Those Who Oppose Us

[rizen1]

THOSE WHO OPPOSE US
Neil T Anderson
References:--Ephesians 6:12
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places


Virtually all evangelical Christians and even many liberals agree that Satan is a living being who is an evil force in the world. Historically, Christian confessions of faith have always included statements about belief in a personal devil--not that every person has his own personal devil, but that the devil is an actual personage rather than merely an impersonal force. But when you talk about demons being alive and active in the world today, a lot of Christians bristle, "Hold on there. I believe in the devil, but I don't buy that stuff about demons."

My questions to these people is: How do you think Satan carries on his worldwide ministry of evil and deception? He is a created being . He is not omnipresent, omniscient or omnipotent. He can't be everywhere in the world tempting and deceiving millions of people at the same moment. He does so through an army of emissaries (demons, evil spirit, fallen angels, etc.) who propagate his plan of rebellion around the world. It is clear from the context of Ephesians 6:12 that the rulers, powers, and forces which oppose us are spiritual entities in the heavenlies (the spiritual world).


Disbelief in personal demonic activity (or an inordinate fear of demons) is further evidence of the static that Satan perpetrates in our minds to distort the truth. In the classic Screwtape Letters , C.S. Lewis wrote: "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve their existence. The other is to believe and feel an unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight."

Prayer:

Father God, I announce that You are the only legitimate fear-object and sanctuary, and I renounce all demonic activity in my life.

 

[Word of Life]

A couple of weeks back I did a google search on false prophets and false christs/anointed ones. If one has the time, take a look into it, it will be worth and it will be a real eye opener for all of us. One needs to be wise and one needs to know the enemey.

So be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, as the devil is like a roaring lion, looking for someone to deceive and devour.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 

[Ann]

The Word of God clearly states that the truth will set you free, so I took the liberty of confirming your post with scripture:

Jam 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder!

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

1Co 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.

1Co 10:20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.

Luk 13:32 And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.

Luk 11:20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Luk 11:15 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,

Luk 11:18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

Luk 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!"

Luk 9:1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,

Demons does exist even if some people don't want to hear it or don't believe it. The Word of God doesn't lie.

Blessings!