Training Ourselves

Let us not be wise in our own eyes, but able to discern in these days ~

Ephesians 6:12

For 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.

#1 PRINCIPALITIES – These are demonic spirits over Nations, Governments, Lands, etc. They operate primarily through leaders and diligently work to establish laws that would be counter to the Kingdom of our God. They would be recognized as prohibiting prayer in public, legalizing abortion, and prohibiting the gospel to be preached in a country (i.e. China). Our prayers are vital to the restraining of these spirits, especially for our own Nation. An example is seen in the Book of Daniel as he is interceding. God sends His angelic messenger, Gabriel, with an answer, but Gabriel is hindered by “the prince of the Kingdom of Persia.” After 21 days, God sends the archangel Michael, who is a “warring prince,” to restrain the spirit that was hindering Gabriel who was bringing a message to Daniel concerning the future of Israel. There is a clear order in the Kingdom of God.

 #2 POWERS – (Translated in the Greek as “authorities.”) These demonic spirits are primarily what Christ dealt with in His ministry. He referred to some as “foul” or “unclean” spirits. They inspire people toward lewd or immoral behavior and actions. This has always been prevalent in a Godless society. We see more today because of social media. These can result in sickness and disease and are an open door for the enemy.

#3 RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS AGE – These demonic spirits prey on darkness, physically and mentally. Anywhere there is an absence of the Truth and Light of God’s Word. They maintain strongholds (mindsets) over individuals who do not exercise their spiritual authority. The Body of Christ can be easily deceived in this area. Our goal as Christians is to grow into maturity in Christ. Hebrews 5:14 says, But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Notice that we “train ourselves.” I believe this is where long-term, chronic illness gains permission. We have to get to the point that God’s Word is our reality and although there is a diagnosis or symptom, God is training us to be Overcomers and persevere, so that He gets the glory and we are equipped to rule and reign with Him forever (Revelation 3:10-12). We must undo what the world, flesh, and the enemy has done in our lives.  

#4 WICKED SPIRITS IN HEAVENLY PLACES (also called “high places”) – The Greek for “wicked” is poneros where we derive the modern word for pornography. These are demonic spirits that overpower or overcome a person to do evil. They get accesses through our 5 senses (what we see, hear, taste, smell, and touch). We live in a world that is all about what we feel and experience; and those things become a belief system. These can be recognized by feelings of hopelessness, depression, heavy burden, etc.

Note: These are different than personal problems that are a result of a lack of wisdom and/or things yielding to the flesh. Remember, we overcome the world, the flesh, and the enemy. Praise God we have been given Christ’s authority and power over all things! Christ made a spectacle and disarmed Satan’s kingdom when He triumphed over them at the cross (Colossians 2:15). Now we do our part in faith and obedience!