Apostolic Warfare

Turning Nations from the Power of Satan

by http://www.sosi.org

Upon his call into ministry Paul received several spiritual missions. His objectives included going to, "the Gentiles to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God" (Acts 26:17-18).

Satanically induced spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:3-4), leaves nations full of the unsaved unaware that they are actually citizens of the hellish-kingdom of darkness, a euphemism for Satan's domain.

Furthermore, the masses of the spiritually lost are also ignorant of an important stipulation of their residency in the kingdom of darkness. The rule of spiritual law dictates that citizens of Satan's kingdom are subject to his dominion (Matthew 14:38, John 8:44, Ephesians 2:3, Colossians 1:13, 2 Timothy 2:26, 1 John 5:19).

The fate of the nations of the earth and the eternal destiny of innumerable souls is at stake, the revelation that the apostolic office is anointed of God to demolish hell's infrastructure and power-base (Matthew 16:18, Acts 26:18) must be embraced and supported by the church.

Since Scripture acknowledges that we are embroiled in a spiritual wrestling match with Satan, (Ephesians 6:12, Acts 26:18) it would behoove us to have as much knowledge about our opponent, his power, and plans as we can possibly gather. Therefore, we can most surely benefit by defining the term, "the power of Satan." Admittedly, this undertaking is somewhat lengthy. However, in the estimate of this writer, it a worthwhile investment of effort and time.

Satan's Power Defined

The New Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon (Hendrickson Publishers, Copyright 1979, 1981, page 225) and The Enhanced Strong's Lexicon of the Bible (Copyright 1995 Logos Research Systems, Inc), were used to define the phrase, "the power of Satan" and its implications. The definitions yield penetrating insight into the significance of the attribute of "power" as it is ascribed to Satan in Acts 26:18.

Power: #1849 exousia {ex-oo-see'-ah}

An even more frightful glimpse into the vastness and ramifications of Satan's hellish-reign of tyranny and control is obtained by stringing segments of the above definition together into several paragraphs.

Satan's Power - An Expanded Word Picture Based On Thayer's Lexicon

Satan exercises the power of choice, the liberty of doing as he pleases (1) in the lives of those under his dominion. By virtue of his superior physical and mental power, the ability or strength with which he is endued, which he either possesses or exercises (2-2a), he has the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege) (3) and thereby rules over the spiritually lost (John 8:44, Ephesians 2:2).

Consequently, the world system is under Satan's power of rule or government, his will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed (4) (2 Timothy 2:26). Because he universally (4a) possesses and exercises full authority over mankind (4a1), specifically (4b) the unsaved, they are subject to and bound by the power of Satan's ungodly judicial decisions (4b1) and processes. Arguably, concerning this world, Satan has the authority to manage its domestic affairs (4b2); perhaps that is why the Scripture says, "the world is under Satan's power and control" (1 John 5:19, Living Bible).

Clearly, as the "prince of the power of the air" (4c)(Ephesians 2:3) Satan is not subject to man's authority or rule (4c1) or any aspect of human jurisdiction (4c1a). To the contrary, Satan possesses authority (4c2), he is like a ruler, a human magistrate (4c2a), he is the leading and more powerful among created beings, superior to man, and other demonic spiritual potentates (4c2b) (Ephesians 6:12, Philippians 2:10).

The dimensions of Satan's power, painted by the word picture above, are also terrifying because they flow from his demonic empire, a spiritual kingdom that he spearheads. That being the case, identifying hell's kingdom-dynamics may also be useful.

The Term Kingdom Defined

In his book entitled, Thy Kingdom Come, J. Dwight Pentecost defines the word kingdom (basilea). He also details three interrelated concepts, which form the biblical concepts of the term kingdom. Here are those concepts.

Mr. Pentecost writes, "the first of these concepts or ideas is the right to rule--the authority vested in a king, or the sovereignty or dominion granted to someone reigning over a kingdom" (Italics mine).

