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Spiritual Warfare, Part 1: Foundations of the Unseen Battle · Accidental Bible Scholar

• Randy: Hello, I'm Jeff Ward here with Randy Speer, and welcome back to the Accidental Bible Scholar Podcast Podcast. We are glad you're here. This is our regular release, episode number 36, Randy. So thanks for joining us. Remember John 17, 3 says, Eternal life is found in knowing God and his son, Jesus Christ. And that eternal life is life to the fullest, and it starts now, just by knowing Jesus Christ. And that's our heart. Jeff: Hello, I'm Jeff Ward here with Randy Speer, and welcome back to the Accidental Bible Scholar Podcast Podcast. We are glad you're here. This is our regular release, episode number 36, Randy. So thanks for joining us. remember John 17 3 says, Eternal life is found in knowing God and his son, Jesus Christ. And that eternal life is life to the fullest, and it starts now, just by knowing Jesus Christ. And that's our heart. That we learn more about Jesus Christ and know him more every day. If you have any questions or criticism or anything you'd like to hear for a podcast, you can go to contact at accidentalbiblescholar.com and get a hold of us there. You know, we're on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube. That YouTube comes with video, and we have new episodes every Thursday. Our website is Randy: That we learn more about Jesus Christ and know him more every day. If you have any questions or criticism or anything you'd like to hear for a podcast, you can go to contact at accidentalbiblescholar.com and get a hold of us there. You know, we're on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube. That YouTube comes with video, and we have new episodes every Thursday. Our website is accidental bible scholar dot com. It is functional and shows all our podcasts. There's not a lot more on it, but that is available to you. And we're continuing and sort of going to wrap up over the next few weeks our study of Ephesians. And the topic is spiritual warfare. We're going to continue that. We gave an introduction last week. This week we're going to dive in deeper to the topic of spiritual warfare. And I imagine it'll go a couple weeks. Is that right, Randy? Yeah. Maybe more Jeff: accidental bible scholar dot com. It is functional and shows all our podcasts. There's not a lot more on it, but that is available to you. And we're continuing and sort of going to wrap up over the next few weeks our study of Ephesians. And the topic is spiritual warfare. We're going to continue that. We gave an introduction last week. This week we're going to dive in deeper to the topic of spiritual warfare. And I imagine it'll go a couple weeks. Is that right, Randy? Yeah. Maybe more Randy: Maybe more than a couple. Maybe four. Well, I'm excited. I've heard you teach on it and I'm excited to dive in. And if you're ready, I'm ready. Let's get started. All right. Yeah, because we're gonna we're gonna mention Ephesians six a few times, but I'm not gonna spend a whole lot of time on Ephesians six, really for this lesson and one more. Right. Because I want to kind of lay the found some foundational ideas that the New Testament and Old Testament talk about and then get us kinda on the same language, and coming from the same point before we dive into Ephesians chapter six. Jeff: Maybe more than a couple. Maybe four. Well, I'm excited. I've heard you teach on it and I'm excited to dive in. And if you're ready, I'm ready. Let's get started. All right. Yeah, because we're gonna we're gonna mention Ephesians six a few times, but I'm not gonna spend a whole lot of time on Ephesians six, really for this lesson and one more. Right. Because I want to kind of lay the found some foundational ideas that the New Testament and Old Testament talk about and then get us kinda on the same language, and coming from the same point before we dive into Ephesians chapter six. Randy: So anyway, 'cause I want to be somewhat thorough on this topic, although I think it's impossible to be thorough. We talked by in the intro that spiritual welfare could just be really called the Christian life or just living this is true. Living life because we're literally in the in the middle of a clash between two kingdoms. Yeah. and Christ has left us here to extend his kingdom to push against the darkness, to bring light to the darkness. And Jeff: So anyway, 'cause I want to be somewhat thorough on this topic, although I think it's impossible to be thorough. We talked by the intro that spiritual welfare could just be really called the Christian life or just living this is true. Living life because we're literally in the in the middle of a clash between two kingdoms. Yeah. and Christ has left us here to extend his kingdom to push against the darkness, to bring light to the darkness. And Randy: So anyway, which that kinda brings us to the first point that I was wanna make is what's the point and purpose of spiritual warfare? And I there's you could name a bunch. I'm only gonna name a few, but we'll bring glory to God. God would be probably the ultimate. you know, to win battles. the war has been won, but there's many battles to get to where we're going, right? to bring light in the darkness, to free people, our neighbors, our people we work with are in bondage to to the devil. Jeff: So anyway, which that kinda brings us to the first point that I was wanna make is what's the point and purpose of spiritual warfare? And I there's you could name a bunch. I'm only gonna name a few, but we'll bring glory to God. God would be probably the ultimate. you know, to win battles. the war has been won, but there's many battles to get to where we're going, right? to bring light in the darkness, to free people, our neighbors, our people we work with are in bondage to to the devil. Randy: And Jesus Christ, the gospel has the answer to set them free. Right. And so it, you know, ultimately be the souls of men, women, boys and girls, but it's also the point of it is is realizing what we lost in the fall. You know, we lost a bunch in the fall. We lost harmony in marriage. We lost relationships between parent and child. They were all tainted, you know, relationships within friends. And the gospel comes and restores all those back, has the potential to score all to restore them all. Jeff: And Jesus Christ, the gospel has the answer to set them free. Right. And so it, you know, ultimately be the souls of men, women, boys and girls, but it's also the point of it is is realizing what we lost in the fall. You know, we lost a bunch in the fall. We lost harmony in marriage. We lost relationships between parent and child. They were all tainted, you know, relationships within friends. And the gospel comes and restores all those back, has the potential to score all restore them all back and we need to learn how to do that. Specifically ephesians six, its purpose is to stand. And we'll talk about that, not this lesson, but two lessons for now when we start in verse 10 through verse 13, it says stand or withstand, depending on your version, at least four times. And one of them says standing that you may stand. I mean, so and what does that mean? So we'll look at look at all that. But Randy: And we need to learn how to do that. Specifically use Ephesians 6, its purpose is to stand. And we'll talk about that, not this lesson, but two lessons for now when we start in verse 10 through verse 13. It says stand or withstand, depending on your version, at least four times. And one of them says, standing that you may stand. I mean, so, and what does that mean? So we'll look at look at all that. But Today's lesson is going to be a bunch of scripture all over the Bible. So are you ready? I got my pages ready. All right, go to Colossians one sixteen. Okay. Colossus one sixteen and then read that and then we'll go from there. Okay. For all things in heaven and on earth were created in him. All things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers, all things were created through him and for him. Jeff: Today's lesson is going to be a bunch of scripture all over the Bible. So are you ready? I got my pages ready. All right, go to Colossians one sixteen. Okay. Colossus one sixteen and then read that and then we'll go from there. Okay. For all things in heaven and on earth were created in him. All things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers, all things were created through him and for him. Randy: Okay. That's pretty clear. All things were cle created by him or through him and for him. So the purpose of all creation is for Jesus Christ. And he he is the creator. Okay. Notice he says it's really one creation, but it's described in a couple of different ways, invisible and the visible in heaven and on earth. So there's these there's this one creation that has different aspects of it. We call it maybe different w different realms, spirit realm or the physical realm. Jeff: Okay. That's pretty clear. All things were cle created by him or through him and for him. So the purpose of all creation is for Jesus Christ. And he he is the creator. Okay. Notice he says it's really one creation, but it's described in a couple of different ways, invisible and the visible in heaven and on earth. So there's these there's this one creation that has different aspects of it. We call it maybe different w different realms, spirit realm or the physical realm. Randy: The Jewish mindset, I mean yeah, the Jewish mindset would be different heavens, heaven, first heaven, second heaven, third heaven, and earth. Those are kind of the four areas with the second heaven being what we would call the spirit realm, the third heaven, what we would be called