Chapter 3 – Invisible Spiritual Forces
When you think about the physical world, your first thoughts are of things ‘visible’; things you can see, smell, taste and touch. On the other hand, when you think of spiritual things, the first thing that comes to mind is things ‘unseen’ (2 Cor 4:18). A lot of people these days have a phenomenal interest in the supernatural, due in part to the flood of Hollywood movies, magazines and books featuring ghosts, demons, Angels and other spiritual entities. I think it’s safe to say that most people probably do not actually believe in ghosts, and it's understandable. Aren't ghosts, after all, merely an illusion; just figments of the mind? Or possibly just fantastic conjurings for which science has no explanation? For instance, the creations of horror and fantasy authors, and Hollywood filmmakers present a distorted image of ghosts and other spiritual beings as silly, comical or unbelievable entities. So, it's no wonder that most people do not believe there actually exist real spiritual/supernatural beings. While on the other hand, some people actually believe that ghosts are demons; here to terrorize us and to challenge our faith in God. Yet, there are others who believe that ghosts are angels and are here to help and protect us...
So, what exactly are ghosts? Are they spirits of people that once lived? Are they beings from another dimension? Or could they be something altogether different? Are they something that we have no real understanding of? Well, the fact is, the ghost phenomenon is due mostly to Hollywood movies and simply just figments of people's over-active imaginations; as opposed to the spiritual forces as mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, which are quite real, has been around since the beginning of recorded history, and operate in and around our lives everyday. To be sure, these spiritual entities are not 'ghosts', but real 'supernatural beings' as evidenced in the bible. In fact, Ephesians 6:12 tells us how the Holy Scriptures describes our interactions with spiritual entities:
“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” (Ephesians 6:12).
1. Principalities and Powers
The phrase principalities and powers occur six times in the King James Version of the bible. And by the same token, other versions of the Holy Scriptures translate the phrase as “rulers and authorities,” “forces and authorities,” and “rulers and powers.” But, comparatively, in every version of the bible where either of these phrases appear, the contexts make it clear that it refers to the vast array of 'evil' and 'malicious spirits' who make war against the people of God. In other words, they are the 'principalities and powers' of Satan; beings that wield power in the 'unseen realms' to oppose everything and everyone that is of God. So, as you can see from the above scripture, there does exist real 'spiritual/supernatual beings' that we contend with everyday. While some of these invisible spiritual forces are good, and are here to help us and not out to harm us; this scripture warns us that others are bad (real bad), mean us no good and can wreck havoc in our lives if we don’t recognize them, and 'deal' with them as instructed in the Holy Scriptures (James 4:7,8).
For example, in the Holy Scriptures we read the Apostle Paul’s instructions to ‘put on our spiritual armour’, because our battle in this world is not a ‘physical battle’ against the things we can see such as men and machines, but actually a "spiritual battle” against unseen forces (Ephesians 6:10-18). To be sure, it is a warfare that involves the trickery and power of the devil, as opposed to a human battle. In essence, he is saying that Satan controls the kingdoms of this world and moreover, we are not to underestimate his influence and power, nor believe that this is the will of God. Since Satan is the ‘prince of the power of the air’ (Ephesians 2:2-3), these wicked spirits, in high places, are often understood to be the collective organization of all of Satan's devil spirits. You see, the Holy Scriptures makes it very clear that evil spirits are the true power behind those who oppose the things of God (whether knowingly or unknowingly), These principalities, according to scripture, are ruling demonic spirits possessing executive authority or governmental rule in this world.
