Contributor: Leye Olayiwola

INTRODUCTION

Another gracious opportunity to learn at the feet of the Father. Thanking God, the Father of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ for the non-scarcity of His word in our midst (Amos 8:11-12). At the last teaching, we considered eight (8) Spiritual Blessings that we as believers in Jesus Christ have received in heavenly places through Christ Jesus. It is very important for us to walk in this consciousness in order to effectively appropriate our authority in establishing and enforcing God’s Kingdom here on earth.
As great as this truth sounds, it is also important to know that we can only derive the benefits of this blessings only if they are acted upon. This is the core of our discussion as we consider the importance of acting on the truths of God’s words in enforcing the freedom that Jesus Christ has already paid for on the cross of Calvary.

1. Knowledge Is Important
Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. [Prov.10:14]
A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; [Prov.24:5]
Consciously or unconsciously, our daily decisions are based on what we do or do not know. This is one of the reasons why the bible says that:
Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet. [Prov.19:2]
This simply means making a decision without appropriate and godly knowledge (where applicable) is sin. God, the creator of Heavens and Earth laments about the people without knowledge. He gives ignorance as a basis of rejection. Need we say more about the importance of knowledge? Success in life is premised on the acquisition of knowledge.

2. Acting On The Knowledge (of the truth) You Know Is Even More Important
Any blessing, right, privilege, or authority can belong to you, but if you don't know about it, you won't act on it. Or if you don't act on what you know and exercise and appropriate what has been given to you, it won't benefit you. It won't become a reality to you even though it's your legal possession. That's why you need to have a knowledge of what belongs to you in Christ. But just knowledge of what belongs to you isn't enough. It's knowledge acted upon that brings results. The devil doesn't want the people of God to find out the authority that actually belongs to them in Christ. This is one way Satan tries to defeat the child of God. He knows when the child of God finds out ( and acts on) his legal, lawful authority in Christ, he will enjoy victory over him That's why Satan tries to obscure this knowledge and blind people's eyes and understanding and keep this vital knowledge from them. But when the child of God knows the truth and acts on that knowledge, he can no longer be dominated by the devil.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”[John 8:32]
You have to know the truth before the truth can make you free. That's what this verse is saying. Then once you know the truth of God's Word about who you are in Christ, it's acting on the truth you know that makes you free.
“But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].
But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience].” [James 1:22, 25 AMP]

Take note of the phrase “actively and continually obeying God’s precepts”. The words actively and continually can be summarised with the term diligently. It is good to note that results are only obtained through diligent and consistent efforts. This simply means that it is only a relentless, unfailing and unwavering acting on God’s words, despite opposing situations, circumstances, tests and trials that result in total freedom. Not an epileptic form of action. The Word you know that you act on makes you free. When you act on the Word you know, you will enjoy victory over satanic forces in every circumstance of life.

3. Some of the Truths Required To Be Acted Upon
Let us consider some vital spiritual truths that we need to consciously act on and live by as victorious believers.
a. Satan Shall Not Have Dominion Over Believers
The passion with which some so-called believers attribute control and power to Satan when faced with challenges is unbelievable. The Bible says we have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God's dear Son (Col. 1:13). Therefore, our inheritance includes the fact that the works of darkness have no legal authority or dominion over us. Paul wrote to the believers at Rome, saying, "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace" (Rom. 6:14). In a sense, sin and Satan are synonymous terms. Therefore, we could read this verse, "Satan shall not have dominion over you." Another translation reads, "Sin shall not lord it over you." You could read it: "Satan shall not lord it over you." Why can't Satan lord it over believers? Because he's not our lord, and he's been put under our feet! Jesus is our Lord and the Head of the Church, not Satan. So when next you’re in the company of a believer who still attributes their situations to the “power” of the Devil, be prompt to correct such person (in love) with this truth.
b. The Shadow of the Valley of Death [Psalm 23:4]
Once we understand that we have been delivered out of Satan's control and we are no longer under the dominion of Satan or spiritual death, we can understand more clearly what Psalm 23 is saying to us. There is a truth in Psalm 23 that the Body of Christ has failed to receive and appropriate for their lives. You understand, of course, that many of the psalms are prophetic or Messianic. But we are living in Psalm 23 right now. Psalm 23:4 is quoted all the time at funerals, but actually this is referring to Satan's domain here on earth, and it is referring to spiritual death, not physical death. You and I are walking through the valley of the shadow of death in this life because Satan is the god of this world. Spiritual death and its effects are on every side. Sin, sickness, disease, poverty, and everything else that Satan brings surround us in this life. But Jesus declared that we are in the world, but not of the world (John 17:16,18). That correlates with a valuable truth we find in Psalm 23:5: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies....". Who are our enemies? The devil himself is certainly our enemy; the Bible calls him our adversary (1 Peter 5:8). Evil spirits, demons, sickness, disease, and poverty are all our enemies. Anything that would bind or hinder us is our enemy.

