Let me introduce another article in our series on spiritual warfare. One of the dominant themes in our culture is the fascination with mysticism. It is the spirit of the age. Call it post-modernism, de-constructionism, or humanism, it comes in many forms.
This blog is another of the vital traits of spiritual leadership as we walk amongst a culture drifting away from the presence of God as the center of our lives and culture. It's like looking at the world with a Christian worldview. With a certain way of seeing things.
It’s the same way with a “Matrix”, or to understand how things operate. A matrix is a die, mold, order, or system best defined by the Greek word “Kosmos”, or the arrangement of the world. It is how things operate. It is the unseen system that controls the world. The natural order…
...Geese fly south, tides come in/out, and the sun rises in the morning and sets at night.
Spiritual warfare is just like that. There is a way. A system. An arrangement. In a Christian world, it is dark and light, it is evil and good, it is deception or truth, or it is Satan and God. Sounds orthodox, but isn't there always a way? Each of us must determine which way or matrix we are living by. If we are being led by Satan's system or way, we get the fruit of that matrix. In John's gospel, chapter 10, it is called "stealing, killing, and destroying." If, however, we are being led by God's system or way, we get the fruit of that matrix. Paul calls it the fruit of the spirit in Galatians chapter 5.
My question is to ask you what is shaping your behavior and attitudes about life. How do you view suffering or injustice? What are you doing about the poor or marginalized? Is there life after death, and if so, what does that look like? Your matrix will determine how you answer these issues. Are you following Darkness or light? Evil or Good? Deception or Truth? Satan or God? Do you know which matrix has become your system? Winning that war will help you to be a spiritual leader in our world.
This blog is another of the vital traits of spiritual leadership as we walk amongst a culture drifting away from the presence of God as the center of our lives and culture. It's like looking at the world with a Christian worldview. With a certain way of seeing things.
It’s the same way with a “Matrix”, or to understand how things operate. A matrix is a die, mold, order, or system best defined by the Greek word “Kosmos”, or the arrangement of the world. It is how things operate. It is the unseen system that controls the world. The natural order…
...Geese fly south, tides come in/out, and the sun rises in the morning and sets at night.
Spiritual warfare is just like that. There is a way. A system. An arrangement. In a Christian world, it is dark and light, it is evil and good, it is deception or truth, or it is Satan and God. Sounds orthodox, but isn't there always a way? Each of us must determine which way or matrix we are living by. If we are being led by Satan's system or way, we get the fruit of that matrix. In John's gospel, chapter 10, it is called "stealing, killing, and destroying." If, however, we are being led by God's system or way, we get the fruit of that matrix. Paul calls it the fruit of the spirit in Galatians chapter 5.
My question is to ask you what is shaping your behavior and attitudes about life. How do you view suffering or injustice? What are you doing about the poor or marginalized? Is there life after death, and if so, what does that look like? Your matrix will determine how you answer these issues. Are you following Darkness or light? Evil or Good? Deception or Truth? Satan or God? Do you know which matrix has become your system? Winning that war will help you to be a spiritual leader in our world.
The definitive text on Spiritual Warfare is a book no longer in print entitled TORMENTED? by Ken and Nancy Curtis. Used copies are available often on Amazon.com. This book busts Satan's strategies and shows how to defeat them. The reader will come to understand how they are controlled and how to free themselves from that control. This is MUST reading. Another excellent read is a novel written by Frank Peretti, THIS PRESENT DARKNESS, which not only shows the power of prayer over the enemy, but also the simultaneous happenings in both this world in which we live and in the spiritual realm. Please note that having a seasoned mentor is an absolute necessity for training before attempting to step into the arena of Spiritual Warfare, lest one ends up defeated and discouraged. After training, though, heed the words of Joshua 1: Be Strong and Take Courage, and go forth into the Battle!!
ReplyDeleteDavid Chapman
thanks david. i have read perreti's book. great read. as far as your thoughts on having a mentor in spiritual warfare, good advice. i assure all of my students that is a vital pre-requisite. i encourage all christians to understand their authority and to do something. it may not be a ministry of deliverance or exorcism, but, it could become a ministry of intercession that affects the heavenlies. with each level of involvement there is a need for increased fasting, prayer, and dedication.
ReplyDeletethanks for your thoughts...