"The second concept is that of a realm in which ruling authority is exercised. This involves the subjects of the one in authority rather than the authority himself."

"The third concept inherent in the idea of kingdom is that of the actual exercise of royal authority." Additionally Mr. Pentecost points out; "There cannot be an actual kingdom apart from the active exercise of that authority." (Thy Kingdom Come, J. Dwight Pentecost, Scripture Press Publications, 1990, pages 12-14. All Italics mine).

Using Mr. Pentecost's concepts as a guide, it should be possible to biblically identify the same three dynamics within Satan's kingdom. The ultimate purpose of this particular pursuit is to illustrate and emphasize the magnitude of what the apostolic anointing is up against and its sufficiency to overcome it.

Dynamic #1: Satan's right to rule

A day came in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ when He was, "led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil" (Matthew 4:1).

During the temptation of Jesus, in an attempt to elicit His worship, Satan dangled an amazing piece of bait before the Lord. "The devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it" (Luke 4:5-6).

The Satanic Seizure of the right to rule

How did Satan attain the right to rule, "the kingdoms of the world" and to transfer the, "power and the glory of them" to, "whosoever" he opted? Perhaps man's fall into sin provides the answer.

Satan contrived and executed a scheme to dupe Adam and Eve into sin (Genesis 3:1-8). The plan's success positioned Satan to usurp man's right to rule. In that scenario, the meaning of the word usurp is interesting. It means, "to take possession or assume power; position, property, rights, etc. and hold in possession by force or without right" (New World Dictionary of the American Language, Second College Edition, William Collins Publishers, Inc., Copyright 1978, page 1564).

Accordingly, man's transgression paved the way for Satan, "to take possession or assume power; position, property, rights, etc. and hold (them) in possession by force or without right." That may explain the basis upon which Satan claimed to have the right to determine the disposition of the kingdoms of the world (Luke 4:5-6).

However, some Bible scholars argue that Luke 4:5-6 does not substantiate a genuine satanic claim to the right to rule. Their contention is based on a host of scriptures including, the 2nd Psalm, Matthew 11:27, 28:18, Romans 16:20, Ephesians 1:20-23, Colossians 2:15, and Revelation chapter 12, 20:3,4,10.

Nevertheless, aside from Luke 4:5-6, there is further scriptural testimony in behalf of the theory that man's sin is the doorway through which Satan gained the right to rule in the earth.

Scripture calls Satan, "the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4), "the ruler of the kingdom of the air" (Ephesians 2:2, NIV), and the spiritual leader of the, principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).

Additionally, Jesus called Satan, "the prince of this world" (John 12:31) and 1 John 5:19 says, "the world around us is under Satan's power and control" (Living Bible). Based on the Word of God, it does not appear be a farfetched deduction that Satan possess the spiritual right to rule in the earth.

The next step is to determine if Satan has a realm of rule, to identify whether or not there are people, subjects, who are bound by his right to rule. John's Gospel helps in the attempt to make that determination.

Dynamic #2: Satan's realm of rule

Matthew 4:15-16 speaks of the, "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, Galilee of the Gentiles--the people living in darkness" (NIV). The reference to "darkness" in Matthew's text is considerably more than a euphemism for the absence of spiritual light. It is also far more meaningful than a lack of knowledge and understanding of divine truth as it relates to salvation.

Etched in Matthew's word picture of a region immersed in darkness is a portrait of the agents of spiritual-death, Satan and sin having cast their inescapable, demonically dreary, and oppressive shadows over the land and its population.

Summarily, the Scripture shines a spotlight upon a scene of throngs of spiritual-slaves, huddled together, sitting paralyzed by the death-inducing grip of Satan's realm of rule, typified by Matthew as, "the region and shadow of death" (Matthew 4:16, KJV). If further proof is needed that Satan has subjects under his authority and power, thereby establishing his realm of rule, the word of God provides it by separating God's subjects from Satan's.

Identifying God's Subjects

Ultimately, one is either a child of God or a child of Satan. Scripture makes no allowance for any fence straddling on the issue (Revelation 3:16). Scripture makes it easy to determine who we belong to.

