Sermons
Kingdom of God means we have got to realise we are in a war.
Piper- life is a war, not all that it is, but we are at war.
All out war changes things – no waste, sacrifice, community effort rather than individualism, danger, no time out.
Western – “If westerners saw demonisation and other acts of naked satanic power, they might begin watching for him instead of slumbering in comfort driven, self centred apathy.
Usual Suspects – “the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist”
The 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 in their existence.
The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.”
Earth is the Lords Ps 24:1;
1 John 5:19 Kosmos – world’s system & values is Satan’s
Cross the decisive battle won, end a foregone conclusion. meanwhile he is a crazy powerhungry dictator Rev 12:12
Two key Scriptures
John 10:10 steal, kill and destroy
1 Jn 3:8 destroy the works of the evil one.
– morally – he entices sin
– physically – he inflicts disease, deformity
– intellectually – he seduces to error
– socially -he provokes hatred and chaos
– politically -he produces injustice and oppression
– spiritually -he blinds the minds of unbelievers lets they believe the good news.
How he attacks – “aware of his schemes”
Non Christians
Counterfeit
slander
stereotyping
slavery
distraction
Christians
– Distracts with comfort, apathy, prosperity
– Destroys spiritual life 1 Peter 5:8-9
– Ineffective – grumbling, division, business
– Persecution
– Oppression
Demonisation – best translation of daimonizomai in NT
Possession – KJV too emotive and implies ownership
Influence or control to differing degrees by an evil spirit
What it can look like
Worst case is “Legion” in Mk 5
New personality
extraordinary strength Mk 5:3-4; Acts 19:!3-16
fits of rage and violence Mk 5:4
vocal tirades and screaming Mk 5:5
self destructive behaviour Mk 5:5; Mt 17 – suicide
anti-social behaviour Lk 8:27
some diseases / deformities – Mt 9:32-34
alien voice Mk 5:7,9; Acts 19
resistance to spiritual things like repentance Mk 5:7
clairvoyance
Landing strip – close the runway
– Trauma and defilement
– Persistent and unrepentant refusal to resist Jam 4l 1 Pet 5; armour of God Eph 6:10-20;pray for protection Mt 6:13
– Occult activity Deut 18:9-14
– Idolatry
– Wilful sin
– Unforgiveness
– embracing heresy
– Inner vows or oaths
What to do!
Truth encounter and a power encounter
Don’t need to shout, get the demon’s name or engage in conversation (they lie)
Truth encounter
Suppose you woke up one morning and discovered a half-ton of fresh manure on your front lawn. The manure not only smells terrible, it also attracts a thick cloud of ugly flies that buzz around you whenever you go outdoors.
How would you ever get rid of the flies? There are two answers that question. First, you could try to catch the flies one by one, naming them, classifying them, ranking them, figuring out who the head fly is and who his top lieutenants are. You could even write papers on “How to Get Rid of flies” or “Understanding the Hierarchy of flies” or “Discerning the Flies in Your Family Tree.” That's one way to handle the problem. Or, you could just get out there with a shovel and get rid of the manure. When the manure is gone, the flies will leave too.
That's a great illustration because it graphically shows how Christians should deal with demons. Get rid of the manure in your life and the demons will leave you alone.
James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” He also tells us exactly how to do that:
1. Submit to God in every area of your life. v. 7
2. Come near to God in prayer and worship, v. 8.
3. Confess your sins, v. 8.
4. Purify your heart, v. 8.
5. Weep over your sin, v. 9
6. Humble yourself before the Lord, v. 10
Then you have the promise: “And he will lift you up.” It is never God's will for any believer to live in bondage to demons–not even for a moment.
Power Encounter
– Prayer ministry
– Don't let the demon call the shots – peace, time
– Work in pairs
– Be intimate with the Lord “This type comes out by prayer and fasting”
– Close the landing strip & filled with the Spirit
Lock and load
Don’t forget we are at war!
But he that is in is us is greater than he that is in the world.