Today we see people using the term of binding and loosing as an exercise of their spiritual authority as believers over Satan, and demonic powers and beings in the spiritual realm. Many people are convinced because of the results.
People are claiming that we have the authority and power to bind the devil and his demons. Some say that we can also bind sickness like cancer, and loose people from the devil's hold, which can include poverty.
After two years of prayer and fasting proclaiming the games would not be held the Christians in Canada were unable to stop the Gay Olympics held in Vancouver. (Prophecy today magazine). David Wilkerson wrote in his newsletter April 1991, “The entire church structure of America could not stop the showing of (The blasphemous film) “The last Temptation of Christ”… in twenty five years, have we stopped abortion? No, it’s worse than ever…there are Christians right now who claim they are taking the world for Jesus. But I don’t know of one country they have taken.”
We find many spiritual warfare seminars and prayer meetings going on to train the church in its position to take back what is rightfully ours. The church has become serious and militant in taking back the ground for Christ. With good intentions, people are trained to rid the devil and sin from society and our cities by exercising our authority in warfare praying and declarations. They take their Biblical authority over them by binding them, verbally abusing the fallen angels, even sending them back to the pit from where they came (which is not really where they come from or go to. This will be addressed later). Scripture used to validate this are Mt.12:29, 16:19, 18:18 and Mk.3:27.
Matt. 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” All authority has not been passed on to us. We need to be under His authority to have any.
Spiritual mapping is also used to identify the particular strongholds set up in certain areas. It consists of creating a geographical map which they can mark for their research. Those involved in this movement can then research a locations history and learn from its past what brought it in bondage as in certain false religions. By learning the details of the past and activities of the present it can give the prayer warriors knowledge to effectively bind the powers that be. Territorial spirits are considered to be in control over cities, schools, and religions. These territorial Spirits are top ranking principalities (demons) which “attempt to keep large numbers of humans… in spiritual captivity.” (C. Peter Wagner Confronting the powers pg.22) Methodology is used as in copying Joshua who marched with the Israelites around Jericho and blew the trumpet on the last day and the city crumbled. By prayer marching and shouting against the enemy singing and praying the walls the enemy has built will come tumbling down.
There is also the element of hearing from God directly who gives the prayer warriors words of knowledge. This becomes a critical factor to successful warfare otherwise one might miss the target they are aiming for and they will not be bound. Names of demons are revealed through extra- Biblical revelation to the sensitive prayer warrior.
At these spiritual warfare sessions the audience participates together in calling down spirits of adultery, greed, homosexuality to the demons of alcohol and lust. While the participants' emotions soar at the outcome this in no way validates the means or the results (which usually are none except to feel good in a army like camaraderie and that has exercised their spiritual power over the enemy.) This is all done so that their will be no obstruction to the Gospel when it is preached. What we see as a theological slant is that we take the earthly dominion back ourselves. It is a restoration theology that is being promoted which is foreign to the scripture. It is Christ who will restore the Earth in the Millennium. He has not given this power or authority over into the hands of man.
We cannot Christianize the world but by the Spirit's doing, can make individual people Christians. Not by binding the demons to set them free, but by preaching the Gospel and making disciples.
Looking at Mk.3:27, if one is being instructed by Jesus to bind Satan first so that the Gospel will not be obstructed then He Himself did not follow His own explanation and neither did His apostles. We cannot stop other people from committing their sins by binding the demons. While prayer does move the hand of God to do miraculous things we do not have the authority to do what only God himself can do. Essentially each person has to make a choice on their own. If someone does not want to be delivered we cannot force deliverance over a person or a city. Spiritual warfare is a personal resistance for each of us against our own sinful desires which the enemy will use to his advantage. He will try to annul our effectiveness and tempt us to walk contrary to the word of God.
If one were to look at the scripture without any preconceived ideas, what is found is that prayer is addressed to God only. In Gal. 5:19-22, much of what is blamed on demons is really man's fallen nature, expressing itself through his flesh. Although demons can entice and exaggerate our flesh indulgences, we can honestly blame ourselves for most of the activity we see today. We see in scripture, satan is the prince of this world ~ John 12:31. god of this world ~ 2 Cor. 4:4, and the prince of power of the air ~ Eph. 2:2.
