Discussion Spiritual Warfare

One of the first defensive/offensive tools that The Holy Spirit revealed to me was how to cast down evil spirits,...

Luk 8:26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee.
Luk 8:27 And when he was come forth upon the land, there met him a certain man out of the city, who had devils; and for a long time he had worn no clothes, and abode not in any house, but in the tombs.
Luk 8:28 And when he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I beseech thee, torment me not.
Luk 8:29 For he commanded the unclean spirit to come out from the man. For oftentimes it had seized him: and he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters; and breaking the bands asunder, he was driven of the devil into the deserts.
Luk 8:30 And Jesus asked him, What is thy name? And he said, Legion; for many devils were entered into him.
Luk 8:31 And they entreated him that he would not command them to depart into the abyss.

This particular highlighted section of scripture is not in the other accounts. This same authority that Jesus used here is granted to any believer, it's just a matter of revelation knowledge and acting upon your measure of faith.

For instance, if The Holy Spirit reveals the glimpse of an evil spirit around me, or He gives a revelation inside that evil spirits are around the area, I will speak a prayer out loud like this,..

"Father, in the name of Jesus, I bind any evil spirits, principalities, and powers trying to affect me in this house (I use the location of where am at when it is revealed to me), I bind them and cast them down Father never to be brought back up here and utilized against anyone or anything ever again, in the name of Jesus."

I have used this over and over with absolute success against anything evil floating around me for almost 30 years now. I use it every Sunday in church as the praise and worship is beginning. Most people don't realize it, but folks drag these things in with them. The church service become more peaceful.

This prayer can be used in various ways to great affect at times.

ARBITER01 said:

I was being specific about the corporate ministry gifts of healings being used for deliverance, but I agree with you about the laying on of hands by beleivers for healing. I've had someone do that for me before. It is scriptural.

But when dealing with deliverance, no where in scripture does Jesus lay His hands on someone to be delivered from an evil spirit, He commanded it out, and I contend that how He did that was by the gifts of healings. Most times when a spirit was removed from a person by Jesus scripture states "and he was healed." Again, I contend that how that happened was by the gifts of healings being operated by The Holy Spirit through Him.

He is our perfect example for 7 of the 9 gifts listed in scripture.

Btw, nice seeing you posting here instead of just in the general theology section like before

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Always good to see you Arbiter!
GT same? some crazy memories of that place!
I learned much over there through the years.

I agree, He did not lay hands for deliverance but rather spoke to it and told it to go .
Again though, is the word "gifts" in the original?
Or is there another way we can understand the manifestation of the Spirit of God
through the body?

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.


When I have more time I want to look those bold buggers up for a bit of insight.
I believe these are key to understanding how that all works.
And meanwhile, we can make use of the "ALL authority " etc.

ARBITER01 said:

One of the first defensive/offensive tools that The Holy Spirit revealed to me was how to cast down evil spirits,...

Luk 8:26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee.
Luk 8:27 And when he was come forth upon the land, there met him a certain man out of the city, who had devils; and for a long time he had worn no clothes, and abode not in any house, but in the tombs.
Luk 8:28 And when he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I beseech thee, torment me not.
Luk 8:29 For he commanded the unclean spirit to come out from the man. For oftentimes it had seized him: and he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters; and breaking the bands asunder, he was driven of the devil into the deserts.
Luk 8:30 And Jesus asked him, What is thy name? And he said, Legion; for many devils were entered into him.
Luk 8:31 And they entreated him that he would not command them to depart into the abyss.

This particular highlighted section of scripture is not in the other accounts. This same authority that Jesus used here is granted to any believer, it's just a matter of revelation knowledge and acting upon your measure of faith.

For instance, if The Holy Spirit reveals the glimpse of an evil spirit around me, or He gives a revelation inside that evil spirits are around the area, I will speak a prayer out loud like this,..

