Bible Study: Going on Offense in Spiritual Warfare

🌟 Welcome Back to Our Spiritual Warfare Series

In our ongoing journey into the reality of spiritual warfare, we now turn our focus to how the disciples of Jesus engaged the battle. We have already explored:

• ⚔️ The Sword of the Spirit: God's Rhema word, spoken with power.

• 🙏 The Weapon of Prayer: Our divine channel of communication and authority.

• 📢 The Weapon of Command: Jesus' example of rebuking and casting out evil.

Today, we look at how the disciples were equipped to go on the offense in spiritual warfare, continuing the mission of Jesus after His ascension.

📖 Luke 10: The Seventy-Two Are Sent

"After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go..." (Luke 10:1ff, excerpt)

Key Observations:

1. Two by Two

   • Spiritual warfare is not solo work. Jesus sent them out in pairs to support each other.

   • Ministry teams provide spiritual backup and accountability.

2. Lambs Among Wolves

   • Jesus was clear: the world is spiritually hostile.

   • Awareness of opposition doesn’t stop the mission; it strengthens our dependence on Him.

3. Proclamation and Presence

   • They carried shalom to each house.

   • If received, it rested; if not, it returned to them. This is mystical but powerful.

4. Kingdom Power Confirmed

   • They were to proclaim, "The Kingdom of God has come near."

   • With that, they healed the sick and cast out demons.

“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17)

Jesus responded:

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:18–19)

Two Words:

• Exousia (Authority): Delegated rule or command.

• Dunamis (Power): Actual strength or force.

Jesus gave both.

📖 Mark 16: Signs That Accompany Believers

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons...” (Mark 16:17)

Although debated in scholarly circles, this passage underscores the expectation of power accompanying Gospel ministry. It became a key verse in Pentecostal tradition and reminds us:

• The name of Jesus is the source of our authority.

• Spiritual confrontation is part of the evangelistic mission.

📖 The Book of Acts: Disciples on the Offensive

Acts 8: Philip in Samaria

"For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many... So there was great joy in that city." (Acts 8:7-8)

• Spiritual warfare is often the front line of evangelism.

• Deliverance brings freedom and credibility to the Gospel message.

Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24)

• A man steeped in sorcery believed and was baptized.

• But when he tried to buy spiritual power, Peter discerned his heart:

“You are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” (v. 23)

This shows:

• The gift of discernment is vital.

• The battle continues even within the church.

Elymas the Sorcerer (Acts 13:6-12)

Paul confronts a false prophet:

“You are a child of the devil... Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?”

• The enemy opposes key leaders (like the proconsul).

• Discernment and boldness are essential.

• Supernatural confrontation leads to belief.

Acts 16: The Slave Girl with a Spirit of Python

“She followed Paul... shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God...’”

• Though her words were true, the source was demonic.

• Paul discerned and cast out the spirit:

“In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!”

The result? Deliverance—and opposition from her owners.

🔎 Summary Observations

1. Spiritual warfare was not theoretical for the disciples.

2. They encountered demonic opposition regularly, especially during evangelism.

3. They ministered with authority and power in Jesus' name.

4. Discernment was essential to navigate real and counterfeit spirituality.

5. These events occurred within the context of the Great Commission.

“Go and make disciples... And surely I am with you always...” (Matthew 28:19-20)

🙏 Closing Reflection and Prayer

Jesus didn’t leave us defenseless. He gave us His name, His Spirit, and His authority.

Reflect:

• Are you ministering alone or with spiritual partners?

• Are you discerning what’s truly from God?

• Are you prepared to stand against opposition?

Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us into Your mission. Fill us with Your Spirit, empower us with Your authority, and train our hearts to be courageous, discerning, and joyful. May Your Kingdom come through our words, prayers, and bold obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”