BATTLE WITH INVISIBLE FORCES OF DARKNESS

Zechariah 1:19-22, “19And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. 20And the LORD shewed me four carpenters. 21Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it. “

Ephesians 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.

AIM:

1. To make believers aware of the existence spiritual battle.
2. To expose the invisible battle strategies of the forces of darkness.
3. To guaranty believers that despite the existence of the invisible battle they can live a victorious life.

INTRODUCTION

In this world there is no physical manifestation without invisible back up, likewise there is no physical battle without invisible forces. In fact, the invisible forces make the physical battle stronger. These invisible forces of darkness are referred to as demonic spiritual forces. Believers are not meant to fight any battle without understanding the secret behind battle. It is your revelational knowledge of the spiritual battle that guarantees your victory.

In the book of Zechariah 1:19-22, Judah was scattered physically but there was an invisible horn behind it. Likewise today some people are tormented and afflicted physically in all manners of ways but there is or are unseen forces behind their afflictions and torments. Having had the knowledge that there is no physical battle without invisible force, you must understand the fact that the invisible forces can only be engaged in battle spiritually Ephesians 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.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, “4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds😉 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

Spiritual warfare is fighting against the work of preternatural evil forces. Therefore brethren, you must understand that spiritual forces are not fought without insight and revelation of the spiritual weapons needed.

It will be good to note that these invisible forces of darkness engage people especially believers in battles through disobedience, insensitivity to the holy spirit, lukewarmness, prayerlessness, sin, wrong fellowship and association, unbelief, faithlessness etc.

As stated by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, that our weapons of warfare are not carnal.” it is important to know this weapons and there usage. These weapons can be used as “defensive and offensive weapons”

SPIRITUAL WEAPONS OF WARFARE

1. The Sword of the Spirit Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Revelation 1:16, “And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” Ephesians 6:17, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
2. Put on the whole armour of God Ephesians 6:10-18, “10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For 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. 13Wherefore 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. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; “
3. Abstinence from spiritual compromise 1 Thessalonians 5:22, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
4. Abide in God’s presence Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Psalms 91:1, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 17:18, “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”
5. Do not conform to worldly pattern Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
6. The Blood of Jesus Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Exodus 12:13, “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”
7. 7 Submit to God’s instruction and leading (Obedience) James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
8. Prayer and fasting Matthew 17:21, “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
9. The name of Jesus Philippians 2:10-11, “10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION

Mention some ways in which invisible forces of darkness manifest as battles.

CONCLUSION

No matter how strong the battle, Jesus came to give us victory 1 John 3:8, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If you do not give up in the midst of any spiritual battle, your victory is sure.

PRAYER

1. Oh Lord, consume by fire every invisible forces of darkness engaging me in battle in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. I receive victory over disobedience, insensitivity to the holy spirit, lukewarmness, prayerlessness, sin, wrong fellowship and association, unbelief, faithlessness, through which the devil can ensnare me in the name of Jesus Christ.
3. Holy Ghost fire, consume all evil horns that rise against my wellness in the name of Jesus Christ.
4. Holy Ghost fire, consume all evil horns that want to subdue me in life in the name of Jesus Chris.