Mountain No. 2: Mount Calvary.
Calvary is not a literal mountain. The place where Jesus was crucified is really only an insignificant piece of ground raised a little above the surrounding area. Nevertheless, in spiritual terms it is a mighty mountain.
This is where the love of God was revealed. Here God, through Jesus, opened his heart to humanity. This time darkness and an earthquake accompanied the event. In his infinite mercy, having always understood that mankind could never attain to his perfect holiness and purity through the law given on Mount Sinai; God transferred the sinner's sin and its inevitable results to Jesus, and transferred the righteousness of Jesus to the sinner.
What a magnificent exchange! John 1:29, [[Romans 4:23-5:21]]
The significant thing about Calvary with reference to the kingdom of darkness was that Jesus lived and died under Satan's dominion and conquered him, something that Adam was supposed to do in the first place. Having conquered Satan, Jesus took back from him the keys of death and Hell and re-established God's authority on planet earth. Matthew 28:18, Revelation 1:17-18
This meant that Jesus was now legally entitled to sub-delegate authority to anyone he chose, which he did, and we see the results in Scripture for any demon that got in the way of his disciples. Acts 16:16-18
Remember those two keys mentioned in part 2? Just as Jesus had the authority to drive out demons but used the power of the Holy Spirit, so now his disciples had been given his authority to do the same, and they continued to use the power of the Holy Spirit, as did Jesus.
What is the relevance for us today?
We are disciples of Jesus Christ aren’t we? Of course we are. It should follow then that we would also have authority over our enemy. As it was for Jesus, however, so it will be for us. As they opposed his authority, so they will oppose ours, and we will need to be willing to engage in battle with them in order to enter and maintain the freedom gifted to us by Christ.
Now let’s look at part of the ongoing battle necessary to maintain our freedom. We call this spiritual warfare.
There are four questions about spiritual warfare needing answer in order to clarify its meaning:
Whenever one or more persons or nations rises up in opposition and hostility to another person or nation, and attempts to conquer them, it produces warfare. Planet earth is constantly bombarded with such acts of war. Since the Second World War, there has not been one day without fighting somewhere around the planet. Humans have a terrible track record on the issue of peace. Most have a deep desire for peace, but the reality is that peace proves an elusive goal.
Spiritual warfare is just like human warfare. Satan and his kingdom has risen up against God and his kingdom, seeking to conquer it and bring its citizens into slavery. There are varying levels of authority amongst the troops, each seeks to take territory off the other, soldiers are wounded, prisoners are taken and death stalks its prey.
In fact, there are really only two differences between human warfare and spiritual warfare:
Spiritual warfare takes place when a Christian makes a demon or evil spirit do what it is told.
The reason for spiritual warfare is to enable territory that has thus far been under the control of God's enemies, to be re-established under the Lordship of Jesus.
Yes.
A number of passages of Scripture give clear confirmation that Christians are to be engaged in a battle with fallen heavenly beings.
Ephesians 6:12-17(NIV) reads, in part: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5(NIV) reads, again in part: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Other Scriptures can also be studied. Luke 10:19, 1 John 2:13-14, Revelation 12:7-11
Yes, and no.
Yes, because it is classified as such in Scripture. Matthew 6:13, Ephesians 6:18 in context of Ephesians 6:10-18
No, because it is different.
The notable difference between spiritual warfare and most other forms of prayer is this. Most prayer involves asking God to do something for or to somebody or something. Spiritual warfare involves us enforcing the victory already gained for us by Jesus at the cross and through his resurrection. Luke 10:19, 1 John 3:8
Spiritual warfare operates very simply.
As stated at the beginning of this paper, there are two spiritual kingdoms operating in this world - the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Acts 1:3, Matthew 12:25-26, Genesis 1:1-3, Ephesians 1:19-21
When Jesus went to the cross, died and rose again, he accomplished not only the payment for our sins, but he also took back the legal kingship of planet earth from Satan. Revelation 1:17-18
Now, between his victory at the cross and his return to planet earth to take up visible rulership, there is an extended period of time where he wants the Christian to be involved in confronting and 'mopping up' the enemy. Mark 16:16-17, Acts 16:18, 1 Peter 5:8-11
This process will not be completed, however, until Jesus visibly and physically returns. Revelation 20
It means that we need to recognise that we do have a very real enemy who is interested only in our destruction. 2 Timothy 2:26
It means that we need to be willing and able to engage this enemy in battle whenever and wherever we come face to face with him. James 4:7, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
It means that we need to learn of our weapons and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord. Ephesians 6:10-18
It means that we must not 'give ground' to the devil in our thoughts and actions. Ephesians 4:27, 1 Timothy 5:14
It means that we have to get off our lazy-boy chairs of apathy and fear, and do something positive to help ourselves and our fellow Christians enter into and hold onto victory. Matthew 12:22-30
There is far too much involved in spiritual warfare to fully teach in a paper such as this. Spiritual warfare involves a lifetime of learning, training and battling. This is no excuse however for not beginning the training or engaging in battle.