heaven, and then the first heaven, what we would call space, atmosphere, that kind of thought process. So anyway, one creation, two aspects. The reason I say it like that is because Jeff: The Jewish mindset, I mean yeah, the Jewish mindset would be different heavens, heaven, first heaven, second heaven, third heaven, and earth. Those are kind of the four areas with the second heaven being what we would call the spirit realm, the third heaven, what we would be called heaven, and then the first heaven, what we would call space, atmosphere, that kind of thought process. So anyway, one creation, two aspects. The reason I say it like that is because Randy: It's very easy for us to to be only centered on the physical, on the physical realm. What we can process and see with our five senses, and that would be living according to the flesh. And so, I'm gonna talk about that throughout because we wanna live according to the spirit, not according to the flesh. Romans eight. so And you say it's easier to live according to the flesh 'cause you can see it. Yes, it's much easier. Much easier. Jeff: It's very easy for us to to be only centered on the physical, on the physical realm. What we can process and see with our five senses, and that would be living according to the flesh. And so, I'm gonna talk about that throughout because we wanna live according to the spirit, not according to the flesh. Romans eight. so And you say it's easier to live according to the flesh 'cause you can see it. Yes, it's much easier. Much easier. Randy: to live because you have your five senses and and I'll say this a number of times but it's worth repeating here is to get ahead of myself a little bit. We were we were born with a dead spirit, a spirit that was not connected to God. So when we came into the world as a descendant of Adam and as a seed of his sin, and then we were born into sin, then we were we were born with a soul, a mind one emotions, and then that was tied into our five senses. Yeah. and then that's how we Jeff: to live because you have your five senses and and I'll say this a number of times but it's worth repeating here is to get ahead of myself a little bit. We were we were born with a dead spirit, a spirit that was not connected to God. So when we came into the world as a descendant of Adam and as a seed of his sin, and then we were born into sin, then we were we were born with a soul, a mind one emotions, and then that was tied into our five senses. Yeah. and then that's how we Randy: trained. That's why when you become born again you need to renew your mind 'cause your mind now has to start focusing and working from the spirit through the soul to the f to the body. And and and we do it the other way around naturally. Right. We rely on the body. Our mind is focused on the body, not the spirit. And we'll talk about some ways to do that. Yeah. As we go in the next three or four, five weeks, whatever it happens to be. And if you ever if I ever ask a question you go, We'll get to that then tell me. Jeff: trained. That's why when you become born again you need to renew your mind 'cause your mind now has to start focusing and working from the spirit through the soul to the to the body. And and and we do it the other way around naturally. Right. We rely on the body. Our mind is focused on the body, not the spirit. And we'll talk about some ways to do that. Yeah. As we go in the next three or four, five weeks, whatever it happens to be. And if you ever if I ever ask a question you go, we'll get to that then tell me. Randy: Yeah. And then our culture, I think, is as you just look around our culture, and let's talk about just the Christian culture, but I think it applies to culture in general. We either completely ignore the unseen or we go overboard and we just, you know, think there's all kinds of crazy stuff going on around us. Yeah. If we could see in the spirit, there is crazy stuff going around us, but but we live in both. And we're it's not like well I'm gonna go live in the ph physical realm today and I'll live in the spirit realm tomorrow. We are we are immersed in both. Jeff: Yeah. And then our culture I think is as you just look around our culture, and let's talk about just the Christian culture, but I think it applies to culture in general. We either completely ignore the unseen right or we go overboard and we just, you know, think there's all kinds of crazy stuff going on around us. Yeah. If we could see in the spirit, there is crazy stuff going around us, but but we live in both. And we're it's not like well I'm gonna go live in the ph physical realm today and I'll live in the spirit realm tomorrow. We are we are immersed in both Randy: We're probably the only the only creature that I know of that is both. Right. That has a body and a spirit. Right. And we'll talk about that in the next lesson, what we're made up, how we're designed, and and we'll get into that next lesson. But as far as I know, we're the only ones that are like that. Yeah. so First Corinthians eleven ten talks about the angels learning from the church. So angels are watching. Okay. I think Peter says the same th a similar thing. He does. And this is Paul. Jeff: We're probably the only the only creature that I know of that is both. Right. That has a body and a spirit. Right. And we'll talk about that in the next lesson, what we're made up, how we're designed, and and we'll get into that next lesson. But as far as I know, we're the only ones that are like that. Yeah. so First Corinthians eleven ten talks about the angels learning from the church. So angels are watching. Okay. I think Peter says the same th a similar thing. He does. And this is Paul. Randy: That they're watching and i in there he's actually talking about how women relate to men. And he's saying th the angels are gaining instruction from this, which that's an interesting thing to think about. An angel is sitting there gaining instruction. Yeah. Let's go to Ephesians three. We've already read Ephesians three 'cause we studied through it, but eight, nine, and ten, and this will be one that we'll probably refer back to. Colossians one sixteen is another truth that we'll refer back to. I didn't even mention the thrones and dominions that Paul talks about in Colossians one, but we will. Jeff: That they're watching and i in there he's actually talking about how women relate to men. And he's saying th the angels are gaining instruction from this, which that's an interesting thing to think about. An angel is sitting there gaining instruction. Yeah. Let's go to Ephesians three. We've already read Ephesians three 'cause we studied through it, but eight, nine, and ten, and this will be one that we'll probably refer back to. Colossians one sixteen is another truth that we'll refer back to. I didn't even mention the thrones and dominions that Paul talks about in Colossians one, but we will. let's go to Ephesians three and read eight, nine, and ten. Okay. To me, less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to enlighten everyone about God's secret plan, the mystery that has been hidden for ages in God, who created all things. The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church, the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. That's that's crazy. That's Randy: let's go to Ephesians three and read eight, nine, and ten. Okay. To me, less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to enlighten everyone about God's secret plan, the mystery that has been hidden for ages in God, who created all things. The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church, the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. That's that's crazy. That's Jeff: You know, w this gospel is a secret and a mystery that is now revealed in Christ. Yeah. That's pretty crazy to begin with. Mm-hmm. But then we think what's the purpose? Well the purpose is to that you would have a better life. The purpose is that you could live in heaven. That's not what it says the purpose is at this and this I'm not saying this is the only one, but according to verse ten there, the purpose is that God's multifasted wisdom would be revealed to all Randy: You know, w this gospel is a secret and a mystery that is now revealed in Christ. Yeah. That's pretty crazy to begin with. Mm-hmm. But then we think what's the purpose? Well the purpose is to that you would have a better life. The purpose is that you could live in heaven. That's not what it says the purpose is at this, and this I'm not saying this is the only one, but according to verse ten there, the purpose is that God's multifasted wisdom would be revealed. To all these entities in the spirit realm. Crazy. Yeah, crazy. Thrones and all these dominions and principalities, and he doesn't use these words. We'll go look at some of those words here in just a second. So that's the point slash purpose of spiritual warfare. That's one of them. The angels are what looking on and gaining instruction. And then all all the entities, thrones, dominions, powers, principalities, they're all amazed at this multifaceted wisdom of Jesus of God. Jeff: All these entities in the spirit realm. Crazy. Yeah, crazy. Thrones and all these dominions and principalities, and he doesn't use these words. We'll go look at some of those words here in just a second. So that's the point slash purpose of spiritual warfare. That's one of them. The angels are what looking on and gaining instruction. And then all all the entities, thrones, dominions, powers, principalities, they're all amazed at this multifaceted wisdom of Jesus of God that Randy: that w is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Right. so it's a little bigger than you and I, right? Yes. Yes. And it's through