Sword and Shield

Heart Guide for Lesson 4:
Kingdoms in Conflict

Jesus taught His disciples to cast out spirits. Not only did the Lord Jesus cast out spirits, so did his disciples both before and after His death and resurrection. Notice who is doing the work in the scriptures below and what their level of training may have been.

Look up what Jesus called "the children's bread" (Matthew 15:26; Mark 7:27). What do you suppose He meant by that? 

Study the great commission given by Jesus after His resurrection (Mark 16:17-18). Notice any omissions in our actual practice? If He expected this work from His disciples then, why would now be any different? These kingdoms in conflict are still in conflict, aren't they?

That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. Matthew 8:16-17 ESV

And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. Mark 3:14-15 ESV

"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues." Mark 16:17-18 ESV

The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. Acts 5:16 ESV

Some of the evil spirits mentioned specifically in scripture:

    The spirit of jealousy (Numbers 5:14)
    The distressing spirit (1 Samuel 16:23)
    A lying spirit (1 Kings 22:22)
    The spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3)
    The spirit of harlotry (Hosea 4:12)
    A spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:10-13)
    A spirit of divination (Acts 16:16-18)
    The spirit of bondage (Romans 8:14-15)
    A spirit of stupor (Romans 11:6-8)
    The spirit of the world (1 Corinthians 2:12)
    Deceiving spirits (1 Timothy 4:1)
    A spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1: 7)
    The spirit of the Antichrist (1 John 4:3)  

The realm of spiritual darkness may be poorly understood by many in the church, but it is a huge part of the biblical revelation. From those higher in authority to the malignant masses which attack us there are over a hundred references. There are also many names and descriptors used to expose the Enemy himself. Even the realms over which they exercise their dominion are treated in great detail: the world; the flesh and hell itself.

Return to Kingdoms in Conflict: Head to Heart Guide for more ways to go deeper into these truths or stay 'on course' by going to the...