Equipped for Spiritual Warfare: Understanding Evil Forces

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul urges believers to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. This passage highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. We explored the manifestations of these evil powers, including voluntary and involuntary submission to them, such as spiritism and devil possession. Devil possession is characterized by a person being controlled by an evil spirit, leading to abnormal behavior and loss of self-control. This condition can result in unusual knowledge or abilities, as seen in the New Testament accounts where possessed individuals recognized Jesus' divine nature.

Understanding devil possession is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it is a part of Scripture, and all Scripture is valuable for teaching and understanding our faith. Secondly, it helps us read the Gospels intelligently, as Jesus frequently dealt with such cases. Thirdly, it is relevant today, especially in mission fields and areas where spiritism is prevalent. Lastly, it challenges us to consider our beliefs about the spiritual realm and the authority of Scripture.

The Bible distinguishes between diseases and devil possession, recognizing them as separate conditions. Cases of devil possession do not conform to known clinical patterns and often involve a change in personality and a debased element. The most effective way to address devil possession is through prayer, exorcism, and conversion to Christianity. The power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Christ can deliver individuals from these evil influences.

In our modern age, the resurgence of interest in spiritism and the decline of moral and spiritual values create a fertile ground for the return of such phenomena. However, the coming of Christ has made a significant difference, offering deliverance from the power of evil. We look forward to the time when all evil forces will be finally destroyed, and in the meantime, we must stand firm in the Lord, using the armor of God to protect ourselves and help others.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual warfare is a reality, and our struggle is against spiritual forces of evil, not just physical or earthly challenges. Understanding this helps us to be vigilant and prepared, relying on God's strength and armor to stand firm. [00:50]

- Devil possession involves a person being controlled by an evil spirit, leading to abnormal behavior and loss of self-control. This condition can result in unusual knowledge or abilities, highlighting the spiritual realm's influence. [03:33]

- The Bible distinguishes between diseases and devil possession, recognizing them as separate conditions. This distinction is crucial for understanding the spiritual and physical aspects of afflictions. [20:23]

- The most effective way to address devil possession is through prayer, exorcism, and conversion to Christianity. The power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Christ can deliver individuals from these evil influences. [25:33]

- In our modern age, the resurgence of interest in spiritism and the decline of moral and spiritual values create a fertile ground for the return of such phenomena. However, the coming of Christ offers deliverance from the power of evil. [41:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:10-13
- [00:31] - Spiritual Warfare and Evil Powers
- [01:09] - Manifestations of Evil Powers
- [01:57] - Voluntary and Involuntary Submission
- [02:38] - Understanding Devil Possession
- [03:33] - Characteristics of Devil Possession
- [05:01] - Biblical Accounts of Possession
- [06:08] - Unusual Knowledge and Abilities
- [07:43] - Importance of Understanding Possession
- [09:06] - Scriptural and Historical Context
- [10:58] - Modern Relevance and Mission Fields
- [12:12] - Dangers of Spiritism and Abandonment
- [13:03] - The Person of Christ and Belief
- [16:03] - Existence of Devil Possession
- [18:21] - Distinction Between Diseases and Possession
- [22:15] - Symptoms and Cure of Possession
- [25:33] - Power of Prayer and Conversion
- [31:06] - Modern Examples and Hypnotism
- [36:28] - Periodicity of Devil Possession
- [41:48] - Conclusion and Hope in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:10-13

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he instructs believers to "put on the whole armor of God"? How does this relate to standing against the devil's schemes? [00:11]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between voluntary and involuntary submission to evil powers? [01:57]
3. What are some of the manifestations of devil possession mentioned in the sermon, and how do they differ from known diseases? [20:23]
4. According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play in delivering individuals from devil possession? [25:33]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding spiritual warfare change a believer's perspective on daily challenges and struggles? [00:50]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that modern interest in spiritism could lead to a resurgence of devil possession? [41:48]
3. How does the distinction between diseases and devil possession in the Bible challenge modern scientific explanations of these phenomena? [20:23]
4. What implications does the sermon suggest about the authority of Scripture when it comes to understanding spiritual realities? [18:21]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually attacked. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now with the understanding of Ephesians 6:10-13? [00:11]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of prayer in addressing devil possession. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to guard against spiritual attacks? [25:33]
3. Considering the modern resurgence of spiritism, how can you educate yourself and others about the dangers it poses to spiritual health? [41:48]
4. How can you use the "armor of God" in your interactions with others to help them stand firm in their faith? [00:50]
5. The sermon highlights the power of conversion to Christianity in delivering individuals from evil influences. How can you be more active in sharing your faith with those who might be struggling with spiritual oppression? [25:33]
6. Reflect on your beliefs about the spiritual realm. How does this sermon challenge or affirm your understanding, and what steps can you take to deepen your knowledge of Scripture in this area? [18:21]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel vulnerable to spiritual attack. What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your defenses using the principles from Ephesians 6:10-13? [00:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Warfare: A Battle Beyond the Physical
In Ephesians 6:10-13, believers are reminded of the reality of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. This understanding calls for vigilance and preparation, relying on God's strength and the armor of God to stand firm. Recognizing the spiritual dimension of our challenges helps us to approach life's difficulties with a perspective that goes beyond the physical, acknowledging the influence of unseen forces. This awareness is crucial for living a life of faith that is grounded in the power and protection of God. [00:50]

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What are some specific areas in your life where you feel you are facing a battle? How can you rely on God's strength and armor to stand firm in these areas today?


