Chapters

1-3

Chapters

1-3

®

www.praytimer.org

• The Bible study sessions help believers The Bible study sessions help believers and unbelievers discover the source of and unbelievers discover the source of effective prayer.effective prayer.

Chapter OneChapter OneFollowing Christ in Biblical PrayerFollowing Christ in Biblical Prayer

Even people who believe in prayer and Even people who believe in prayer and have seen its power wake up one have seen its power wake up one morning to discover that their prayer morning to discover that their prayer life is powerless.life is powerless.

Many desire to renew a personal Many desire to renew a personal passion for prayer. passion for prayer. Believers know in Believers know in their spirit that obedience to the living their spirit that obedience to the living Lord means responding with a lifestyle Lord means responding with a lifestyle that allows unceasing prayerthat allows unceasing prayer (see 1 (see 1 Thess. 5:17).Thess. 5:17).

Satan hates prayer. He prefers that Satan hates prayer. He prefers that believers do anything except pray.believers do anything except pray.

Don’t rely on processes and models to Don’t rely on processes and models to program prayer (see Zech. 4:6).program prayer (see Zech. 4:6).

Biblical PrayerBiblical Prayer

Prayer is popular. Prayer is popular. People pray for 5 minutes or less a day. People pray for 5 minutes or less a day. George Barna indicates that 83% of George Barna indicates that 83% of

North Americans pray during a typical North Americans pray during a typical week, but only 39% consider week, but only 39% consider themselves “born again Christians.”themselves “born again Christians.”

““9 out of 10 adults believe they know 9 out of 10 adults believe they know the teachings of Christianity very well.”the teachings of Christianity very well.”

Where does a person begin to renew a Where does a person begin to renew a personal passion to pray unceasinglypersonal passion to pray unceasingly??

Becoming a Follower of JesusBecoming a Follower of Jesus

Prayer flows from our personal Prayer flows from our personal relationship with Jesus.relationship with Jesus.

Jesus said, “Follow Me” (Matt. 4:19).Jesus said, “Follow Me” (Matt. 4:19). Believers should share a clear call for Believers should share a clear call for

people to follow Jesus.people to follow Jesus. The followers of Jesus Christ were first The followers of Jesus Christ were first

called Christians in the first century as called Christians in the first century as an insult (see Acts 11:26).an insult (see Acts 11:26).

The followers of Jesus should act like The followers of Jesus should act like Him so there is no doubt that they are Him so there is no doubt that they are Christians.Christians.

First, The Creator God Wants a First, The Creator God Wants a Relationship with His CreationRelationship with His Creation

Creator and creationCreator and creation– People need a relationship with the People need a relationship with the

Creator God. Creator God. – Peace (reuniting what has been separated) Peace (reuniting what has been separated)

only comes through Him. only comes through Him. – God is worthy of our absolute trust in His God is worthy of our absolute trust in His

love and justice.love and justice.– A broken relationship with Jesus is the A broken relationship with Jesus is the

primary reason for prayerlessness or primary reason for prayerlessness or ineffective prayer.ineffective prayer.

God seeking humankindGod seeking humankind– Much of the Bible is God seeking Much of the Bible is God seeking

humankind to restore His relationship with humankind to restore His relationship with them. them.

– Romans 1:25 “they exchanged truth of God Romans 1:25 “they exchanged truth of God for a lie.” for a lie.” Humans are not ultimately Humans are not ultimately satisfied with religious rituals. Nor are they satisfied with religious rituals. Nor are they ultimately satisfied with the self-centered ultimately satisfied with the self-centered accumulation of wealth.accumulation of wealth.

– We must meet God on His terms. We must meet God on His terms. – Our knowing about God is dependent on Our knowing about God is dependent on

biblical, consistent prayer and Bible study.biblical, consistent prayer and Bible study.

Confronting the lies of the cultureConfronting the lies of the culture– Satan has blinded people from the truth.Satan has blinded people from the truth.– All of creation points to a Creator.All of creation points to a Creator.– God is taking the initiative to bring His God is taking the initiative to bring His

creation to relationship with Him.creation to relationship with Him.– God sent Jesus to show humankind how God sent Jesus to show humankind how

to know the Creator.to know the Creator.– Humankind must admit to themselves and Humankind must admit to themselves and

to God that He is Creator.to God that He is Creator.