"Father, in the name of Jesus, I bind any evil spirits, principalities, and powers trying to affect me in this house (I use the location of where am at when it is revealed to me), I bind them and cast them down Father never to be brought back up here and utilized against anyone or anything ever again, in the name of Jesus."

I have used this over and over with absolute success against anything evil floating around me for almost 30 years now. I use it every Sunday in church as the praise and worship is beginning. Most people don't realize it, but folks drag these things in with them. The church service become more peaceful.

This prayer can be used in various ways to great affect at times.

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And similar, yes. I agree that this is biblical
always speaking the Word, always speaking as the very oracles of God.

Francis Drake said:

Let's unpack that statement.
Job1v8Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

The book of Job is taken as the norm when it comes to demonic attacks. Yet people completely ignore one glaring fact about Job.-
"There is none like him on earth." - Christians who imagine this applies them are idiots, or maybe just self righteous fools.

Satan could find no legal avenue to attack Job, and that's why he was protesting to God. In contrast, "none like him on earth" would fit very few Christians. In fact, when it comes to spiritual warfare, most Christians live their lives the same as unbelievers, except for church on Sundays, which usually does nothing for their spiritual defence!

Christians need to face up to the reality that Satan doesn't need to ask God's permission to attack and steal their goods, if they have already left the door open and the welcome mat out.

And I speak from many decades experience of spiritual warfare and casting demons out of Christians.

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With all due respect I think we are talking about two different things.

Yes, sin leaves a legal entry - no disagreement there.

But does Satan have unfettered influence over believers?

Where is the scriptural proof to support this?

Rather we see Jesus limiting Satans plans to deal with Peter.

My take is that given all things work together for good, God only allows the attacks that will ultimately result in a fruitful outcome for the true believer.

In this sense I do not dismiss the reference in Job because of the undeserved imputed righteousness true believers have through the Cross. Now the Father points to Jesus in our place.

I humbly submit this perspective having also been called to deal with the demonic from time to time.

ARBITER01 said:

"Father, in the name of Jesus, I bind any evil spirits, principalities, and powers trying to affect me in this house (I use the location of where am at when it is revealed to me), I bind them and cast them down Father never to be brought back up here and utilized against anyone or anything ever again, in the name of Jesus."

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I am interested to know if you see this as a prayer or a proclamation...

Are you addressing the spirits or praying to the Father?

Francis Drake said:

Let's unpack that statement.
Job1v8Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

The book of Job is taken as the norm when it comes to demonic attacks. Yet people completely ignore one glaring fact about Job.-
"There is none like him on earth." - Christians who imagine this applies them are idiots, or maybe just self righteous fools.

Click to expand...

Okay, fair enough
But we, who can do even greater things, have the indwelling Spirit of God.
and we cannot continue in sin because unlike Job, we've been born of incorruptible seed and aren't we who are the rightousness of God in Christ, perfected?
(Not trying to be a fool, just musing)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin.

Satan could find no legal avenue to attack Job, and that's why he was protesting to God. In contrast, "none like him on earth" would fit very few Christians. In fact, when it comes to spiritual warfare, most Christians live their lives the same as unbelievers, except for church on Sundays, which usually does nothing for their spiritual defence!

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Strait is that gate, narrow is the way. :/

Christians need to face up to the reality that Satan doesn't need to ask God's permission to attack and steal their goods, if they have already left the door open and the welcome mat out.

And I speak from many decades experience of spiritual warfare and casting demons out of Christians.

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Aye Mate
Greasy grace has been a trick.

sunlover1 said:

I agree, He did not lay hands for deliverance but rather spoke to it and told it to go . Again though, is the word "gifts" in the original?

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Yes, both words are plural in the Greek,...

1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.

Here is a definition of this particular gift I put together a while back,...