As a matter of fact, given these points, we can summarize that this ruling power usually involves a particular nation, people or race. So, in the final analysis, according to scripture, there are ‘evil fallen angels’ that oppose the truth of God, ruling the kingdoms of the world. With Satan as their chief prince or ruler; of both the world system and its organization of demons. As noted in the gospel of Matthew… In Matthew 12:24, the devil is called "Beelzebub", meaning lord of the dwelling in which these wicked spirits are subject to and operate under Satan's dominion. These demonic spirits, like their chief prince (Satan); direct, control, rule and carry out the present darkness of this world. Although this may be true, the Holy Scriptures signify the devil as the author of sin, sickness and death, and warns us to be alert and vigilant because the devil, as a roaring lion roams about seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). It is also telling us to "stand" against these evil forces by equipping ourselves with the power of God, and looking unto Christ as our example. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Although this may be true, a lot of people don’t even realize (especially those that are not very spiritual) the fact that these 'invisible spiritual forces' can have a tremendous impact on our lives. You've heard the old saying: "It's all in your mind". Well, this is actually a very true statement, because everything we say and do, does comes from what we are thinking or (what we are influenced to think by these Invisible Spiritual Forces). As a matter of fact, according to the Holy Scriptures our minds are under constant ‘spiritual attack’ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Consequently, because of the affects of the negative or (bad) spiritual influences in our lives, the road to the throne of grace can some times become very rough, or even blocked altogether, causing some to turn away, become distracted or just quit. For this reason, it is very important to learn what the Holy Scriptures teach about these bad ‘spiritual forces’ and how are we instructed to ‘deal’ with them. So, in this chapter I will focus more on these 'bad' spiritual forces and how to deal with and get rid of them.
Now, before we proceed any further let us pray for power, strength and victory…
1. Prayer for Power, Strength and Victory
"Holy Father, Grant that I may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph, against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Grant me O Lord, to be strengthened with might by Your Spirit in my inner man; that with Christ dwelling in my heart by faith, I may be filled with all the fullness of God.” In Yehoshua’ name Amen.
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“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37–39)
“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16).
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15).
In chapter two you read about the spiritual battles that goes on in a person's life. As we continue, I will go on to show you according to the Holy Scriptures, the interactions of these invisible spiritual forces in everyday human existence. As I stated before, the scriptures inform us that throughout our day to day activities there will be real spiritual forces along the way, to either help us or do us harm (Heb 13:2; Eph 6:12). You see, these supernatural entities not only operate in your mind, influencing your thoughts, but they can be all around you within the mind of the people you come into contact with.
Not only this, the Holy Scriptures tell us to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1), because these forces come in many forms; i.e. False Prophets (Matt 7:15), Angels (Heb 13:2), Demons (Jas 2:19), etc. So, it’s very important to distinguish the good ones from the bad ones; for example Angels are good, and Demons are bad (very bad). Sometimes it’s difficult to recognize these spiritual beings because of their operation in humans; they look like average people. As a matter of fact, people is their ‘base of operations’. And in effect, they may work through friends, relatives, acquaintances, strangers; anybody you come into contact with. So, according to 1 John 4:1), do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; if what they are saying line up with the word of God. For example, one common tactic of the devil is He plants evil thoughts in our minds, and then accuses and condemns us for them. This is why the Holy Scriptures instructs us to guard our minds and heart from evil thoughts, and to take every thought captive (2 Cor 10:5, KJV; Eph 6:17, KJV; Phil 4:8, KJV).
Your mind is not only a terrible thing to waste but it is a useful tool; our thoughts actually come from (3) sources: 1. God; 2. World; 3. Devil. Did you know that when thoughts enter our minds they actually influence our emotions and our emotions can affect our physical health and actions? Well, this is why the Devil works tirelessly to control your mind. With his intention being, by controlling your mind, he and his 'demon forces' can control your emotions, your words, the actions you take in everyday circumstances, your health and even make you sick! We all are used to hearing the quote, "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). And this is a very true statement. Therefore we reasoned, a Christian can not have a demon make him sick, or harm him in any way. Well, I hate to tell you this, but this is not the case exactly. Remember that the bible teaches that demons cannot own a Christian (the blood of Yehoshua has cleansed us from sin, and lives within the heart of anyone who is redeemed (1 John 1:5-10), and no fallen angel or principality (demon) can separate us from Him. (Ro 8:38-39), but they can inhabit, harass and make a Christian sick.