c. The Table of Provision [Psalm 23:5]
In Psalm 23:5, God is telling us that right in the midst of Satan's domain where the devil is ruling over those in darkness as the god of this world and where the effects of spiritual death are all around us—God prepares a table for us in the very presence of those enemies! Yes, demons, devils, and evil spirits are here and we sometimes feel their presence and their effect. But even so, God prepares a table for us right in the midst of them! Why does God prepare a table for us in the presence of our enemies? Why don't we just get rid of our enemies? The scripture is very clear about the “tenancy” of the Devil and his demons in Jude 6,7. They are reserved in everlasting chains of darkness for the judgement of the great day. That's why it is so important for believers to stand in their victory and partake of the table of the Lord's provision, because those evil spirits will be here to try to hinder us, tempt us, and keep us from receiving God's best in life.
The reason many Christians are defeated in life is that even though they are seated with Christ in heavenly places at the table of the Lord's provision, they aren't appropriating what belongs to them at that table. All the riches of being in Christ are included at the table of the Lord's provision. Many believers are not even looking at the provisions God has made for them in the Word. Instead of looking at their rights and privileges in Christ, including their authority over the devil, they are looking at the enemy. Their focus in life is on the devil and his works, not on Jesus and His finished work of redemption. They are always talking about devils, demons, and demonic activity instead of the riches of God's abundant grace and the "all spiritual blessings" that belong to them in Christ. They're not standing in the finished work of the Cross as the triumphant Church, reigning in life through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion
We must be relentless in our pursuit of the knowledge of the truth as it relates to every area of our lives. We must also go further in appropriating and acting on these known truths to actualise and activate our already won victory in our spiritual, marital, emotional, financial, physical e.t.c lives in establishing the Kingdom of God in every sphere of lives here on the earth. We need to focus on God and what He has provided, instead of on the devil and what he's doing. We need to focus on the riches of our inheritance in Christ and the rights and privileges that legally belong to us as a result of being in Him. Appropriate for yourself the riches of being in Him. Focus on your heavenly position in Christ where we are seated far above all powers and principalities and all the evil works of the enemy.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
In our last study we considered the topic - The Wisdom of Being in Christ. The study focused on the benefits of being spiritually matured in Christ. That when believers have the eyes of their understanding enlightened, they will understand exactly how complete the plan of redemption really is.
Today’s topic – “Blessed With All Spiritual Blessings in Christ” reveals a list of arsenal that a believer should be armed with in exercising their authority over the enemy. EPHESIANS 1:3 says:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS in heavenly places in Christ.” Emphasis mine

In Jesus' redemption, everything Jesus wrought—everything He bought and secured in His victory over Satan—He did for the Body of Christ—you and I. Jesus' triumph and victory belongs to every single believer. Because we are blessed with all spiritual blessings, that would certainly include triumph and authority over Satan, otherwise it wouldn't be ALL spiritual blessings.

