Follow up on Demon Possession

Some notes can be found on demon possession here: http://www.rapidresponsereport.com/briefingpapers/DemonPossession30.pdf

Spiritual Warfare the Biblical Way

Spiritual Warfare the Biblical Way

 

The Biblical understanding compared to charismatic understandings of spiritual warfare. (Notes taken from counseling course)

The devil must be biblically understood and biblically withstood.  The Bible provides the only guide to spiritual warfare and since the Bible has everything  that pertains to life and Godliness (2 Peter 1:3) all we need to know to fight the spiritual war is in there.

Talking about unbiblical views of spiritual warfare – The Bible only talks about casting out of demons in Acts there are no instructions on commanding or engaging in exorsitic ministry in all the letters that Paul wrote to the different Churches from Romans – Revelations. This shows that it was only a messianic (Jesus) and apostolic sign gift (to prove that God was with them).

If we come across demon possessed people, it will be obvious – they will have

1.       Some symptom of physical problem

2.       The distinct presence of another personality speaking in a coherent and intelligible way

3.       Supernatural knowledge particularly in spiritual matters.

When encountering a demon possessed person,

1.     We should not talk directly to or attempt to command the demon in any way.

2.     We are to engage in spiritual warfare through repentance, sanctification, submission to God and prayer asking Jesus to cast the demon out and to challenge the demon possessed person to put on Christ. Apart from putting on Christ, they will never be able to overcome future demonic attacks.

3.     Have faith in God knowing that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

Every believer has the privilege of praying for healing and praying for demon possessed people.

Spiritual warfare – the inner struggle for personal holiness not personal confrontation with demon

Demons and disobedient believers

People who are just disobedient believers, they continue in their state because they refuse to put on Jesus Christ in his life and walk.

Demons and obedient believers

If you believe that you may be under the influence of spiritual forces, you need to intensify the basics in Christian living.

·         In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – prayer, submission to God, renewing inner man.

·         In Job 1-3, 38-42 revelation of who God is, repentance

·         In Luke 22:31-32 Jesus prayed for Peter

·         In Matthew 24 Word of God, increased fellowship, increased time with God, prayer, submission to God.

References

Jim Berg “Biblical Counselling” Course
“ Demons: A Biblically Based Perspective “ - Alex Konya

           

Another version of the revival hymn

How to take 30min to examine your heart

People talk about examining your heart and we as Christians are encouraged to confess our sins to God so that our fellowhsip with him is not affected by unconfessed sins. Here are a few points to help you get right with God.. take some time to reflect on these and remember God is very willing to cleanse us of our sins. He has already sent Jesus Christ to pay for your sins.. all you need to do is believe Him.


2min
Ask God to reveal to you the sins that are keeping you from being closer to him.
1min
Am I taking care of my body? Are my eating/activities according to God's will?
1 Corithians 6:19-20
1min
How important is money? Am I giving enough? Have I held back or not used money well?
1 Timothy 6:10
1min
Am I Self-disciplined? Have I given in too easily to sleepiness? Hunger? Temptations?
2 Peter 1:5-7
1min
What is the overriding influence in my life? my circumstances or my faith?
2 Peter 1:5-7
1min
Any room for improvement in my bahavior?
2 Peter 1:5-7
1min
How do I rate in the categories of kindness and love? When have I neglected to love?
2 Peter 1:5-7
1min
Is my tongue getting the best of me? When have I failed to discipline my tongue?
2 Timothy 2:23-24
1min
Is my God big enough? Where have I doubted his ability to provide or look after me?
Ephesians 3:20-21
1min
Are my words building up or tearing down? Are people directed to God as a result of my speech?
Ephesians 4:29
1min
Time management. Have I wasted or "killed" time?
Ephesians 5:15-16
1min
Do I possess my possessions? or do they possess me?
Luke 12:15
1min
Attitude check. How do I view myself and others?
Luke 14:11
1min
Who is my Lord? Who do I listen to most? Myself or God?
Luke 6:46
1min
Am I standing for God? Have I been ashamed of God?
Luke 9:26
1min
Heart check. Is my heart, mind and strength all towards God?
Matthew 22:37-38
1min
Do I care if others go to hell? When did I neglect an opportunity given by God?
Matthew 28:19-20
1min
Who is my real master?
Matthew 6:24
1min
Pursuits. Am I chasing things other than God?
Matthew 6:33
1min
Have I been worrying about things that I should leave to God?
Philippians 4:6
1min
Thought life - what occupies my mindmost? What do I think about when I am not doing anything? What do I worry about?
Philippians 4:6
1min
Hey, I'm pretty good!
Romans 12:3
1min
Is one foot on earth and the other in heaven? How?
James 4:4
1min
Where's my dependence? When things go wrong, did I seek God? Or who? Or what?
Matthew 5:3
1min
Where's my focus? What is driving me every day?
Matthew 6:33
1min
Am I thanking God in all things? How have I been ungrateful towards God?
2 Timothy 3:1-5
1min
Am I being obedient to God? Do I listen to the Holy Spirit's advice?
Luke 12:47
1min
How am I seeking after God?
2 Chronicles 12:13
1min
How's my temper?
Ephesians 4:26-27