THE TRUTH HURTS!
The last blog was the first in a series about spiritual warfare in church history. I’ve always enjoyed studying history. History is nothing but true stories about real people with great lessons for us today. There is much we can learn from others and their experience.
For example, one early church writer, Minucius Felix (? – AD 210) wrote that demons suffer pain when subjected to the words and prayers of Christians. The words of truth tormented and burned them. This concept could only have come from the spirits themselves, and was destined to lead to significant developments in the Middle Ages. During that time people who were though to be demonized lived lives of denial causing themselves pain hoping the pain would drive the demons out. That is not a very successful method and certainly nothing we see Jesus or the disciples doing.
However it is true that touching a person who is demonized, even in tenderness, can bring terrible pain to the demon who is indwelling them. Therefore laying on hands, quoting Scripture and playing praise music all can contribute to a more speedy victory over that which oppresses at the same time making any demons who are involved with them very uncomfortable. It weakens their hold and makes it easier to remove them.
Christian music is a good way to have victory over demonic oppression (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Not only does it reset our mind and thoughts with God’s truth, but demons hate hearing Jesus praised and avoid places where that is happening. Playing music that lifts up Jesus when you are attacked is a good way to help win the battle. It is also a profitable practice at night for those who have thoughts and dreams that aren’t from God. Letting Christian music play quietly in your room can help with that. If a certain part of your home or property seems to be especially under attack leave some music playing there all day and night. Leaving a light on can have the same affect for demons love darkness and hate the light.
Just as good, maybe even better than Christian music is the Bible being read. We can do it ourselves or play a recording of someone reading the Bible. That has even more power and authority over demonic powers. Quoting Scripture is our best weapon against Satan’s attacks against us as well. Paul says our only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Psalm 119:9-11 tell us that it’s through God’s Word that we have victory. When thoughts or temptations you don’t want come into your mind, use Scripture to have victory. There is power in God’s Word that is lacking in our own words (Hebrews 4:12). Reminding demons of God’s truth shows them they must submit to it, and helps us put our faith in Him and not give in to the lie behind the temptation. It allows our mind to explain reality to our emotions. Always have some verses that speak to your situation memorized or written down where you can reference them at any time. Use them as soon as you sense opposition coming against your thoughts.
(For more information on the subject of spiritual warfare go to SW.ChristianTrainingOrganization.org or email me at jerry@schmoyer.net and I’ll send you a free