55. Spiritual Leadership V
Spiritual leaders: be on the alert: There is a war at hand - Expect it, and be prepared for it.
A. The enemy
1. The enemy consists of a highly organised and immense hierarchy. Eph 6:10 12
rulers
authorities
powers
spiritual forces of evil in the heavens
2. The enemy's strategy is to STEAL, KILL and DESTROY. John 10:10
3. 1 Peter 5:8, he is prowling, like a roaring lion, looking to devour someone.
B. Jesus defeated Satan and restored our original authority
|
Heb 2:14 |
He rendered satan powerless. |
|
Col 2:15 |
He disarmed the powers and authorities. |
|
Col 1:13 |
He delivered us from the dominion of darkness. |
|
Eph 1:18-22 |
A description of His VICTORY and present position of ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY over the universe. |
|
Eph 2:6 |
The authority is conferred upon those in Christ. |
C. Our protection
1. The armour of God. Eph 6:10‑18
2. "Job's hedge", Job 1:9‑10; consisting of the angels, Ps 91:11; and God's presence, Ps 125:2.
3. The Word of God, through knowing it, and applying it, e.g. Isaiah 54:17.
D. Our weapons
1. Rev 12:11;
the blood of the Lamb,
the Word of our testimony,
our self‑sacrificial life‑style.
2. 2 Cor 10:3‑5, spiritual weapons of divine power, with God's omnipotence behind them.
3. Eph 6:17, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. We must know it to use it!
4. Eph 6:18, prayer and intercession.
5. Our authority :
Luke 10:19.
Matt 16:14‑19 the "KEYS" of the Kingdom, the church's main function and authority.
Mark 16:17 in the NAME of Jesus.
Our authority must be exercised.
6. James 4:7, through submitting to God we overcome satan.
7. 2 Chron 20:21‑22, praise and worship releases God's power by establishing His authority.
E. Fighting the battle
1. Know the facts of spiritual warfare.
2. 2 Tim 2:3‑4, 22‑26, personal discipline. Not only spiritual discipline, but physical and mental discipline as well.
3. Deal with areas of weakness:‑
be free from bondage
build relationships (for protection)
submit to authority
protect your marriage and family life
deal with hurts, hang‑ups and sin
DO NOT give an opportunity to the enemy, 1 Tim 5:14
4. 1 Peter 5:8‑9, be alert, (on your guard like a watchman), to satan's attack.
5. Attacks are signposts on the road to success in God.
6. Be careful of deception, Matt 7:15; 2 Cor 11:13‑15.
7. And when you have done everything to stand, then STAND, Eph 6:13‑14.
F. Taking authority through intercession
An example of taking authority through intercession, with astounding spiritual consequences, is found in the life of Daniel, Dan 9:1‑3, 17‑19, 23; 10:12‑14.
From the example of the following spiritual leaders, let us develop a heart of caring for those whom we lead, as we are militant in intercession:
|
ABRAHAM |
Gen 18:22 33 intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah. |
|
MOSES |
Ex 32:9 14, 31 32 intercedes for the Israelites who had worshiped the golden calf. Num 14:8 22 intercedes for the rebellious Israelites at the border of Canaan. |
|
PAUL |
Often prayed and thanked God for those in his care: |
|
|
Rom 1:9 10; Eph 1:16; Phil 1:3 4; Phil 1:9f; Col 1:3; Col 1:9; Col 4:12b; 14; Thes 1:2; 2 Thes 1:11; 2 Tim 1:3 |
We are told that our ultimate "spiritual leader", God is interceding for us, (Jesus ‑ Rom 8:34; John 17 and the Holy Spirit ‑ Rom 8:26‑27).
In every way we are commanded to follow after His example.