The existence of satan and demons is beyond
doubt, thus they require no discussion concerning proof. Furthermore, a tracing
of their origin is beyond the scope of this study, as are the issues of
demonization and deliverance which form part of another aspect of the overall
conflict - i.e. the preaching of the Gospel (Mark 16:15-18) - with the kingdom of darkness.
Here we are concentrating on the warfare
between the forces of darkness and the individual Christian within the context
of his/her life, family and local fellowship. In this regard, the organization
of the kingdom of darkness and its stratagems is pertinent to this narrow
discussion, as it is in the broader context alluded to above. As such, Ephesians 6:12 requires examination:
Rulers (principalities) – This word is also applied
to Christ as the efficient cause of creation (Colossians 1:16&17). In this context it speaks of extremity or
the outermost point, authority, dominion, power and the authority that grants
power. Thus, it would appear that there is, in fact, a system of rank within
the organization of the kingdom of darkness under satan himself.
Powers – This word refers to ability or privilege,
force, capacity, competency, freedom. It also speaks of a superhuman and
delegated influence (this is important in terms of the ‘rulers’, discussed
above). These have the capacity or capability to do a certain action (cf. I
Corinthians 15:24; Colossians 2:15).
World
forces of this darkness –
‘Forces’ literally speaks of a ruler of this world as opposed to a ruler
of everything (i.e. limited authority) (John
12:31, 14:30). ‘Darkness’ speaks of both a literal and figurative
darkness (cf. II Corinthians 4:6). Literally, a darkness that forces a traveller
to stop for the night. Figuratively
speaking, the darkness, in this instance, speaks of ignorance or error (John 3:19; Romans 2:19).
‘World’, as used in this context,
speaks of an age (K.Gr. - aion) as opposed to people or space (i.e. a realm,
territory – K.Gr. - kosmos) (Matthew
28:20; John 9:32). Again, this addresses the limited nature of this satanic
rule.
Spiritual
forces of wickedness – ‘Spiritual’
indicating not of the natural world (cf.
I Corinthians 10:3). ‘Wickedness’
means the ways of a malicious being that expresses malice (Mark 7:22). [“in the heavenly places” speaks of the spiritual
realm].
In II
Corinthians 10:4b&5 Paul makes it clear the mind of man is the principle
battleground of this conflict. It is no coincidence that faith, as an
intelligent belief based on evidence (Hebrews
11:1) thus requiring the mind, is targeted for distortion and error. It is
this mind that requires ongoing washing and renewal through the Word of God (Romans 12:2; cf. Ephesians 5:26).
Fortresses (strongholds) – This word is related to that
which speaks of making firm. Figuratively, it speaks “of those things in which
mere human confidence is imposed.” [i]
Speculations
(imaginations) – Speaking of reasoning
(conscience, conceit). A reckoning, consideration or calculation. Those things
which are hostile to the Gospel (I
Timothy 4:1; II Peter 2:1).
Lofty
things – ‘Lofty’ speaks of those
things which are elevated, thus that which is derived in terms of its source
rather than its product) from places elevated from this natural world – i.e.
‘high places’ or ‘the spiritual realm’.
These are arrayed against the knowledge of
God thus making it necessary to place in captivity every wayward thought in
pursuit of the ‘lofty things’ (vs. 5).
In addition to the armour with which the
believer has been issued (Ephesians
6:14-17), the Holy Spirit has given the Church the gift of discerning of
spirits (I Corinthians 12:10).
This gift is one of the three so-called
revelation gifts, along with the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge. This
gift gives supernatural insight into the world of spirits, i.e. the realm of
the spirit. In this realm there exist three kinds of spirit: divine (John 4:24), satanic (Mark 5:5; Luke 9:39) and human (cf. I
Thessalonians 5:23).
This gift in action is wonderfully recorded
in Acts 16:16-18. In this instance this
oppressed girl was held captive by a spirit of divination (K.Gr. ‘python’ -anglicized). While men and women can be
so gifted, it is worth remembering that the demons can also accurately discern
between spirits as well (Acts 19:11-16).
While art, through the centuries, and the
popular media often like to portray
satan as some horrific, bizarre and even comical being, nothing could be
further from the truth (II Corinthians
11:13-15). N.B. satan disguises himself as an angel of light, which does
not make him one. He is a deceiver and a counterfeit.
We would do well to acknowledge that just as
we accept the personhood of Jesus Christ on the basis of the inspired
Scriptures, we must also accept the same concerning satan upon the same
evidence. By the same token Scripture is clear concerning satan’s principle
goal; i.e. to have dominion through mankind yielding to him. This was
highlighted by his approach to Jesus in the wilderness temptations of Matthew
4:1-11 (cf. I John 5:19 – “... he holds
the world unconscious in his arms” – R.S.V.). [ii]
Satan’s stated target is never the unsaved,
only the redeemed. As such, his attack is not against each redeemed individual per se, but rather the relationship that
exists between the said believer and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is once this
relationship is damaged beyond repair or completely destroyed that the attack
is complete (I Peter 5:8).
So, confronted with this deceptive angel of
light the believer must be well informed of his tactics (II Corinthians 2:11). Furthermore, the child of God needs to be
clothed in the correct armour (Ephesians
6:11). On top that, the disciple of Christ must retain his/her [spiritual]
senses (II Timothy 2:26) and develop
them as well (Hebrews 5:14). All of
this, on an ongoing basis, is necessary to avoid falling foul of the snares and
traps of the enemy (II Timothy 2:26).
No comments:
Post a Comment