The Enemies We Face - Lecture 1

Introduction

• Series of four talks on the theme of 'The Enemies We Face'
• Emphasis on the importance of recognizing spiritual enemies
• Enemies are not flesh and blood but invisible spirit beings
• Scriptures are the primary source of reliable information about these enemies
• Philosophical and biblical perspectives: Sensory perceptions are temporary, true reality is in the spiritual realm
• Paul: Temporary nature of sensory world vs. eternal nature of unseen spiritual world

Key Concepts

Two Opposing Kingdoms

• Kingdom of God vs. Kingdom of Satan
• Matthew 12:26 and 12:28 examples
• Jesus clarifies the existence of Satan’s kingdom
• Evidence of the Kingdom of God overpowering Satan's through the casting out of demons

Nature and Structure of Satan’s Kingdom

• Ephesians 6:12: Non-physical, hierarchical nature of spiritual warfare
• Greek translation insight: 'Rulerships' instead of just 'rulers', indicating a hierarchy
• Descriptions of Satan's organized kingdom: Rulerships, various areas, descending order of authority
• Satan's system—originally a divine organizational system—now used against God

Spiritual Hosts of Wickedness

• Spiritual levels: 'world dominators of this present darkness'
• Satan’s domain is a system of darkness
• Host of wickedness located in the heavenlies
• Satan misleadingly believed to be in hell; actually in the heavenlies

Origin of Satan’s Kingdom

Historical Perspectives from the Bible

Isaiah 14:12-15

• Lucifer's rebellion: Self-exaltation, desire to be equal with God

Ezekiel 28:12-17

• Lucifer: A shining being, responsible for heavenly worship turned against God
• Descriptive terms: 'Seal of perfection,' 'Anointed cherub,' 'In Eden,' 'Mount of God'
• First sin in the universe: Pride

Concept of Heaven and Heavenlies

Multiple Heavens

• 2 Corinthians 12:2: Third heaven
• Ephesians 4:9-10: 'All the heavens' imply multiple levels
• Different experiences of spiritual realms

Spiritual Warfare in Practice

Example: Daniel 10

• Daniel’s 21-day fast and prayer
• Encounter of the angel with 'prince of Persia' and 'kings of Persia'
• Michael the Archangel’s intervention
• Importance of prayer: Daniel’s prayer affecting heavenly realms

Satan’s Rebellion and Influence on Earth

Ephesians 2:1-3

• Human rebels described as 'sons of disobedience'
• Satan, the prince of the power of the air: Influence over earthly realm and human rebels
• Rebellion: Central theme

Job 41:34

• Leviathan as a representation of Satan, king over 'children of pride'

Satan’s Ultimate Ambitions

• Dominion over humanity
• Desire for worship, asserting false divinity
• Satan as god of paganism, manipulating worship

Witchcraft and Fallen Human Nature

• Witchcraft as expression of man's rebellion
• Witchcraft as a means to appease and gain power from spiritual forces
• Contemporary resurgence of witchcraft

Conclusion

• Recognition of the real, spiritual enemies we face
• Importance of relying on Scriptures and prayer to navigate spiritual warfare
• Understanding the organized and strategic nature of Satan’s kingdom
• Emphasis on humility and avoiding pride to stay aligned with God