Day 2: Understanding the Reality of Devil Possession
Devil possession involves a person being controlled by an evil spirit, leading to abnormal behavior and loss of self-control. This condition can result in unusual knowledge or abilities, highlighting the spiritual realm's influence. Understanding this phenomenon is important for several reasons: it is part of Scripture, it helps us read the Gospels intelligently, and it is relevant today, especially in areas where spiritism is prevalent. Recognizing the reality of devil possession challenges us to consider our beliefs about the spiritual realm and the authority of Scripture. [03:33]

"And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way." (Matthew 8:28, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the reality of devil possession influence your view of spiritual warfare? Are there areas in your life where you need to be more aware of spiritual influences?


Day 3: Distinguishing Between Diseases and Devil Possession
The Bible distinguishes between diseases and devil possession, recognizing them as separate conditions. This distinction is crucial for understanding the spiritual and physical aspects of afflictions. Cases of devil possession do not conform to known clinical patterns and often involve a change in personality and a debased element. This understanding helps us approach afflictions with discernment, recognizing the need for spiritual intervention in cases of possession. [20:23]

"And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him." (Mark 1:34, ESV)

Reflection: How can you discern the difference between physical and spiritual afflictions in your life or the lives of others? What steps can you take to seek the appropriate help for each?


Day 4: The Power of Prayer and Conversion in Deliverance
The most effective way to address devil possession is through prayer, exorcism, and conversion to Christianity. The power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Christ can deliver individuals from these evil influences. This highlights the importance of spiritual practices and the transformative power of faith in overcoming evil. As believers, we are called to rely on the power of prayer and the authority of Christ to bring deliverance and healing to those afflicted by evil forces. [25:33]

"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues." (Mark 16:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit into your daily life to combat spiritual influences? Is there someone you know who needs prayer for deliverance today?


Day 5: Hope in Christ Amidst a Resurgence of Spiritism
In our modern age, the resurgence of interest in spiritism and the decline of moral and spiritual values create a fertile ground for the return of such phenomena. However, the coming of Christ offers deliverance from the power of evil. This hope in Christ is a source of strength and assurance as we navigate a world where spiritual influences are prevalent. As believers, we are called to stand firm in the Lord, using the armor of God to protect ourselves and help others. [41:48]

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you be a source of hope and light to those around you who may be influenced by spiritism or other spiritual forces? How can you actively stand firm in your faith today?

Quotes


Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [00:00:14]

The person is actually being possessed by or controlled by somebody else, something else, some other power. That is the exact condition. The person is possessed, for the time being, as it were, owned by this other person, guided by this other power, this spirit. Controlled by the person, no longer is in control of himself or herself, but has been mastered, taken home, possessed by this unseen spiritual power. [00:02:48]

The Bible itself draws a distinction between diseases and devil possession. Now, if the Bible described every form of affliction as devil possession, there might be something in this argument. But the Bible draws a very sharp distinction between diseases, which it recognizes as diseases, and devil possession. [00:20:07]

The most effective way of curing these cases is by prayer, prayer, urgent and intense prayer, that they may be delivered. And it's often happened. Now, if you're interested in reading about this kind of thing, take that book about Pastor She of China. [00:25:31]

In an age of moral declension, in an age of godlessness, in an age of excesses, in an age when people no longer believe in God and begin to dabble with the unseen and to play with evil, invariably this phenomenon comes back. When their education becomes purely secular and denies the Bible entirely and denies God and becomes atheistical, then, though they are sophisticated and have a knowledge of a kind, it is not sufficient to keep these powers at bay. [00:40:31]

Thank God for the season of Advent. Thank God that we are in the time of the year when we think of the coming of the Son of God. Oh, the difference his coming has made. He came to deliver us not only from the guilt and punishment of sin but from the power of evil. He came to undo the works of the devil, says John in his first epistle in chapter 3. [00:41:48]

The Bible is not as ignorant as the modern man sometimes tends to believe. The trouble with this modern man is that he doesn't know much about his Bible. He's always reading something else, and he's reading books about the Bible. If he only read the Bible, well, some of his arguments would immediately have to be abandoned. [00:19:44]

The power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Christ can deliver individuals from these evil influences. Certainly, in my own experience, one of the most striking cases of devil possession I ever saw was healed in this way by the poor person becoming a Christian. [00:26:09]

There is a general definition as to what we mean when we talk about devil possession. But let me raise another question: why are we considering this? Is there anybody, I wonder, in this congregation who feels that this is rather a useless procedure, that it's just a kind of academic subject and that, well, it's got nothing to say to us, to our experience? [00:07:47]

The Bible draws a very clear and scientific distinction between diseases, devil possession, and lunacy. There's no confusion here. They recognize these different categories, and they were well aware of these differences and distinctions. [00:21:59]

The coming of Christ offers deliverance from the power of evil. We look forward to the time when all evil forces will be finally destroyed, and in the meantime, we must stand firm in the Lord, using the armor of God to protect ourselves and help others. [00:41:48]

The presence of the Son of God created a stir in the realm of darkness, and it arose in self-defense in an attempt to defeat him. That's the background to your four gospels, and it's a most significant and important bit of teaching. [00:38:39]

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Transcript
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