Spiritual Warfare and Territorial Spirits
 

Can any of you share your experiences in Spiritual Warfare or dealing with territorial spirits?

Please let's not turn this into a contraversial thread.

You risk being labelled charismatic when you talk about spiritual warfare and territorial spirits. Remember the meat of the Word is a dress code and God is One.

Sister. I am very much oneness and very much conservative holiness and I completely believe in spiritual warfare, territoriall spirits and the gifts and operation of the spirit. I know there are others that do too, I was just wondering if they could share their experiences.

I never really learned much about any of this while we were in UPC, but started researching it after reading Peretti's books back in the early 80's. It opened my eyes to so much that I had never seen before about spiritual warfare. I was amazed that I had never been taught any of this stuff in my life! I definitely believe there are territorial spirits that reign in certain areas (towns; states; countries). I know what some of the prevailing things in our area are, and we fight them all the time. I believe that God can give us an open heaven though, but it takes much prayer!

I think where I live there is a demon of religious tradition running around ,cause most people here are happy their name is on a church role, they 're not really interesting in reading the Bible for themselves.

lol....not turn it into a controversial thread? It seems that it started out that way :happydance

I did...I started with Daniel...Then I heard a story about the church Chester Wright pastors that they had a demon possessed man come in and the demon cried out that he was the prince of Anapolis

Something similar happened to my husband. A demon told him his name and said that he was the prince of that particular area. He (the evil spirit) also told my husband that he was going to kill the pastor of that church. My husband told him he was a liar - that he wasn't going to kill anyone. That Jesus had taken the keys of life and death. :thumbsup

It was quite the experience. There were a number of demons cast out of that man and within a year that church experienced a major revival and growth.

Speaking of praying and fasting which has been the topic of a few threads lately ..... my husband had felt led to fast a number of days before this event took place. After, he understood why he had felt impressed to fast.

"This kind" cometh not out except by prayer and fasting", is what Jesus said in regard to some of these situations.

Sometimes there is more than one prince.It depends.Have you read Sister Deborah Randalls books on Spiritual warfare? I learned alot from her when they pastored us.

No sis, I never heard tell of her. I haven't read any books on the topic to be honest. I just know some things from experience.

No, I have not. I will get the book though. Thanks.

Sherri,

It is unfortunate that we do not teach more on this critical topic. As a result of a lack of teaching there is a lack of awareness and our people become comfortable cohabiting with spiritual wickedness. Of course there is a responsibility that accompanies bringing awareness to your church. The responsibility is the proper equipping of the people to defeat these spirits!

I think some of the fear among is caused by a failure to understand that we have been given dominion over these spirits by the cross. All that was stolen in Eden was returned to us at Calvary and the empty tomb! We simply have to begin to walk according to the power that we have been given and take control in the spiritual realm.

For those who may think I am promoting dominion theology, please take a rest. I am a proponent of spiritual dominion not secular dominion. WE are citizens of another Kingdom not this one. One of the reasons I think folks are weak in the area of spiritual dominion is that as a result of pre-trib teaching we have been waiting for the 2nd coming of Christ to conquer our enemy and put him in chains, thus becoming like the man at the pool of Bethesda, impotent!

I will try and share some stories later.

Today is going to be a very busy day at work.

Daniel 10:20-21 (Amplified Bible)

20 Then he said, Do you know why I have come to you? And now I will return to fight with the [hostile] prince of Persia; and when I have gone, behold, the [hostile] prince of Greece will come.

21 But I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth or the Book of Truth. There is no one who holds with me and strengthens himself against these [hostile spirit forces] except Michael, your prince [national guardian angel].

the scriptures show us that regional princes can also occasionally "move" out of their territory for greater purposes.... has anyone noticed this either???

I've done a ton of spiritual warfare with territorial spirits. Nothing I read out of a book. Just real life stuff. It is very, very hard work. You can't just pray one prayer of casting out some spirit and have it over. It will suck the life out of you but for the grace of God. It's not about singing warrior songs in church. It's about being at the feet of Jesus and giving up your whole self to God and sticking it out no matter what it takes. Then, at that point you pretty much find out Who is in charge and it isn't you.

