Spiritual Warfare

Who are you fighting, and how do you fight?  

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)

12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

1. Awareness.  

You need to know that you're in a fight.   You can get hurt if you don't know that you're fighting.  If you're living for Jesus, you're going to get hit.  When you say yes to Jesus, you're saying no to the world.  

1 Peter 5:8,9(NLT)

8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 

9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

We must no exaggerate Satan's power.  He has no power, but the power to deceive.  Let's not ignore his power either.  He'll tempt you to sin.  Then, he'll run to God pointing at your sin.  We are not fighting people, but the enemy uses people.     

2. Authority (Dominion- to trample upon).

Joshua 1:3 (NLT)

3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—

Genesis 3:15 (NLT)

¹⁵ And I (God) will cause hostility between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,
    and you will strike his heel.”

Luke 10:19 (NLT)

19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.

Acts 19:13-16  (NLT)

13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 

14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this.

15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 

16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered. 

Here is an example of people using power without authority. We must understand the authority of God's Word.  

The power of Jesus's name comes through a personal relationship with Jesus.  We must surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ to have it. 

God gave authority to Adam, but when Adam fell, Satan assumed his authority. 

Luke 4:5-6 (NLT)

5 Then the devil took him (Jesus) up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 

6 “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please.

After Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, Jesus said. 

Matthew 28:18-19 (NLT)

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 

19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:27 (NLT)

27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Don't give Satan an inch in your life.  

3. Armour.

We have the Armour of God.

Ephesians 6:13-15 (NLT)

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 

14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 

15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

Mike Haman, Healing Place Church