Cómo Romper Cadenas Espirituales que Te Detienen - Derribando Fortalezas Espirituales

Derribando las fortalezas: La Guerra Espiritual

Introducción a la Guerra Espiritual

• El tema de la sesión es "Derribando las fortalezas", enfocado en la guerra espiritual y su importancia para los cristianos.

• Se plantea la necesidad de entender por qué existe guerra espiritual, con quién se está peleando y de qué lado estamos.

Dos Reinos Espirituales

• Se menciona que hay dos reinos espirituales invisibles en conflicto: el reino de Dios y el reino de Satanás. Esto se basa en Mateo capítulo 12.

• Es crucial que los cristianos comprendan cómo opera el reino de Satanás, ya que al estar en el reino de Dios, automáticamente están en guerra contra él.

Analogía del Ciudadano en Guerra

• Se utiliza una analogía sobre ser ciudadano de un país en guerra (ejemplo: Australia vs Nueva Zelanda) para ilustrar cómo pertenecer al reino de Dios implica estar involucrado en esta lucha espiritual.

• La comprensión del conflicto entre estos reinos es esencial para entender la naturaleza de la guerra espiritual.

Ejemplo Práctico: Ministerio en Pakistán

• Relato sobre un ministerio realizado en Pakistán donde se sanaron personas sordas y mudas mediante oración, evidenciando el poder del ministerio liberador.

• Se destaca que muchos acudieron a las reuniones buscando sanación, lo cual demuestra la necesidad y deseo por liberación espiritual entre las personas.

Respuesta a Acusaciones Farisaicas

• Jesús fue acusado por los fariseos de expulsar demonios por Beelzebú; Él responde explicando que un reino dividido no puede mantenerse firme (Mateo 12:25).

• Este pasaje subraya que Satanás tiene un reino organizado y no dividido, lo cual refuerza su poder e influencia dentro del contexto espiritual.

Conclusión sobre los Reinos Invisibles

• Jesús afirma que si expulsa demonios por el Espíritu de Dios, entonces ha llegado el reino de Dios (Mateo 12:28), mostrando así la victoria del bien sobre el mal.

• La lucha entre los dos reinos es real y continua; comprender esto es vital para cualquier creyente comprometido con su fe y misión espiritual.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare

The Nature of Our Struggle

• The Apostle Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, highlighting the unseen nature of our battles.

• The speaker introduces a personal interpretation of this verse, suggesting that we are fighting against beings without physical bodies, which challenges conventional thinking about conflict.

• This perspective shifts the understanding of adversaries to include numerous non-corporeal entities existing in the universe.

Hierarchical Structure of Evil

• The speaker describes a highly organized kingdom under Satan with various levels of authority, indicating a structured approach to spiritual opposition.

• It is noted that Satan's organization stems from his rebellion against God and the subsequent expulsion from heaven, maintaining an order similar to God's original creation.

Understanding Domination vs. Governance

• The term "dominate" is highlighted as significant; it implies control that contrasts with God's governance style, which does not involve domination over individuals.

• Satan's ambition is described as seeking dominion over all humanity through darkness, emphasizing the deceptive nature of his realm where many remain unaware of their captivity.

The Realm of Darkness

• A distinction is made between the Kingdom of God (light) and Satan's Kingdom (darkness), stressing that those in darkness lack awareness of their situation.

• There are vast armies of spiritual beings aligned with evil forces ready for battle against believers, underscoring the seriousness and scale of spiritual warfare.

Location and Activity of Satan

• Contrary to popular belief that Satan resides in hell, he operates actively from celestial realms rather than being confined underground.

• Clarification on multiple heavens suggests a complex structure within spiritual realms; this understanding is crucial for comprehending biblical references to heavenly experiences.

Biblical References to Heavenly Realms

• Citing 2 Corinthians 12:2–4, the speaker discusses Paul's experience with different levels or "heavens," reinforcing the idea that there are multiple celestial dimensions beyond earthly existence.

The Concept of Multiple Heavens

Understanding the Existence of Three Heavens

• The speaker asserts that there must be a first and second for anything to exist, suggesting that Scripture indicates at least three heavens.

• A reference is made to Ephesians 4:10, which discusses Jesus ascending above all heavens, reinforcing the belief in multiple heavens.

• The speaker shares an anecdote about teaching English, highlighting confusion around the word "all" and its implications regarding the number of heavens.

• The speaker theorizes that the third heaven is God's celestial dwelling, while the first heaven is visible (sun, moon, stars), implying a second heaven exists between them.

