Battle In The Heavenlies
The Invisible Battlefield
Whether we realize it or not, we are at war with the enemy of our soul, the devil himself. The Bible clearly states that as believers this warfare involves an enemy that is not of this world.
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Preparing For Battle
Identify The Enemy
It is important that you determine who our enemy is and be spiritually prepared for battle. Preparation for spiritual warfare requires the application of spiritual principles revealed in God’s Word. Don’t underestimate the capabilities of your adversary or the fact he will use deceitfulness in the attempt to defeat us. Satan does not fight alone. Their are five divisions of Satan’s army.
The five divisions in Satan’s army include:
1. Spirits or demons- the Word of God says, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood.”
2. Principalities- from the Greek word “arche” they are chief rulers of the highest rank.
3. Powers- from the Greek word “exousia” or authorities. These authorities operate under the chief rulers, executing their will.
4. Rulers of darkness of this world- world rulers of darkness. A natural man who possessed demonic powers. This world “cosmos” binds them to the natural and refers to governments or individuals in high authority in this world who are demon led or directed.
5. Spiritual wickedness in high places- wicked spirits in the heavens, fallen angels.
Be strong in the Lord
The ability to defeat the enemy is not done in the natural, it is found in the Lord. The Bible commands believers to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” Ephesians 6:10. The Greek implies the command to “be strengthened” in Christ’s might. This is promised to the believer. In Ephesians 1:19 it states, “And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.”
We should recognize who we are in Christ and acknowledge the true source of our strength.
Clothe yourself with the armor of God
A soldier who is prepared will not go into battle without appropriate armor. In a spiritual battle you must have proper spiritual weapons. The Word of God states in Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (tricks) of the devil.” The Bible continues the theme by stating in Ephesians 6:13, “Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.”
If we use the armor properly, it will provide full protection and enable the believer to hold his ground against the enemy.
The armor of God
1. Loins girt about with truth
Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
The loins deal with your mind, so fill your mind with the Word. It has been said that the door to the Spirit comes through the mind.
2. The breastplate of righteousness
The breastplate covers the vital organs and speaks of the heart. The breastplate of righteousness fortifies the heart against the attacks of the enemy. When the truth of God’s Word touches your mind and heart, it brings transformation and renewal.
3. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
Ephesians 6:15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
The Word of God must affect your life and your walk. It begins with your reading and hearing the Word, it will influence and fill your heart with truth.
4. The shield of faith
Ephesians 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Faith brings incredibly powerful results when your faith is put together with the results of the Word in our heart and mind. When we are armed with the Word of God and faith, we have the ability to withstand the onslaught of the enemy and cause his fiery darts to be useless.
5. The helmet of salvation
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
In the physical realm, it protects the head from injury in a battle. Some argue that it deals with the mind, while others argue that the helmet deals with doctrine. I am inclined to believe that both apply. Areas that are covered here are: our nature, our character, as well as, our doctrine. The doctrine of the Word causes us to be balanced.
6. The sword of the Spirit
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Up to this point, all the armor is for defensive purposes, to protect you from the enemy. As our life becomes strong and established, the sword of the Spirit becomes an offensive weapon against the enemy. Jesus did this on the three different occasions when he was tempted. Being armed with the sword of the Spirit, you have the ability to take back what has been stolen from you.
7. Prayer and supplication
Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
This is a powerful weapon that we have. Sadly, this is the most underutilized tool we have available to us. Prayer covers us and clothes us like a mantle.
Seven revelations of Prayers
1. Confession
The confession of sin takes place before prayer, simply because it is impossible to pray until your heart is cleansed from sin.
2. Supplication
This is the act of expressing your need, desire or petition to God in prayer.
John 16:24
Ask, and ye shall receive.
3. Worship
Adoration or worship is a form of prayer. This causes prayer to be complete as we exalt and adore the Lord, expressing our love for Him.