First, it is important to realize, as Christians, our souls are "sealed" until the day of our complete redemption (2 Corinthians 1:22), but our mortal bodies, through our thoughts and emotions can be commandeered by Satan, and taken captive to do his will in any given moment (Mt 16:23). To be sure, it is not the same for us as it is with the unregenerate or unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). The Lord have given unto all of us a choice in the matter (free will); we have the option to hand our bodies over (Rom 6:12-22); like pieces on a chest board to either God or Satan in the great cosmic battle or Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8). Another example of demonic activity in someone's life is when things are going good, and then all of a sudden your circumstances change. You encounter adversities, challenges, roadblocks, hindrances, and problems (Job 1:6-19). Your faith weans, doubt sets in and you wonder; ‘why is this happening to me?’ ‘Where is God in all of this?’ But not to worry, God has given to us all that we need to overcome these forces and reach our destination (Ephesians 6:10-18).
As unbelievable as all this may seem to some; as you read in (Eph 6:12), the Holy Scriptures does make it clear that there are spiritual forces that operate in a person’s life and the fact that our struggle is not with the actual physical being or (person) but with the invisible spiritual forces (Spirits), spiritual laws and spiritual powers that govern each person’s thoughts, words and actions. When thoughts, feelings and desires come into our awareness we naively assume they originate with us. The bottom line is that most thoughts actually originate in and are influenced by the 'Spiritual Realm'. Hard to believe isn't it? Well, have you ever had a thought and wondered to yourself where it came from? I'm sure you have heard someone say, for example; “something told me to do this or that” or “I don't know what made me say or do that”, or “the Devil made him do it”... etc. Maybe you have said something like that yourself from time to time. If you answered yes, then it is a very real truth that you unknowingly have received a thought, or idea, from a spiritual entity other than yourself.
As a matter of fact, we learn from scripture that it happens all the time, especially when interacting with other people. Additionally, the Holy Scriptures teach that we are all spirits in temporal bodies of flesh (Genesis 2:7; Numbers 16:22). And since we are all spirits in bodies of flesh we do have our own thoughts as well. By the same token, God gave us free will to choose what we align ourselves with. This is why it’s very important to guard our minds and hearts with the truth of God’s Word (Pr 4:23; Php 4:7) as you will discover farther on in this chapter. So hopefully by making you aware of these 'Invisible Spiritual Forces', I pray, will open your eyes to the scripture truths that enable you to better see in a more spiritual way and how your life has been and can be influenced personally by the 'spirit realm'; that place we cannot sense with our five senses…
2. The Main Players
Well, thus far we have learned that according to the Holy Scriptures there really exists an 'Invisible Spiritual World'. And we also learned about the 'Spiritual Battles' that goes on everyday in the mind and for the mind of people. Next, we will take a look at the 'main characters' who live in and come from this spiritual world. The role they play and how we are instructed to 'interact' with the 'good' ones, and 'deal' with the 'bad' ones. In a word, our conscious minds are being formed, informed and influenced unawares by these 'main' invisible forces that affect our thinking and ultimately our actions everyday: God and His Angels, the Devil and his Demons. Though not a literal being, our lives can also be influenced and affected by the World, and the Flesh, Eph 2:2-3; Php 2:13)…
1. God (Holy Spirit) - First, and most importantly, there is our Heavenly Father, who is known by many names. Some of the most familiar ones being: “God” - “Yahweh” - “I Am” - or “Holy Father”, to name a few. As it has been shown before, God is a Spirit and He is Holy. How do we know this? Well, in the Holy Scriptures, Yehoshua teaches us this; “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
Therefore, we cannot accept that God is Spirit without accepting that (as it has been shown in the previous chapters) there is a real spiritual realm and real spiritual beings. In fact, the Holy Scriptures is so full of references to the spiritual realm that we simply cannot rationalize it away. Additionally, it is generally understood everywhere in Scripture that God is Creator of all that is (Genesis 1:1); the Sustainer of the universe and all earthly life ( Heb. 1:3); the Supreme Spiritual Being (Col. 1:15-18); the beginning and ending of all things (Isaiah 46:9-11; Revelation 1:8). Not only that, God is also revealed in the Holy Scriptures as being the 'Almighty God' and the 'giver of all good and perfect gifts (James 1:17; Ephesians 3:20). Truly, our God is a Mighty God... all Powerful, Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient. His power and greatness are far beyond our comprehension (Job 9:4). Moreover, God interacts with His creation as a Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Uniquely, in each mysterious character of His Being, the scriptures reveal that though God loves Humankind, He hates Sin (Proverbs 6:16-19; Romans 1:26-27).