Second, Humankind’s Problem is Second, Humankind’s Problem is Disobeying God and Not Knowing Disobeying God and Not Knowing

What God WantsWhat God Wants

Sin is to disobey God (see Rom. 3:23)Sin is to disobey God (see Rom. 3:23)– Our problem is we want to instruct the Our problem is we want to instruct the

Creator.Creator.– There is no degree of acceptable sin. Sin There is no degree of acceptable sin. Sin

undermines effective prayer.undermines effective prayer. God is holyGod is holy

– Any sin carries the consequence of being Any sin carries the consequence of being separated from God (see Rom. 6:23).separated from God (see Rom. 6:23).

– The culture teaches people that they will The culture teaches people that they will not go to hell.not go to hell.

Hell is horrible (see Luke 16:19-31)Hell is horrible (see Luke 16:19-31)– People going to hell is not God’s choice People going to hell is not God’s choice

but ours.but ours.– Every Christian is commanded to warn Every Christian is commanded to warn

people away from hell.people away from hell.

Being good is not enoughBeing good is not enough–Allowing Jesus to replace good activities Allowing Jesus to replace good activities with moral change (holiness) is the only way with moral change (holiness) is the only way to heaven.to heaven.–The Bible is the primary way to learn what The Bible is the primary way to learn what God wants for and from His creation.God wants for and from His creation.–Humans must determine what authority they Humans must determine what authority they will follow. will follow.

Confess and repent Confess and repent (see Acts 26:20)(see Acts 26:20)

– People must admit to God that His way is People must admit to God that His way is better than their way.better than their way.

– We must admit (confess) that we have We must admit (confess) that we have disobeyed Him.disobeyed Him.

– We should know God’s requirements.We should know God’s requirements.– Begin a life of obedience to the teachings Begin a life of obedience to the teachings

of Jesus (see 1 Sam. 15:22). For some of Jesus (see 1 Sam. 15:22). For some Christians it is easier to sacrifice than to Christians it is easier to sacrifice than to obey. Other believers refuse to sacrifice obey. Other believers refuse to sacrifice any time, talent, or money for eternal any time, talent, or money for eternal causes.causes.

Third, God Provided the Solution to Third, God Provided the Solution to our Problem through Jesusour Problem through Jesus

Jesus is the only way to GodJesus is the only way to God– God sent His only Son to pay for our God sent His only Son to pay for our

disobedience (see John 3:16,14:6;1 Pet. disobedience (see John 3:16,14:6;1 Pet. 3:18).3:18).

– The individual’s response is to accept The individual’s response is to accept God’s solution through Jesus.God’s solution through Jesus.

– Consequences of choosing our way are Consequences of choosing our way are severe because it is so dangerous to us.severe because it is so dangerous to us.

– Jesus’ death on the cross was so Jesus’ death on the cross was so significant that it affected all of time and all significant that it affected all of time and all of history.of history.

False religionFalse religion– False religion tries to convince humans False religion tries to convince humans

that changing behavior and activities that changing behavior and activities results in becoming a moral person (see results in becoming a moral person (see Matt. 23:15-19).Matt. 23:15-19).

– Becoming a Christian is more than just Becoming a Christian is more than just changing behavior or believing in God (see changing behavior or believing in God (see Jas. 2:19).Jas. 2:19).

A personal relationship with Christ replaces A personal relationship with Christ replaces all religious pretense. It transforms prayer all religious pretense. It transforms prayer from a ritual into communication with our from a ritual into communication with our Lord.Lord.

Confessing Jesus as Lord Confessing Jesus as Lord (see Rom. (see Rom. 10:9-10)10:9-10)

–– We become justified (just) through Christ. We become justified (just) through Christ. People cannot earn their justification.People cannot earn their justification.