Great post and great advice. Can you go into a little more detail on the territorial stuff that you experienced.

That's a very loaded question Jill. LOL!

Well, let's just put it this way:

Once upon a time there was a man. He had once owned something, as far as this ownership would go, but, in time, he sold what it was that he owned. When he sold this item, the new owner wanted what was his and the old owner gave him most of it and said he would get the rest in due time. The new owner waited patiently but the rest of what he bought never came to him. The new owner also realized that he had been duped. What was told him about the item he purchased was only partly true and the old owner had stripped and sold much of the item. When the new owner protested to the right people, the old owner, who was well known and liked by the 'right people' said that the new owner was not telling the truth. He said he gave everything over just as the deal said. He also told this to the townspeople who also knew him. Some believed the new owner and some believe the old. Then, the old owner or at least some people that knew the old owner decided that he actually still owned the item. They tried to get the 'right people' and the townspeople to persecute the new owner as a liar. There was great spiritual warfare that took place as accusations flew and ownership was fought for strongly by both sides.

Great spiritual warfare took place. God knew who the real owner was. He opened doors that could have never been possibly opened by any human being. Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it.

I have seen this taken to extremes and folk claiming their cars are demon possessed.

Lots could be said. I will say one thing, "God won't put more on you that you can bear and we do need to take that authority."

As Phil said, "spiritual authority" and not the Dominion teaching.

My pastor had me pray with a woman Sunday night. The Lord impressed me to tell her that she needed to take the authority over that depression herself. She's been living for God long enough to know how to do it.

We do need people to pray for us, but we also need to know that we have the authority in the Holy Ghost to bind spirits that come against us.

I have never heard this term. What is that teaching?

:D cool topic, but not much material out there on it....

Amen!
Spoken as one who has been there and bought the T-shirt.:tiphat

Like Sis. Sherri, I have read the Frank Perretti books and think he has some background, would have to, in spiritual warfare. Unlike Sis. Sherri, I had grown up with the knowledge and seen demons cast out of people in the early 70's. I also heard a sermon by Bro. Billie Cole about spirits over cities, countries, and communities.

It is obvious that the spirit of homosexuality is prevalent in San Francisco, and mulitplying itself over many US cities.

The spirit of pornography has roots in New York, and the spirit of child molestation and pedophilia in many Ohio and Indiana cities. These spirits can be identified through prayer and awareness of what to look for.

Communities, churches, and individual families struggle with certain types of demons.

My experience with them: I have seen people with the spirit of homosexuality on them, seen those with the spirit of lust on them, seen others with the spirit of pride and arrogance.

When assisting in a UPCI church in the early 80's a young man came to the church door wanting help. He could not enter the church...he grabbed the door facing and tensed up and appeared to fight an inner battle. He could not say the name of Jesus but wanted help. We prayed, cast the demons out of him and peace came on him, he walked through the church door and was able to praise the name of Jesus.

While attending another UPCI church, a demon continually made this woman flail about on the floor and scream hideously. I spoke to this demon and told it that this house belonged to God and he was not welcome here and to shut up. It did.

I have fought off spirits that tried to attach themselves to me..not possess me but oppress me. When I realized what was happening I was able to command it to leave me alone. I dare say many others have had similar experiences, but people don't like to talk about these spiritual things. It has always amazed me that people fear the devil more than they fear God and God has all the power over life, death, and the devil.

Just thougth I'd like to comment on this thread that has gotten lost.

Blessings, Rhoni

There is alot of material out there.You just have to know where to look for it.
Sister Deborah Randall has several books at PPH, Brother Blumes Uncle has a book at PPH called Killers In Hiding,the late T.W.Barnes has a book that he wrote on Spiritual Warfare, Brother Jonathan Suber did a series when he pastored in La on it, Brother Verbal Beans books on prayer and the works of the Holy Ghost are a good read.There are numerous other apostolic writers out there with books and materials and teachings on this.Sometimes we miss them as we by pass them when we by pass the books on prayer.Brother Billy
Cole taught on territorial spirits years ago at La Camp.Read some of the missionary books they are very helpful in understanding warfare.

anyone happen to have a copy of Bro Cole's LA message about spiritual warfare???