the church. Yeah. Which is like crazy. Yeah. but that's all done through the church. So what we're going to do now is kinda lay some foundation, just kind of we're gonna bounce around. So hopefully we can be patient with that as we're gonna look up a bunch of stuff and and just look at and start establishing some foundations Jeff: is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Right. so it's a little bigger than you and I, right? Yes. Yes. And it's through the church. Yeah. Which is like crazy. Yeah. but that's all done through the church. So what we're going to do now is kinda lay some foundation, just kind of we're going to bounce around. So hopefully we can be patient with that as we're going to look up a bunch of stuff and and just look at and start establishing some foundations Randy: Some examples, some things to think about. So the the big picture I guess would be the nature of spiritual warfare. What are the rules? How we lay this down, or really just what's the what's the foundational beginning point. So let's go to Daniel. I'm I got a few Old Testament and then a few New Testament versions. We're gonna go read read most of I'll just talk through a few. Sounds good. But read Daniel nine, twenty two twenty three when you get there. Twenty through twenty three? Yeah. Okay. Jeff: Some examples, some things to think about. So the the big picture I guess would be the nature of spiritual warfare. What are the rules? How we lay this down, or really just what's the what's the foundational beginning point. So let's go to Daniel. I'm I got a few Old Testament and then a few New Testament versions. We're gonna go read read most of I'll just talk through a few. Sounds good. But read Daniel nine, twenty two twenty three when you get there. Twenty through twenty three? Yeah. Okay. Randy: While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my request before the Lord my God concerning his holy mountain. Yes, while I was still praying, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen previously in a vision, was approaching me in my state of extreme weariness, around the time of the evening offering. He spoke with me, instructing me as follows Daniel, I have now come to impart understanding to you. At the beginning of your requests a message went out. Jeff: While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my request before the Lord my God concerning his holy mountain. Yes, while I was still praying, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen previously in a vision, was approaching me in my state of extreme weariness, around the time of the evening offering. He spoke with me, instructing me as follows Daniel, I have now come to impart understanding to you. At the beginning of your requests a message went out. Randy: And I have come to convey it to you, for you are of great value in God's sight. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision. Okay, so Daniel's been in prayer. We're we're we're kind of just looking at the middle of this for save time, but he's been in prayer over some questions and some understanding that he's requested. According to that, the moment he began his prayer, not after he finished his prayer, but but the moment Jeff: And I have come to convey it to you, for you are of great value in God's sight. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision. Okay, so Daniel's been in prayer. We're we're we're kind of just looking at the middle of this for save time, but he's been in prayer over some questions and some understanding that he's requested. According to that, the moment he began his prayer, not after he finished his prayer, but but the moment Randy: first word was uttered of his prayer, the the answer was it came in root to him. He has just finished praying. Yeah. And when he finished praying, boom, there's an angel, Gabriel shows up. So there's a lot a few things we can and get from that is that that the moment we start praying, God immediately starts releasing the answer. The other thing is that in his creation Jeff: first word was uttered of his prayer, the the answer was it came in root to him. He has just finished praying. Yeah. And when he finished praying, boom, there's an angel, Gabriel shows up. So there's a lot a few things we can and get from that is that that the moment we start praying, God immediately starts releasing the answer. The other thing is that in his creation Randy: He does very little on his own now. Once he set it up, his purposes and his spirit and his word are going out. But he has designed beings, people, angels, other beings to do what he's called us to do. So in other words, he didn't just create a bunch of folks and not give them something to do. Jeff: He does very little on his own now. Once he set it up, his purposes and his spirit and his word are going out. But he has designed beings, people, angels, other beings to do what he's called us to do. So in other words, he didn't just create a bunch of folks and not give them something to do. Randy: So he has this answer to prayers coming via an angel or a angel literally wor means messenger. He uses messengers. You and I. He uses you and I to talk to each other. You know, so he'll use men to talk to other other Jeff: So he has this answer to prayers coming via an angel. Or a angel literally wor means messenger. He uses messengers. You and I. He uses you and I to talk to each other. You know, so he'll use men to talk to other other people. Randy: People. Okay. That's the prophets. Even today, he'll give somebody a word to go tell somebody else a word. That's how he likes to act. He's a God of fellowship and a God of communion. And he wants he likes co laborers and everybody working together. So that's one thing we get. And the and the prayer answered immediately. Flip over to Daniel ten. And I'll give you two things to read there. Read ten through thirteen, because this is going to be different. Jeff: Okay, that's the prophets. Even today he'll give somebody a word to go tell somebody else a word. That's how he likes to act. He's a God of fellowship and a God of communion. And he wants he likes co laborers and everybody working together. So that's one thing we get. And the and the prayer answered immediately. Flip over to Daniel ten. And I'll give you two things to read there. Read ten through thirteen, 'cause this is gonna be different. Randy: And g and comparing the two will give us some insight. So Daniel ten, ten through thirteen, and then twenty through twenty-one. Then a hand touched me and set me on my hands and knees. Jeff: And g and comparing the two will give us some insight. So Daniel ten, ten through thirteen, and then twenty through twenty-one. Then a hand touched me and set me on my hands and knees. He said to me, Daniel, you are of great value. Understand the words that I am about to speak to you. So stand up, for I have now been sent to you. And he said this to me, I stood up shaking. Then he said to me, Don't be afraid, Daniel, for you from the very first day you applied your mind to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your words. However, the Prince of the Kingdom of Persia was opposing me for twenty-one days. But Michael, one of the living princes, came to help me because I was left there with Randy: He said to me, Daniel, you are of great value. Understand the words that I am about to speak to you. So stand up, for I have now been sent to you. And he said this to me. I stood up shaking. Then he said to me, Don't be afraid, Daniel, for you from the very first day you applied your mind to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your words. However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia was opposing me for twenty-one days. But Michael, one of the living princes, came to help me because I was left there with Jeff: The Randy: the Jeff: king of Persia. And then twenty through twenty three? Twenty twenty one. Twenty twenty one. He said, Do you not do you know why I have come to you? Now I am going to return to engage in battle with the prince of Persia. When I go, the prince of Greece is coming. However, I will first tell you what is written in a dependable book. There is no one except there is no one who strengthens me against these princes, except Michael, your prince. Okay. So we can Randy: King of Persia. And then twenty through twenty three? Twenty twenty one. Twenty twenty one. He said, Do you not do you know why I have come to you? Now I am going to return to engage in battle with the Prince of Persia. When I go, the Prince of Greece is coming. However, I will first tell you what is written in a dependable book. There is no one except there is no one who strengthens me against these princes, except Michael, your prince. Okay. So we can Let's compare and contrast. Daniel nine, he has something on his heart. He takes to the Lord. And within minutes, the message the message leaves the throne immediately and it takes just the length of his prayer, whatever it is, but boom, it's there. Daniel ten, one chapter later, he's has a similar question. Jeff: Let's compare and contrast. Daniel nine, he has something on his heart. He takes to the Lord. And within minutes, the message the message leaves the throne immediately and it takes just the length of his prayer, whatever it is, but boom, it's there. Daniel ten, one chapter later, he's has a similar question. Randy: thing on his heart, he prays it. Same thing. The message leaves heaven immediately. But on earth it takes twenty-one days for the same angel, or I assume it's the same angel, I don't think no, I'm not sure Gabriel's name there, but it takes him twenty-one days now to get the message to him because when he was transiting the spirit