Supernatural vs. Spiritual
This may seem like a nit-picky point, but it’s important to distinguish between these two realms. By elevating aspects of the supernatural realm, like angels and demons, we give them much too much influence and authority in and over our lives. We will only begin to walk in authority over these areas in as much as we believe we have the authority. So let’s save the term “spiritual” for those things begotten of God Himself, and “supernatural” and “natural” for those realms God has already put under our authority, even though we may not yet be walking it out.
What is “Supernatural”?
The supernatural realm, therefore, is simply a temporary plane of existence that God created for the expression of His love. “Super” simply means “over” or “above.” So “super”-natural is simply over or above the natural realm. We perceive the supernatural realm with our supernatural (or soulical) senses, so it is important to finetune these faculties.
Soulical Warfare
Soulical warfare refers specifically to us humans, and must be fought with weapons more powerful than the field of battle; we can’t use soulical weapons to fight soulical battles. The soulical battles involve overcoming the world, the flesh and the devil in our individual lives. These enemies can only be overcome through spiritual weapons made available through dependence on God.
Soulical Warfare
Soulical warfare refers specifically to us humans, and must be fought with weapons more powerful than the field of battle; we can’t use soulical weapons to fight soulical battles. The soulical battles involve overcoming the world, the flesh and the devil in our individual lives. These enemies can only be overcome through spiritual weapons made available through dependence on God.
Supernatural Warfare
Supernatural warfare, often erroneously called spiritual warfare, is waged between the inhabitants of the supernatural realm. This would be angels, demons and humans. As in all areas, warfare here is strictly under the control and direct supervision of God. Though we often differentiate between these realms, God does not, except to accommodate our current understanding: He is not nearly as picky about our using the right terminology and methodology as we are. He is sovereign as much here as anywhere, and has no battles to be fought or won. We, on the other hand, mistakenly believe this is our home, and spend much of our thought-life and energy dwelling on its terrain.
“Knock, Knock”
There’s this television commercial out now, maybe you’ve seen it, for a pest control company: The lady of the house opens the front door and there’s a 6-ft roach holding a stack of pizzas, asking for entry to the home. Her mind tries to get a grasp on this critter as she responds “I don’t think we ordered any pizzas.” Then, of course, the exterminator shows up (whew!).
Wouldn’t it be great if all of the threats against us were that obvious?! And that easy to deal with?
Because the enemies we contend with daily are much subtler, it really helps to know and be reminded of our individual vulnerabilities. Take the time and energy to know your temperament, your physical limitations (sleep, nutrition, etc.), and how you deal with stress, and be willing to make changes accordingly to prevent the creepy crawlies from getting in the front door.
There are enough points of entry that are challenging; let’s make sure we don’t overlook the obvious.
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Overcoming the Devil ~ Part 9
Examples of Prayers
The term “prayer” has many connotations depending on your upbringing and religious history. We’re using the term to simply describe the process and approach of dealing with the demonics, waging warfare, overcoming the enemy, or whatever you’d like to call it. The following is the sequence from above incorporating some language examples and ideas of other ways to approach this warfare:
1. Seek the Lord, acknowledging His presence and authority, then ask for the source of the influence in your life or for another person. If the Lord identifies it as a demon or other demonic influence, deal with it accordingly. (Feel free to command using Jesus’ name, but you don’t have to.)
“Lord, thanks for being here with us and in us. We remind ourselves of how much you love us, and that we are free to make mistakes as we learn to depend on you. We ask you to take us where you want to go, knowing that we can count on you to lead, guide, direct and protect us. You know better than we do exactly what the situation is, so we put this whole thing in your hands and thank you ahead of time for what you’re going to do.”
“Jesus, is there demonic activity involved in this situation (yes or no questions are best, at least at first)?”
“Lord, is this something we can take authority over?”
2. Ask the Lord for clarity, instructions, directions, strengths and weaknesses of the enemy; wait for His reply, which may come in whatever way He chooses to express Himself.
“Lord, is there anything specific we need to know or recognize about this situation?”
3. Identify the enemy by name (which will often reveal his function) if possible (ask the Lord for clarity, command the demon to respond truthfully). There is nothing wrong with speaking to the enemy, just be sure to command Him to be truthful. You may have to demand truth often.