Remember that Satan and his henchmen are thieves, murderers and destroyers. John 10:10
And we have been given authority to deal with them. God has laid down in the Old Testament the laws concerning restitution and payment by thieves and murderers. We are God's policemen given the responsibility for spiritual law and order. Let us, then, be found to be good, faithful policemen!
In the name and authority of the Lord Jesus, I take authority over every spirit of darkness from now through to tomorrow lunchtime concerning (....myself, spouse, children....), and I command you not to touch me/us wherever I/we go or whatever I/we do.
I command you not to touch any of my/our possessions, but to release to me/us all wealth that God wants me/us to receive, and in his timetable for that reception.
I command you to pay back all that you have stolen from me/us, and under God's restitution principles.
I renounce and revoke every work of darkness against me/us; every curse, bitterness, jealousy, slander, gossip, hatred and condemnation; every attack of weakness, sickness, poverty, tiredness and accident.
I renounce and revoke sexual perversion and sexual depreciation.
I renounce and revoke every Psychic vampire spirit, Poltergeist spirit, and other ticking spirit.
I renounce and revoke all witchcraft, manipulation, intimidation, domination and control.
Father I ask, please, that you wash and cover me/us with the blood of Jesus Christ from now through to tomorrow lunchtime.
This paper seeks to accurately represent the teachings of Holy Scriptures. You are free to copy or alter all or any part of this paper PROVIDED that the Holy Scriptures are not misrepresented as a result.
Calvary is not a literal mountain. The place where Jesus was crucified is really only an insignificant piece of ground raised a little above the surrounding area. Nevertheless, in spiritual terms it is a mighty mountain.
This is where the love of God was revealed. Here God, through Jesus, opened his heart to humanity. This time darkness and an earthquake accompanied the event. In his infinite mercy, having always understood that mankind could never attain to his perfect holiness and purity through the law given on Mount Sinai; God transferred the sinner's sin and its inevitable results to Jesus, and transferred the righteousness of Jesus to the sinner.
What a magnificent exchange! John 1:29, [[Romans 4:23-5:21]]
The significant thing about Calvary with reference to the kingdom of darkness was that Jesus lived and died under Satan's dominion and conquered him, something that Adam was supposed to do in the first place. Having conquered Satan, Jesus took back from him the keys of death and Hell and re-established God's authority on planet earth. Matthew 28:18, Revelation 1:17-18
This meant that Jesus was now legally entitled to sub-delegate authority to anyone he chose, which he did, and we see the results in Scripture for any demon that got in the way of his disciples. Acts 16:16-18
Remember those two keys mentioned in part 2? Just as Jesus had the authority to drive out demons but used the power of the Holy Spirit, so now his disciples had been given his authority to do the same, and they continued to use the power of the Holy Spirit, as did Jesus.
What is the relevance for us today?
We are disciples of Jesus Christ aren’t we? Of course we are. It should follow then that we would also have authority over our enemy. As it was for Jesus, however, so it will be for us. As they opposed his authority, so they will oppose ours, and we will need to be willing to engage in battle with them in order to enter and maintain the freedom gifted to us by Christ.
Now let’s look at part of the ongoing battle necessary to maintain our freedom. We call this spiritual warfare.
There are four questions about spiritual warfare needing answer in order to clarify its meaning:
1. What is it?
Whenever one or more persons or nations rises up in opposition and hostility to another person or nation, and attempts to conquer them, it produces warfare. Planet earth is constantly bombarded with such acts of war. Since the Second World War, there has not been one day without fighting somewhere around the planet. Humans have a terrible track record on the issue of peace. Most have a deep desire for peace, but the reality is that peace proves an elusive goal.
Spiritual warfare is just like human warfare. Satan and his kingdom has risen up against God and his kingdom, seeking to conquer it and bring its citizens into slavery. There are varying levels of authority amongst the troops, each seeks to take territory off the other, soldiers are wounded, prisoners are taken and death stalks its prey.