4. Fellowship
Fellowship in this context is when the Apostle Paul said to “Pray without ceasing”. This represents uninterrupted communion or intimacy with God. You have continual communion no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
5. Intercession
This a work of the Holy Spirit and not something that can be learned, it is a gift from the Holy Spirit.
6. Thanksgiving
We should continually express our thanks to God in prayer for what He has done. Based on the promises contained in God’s Word, we should demonstrate our faith when we thank Him for things yet to come.
7. Praise
When we think of what He has done, praise is activated in your life through thanksgiving. It comes from a thankful heart.
We find victory over every battle in life because of Jesus’ victory on the cross. We also have the benefit of God’s angelic force who are available for us.
Five divisions of angels
1. Seraphims- is connected to God’s glory which deals with His attributes and who He is. God’s attributes are endless and the seraphims are without number and they express God’s holiness.
2. Cherubims- connected to worship and Heaven, protectors of the throne of God: the cherubims of glory.
Hebrews 9:5
And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
The presence and glory of God is so holy that the cherubims protect it, because it is the dwelling place of God. Cherubims are in God’s presence continually.
3. Living Creatures- angels of revelation. They reveal who God is to the heavens through exaltation and worship.
Revelation 4:2, 6-8
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne…..And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
Keep in mind Seraphims acknowledge the holiness of God to one another in worship, the Living Creatures are found before the throne crying, Holy, Holy, Holy.
4. Archangels- messengers or ministers involved in the affairs of men. An example is the Archangel Gabriel announcing the birth of Christ.
Luke 2:10-11
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Archangels also foretold Christ’s second coming.
I Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Archangels are involved in spiritual warfare and protection.
Daniel 10:13
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Archangels stand in God’s presence.
Luke 1:19
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
5. Angels are dispatched through prayer
Angels are wise, powerful, and obedient. Angels strengthen us in times of trial, as they did Jesus when he was betrayed.
Angels protect the saints, as well as, bring clarity and understanding the will of God. Angels are innumerable.
Angels are God’s agents in battle
As a believer, we never need to face the enemy in our own strength. On your knees you can tear down strongholds of the enemy, because the devil trembles when a believer prays.
Whether we realize it or not, we are at war with the enemy of our soul, the devil himself. The Bible clearly states that as believers this warfare involves an enemy that is not of this world.
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Preparing For Battle
Identify The Enemy
It is important that you determine who our enemy is and be spiritually prepared for battle. Preparation for spiritual warfare requires the application of spiritual principles revealed in God’s Word. Don’t underestimate the capabilities of your adversary or the fact he will use deceitfulness in the attempt to defeat us. Satan does not fight alone. Their are five divisions of Satan’s army.
The five divisions in Satan’s army include:
1. Spirits or demons- the Word of God says, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood.”
2. Principalities- from the Greek word “arche” they are chief rulers of the highest rank.
3. Powers- from the Greek word “exousia” or authorities. These authorities operate under the chief rulers, executing their will.
4. Rulers of darkness of this world- world rulers of darkness. A natural man who possessed demonic powers. This world “cosmos” binds them to the natural and refers to governments or individuals in high authority in this world who are demon led or directed.
5. Spiritual wickedness in high places- wicked spirits in the heavens, fallen angels.
Be strong in the Lord
The ability to defeat the enemy is not done in the natural, it is found in the Lord. The Bible commands believers to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” Ephesians 6:10. The Greek implies the command to “be strengthened” in Christ’s might. This is promised to the believer. In Ephesians 1:19 it states, “And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.”
We should recognize who we are in Christ and acknowledge the true source of our strength.
Clothe yourself with the armor of God
A soldier who is prepared will not go into battle without appropriate armor. In a spiritual battle you must have proper spiritual weapons. The Word of God states in Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (tricks) of the devil.” The Bible continues the theme by stating in Ephesians 6:13, “Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.”
If we use the armor properly, it will provide full protection and enable the believer to hold his ground against the enemy.
The armor of God
1. Loins girt about with truth
Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
The loins deal with your mind, so fill your mind with the Word. It has been said that the door to the Spirit comes through the mind.
