the Revelation message to the seven churches, the seven stars are identified as angels (Revelation 1:20). Both the heavenly bodies and the angels themselves are called the host of heaven in scripture. Clearly, the stars of Revelation 12:4 match the fallen angels of Revelation 12:7, Revelation 12:9.
We see in Revelation 12:4 that the tail of the dragon (the devil) drew the third part of the stars of heaven (the angels who followed the devil). That means that the devil in some way convinced a third of the angels to follow him in his rebellion. The Bible does not say that he deceived them (as he did Eve). I really do not believe that they were deceived. They certainly knew what they were doing. However, if he drew them, he must have convinced and persuaded them to rebel against their Creator God.
Admittedly, the Bible does not tell us a great deal about this event. God evidently does not feel that we need to know a lot about it. It is sufficient for us to know that the spiritual battle we fight goes much further than the problems we can see with our own eyes. May the Lord bless you as you strive to please Him and Him only.
One way that Satan tries to attack Christians is by reminding them of their past sins. Over and over again through out the bible satan is refereed to as “The accuser of the brethren”. Thee moment you become a Christian Satan knows he has lost the battle for your soul. However, he doesn’t just give up, if he can make you to worthless to be forgiven he will. Satan will try to make you feel like your not worthy to lead a small group, or serve in church. He will try to convince you not to witness to anyone or share your testimony.
That’s why it is very, very important to put on the full armer of God. The phrase “full armor of God” comes from Ephesians 6:13-17: “Therefore 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:12 clearly indicates that the conflict with Satan is spiritual, and therefore no tangible weapons can be effectively employed against him and his minions. We are not given a list of specific tactics Satan will use. However, the passage is quite clear that when we follow all the instructions faithfully, we will be able to stand, and we will have victory regardless of Satan’s strategy.
The first element of our armor is truth (verse 14). This is easy to understand, since Satan is said to be the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Deception is high on the list of things God considers to be an abomination. A “lying tongue” is one of the things He describes as “detestable to Him” (Proverbs 6:16-17). We are therefore exhorted to put on truth for our own sanctification and deliverance, as well as for the benefit of those to whom we witness.
Also in verse 14, we are told to put on the breastplate of righteousness. A breastplate shielded a warrior’s vital organs from blows that would otherwise be fatal. This righteousness is not works of righteousness done by men. Rather, this is the righteousness of Christ, imputed by God and received by faith, which guards our hearts against the accusations and charges of Satan and secures our innermost being from his attacks.
Verse 15 speaks of the preparation of the feet for spiritual conflict. In warfare, sometimes an enemy places dangerous obstacles in the path of advancing soldiers. The idea of the preparation of the gospel of peace as footwear suggests what we need to advance into Satan’s territory, aware that there will be traps, with the message of grace so essential to winning souls to Christ. Satan has many obstacles placed in the path to halt the propagation of the gospel.
The shield of faith spoken of in verse 16 makes Satan’s sowing of doubt about the faithfulness of God and His Word ineffective. Our faith—of which Christ is “the author and perfecter” (Hebrews 12:2)— is like a golden shield, precious, solid, and substantial.
The helmet of salvation in verse 17 is protection for the head, keeping viable a critical part of the body. We could say that our way of thinking needs preservation. The head is the seat of the mind, which, when it has laid hold of the sure gospel hope of eternal life, will not receive false doctrine or give way to Satan’s temptations. The unsaved person has no hope of warding off the blows of false doctrine because he is without the helmet of salvation and his mind is incapable of discerning between spiritual truth and spiritual deception.
Verse 17 interprets itself as to the meaning of the sword of the Spirit—it is the Word of God. While all the other pieces of spiritual armor are defensive in nature, the sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God. It speaks of the holiness and power of the Word of God. A greater spiritual weapon is not conceivable. In Jesus’ temptations in the desert, the Word of God was always His overpowering response to Satan. What a blessing that the same Word is available to us!
In verse 18, we are told to pray in the Spirit (that is, with the mind of Christ, with His heart and His priorities) in addition to wearing the full armor of God. We cannot neglect prayer, as it is the means by which we draw spiritual strength from God. Without prayer, without reliance upon God, our efforts at spiritual warfare are empty and futile. The full armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—are the tools God has given us, through which we can be spiritually victorious, overcoming Satan’s attacks and temptations.
Recommended Resource: The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare (Revised & Updated) by Ed Murphy.
Recommended Resource: Bible combined with Holy Spirit – warning: may cause pain and discomfort
Well, this site looks way more professional than my google blog. I think I might use WordPress aswell.What do you think? Regards.