We can in no way draw a conclusion of cultural demonization in which whole cities, ethnic groups, and religions are involved, and that we as Christians come to set people free by binding the strong man and his hold on them. While it is true that religions have a spiritual deception, there are many invented by mans imagination and that one does not have to be religious to be blind to the Gospel.
Paul was confronted with a whole city given over to idolatry in Acts17. How does he deal with this situation? He did not go into warfare prayer against their main gods of Zeus or Apollo, nor bind their idolatry. As he went into the synagogues and market place each day it ended on Mars hill where he challenged all the philosophies of their day. He promoted scripture and reasoned to them with the teaching of Christ, specifically the resurrection. Something he knew they would have a hard time with. He challenged them to make a decision.
What is the Believer’s Authority
We see Jesus, Paul and seventy disciples casting out demons (Not all the other Christians of their time) in Luke 10: 19. Jesus gives the 70 disciples authority over serpents and scorpions and all the power of the enemy. This statement meant all the different workings of the enemy. (Examples of casting out demons Jesus Mk.5:1-20, the 12 apostles Mt.10:1, 70 disciples Lk.10:17, others Mk.9:38-39, Philip Acts 8:7 Paul Acts 19:11-12 .
Luke 10:19-20 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.20 “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Mark 9:28-29And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast him out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” They still did not have the power to cast a certain demon out. Jesus said these do not go out except by prayer and fasting.
The disciples clearly did not have all authority because some demons did not leave and Jesus told them, " these do not come out without prayer and fasting." This very declaration made it very clear that they had to rely on God and not the authority given to them.
In other words we are to pray to God, not bind up or punch out the demon. We do not have ALL authority, Jesus does. But casting out demons was not the major theme of their ministry. After the disciples came back using the authority given to them Jesus said, instead they should rejoice over their names being written in the book of life. Their ministry was to have the Gospel preached, it alone is the power of God to set people free. When one has Christ living in them the power of the enemy is broken. (I John 3:8) One can certainly cast out a demon. However, Jesus said if the house that is swept clean is not filled it will be in worse shape, since the enemy will come back with seven more demons making the latter state worse than the first. (Mt.12:43-45) This He used as an example of what would happen to Israel the nation if they did not accept Him. It was destroyed and scattered.
So how can passages such as Luke 10:19 be interpreted? If one is under attack by the enemy, James 5:7 tells us to submit to God, resist in the Holy Spirit and the devil will flee. Whatever we might be disobedient in, we then submit to God first, then resist, and the enemy will no longer have a foothold in our lives.
We do not see any verbal rebukes when the apostles entered a new city or had prayers of pulling down strongholds over cities, cultures, or religions. There is not even a hint of this type of teaching in the word.
Take for instance Paul who himself was a victim of a Satanic messenger (Thorn in the flesh ~ 2Cor.12:8) This would have been the perfect time for him to exercise his spiritual authority over satan. Instead, he petitioned the Lord for relief. He did not rebuke the demon nor find his operating status. God’s answer came in the assurance that His grace is sufficient. Paul didn't have an idea he could rebuke the enemy. Would this be acceptable to those who engage in the battle of Spiritual warfare today? I think not! We can also see the enemy was not inside him either in which he would need deliverance. While we can be tempted, oppressed and harassed and even afflicted by the enemy, we cannot be controlled.
What we find is today's binding and loosing is a term taken out of its context and put in a spiritual exercise for today's Christians who are looking for more power. Unfortunately, this movement continues and is leading many into a spiritual exercise of futility, pride and deception.
So how does this all relate to people using this authority in the spiritual realm on Satan and his demons?In 2 Peter 2:9-12 we find a description of self-willed men walking carnally not respecting authority, but speak evil of angels. Vs.1, It tells us these angels who are superior to us, we should not defame or accuse, but be respectful even if they are our enemy because of their position.
Jude 8- 10 ~ The author describes people in the church who despise authority and speak evil of those who God has given positions of dominion in. Not only do they rebel against the government
( which at the time was a one world government ) but they speak evil of dignitaries Greek- Doxai - glorious ones. Most have interpreted this as the angels, which certainly fits the context in 2 Peter. It seems to make the same point, as Jude follows his structured outline being of a later date. Especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries. Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a railing accusation against them before the Lord. Here we have both authors mentioning those who had no respect for those who are in a higher position even though they are fallen and will be judged.