• It is suggested that this second heaven may be where Satan's kingdom resides.

Spiritual Warfare and Prayer Dynamics

• Personal experiences during flights are shared; feeling above Satan's realm makes prayer seem easier due to perceived lack of opposition.

• The need for prayer to penetrate hostile spiritual realms is emphasized; believers must navigate through opposition to reach God.

• Daniel 10 is referenced as evidence of spiritual warfare; Daniel’s three-week fast led to angelic visitation despite opposition from demonic forces.

• An angel informs Daniel that his prayers were heard from day one but faced delays due to battles with Satanic angels in heavenly places.

• The narrative illustrates ongoing spiritual conflict even after Jesus' ascension; Satan's influence remains significant in earthly matters.

Insights on Spiritual Hierarchies

• The angel explains encountering resistance from the prince of Persia for twenty-one days, indicating organized demonic structures opposing divine messages.

• Discussion includes how these spiritual entities operate within earthly kingdoms; a hierarchy exists with super angels overseeing regions like Persia.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare in the Context of Persia

The Role of Angels and Demons in Cities

• The speaker discusses the presence of spiritual entities, suggesting that each significant city in the Persian Empire had a corresponding "sub-angel" overseeing it.

• To effectively minister in a specific city, one must identify the unique satanic power influencing that location, which varies from city to city.

• The speaker observes that different racial groups in America are often under distinct satanic influences, impacting their spiritual experiences and challenges.

Historical Context and Racial Dynamics

• The speaker reflects on African Americans' historical context as descendants of slaves, noting a persistent "spirit of slavery" despite political emancipation.

• He references Romans 8:26 to illustrate how many African American Christians experience legalism rather than true freedom through God's grace.

• This legalism is prevalent in many African American churches, leading to a lack of understanding about spiritual liberation.

Native American Struggles

• The speaker contrasts the prosperity available to most Americans with the ongoing struggles faced by Native Americans, who remain largely impoverished both socially and spiritually.

• He highlights that many Native Americans practice powerful forms of witchcraft, indicating a deep-rooted spiritual issue requiring intervention for liberation.

Spiritual Warfare Across Cultures

• Drawing parallels between various cultures, he suggests similar principles operate globally regarding spiritual warfare and demonic influence.

• The discussion shifts back to Daniel's time where angels battled against principalities like those over Persia and Greece due to their significance in God’s plan for Israel.

Daniel's Example of Intercession

• The speaker emphasizes that spiritual battles intensify where God's purposes are at stake; Satan actively resists these divine plans.

• He cites Daniel 10:2–3 as an example of how prayer and fasting can change history; Daniel's three-week period of mourning illustrates dedication to intercession.

• In verse 12, an angel informs Daniel that his prayers were heard from day one but faced opposition from the prince of Persia for twenty-one days until assistance arrived.

The Role of Angels in Human History

The Significance of Michael the Archangel

• Michael is described as the great prince and protector of Israel, emphasizing his crucial role in biblical interpretation and human history.

• The ongoing battle against the Prince of Persia illustrates that spiritual warfare continues, with significant implications for understanding historical events.

• True comprehension of human history requires acknowledgment of celestial forces influencing nations and individuals beyond mere earthly perspectives.

Divine Intervention in Historical Context

• Daniel 10:21 highlights that only Michael stands firm against opposing forces, showcasing the importance of angelic intervention during pivotal moments in history.

• The liberation of God's people from Babylonian captivity by Darius signifies divine purpose behind political changes, reinforcing the idea that angels operate within human affairs.

Spiritual Warfare and Christian Responsibility

• Christians are uniquely equipped with spiritual weapons to engage in spiritual warfare, contrasting with earthly governments' reliance on military might.

• Intercession through prayer is presented as a vital action for Christians to influence spiritual matters that ultimately shape national histories.

The Necessity of Spiritual Armor

• Ephesians 6 emphasizes that participation in God's kingdom inherently involves conflict with satanic forces; preparation is essential for effective engagement.

• Paul warns about an impending "evil day," stressing the need for believers to don their spiritual armor to withstand challenges.

Components of Spiritual Armor

• Believers are instructed to wear the full armor of God, which includes truth (the belt), righteousness (the breastplate), and readiness to spread the gospel (shoes).

• Each piece serves a specific protective function; for instance, righteousness guards one's heart while enabling swift movement towards evangelism.

• Emphasis is placed on moving beyond defense strategies toward offensive actions in spiritual battles, highlighting faith as a shield against adversarial attacks.