2. The breastplate of righteousness
The breastplate covers the vital organs and speaks of the heart. The breastplate of righteousness fortifies the heart against the attacks of the enemy. When the truth of God’s Word touches your mind and heart, it brings transformation and renewal.
3. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
Ephesians 6:15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
The Word of God must affect your life and your walk. It begins with your reading and hearing the Word, it will influence and fill your heart with truth.
4. The shield of faith
Ephesians 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Faith brings incredibly powerful results when your faith is put together with the results of the Word in our heart and mind. When we are armed with the Word of God and faith, we have the ability to withstand the onslaught of the enemy and cause his fiery darts to be useless.
5. The helmet of salvation
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
In the physical realm, it protects the head from injury in a battle. Some argue that it deals with the mind, while others argue that the helmet deals with doctrine. I am inclined to believe that both apply. Areas that are covered here are: our nature, our character, as well as, our doctrine. The doctrine of the Word causes us to be balanced.
6. The sword of the Spirit
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Up to this point, all the armor is for defensive purposes, to protect you from the enemy. As our life becomes strong and established, the sword of the Spirit becomes an offensive weapon against the enemy. Jesus did this on the three different occasions when he was tempted. Being armed with the sword of the Spirit, you have the ability to take back what has been stolen from you.
7. Prayer and supplication
Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
This is a powerful weapon that we have. Sadly, this is the most underutilized tool we have available to us. Prayer covers us and clothes us like a mantle.
Seven revelations of Prayers
1. Confession
The confession of sin takes place before prayer, simply because it is impossible to pray until your heart is cleansed from sin.
2. Supplication
This is the act of expressing your need, desire or petition to God in prayer.
John 16:24
Ask, and ye shall receive.
3. Worship
Adoration or worship is a form of prayer. This causes prayer to be complete as we exalt and adore the Lord, expressing our love for Him.
4. Fellowship
Fellowship in this context is when the Apostle Paul said to “Pray without ceasing”. This represents uninterrupted communion or intimacy with God. You have continual communion no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
5. Intercession
This a work of the Holy Spirit and not something that can be learned, it is a gift from the Holy Spirit.
6. Thanksgiving
We should continually express our thanks to God in prayer for what He has done. Based on the promises contained in God’s Word, we should demonstrate our faith when we thank Him for things yet to come.
7. Praise
When we think of what He has done, praise is activated in your life through thanksgiving. It comes from a thankful heart.
We find victory over every battle in life because of Jesus’ victory on the cross. We also have the benefit of God’s angelic force who are available for us.
Five divisions of angels
1. Seraphims- is connected to God’s glory which deals with His attributes and who He is. God’s attributes are endless and the seraphims are without number and they express God’s holiness.
2. Cherubims- connected to worship and Heaven, protectors of the throne of God: the cherubims of glory.
Hebrews 9:5
And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
The presence and glory of God is so holy that the cherubims protect it, because it is the dwelling place of God. Cherubims are in God’s presence continually.
3. Living Creatures- angels of revelation. They reveal who God is to the heavens through exaltation and worship.
Revelation 4:2, 6-8
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne…..And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
Keep in mind Seraphims acknowledge the holiness of God to one another in worship, the Living Creatures are found before the throne crying, Holy, Holy, Holy.
4. Archangels- messengers or ministers involved in the affairs of men. An example is the Archangel Gabriel announcing the birth of Christ.
Luke 2:10-11
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Archangels also foretold Christ’s second coming.
I Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Archangels are involved in spiritual warfare and protection.
Daniel 10:13
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Archangels stand in God’s presence.
Luke 1:19
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
5. Angels are dispatched through prayer
Angels are wise, powerful, and obedient. Angels strengthen us in times of trial, as they did Jesus when he was betrayed.
Angels protect the saints, as well as, bring clarity and understanding the will of God. Angels are innumerable.
Angels are God’s agents in battle
As a believer, we never need to face the enemy in our own strength. On your knees you can tear down strongholds of the enemy, because the devil trembles when a believer prays.
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