¿Cómo opera el reino de Satanás? Descubre su estructura oculta - Los enemigos que enfrentamos Pt 1

Enemies That Lurk: Understanding Spiritual Warfare

Introduction to Spiritual Enemies

• The speaker introduces a series of talks on "The Enemies That Lurk," emphasizing the importance of recognizing spiritual enemies that work against believers in Jesus.

• These enemies are not physical beings but invisible spiritual entities, highlighting the need for discernment beyond sensory perception.

The Nature of Reality

• Philosophers throughout history have concluded that what we perceive through our senses is temporary and often deceptive; true reality lies beyond these perceptions.

• Biblical references indicate that visible things are transient while invisible spiritual truths are eternal, urging listeners to expand their understanding beyond the material world.

Revelation and Understanding

• The speaker emphasizes the necessity of divine revelation through Scripture and the Holy Spirit to comprehend spiritual realities.

• Two opposing kingdoms exist: the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan, which engage in constant conflict.

Scriptural Basis for Spiritual Conflict

• The speaker cites Matthew 12:26-28, where Jesus addresses accusations from Pharisees about casting out demons by Beelzebub, illustrating the illogical nature of such claims.

• Jesus affirms that if Satan casts out Satan, his kingdom cannot stand; this establishes a clear distinction between God's authority and Satan's realm.

Characteristics of Spiritual Warfare

• The act of casting out demons serves as a manifestation of the power struggle between God's Kingdom and Satan's forces.

• The ability to cast out demons demonstrates God's superiority over Satan's kingdom, which is why such ministries face opposition from evil forces.

Understanding Our Battle

• Ephesians 6:12 is referenced to explain that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers in high places.

• Misinterpretation can lead Christians to overlook the intensity of this spiritual battle; it’s crucial to recognize that we are fighting incorporeal entities rather than human adversaries.

Understanding the Spiritual Warfare Against Satan's Kingdom

The Nature of the Conflict

• The speaker emphasizes that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, specifically referencing a total war against the kingdom of Satan.

• This battle involves organized principalities and powers, indicating that Satan's realm operates with a structured hierarchy rather than chaos.

• The speaker notes that Satan was once a high-ranking angel who led many others, suggesting that his organizational skills are derived from God's original design.

Hierarchical Structure of Evil

• The term "principalities" refers to levels of authority within Satan's kingdom, which includes various sub-powers with distinct spheres of influence.

• Each level has its own governing entities, creating a complex system where higher powers oversee smaller territories and authorities beneath them.

• This structure is crucial for understanding how evil operates in the world today, as it reflects an organized approach to domination by dark forces.

Darkness vs. Light

• The speaker contrasts the dominion associated with Satan—characterized by darkness—with God's kingdom, which represents light and clarity in purpose.

• It is highlighted that those under Satan’s influence often lack awareness of their servitude or actions, unlike those in God’s kingdom who have clear understanding and purpose.

Origins of the Satanic Kingdom

• A reference to Isaiah 14 introduces Lucero (or Lucifer), described as a being of great brilliance who fell due to rebellion against God’s authority. This sets up a discussion on pride and ambition leading to downfall.

• Lucero's desire to be equal with God illustrates the core issue of rebellion; he sought power beyond his created nature while Jesus exemplified humility despite His divine status.

Rebellion and Its Consequences

• Lucero’s five declarations about ascending above God reveal his ambition and serve as key insights into the nature of rebellion against divine order. These statements reflect an internal conflict between creaturely will versus divine will.

• The ultimate goal for Lucero was equality with God—a pursuit driven by pride—which resulted in his fall from grace and establishment as an adversary to God's creation.

The Fall of Lucifer and the Nature of Evil

The Rebellion of Lucifer

• The speaker discusses how Lucifer undermined the loyalty of a third of God's angels, leading them to join him in rebellion and ultimately his fall.

Biblical References to Satan's Downfall

• Citing Ezekiel 28, the speaker explains that it contains two laments: one for the human prince of Tyre and another for the non-human king, indicating a duality between earthly rulers and spiritual forces.

Human vs. Spiritual Rulers

• The text illustrates that while the prince of Tyre represents human authority, he is manipulated by a satanic ruler (the king of Tyre), suggesting many historical figures may be mere puppets under Satan's influence.

Description of Lucifer's Original State

• In Ezekiel 28:12, Lucifer is described as "the seal of perfection," adorned with precious stones and created as an exquisite being in Eden, highlighting his initial glory before rebellion.