We see even Michael the arch-angel did not condemn satan, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” Michael who is even greater than we are did not use insulting words or exert his authority. satan is still a dignitary of the highest order so there was no disrespect of his office and position even though he is an enemy. He deferred the issue to God, he trusted the Lord to step in between them on this issue. If an angel of this order is careful with how he treats the enemy how much more should we be?
Vs. 8 and I0 describe people who speak evil of fallen angels because of having little understanding of who they are speaking to.
To sum this up, we simply do not have the kind of authority or power to put demons in chains or chase them away from the cities. Those who claim to be doing this are not doing too good a job anyway. If they bind him how long does this last since his work continues? By now every demon and his cousin should have been incarcerated. Who’s the joker that keeps letting him loose? The Bible tells us the world will come increasingly evil, that perilous times will come (they have already arrived) we are not going to turn it around.
This will culminate by the seals being broken and judgment poured out on a rebellious mankind. We can’t bind satan. For he will be bound for one thousand years in the millennium by a specific angel. This does not exclude us from doing good and being light and salt in a society that is putrefying.
Yet today, we do have the authority and the strength to resist the devil's temptations and lies by submitting to God, standing in Christ, and putting on His armor. (Ephesians 6:12; James 4:7)
By being in the world and not influenced from it and by obedient to Jesus, the evil one cannot touch us. In John 17:15, Jesus prays we would be kept from the evil one. We are able to resist his temptations, because greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. By walking in the Light, we have discernment of his schemes and the evil one cannot overcome us and take us captive.
That Light is the Word.
When someone blames a demon for whatever habit of sin they may have been entrapped in, they then depend on their deliverance by an anointed deliverer to have it remitted. They then go home with the impression that the problem is cured not realizing that most of their battle comes from the sin nature that still dwells within. Whether it is a smoking demon or one of bad eyesight or just plain lust. It never goes away and then they are under the impression of having another satanic attack because it resurfaced. This is all a placebo which works from the power of suggestion only. They have never dealt with the real source of the problem. The scripture says otherwise that as long as we are in these bodies we will wrestle against our old nature which continually comes back to life . This is why Paul said reckon your old self as dead. A demon cannot ever make someone do something unless they gravitate toward that already Jm.1:14-16.
The prince of Persia is used as an example of Spiritual warfare prayer. If we look closer at this event the spiritual warfare interpretation is faulty. Daniel wasn’t praying to bind the prince of Persia. He didn’t even know the battle was taking place. He was praying for a revelation of prophecy. He was seeking knowledge of the future events of his people. The prince was not given over into Daniel’s hands or the angel Michael's, nor was he sent to hell. He was replaced by another satanic one. The prince of Greece who came afterwards, who was even worse then the prince of Persia. So if this was binding like they say, it did not work, but backfired instead.
When Moses conquered the Egyptian gods by Yahweh’s hand , Israel was finally delivered from Pharaoh’s oppression. They did not go back in and conquer the land and take it for God. They headed for the promised land and so should we. Our eyes should be on the heavenly land we are citizen’s of, not an earthly dominion. It is also important note that when the blood of the lamb and the Word of the Lord was instituted, they were set free. It was trusting in what God said to protect them.
1 Jn.3:18 it states “The Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil.”Notice it says His works not the Devil himself. Satan was defeated at the cross ~ Col.2:15. “Having disarmed principalities and powers He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” The devil and his angels fate is already sealed, yet God allows them to continue. But they have no power over a Christian. He works in the sons of disobedience and will continue to do so until he is bound by God, not us.
The enemies strongholds are pulled down with the Word of Truth. When the Gospel is presented against the thoughts contrary to God's Word (in an apologetic fashion such as Paul reasoned with the Jews from the scriptures) they will be brought into captivity and obedience to Christ. The Gospel is our presentation. All the power of the enemy is held in a lie that is believed to be the truth. The current philosophies and worldly ideas of our day that are esteemed as truth are exposed as only mans wisdom against the eternal Truth of God. All falsehood is seen clearly next to the straight ruler edge of the Word. The Gospel is veiled to those who are perishing ~ 2 Cor.11:14. It is up to us to make sense out of it.