“Demon, I command you to pay attention to everything I’m saying to you now. You will obey and answer clearly and truthfully what I ask. You will not interfere with anything else going on here, and will not bother (person’s name, for instance, John) in any way or interfere with this process. You will tell the truth, or be defying Jesus Himself.
Demon, I command you now to identify yourself by name to John’s mind clearly and plainly.”
4. Identify its range of influence – personal, geographical, occultic, etc. (ask the Lord for clarity, command the demon to respond truthfully).
“Demon (or name given, for instance, Jealousy), I command you now to identify your range of influence.”
“Lord, is there anything we’re missing here?”
5. Determine if it has a legal right to be interfering in the situation (ask the Lord for clarity, command the demon to respond truthfully; demons are the ultimate legalists, and must be dealt with on legal grounds).
“Jealousy, do you have a legal right to be here? You must tell the truth.”
“Lord, is this the truth?”
6. If it doesn’t have a legal right, command it to leave the area, and go where Jesus sends it. Feel free to command using Jesus’ name, but you don’t have to. Then ask the Lord if it has gone. If not, ask the Lord why not. Continue discourse until it’s gone and you are confident it is. This may occur over several attempts.
“Jealousy, you’ve admitted you don’t have a legal right to be here. I command you now to leave John immediately and go wherever Jesus sends you. You must leave John alone, and everything that pertains to him is off limits to you. You will take any lies you have sown with you, and restore anything that you stole.”
“Jealousy, are you gone?”
“Jesus, is Jealousy gone?”
7. If it claims to have a legal right to be there (which is the only way it can stay after being exposed), ask what is that legal right (ask the Lord for clarity, command the demon to respond truthfully).
“Jesus, does Jealousy have a legal right to be here?” (If no, follow previous discourse. If yes, proceed…)
“Jealousy, what legal right do you have to be here?” (the responses are likely to be varied, and it may take several attempts to clarify. There also may be more than one legal right, so simply pursue — it’s just a matter of time and persistence on your part…)
(in our example, John remembers a particular incidence of sibling rivalry in which his younger brother was given special attention over him; we would take John to that memory, and follow the procedures for getting a wound healed as discussed in previous sections, which would then negate the legality of demonic involvement. We would command the demon to stand quiet and not interfere in the healing process, then return to him when the healing was done…)
“Lord, what is your truth for John in this memory?” (give Jesus an opportunity to speak to John; in this case, perhaps John senses a removal of the jealousy, or hears words of assurance that have that effect)
“Lord, is this wound now healed?” (follow through until the answer is yes)
“Jealousy, John’s wound is now healed. Do you have any right to be here now?” (Jealousy responds to John’s mind, No.)
“Then, Jealousy, you’ve admitted you don’t have a legal right to be here. I command you now to leave John immediately and go wherever Jesus sends you. You must leave John alone, and everything that pertains to him is off limits to you. You will take any lies you have sown with you, and restore anything that you stole.”
‘Jealousy, are you gone?”
“Jesus, is Jealousy gone?”
8. If not, ask the Lord why not. Continue discourse and discernment until it’s gone and you are confident it is. This may occur over time.
“Lord, what have we missed?”
9. Follow up with other demonic influences that may be present.
“Any other demon present that is bothering John I command to make yourself known to John’s mind right now plainly and clearly.” (etc.)
10. Acknowledge the Lord’s work.
“Lord, thanks for what you’ve done here. Please continue to speak to and heal John, and help him learn how to enjoy you more and more. Give him quick discernment through experiencing your rest. Thanks again.”
This sequence is not meant to be an obligatory structure or to rule out other ways of approaching this subject. It is highly likely that other approaches are equally effective. Our goal is, however, to bring the topic of demonic warfare into a common conversation so we can discuss and learn objectively. If people are being set free from demonic influence, and are then learning to live in dependence with no fear of oppression or depression, God’s purposes are likely to have been accomplished.