Being sure about your salvationBeing sure about your salvation– Satan will try to bring doubt and Satan will try to bring doubt and

discouragement into the believer’s life.discouragement into the believer’s life.– Christians cannot lose their salvation (see Christians cannot lose their salvation (see

Rom. 8:38-39; 1 John 5:13). But Satan Rom. 8:38-39; 1 John 5:13). But Satan works very hard to ruin our testimony so works very hard to ruin our testimony so we cannot take anyone to Heaven with us.we cannot take anyone to Heaven with us.

Growing as a healthy ChristianGrowing as a healthy Christian– Every living thing needs nourishment to Every living thing needs nourishment to

survive and grow (see Rom. 12:1).survive and grow (see Rom. 12:1).– Christians grow as they Christians grow as they choosechoose to let to let

Jesus be Lord of every part of their life.Jesus be Lord of every part of their life. – Seek to become a living and holy sacrifice Seek to become a living and holy sacrifice

to God. to God. – Worship includes becoming part of a local Worship includes becoming part of a local

church (see Rom. 6:4).church (see Rom. 6:4).– Baptism is a public symbol of what has Baptism is a public symbol of what has

happened on the inside of the new believer happened on the inside of the new believer (see Acts 2:41). (see Acts 2:41).

– Renewing our mind comes with Bible Renewing our mind comes with Bible study, prayer, and worship. study, prayer, and worship.

ConclusionConclusionA vibrant prayer life flows from a relationship A vibrant prayer life flows from a relationship with the Creator God through His Son Jesus in with the Creator God through His Son Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. His enemy, Satan, the power of the Holy Spirit. His enemy, Satan, seeks to confuse and distort the biblical facts seeks to confuse and distort the biblical facts about prayer. about prayer.

God has taken the initiative to communicate God has taken the initiative to communicate with His creation through prayer.with His creation through prayer.

Healthy Christians automatically begin toHealthy Christians automatically begin to tell others about Christ.tell others about Christ.

– Jesus said that He came to “seek and toJesus said that He came to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). – He who wins souls is wise (see Prov. 11:30).He who wins souls is wise (see Prov. 11:30).

Chapter TwoChapter TwoPraying from a Believer’s HeartPraying from a Believer’s Heart

Only believers have Christ as their Only believers have Christ as their mediator to God. mediator to God. Without the mediator, Without the mediator, unbelievers do not have access to the unbelievers do not have access to the throne of God. Prayer is powerless if it throne of God. Prayer is powerless if it does not go to the throne of God.does not go to the throne of God.

In a masterpiece of subversion,In a masterpiece of subversion, Satan Satan will convince unbelievers that their will convince unbelievers that their prayer has been answered.prayer has been answered.

Prayer will not be answered separate Prayer will not be answered separate from God’s requirements for prayer and from God’s requirements for prayer and for the one praying.for the one praying.

Study the biblical instructions for Study the biblical instructions for prayer.prayer.

The Role of Jesus in our Prayer: The Role of Jesus in our Prayer: Jesus provides access to the FatherJesus provides access to the Father

By the blood–“We ... enter the holy place by the blood

of Jesus” (Heb. 10:19).

–“Through Him we have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18).

By the blood–“We ... enter the holy place by the blood

of Jesus” (Heb. 10:19).

–“Through Him we have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18).

Made righteous (see Rom. 10:10)– Humans are made righteous only

through Christ.

– Righteous prayer is effective (see Jas. 5:16).

– Righteousness is right behavior that comes from holiness.

– Without Jesus there is no righteousness. Without righteousness there is no effective prayer.

ObedienceObedience– The requirement for answered prayer is The requirement for answered prayer is

obedience to God’s commandments (see 1 obedience to God’s commandments (see 1 John 3:22).John 3:22).

– R.A. Torrey wrote, “God’s promises to R.A. Torrey wrote, “God’s promises to answer prayer are made to certain specific answer prayer are made to certain specific persons, and God is very careful in His persons, and God is very careful in His Word to tell us just who these persons Word to tell us just who these persons are.”are.”

Boldness (see 1 John 5:14)Boldness (see 1 John 5:14)

– 1 John 5:14 shares here is the source for 1 John 5:14 shares here is the source for bold, confident, biblical praying.bold, confident, biblical praying.

