If we want to be victorious in our battles Then we must take spiritual warfare seriously 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 English Standard Version 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ… Luke 11:14-28 English Standard Version Jesus and Beelzebul 14 Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” 16 while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 24 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.” A House Divided Against Itself will Fall (vs 17-25) Indecision and indecisiveness are not an option for the Christian When we fail to recognize that there’s spiritual warfare going on all around us, it leads to: Leaving Scripture up to our own interpretation Allowing occultic/demonic influences in our homes Embracing alternative lifestyles Sinning in the secret place Adopting/including other religious ideologies to mix with Christianity [Astrology, Tarot Cards, Zodiac, Numerology, Witchcraft, etc] A Call to Holiness (1 Peter:1:15) “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” HOLINESS: to be distinct, separate, in a class by oneself 2. Disarming the strongman (vs 21-26) Good news: Jesus has already done this Important news: we are still engaging in spiritual warfare Positive news: we have the armor of God at our disposal Truthful news: doesn’t work if you don’t put it on Reliable news: when we use it, it has the power to tear down strongholds Rules for Going on the offensive Do a personal assessment. What does my walk look like? Assess what you have allowed into your home Repent and confess Break the stronghold immediately – procrastination is the enemy of victory