realm, so in the Jewish thought from the third heaven through the second heaven to earth, he has been held up and he's been in battle for twenty one days. Jeff: thing on his heart, he prays it. Same thing. The message leaves heaven immediately. But on earth it takes twenty-one days for the same angel, or I assume it's the same angel, I don't think no, I'm not sure Gabriel's name there, but it takes him twenty-one days now to get the message to him because when he was transiting the spirit realm, so in the Jewish thought from the third heaven through the second heaven to earth, he has been held up and he's been in battle for twenty one days. Randy: And he said, I would still be there had not Michael the Archangel come and and helped me. Okay? So there's this battle going on between this messenger and the Prince of Persia. Then Michael the Archangel, which is one of the top angels, if not the top, comes and Jeff: And he said, I would still be there had not Michael the Archangel come and and help me. Okay. So there's this battle going on between this messenger and the prince of Persia. Then Michael the Archangel, which is one of the top angels, if not the top, comes and and kind of frees him up. And then he delivers his message to Daniel. But he goes, Daniel, I gotta go back, because guess what? Randy: And kind of frees him up. And then he delivers his message to Daniel. But he goes, Daniel, I gotta go back. Because guess what? I got I gotta go. My I left when I left Michael, he was still in battle with these guys. And I gotta go back and I'm gonna be in battle with him again. And so he just kind of released him through, you know, Michael released this messenger to to provide it to Daniel and come back. On Daniel, he did the same thing, he just prayed. Jeff: I got I gotta go my I left when I left Michael he was still in battle with these guys and I gotta go back and I'm gonna be in battle with him again and so he just kind of released him through you know Michael released this messenger to to provide it to Daniel and come back on Daniel he did the same thing he just prayed Randy: And one took twenty one days and the other one took just a matter of minutes. So we don't really know what's between us and the Father when we pray necessarily. So and we don't know what the hold ups and the obstacles might be. We're in a war, okay, and God has chosen, you know, God could with a word cut through it all and give us some, but he has spoken and established covenants by which he wants to operate, and he operates in a particular way. He operates by sending messengers. Jeff: And one took twenty one days and the other one took just a matter of minutes. So we don't really know what's between us and the Father when we pray necessarily. So and we don't know what the hold ups and the obstacles might be. We're in a war, okay, and God has chosen, you know, God could with a word cut through it all and give us some, but he has spoken and established covenants by which he wants to operate, and he operates in a particular way. He operates by sending messengers. Randy: as answers to prayer. So, we'll talk about that as persistence or standing in God's word. 'Cause sometimes we we pray something, we know it's God's will, and that's why we prayed it, and then it takes a while to get there. That's the that's part of standing. Jeff: as answers to prayer. So, We'll talk about that as persistence or standing in God's word, 'cause sometimes we we pray something, we know it's God's will, and that's why we prayed it, and then it takes a while to get there. That's the that's part of standing is is what do you do in between there? You stand on God's word. Yeah. And that's what Ephesians six is about. But we can also see some other things. We can see that they seem to be arranged, geographically. He talks about this prince of Persia. So so there are princes, there's different hierarchy. Randy: is is what do you do in between there? You stand on God's word. Yeah. And that's what Ephesians six is about. But we can also see some other things. We can see that they seem to be arranged geographically. He talks about this prince of Persia. So so there are princes, there's different hierarchy. And at least to some degree they also appear to be geographical. So we're sitting here in the United States. My guess is there is a Prince of the United States or Prince of North America or something like that. It may be divided up into states and cities. I think there's probably a prince or some other lower lower level guy over, you know, states and counties and cities. so we're we get just a little bit of a glimpse here and we see that see what's going on. Jeff: And at least to some degree they also appear to be geographical. So we're sitting here in the United States. My guess is there is a Prince of the United States or Prince of North America or something like that. It may be divided up into states and cities. I think there's probably a prince or some other lower lower level guy over, you know, states and counties and cities. so we're we get just a little bit of a glimpse here and we see that see what's going on. Randy: There. So see what else to pull out of that. I will say one thing. Daniel is not us. We are not Daniel. How are we not Daniel? He's under a different covenant. Right. We have the creator of the universe living within us as one with our soul. Right? And that changes everything. We also Jeff: There. So see what else to pull out of that. I will say one thing. Daniel is not us. We are not Daniel. How are we not Daniel? He's under a different covenant. We have the creator of the universe living within us as one with our soul, right? And that changes everything. We also, as a man, Jesus came and restored the authority that Adam had given. So now, as believers, under the authority of Jesus Christ, who has all authority, now we have authority. That's super important. Daniel didn't have that authority anymore. I mean, didn't have it because Adam gave it away, and Christ had not earned it back yet. So Randy: As a man, Jesus came and restored the authority that Adam had given. So now as believers, under the authority of Jesus Christ, who has all authority, now we have authority. That's super important. Daniel didn't have that authority anymore. I mean, didn't have it because Adam gave it away and Christ had not earned it back yet. So hadn't redeemed it, if you will. So that's completely different, and we need to keep that in mind, and that's huge in spiritual warfare. the demonic side of the house has no authority because Jesus says, I have all authority in heaven and on earth. And then he said, go therefore, which is d his delegation to us in Matthew twenty eight. But the devil and his minions, they don't have authority, but they have power. Jeff: hadn't redeemed it, if you will. So that's completely different, and we need to keep that in mind, and that's huge in spiritual warfare. the demonic side of the house has no authority because Jesus says, I have all authority in heaven and on earth. And then he said, Go therefore, which is d his delegation to us in Matthew twenty eight. But the devil and his minions, they don't have authority, but they have power. Randy: They have ability. Yeah. So they can do stuff, but they don't have any authority to do it. And we'll talk about authority when we get there. Job is another one. We won't go there with Job, but er probably most people listen to this understand and know Job. I mean, it was it was you know, Satan or some other high level demon, just scoffing the Lord about Job, actually, you know, and we see that God brought it up to him. Jeff: They have ability. Yeah. So they can do stuff, but they don't have any authority to do it. And we'll talk about authority when we get there. Job is another one. We won't go there with Job, but er probably most people listen to this understand and know Job. I mean, it was it was you know, Satan or some other high level demon, just scoffing the Lord about Job, actually, you know, and we see that God brought it up to him. Randy: Job, the only other one thing about Job is when we're talking about understanding the ways and the character of God, first of all, Job is not us either. Job did not have the authority. He's just like Daniel. He's after the fall, but before the restoration of the cross. and there's a verse, and I didn't go look it up, but it says that this verse says in chapter one or two or three, shortly after it all the calamity has befallen Job, he says it the the Jeff: Job, the only other one thing about Job is when we're talking about understanding the ways and the character of God, first of all, Job is not us either. Job did not have the authority. He's just like Daniel. He's after the fall, but before the restoration of the cross. and there's a verse, and I didn't go look it up, but it says that this verse says in chapter one or two or three, shortly after all the calamity has befallen Job, he says it the the writer. Randy: Job says this, Job did not sin by blaming God. Yeah. I'm like, okay, that's a huge thing. Because many of our theologies blame God for the bad stuff that's happening. Right. And it's just we don't un we need to get to know his his love for us, his ways, and his character by studying his word. And that's another c foundational thing that I'm not really going to even touch on in this lesson, but but it's it's super important that Jeff: Job says this, Job did not sin by blaming God. Yeah. I'm like, okay, that's a huge thing. Because many of our theologies blame God for the bad stuff that's happening. Right. And it's just we don't un we need to get to know his his love for us, his ways, and his character by studying his word. And that's another c