Because sin brings about the evil that hinders us from receiving His promises, and is always destructive of human life and goodness (Romans 5:8, 3:23). Nevertheless, the Holy Scriptures reveals God as one who cherishes human beings and Who never stops working on their behalf and for their betterment (Deut 31:6, 8; Heb 4:16). It is God's desire for humanity that our soul/mind get redeemed, and we that live victoriously in the world (but not of the world) will love our fellow man and by faith destroy the works of the devil. So, as it has been shown, these four terms (God , Devil, World, Flesh) identify invisible realities which the scriptures consistently refers to as 'major forces' operating in the lives of human beings. If we are not aware of these and do not understand how they relate to our everyday existence, then it is little wonder that we find ourselves perplexed by scriptural promises like "victorious life," "freedom in Christ," "being transformed into His likeness," and "entering into the Kingdom of Heaven."
Humankind has always experienced these invisible forces as either benevolent or malevolent, as bringing about good or as bringing about evil. While the Holy Scriptures generally asserts that this is basically true, there is more complexity to the issue. In the final analysis, forces for good and for evil operate invisibly in the spiritual realm, the social arena, and in the human mind/soul and personality. You can be sure that not all of these entities are bad, in fact most inhabitants of the spiritual realm are good, and work to benefit and help us along the way. Such as God's "messengers," better known to us by the Greek word: “angels” (Col 1:16). (I will talk more about angels in the next section). Furthermore, the scriptures teach us that God did not give us a mind to be filled with negative, evil thoughts. On the contrary, God desires us to have peace, love and power in our minds, 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”.
So every time you get distracted with negative thoughts and images, just remember the ultimate goal, a 'Christ like mind'. To be sure, Yehoshua never worried about, or participated in what the world was doing; He always stayed focus on His ultimate goal, dying on the cross for our sins. So begin today by developing the 'mind of Christ', renewing your mind with the Word of God and guarding your mind against Satan's lies and attacks; keeping your focus on God, His will for you, His promises and the conditions we must meet in order for Him to honour His promises. As stated before, God interacts with His creation as a Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. But, it is only through relationship with His Son Yehoshua that we have direct access to Him. This is because of the fact that God is Holy and man is sinful; the only way we interact with the Father is through Yehoshua... the Mediator between man and God. Remember, God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
“May the Awesomeness of God’s Power always be evident in all our lives” In the name of our Lord and Saviour Yehoshua, Amen.
2. Second – Angels (Good Spirits):
So, just what are angels? Why were they created? What do angels look like and what do angels do? The answer to these questions may surprise you, as the Holy Scripture’s description of angels is nothing at all like they are typically depicted in Hollywood movies, books and peoples imagination. Actually, the words for "angel" in both Hebrew and Greek, simply mean "messenger" or “God's messengers”. As a matter of fact, in the Holy Scriptures angels appear in many different forms. For example, most angels have the appearance and form of a man, with many of them having wings, but not all. Some angels (Seraphim) are bright, shining, and fiery while others look like ordinary humans. Seraphim are the highest angelic class and they serve as the caretakers of God's throne and continuously shout praises: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:2-3; Revelation 4:8). Other angels, called (Cherubim) are described as having multiple faces that appear like a man from one angle, and a lion, ox, or eagle from another angle.