It is the Truth of the Word that cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. This can also be applied to us personally as we conform ourselves to His Word. Things we once thought and had practiced that were contrary to the Word, are broken and brought into submission with obedience to the Truth. (Vs.6) Could mean when you overcome your own disobedience your punishing your old nature by your obedience. It deals with self control instead of uncontrol.
Ephesians 6:12
Speaks of a spiritual war that is taking place on earth for the heart and minds of everyone whether they know it or not. It is an influence from the spirit realm with deceiving spirits. The same spirit that can give a psychic insight by feelings and colors or thoughts can also move someone to suicide or false teaching. In other words what a spirit does, is not their name, it is their current activity. While mans spirit is dead in relationship to God, until he is forgiven cleansed by Christ’s blood, he can be very much alive to spiritual experiences from other spirits who want us to believe that we are experiencing God.
Principality = (Archai) governing authority over nations. Positions over nations
Powers =(Gr.Dynameis) angels invested with authority and ability.
Rulers of the darkness of this age = expresses the powers of authority and influence over the world system.
Spiritual Hosts of wickedness= express their character and nature as an opposing army they have military organization.
While this scripture is used to teach pulling down demonic strongholds, looking for the particular names and activities of these demons are common practice we find their is no validity to this interpretation.
Biblical Strategy in Warfare
What it really is stating is that there is an invisible enemy who has different functions like an army with organized opposition to the world and especially to the believer. Yet if we read it in context, vs. 13 tells us to put on the full armor of God to be able to stand in the evil day. Our battle is fought on three fronts; the world (love of the world), the flesh (desires of the flesh), the devil (his deceptions and temptations). The enemy studies us and stalks us by stealth. It is when he is uncovered and exposed for what he is doing that he loses his influence.
The devil will come at us at our weakest times. Look at the example of Jesus after 40 days he hungered. In other words, He could have starved if he didn't eat. The Devil waited until at this time to launch his attack. When Jesus was tempted by the devil He resisted him by quoting scripture that was relevant to His situation. He destroyed the lie propagated by putting the Truth next to it. We need to have a comprehensive working knowledge of scripture to be victorious. Jesus resisted the enemy three times by quoting relevant scripture to each temptation. When Jesus was challenged on doctrine such as the resurrection by the Sadducees, He responded by stating Scripture with authority saying, “You are mistaken not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God. ”(Mt.22:29) This is what is meant by Paul “to put on the armor.” We need to be consistent in our walk by practicing obedience otherwise when that evil day comes we will not be able to stand. No one learns to fight a battle in one day. So their needs to be a consistent resistance against the enemy otherwise we will fold during the main battle. It states in the Old Testament in Jeremiah, “if you can’t walk well with the foot soldiers how will you run with the horsemen”.
1 Jn. 2:14, "Because you are strong and the word of God abides in you and you have overcome the wicked one." If we continually abide we are being built up and our spiritual muscles are developed.
1 John 5:3-5 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God! "
Eph 6:10-18 "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 do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
The armor of God in Eph.6 speaks of Christ and the Scripture. We are to be completely dressed for battle not going in with just a few pieces but be fully dressed every day. Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Notice it is in Him we are fortified not in ourselves. All these components are necessary for a soldier to be victorious in battle. (Vs.11) "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the Devil." He repeats our ability to stand that shows the weight of importance. (V.13) "Take up the whole armor of God," to be aware of the strategies of the enemy. That you may be able to stand in that evil day. What evil day? (which day? The one when the Satan is attacking with temptations, the one you’re being assaulted in.) (V.14) Again... "Stand therefore." The wrestling in this passage is not to engage in the same activity we would with man except its with spirit. There are no spinning or body slams or death blows to demons. We fight by standing and resisting.This is the key element by having The truth exalted over lies. (1Pt.5:8) We speak the written word in our heart (Logos) or out loud if necessary. Which then becomes the ‘rhema," Word used for its immediate application.