THE BLESSINGS
Verses 4-13 tells us of these blessings:
1. Elected as saints: verse 4 says that He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” God has chosen to make us holy and blameless, and all because of His love, His good pleasure, and His grace (verses 5–6). What a blessing, that “even when we were dead in sins” (Ephesians 2:5), God chose to extend His grace to us and offer us salvation. This is even more amazing when we realize that He made that decision before sin even entered into the world.

2. Adopted as Children: verse 5. Not only has God chosen us to be made holy, but He grants us full status as His children, with all the benefits thereof. John 1:12 says, “As many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”

3. Accepted in the Beloved: verse 6, where we are made “accepted in the beloved.” The word is related to grace and gives the idea of making us graceful or favourable through Christ, the beloved of God. When we put on Christ, the Father sees His loveliness when He looks at us. The blood of Christ has taken away the guilt of our sins, and we stand before the Father as perfectly accepted.

4. Redemption through His blood: verse 7 Redemption speaks of buying one's freedom, paying a ransom. The price for our sins, the payment to buy us out of eternal condemnation, was fully paid by the blood of Christ. In Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin, but we become slaves to God. Since we are bought and paid for by His blood, we have an obligation to glorify God in our body and spirit (1 Corinthians 6:20).
5. Forgiveness of sins: verse 7 It is closely related to redemption, but looks at the other side of the coin. In paying the ransom for our sins, the debt of sin was cancelled, and we were forgiven. We no longer have the burden of guilt for violating God's holy laws.

6. Knowledge of the mystery of God’s will Vs 8-10: The sixth spiritual blessing listed is knowing the mystery of His will. God has given us wisdom and insight through His Word and has shown us His desire to bring all things together to glorify Christ. Since all of creation was made by Him and is for His good pleasure (Revelation 4:11), the consummation of His plan is when everything and everyone is brought in line to glorify Him. By aligning ourselves with Him by faith, we become part of His perfect plan and purpose.

7. The Inheritance given through Christ: Verse 11. What is included in that inheritance? “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). The riches of glory, the presence of God, the eternal home – these don't even scratch the surface of all the blessings that belong to our inheritance.

8. The Seal of the Holy Spirit: Verse 13. When we become God's children, He places His mark of ownership on us, guaranteeing our eternal security. This is spoken of as the down-payment of our full redemption, to hold us until the day Christ brings us to Him.
All these spiritual blessings are to keep us continually aware and secure in Him when we exercise our authority over the enemy. People who enjoy the blessings of God, including their rightful authority over the devil, just know how to take advantage of what belongs to them to a greater degree than those who don't appropriate the blessings of God. If you don't know about your inheritance and authority in Christ, you will not be able to partake of what is rightfully yours.

CONCLUSION
Every one of us in the Body of Christ is blessed with all or every spiritual blessing in Christ, so no one has a corner on the authority we possess over the devil in Jesus' Name. The least member in the Body of Christ can be fearless in the face of demons, devils, and evil spirits because of who he is in Christ. No one is blessed with any more spiritual blessings than anyone else in the Body of Christ.
It's to be regretted that every member of the Body of Christ doesn't take advantage of what belongs to him, because his authority over the devil belongs to him whether he knows about it or not. But a person can't take advantage of something he doesn't know about or exercise.

Contributor: Noel Osaghae

INTRODUCTION
In last week’s study we considered the topic: “The Seating and Reigning of Christ”. The study was mostly a truth finding adventure. We learnt that our seating with Christ was a part of our inheritance and that our position as believers is of joint-seating with Christ in heavenly places. Although this may not always be our circumstance, but that is our position. If you want to rise above your circumstances, take advantage of your position in Christ. In the study we stressed that we shouldn’t only find these truths but we should by His grace let them set us free! (John 8:32).
In today’s study we will be looking at the topic: “The Wisdom of Being in Christ.” This study will show us the benefits of being spiritually matured in Christ.
1 CORINTHIANS 2:6,7
“we do discuss 'wisdom' with those who are mature; only it is not the wisdom of this world or of the dethroned powers who rule this world, it is the mysterious wisdom of God that we discuss, that hidden wisdom which God decreed from all eternity for our glory.”