According to the Holy Scriptures, Cherubim guard the way to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) and the throne of God (Ezekiel 28:14–16). This passage in Ezekiel 1:1-28 gives a brilliant description of angels as four winged creatures. Also, in Ezekiel 10:20, we are told these angels are cherubim. Yet there are other classes of angels called (Thrones). These Thrones or Elders, are a class of celestial beings mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 1:16. They are living symbols of God's justice and authority, and have as one of their symbols the throne. Additionally, some angels are larger than life. Some angels are invisible, yet their presence is felt, and their voice is heard. To be sure, there are said to be many classes of angels, specifically these two scriptures; Ephesians 1:21 and Colossians 1:16, that are used to develop a schema of three Hierarchies, Spheres or Triads of angels, with each Hierarchy containing three Orders or Choirs. For example; First Sphere = Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. Second Sphere = Dominions or Lordships, Virtues or Strongholds and Powers or Authorities...
Third Sphere = Principalities or Rulers, Archangels and Angels/Personal guardian angels. In fact, angels are mentioned 273 times in the Holy Scriptures. Moreover, the scriptures present two possibilities of where angels come from: First, (Colossians 1:16) tells us that Angels are spiritual beings, created by God to serve Him, though created higher than man (Hebrews 2:7)... (While we live here on this earth we are lower than the angels. But when Christians enter heaven they will be higher than the angels because they will be the sons and daughters of the living God) 1 Corinthians 6:3; John 1:12. Although this may be true, there are other scriptures that gives some people reason to believe that angels are simply people who have died and gone to heaven. For example, some scriptures clearly states that angels are "men" or "people." Like for instance, this passage in Daniel 9: 21, where we are told that "the man Gabriel" appeared to Daniel. Not only this, but Angels were also called people when they appeared to Abraham (Genesis 18: 2), Joshua (Joshua 5: 13), Manoah's wife (Judges 13: 6), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 9: 2, 3), Zechariah (Zechariah 1: 8, 11), and the women at the sepulcher (Mark 16: 5; Luke 24: 4; John 20: 12).
By these scriptures we can assume that when Angels appeared they have always 'looked like' people. That is why Paul says, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares " (Hebrews 13: 2) KJV. To me, these scriptures are not really saying 'exactly' where they came from, so it doesn’t really matter, however, exactly where the angels came from. The important thing is that they exist. I've never seen an angel, but I believe they exist and they do watch over us. Additionally, the scriptures tell us that some, the good angels, have remained obedient to God and carry out His will (Psalms 103:20), while others, fallen angels, disobeyed, fell from their holy position (Revelation 12:7-9), and now stand in active opposition to the work and plan of God (Ephesians 6:12). According to scripture, these spiritual beings and are active in the affairs of men (Ps 91:11-12, 104:4; Lu 15:10).
But all of this comes with a warning... Though the scriptures tell us angels are interested in the affairs of men, we cannot initiate direct contact with them or so-called ‘good spirits’. Why? Mainly because, if we attempt to make any contact with the spirit world, evil spirits will take advantage of this sin and contact us, claiming to be good. Did you know that many people get "sucked into" occult practices by attempting to contact angels, or saying "I will only contact good spirits?" These people do not understand that angels / 'good spirits' will not violate God's law by participating in human-initiated contact with the spirit world. In fact, God has prohibited us from initiating contact with the spirit world (Deuteronomy 18:10-12,14). Therefore, good angels will only obey God's laws and not respond to attempts by us to make direct contact. Psalm 91:11-12, states that God 'gives' His Angels charge over us; we don't have the authority to command angels to do anything... Only God does. So, in essence, God does send angels to