Hello,

Frankly, I don't beleive that 'territorial spirits' even exist today, yet alone that we ought to pray against them or engage in some Christanese Harry Potter type of 'Charismatic' spell casting against them! Now whilst it's possible that territorial spirits might have existed prior to the incarnation, it's certain that after the cross Christ completely defeated satan and thereby wrecked his powers (Colossians 2:14-15). This verse is emphatic that Satan was bound by Christ himself at the cross, and so we don't need to re-bind him with Harry Potter like charismatic prayers, though I'm not suggesting that Jill is saying that, this is a general response to her question.

Satan doesn't own this world - God does; Psalm 24:1 'The earth is the Lords and the FULLNESS thereof' and so there is nothing that we have to bind or pray against, for Satan being bopund at the cross by Christ himself doesn't own anything and so have no legal right to any nation, country or territory.

Finally, Christians are to grow and mature by submission and surrender to Christ. There is no command in the Bible where mounted upon our nimbus 2000 we are told to then our on utter magical charismatic incantations in tongues which magically bind Satan as if a scene from the latest Harry Potter film. Christ has bound Satan for us at the cross (Colossians 2:14-15) for us and our command is only to personally be obedient to him, to proclaim his law to the lost so that they might be saved.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malvaro (Post 79287) Daniel 10:20-21 (Amplified Bible)

That's a great observation. I think there's a couple of ways to approach this issue. One way, like ILG mentioned (and perhaps is the most important way) is to first approach The Throne of the One Who rules every "territory." The repentance, rebirth and renewal discovered there conquers all foes.

What I think the original question involves is what Malvaro and others discuss. This approach looks at the enemy "in place" on the battlefield and attempts to knock him down where he has control (Mark 3:27).

To frame the abstract nature of spiritual warfare, Christians have traditionally gone to Daniel 10:20-21. This is the approach Peretti and so many others have taken, and in my view is overly simplistic. There really is no strong scriptual support for the naming of "rulers" over various cities and such.

I have heard the names of alleged spirits called out in various assemblies within the same city- and each "revelation" names a different name. It's like tongues and interpretation, in the way it's presented, but there's nothing solid that you can hold onto or use.

It just doesn't seem like there's a map of the enemy's heirarchy that's only waiting on the right spiritually talented prayer warrior to reveal. The whole exercise is too subjective.

I think Rhoni was on to something better when she describes the different manifestations of wickedness (homosexuality in S.F. and etc) as opposed to the idea of there being a particular "evil ruler" over a particular geographic hotspot.

In the traditional "Territorial" model you have "spirits" or "powers" (Greek=archon, or "rulers") over specific geographic territory. As Malvaro points out, these "powers" can expand their holdings, seemingly at the cost of other "powers." Where a strict application of this model breaks down, however, is in the continuing context of the Scripture.

The "archons" that Daniel, Paul and Peter discuss are clearly identified in the book of Enoch - which Paul, Peter and Jude all quote from. These were the "Bene Elohim" or "Sons of God" (not to be confused with angels- angels are a different kind of being in this model). The "Bene Elohim" were 70 in number and were given territory analogous to the Table of Nations described in Genesis 10. According to "Enoch" (the writer of the book, not necessarily the Enoch of Genesis, though Jude seems to identify the two as being the same, Jude 1:14) it was these 70 "Bene Elohim" that "fell" and took human wives in Genesis 6 and not "the angels in general" that Jesus refers to in Matthew 22:30.

These "Bene Elohim", or the "Divine Council" as some scholars refer to them, are noted for their lusts and depraved nature. The only problem in doing spiritual warfare with these beings is that they have already been conquered and are currently chained in "darkness." Unless of course they have already been, or are going to be released for a time. Or if we understand that the "chains" do not isolate these beings from ourselves.