foundational thing that I'm not really going to even touch on in this lesson, but but it's it's super important that Randy: That when things, you know, Daniel could have got upset because it's taken so long for God to answer, and he could have blamed God for that, and he could have done any number of things. He could have quit at day fifteen instead of making it all the way day twenty one in his fasting for this. you know, because from Daniel's standpoint it looked like God didn't answer his prayer. But what we know is God answered it immediately. And and there was a delay there because we're in the middle of a war. Jeff: That when things, you know, Daniel could have got upset because it's taken so long for God to answer, and he could have blamed God for that, and he could have done any number of things. He could have quit at day 15 instead of making it all the way day twenty one in his fasting for this. you know, because from Daniel's standpoint, it looked like God didn't answer his prayer. But what we know is God answered it immediately. And and there was a delay there because we're in the middle of a war. Randy: Elisha and Second Kings, can you go there? Saint Cl 2 Kings six fifteen through nineteen. It's a familiar verse but to us, but let's go read that real quick. Six fifteen to nineteen. Yeah, Saint Kings six fifteen to nineteen. Yeah. Okay. Jeff: Elisha and Second Kings, can you go there? Saint Cl 2 Kings six fifteen through nineteen. It's a familiar verse but to us, but let's go read that real quick. Six fifteen to nineteen. Yeah, Saint Kings six fifteen to nineteen. Yeah. Okay. Randy: The prophet's attendant got up early in the morning. When he went outside there was an army surrounding the city, along with horses and chariots. He said to Elisha, O no, my master, what will we do? He replied, Don't be afraid, for our sight outnumbers them. Then Elisha prayed, O Lord, open his eyes so he can see. The Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he saw that the hill was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Jeff: The prophet's attendant got up early in the morning. When he went outside there was an army surrounding the city, along with horses and chariots. He said to Elisha, O no, my master, what will we do? He replied, Don't be afraid, for our sight outnumbers them. Then Elisha prayed, O Lord, open his eyes so he can see. The Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he saw that the hill was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Randy: As the army approached him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, Strike these people with blindness. The Lord struck them with blindness, as Elisha requested. Then Elisha said to them, This is not the right road or city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you're looking for. He led them to Samaria. Okay, so there's this army of i that's an interesting story. I won't go into it in Saint Kings, but basically Elisha's been telling Jeff: As the army approached him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, Strike these people with blindness. The Lord struck them with blindness, as Elisha requested. Then Elisha said to them, This is not the right road or city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you're looking for. He led them to Samaria. Okay, so there's this army of i that's an interesting story. I won't go into it in Saint Kings, but basically Elisha's been telling, telling the good guys what the bad guys are going to do ahead of time. Randy: Telling the good guys what the bad guys are gonna do ahead of time. Well, you know, the Syrian advisors go, dude, he's even saying what Elisha's telling the telling the king what you're saying in your bedroom. You know, I mean, it's like, okay. So they send what so the the king of Syria goes, Hey, let's go get that Elisha Elisha guy. So and and you saw it there. So Elijah or Elisha, Jeff: Well you know, the Syrian advisors go, dude, he's even saying what Elisha's telling the telling the king what you're saying in your bedroom. You know what I mean? It's like, okay. So they send what so the the king of Syria goes, Hey, let's go get that Elisha Elisha guy. So and and you saw it there. So Elijah or Elisha knows the situation. Do we know if he saw or not? Probably. He probably was able to see in the spirit, or he just know by faith. Randy: knows the situation. Do we know if he saw or not? Probably. He probably was able to see in the spirit, or did he just know by faith that that there were more on our side than on his side. You know, I would like to have seen the servant's face when he said that. Like, dude, are you the dumbest guy ever? And then and then he prayed for his respectfully. Respectfully sir. And then and then he belie you know, he opened his eyes and boom, there it is. These are these are little hints that you and I Jeff: that that there were more on our side than on his side. You know, I would like to have seen the servant's face when he said that. Like, dude, are you the dumbest guy ever? And then and then he prayed for his respectfully. Respectfully, sir. And then and then he belie you know, he opened his eyes and boom, there it is. These are these are little hints that you and I that we can, these are testimonies that we can believe and we can know Randy: That we can, these are testimonies that we can believe and we can know that this is our situation when we're in when we're in these situations. We don't have to have our eyes open where we physically or with our eyeballs see them, but we just know they're there. Right. Because we know God's character and because of the testimony of stories like this that we can do. Jeff: That this is our situation when we're in when we're in these situations. We don't have to have our eyes open where we physically or with our eyeballs see them, but we just know they're there. Right. Because we know God's character and because the testimony of stories like this that we can do. Randy: First Chronicles twenty one one, we won't go there, but it's it's it's David. David says that basically the Satan caused him to go and number his people. And you're like, come on. I mean, so these are just glimpses of of Satan intervening in with believers, not New Testament believers, but old covenant believers, old testament believers, in in doing you know Jeff: First Chronicles twenty one one, we won't go there, but it's it's it's David. David says that basically the Satan caused him to go and number his people. And you're like, come on. I mean, so these are just glimpses of of Satan intervening in with believers, not New Testament believers, but old covenant believers, old testament believers, in in doing you know Randy: In this case, it's David's choice as well. I'm not taking the blame off David because the Lord certainly didn't, but he's instigating him to commit sin. And we won't go there either because we're gonna go to this at a later study. We'll look at this. Zechariah three. Zechariah three talks about a high priest named Joshua. Joshua was a high priest around the time that after Jeff: In this case, it's David's choice as well. I'm not taking the blame off David because the Lord certainly didn't, but he's instigating him to commit sin. And we won't go there either because we're gonna go to this at a later study. We'll look at this. Zechariah three. Zechariah three talks about a high priest named Joshua. Joshua was a high priest around the time that after Randy: Ezra and Nehemiah. So they've reestablished, they've come back from the Baloni Babylonian captivity, and then they rebuilt the temple and they rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. And then Zerubbabel is another great story. We're not going to go there. that tells in that's in this in the same book. Well it's it's a picture of the high priest coming before God and he's dressed in filthy rags. Jeff: Ezra and Nehemiah. So they've reestablished, they've come back from the Baloni Babylonian captivity, and then they rebuilt the temple and they rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. And then Zerubbabel is another great story. We're not going to go there. that tells in that's in this in the same book. Well it's it's a picture of the high priest coming before God and he's dressed in filthy rags. Randy: And it's a picture of his own self, or his own righteousness, right? Not or self-righteousness, picture of his sin. Well, right next to him, while he is before God, is the accuser of the brethren. This the devil is right there accusing him and pointing out to God. Go, this guy doesn't belong here. Look at him. He's filthy. And and that r that's a kind of reflection of Revelation twelve where he's called the accuser of the brethren, right? Jeff: And it's a picture of his own self, or his own righteousness, right? Not or self-righteousness, picture of his sin. Well, right next to him, while he is before God, is the accuser of the brethren. This the devil is right there accusing him and pointing out to God. Go, this guy doesn't belong here. Look at him. He's filthy. And and that r that's a kind of reflection of Revelation twelve where he's called the accuser of the brethren, right? Randy: And and it's a it's a great story. We'll go look at it here in a few weeks. But but what happened is the Lord takes his dirty robes and he gives him brand new clean robes. That's that's the picture of what happens when a believer becomes confesses Christ as Lord and becomes a newborn, new creation. these are some Old Testament stuff. Let's go read some New Testament stuff. Jeff: And and it's a it's a great story. We'll go look at it here in a few weeks. But but what happened is the Lord takes his dirty robes and he gives him