Results of Overcoming the Enemy
Overcoming the enemy once does not mean he will stop his harassment of us. This is what he is, and what he does. So our posture toward him, both defensively and offensively, needs to become habitual and reflexive. We need to overcome our ignorance of the devices and plans of the enemy, toward us and others, and through dependence on the Lord overcome as frequently as necessary. As part of this process, we will also experience certain spiritual qualities and lessons that can only be revealed this way. Some of these are:
Faith-filled: Overcome the Fear of the Demonic
For most of us, there is a deep-seated fear of things that go bump in the night. As we learn how to turn on the lights, and how to use our night-vision to battle the enemy on his turf, this fear no longer has a grip on us. This area of our lives, this battlefield, also becomes property of our King over which He can rule and reign through us.
Focused: Risk Getting Wounded, Be Wounded, Get Healed
Tied to our fear of the demonic is our fear of getting hurt by the devil. He’s called our enemy for a reason! He does want to hurt us. But as we become focused on the purposes of God, we learn that nothing Satan can do is outside of God’s express will for us; He alone is the Great Orchestrator. He alone determines what affects our lives. We may need to adjust our belief system to acknowledge that sometimes God’s will for us is to be wounded. But we now have confidence in our Healer, our Minister, to bring us full restoration in His way and in His time.
Courageous: Overcome the Fear of Making a Mistake
It is perhaps because of our fear of getting hurt, feeling pain or causing others to be hurt that we are often frozen with the fear of making a mistake. But courage is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of the fear. Because we have experienced God’s courage toward us, and His faithfulness toward us, we have confidence in His orders, His plan, and His outcome. So we can take the risk, and engage the enemy.
Tenacious: Learning How to Lose
There’s something about losing, regrouping, and trying again and again that can be more gratifying and confidence-building than initial success. We must have the patient endurance and internal motivation that will not deter us from our ultimate goals, whether for ourselves or others. Knowing that God is in control, is providing the leadership and direction for every endeavor, that we are not alone, and that we will ultimately succeed increases our endurance and long-sightedness.
Gracious: Learning How to Win
Our endurance (maintaining dependence) is also built as we successfully overcome the enemy multiple times. For any endeavor, success can be a catalyst for a destructive spiral if we are not diligent to resist the distractions that come from that success. Yet we must also be willing and able to accept and even enjoy the honor or recognition that comes from winning. Humility is not rejecting attention, but accepting appropriate recognition by just saying, thank you.
Freedom: For Ourselves and Others
As we overcome the enemy, we experience another aspect of our true identity as Overcomers. This brings additional, growing confidence in our true nature as sons of God, and strengthens our resolve to be available to God to extend that freedom to others as well. With freedom comes responsibility, and as we overcome and experience both the benefits and dangers of warfare, we value both the struggle and the victories more and are willing to risk more for greater victories.
Clarity: Greater Ability to Recognize Other Battlefields of Flesh and World System
The more we are able to discern the attacks of the enemy the more we are able to distinguish them from a flesh flare-up or temptation of the world system. As we enter into His rest, the Lord equips us for each battle (which sometimes occur simultaneously) and provides the instruction and leadership needed. But part of that training is to find that balance between learning and joining Him in each battle, yet depending on His direction by remaining in union with Him spirit to Spirit.
Conclusion
In the spiritual realm Satan and his buddies have been defeated. In the supernatural/soulical realm they continue to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives in two ways:
1) by provoking our flesh, showing us where we have wounds so they can be healed, and
2) by providing us with the opportunity to become Overcomers, so we can learn dependence under warfare conditions. This is an opportunity to learn to rule and reign in this lifetime spiritually, soulically and naturally, over the already-conquered ones. The lion who seeks to devour our souls is only released from his cage so that we can learn how to battle him. He is only truly our enemy when we refuse to engage the battle, for it is then not the enemy we are running from, but the Lord.
Overcoming the Devil ~ Part 8
The enemy is not that creative – he can only copy. But he has had plenty of time to practice, so he knows what form to take or activity to generate to get the desired results. Our best defense is to be focused on the Lord’s voice within, whether subtle or clear, and trusting He is leading and directing for our success.
