| Spiritual warfare Lesson #1 There is no other subject more popular or more controversial than that of spiritual warfare. Leaders and teachers all over the nation are talking about the demonic powers that rule in the unseen world. Everywhere you look it seems as though this subject is being discussed. But how do we pull down these demonic strongholds. It can only be done one way, and that is with the mighty weapons that God has given us to fight with. We are going to take an in depth look at the scriptures to find out how to use these mighty weapons. It doesn't do any good to have these weapons and not to know how to use them. We will rely totally upon The Holy Spirit to be our teacher. In Mark 16:17 we are commanded to cast out devils. Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; In 2nd Corinthians 10:3-5 we are commandedto pull down strong holds. 2nd Corinthians 10:3-5 3. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; 5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; The warfare starts in the mind, this is why the Word tells us to cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. We are to bring those thoughts into captivity. Satan is forever trying to put thoughts in our heads telling us that we can't do this or we cant do that, when Jesus says that I can do all things through Him, because he strengthens us. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. But in order to do this we must first renew our minds. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Living bible Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you. The dictionary says the word renew means to re-create or to modernize. There are many people who are held hostage in their minds by satan. The word says 1st John 3:8 says For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. The word destroy is taken form the greek word lu-o. It means to untie or unloose something. Jesus Christ came into this world to untie satans binding powers over us. In order to free peoples minds, We must learn to recognize the work of the enemy. Satan knows that if he can plant a stronghold in the mind of a person, he can control and manipulate them. The Holy Spirit wants to teach us how to break these strong holds. In our upcoming lessons we will be learning how to break these strongholds and how to use the weapons that The Holy Spirit has provided us with. |