Invisible reality.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

This widely quoted verse is never really explained but usually used a ‘club’ to beat someone with who the speaker thinks the individual is doing something wrong. It really is a ‘revelation’ from Paul about the extra dimensional reality we are actually a part of and what really is going on around us that we can’t see, but are definitely affected by. This is the reason Paul goes on to list the spiritual armor that every believer should be utilizing in their daily lives. So how do we actually discern this invisible ‘warfare’ happening around us that is having a negative effect on us? The same way Paul received this revelation – by the Holy Spirit. This will require that you have learned to discern His voice within your mind, that you have actually learned the difference between His Voice and your voice, and any other ‘voices’ speaking in your mind. This ‘grid’ of discernment comes from the Rhema Word spoken by the Lord Jesus to your heart through the Holy Spirit. In that context – of learning and building your grid of understanding, it is extremely helpful to have a strong knowledge of the scriptures for confirmation as you navigate all of the information you are receiving from Him. We know from scripture of the heavenly divide between the angels and that 1/3 of the number decided to become enemies of God. These rebellious angels are the reason we have ‘this present darkness’ that Paul mentions in this verse. They are the ‘forces of evil’ that are wreaking havoc on this world and the human race. As we progress in this timeline things will effectively get worse.

And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:10-14

So our need for discernment and ability to hear the instructions from the Holy Spirit will only increase. Our need to be able to rightly utilize our spiritual armor will grow. We will need instruction on spiritual warfare by the Holy Spirit Himself. Be wary of those trying to ‘teach’ spiritual warfare tactics and formulas, for they can often be peddlers of fear by manipulation. And any “steps” by routine or formula will only lead to failure. Why? The spiritual realm / extra dimensions are a place of much greater properties than our limited dimensions that we live in. Thus the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit IS the authority we need to be listening to and taking our instruction from. The simplest mention of the Name of Jesus by a follower of Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit will stop the present ‘torment’ by an extradimensional spirit of evil.  So how can we learn all of this? We MUST learn to have more and more conversations with the Holy Spirit. We must learn how to keep that ‘line’ of communication with the Holy Spirit open at all times. We must learn to be focused enough and quiet our soul to actually listen to Him.

How are you doing with His spiritual warfare training? Are you listening to Him? Are you asking Him how you can be more effective?