Strongholds and Curses
A stronghold is where the enemy has a legal, specific boundary established over a geographical region, time period, family, people group or affiliation in order to influence that region or group in a specific way. A curse is where the enemy has a legal right to interfere in a specific way with a specific person. Both can be approached the same way as previous; we seek the Lord to uncover the legal claim, request authorization to overturn the claim, and, if given, abolish the stronghold or curse. There are many kinds of strongholds and curses, and it would take any one of us a great deal of time to learn them all; the most effective approach is to learn how to be trained by the Lord for each specific instance and apply what He reveals. Over time we will begin to see patterns, but learning His way is always the quickest and most effective.
Unintentional Strongholds
The enemy can establish an unintentional stronghold when enough unattended wounds have made the region, etc., hospitable for a dedicated number of demons to develop their own habitation.
Intentional Strongholds
An intentional stronghold can be designated over a region by believers or non-believers, higher authorities within the demonic hierarchy, and God Himself, for His purposes.
Unintentional Curses
We curse ourselves all the time, when we believe the lies we tell ourselves, having heard them from others, like “I’ll never amount to anything.” Generational curses, inflicted and passed on from parents to children, are quite common. We also curse others when we even unintentionally inflict or open a wound. We need to be restfully on guard for ourselves to deal with these quickly, and ready and able to help others who may not know how to recognize and overcome a wound.
Intentional Curses
Intentional curses are effective when there is no protection or response when a wound is inflicted or opened. Intentional curses are most generally associated with types of sorcery, but even acting when out of control in our mind, will or emotions can turn into a curse, as can be observed on a crowded highway during rush hour.
As we learn to recognize the voice of our Lord, we will more quickly recognize the strongholds and curses of the enemy. We can then prevent them from creating a wound, or when an old wound is opened, take advantage of the opportunity to get the wound healed.
Sorcery (Witchcraft & The Occult)
Sorcery is any specific or organized attempt to manipulate supernatural elements using our own strength of mind, will or emotions. Sorcery includes anything from fantasy games to Satanic worship, but can generally categorized into Witchcraft & the Occult.
Witchcraft
Without getting into too many details, witchcraft is manipulating or interacting with natural elements to obtain control or information. Because the demonic also has authority over these natural elements, attempting to influence or gain power over them is like trying to move in on the Mafia. But rather than just fighting back, demons will instead provide enough encouragement to gain confidence and dependence on themselves in order to gain control over the witch practitioner. Rather than gaining control over nature or the elements, those involved in casting spells and becoming one with nature often find themselves the ones being controlled. For instance, spells, rituals, and even the board game OUIJA are all based and made from “holy” natural elements (working OUIJA boards are made from wood, with a planchette made of stone; natural elements are earth, wind, fire and water; specifically herbs, blood, burning, etc.).
The Occult
Unlike most of those involved in various forms of witchcraft, which see themselves as cooperating with the forces of nature and of the universe in order to do good (whatever they decide that is), those involved in the occult knowingly cooperate and join willingly with the forces of evil. There are many reasons people get involved in occultic activities, but they are all based on lies and unhealed wounds, which tells us the church is not doing a very good job of being a vessel of Living Water to a hurting world. The Occult is manifested in many forms, but its main characteristics are that it is organized, secretive and goal-oriented, with oath-oriented initiations involved most of the time. Any time you’re asked to join a group but not told what the group is about, or once you join you’re not allowed to tell others, recognize that whatever the group may be, it is not of Christ.
Combination Attacks
It is likely that where there is evidence of one of the above, other aspects of demonic warfare are strong possibilities as well. This is why it’s so important to follow our Leader when dealing with the demonic; there is no way any one of us could keep up with the trickery and deception that the enemy and his cronies have become masters of over the centuries. Yet simply by relying on Jesus all the enemy’s crafts can be undone in a single word, breaking bonds and setting captives truly free. Remember, Jesus knows where you are at, and isn’t going to put you into a situation He can’t handle through you!
…to be continued
Overcoming the Devil ~ Part 7
Overcoming
We are intentionally not going to get very specific here, as God tailors each person’s experience according to what is needed for them. But generally speaking, our warfare against the enemy falls into the following categories: Demonics, Strongholds & Curses, and Witchcraft and the Occult.
