Chico Alliance Church
July 23, 2006
Pastor David Welch
"Spiritually Aware, Alert, Armed and Aggressive" Pt 3
REVIEW
I. Be Aware
A. Aware of God and His purposes
B. Aware of our Worth and position in Christ
C. Aware of the battlefields
Satan has orchestrated a whole world system to perpetuate his primary lie that true life can be found apart from dependent relationship with God. God clearly tells to not to love the world or the things in the world. He is not talking about nature. He is talking about a devil designed and directed philosophy and world view that promotes independence and self-centered living that focuses on the satisfaction of base drives derailed by the fall.
This war is won by keeping separated and unstained by the world.
Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. "And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27
1.Fight with the FLESH
The term flesh describes base instincts and drives focuses on pleasure and self satisfaction. The Bible talks about the war between he flesh and the spirit. The world system of thinking and doing is designed by Satan to inflame and intensify the base selfish nature inherited from Adam. When we compromise with the world and become of it we will continually lose the battle with the flesh. Left unbridled, these drives become the open door to sin. When unbridled flesh and opportunity meet (temptation) sin is born and when sin grows up, death and destruction result. The battle against the flesh is won by yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
Walking in the spirit has to do with the learning and embracing truth.
Walking in the spirit has to do with a renewing of the soul.
Walking in the spirit has to do with transforming our thinking according to the truth of Scripture.
Walking in the spirit has to do with believing God’s Word.
It is upon that belief that God energizes us by the power of his Holy Spirit to act in accord with the belief. It is equally true that when we believe a deceiving spirit, that Satan energizes us to act in accord with his lie.
2.Battle with DEVIL and his angels
When we have lost the battle with the flesh we open ourselves up to greater control by Satan. Not only does he influence us from the outside but anytime we choose to walk according to the flesh we give him opportunity to more intense control from the inside.
At this point we now have an intensified battle. Not only do we have the battle in the area of the soul, but now we have an intensified battle due to demonic influence. We must continually fight against an external foe who desires to establish an operating beachhead in our body and soul from which to bind us and bully us to do according to his will.
D.Be aware of the enemy
II. Be Alert
A. Alert to broken down walls of protection
B. Alert to Avenues of Invasion (Influence)
Before proceeding it would be advantageous to briefly address the issue of demons and Christians.
Main objections to demonic invasion of saints
• Light (God) and darkness (evil) can’t dwell in the same place.
• The Bible does not clearly indicate those influenced by demons were Christian or not.
• How can someone be indwelt by the Holy Spirit and an evil spirit at the same time?
Basic Thoughts
• God’s presence is everywhere. Even Satan had access to God’s presence to accuse the saints. The sin we commit and the sin which indwells the flesh is evil in God’s sight and yet He still chooses by His grace to fellowship with us.
• The Bible does not indicate the saved or unsaved state of the person because demonic influence takes place when spiritual principles are violated by believer and unbeliever alike. Willfully walking in front of an oncoming vehicle will cause my death or great injury regardless of whether I am a believer or not.
• Demons do not have ownership of the Christian. When given permission however they can exhibit a degree of control. The biblical term should be translated “demonized” indicating one under the influence (not ownership) of a demon. The common translation “Demon-possessed” is misleading and freighted with emotional baggage. The term “demonize” can be used to indicate demonic influence in any range from slight (Jewish worshipper in the synagogue on the Sabbath) to severe (uncontrollable man in the tombs breaking chains.)
Freedom from demonic influence or pressure (deliverance) is the privilege of the people of God.
Matthew 15:21-28
Evil spirits must gain permission to set up a base of operation in the flesh. External harassment is normal operation for every Christian seeking to live for Christ in a devil directed world. In order to gain a foothold, or establish fortresses they must get specific permission. Satan and his sorry soldiers will work through anyone that will give them that permission. That permission is obtained through various methods.
See notes from this message series part two for the remainder of this messages notes.