WHAT IS THE WISDOM OF GOD THAT THOSE WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY MATURE IN THE WORD WILL SEE AND UNDERSTAND?
1. It is knowledge of the inheritance that God has already prepared for them in Christ;

It is the wisdom of knowing who they are in Christ. The wisdom of God is that believers only need to stand against demons in the finished work of the Cross—in the victory that Jesus Christ already won for them.
If believers would begin to stand in their position of authority in Christ against a foe that has already been defeated and dethroned, it would solve so many of their problems.
Many well-meaning believers have fallen into the error of thinking they have to do something to overcome the devil. They seem to think that somehow they have to "fight" the devil and conquer him. According to 1Corinthians 2:6, one reason believers have fallen into this error is that they aren't mature in the Word: "We speak the wisdom of God to those who are mature."

People who are wrestling against the devil in their own strength, always trying to defeat a "dethroned power," are not yet mature or full grown in the Word.
The Bible says: "... we speak wisdom among them that are perfect [mature or full grown]: yet not the wisdom of this world.... But we speak The Wisdom Of God ..." (1 Cor. 2:6,7).

2. The wisdom of God is the wisdom of His Word.

Your mind will have to be renewed to the wisdom of God—the wisdom of God's Word—to see what Jesus has already wrought for you in your redemption. That's what will make you mature in your knowledge of being in Christ.
When believers have the eyes of their understanding enlightened, they will understand exactly how complete the plan of redemption really is.
Those who are still waging war on the devil haven't had the eyes of their understanding enlightened to see the wisdom of God. (Ephesians 1:18). But when you are mature in the Word and have the wisdom of God—Bible wisdom—you know Satan and his hosts are already conquered, defeated, dethroned, and deprived of their power and that you are the triumphant one in Christ.
But you will have to stand your ground with the Word of God against Satan because his wiles are deceptive, and he will try to blind your eyes to make you think he has power and authority over you.

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:4

He will always try to get you out of the realm of faith in God's Word by making you doubt the Word, doubt God, and doubt what God has told you. That's why the fight against him is in the arena of faith—faith in God and faith in God's Word—not in trying to defeat an enemy who is already defeated.

3. The wisdom of God is only seen in its application
One reason many believers are having so much trouble with the devil is that they are always trying to do something themselves about the devil, instead of acting on what the Word says Jesus already did about the devil. That means they aren't doers of the Word. They say, "Let's declare war on the devil!" and they try to carry out some kind of combat against him.
But when you understand that Satan is dethroned, you know war has already been declared on the devil, and the victory has been won by the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ arose the Victor!
So just take your position of joint-seating with Christ in His victory over the devil. Colossians 2:15 says:
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

If Satan and his cohorts have been dethroned, then why are the hosts of darkness ruling over so many believers? Either believers don't know their authority in Christ, or they aren't exercising their authority in Christ.

CONCLUSION
Satan will keep on ruling people in the world who aren't saved, of course, because they don't know any better. But if believers will preach the gospel to unsaved folks, they'll get saved and come out from under Satan's dominion. The Church is to preach the good news to every creature and tell them that they don't have to be dominated by the devil anymore. That's how we are to "wage war" on the devil! When people get a hold of the good news in Christ and are born again, Satan won't be able to rule over them anymore. That is how believers are to put Satan's kingdom to nought and reduce it to nothing.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
In last week’s study we considered the topic: “The Authority of Jesus and Defeat over Satan & Powers”. We looked at the authority of Jesus and His defeat over Satan and the powers He dethroned in the process.  This defeat we learnt was by His death on the cross and the resurrection from the dead! After Jesus was raised from the dead, the Bible says God highly exalted Him to a position of honour at the right hand of God the Father and gave Him a Name which is above every name. Today’s study is mostly a truth finding adventure. But we will not only find these truths but we will by His grace let them set us free! (John 8:32)
Philippians 2:9-11
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him [Jesus], and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things [beings] in heaven, and things [beings] in earth, and things [beings] under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Ephesians 1:19-22
“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power.... Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.”
God not only gave Jesus a name which is above every name, but at the name of Jesus every being in all three worlds—Heaven, earth, and hell—must bow and confess Jesus' Lordship and dominion. God also seated Jesus in the highest position in the universe, at His own right hand, and made Him head over all things (v.22).
Note that these verses don't say, "God raised Jesus from the dead and set Him above all principality, power, might, and dominion." They say that God set Jesus "far above" all principality, power, might, dominion, and every name that is named.