brand new clean robes. That's that's the picture of what happens when a believer becomes confesses Christ as Lord and becomes a newborn, new creation. these are some Old Testament stuff. Let's go read some New Testament stuff. Jesus, first of all, we'll look at Jesus and then we'll look at the church. Jesus has a couple of encounters with the demons. We don't not gonna do that, but but I've done it before and it's very interesting. Just get your electronic Bible search and just put demon in there or evil spirit in there and then go read every gospel account of Jesus encountering these guys. He just slams them repeatedly. But anyway, let's look go to Matthew eight. Randy: Jesus, first of all, we're going to look at Jesus and then we'll look at the church. Jesus has a couple of encounters with the demons. We don't not gonna do that, but but I've done it before and it's very interesting. Just get your electronic Bible search and just put demon in there or evil spirit in there and then go read every gospel account of Jesus encountering these guys. He just slams them repeatedly. But anyway, let's look go to Matthew eight. Matthew eight. Verses twenty eight and twenty nine. Okay. Eight, twenty eight, twenty nine. Jeff: Matthew eight. Verses twenty-eight and twenty-nine. Okay. Eight, twenty-eight, twenty-nine. Randy: When he had come to the other side, to the region of the Gadarinus Gatarines, two demon possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were extremely violent, so that no one was able to pass by that way. They cried out, Son of God, leave us alone. Have you come here to torment us before the time? Okay, so you listen to him, they call him out the Son of God. They know that they're in a war and they know it ends poorly. 'Cause they go, Hey, have you come you're early Jeff: When he had come to the other side, to the region of the Gadarinus Gatarines, two demon possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were extremely violent, so that no one was able to pass by that way. They cried out, Son of God, leave us alone. Have you come here to torment us before the time? Okay, so you listen to him, they call him out the Son of God. They know that they're in a war and they know it ends poorly. 'Cause they go, Hey, have you come you're early Randy: We kinda know what's going on. We've read the prophecies. How many knows the Bible? No I mean the Satan knows the Bible. we've seen and you're early. We've done our counting and you're not here. And he calls them son of God. And most of time when Jesus encounters a devil, they they will come back and they announce that he's a son of God or any or some version of that. And just a quick side note, I think we talked about when we talked about the covenant of Adam. They're not Jeff: We kinda know what's going on. We've read the prophecies. How many knows the Bible? No I mean the Satan knows the Bible. we've seen and you're early. We've done our counting and you're not here. And he calls them son of God. And most of time when Jesus encounters a devil, they they will come back and they announce that he's a son of God or any or some version of that. And just a quick side, I think we talked about when we talked about the covenant of Adam. They're not praising him. They're saying you're you're here illegally. Right. You're saying you've just broken the covenant in Genesis one, twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty, 'cause they see him as a son of God. They haven't comprehended that he's actually a man. Right. He's both, but he's a he's a also a hundred percent man. So he has the right. This body with a beaten heart in it gives him the right to execute on on planet earth. And we'll talk about that more next week. let's go to Mark five, six through ten. Randy: praising him, they're saying you're you're here illegally. Right. You're saying you've just broken the covenant in Genesis one, twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty, because they see him as the son of God. They haven't comprehended that he's actually a man. Right. He's both, but he's a he's a also a hundred percent man. So he has the right. This body with a beaten heart in it gives him the right to execute on on planet earth. And we'll talk about that more next week. let's go to Mark five, six through ten. Maybe the same s same subject. Mark five, six through ten. Yeah. Jeff: Maybe the same s same subject. Mark five, six through ten. Yeah. Randy: When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed before him. Then he cried out with a loud voice, Leave me alone, Jesus, son of the most high God. I implore you by God, do not torment torment me. For Jesus had said to him, Come out of that man, you unclean spirit. Jesus asked him, What is your name? And he said, My name is Legion, for we are many. He begged Jesus repeatedly not to send them out of the region. Okay, so Jeff: When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed before him. Then he cried out with a loud voice, Leave me alone, Jesus, son of the most high God. I implore you by God, do not torment torment me. For Jesus had said to him, Come out of that man, you unclean spirit. Jesus asked him, What is your name? And he said, My name is Legion, for we are many. He begged Jesus repeatedly not to send them out of the region. Okay, so Randy: We won't go to Luke Eight. The similar things happen in Luke Eight. in in Luke eight, here they say, Don't send us out of the country or the region. in Luke eight it says don't send us into the abyss. so there's some geographicalness again to this. They are want to stay in the area they're in. if you read the Luke eight, maybe it is that they don't want to be into the permanent where the permanent damnation will occur someday. This goes into the similar conversation he had in Matthew. Hey, you guys are early. Jeff: We won't go to Luke eight. The similar things happen in Luke Eight. in in Luke eight, here they say, Don't send us out of the country or the region. in Luke eight it says don't send us into the abyss. so there's some geographicalness again to this. They are want to stay in the area they're in. if you read the Luke eight, maybe it is that they don't want to be into the permanent where the permanent damnation will occur someday. This goes into the similar conversation he had in Matthew. Hey, you guys are early. Randy: or you're early here. So and then it what's interesting, there's two things. Jesus had already commanded him to leave the leave the commanded these guys to leave the man. And they don't leave the man. If you read that, he said, because the conversation starts after Jesus says leave. And they come back. Do you see that there? Yes. Well read read it again. If you find it. I don't see where he said Well Jeff: or you're early here. So and then it what's interesting, there's two things. Jesus had already commanded him to leave the leave the commanded these guys to leave the man. And they don't leave the man. If you read that, he said, because the conversation starts after Jesus says leave. And they come back. Do you see that there? Yes. Well read read it again. If you find it. I don't see where he said Well, no, Jesus had said to him, Come out of that man, you unclean spirit And Jesus asked him, What is your name? Yeah, so this conversation So Jesus comes, says, Come out. He's about to free this man of his demonic oppression. Yes. And they don't leave. Right. They start talking to him. And he goes, Wait a minute 'cause he says spirit, singular. And he goes, Wait a minute, how many are you guys there? And he goes, There's thousands of us here. That's that's a pretty f Randy: No, Jesus had said to him, Come out of that man, you unclean spirit and Jesus asked him, What is your name? Yeah, so this conversation was. So they had already So Jesus comes, says, Come out. He's about to free this man of his demonic oppression. Yes. And they don't leave. Right. They start talking to him. And he goes, Wait a minute. Because he says spirit singular. And then he goes, Wait a minute, how many are you guys there? And he goes, There's thousands of us here. That's that's a pretty f phenomenal thought that a human being could could withstand that kind of right onslaught. Right. and then there's a little bit of a negotiation going on here. You're like, well what's with w what's with that? He has to command him twice to leave. Jeff: phenomenal thought that a human being could could withstand that kind of right onslaught. Right. and then there's a little bit of a negotiation going on here. You're like, well what's with what what's with that? He has to command him twice to leave. Randy: and then they d he negotiates with them with the dine demons. Jeff: and then they d he negotiates with them with the dine demons. Randy: we're not really told why and that kind of stuff. The reason I a quick side note, I think he's I think he allows them to go into the pigs and allows them to do whatever. I think because by negotiating with them, he gets them out easily. they might have come out violently, and I think it's for the man's sake that Jesus backs off for just a second. Jeff: we're not really told why and that kind of stuff. The reason I a quick side note, I think he's I think he allows them to go into the pigs and allows them to do whatever. I think because by negotiating with them he gets them out easily. they might have come out violently and I think it's for the man's sake that Jesus backs off for just a second and kinda goes, Hey, if you guys will go quickly and without causing any harm, Randy: And kinda goes, Hey, if you guys will go quickly and without causing any harm, I'll send you another pigs. Yeah, I'll send you I'll let you go. Interesting. If we're gonna