– The believer’s prayer of petition must be The believer’s prayer of petition must be according to God’s will.according to God’s will.

– Much false teaching results in frustrated Much false teaching results in frustrated people who could not impose their will on people who could not impose their will on God.God.

– Many people become angry with God Many people become angry with God because they impose expectations on God because they impose expectations on God that are not biblical.that are not biblical.

The Holy Spirit’s Role in PrayerThe Holy Spirit’s Role in Prayer

The Holy Spirit plays a key role in the The Holy Spirit plays a key role in the prayer life of the believer (see Rom. prayer life of the believer (see Rom. 8:26-27).8:26-27).

The Holy Spirit helps in our weakness.The Holy Spirit helps in our weakness. Our human weakness is so great that Our human weakness is so great that

prayer requires the Spirit’s help. Some prayer requires the Spirit’s help. Some prayers deserve a “No” answer.prayers deserve a “No” answer.

The Holy Spirit is our advocate in Divine The Holy Spirit is our advocate in Divine courts.courts.

Prayer is not informing omniscient God, it is Prayer is not informing omniscient God, it is recognizing that believers are bowing to recognizing that believers are bowing to God’s will.God’s will.

The intervention of the Holy Spirit brings the The intervention of the Holy Spirit brings the unbeliever’s prayer for salvation to God.unbeliever’s prayer for salvation to God.

Many answered prayers of unbelievers are Many answered prayers of unbelievers are the result of intercession for them by the result of intercession for them by believers.believers.

Works for the good of the believerWorks for the good of the believer– – Christians are “called according to HisChristians are “called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).purpose” (Rom. 8:28).– – Believers must come as Paul did (see 2 Believers must come as Paul did (see 2 Cor. 12:10). What will we endure?Cor. 12:10). What will we endure?

– – Jesus wanted to be excused from the painJesus wanted to be excused from the pain

of the cross, but He prayed “Your will be of the cross, but He prayed “Your will be

done” because the salvation of humankinddone” because the salvation of humankind

required that sacrifice and pain required that sacrifice and pain

(see Matt. 26:42).(see Matt. 26:42).

-- The work of the Holy Spirit is so crucial-- The work of the Holy Spirit is so crucial

that those outside of Christ have no hopethat those outside of Christ have no hope

of effective prayer.of effective prayer.

God’s expectations for Prayer: Matthew God’s expectations for Prayer: Matthew 6:6-136:6-13

Not just an external activityNot just an external activity– – Jesus warns believers that prayer must be more Jesus warns believers that prayer must be more

than mere external activity.than mere external activity. A spiritual disciplineA spiritual discipline

– Matthew 6:6 emphasizes the Matthew 6:6 emphasizes the disciplinediscipline of of personal prayer.personal prayer.

Beware of imitation prayerBeware of imitation prayer– – Jesus rejects the misguided devotion of Jesus rejects the misguided devotion of

“meaningless repetition” (Matt. 6:7).“meaningless repetition” (Matt. 6:7). Focus prayer on the FatherFocus prayer on the Father

– Prayer is an act of worship to the Father, in the Prayer is an act of worship to the Father, in the name of the Son through the power of the Holy name of the Son through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 6:8).Spirit (Matt. 6:8).

Verse 9 Jesus contrasts false prayer Verse 9 Jesus contrasts false prayer with Spirit-led prayerwith Spirit-led prayer– Our relationship with Our relationship with “abba”“abba” Father comes Father comes

through our accepting the Lordship and through our accepting the Lordship and sacrifice of Jesus.sacrifice of Jesus.

– ““Hallowed be your name” - Hallowed be your name” - respected, not respected, not profaned.profaned.

– ““Your kingdom come” - Your kingdom come” - Preferring the Preferring the reign and rule of Christ.reign and rule of Christ.

– ““Your will be done” - Your will be done” - Praying for His will Praying for His will over our will. over our will.

Seek God’s influence (see Matt 6:11-13).Seek God’s influence (see Matt 6:11-13).- We must acknowledge that our prayer flows - We must acknowledge that our prayer flows

from a life from a life transformedtransformed by dependence on the by dependence on the grace and love of the Creator.grace and love of the Creator.