Paul invokes the image of a Roman soldier relating to us an everyday picture of the 1st century Roman soldier ready to go into battle against an enemy. He is trying to give us the view of a real battle against an enemy that is attempting to influence our lives. As the Roman soldiers went into battle they would not break rank and lock shield to shield advancing on the enemy. This tactic made them invincible in moving ahead in the battle. The Roman armor was used metaphorically of our spiritual armor as Christians. Some of the pieces of the Roman armor are omitted such as the lance. As followers of Christ, most of our battle in warfare is fought separately in our own private lives when their is no one around. God is concerned with our character as individuals.
Summary
I. Put on the whole armor each day. (Eph. 6:11-18) This is done by reading the word and knowing Christ and applying His teachings. When we stand in Christ we are victorious. He fights for us as we are steadfast in him.
2. Be sober and vigilant against Satan and his wiles. (2 Peter 5:8-9) Be aware of the enemy and his attacks as well as distractions.
3. Give Satan no place. (Eph. 4:27; James 4:7) fight his temptations as soon as they are discovered in thought. Know Satan's devices, his schemes and goal to deceive. (2 Cor. 2:11) Avoid areas you know you are weak in, train yourself to concentrate on Christ and his word.
4. We Overcome Satan by standing and being a doer of the Word of God and in the Spirits power who strengthens our weaknesses. (Matt.1:11; I Jn. 2:14)
5. We Overcome Satan by the blood of Jesus and our testimony. (Rev. 12:11) We cannot be removed if we hold onto Christ by faith. Be assured of what took place in your life, as well as Christ’s promise to cleanse.
6. We Overcome Satan in the name of Jesus Christ and His merits. (Eph. 2:20-22) Our position in Christ brings us the victory.
7. Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation. (Mt. 28:41; Mt. 6:13) We are to walk circumspectly knowing the evil around us that can influence and affect our spiritual life.
8. Know your position in Christ, don’t go on experiences for your spiritual walk. Walk by what He has said not by what He has not said.
Written by Let Us Reason
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I was given a song back in 2004 and a year later it was completely revised. A Call To War. I have a studio version I did back east with Zythum studios, but it does not have the inspired Spirit led backup vocals to this song that makes it very special to me. Abba wanted me to put this up along with the above article on spiritual warfare that He led me to. It describes Spiritual warfare in how it was to be fought according to His Word and not how it is being done today. What a MOCKERY and CONDESCENDING attitude I have found in the apporach of spiritual warfare that I find most grieving.
I pray you be blessed by the TRUTH of His Word that cannot be recieved in ones intellect and/or conjured up by one's emotions. Unless Abba Father draws you by His Spirit for you to receive the love of the Truth, all of this will fall on deaf ears, blind eyes and hardened hearts. ALL by the will of Abba Father who holds everything together. OH the MAJESTY and SOVEREIGNTY of our Abba Father, Adonai, Yahweh Elohim, Hashem, Almighty Exalted God in the Name above all names, Yeshua JESUS!
A CALL TO WAR
Immeasurable gifts in Him are found, in You we are found. Yeshua our Lord and King.
Our spirit He lifts ever higher. In joy i come to You and sing! Who can stop what He's begun? This Life in Him, it's us they shun! (Lord to You i'm gonna run...Repeat )
Forever i abide in Your Presence (Your Presence) i worship and bow before Your throne. In You i'll endure until the end. The longing i have to come on home. Home is where You always are, deep within our soul it's YOU we KNOW.
(That's where i wanna go...Repeat )
(Chorus)
This never ending war we fight, O Lord it may appear. Rise up O mighty warrior, IN HIM we have no fear! Lifting way up high our sword, the darkness we shall pierce. And shatter all the mind control, His people will be fierce! His people will be fierce!
The tables now are turning, will you heed the call? His Spirit in you burning, satan's kingdoms gonna fall! Seated together in heavenly places, where the battle has been won. YHWH conquered death, hell and the grave (by the blood of His Son. (3xs)
Walking day by day in the Spirit, where we are ONE in Him. Healing, restoring and changing, You deliver us from all sin. Living waters flowing, rising up and out. Lord to You we shout! (This is what it's all about...Repeat)
No matter what your called to do, of this you can be sure. He always has His eye on you. He is our open door. Our weary and tired souls get fatigued, from the battles fought. Rest and keep your
guard. (This life at times can be so hard...Repeat )
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Linda @->--