Weapons of Spiritual Warfare. Janet Rowland

      

      Weapons of Spiritual Warfare

      Gerald Reed

      Copyright © 2012 Gerald Reed

      Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in this book are taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. The KJV is public domain in the United States.

      Verses marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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      The Publisher makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any commercial damages.

      2012-06-10

      Dedication

      This book is dedicated to my wife, Barbara, who has always

      supported me in whatever projects I have felt God wanted me to pursue, and my daughter, Janet, who has been a big help editing this book.

      Introduction

      Is it possible for a spirit filled person to be overcome by the powers of darkness? Are there really spiritual weapons? If so what are they and how do they work? In the pages of this book, we will show that it is certainly possible for true Christians to be defeated by the enemy, to be overcome and destroyed. We will also show that although it is possible for believers to be defeated it is not necessary. By being aware of the devil’s devices and God’s provisions, all true Christians can live overcoming lives.

      Anyone attempting to live for God will quickly realize that he is in a war. There is an enemy, and he fights for control of your life daily. Every day we draw closer to the return of our Lord, and the enemy increases his assaults against God’s people. Those who take time to discern what is happening in society, see terrifying darkness creeping over our nation. Drugs, homosexuality, violence, lying, cheating, theft, child pornography, and all other forms of immoral behavior are practiced in the name of freedom. The line between those who are on God’s side and those who are not, is becoming increasingly clear. The Bible tells us, in no uncertain terms, that there will be many casualties of war in these end times.

       Matthew 24:11 and 12. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

      Many will succumb to the attack of the enemy, but we don’t have to be one of them. Weapons of Spiritual Warfare will help you better understand the weapons God has provided to assist you in your fight against the powers of darkness. You will be able to recognize the enemy and devise a plan to overcome him. The enemy comes only to kill and destroy you, but God has other plans, as you will see.

      The Enemy

       “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.” Ephesians 6:12

      If we are going to fight and win any war, the first thing we must do is identify the enemy. In this spiritual war the enemy is none other than Satan himself. Satan is also known by several names including:

      Abaddon (destroyer) - Revelation 9:11

      Accuser of the brethren - Revelation 12:10

      Adversary - I Peter 5:8

      Beelzebub (dung god) - Matthew 12:24, Mark 3:22, Luke 11:15

      Belial - II Corinthians 6:15

      Devil (false accuser, slanderer) - Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:2; 6, Revelation 20:2

      Lucifer (morning star) - Isaiah 14:12

      Murderer and Liar - John 8:44

      Old serpent - Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20:2

      Power of darkness - Colossians 1:13

      Prince of this world - John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11

      Prince of the power of the air - Ephesians 2:2

      Serpent - Genesis 3:4, 14, II Corinthians 11:3

      Tempter - Matthew 4:3, I Thessalonians 3:5

      Thief - John 10:10

      Wicked one - Matthew 13:19, 38

      He is even referred to by the apostle Paul as “the god of this world”.

       In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4

       Fallen Angels

      When Satan was cast out of heaven, one-third of the all the angels were cast out with him. You can read this in Revelation chapter 12. These are the angels that joined with Satan in his attempt to overthrow God and exalt himself above the throne of God.

      We are told in the Bible that the angels in heaven are innumerable.

       But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. Hebrews 12:22

      The angels in heaven are without number or are incapable of being numbered because of their quantity. So how many fallen angels are there? What is one-third of an innumerable quantity? I don’t believe anyone knows for sure. It could also be innumerable. If it is, the devil has at his disposal an innumerable host of fallen angels and evil spirits. These dark powers of the underworld are constantly at work in their effort to defeat God’s chosen people. Keep in mind, however, that the organized principalities and powers of the upper world out number the organized principalities of the under world by at least two to one. Not to mention we have God on our side. As believers we are on the winning side.

       People

      Not only does Satan come against us directly through demonic powers, he also comes against us through other men and women. We need to understand, however, that these people are not our enemy. They are only being used by the enemy to bring about our spiritual downfall and defeat. Through demonic oppression, demonic obsession, and demonic possession, Satan has gained the advantage over many in the world today. He has also used these in his effort to defeat true believers, and sometimes he has been successful. The scriptures warn us about this.

       Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. I Timothy 4:1

       Demonic Oppression

      Oppression is the act of keeping people down by cruel and unjust use of power or authority. Demonic pressures from without can cause pain and suffering both in an individual’s mind and body. Job was oppressed by the devil. People today are oppressed by demons. Born again Christians are not exempt from these oppressing spirits. Unrelenting attacks of doubt, despair, confusion, fear, suspicion and worry over unfounded problems are launched by Satan against the child of God. Demonic forces will take every advantage to throw “fiery darts” at believers. Evil spirits delight to torment God’s people, if they can.

      Howard Hawks, missionary to Bangladesh, told of his experience as a young pastor in New Hampshire. While lying in his bed one night, he sensed a terrible darkness filling his room. Then suddenly he became aware of hands on his throat choking him. He recognized this as an attack of demon power. He rebuked it in Jesus name and it left.

      Demons