get ugly here, you're gonna go to the abyss. Yeah. And you know, they could have you know, a lot of times when you see Jesus cast out demons, you'll see them frothing and writing and frothing and all this kind of stuff. a couple of thousand of those dudes coming out of you, you know, who I think Jesus did it to keep the man safe, if you will. Jeff: I'll send you another pigs. Yeah, I'll send you I'll let you go. Interesting. If we're gonna get ugly here, you're gonna go to the abyss. Yeah. And you know, they could have you know, a lot of times when you see Jesus cast out demons, you'll see them f right frothing and writhing and frothing and all this kind of stuff. a couple of thousand of those dudes coming out of you, you know, who I think Jesus did it to keep the man safe, if you will. Randy: let's see. Jeff: let's see. Randy: Does it have anything to do with him saying, What's your name? Like Yeah. he's he's just wanting to know a little more detail. He's operating as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. Right. If he was operating by the as God, Philippians two says he he he took Jeff: Does it have anything to do with him saying, What's your name? Like Yeah. he's he's just wanting to know a little more detail. He's operating as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. Right. If he was operating by as God, Philippians two says he he he took took that and set it to the side, he's still God, but he's not operating that way because that would violate Genesis one, twenty six, twenty seven, and twenty eight. So he's operating as a man, so he has to interact. Now he's a perfect man, anointed by the Holy Spirit. Randy: took that and set it to the side. He's still God, but he's not operating that way because that would violate Genesis one, twenty six, twenty seven, twenty eight. So he's operating as a man. So he has to interact. Now he's a perfect man, anointed by the Holy Spirit. And so he yeah, he he has to inquire of them and figure out, geez, there's a whole bunch of guy bunch of you guys here are in there. If we read the other stories, he's like broken chains and they put shackles on him and this guy, because of the demonic influence, is powerful and can break steel. Right. so is it significant to that Jesus, you've said this before, is the name above all names. And if you can get a name or identify Jeff: And so he yeah, he he has to inquire of them and figure out, geez, there's a whole bunch of guy bunch of you guys here are in there. If we read the other stories, he's like broken chains and they put shackles on him and this guy, because of the demonic influence, is powerful and can break steel. Right. so is it significant to that Jesus, you've said this before, is the name above all names. And if you can get a name or identify Randy: and have a name, it's a easier push or whatever you want to say. Yeah. T some some would disagree with that because it's not required, but on the other hand, I think it's easier for us in a in operating in faith to have that name and to go, that name is above every name. As a quick quick thing, it is actually a strategy of diseases. It's a stress diseases are personified. you know, cancer's goal is to be the name above every name. Right. Think about it. Jeff: And have a name, it's a easier push or whatever you want to say. Yeah. To some some would disagree with that because it's not required, but on the other hand, I think it's easier for us in a in operating in faith to have that name and to go, that name is above every name. As a quick quick thing, it is actually a strategy of diseases. It's a stress diseases are personified. you know, cancer's goal is to be the name above every name. Right. Think about it. Right. Randy: Or fear. Fear. Or yeah. I mean, it's kind of like well, i if someone is experiencing fear or not peace, mm-hmm, it's easier to go, okay, I know what we're dealing with here, and you can pray, you know, the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus if someone is dealing with anxiety. Mm-hmm. You know what I mean? Yeah. Jeff: Or fear. Fear. Or yeah. I mean, it's kind of like well, i if someone is experiencing fear or not peace, mm-hmm, it's easier to go, okay, I know what we're dealing with here, and you can pray, you know, the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus if someone is dealing with anxiety. Mm-hmm. You know what I mean? Yeah. Randy: It's an easier point of battle, if you call it. I don't know. Anyway, I just saw that about the name. That was interesting. What's your name? And I know he's just trying to get what's going on what what is really going on in here? Yeah. Even though he's God. But yes, he's man. So anyway. Yeah. So it's it's an interesting study that we don't have time, but sure to see Christ interaction with demons is is just an interesting way to one of the things for in an afternoon to go study. Yeah. Okay. Jeff: It's an easier point of battle, if you call it. I don't know. Anyway, I just saw that about the name. That was interesting. What's your name? And I know he's just trying to get what's going on what what is really going on in here? Yeah. Even though he's God. But yes, he's man. So anyway. Yeah. So it's it's an interesting study that we don't have time, but sure to see Christ interaction with demons is is just an interesting way to one of the things for in an afternoon to go study. Yeah. Okay. Randy: He's the man, obviously. let's go to the church. Acts th let's go read this one. This one is pretty crazy. Acts five, the first three verses of Acts five. Okay. Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira, his wife, sold a piece of property. Jeff: He's the man, obviously. let's go to the church. Acts th let's go read this one. This one is pretty crazy. Acts five, the first three verses of Acts five. Okay. Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira, his wife, sold a piece of property. Randy: He kept back for himself part of the proceeds with his wife's knowledge. He brought only part of it and placed it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale of the land? Before it was sold, did it not belong to you, and when it was sold, was the money not at your disposal? How have you thought up this deed in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God. Yes, so Jeff: He kept back for himself part of the proceeds with his wife's knowledge. He brought only part of it and placed it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale of the land? Before it was sold, did it not belong to you? And when it was sold, was the money not at your disposal? How have you thought up this deed in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God. Yes, so Randy: This is a believer. There is no indication that Ananias and Sapphira are not full up, full-fledged members of the church and followers of Jesus Christ. That is not mentioned at all. but there's this thing, it says Satan filled your heart. So that's that's pretty you know, what he does is he sells his property, has this money, if you go read the whole thing, and he gives to the church, and he says he's given the whole thing, but he only gives a portion of it. Jeff: This is a believer. There is no indication that Ananias and Sapphira are not full up, full-fledged members of the church and followers of Jesus Christ. That is not mentioned at all. but there's this thing, it says Satan filled your heart. So that's that's pretty you know, what he does is he sells his property, has this money, if you go read the whole thing, and he gives to the church, and he says he's given the whole thing, but he only gives a portion of it. Randy: Which is his right to do. It's that he lied about how much he gave. Everybody else is giving these things and he's wanting to get a a reward or an acknowledgement from Peter or from whoever. And and later it says that that that's actually lying to the Holy Spirit. He drops dead. Yeah. But Satan's filled heart. Let me let me read what the Greek word for Satan's filled his heart. Jeff: Which is his right to do. It's that he lied about how much he gave. Everybody else is giving these things and he's wanting to get a a reward or an acknowledgement from Peter or from whoever. And and later it says that that that's actually lying to the Holy Spirit. He drops dead. Yeah. But Satan's filled heart. Let me let me read what the Greek word for Satan's filled his heart. Randy: It's i it's the Greek word this the word fill. The meaning is this to exercise control over someone's thought and action. So that's what's going on here. Satan has probably not a violent overthrow, but a because of Ananias' complicit sin. Jeff: It's i it's the Greek word this the word fill. The meaning is this to exercise control over someone's thought and action. So that's what's going on here. Satan has probably not a violent overthrow, but a because of Ananias' complicit sin has allowed Randy: has allowed, given to Satan an opportunity to come in and influence him. And we've talked about that a little bit in other podcasts, and we'll talk about this in a little more. The word there is also deep to demonize. he's not possessed because all believers are possessed by Jesus Christ, owned by Jesus Christ, filled or Jeff: given to Satan an opportunity to come in and influence him. And we've talked about that a little bit in other podcasts, and we'll talk about this in a little more. The word there is also deep to demonize. he's not possessed because all believers are possessed by Jesus Christ, owned by Jesus Christ, filled or Randy: inhabited by Jesus Christ. But Satan takes over there and it says it controls his thoughts and his deeds. That's what Peter says to him. Jeff: inhabited by Jesus Christ. But Satan takes over there and it says it controls his thoughts and his deeds. That's what Peter says to him. Randy: Okay. so that's church. 