God's Word says, concerning Jesus, "as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God" (John 1:12). Therefore, the sons of God are those who, by faith have willingly received Jesus, are thereby adopted by God (John 14:6, Romans 8:15), and are led by His Spirit (Romans 8:14). The legality and reality of the process, the certification that one has become a child of God, is personally confirmed by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16).

Additionally, the Holy Spirit serves as, "the guarantee of our inheritance, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage--in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring of it" (Ephesians 1:14, Amplified Bible).

Identifying Satan's Subjects

Those who have not received Jesus, are not the children of God. In truth, they are the spiritual offspring of Satan, evidenced by their--like father like son mimicking of his hellish-behavior (John 8:44).

As appalling as it may be, the biblical reality is that Satan is the ruler of non-Christian people. That is why they are called, "children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2). The Scripture also says that such people, "by nature are the children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3). They are, "without Christ, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12).

Finally there is this. 1 John 2:6 says that true believers, those in whom Christ abides, "walk, even as he walked." That means that true believers mirror the nature and character of their Savior and Lord. That is why, among other things, believers do not steal, kill, destroy, lie, cheat, and indulge in other activities that are inconsistent with Christ's character.

Correspondingly, Satan's family members are not only his captives (2 Timothy 2:26), they mirror his character and nature, they walk as he walked! (John 8:44, Ephesians 2:2-3).

The conclusion, both God and Satan have kingdoms in which their authority and power is exercised over the people aligned with them, which translates into an undeniable and glaring reality--like God, Satan also has a realm of rule.

Dynamic #3: The reality of (Satan's) rule

The principle dynamic under-girding Satan's reality of rule is that he not only possesses authority and power but also exercises it. Biblical illustrations to the dynamic of the reality of rule are in abundance.

Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Implicit in the Ephesians excerpt is the idea that humanity is actively engaged in a life and death spiritual battle. In the conflict, hellish-hordes, both spirits and human, allied under the sphere of Satan's authority and power do his bidding. That means that Satan not only possesses but also exerts the reality of (his) rule over his subjects. There are other passages in the book of Ephesians that point to the actual discharge of Satan's control, authority and power.

Ephesians 2:2 refers to a time when the readers, in their pre-salvation state, were subject to and therefore, "walked according to the prince of the power of the air." John R.W. Stott, in his commentary entitled, The Message Of Ephesians, makes the following statements about the spiritual-enslavement of unredeemed men to the Devil, intimated in Ephesians 2:2.

Mr. Stott writes, "our captivity was to the devil, who is here named 'the prince of the power of the air', 'the ruler of the kingdom of the air.' The whole phrase need mean no more than that he has command of those 'principalities and powers, who operate in the unseen world" (The Message Of The Ephesians, Inter-Varsity Press, page 73, Bold text mine).

The thoughts of Bible theologian and linguist, William Hendriksen contribute further to the understanding of the Apostle Paul's indictment that we once, "walked according to the prince of the power of the air."

Mr. Hendriksen penned, "The Ephesians had once conducted themselves 'in line with the prince of the domain of the air.'" Additionally, Mr. Hendriksen wrote, "that spirit is Satan, who, by means of his agents, the demons, and probably even directly and personally (Zechariah 3; 1 Peter 5:8), is busily engaged in the hearts and lives of those wicked people" (Galatians and Ephesians, William Hendriksen, Baker Book House, page 114).

The idea communicated by Mr. Stott and Mr. Hendriksen is that satanic command and influence over human beings is clearly manifested in their lifestyle, the manner in which people conduct themselves and their affairs in this present life!

Accordingly, the dynamic of the reality of rule, Satan's exercise of power, is evidenced, at least in part, by how the godless live; Scripture says that they are driven by lust and compelled to gratify the sin-filled desires that flood their souls, sins of the flesh and mind (Ephesians 2:3).