In fact, there are really only two differences between human warfare and spiritual warfare:
- Human warfare is fought in the arena of the physical realm, whereas spiritual warfare is fought in the arena of the spiritual realm.
- Human warfare involves the striving of one to gain ascendancy over another to bring about ultimate victory, whereas spiritual warfare involves the enforcement of a victory that has already been won.
Spiritual warfare takes place when a Christian makes a demon or evil spirit do what it is told.
The reason for spiritual warfare is to enable territory that has thus far been under the control of God's enemies, to be re-established under the Lordship of Jesus.
2. Is it Biblical?
Yes.
A number of passages of Scripture give clear confirmation that Christians are to be engaged in a battle with fallen heavenly beings.
Ephesians 6:12-17(NIV) reads, in part: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5(NIV) reads, again in part: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Other Scriptures can also be studied. Luke 10:19, 1 John 2:13-14, Revelation 12:7-11
3. Is it a form of prayer?
Yes, and no.
Yes, because it is classified as such in Scripture. Matthew 6:13, Ephesians 6:18 in context of Ephesians 6:10-18
No, because it is different.
The notable difference between spiritual warfare and most other forms of prayer is this. Most prayer involves asking God to do something for or to somebody or something. Spiritual warfare involves us enforcing the victory already gained for us by Jesus at the cross and through his resurrection. Luke 10:19, 1 John 3:8
4. How does it work?
Spiritual warfare operates very simply.
As stated at the beginning of this paper, there are two spiritual kingdoms operating in this world - the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Acts 1:3, Matthew 12:25-26, Genesis 1:1-3, Ephesians 1:19-21
When Jesus went to the cross, died and rose again, he accomplished not only the payment for our sins, but he also took back the legal kingship of planet earth from Satan. Revelation 1:17-18
Now, between his victory at the cross and his return to planet earth to take up visible rulership, there is an extended period of time where he wants the Christian to be involved in confronting and 'mopping up' the enemy. Mark 16:16-17, Acts 16:18, 1 Peter 5:8-11
This process will not be completed, however, until Jesus visibly and physically returns. Revelation 20
What does it all mean for you and me?
It means that we need to recognise that we do have a very real enemy who is interested only in our destruction. 2 Timothy 2:26
It means that we need to be willing and able to engage this enemy in battle whenever and wherever we come face to face with him. James 4:7, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
It means that we need to learn of our weapons and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord. Ephesians 6:10-18
It means that we must not 'give ground' to the devil in our thoughts and actions. Ephesians 4:27, 1 Timothy 5:14
It means that we have to get off our lazy-boy chairs of apathy and fear, and do something positive to help ourselves and our fellow Christians enter into and hold onto victory. Matthew 12:22-30
There is far too much involved in spiritual warfare to fully teach in a paper such as this. Spiritual warfare involves a lifetime of learning, training and battling. This is no excuse however for not beginning the training or engaging in battle.
Remember that Satan and his henchmen are thieves, murderers and destroyers. John 10:10
And we have been given authority to deal with them. God has laid down in the Old Testament the laws concerning restitution and payment by thieves and murderers. We are God's policemen given the responsibility for spiritual law and order. Let us, then, be found to be good, faithful policemen!
Suggested Prayer
In the name and authority of the Lord Jesus, I take authority over every spirit of darkness from now through to tomorrow lunchtime concerning (....myself, spouse, children....), and I command you not to touch me/us wherever I/we go or whatever I/we do.
I command you not to touch any of my/our possessions, but to release to me/us all wealth that God wants me/us to receive, and in his timetable for that reception.
I command you to pay back all that you have stolen from me/us, and under God's restitution principles.
I renounce and revoke every work of darkness against me/us; every curse, bitterness, jealousy, slander, gossip, hatred and condemnation; every attack of weakness, sickness, poverty, tiredness and accident.
I renounce and revoke sexual perversion and sexual depreciation.
I renounce and revoke every Psychic vampire spirit, Poltergeist spirit, and other ticking spirit.
I renounce and revoke all witchcraft, manipulation, intimidation, domination and control.
Father I ask, please, that you wash and cover me/us with the blood of Jesus Christ from now through to tomorrow lunchtime.
This paper seeks to accurately represent the teachings of Holy Scriptures. You are free to copy or alter all or any part of this paper PROVIDED that the Holy Scriptures are not misrepresented as a result.