Prayer, like faith, without works is dead.Prayer, like faith, without works is dead.

- - We are often used by God to answer prayerWe are often used by God to answer prayer Forgiven and forgiveness“Forgiven and forgiveness“

- And forgive us ... as we also have forgiven ...” - And forgive us ... as we also have forgiven ...” Forgiveness for our sin only comes from Forgiveness for our sin only comes from Christ. So does the ability to forgive. Christ. So does the ability to forgive.

Delivered from temptationDelivered from temptation-“Do not Lead us into temptation.” -“Do not Lead us into temptation.” The word The word

for temptation in Matthew 6:13 is to test for temptation in Matthew 6:13 is to test the believer’s strength, loyalty, and ability the believer’s strength, loyalty, and ability for service.for service.

Powerful, effective prayer requires a Powerful, effective prayer requires a relationship with the Creatorrelationship with the Creator

The WayThe Way-- Jesus tells us that access to God is only Jesus tells us that access to God is only

through the Son (see John 14:1-12).through the Son (see John 14:1-12).

Prayer that does not go to the Father is Prayer that does not go to the Father is powerless. Elijah in 1 Kings 18:20-39.powerless. Elijah in 1 Kings 18:20-39.

ConclusionConclusionPrayer is a gift to those who are in Christ. Prayer is a gift to those who are in Christ. And even those who are in Christ must And even those who are in Christ must pray according to His will and teachings pray according to His will and teachings to have effective prayer. The only prayer to have effective prayer. The only prayer God hears from an unbeliever is the God hears from an unbeliever is the prayer of repentance.prayer of repentance.

Prayer is a gift to those who are in Christ. Prayer is a gift to those who are in Christ. And even those who are in Christ must And even those who are in Christ must pray according to His will and teachings pray according to His will and teachings to have effective prayer. The only prayer to have effective prayer. The only prayer God hears from an unbeliever is the God hears from an unbeliever is the prayer of repentance.prayer of repentance.

Chapter ThreeChapter ThreeSpiritual Warfare and the Biblical PlanSpiritual Warfare and the Biblical Plan

Satan’s influence in North America has Satan’s influence in North America has grown along with the need for biblical grown along with the need for biblical spiritual warfare.spiritual warfare.

Recent books, movies, and TV shows Recent books, movies, and TV shows have raised awareness in the have raised awareness in the supernatural. supernatural.

We also have seen a shocking decline We also have seen a shocking decline in moral and theological foundations. in moral and theological foundations. Rationalism and intellectualism have Rationalism and intellectualism have undermined belief in a spiritual world. undermined belief in a spiritual world. Secularism and humanism worship the Secularism and humanism worship the idols of human achievement.idols of human achievement.

Three-fold Focus of Spiritual WarfareThree-fold Focus of Spiritual Warfare1.1. The conversion of lost people to a The conversion of lost people to a

relationship with Jesus Christ.relationship with Jesus Christ. – Jesus emphasized salvation over their Jesus emphasized salvation over their

spiritual authority (see Luke 10:17-20).spiritual authority (see Luke 10:17-20).– Acts presents examples of SW, but its Acts presents examples of SW, but its

emphasis is conversion of the lost (see emphasis is conversion of the lost (see Acts 26:18).Acts 26:18).

– Satan has blinded people (see Satan has blinded people (see

2 Cor. 4:3-4).2 Cor. 4:3-4).– Understanding Satan’s nature and purpose Understanding Satan’s nature and purpose

will prevent people from being fooled by will prevent people from being fooled by his tactics.his tactics.

2. Identification of and protection from 2. Identification of and protection from Satan’s plan.Satan’s plan.– – Satan is the enemy. He is the evil one, a thief, Satan is the enemy. He is the evil one, a thief,

and a murderer (see John 10:10).and a murderer (see John 10:10).

– – Satan cannot be trusted to direct Satan cannot be trusted to direct (possession) or even influence our life. (possession) or even influence our life.