2 Corinthians two we won't go there. Second Corinthians two ten and eleven, it it we talked about this a few weeks ago. Failing to forgive gives opportunity or real estate to Satan. That's that's a that's an interesting Jeff: Okay. so that's church. 2 Corinthians two. we won't go there. Second Corinthians two ten and eleven. It it we talked about this a few weeks ago. Failing to forgive gives opportunity or real estate to Satan. That's that's a that's an interesting thought process there if you go through that. Failing to forgive and there's other sins mentioned there and we looked at it in in our some of our Ephesians study too. So this opportunity, the word is opportunity in some but it's actually space or region or real estate. You're given the the the you're given Satan real estate in your life when you have a c have an ongoing complicit sin. Okay. Randy: thought process there if you go through that. Failing to forgive. And there's other sins mentioned there. And we looked at it in in our some of our Ephesian study too. So this opportunity, the word is opportunity in some, but it's actually space or region or real estate. You're given the the the you're given Satan real estate in your life when you have a have an ongoing complicit sin. Okay. That's kind of in Ice case he was filled. In other words, he was controlled by him. in second Corinthians four four it says that that unbelievers have blindfolds put on them by the devil to keep them from seeing the gospel. Yeah. That's a that's an amazing thought. But these are all hints and things that we can engage on. Jeff: That's kind of in Ice case he was filled. In other words, he was controlled by him. in second Corinthians four four, it says that that unbelievers have blindfolds put on them by the devil to keep them from seeing the gospel. Yeah. That's a that's an amazing thought. But These are all hints and things that we can engage on. So if your neighbor is a lost person, then one of your areas that you can ex is execute the authority over the blinders that Satan has put on. In the name of Jesus, remove the blinders from from Andy's heart, from his eyes, and they shall never come back. Boom. You've just exercised authority over a scheme of the devil. Yep. That you that you know and you recognize. And we're gonna talk about schemes, that's what Ephesians six is talking about, right? Randy: So if your neighbor is a lost person, then one of your areas that you can ex is execute the authority over the blinders that Satan has put on. In the name of Jesus, remove the blinders from from Andy's heart, from his eyes, and they shall never come back. Boom. You've just exercised authority over a scheme of the devil that you that you know and you recognize. We're gonna talk about schemes. that's what Ephesians 6 is talking about, right? Yep. let's see. Jeff: Yep. let's see. Let's read second Corinthians eleven, thirteen through fifteen. Randy: Let's read second Corinthians eleven, thirteen through fifteen. thirteen through fifteen. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions. these guys Satan and his servants, I think it's talking about people there. Jeff: thirteen through fifteen. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions. these guys are Satan and his servants, I think it's talking about people there, are disguised as agents of or servants or agents of righteousness. Let that sink in for a minute. But what he says is, but their fruit will expose them. Yeah. So not everybody I mean we know from the tares and the wheat example and others, the parable and then other things that that not everybody at church is is born again. Some of them are lost lost people seeking Randy: are disguised as agents of or servants or agents of righteousness. Let that sink in for a minute. But what he says is, but their fruit will expose them. Yeah. So not everybody I mean we know from the tares and the wheat example and others, the parable and then other things that that not everybody at church is is born again. Some of them are lost lost people seeking And those are the people that that we want to engage. Some of are honestly sit sent there on a mission to kill, steal and destroy. Yeah. And this says that one will know them by their fruit because we're not gonna know them by how they look or the necessarily what they say, how they fit in or don't fit in. we're just not gonna see that. But we have to be aware of it. Jeff: And those are the people that that we want to engage. Some of are honestly sit sent there on a mission to kill, steal and destroy. Yeah. And this says that one will know them by their fruit because we're not gonna know them by how they look or the necessarily what they say, how they fit in or don't fit in. we're just not gonna see that. But we have to be aware of it. You're not going to see a red suit and a red suit and a pitch fur. Yeah. Right? Yep. first Timothy four one talks about us or church members being drawn away from di with deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons. Remember I said demons don't have any authority? So deceit and lies is their only thing they have. They have to they have to engage your authority. Okay? Your delegated authority, your authority as a man or woman on planet earth, and then your delegated authority that Jesus Christ as a believer. Randy: Yeah, you're not gonna see a red suit and a pitchfork. Yeah, right. Yep. first Timothy four one talks about us or church members being drawn away from di with deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons. Remember I said demons don't have any authority? So deceit and lies is their only thing they have. They have to they have to engage your authority. Okay? Your delegated authority, your authority as a man or woman on planet earth, and then your delegated authority that Jesus Christ as a believer. They have to get you to to act on their behalf. Act on their behalf. To act against yourself, to deceit. And it's through deceit in you. That's why we'll look at it, that you we have to take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. We have to have filter everything through the truth. That's why Ephesians six is gonna say the first thing you put on is the belt of truth, because deceit and lies is the primary weapon of the of the devil. And then first Timothy five, Jeff: They have to get you to to act on their behalf. Act on their behalf. To act against yourself, to deceit. And it's through deceit and you that's why we'll look at it, that you we have to take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. We have to have filter everything through the truth. That's why Ephesians six is gonna say the first thing you put on is the belt of truth, because deceit and lies is the primary weapon of the of the devil. And then first Timothy five Randy: Let's see. What did I write there? 13 through 15, we won't go there, but it equates gossiping to satanic. It's saying it's a it's so so these things that seem kind of like small sins, you know, hang on. I'm don't don't tell anybody, but let me tell you this. Yeah. Yeah, that's that's of the of the devil. Slander is of the devil. Lies is of the devil. Yeah. Jesus says the Pharisees, you're you you follow your father as the father of lies. You're lying just like them. So that is satanic and following the devil. Jeff: Let's see. What did I write there? 13 through 15, we won't go there, but it equates gossiping to satanic. It's saying it's a it's so so these things that seem kind of like small sins, you know, hang on. I'm don't don't tell anybody, but let me tell you this. Yeah. Yeah, that's that's of the of the devil. Slander is of the devil. Lies is of the devil. Yeah. Jesus says the Pharisees, you're you you follow your father as the father of lies. You're lying just like them. So that is satanic and following the devil. Randy: All right, those are a very small inkling of Old Testament and then Jesus and the church in engaging. Let's talk about the enemy for just a second. Do you think we're at forty minutes? Yeah. Do you want to take a break? Is this a good break? Or you wanna go a little longer? Jeff: All right, those are a very small inkling of Old Testament and then Jesus and the church in engaging. Let's talk about the enemy for just a second. Do you think we're at forty minutes? Yeah. Do you want to take a break? Is this a good break? Or you wanna go a little longer? Randy: Let's let's take a break, I guess. Okay. So what's coming up in the next What's coming up we're gonna look at the enemy himself. Yeah. Just some of the Isaiah and Ezekiel passages, first Peter five, and then we're gonna look at the battlefields. because again as we're preparing to enter battle, that's helpful who the enemy is, what the battlefields are, and then we'll get down to some of the if you will, the nature of of spiritual warfare. Jeff: Let's let's take a break, I guess. Okay. So what's coming up in the next What's coming up? We're gonna look at the enemy himself. Yeah. Just some of the Isaiah and Ezekiel passages, first Peter five, and then we're gonna look at the battlefields. because again as we're preparing to enter battle, that's helpful who the enemy is, what the battlefields are, and then we'll get down to some of the if you will, the nature of of spiritual warfare. I know we're already talking about that as a big heading, but some of the some of this more fine tuned stuff. Okay. Outstanding. All right. Thanks, Randy. Randy: I know we're already talking about that as a big heading, but some of the some of this more fine tuned stuff. Okay. Outstanding. All right. Thanks, Randy.