Now FWIW, I personally have some difficulty accepting the whole Territorial Rulers from a literal standpoint. It all makes for a good metaphor, but not even Rosemary's Baby seems capable of destroying lives the way I've seen some "spirits" in the real world do.

But on the battlefront, consider:

"For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment..." 2 Peter 2:4, along with the almost identical statement in Jude 1:6.

Next:

"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." Ephesians 6:12

Assuming that these apostles are speaking of the same "spirits" (whoever, and whatever else they may be) I find it striking that we are battling an enemy that is already "chained." Being “angels” or “spirits” they are not bound to a specific geographic location- not even “hell” but can be multi-present (something far short of omnipresent).

The "chains" are manifested in our eyes as being the spiritual darkness that plagues our world. And so, like malevolent Jacob Marleys, these beings drag their chains around and ensare those who are unaware of their own peril.

So, taking our cue from Mark 3:27 can we then conclude that the "strong man" has been bound (with the chains of darkness) and that Christ is "plundering" the house of the devil even as we speak? Perhaps this is what "spiritual warfare" is all about - Jesus Christ won the war, now we are to "plunder" the enemy and release his prisoners by shining our light into that darkness.

Of course, we should not neglect to also recognize the toll that the “darkness” can take upon a person’s soul, especially the soul of the warrior. Those "chains" represent Hell and Death, and as the prophet said, "Hell hath enlarged herself..." That is, Hell has open its mouth wide and is engorged with the lives of those we love; but it is encouraging to think that we are at war with a defeated and chained enemy. Even in my own weakness, perhaps I have a chance to prevail.

I've always envisioned the chains of darkness to be that the fallen angels can never come to the light again. They can never know purity of heart, the fellowship with One who is holy, or any of the fruit of the Spirit. They are forever destined to eternal damnation without hope and without God. Sort of like our enslavement to sin before Jesus Christ came to redeem us and set us free from our bondage.

We do fight a defeated enemy for Christ came to destroy the works of the devil and spoiled them through His cross. He gave us power over all the power of the enemy.

Just a question here....

What scripture would one use to teach on this subject?

There is Daniel... who only continued to pray (as we all should) and did not specific warfare against any of these spirits. He didn't even know that there was a spirit fighting his answer until it arrived.

Beyond that... what scriptures would one use to teach on this subject?

IB, this post is so wacked out I laughed when I read it. I haven't read such nonsense on AFF like that in a LONG time.... :D

You're comparing the Christian fight with a Harry Potter movie?!?! whatever....

Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

1 Thessalonians 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

Revelation 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Satan clearly hasn't been bound yet.... nor his influence....

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

although I do agree that the Spirit of God abiding in us is greater than anything that opposes us....

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
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.

1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

I'm sorry, you were saying something about having nothing spiritual to pray about or fight against???

I'm not sure what planet you're from.... but if you haven't experienced any type of spiritual warfare yet, you obviously aren't any threat to Satan or to his purpose....

It seems that the scripture's scope regarding Territorial Spirits aka "Territorial" model that Pelathais previously mentioned is limited.... although the generic topic of Spiritual Warfare is much more visible throughout the scriptures....

I agree with PhilJ, this particular topic could use more attention in the Church....

**bigger level ..... bigger devil**

what do you mean?

The bulk of what Pelathais has to say is fairly pivotal on the Genesis 6 "Sons of God" being angelic type beings. If I remember correctly you do not believe this to be true.

I seem to recall just saying that I personally found the thought of "sons of God" being angelic beings in that passage disturbing.... I've heard both sides of reasoning and without having been there, it's really speculative.... i think, based off the teaching i've heard in the past, leaned towards "sons of God" being humanity.... could be right, could be wrong....

you have a good memory.... :D

I could understand spiritual warfare.. But I DO not believe that angels war against one another.. God is too great for this..

Michael when disputing with Satan over Moses body didn't rail against him he simply said, "The Lord rebuke you"... and it was done..

There is too much superstition in this for me to believe that Satan is that powerful...

Meaning (in part) ....

**the higher level we move into spiritually the greater spiritual opposition we will encounter**

Is there scripture to support this?

"And there was war in heaven..."