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Lesson 4
Disarming Satanic Power
Stripping The Satanic Armor
In Luke 11:20-22, Jesus said, "But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed, keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils."
There are scriptural keys to disarming Satanic power. Years ago, in a dream, the Holy Spirit revealed to me this truth -- If you can call the demon spirit by name, you weaken its power. For instance, in the Scriptures certain strongholds are called by name and others are clearly identified.
Satan moves against us through strongholds (fortresses set up in our lives), imaginations, and thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought."
Some of these strongholds, are easily identifiable. Others, require scriptural testing and trying of the spirit.
Discern The Spirit
The supernatural gift of discerning of spirits is given by the Holy Spirit. It enables the believer to determine, not only demonic spirits, but angel spirits, human spirits, and the Spirit of God as well. We need an understanding of the spiritual realm to properly and effectively wage an overcoming war. "Beloved believe not every spirit, but try the spirits..." (1 John 4:1,2). "Whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him" (Ecc 10:8).
We must keep our lives shielded through the blood of Jesus Christ. We have protection through the Word, the Name of Jesus and the Blood of Jesus against all the power of the enemy. Jesus said, "Behold I give unto you power over all the power of the enemy and NOTHING shall by any means harm you" (Luke 10:19).
Demonic Strongholds
Let's look at some of these areas of strongholds and entering in of demonic fortresses.
As you can see from the Scripture, many other related demonic spirits join themselves to these and others to form the bastion of satanic power in one's life. Apollyon, religion, Jezebel, seducing spirits, doctrines of devils, and others have their roots in one or more of the stronghold spirits mentioned previously.
A doctor can treat a disease if he knows what it is. Likewise, we can effectively battle when we understand the enemy that we are facing.
Early in my ministry I encountered demonic attack. I wrestled spiritual powers for my very life. I was attacked by a python-like spirit that almost took my life from me. Let's take a look at some principles from this one particular stronghold. (Remember, if you can identify a spirit, you weaken its power.)
When Little Python Grows Up
Paul was an apostle well experienced in spiritual warfare. Anyone in pursuit of his destiny will encounter various levels of spiritual battle. What did your battle feel like? What did it look like? What were the aftereffects of the war?
Remember that a battlefield is a place that effects change. Things are shifted. Landscapes are altered. Reformation takes place and modifications are sometimes made.
Paul encountered a spirit of divination in Acts 16:16. This spirit is translated as the "spirit of python."
Let's take a look at some principles of this subtle spirit.
Actually, pythons are nonpoisonous and are often pets. Just because you have discerned a "little" spirit at work, doesn't mean it won't grow up. Never think that any demonic spirit can ever be your "pet."
Jesus said, "The prince of this world cometh and hath NOTHING in me." Be aware that just as God plants seeds and not trees, even so the enemy plants "little" foxes to spoil the vines of ministry. Be aware that spiritual skirmishes can turn into full-scale spiritual battlefields.
A little python can become a big python. Don't ever trust a "snake" in your ministry, even if it's a small one. In Gen. 19:20 we read, "...And Lot said, '....is it not a little one?' " And Leviticus 11:17 discerns between varying levels of spiritual power when it says, "....the little owl and the great owl."
Constrict means to squeeze, to limit, to tighten, to apply pressure. Do you sense this happening in your life or ministry? Are you being "squeezed" by a spirit? Has the enemy tried to "limit" your ability to progress in your vision? Is something or someone being used who is "applying pressure"?
The only press we should feel is forward progression by the Spirit of God. Never should we be "pressured" by the enemy to make a wrong move. Don't let this python spirit gain strength.
The Delilah-like spirit is one that always presses a Samson-like minister. "And it came to pass when she pressed him daily..." (Judges 16:16).
Spiritual asphyxiation occurs when a python grows and has the strength to overcome its victims. With their strength, pythons are able to not only suffocate, but to crush, even to death.
Are you being overwhelmed by this spirit? Is your ministry or walk with God under such an intense attack that you sense the "breath of God" is being snuffed out of your life? Are you in a time of spiritual crushing, brought about by the spirit of python?
Satan is clearly referred to as a dragon that has the power to take one's breath. (Rev. 12) And Jeremiah 14:6 paints a clear picture of what we are discussing. It says, "They snuffed up the wind like dragons."
The wind of the Spirit is blowing in the Body of Christ. Just as on the day of Pentecost, a rushing wind is filling the Church. This wind will bring cleansing and refreshing. No wonder this spirit of python is set on destruction against the leadership.
This spirit must be defeated and victory must be declared! Recognize it. Don't pet it. Don't feed it. Don't let it grow. Get it out!
Victory Over All The Power Of The Enemy
We are overthrowing and overcoming. Paul said it plainly -- "Fight, wrestle, war!!" We are told in the book of James to "resist!"
Regardless of the conflict you are facing, God is greater! Don't let wrong focus take your eyes from the Power of God. The weapons of our warfare are mighty through God!
We have put the devil's picture on a poster in the post office and he is caught! We have identified him, disarmed him, and humiliated him, and reminded him of the victory that Jesus Christ has obtained for the believer. Now, let's move forward in the triumph, so that we can accomplish the mission that our Commander has given! We are not waving flags of surrender to the powers of darkness, but rather overcomers and more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
To God be the glory!