January 4, 2025 - Dealing With Demonic Spirits

The demonic realm and te believer

The first order of business in war is to know your enemy, know his tactics, know his schemes

Know your defense: “Put on the whole armor of God”

* Belt = defensive; Breastplate = defensive; Shoes = defensive
* Shield = defensive; Helmet = defensive
* SWORD = OFFENSIVE!
* WORD = “Rhema” = the spoken Word of God, out loud to thwart the enemy’s attack

Memorize the Word and use the spoken Word of God

James tells us how to handle demonic attacks – James 4: 7-8

“Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

John tells us how to handle demonic attacks – 1 John 5: 18

“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin, but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”

Paul tells us to handle demonic attacks – 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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.”

Strongholds = long established ways of thinking, rationalizing one’s actions or behaviors

Arguments = “logismos” = logical arguments, thoughts, reasonings against God

What are we to do with demonic strongholds and arguments?
- PULL THEM DOWN!!

How?
- With the TRUTH OF GOD!

How do I protect myself from false arguments?
- “Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

How are we to present ourselves in these mind arguments?
- 2 Timothy 2: 24-25

Be ready, be measured, be gentle; you can win the argument and lose the war!

Jude tells us how to handle demonic attacks:
- Caution with slander against celestial attacks – Jude 8-9

What about a believer being demon possessed?

I believe the Scripture says when we belong to Christ; we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, owned, sealed, and protected by God

I do not believe a demon can inhabit what God owns!

1 Timothy 4:1-2 "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,"

Isaiah 5:20 "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

WHAT IS OUR HOPE?
- Jude 3b

Contend = fight for the faith; fight for the Truth

HOW DO WE DO THIS?
- Maintain your life with God
- All in with God
- Be a follower, not a fan!

Restful Moment with God
Jude 1:20-21 "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

Restful prayer
"Lord, tonight we pause to draw near to You - the source of all strength and love. Teach us to build our lives upon faith that endures and to pray with hearts tuned to Your Spirit. When doubts whisper and hope fells faint, remind us that Your love is our anchor. Keep us steadfast in trust, patient in waiting, and tender in mercy toward others.
As we rest, wrap us in the assurance of Your unfailing love. Let Your peace quiet our minds and Your presence prepare us for the new mercies of tomorrow."

This new year season

Give thanks, rest in your God, for He is with you!!