YOUR POSITION IN CHRIST
In this section we shall be looking at points that answer the following questions:
• How does Jesus' seating in the highest position in the universe affect you, the believer?
• What is your position because you're in Christ?
Read Ephesians 2:1,2,4-6
According to Ephesians 2:6, believers are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Joint-seating with Christ is "far above" all principalities and powers of darkness. Evil spirits can't influence the believer who has joint-seating with Christ far above all principality and power! Our seating and reigning with Christ in heavenly places is a position of authority, honour, and triumph—not failure, depression, and defeat.

As a believer, your seating with Christ is part of your inheritance now. This is where you are already seated because when Jesus was seated in triumph, you were seated with Him. The word "hath" in verse 6 is past tense: God has already raised you up together and made you sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus in a position of honour and triumph. You rule and reign with Christ in this life now—if you'll just exercise your rightful authority. Therefore, your position in Christ far above principalities and powers has already been accomplished. But you need to exercise the authority that belongs to you in that position of reigning with Christ over principalities and powers before it will profit you.

Our position as believers is also one of joint-seating with Christ in heavenly places. That may not always be our circumstance, but that is our position. If you want to rise above your circumstances, take advantage of your position in Christ. Look at this passage in Weymouth's translation
Ephesians 2:4-6 (Weymouth): “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the intense love which He bestowed on us, Caused us, dead though we were through our offences, to live with Christ—it is by grace that you have been saved—raised us with him from the dead, and enthroned us with him in the heavenly realms as being in Christ Jesus.”

God enthroned us with Jesus in the heavenly realms. Does that sound like a Church that's defeated and is still having to do battle to gain mastery over Satan? No, God designed the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ to be triumphant because we are sharers and partakers of Christ's victory over Satan.
Because the believer is in Christ, when Christ sat down, the believer sat down with Him far above principalities and powers. The Church, the Body of Christ, is in Christ. The body is connected to the head. Jesus is the Head of His Body—the Church.

If Jesus the Head triumphed over the devil, is the Body of Christ to be any less triumphant since we are in Christ? Of course not! It is our legal right to enjoy joint-seating with Christ in heavenly places in a position of authority and triumph far above all principalities and powers. If you will take advantage of your joint-seating with Christ, you will begin to triumph in life!

Believers don't have to try to be seated far above principalities and powers with Christ. They don't have to pray through to be seated with Christ in heavenly places. They don't have to struggle through to attain that position, or fight through demons to be seated in a place of victory with Christ.
The believer's position and seating in Christ is a fact. It has already happened. That position was attained for us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now all we have to do is enjoy the rights and privileges that already belong to us as joint-heirs with Christ. Read Ephesians 1:15-23.
“Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."
This prayer of Paul is very important because believers won't be able to take advantage of what rightfully belongs to them in their inheritance in Christ unless the eyes of their understanding are enlightened to see what they really possess in this life. We can't possess what we don't know belongs to us.