This lengthy discourse was necessary to identify the three dynamics, which constitute Satan's kingdom: First, the right to rule. As the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan is lord over a kingdom, a domain where he possesses authority and power (Revelation 17:12 as an example). Secondly, Satan's has a realm of rule, which relates to the subjects, residents, both spirits and humans who inhabit his kingdom (Matthew 4:15-16, Ephesians 2:2, 6:12). Thirdly, Satan actively exercises, over his kingdom and subjects, the authority and power that he wields (John 8:44, Ephesians 2:2).

It is important to examine the dynamics of Satan's kingdom because it reminds believers that there is an ongoing spiritual conflict between two supernatural kingdoms, God's and Satan's. That being the case, Christians must operate from a much broader perspective when it comes to spiritual warfare.

A Christian is not simply engaged in a personal struggle against the Devil, which is bad enough. Satan and his entire kingdom, including spirits and human agents mark God's people for attack (Mark 5:9, 12, Ephesians 6:12, Philippians 2:10, Colossians 1:16). The only hope in such a lopsided situation is the intervention of the Kingdom of God!

Kingdom Advancement

A Function Of The Apostolic Office

The Old Testament people of God should have had a kingdom mentality. Consider the reiteration of the Abrahamic covenant; God promised Abraham, "I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee" (Genesis 17:6). The idea is that through Abraham, nations, starting with Israel in Canaan (Genesis 17:8), were to be birthed through Abraham and ruled by kings (Genesis 17:16), culminating in the coronation of Christ as King, the true heir of David's throne (Jeremiah 23:5, Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:32), the Sovereign of the whole earth!

Restated, the concept is that the nations born of Abraham would grow, advance, and subdue the heathen nations, the kingdoms of the earth until a timeless, singular kingdom would be formed (Please see Daniel 2:44), over which Messiah would be Lord (Luke 1:31-33), a position endorsed by both testaments.

Speaking prophetically of Jesus, the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah wrote, "the government shall be upon his shoulder" (Isaiah 9:6-7). In the New Testament we read, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ" (Revelation 11:15).

However, we must not miss, understate, or blur the primary theme of the Old Testament. The chief concern of the Old Testament is redemption, not only Israel's but also of all people of the earth.

In light of the redemptive aspect of the Old Covenant, God wanted Israel, as a kingdom, to rule and to reap the fullest blessings afforded to those in fellowship with Him in this life. The net effect--Israel would be a power-filled witness to the nations surrounding them of the goodness and salvation of God, an inducement for them to enter into covenant relationship with Jehovah!

Unfortunately, because of their rebellion and sin, God could not depend on Israel; they failed to operate from a governmental, ruling posture under God, missed their blessings, and nullified the power and effectiveness of their witness in the earth.

The above overview of the Old Covenant sets the stage for clarifying how the Church, five-fold ministry, and particularly the apostolic office fit into God's agenda in the earth today.

The Church is to pickup where Israel fell-short. As the Church abides by the terms of the New Covenant, it prospers and is blessed thus becoming a living witness to the redemptive-power of covenant relationship with God. That in turn is to motivate the lost to enter into a relationship with God through faith in Christ.

However, unlike Israel in the Old Testament, the Church does not conquer the nations that surround it with physical weapons of war (2 Corinthians 10:4). The weapon of choice for the Church is the power of the Gospel of Christ and His Kingdom. That is where the five-fold ministry, especially the apostolic office enters the picture.

*The five-fold are the five stones in the sling of David. Only one stone is needed, as long as the five are in unity of speech, purpose and process. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but like unto the Sword in the mouth of Jesus, the Captain of hosts, we shall overcome by the arrows of prayer, the redemptive power of the Blood, the sword of the Word and our testimony of the Resurrected Christ. [Rev.12:11]

One shall cause a thousand to flee; Two shall cause ten thousand to flee; How many can five cause to flee?

Ps.8:2 - "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength because of Thine enemies, that Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger."

Ps.149:5,6 - "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people."