– – The enemy is Satan, not his followers Jn 3:16The enemy is Satan, not his followers Jn 3:163. Accepting responsibility for biblical3. Accepting responsibility for biblical authority and activity.authority and activity.

– – Bible teaches all we need about spiritual Bible teaches all we need about spiritual warfare. There is a difference in earthly realmwarfare. There is a difference in earthly realm

and heavenly realm warfare.and heavenly realm warfare. – – Below are five biblical responsibilities forBelow are five biblical responsibilities for spiritual warfare in the earthly realm.spiritual warfare in the earthly realm.

Prayer: John 17:15, Luke 22:31-32, Prayer: John 17:15, Luke 22:31-32, The responsibility in warfare prayer is The responsibility in warfare prayer is interceding for other people, not against Satan interceding for other people, not against Satan and his demons (see 1 Timothy 2:1-8) and his demons (see 1 Timothy 2:1-8) The primary responsibility of believers involved The primary responsibility of believers involved in spiritual warfare is prayer. More prayer in spiritual warfare is prayer. More prayer warriors are needed.warriors are needed.

Resist, draw near: James 4:7-8. We must draw Resist, draw near: James 4:7-8. We must draw near to Jesus or we will lose. near to Jesus or we will lose. It is the knowledge It is the knowledge and use of God’s Word that protects believers and use of God’s Word that protects believers from Satan’s influence (see Eph. 6:17). from Satan’s influence (see Eph. 6:17). Anything that gives Satan a foothold in our lives Anything that gives Satan a foothold in our lives can cause us to fall into sin, and sin destroys can cause us to fall into sin, and sin destroys our testimony (see 1 John 3:7-12)our testimony (see 1 John 3:7-12)

Lift up Jesus: John 12:31-32. Lift up Jesus: John 12:31-32. Lifting Jesus Lifting Jesus up will draw people from Satan’s influence. It up will draw people from Satan’s influence. It is easy to lift up a church or people instead is easy to lift up a church or people instead of Jesus.of Jesus.

Work through local church: Work through local church: Matthew 18:18, Matthew 18:18, Ephesians 3:10 Primary role of the church for Ephesians 3:10 Primary role of the church for support, protection, accountability, and support, protection, accountability, and direction. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 includes direction. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 includes “distinguishing of spirits.” “distinguishing of spirits.”

Error occurs easily without Error occurs easily without theological training theological training or accountabilityor accountability..

Overcome strongholds with the power of Overcome strongholds with the power of the gospelthe gospel

2 Corinthians 10:4: only place 2 Corinthians 10:4: only place strongholds (fortresses) is used in the strongholds (fortresses) is used in the BibleBible. Paul explains in verse 5. . Paul explains in verse 5. Arguments that try to make individual Arguments that try to make individual will impregnable to God’s willwill impregnable to God’s will. . Believers do not have to discover and Believers do not have to discover and demolish vast levels of strongholds. demolish vast levels of strongholds. We simply (but not easily) must take We simply (but not easily) must take “every thought captive to the “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”obedience of Christ.”

Satan’s PlanSatan’s Plan

Satan’s first tactic is to tell people that God Satan’s first tactic is to tell people that God and the spiritual world are not real (see 2 and the spiritual world are not real (see 2 Tim. 4:3-4).Tim. 4:3-4).

A second satanic tactic is to provide fake A second satanic tactic is to provide fake examples or incomplete definitions of examples or incomplete definitions of salvation, revival, and prayer. He lures salvation, revival, and prayer. He lures sincere people into works-based cults and sincere people into works-based cults and false teachings (see false teachings (see Acts 13:8-10).Acts 13:8-10).

Third, he has confused some believers so Third, he has confused some believers so thoroughly that they will not participate in thoroughly that they will not participate in spiritual warfare.spiritual warfare.

He provides decoys that drain He provides decoys that drain energy, time, and other resources energy, time, and other resources from the legitimate battle.from the legitimate battle.

Christians must be careful to Christians must be careful to participate only in biblical spiritual participate only in biblical spiritual warfare.warfare.