The Power of Optimism and Spiritual Warfare

The Importance of Hope and Optimism

• Emphasizes the necessity of being an optimist to protect one's mind from negative influences, particularly those attributed to Satan.

• Shares personal experience as a former pessimist who suffered mentally until learning to change mindset and utilize protective spiritual armor.

Spiritual Armor: Understanding the Elements

• Introduces the concept of spiritual armor, referencing Ephesians 6, highlighting six defensive elements and one offensive weapon (the sword).

• Discusses prayer as a powerful tool in spiritual warfare, describing it as an "intercontinental ballistic missile" against Satan's kingdom.

Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

• Stresses that effective prayer can reach into the heavenly realms to combat evil forces.

• Cites Matthew 12:29, explaining the principle of binding the strong man before liberating captives, illustrating a strategic approach to spiritual battles.

Identifying Strongholds

• Describes how understanding who or what is controlling a situation (the "strong man") is crucial for success in overcoming challenges.

• Highlights that one must first immobilize these strongholds before attempting to free others or resolve issues effectively.

Personal Reflection on Family Dynamics

• Shares personal anecdotes about family gatherings post-loss of his first wife, revealing underlying tensions influenced by self-righteousness within familial relationships.

• Reflecting on divine revelation regarding family dynamics, he identifies self-righteousness as a barrier affecting relationships.

Understanding Spiritual Strongholds

The Influence of Self-Justice in Families

• The speaker reflects on their family's struggle with a spirit of self-justice, emphasizing the need for spiritual coverage from parents to protect the family.

• They recount a personal experience where they renounced self-justice, leading to a significant change in their family's dynamic and lifting an oppressive burden.

Identifying Strongholds in Business

• The speaker suggests that Christian entrepreneurs may face strongholds affecting their business success, which can lead to frustration when progress is hindered.

• They emphasize the importance of individuals discovering these strongholds themselves rather than relying on others for solutions.

National Strongholds: A Case Study of New Zealand

• During a meeting in New Zealand, the speaker was asked about the nation's stronghold and identified "indifference" as a key issue affecting its political, social, and spiritual state.

• A local attendee confirmed this observation by acknowledging that indifference is prevalent among New Zealanders, impacting their seriousness towards life.

Australia’s Spiritual Challenges

• The speaker discusses Australia's historical context as a penal colony and identifies "rejection" as a significant spiritual stronghold influencing its people.

• They express hope for revival in Australia, citing prophetic insights about healing and breaking free from past chains.

Analyzing the United States' Spiritual Landscape

• The speaker identifies "rebellion" as a foundational issue within American culture, noting how it shapes national identity and attitudes.

• Additionally, they mention "witchcraft" as another powerful influence over the nation that needs addressing.

Understanding British Identity Issues

• The complexity of British identity is discussed; pride is highlighted as a potential stronghold that complicates interactions with others.

Tools for Addressing Strongholds: Prayer

• The speaker introduces prayer as an essential weapon against spiritual strongholds. They reference Matthew 18:18 regarding binding and loosing authority granted through prayer.

Understanding Spiritual Authority and Harmony

The Power of Binding and Loosing

• The concept of binding and loosing on earth reflects the spiritual authority believers have, where conditions met on earth can influence heavenly outcomes.

• If a group is spiritually bound, meeting certain conditions allows them to be released, demonstrating the connection between earthly actions and divine responses.

• Jesus emphasizes that agreement in prayer among two or more people is crucial; the Greek term "symphonize" indicates harmony as a condition for answered prayers.

The Challenge of Harmony

• Achieving harmony, especially within Christian couples, is challenging but essential for effective prayer; unity through the Holy Spirit aligns believers with God's will.

• The difficulty in maintaining true harmony can lead to spiritual struggles, as external forces may seek to disrupt this unity.

The Role of Gratitude in Miracles

• Jesus' act of giving thanks before distributing food illustrates how gratitude can manifest miracles; it was not prayer but thankfulness that multiplied resources.

• Acknowledging God’s provision through gratitude plays a significant role in experiencing His miracles.

Praise as a Weapon Against Adversity

• Psalm 8:2 highlights praise from children as a means to silence adversaries like Satan, who constantly accuses believers before God.

• Believers are equipped with tools such as praise to combat spiritual opposition; examples include Paul and Silas praising God in prison leading to miraculous liberation.

Proclamation and Divine Empowerment

• Moses’ encounter with God reveals that what seems insignificant (like his staff) holds divine power when used for proclamation; it symbolizes faith in action.

• Believers are encouraged to recognize their own 'staff'—the Word of God—as sufficient for proclaiming truth and effecting change.