Music and Worship in Heaven

• The speaker notes that some believe Lucifer was responsible for coordinating worship in heaven. He emphasizes that Satan uses music to captivate people today.

The Nature of Rebellion

• The text reveals that God reminds Lucifer he was created, not divine. His perfection turned into rebellion due to pride—identified as the first sin in the universe.

Consequences of Pride

• Pride is highlighted as Satan’s initial motivation for rebellion. It is presented as a dangerous sin that can seduce even those who avoid other vices like adultery or drunkenness.

Understanding Multiple Heavens

Questioning Satan's Presence After Being Cast Out

• A common question arises about how Satan can still exist in heavenly realms after being cast out; this leads to an explanation about multiple heavens mentioned throughout scripture.

Scriptural Evidence for Plural Heavens

• The speaker references 2 Corinthians 12:2 where Paul mentions being taken up to "the third heaven," implying there are at least three distinct heavens based on logical reasoning from biblical texts.

Understanding the Concept of Heaven and Spiritual Warfare

The Nature of Heaven

• The speaker references Ephesians 4:9–10, discussing Jesus' ascension and implying that there are at least three heavens based on the phrase "all the heavens."

• A personal anecdote is shared about a student misunderstanding the use of "todos" in Spanish, emphasizing that it requires at least three items to be accurate.

• The speaker expresses a personal belief that there are three distinct heavens, cautioning against using terms like "seventh heaven," which may lack biblical support.

• The first heaven is described as visible, while the third is identified as God's dwelling place; an intermediate second heaven exists between them.

• This perspective suggests a spiritual realm filled with opposition from satanic forces between humanity and God.

Spiritual Warfare and Prayer

• The speaker reflects on their early prayer experiences, noting challenges in connecting with God due to perceived spiritual barriers.

• Traditional Pentecostal practices of persistent prayer until receiving answers are validated as part of spiritual warfare despite unconventional methods.

• Understanding the existence of an enemy kingdom can clarify why certain spiritual struggles occur in believers' lives.

Biblical Example: Daniel's Prayer

• Daniel 10 is highlighted as a significant chapter illustrating principles related to prayer and spiritual opposition; listeners are encouraged to study it further.

• Daniel fasted for twenty-one days seeking understanding for his people but initially received no response, exemplifying perseverance in prayer.

• An angel sent by God eventually arrives with an answer but faces satanic opposition during its journey from heaven to earth.

• This opposition illustrates that not all delays in receiving answers stem from unworthy requests; sometimes they arise from spiritual battles beyond human perception.

Conclusion on Prayer Dynamics

• Daniel's experience demonstrates how powerful prayers can provoke heavenly responses while also attracting demonic resistance.

• Understanding this dynamic encourages believers to persist in prayer even when faced with obstacles or delays.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare and Divine Assistance

The Role of Humility in Prayer

• The angel reassures Daniel, emphasizing that his prayers were heard from the first day he sought to understand and humble himself before God.

• Humbling oneself is highlighted as essential, with fasting being a designated method for achieving this humility before God.

Opposition from Spiritual Forces

• The delay in the angel's arrival is attributed not to time taken but to opposition faced from the "prince of the kingdom of Persia," likely a satanic force opposing God's purposes.

• Historical context reveals that four empires dominated Israel after their rebellion against God: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Each empire represents significant spiritual opposition.

Satan's Strategy Against Israel

• The focus of Satan’s opposition aligns with where God's will is most active; thus, Israel becomes a primary target due to its role in divine plans.

• Daniel's prayer was specifically for Israel's return to their homeland, which was obstructed by the satanic prince over Persia.

Angelic Assistance in Spiritual Battles

• Michael, one of the chief princes (archangels), comes to assist the angel facing resistance. His role emphasizes protection over God's people.

• Michael’s involvement indicates that significant historical events revolve around the Jewish people and their divine protection against destruction attempts by Satan.

Hierarchical Structure of Spiritual Authorities

• The mention of multiple kings under a singular prince suggests a hierarchical structure within spiritual realms governing nations and ethnic groups.

• This hierarchy implies that each nation may have specific demonic influences or rulers affecting them spiritually.

Implications for Modern Believers

• Observations about spiritual authorities can guide believers in understanding local spiritual dynamics when ministering or praying in different cities or regions.

• Acknowledging unique challenges faced by various ethnic groups highlights ongoing spiritual battles influenced by historical injustices and current conditions.

Conclusion on Ongoing Spiritual Conflict

• The narrative illustrates an ongoing battle between divine messengers and satanic forces attempting to thwart God's plans.