Demonics (Supernatural Critters)
Dealing with demons is something every believer needs to be able to do whenever the Lord requires. Just like every aspect of our new nature, as we depend on the Lord to train and teach us, He will provide exactly the situation and challenges we as individuals need in order to have our flesh exposed, wounds healed and in the process learn to depend more on Him for His life.
To start with, let’s make it very clear that there is no such thing as demonic “possession”; it is not possible for a demon to take up residence, or take control of a person’s mind, will or emotions, in either a believer or a non-believer. What they can do, however, is so confuse and intimidate a person’s soul that they are unable to distinguish between themselves and the force of the enemy, take authority themselves, or even ask for help. This is where others need to discern where to step in on their behalf, though the Lord often intervenes sovereignly. After a person is delivered from demonic oppression, influence or interference, the work of uncovering and healing the wound begins, so the person becomes impervious to being attacked in that area again. We don’t want to live being controlled by the fear that we have to be on constant watch of the enemy, but trust that our Watchman will give plenty of warning when the enemy tries to approach our gates.
God is not nearly as concerned about our language, our terminology, as we think. Neither is the enemy. He recognizes a loaded shotgun when he sees one, it is our aim and willingness to use it that we need to work on. God will provide the target practice as He sees fit, with a goal to be trained to use a high-powered rifle, specific and exact terminology, when necessary.
Demonic Attacks
Demonic attacks (either by a single demon or group) can be generally categorized in the following ways:
Attacks of Opportunity
As we’ve already mentioned, if we continue to walk after the flesh or accommodate the world system, we will be vulnerable to the attack of the enemy. Like bacteria, we must accept that these critters are out there, and will take the opportunity to bug us when they can. Again thinking of them as bacteria, if we cut ourselves, yet neglect to wash out the wound, it would not be a great surprise for it to get infected. Likewise if we don’t learn to recognize the voice of the spirit, bringing our attention to either an old or new wound, or if we ignore or postpone paying attention to the notice, we may well find ourselves coming under the attack of the enemy. Now, don’t get all self-condemning when this happens. Just as when our cut does get infected, we simply recognize the need for extra attention, and the protection of the area for a time, perhaps even restricting our activities until it heals. But we don’t take it as a measure of our character or our standing with God or with others.
Demons that Are Sent
Remembering that the greatest enemy to Satan is the Saint yielded and dependent on God, the more you learn to rest in, receive and extend His Life, the more you become a high-value target. Demons can be sent by those in authority in the demonic hierarchy, by believers and non-believers involved in sorcery (witchcraft & occult), and by God Himself. The best way to deal with a demon that has been sent is the same way as already discussed—ask the Lord! It is helpful, however, to find out if the demon has been sent so that you can be directed by the Lord, if it is His desire, to take the offensive and launch your own assault, as directed, against the enemy. Demons are going to be around on this earth as long as we are, and may be a force we will have to contend with in the next age, so we should go ahead and acknowledge the fact that we’re going to have to learn to deal with them.
Demons that Are Invited
Finally, we can categorize demonic interference as something we ask for in one way or another. This is an intentional request made by either a believer or non-believer (the demons don’t care which) toward the demonic to carry out a certain task. Demons may or may not be obligated to abide by these requests, but we treat their involvement in the same manner as above. As dependent sons, we must learn how much authority we have to bless and to curse, and be careful to speak and do only what we see and hear the Lord doing.
Spheres of Demonic Authority
Though we don’t want to go into too much detail here and get distracted from our overall emphasis (learning to depend on the Lord), we do want to recognize that the demonic has various spheres (time-related, geographical, soulical aspects, etc.) of authority depending on its source of permission. In all cases, demons have absolutely no spiritual authority; their only possible authority is within the supernatural realm and over the natural realm. Their sphere of influence is only as far as they are authorized to go by the Father. Even when we give them an in-road into our lives in one way or another, it is only because God has already set that up as a boundary and legal way for the demons to exist on this plane. So we don’t want to read too much into the presence or influence of the demonic—it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve missed something or are vulnerable. It’s always crucial that we inquire of the Lord as to how to proceed, and then to follow up until He says we’re done.
…to be continued