Introduction: Matt 18:18-20, 2 Cor 10:1-6
In the spiritual journey of every believer, the reality of spiritual warfare cannot be ignored. As we navigate the challenges of life, we are engaged in a battle against the spiritual forces of evil. However, amidst this warfare, we possess a powerful weapon that can break chains and bind demons: praise. In this blog post, we will explore the transformative power of praise in spiritual warfare, drawing inspiration from biblical examples and principles.
Understanding the Concept of Spiritual Warfare:
Before delving into the role of praise in spiritual warfare, it’s essential to grasp the concept itself. Spiritual warfare is the ongoing battle against spiritual forces of evil, as outlined in Ephesians 6:12. Understanding the importance of spiritual warfare equips us to stand firm in our faith and engage in the battle with confidence. The word translated “wrestle’’ is translated “struggle” in order versions, to show us the reality of spiritual warfare
The story begins in the late 1980s when Thomas Muthee and his wife returned from Scotland to Nairobi, Kenya. He was serving as an itinerant evangelist and his wife as a schoolteacher. In 1988, the Lord spoke to him in a time of prayer and said, “I want you to plant a church in Kiambu.”
Numerous evangelical preachers had tried to start churches there and left defeated though churches thrived in other parts of Kenya. If the Muthees were to succeed in starting a church in Kiambu, they needed a divinely given direction.
God revealed through a vision that a spirit of witchcraft was the ruling principality there and that a number of other demonic spirits were functioning under the headship of witchcraft. Since God had shown them that witchcraft was the ruling principality over the city, they spent the remainder of their six months in prayer and fasting attacking this stronghold.
The Muthees called their second phase of intercession simply sending in the ground troops, and they were it. The two of them moved their residency 10 miles away into Kiambu and set to work on starting a church.
God gave them tremendous favor, and they were the first evangelical ministers allowed to hold meetings at the municipal hall. Eight people came to Christ the first night.
The third phase of intercession for the Muthees was rallying an army of prayer warriors. They soon found out that the principality of witchcraft had its chief human counterpart in a woman named Mamma Jane, a sorceress who practiced witchcraft and fortune-telling in a facility she called Emmanuel Clinic. Thomas Muthee knew that the 24-hour prayer vigil was not cutting it and something more was needed. He reached a point of desperation and tears and feared he would be the next statistic of pastors who gave up on Kiambu. Then, the Lord revealed to him the fourth phase of intercession that was needed. The Lord said, “My son, I want you to get the intercessors on the job.” While the results of this strategy were initially positive, the designated intercessors came under strong attack on their assigned days. They might become sick, weakened, or distracted on their day of duty.
When Muthee asked the Lord how to deal with the attack on the intercessors, the Lord directed him to the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer to show the wisdom of going to war with an armor bearer at one’s side. Each intercessor needed armor bearers on the day they were assigned to fast and pray. The Prayer Cave itself has 4,000 active members which constitutes 5% of Kiambu’s population of 80,000.
I confess I have not reached this level of clear communication with the Holy Spirit, but I know it is possible. I know I can reach a GSP level of direct contact with the Holy spirit, to the point he directs my life and corrects me when I am wrong. You too can reach this level. How?
By listening for His voice, by reading God’s word, and by having two-way prayer. Is your prayer time a monologue or a dialogue. Do you hear as well as speak?
The Weapon of Praise in Spiritual Warfare
Praise is more than just singing songs or reciting words of adoration. It is a powerful spiritual weapon that shifts atmospheres and confounds the enemy. As Psalm 22:3 states, “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.” When we exalt God’s name in praise, we acknowledge His sovereignty and authority over every situation.
Biblical Examples of Praise in Spiritual Warfare:
Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples of praise leading to victory in spiritual battles. One such example is found in the story of David and Goliath, where David’s praise and trust in God led to triumph against a formidable enemy (1 Samuel 17:45-47). Similarly, Paul and Silas experienced deliverance from prison through praise and worship, as recounted in Acts 16:25-26.
Principles of Praise Warfare:
We must understand key principles to effectively wield praise as a spiritual warfare as weapon in spirit. These include recognising the authority we have in Christ, as well as making faith-filled declarations rooted in God’s truth and promises. As Psalm 149:6 declares, “May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.”
Implementing Praise Warfare in Our Lives:
Cultivating a lifestyle of praise is essential for engaging in spiritual warfare. We must make praise a habit in our daily lives, rejoicing always and giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Doing so allows us to overcome challenges and experience victory through praise.
Let me give you another example of how God is on the move.
Haiti is a state that made a pact with the devil for three hundred years. It is renowned as a centre of witchcraft, voodoo, and satanic worship. In 1991 Christians went to the most traditional satanic voodoo field in Haiti and were “violent in the Spirit, praying, rebuking, fighting and casting out spirits” …until they felt the power of the devil had been lifted.
When the voodoo priests came several days later to attempt their rituals, they were unable to evoke the demonic spirits. And they went off to complain to Government Officials and the news media.
The Christians defended their position with the Government, and the Government declared it their legitimate legal right to hold Christian meetings at the site and in all historic sites in Haiti.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, praise is a potent weapon in the arsenal of every believer. As we enter the new year, let us harness the power of praise to break chains, bind demons, and usher in victory in spiritual warfare. May our lives be characterized by a continual offering of praise to God, knowing that through praise, we can shake foundations and overcome every obstacle that stands in our way.