CONCLUSION
When believers get the revelation of their position in Christ, it will make a huge difference in their lives! They will no longer be the “defeated” Church. They will take their place instead as the “triumphant” Church, which was God's design from the foundation of the world. Because of our position in Christ, God is the strength of our life. The psalmist asks the question, "Of whom shall I be afraid?" (Ps. 27:1). We don't have to be afraid of anything, including Satan, demons, or evil spirits because of Jesus' victory at the Cross. (Romans 8:37-39). The Body of Christ—the triumphant Church—is more than a conqueror over all the power of the enemy because we're in Christ (Luke 10:19; Rom. 8:37).
Our joint-seating and ruling with Christ is the climax of the redemptive work of Christ. After the resurrection, Jesus was exalted to the highest seat in the universe. He was given all dominion, all authority, and all power. Not only that, but all dominion, authority, and power was put beneath Jesus' feet, which means it's under our feet since we're the Body of Christ.
That's why Satan can't rule over you unless you allow him to through ignorance of your rights and privileges in Christ or you open the door to him. Too many times, believers just open the door and invite Satan to come in. God Himself is the force and power behind your authority in Christ. The believer who is fully conscious of the divine power behind him and of his authority in Christ can face the enemy without fear or hesitancy.
 

Contributor: Alex Alajiki

INTRODUCTION:
Two weeks ago, we studied about revelation in line with the word of God. We discovered that our understanding of spiritual matters is key to our continual successful living as Christians in the midst of adversities in this world.
We cannot gain access to spiritual mysteries unless our eyes of understanding are opened. The major way of gaining this access is by praying with Ephesians 1:16-23; 3:14-21.

 This week, we shall study about the Authority of Jesus, the defeat and dethrone of Satan and powers

1) The Authority of Jesus; Mark 1:21-24; 5:1-13

“Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

Demons and evil spirits had wrought evil unhindered down through the ages. Satan and his hosts had reigned as kings in the spirit realm and held men in the bondage of spiritual death. No one had authority to dethrone Satan and his hosts or to rule over them or to even challenge their authority or rulership upon the earth until the coming of Jesus Christ.
There was never any incident in Old Testament when any man exercise authority over Satan. The only record of deliverance was when an evil spirit left Saul while David was worshiping God under the anointing.(1 Sam.16:23)

In the New Testament, we see that demons and evil spirits instantly recognized and knew Jesus. Here in Mark, the unclean spirit in this man not only knew who Jesus was, but he also recognized Jesus' authority. Even the scribes, Pharisees, and the people in the synagogue recognized Jesus' authority. They marvelled and were astonished because Jesus taught with authority, not as the scribes taught. Both men and demons recognized Jesus' authority and bowed before it. Demons feared Jesus because He proved Himself to be the Master over the devil.

2) Jesus' Defeat of Satan; Matt.4:1-11

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’  Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”  Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you,  Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him."

"Then was Jesus led up OF THE [Holy] SPIRIT into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil" (Matt. 4:1). Many times people have the idea that the Holy Spirit only leads us into good, easy places, where the going is never hard. But that's not always true. As we grow and mature in Christ, we find out that sometimes it's in the hard places where we grow the most in God.

During this temptations, Jesus proved Himself to be Master over the devil. Jesus overcame Satan in this encounter with the Word of God. Three times Jesus overcame Satan with the words, "It is written" (Matt. 4:4,7,10; Luke 4:4,8,12). Jesus didn't do "battle" with Satan; He simply stood His ground and overcame Satan with the Word alone. In Jesus' earth walk, from the day of His temptation when He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, until the day Jesus willingly surrendered Himself to the will of God on the Cross— He defeated Satan in every encounter. Jesus' complete and total victory over Satan is clearly shown throughout the Word of God.

Heb.2:14-15 “ Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

The King James Version of the Bible says that Jesus "destroyed" Satan who had the power of death— spiritual death or separation from God. That doesn't mean Jesus destroyed Satan in the sense that Satan ceased to exist. The meaning is a little clearer in the American Standard Version. It says Jesus put Satan "to nought." In other words, Jesus conquered Satan and stripped him of his power and authority.
When Hebrews 2:14 says Jesus destroyed Satan who had the power of death, the Bible is not talking about physical death. Physical death will eventually be put underfoot (1 Cor. 15:54), but until it is, people still die physically. There are three kinds of death referred to in the Bible. First, spiritual death (John 5:24; Eph. 2:1) or separation from God. Second, the Bible talks about physical death (Phil. 1:20,21). Third, the Bible refers to the second death which is eternal separation from God and being eternally cast into the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:13-15).
Hebrews 2:14 is talking about spiritual death. It's saying that Jesus destroyed the authority of Satan who had power over spiritual death or eternal separation from God. Those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour never have to fear "the lord of death" and being eternally separated from God. Rev.1:17-18, Col.2:15
1 John 3:8. The reason Jesus came to this earth was to put to nought the works of the devil and reduce him to nothing.

