DINNER AND THE WORD – ATTACK AND DEFEND SESSION 30
Demons, Angels, SPIRITS & Attitudes
REVELATION CHAPTER 12 AND VERSES TEN AND ELEVEN
THE BATTLEGROUND
In Christian spirituality, spiritual warfare often invokes thoughts of an intense cosmic struggle between the forces of good and evil. This battle is not fought with conventional weapons but rather through the INTERPLAY of supernatural entities like demons, angels, spirits, and the ATTITUDES of believers. These elements influence our journey in spiritual warfare, shedding light on the unseen battles that shape our lives as Christians.
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. Ephesians 6:10-13
A reading of the book of Job will enhance this study greatly.
THE FORCES
1. Demons: Agents of Deception and Temptation
According to Christian beliefs, demons are fallen angels who rebelled against God and now serve as malevolent entities opposing His divine will. Their primary role in spiritual warfare is to create unbalance in our identity, authority (sow discord and confusion), and deception among believers.
Just as Jesus, like a doctor, comes for the sick, Satan is not looking to trap the unbeliever; his main focus is to tip believers into a state of unbalance, undermining their TESTIMONY to unbelievers, thus defeating the impact of the promise of salvation and his defeat.
Through subtle influences, Satan and his pathetic minions attempt to divert individuals from their faith, encouraging sinful behaviors and fostering doubt. Recognizing these spiritual adversaries empowers believers to resist their negative influences through prayer, scripture, and unwaveringFAITH.
2. Angels: Defenders and Messengers
On the other hand, angels are celestial beings God created to serve His purposes and assist believers. In spiritual warfare, angels are vital as protectors and messengers of divine guidance. They are a line of defense against demonic attacks, providing COMFORT and reassurance to believers in times of spiritual distress. Acknowledging their presence reminds us that we are not alone in our battles and that God’s heavenly host is always at our side. The Holy Spirit and the Angels are in perfect unity, enabling and enhancing our TESTIMONY!
Angels provide comfort; they don’t keep you trapped in it.
3. Spirits: The Battle Within
The greatest battle in spiritual warfare extends to the inner struggles individuals face. While”spirits” can refer to various aspects, it also points to the emotional and psychological states that INFLUENCE our attitudes and actions. Negative spirits such as fear, anger, and despair can hinder spiritual growth and open doors for demonic influence. Conversely, cultivating positive spirits like love, joy, and peace aligns us with God’s will and strengthens our spiritual armor. These positive spirits create momentum and impact in our TESTIMONIES.
4. Attitudes: The Armor of Faith
Attitudes act as the armor believers wear on the spiritual battlefield. A positive attitude grounded in faith, humility, and righteousness becomes a shield against the enemy’s attacks. Through prayer, meditation, and studying the Word, Christians can develop attitudes that repel negative influences and keep their focus on God’s ultimate victory in their lives (TESTIMONY).
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; Ephesians 6:14-18
WHY OUR TESTIMONY IS SO POWERFUL
“And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, ‘Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.’” Revelation 12:10-11 (NIV)
1. Defeating the Accuser
In Revelation 12:10, we witness a triumphant declaration that the accuser, often identified as Satan, has been cast down. This accuser relentlessly brings accusations against believers, seeking to undermine their faith, create unbalanced attitudes and stir up negative spirits by getting them to question their worthiness before God. The power and authority of God’s kingdom have PREVAILED over the accusations. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross conquered sin and death, and believers’ display of that new life completely disarms Satan’s ability to accuse those who have faith in Jesus.
2. Victory through the Blood of the Lamb
The essence of Revelation 12:11 lies in the acknowledgment of the REDEMPTIVE power found in the “blood of the Lamb,” referring to Jesus Christ. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus stand as the foundation of the Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and enabling believers to overcome spiritual battles. By accepting the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, believers are covered by His blood, granting them forgiveness, cleansing, and the power to resist the enemy’s accusations, changing the spirit that governs them and their attitude toward life.
3. The Word of Their Testimony
The second part of Revelation 12:11 emphasizes the importance of personal testimonies in the life of a believer. Sharing one’s experiences of encountering Christ and His transformative work contributes to spiritual victory. These testimonies declare God’s faithfulness, reminding the individual and the larger community of the transformative power of Christ’s blood.
…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20
4. The Cost of Faith
The final segment of Revelation 12:11 highlights the unshakable commitment of believers. “For they loved not their lives even unto death” signifies the willingness to endure persecution and even martyrdom for the sake of their faith, but more importantly, that the fleshy attitudes and spirits of this world would not trap them. This willingness stems from a deep love for Christ and a recognition of their relationship’s eternal value.
Conclusion
Christian spiritual warfare encompasses a multidimensional struggle involving the interaction of demons, angels, spirits, and attitudes. This battle is not fought in the physical realm but in the spiritual realm, where unseen forces vie for control over our hearts, minds, and souls. By recognizing the role of these entities and cultivating attitudes aligned with God’s truth, believers can engage in this battle with confidence, knowing that they are equipped with the power of prayer, divine protection, and the assurance of victory through Christ.
YOUR STUDY
Conduct a comparative AIR Study of Revelation 12:10-11 and Ephesians 6:10-20
SUMMARY QUESTIONS
- What’s the primary difference between an attitude and a spirit?
- Describe how your testimony divinely partners with Jesus to defeat Satan.
- Why is dying to self part of spiritual warfare?
- Discuss the difference between wise, foolish, and unrighteous.
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