THE GIFTS OF HEALINGS

A. DEFINITION - The gifts of healings is a manifestation of the sovereign power of GOD whereby the laws of nature and science are positively altered to miraculously heal and restore. This gift supernaturally destroys the works of satan and sin, and makes repairs/restoration to the bodies of believers/non-believers, as well as animals.

B. APPLICATION - This gift can operate in 3 areas through a believer:

1) Spiritual healing - Deliverance from evil spirits whereby sickness, disease, physical issues, mental instability, etc, are the result of demonization as revealed unto the believer by the gift of discerning of spirits.

2) Emotional/Inner healing - Healing of the broken-hearted, the emotionally scarred, the downtrodden, etc.

3) Physical healing - Healing of physical bodies, such as from debilitating diseases, infirmities, etc, whether functional, organic, or nervous, as well as the restoration of bodies from dismemberment, defect, etc.

C. METHODS - This gift can be manifested 2 ways through a believer:

1) Actively - By the laying on of hands, or by vocal utterance of The Holy Spirit through the believer.

2) Passively - By the power/virtue of GOD flowing strongly through a believer who has a ministry in this gift, such as the case of Peter passing by folks in the street, and GOD healing them without Peter doing or saying anything.

Carl Emerson said:

I am interested to know if you see this as a prayer or a proclamation...

Are you addressing the spirits or praying to the Father?

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It's a spoken prayer to The Father since I rely upon Him. If I am by myself I speak it out somewhat loud. If in church or similar surroundings, I speak it out softly without affecting other people around me.

The only time we would address an evil spirit would be when The Holy Spirit is having you deliver someone from them. In that case you would only command the stronghold out and the rest would follow.

ARBITER01 said:

It's a spoken prayer to The Father since I rely upon Him. If I am by myself I speak it out somewhat loud. If in church or similar surroundings, I speak it out softly without affecting other people around me.

The only time we would address an evil spirit would be when The Holy Spirit is having you deliver someone from them. In that case you would only command the stronghold out and the rest would follow.

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So are you binding the spirit or asking the Father to?

Times like this I wish we could put GIFs in...because this is begging for Michael Jackson eating popcorn.

spiritfilledjm said:

Times like this I wish we could put GIFs in...because this is begging for Michael Jackson eating popcorn.

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When people lock themselves away in their church buildings for the majority of your born again lives, they never grow or mature spiritually.

Every time this subject gets brought up, some of the same responses also happen. It's not uncommon.

ARBITER01 said:

When people lock themselves away in their church buildings for the majority of your born again lives, they never grow or mature spiritually.

Every time this subject gets brought up, some of the same responses also happen. It's not uncommon.

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Very true, I'm just enjoying the discussion taking place Both of you are making your points clearly and concisely and with respect for one another.

spiritfilledjm said:

Very true, I'm just enjoying the discussion taking place Both of you are making your points clearly and concisely and with respect for one another.

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Thanks!

If the discussion progresses, there are some other things I'd like to present.

ARBITER01 said:

Thanks!

If the discussion progresses, there are some other things I'd like to present.

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What concerns me is your lack of interest in supporting your opinions with scripture.
For that reason I am weary of your claims as a teacher in this critical area.

I hope your dismissing 'book learners' does not include the bible otherwise we are on very slippery ground.

I will try once more...

Please support your assertion that Satan has a free reign to do as he wills - from scripture.

For the record I am not a 'book learner' I read nothing but scripture for five and a half years and have been called to serve in this area, largely learning by doing, with His help. Much of my learning was in the inner city with an open home and a 24 hour drop in center ministering to the broken.

Our work had church recognition but was way beyond the reach of the congregation.

Carl Emerson said:

With all due respect I think we are talking about two different things.

Yes, sin leaves a legal entry - no disagreement there.

But does Satan have unfettered influence over believers?

Where is the scriptural proof to support this?

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1Pet5v8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
There's no indication here that the Lord stops or limits Satan's attacks, but rather he tells us how to handle them. As does Paul in several places.

Rather we see Jesus limiting Satans plans to deal with Peter.

