This Means War

This Means War

Scriptures:

Ephesians 6:10–18 NKJV

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Introduction:

methodeia: Schemes, wiles, craftiness

Original Word: μεθοδεία Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: methodeia Pronunciation: meth-od-i'-ah Phonetic Spelling: (meth-od-i'-ah) Definition: Schemes, wiles, craftiness Meaning: (a way of search after something, an inquiry; a method), scheming, craftiness, deceit.

The text implies that the devil has well thought out traps, methods and systems to ensnare your life and wreck your life. The enemies ultimate goal is to disrupt the church and kingdom advancement. The believer that is devoted to Christ must be prepared to fight on the spiritual plane. Prayer and spiritual warfare are vital for the believer.

Satan is not just after your marriage. He is after destroying the kingdom advancement through Godly families and bloodlines. A healthy marriage will get in the way

He is not just after your family. He is after stopping the gospel from progressing and a believing family unit is in the way.

There is a system designed to destroy everything that is healthy that will lead people to Christ. If we are not careful, we will be distracted by his schemes.

His schemes breed division, greed, selfishness, self-centeredness, lust and perversion. We must be diligent to learn how to fight on a spiritual level.

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

We must be aware of the schemes and strategies of the enemy. You are being CAREFULLY studied and constantly strategized against. You cannot avoid the conflict. It will come to you whether you want it to or not. But when you learn how to put on God’s armor and continue in constant communication with our God, you can learn the fight!

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 NKJV

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

PP: Yes there are well thought out strategies that cause conflict in this realm that are rooted in the spirit realm.

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

12 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.

A. Authorities: (From Strong’s Lexicon)

exousia: Authority, power, right, jurisdiction

Original Word: ἐξουσία Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: exousia Pronunciation: ex-oo-see'-ah Phonetic Spelling: (ex-oo-see'-ah) Definition: Authority, power, right, jurisdiction Meaning: (a) power, authority, weight, especially: moral authority, influence, (b) in a quasi-personal sense, derived from later Judaism, of a spiritual power, and hence of an earthly power.

Word Origin: Derived from the verb ἔξεστι (exesti), meaning "it is lawful" or "it is permitted."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H4475 (memshalah): Dominion, rule, authority

- H7980 (shalat): To have power, to rule

Usage: The Greek word "exousia" primarily denotes the concept of authority or power. It is used in the New Testament to describe the power or right to act, command, or control. This authority can be inherent, as in the divine authority of God, or delegated, as in the authority given to individuals or institutions. "Exousia" encompasses both the right to exercise power and the power itself.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, authority was a significant concept, often associated with political and social structures. Authority was exercised by rulers, military leaders, and religious figures. In Jewish thought, authority was closely linked to divine mandate and the law. The New Testament reflects these cultural understandings, emphasizing the ultimate authority of God and the delegated authority given to Jesus Christ and His followers.

Spiritual Application for the sheep: God has established government and authority in the earth. It is implemented by a fallen creation. There are often forces at work that are corrupt and spiritually sponsored. We must pray against the wickedness in all governments and pray for the coming and ultimate reign of the kingdom of God

B. Principalities: (From Strong’s Lexicon) Rulers

arché: Beginning, origin, ruler, authority, principality

Original Word: ἀρχή Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: arché Pronunciation: ar-KHAY Phonetic Spelling: (ar-khay') Definition: Beginning, origin, ruler, authority, principality Meaning: (a) rule (kingly or magisterial), (b) plur: in a quasi-personal sense, almost: rulers, magistrates, (c) beginning.

Word Origin: Derived from the verb ἄρχω (archō), meaning "to begin" or "to rule."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - רֵאשִׁית (reshith): Often translated as "beginning" or "first," as seen in Genesis 1:1.

- שַׂר (sar):  y Meaning "prince" or "ruler," used in contexts of authority

Usage: The Greek word "arché" primarily denotes the concept of "beginning" or "origin." It is used to describe the starting point of something, whether in time, order, or rank. In a broader sense, it can also refer to a position of authority or rule, often translated as "ruler" or "principality." This dual meaning reflects both the temporal and authoritative aspects of the term.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "arché" was a fundamental philosophical concept, often used to discuss the origins of the universe or the primary principle of existence. In the New Testament, the term is employed to convey both the idea of beginnings and the concept of authority, reflecting the Jewish understanding of God as both the Creator and Sovereign Ruler. The term is also used in the context of spiritual hierarchies, such as angelic or demonic powers.

Spiritual application for the sheep : These are the demonic rulers that war spiritually to hold up the agenda of the kingdom.

we should be praying for God’s kingdom agenda in the earth.

Daniel 10:11–13 NKJV

11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.

C. Spiritual Powers at work in the earth (From Strong’s Lexicon)

kosmokratór: World ruler, ruler of this world (Cosmic powers of Darkness)

Original Word: κοσμοκράτωρ Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kosmokratór Pronunciation: kos-mo-kra'-tor Phonetic Spelling: (kos-mok-fat'-ore) Definition: World ruler, ruler of this world Meaning: ruler of this world, that is, of the world as asserting its independence of God; used of the angelic or demonic powers controlling the sublunary world.

Word Origin: From κόσμος (kosmos, meaning "world" or "order") and κράτος (kratos, meaning "power" or "dominion")

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "kosmokratór," similar concepts can be found in terms like שָׂר (sar, meaning "prince" or "ruler") as seen in Daniel 10:13, where spiritual beings are described as having authority over earthly realms.

Usage: The term "kosmokratór" refers to a powerful ruler or authority over the world. In the New Testament, it is used to describe spiritual forces of evil that exert influence over the world. The term emphasizes the organized and authoritative nature of these spiritual entities, highlighting their role in opposing God's kingdom.

Spiritual application for the sheep: There are demonic powers that exert influence on the culture to separate it from the rule and the principles of God. We should be praying against these forces in our homes, school, boardrooms, commerce centers, entertainment. We should be praying for the rule and influence of righteousness in the earth.

I. We must be Armed with Prayer

Prayer is a change agent. The first thing that prayer changes is US.

Prayer makes us conscious of and lines up with the will of God. When we line up with his will, we cease to use prayer to align situations with our desires alone. We seek alignment with the will of the creator.

Prayer also allows us to partner with the will of the Father in the earth. It is a devine partnering. It is vital, that we learn to pray in alignment with the will and word of God.

Prayer broadens our perspective and reminds us that there is a larger to connection to a broader spiritual world.

Luke 11:1 NKJV

1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

Pray is a powerful discipline. Many times the believer does not know how to properly access prayer. One of the disciples asked Jesus to teach prayer. This indicates there is a proper way to approach God. James says:

James 4:2–3 NKJV

2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

This indicates both the application and the motivation of prayer are important for results.

James 5:16 NKJV

16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

II. You have access to immense power through prayer

Genesis 1:1–2 NKJV

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Genesis 1:6 NKJV

6 Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.”

Romans 8:26–28 NKJV

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The same ‘Ruach (hebrew) Pneuma (Greek) Holy spirit (English) that worked in creation, that was involved when the earth was pulled up from the deep is avaialable to the believer through prayer.

Whether you know it or not there is spiritual warfare all around you and we need to to know how to fight in the spirit realm through prayer.