3) Jesus Dethroned Powers; 1 Cor.2:6-7

“We do discuss 'wisdom' with those who are MATURE; only it is not the wisdom of this world or of the DETHRONED POWERS who rule this world, It is the mysterious WISDOM OF GOD that we discuss, that hidden wisdom which God decreed from all eternity for our glory.”

The Body of Christ needs the eyes of their understanding enlightened to understand Jesus' complete defeat of Satan. This is the wisdom of God that God wants each believer to understand. Verse 6 tells us that Satan has been dethroned. The wisdom of the mature or full-grown Christian whose understanding has been enlightened by the Holy Spirit is that Satan has already been dethroned and the believer has victory over him in Christ. Let that sink in! Satan and all of his demon forces are dethroned. "Dethroned" is defined as to remove from a throne or place of prominence: deposed. The word "deposed" means to remove from office, position, or authority, especially high office.

Satan has been dethroned by Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary and in His resurrection. Satan has been removed from his throne, his place of prominence, his place of authority—and from his high office. Jesus already did that for every believer. Satan has no authority over the believer, unless the believer gives him access or authority through lack of knowledge of God's Word, disobedience, or failure to exercise his rights in Christ.

The wisdom of God is that believers only need to stand in Jesus' victory over the devil because they are in Christ. Jesus' victory over the devil is their victory. That's why believers don't need to make war on an enemy that is already defeated. Satan still wields power over unsaved people in the world because they don't know he's been dethroned.

Conclusion.
Satan's "wisdom" is that he still rules and reigns in the affairs of men who are ignorant of his defeat. Satan has even blinded the minds of some Christians so they believe that too. That's why believers need to get the eyes of their understanding enlightened —to see the truth and power of the finished work of the Cross.

        Most parts of this outline are culled from the Book The triumphant Church by Kenneth Hagin

Contributor: Leye Olayiwola

INTRODUCTION:

In our last lesson, we considered how we (as believers in Christ Jesus) can exercise our authority over the Devil. We learnt that it is our responsibility (and not God's) to exercise this authority. The gospel according to Mark chapter 16 and verse 17 says: “These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils.”. During the course of the teaching, we learnt that our responsibility in exercising and taking authority over the Devil is non negotiable because of the authenticity of God's promises in His word. He has given us charge over the earth (Psalms 115:16) and has also given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57). We will continue in our study by examining the wisdom of God and revelations in line with his Words. In the words of Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 - "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.". Thank God that we have access to this heavenly wisdom. This is the basis for our study this week.

The Wisdom of God (Ephesians 1:16-23; 3:14-21)
• We have been able to established that God has given us authority here on earth. It is very important to mention at this point that in order for us to exercise this authority effectively, the eyes of our spiritual understanding need to be enlightened. The understanding of spiritual matters is key to our continual successful living as Christians in the midst of adversities. We are joint heirs with Christ Jesus. One definition of a Heir says;
"someone who continues to do the work of someone important who has died, or someone who has the same position as the previous person who held that position".
Praise God that Jesus is alive and not dead. This is why the bible says;
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."
[Romans 8:16-17]
Thank God we are seated together with Him at the right hand of the Father. What an honour to be joint heirs with Him.

• So what is this wisdom?

Wisdom is the correct  application of true knowledge. Wisdom answers the How question. God is all knowing;
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO HAS BEEN HIS COUNSELLOR? " [Romans 11:33-34]
God is wisdom personified;
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen." [1 Timothy 1:17]
To God our Saviour, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, Dominion and power,
both now and forever. Amen. [Jude 1:25]
It therefore follows that when we talk about the Wisdom of God, we are simply inquiring about God's ways (Hows) of doing things. Understanding of His mysteries as it relates to our dominion and authority as fellow believers in Jesus Christ is key to our triumphant reign over every situation and circumstances of life.