2Chron.20:21,22 - "And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for His mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." - *zekewar.c

The five-fold ministry, as a collective whole administrates the superior resources of the Kingdom of God and equips the Saints to marshal them against Satan's kingdom. It is the governmental dimension of the apostolic anointing that leads the way for the successful global advancement of the Kingdom of God and its siege against the Kingdom of Darkness (Matthew 16:18, 28:19).

The outcomes of storming Hell's gate are related, significant, and desired. First, the whole of Satan's kingdom is overrun and pulled down (Matthew 16:18, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Secondly, through the preaching of the Gospel the nations, the kingdoms of the earth are redeemed. Thirdly, when the dust settles, only the triumphant Kingdom of God remains standing! Consequently, the Church, as a whole must advance and function from the spiritually superior plateau of a kingdom mentality (Matthew 4:23, Acts 1:3, Acts 8:12). A kingdom mentality is a vision of cities, states, nations, eventually the entire world being confronted by and falling to the Gospel (Matthew 24:14).

At this point reference to Paul's call to apostolic ministry will shed light on how the apostolic anointing relates to the victory of the Kingdom of God over Satan's kingdom, the deliverance of the nations, and the permanent reign of God's Kingdom on the earth.

Apostolic Ministry

Developing A Kingdom Mentality

The Apostle Paul was anointed to go to, "the Gentiles, and kings" (Acts 9:15). It is important to note that the term 'Gentiles' refers to the Gentiles as a nation! Apostles are commissioned to stand before the nations and their leadership, those who govern empires, the kings of the earth. In that sense, apostles serve as Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God (John 20:21, Ephesians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:20).

Accordingly, Paul's induction into the apostolic office was Heaven's diplomatic, master-initiative to end Hell's stranglehold on the nations by unleashing the full-measure of the apostolic anointing into the earth (Acts 26:17-18).

Therefore, the present-day Apostolic Office must retake the spiritual-high-ground. Apostles must regain their God-ordained posture, assume their right-filled stance before the highest levels of governmental authority on the earth and powerfully declare the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16) and of His Kingdom (Matthew 4:23, Acts 8:12, Acts 19:8).

Concurrently, it is incumbent upon the apostolic office to spearhead the education of the Church, particular regarding a substantive, present tense, covenant-based (Genesis 17:2-9, Exodus 2:24-25, Numbers 10:33-35, Deuteronomy 8:18, Nehemiah 1:2-5, Psalm 25:10-13, Acts 3:25-26), dominion-minded (Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm 4:6-8, Leviticus 26:2-13), prosperous life (Psalm 107:31-38, John 10:10, Acts 3:26, Acts 4:34-35, Romans 8:32) in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 4:23, Acts 1:3, Acts 19:8, Acts 20:25).

Related Benefits From The Apostolic Office

The Ultimate Objective

The proper functioning of the apostolic office will yield at least two other related benefits. First, as individual nations succumb to the Kingdom of God their wealth will be diverted to its coffers, through the agency of the Church. The Church will then be sufficiently funded to undertake initiatives for the further global advancement and entrenchment of the Kingdom of God in the earth (Proverbs 13:22, Ecclesiastes 2:26, Zechariah 14:14, and Deuteronomy 8:18).

Secondly, as the escalated progression of the Kingdom of God is witnessed and participated in by the Church, she will seek to hasten the inevitable day when Jesus is inaugurated as the King of the whole earth (Psalm 47:2-3, 47:7-9, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Zechariah 14:9, Revelation 11:15-17). In that hour the Church will have successfully completed what Israel was raised up as a nation to accomplish, glory to God.

As to the eventuality of these events, by the Spirit we hear Jesus say, "Surely I come quickly" (Revelation 22:20), to which we respond, "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).

In summation and conclusion we emphasis that Christ desires not only for individuals, but also nations of the earth (Acts 1:8, Romans 1:16, Revelation 5:9), "to turn from the power of Satan unto God" (Acts 26:18). Lest that point confuse some, understand that the underlying fundamental principle is that the greater includes the lesser!

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