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I take it you refer to this.-
Lk22v31And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Again Jesus doesn't stop or limit Satan's attack, but just warns Peter about it in advance.

My take is that given all things work together for good, God only allows the attacks that will ultimately result in a fruitful outcome for the true believer.

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You have no scriptural grounds to believe that God only allows attacks that result in a fruitful outcome.
Does a young Christian woman being raped and murdered count as a fruitful outcome

In this sense I do not dismiss the reference in Job because of the undeserved imputed righteousness true believers have through the Cross. Now the Father points to Jesus in our place.

Click to expand...

OT saints had exactly the same imputed righteousness as do NT saints. You only have read Psalms to see that.
Psalm32vBlessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Francis Drake said:

1Pet5v8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
There's no indication here that the Lord stops or limits Satan's attacks, but rather he tells us how to handle them. As does Paul in several places.

I take it you refer to this.-
Lk22v31And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Again Jesus doesn't stop or limit Satan's attack, but just warns Peter about it in advance.

You have no scriptural grounds to believe that God only allows attacks that result in a fruitful outcome.
Does a young Christian woman being raped and murdered count as a fruitful outcome

OT saints had exactly the same imputed righteousness as do NT saints. You only have read Psalms to see that.
Psalm32vBlessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

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Again, very well said!

If you have some experience you wish to share here dealing with deliverance, please do.

sunlover1 said:

Okay, fair enough
But we, who can do even greater things, have the indwelling Spirit of God.
and we cannot continue in sin because unlike Job, we've been born of incorruptible seed and aren't we who are the rightousness of God in Christ, perfected?
(Not trying to be a fool, just musing)

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You are surely not serious about Christians not sinning?
1Jn1v8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin.

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When it comes to sin and condemnation, the OT saints were in exactly the same position that we are today.
Psalm32v1Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
2Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
4For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
5I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

ARBITER01 said:

But when dealing with deliverance, no where in scripture does Jesus lay His hands on someone to be delivered from an evil spirit, He commanded it out, and I contend that how He did that was by the gifts of healings.

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Given that (Col2v9) in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, I think it's a bit odd to imply that Jesus had the "gift of healing".
The gifts might be divided among us, but Jesus was overflowing with the very fountain of all gifts.

Most times when a spirit was removed from a person by Jesus scripture states "and he was healed." Again, I contend that how that happened was by the gifts of healings being operated by The Holy Spirit through Him.

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Although when Jesus cast demons out, healings may accompany it, that wasn't true in all cases.
Most of the many deliverances I've done had nothing to do with healings.

Carl Emerson said:

Are you addressing the spirits or praying to the Father?

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The Lord commanded us to cast the demons out.
Nowhere are we told to ask God to cast them out, and doing that is a common failure among Christians when dealing with demons.

ARBITER01 said:

Again, very well said!

If you have some experience you wish to share here dealing with deliverance, please do.

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Hah! I've forgotten more than I remember!

Here's one of the earliest, and remember I am a nobody in the church, just someone who gets on with doing the things of the Lord as I see fit.

Back in the early 80s a visitor asked a friend and I for some prayer, nothing mentioned about deliverance.

She was struggling with her relationship with the Lord so after some preliminary conversation, I suggested we wait on the Lord for some direction.
Very quickly I heard these words, "Spirit of Mormon." I told the lady what I had heard, and her response was instant indignation that she had never had anything to do with the Mormons.

I apologised and we then started to pray into various areas of general encouragement. Suddenly she shrieked and put her hand over her mouth.
After she calmed down she told us the Lord had reminded her of a story she heard as a child from her mother. Apparently her great great great....... grandfather had gone out to Salt Lake City with Brigham Young back in 1846.

So, over 130 years later, and across the Atlantic Ocean in the UK, this lady was still being bound by a demon of Mormonism passed down through the generations of her family line.

Needless to say, we immediately cast it out.