• As indicated by future conflicts mentioned regarding Persia and Greece, these struggles are part of larger prophetic fulfillments impacting world history.

Understanding the Role of Spiritual Forces in Human Governance

The Historical Context of Conquests

• The discussion begins with a reference to significant military conquests, including India and the southern Mediterranean coast, highlighting the importance of understanding historical events through the lens of spiritual influences.

Divine Revelation and Angelic Assistance

• An angel reveals that he has come to declare what is written in "the book of truth," emphasizing the significance of divine communication in understanding God's purposes.

• The angel mentions his role in strengthening Darius, the first Medo-Persian ruler who defeated Babylon, indicating that human leaders are often supported or opposed by invisible spiritual forces.

The Nature of Spiritual Warfare

• It is explained that both divine and satanic angels influence human rulers; Christians are encouraged to pray for their leaders to suppress satanic activity and promote divine intervention.

• Daniel's prayer is highlighted as a crucial factor that allowed an angel to overcome satanic opposition, underscoring the power of prayer in spiritual warfare.

Understanding Rebellion Against God

• Satan's rebellion against God is discussed, along with his control over rebellious humans on Earth. This rebellion manifests as disobedience against God's will.

• Ephesians 2 is referenced to illustrate how individuals who live in rebellion are under Satan's influence, reinforcing the idea that mere church attendance does not equate to submission to Christ.

The Condition of Humanity Before Salvation

• A description is provided about humanity's state before accepting Jesus—rebellious and manipulated by spiritual powers without awareness.

• Personal reflections on past rebellion highlight a common experience among believers: being unaware of one's manipulation by spiritual forces until encountering biblical truths.

The Authority of Satan on Earth

• It concludes with an explanation that all rebellious humans fall under Satan’s control unless they submit to Jesus Christ.

• The distinction between two Greek words for "air" indicates that Satan reigns primarily over earthly territories rather than higher realms.

Understanding the Role of Leviathan and Satan

The Return of Jesus and the Concept of Air

• The discussion begins with the notion that upon Jesus' return, believers will be caught up to meet Him in "the air," which is interpreted as earthly air. However, further details are not elaborated at this moment.

Leviathan: A Symbol of Satan

• Job 41 introduces a creature called "Leviathan," described as a sea monster. The speaker questions why the Bible dedicates thirty-four verses to this being if it were merely a simple creature, suggesting that Leviathan symbolizes Satan.

• A key verse from Job 41:34 states that Leviathan "despises all things high" and is "king over all the proud," indicating pride as a central characteristic associated with Satan.

Pride and Its Influence

• Pride is identified as the root cause of rebellion against God, affecting all humans regardless of their religious affiliations (Pentecostals, Baptists, Catholics). The heart's attitude towards God is emphasized as crucial for true submission.

• Without genuine surrender to God through Jesus Christ, individuals may outwardly express religious identities while being under the influence of pride—symbolized by Leviathan. This highlights a disconnect between external behavior and internal spiritual state.

Misplaced Priorities in Church Teachings

• The speaker reflects on past church practices where smoking was condemned while other serious issues like marital discord were overlooked, illustrating hypocrisy within church standards. He argues that behaviors like smoking are mere branches stemming from deeper roots such as rebellion against God.

• Emphasis is placed on addressing core issues rather than focusing on superficial behaviors; true transformation requires tackling underlying sinfulness represented by pride and rebellion against divine authority.

Ambitions and Purposes of Satan

• Two main ambitions attributed to Satan are outlined:

• To dominate humanity.

• To receive worship, which he desires despite being disqualified from equality with God due to his rebellion.

This desire for worship indicates his ongoing attempt to assert himself as god-like through manipulation and deception among people.

Paganism and Worship Practices

• The speaker posits that pagan deities across cultures represent different manifestations of Satan and his angels (e.g., Zeus, Hermes), asserting that these figures are ultimately reflections of demonic entities rather than distinct gods.

• Witchcraft emerges as a common thread in pagan societies where individuals seek contact with satanic realms through practitioners known variously across cultures (e.g., witches or shamans). This practice serves two primary purposes: fear mitigation regarding potential disasters caused by demons and an avenue for acquiring power through supernatural means.

Witchcraft's Resurgence

• It’s noted that witchcraft has seen a resurgence in contemporary society; where Christianity once diminished its influence, there appears to be an increase in interest or practice today—a reflection on humanity's natural inclination toward rebellion against divine order through such practices remains relevant across time periods.