Discerning False TeachingDiscerning False Teaching Studying the Bible will identify false Studying the Bible will identify false

teaching.teaching. Many naïve and trusting people have been Many naïve and trusting people have been

led astray by intentional and unintentional led astray by intentional and unintentional false prophets. false prophets. Even sincere believers can Even sincere believers can become false prophets when we stray from become false prophets when we stray from God’s Word.God’s Word.

1 John 4:1 says, “do not believe every 1 John 4:1 says, “do not believe every spirit… because many false prophets have spirit… because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” gone out into the world.”

The Bible is the definitive source for The Bible is the definitive source for understanding and practicing prayer and understanding and practicing prayer and spiritual warfare.spiritual warfare.

Be very careful that our theology and Be very careful that our theology and spiritual warfare activities come only from spiritual warfare activities come only from the Bible.the Bible.

Spiritual Warfare in the BibleSpiritual Warfare in the Bible

Five biblical principles are foundational to Five biblical principles are foundational to understanding and responding to warfare in understanding and responding to warfare in the heavenly and earthly realms.the heavenly and earthly realms.

First, God is in controlFirst, God is in control Satan constantly questions God’sSatan constantly questions God’s

sovereignty (see Gen. 3; Matt. 4).sovereignty (see Gen. 3; Matt. 4). Satan must come to God for permission toSatan must come to God for permission to

“ “sift” believers (see Job 1:6; Luke 22:31).sift” believers (see Job 1:6; Luke 22:31).

Do not let Satan’s accusations steal Do not let Satan’s accusations steal

your joy.your joy.

Second, Jesus is God’s Son and has Second, Jesus is God’s Son and has authority over Satan and his demons.authority over Satan and his demons.

Christ alone will dethrone the powers and Christ alone will dethrone the powers and place “all things in subjection under His feet” place “all things in subjection under His feet” (1 Cor.15:23-28). (1 Cor.15:23-28).

Jesus disarmed (“unmasked”) the rulers and Jesus disarmed (“unmasked”) the rulers and authorities with the resurrection (see Col. authorities with the resurrection (see Col. 2:15).2:15).

Satan and his forces continue working to Satan and his forces continue working to remove the influence of Christ and Christ’s remove the influence of Christ and Christ’s followers. followers.

Satan is desperate to renew his dominion Satan is desperate to renew his dominion with false gods.with false gods.

Demons can be cast out and their Demons can be cast out and their activity limited.activity limited.– Demons can possess people and animals, Demons can possess people and animals,

but there is no evidence of them but there is no evidence of them possessing inanimate objectspossessing inanimate objects..

– Mark 5:1-9 is the only instance of Jesus Mark 5:1-9 is the only instance of Jesus asking for a demons name. It is descriptive asking for a demons name. It is descriptive and not a prescriptive formula for and not a prescriptive formula for exorcism.exorcism.

– In Mark 10 Jesus does not bind any of the In Mark 10 Jesus does not bind any of the demons he encountered.demons he encountered.

– In Luke 4:40-41, the physician Luke In Luke 4:40-41, the physician Luke describes that healing some illnesses is describes that healing some illnesses is different from exorcism.different from exorcism.

Jesus binds SatanJesus binds Satan. Carefully study these . Carefully study these verses.verses.

– – Matthew 12:22-29 shows what Jesus did Matthew 12:22-29 shows what Jesus did and completed by binding the strong man.and completed by binding the strong man.

– There is no evidence that Christians are to There is no evidence that Christians are to become involved in binding Satan and his become involved in binding Satan and his demons. Paul nor anyone in the New demons. Paul nor anyone in the New Testament ever binds Satan.Testament ever binds Satan.

– The church is to carry out on earth the The church is to carry out on earth the decisions already made in heaven (see decisions already made in heaven (see Matt. 18:15-19). Matt. 18:15-19). It does not refer to binding It does not refer to binding demons in people or to binding demons in demons in people or to binding demons in general.general.

Third, Satan is the enemy of God and Third, Satan is the enemy of God and humankind.humankind.

Satan and his demons are fallen Satan and his demons are fallen angels.angels.– In Luke 10:18, Jesus describes watching In Luke 10:18, Jesus describes watching

“Satan fall from heaven like lightning.”“Satan fall from heaven like lightning.”– Judgment of Satan (see Matt. 25:41; 2 Pet. Judgment of Satan (see Matt. 25:41; 2 Pet.

2:4).2:4).– Demons have supernatural power (see Ex. Demons have supernatural power (see Ex.

7:11). This is the danger of the “If it works, 7:11). This is the danger of the “If it works, use it” philosophy of some people use it” philosophy of some people involved in spiritual warfare.involved in spiritual warfare.

– Beware of “fleshly wisdom” (2 Cor. 1:12).Beware of “fleshly wisdom” (2 Cor. 1:12).

Satan tempts and influences people Satan tempts and influences people (see Acts 14:2).(see Acts 14:2).– Satan, his demons, and his followers Satan, his demons, and his followers

are working against God and His are working against God and His people (see Matt. 4:1-11).people (see Matt. 4:1-11).

– The followers of Satan can hinder The followers of Satan can hinder Christians.Christians.

– Christians can be influenced to work Christians can be influenced to work against the kingdom. Beware of against the kingdom. Beware of Satan’s Satan’s influenceinfluence more than more than possession possession (see John 13:2).(see John 13:2).

Fourth, there is a battle between good Fourth, there is a battle between good and evil.and evil.

The battle between good and evil predates The battle between good and evil predates the creation of humankind (see Rev. 12:7-12).the creation of humankind (see Rev. 12:7-12).

The Bible warns believers that there is a The Bible warns believers that there is a personal and cultural war between good and personal and cultural war between good and evil.evil.

Satan’s purpose is to disobey God and lead Satan’s purpose is to disobey God and lead others to do so (see Gen. 3:1-8, Matt. 4).others to do so (see Gen. 3:1-8, Matt. 4).

Life can only be understood by acknowledg-Life can only be understood by acknowledg-ing that good and evil are at war with each ing that good and evil are at war with each other.other.

The culture tries to explain evil in secular The culture tries to explain evil in secular terms.terms.

Fifth, the difference between warfare in Fifth, the difference between warfare in the heavenly realm and the earthly realm.the heavenly realm and the earthly realm. Angels are the key warriors in the Angels are the key warriors in the

heavenly realm.heavenly realm.– The current popularity of angels has led to The current popularity of angels has led to

many false perceptions about their work many false perceptions about their work and nature.and nature.

– Angels are not the spiritual remains of Angels are not the spiritual remains of humans (see 2 Pet. 2:4-11).humans (see 2 Pet. 2:4-11).

– In Daniel 10:13-20. Daniel does not In Daniel 10:13-20. Daniel does not discern, map, bind, or pray against a discern, map, bind, or pray against a territorial spirit.territorial spirit.

– God and His angels are in warfare in the God and His angels are in warfare in the heavenly realm and this is usually heavenly realm and this is usually unknown by humankind.unknown by humankind.

- There is no evidence that believers have There is no evidence that believers have been given authority to be involved at that been given authority to be involved at that level.level.

• Believers should daily confront Satan’sBelievers should daily confront Satan’sinfluence on a personal and cultural influence on a personal and cultural level in the earthly realm.level in the earthly realm.– A congregation that is not transforming A congregation that is not transforming

lives and impacting the culture is just lives and impacting the culture is just competing with social agencies.competing with social agencies.

– The culture needs the truth of Christ.The culture needs the truth of Christ.– Paul took no authority to deal in the Paul took no authority to deal in the

heavenly realm of spiritual warfare.heavenly realm of spiritual warfare.

ConclusionConclusion

Understanding and practicing biblical Understanding and practicing biblical spiritual warfare is important in the spiritual warfare is important in the postmodern culture. postmodern culture.

Not everyone involved in the Spiritual Not everyone involved in the Spiritual Warfare Movement is familiar with all of Warfare Movement is familiar with all of its teachings and theological error. its teachings and theological error.

Spiritual warfare ultimately is won or Spiritual warfare ultimately is won or lost in the conversion of lost people to lost in the conversion of lost people to Jesus and discipling them through a Jesus and discipling them through a local congregation.local congregation.