• As joint heirs, we have obtained an inheritance. The believer's inheritance in Christ is the wisdom of God which has been hidden throughout previous ages until it was revealed through Jesus Christ. Grasping this truth and walking in the reality of God's inheritance for us as siants of God is the key to taking our place as the triumphant Church, reigning as kings in this life. The riches of our inheritance are revealed more fully in the Book of Ephesians 1:16-23 and 3:14-21 than in any other book of the Bible. There are spirit-inspired prayers in these verses of scriptures given by the Holy Spirit to the Body of Christ. As believers, we need to personalise these prayers, praying them as often as we can. As a matter of fact, we need to do this daily. The impact and result will surely exceed our wildest imaginations.
• The relevance of these Pauline prayers is that the Holy Spirit wants the eyes of our understanding opened to enable us understand and appropriate Jesus' complete victory over Satan in the triumph of the Cross. He wants us to understand what Jesus' seating on High really means to the believer. The wisdom and knowledge the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to us is the believer's joint-seating with Christ as a benefit of our redemption. Joint-seating with Christ is a position of authority and triumph over Satan. God wants us to see what we have as rights and privileges by being in Christ.

Revelations in Line With the Word - Testimonies of Brother Kenneth Hagin
In this section of the teaching, we will among other things, be considering the encounters of Brother Kenneth Hagin (of blessed memory) as a result of praying in line with the scriptures in Ephesians chapters 1 and 3. I believe strongly that we, as believers, can achieve more if we will be desciplined enough to sit down with not just these verses of scriptures, but the word of God generally.
• The Holy Spirit, writing through Paul, wants you as a believer to pray for the eyes of your understanding to be enlightened. The word "enlightened" means illuminated or flooded with light. Another translation says to pray that the eyes of your heart will be flooded with light.
• Believers have been ignorant of Satan's devices, so he has been able to take advantage of them. But the Spirit of God wants believers to get the wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of Jesus and His Word so the eyes of their understanding will be enlightened to know their authority in Christ.
• After consistently praying with these verses of scriptures for a number of months, the Lord began to consistently show Brother Hagin revelations and visions in line with the Word of God. He received so much revelations from the Word of God after consistently praying with these scriptures for six months, than he had done in fourteen years of ministry. He also had eight different face to face encounters with Jesus Christ in the course of nine years.
• One of the revelations that the Spirit of God brought to Brother Hagin was the believer's authority in Christ over Satan. He received divine understanding concerning demons and evil spirits. This came after praying for his eyes of understanding to be enlightened. Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, gave him biblical truths in that vision so believers could be enlightened about Satan's wiles and strategies and not get off into error.

IN CONCLUSION
God wants believers to know they are no longer subject to Satan because they have been delivered from his dominion and authority (Col. 1:13). God wants the Body of Christ to know that we aren't a defeated Church—we are a triumphant Church. We are to reign in life through Jesus Christ because we have a position of authority over the devil. When the eyes of our understanding are enlightened, we can stand in our place of authority as the triumphant Church upon the earth.

Part of this study was culled from "The Triumphant Church" by Kenneth E. Hagin.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
Last week we looked at the ways to deal with evil spirits. Once someone is truly saved and have the revelational knowledge of the power in the name of Jesus; is submitted to God’s authority and finally is armed with whole armour of God he/she can put the devil and his minions to flight!
So many times Christians ask the question, "Why does God permit the devil to do such terrible things on the earth? Why doesn't God do something about the devil?"
There are many things that happen in life that we wonder about. But, really, God is waiting for us to exercise our authority and do something about the devil. His Word stands behind the authority He's given us. But so many times we just bow down and let the devil run over us, waiting for God to do something about the devil, when we just need to take our stand against him with the Word and put him on the run. We need to do something about the adverse circumstances in our own lives by taking authority over Satan and standing our ground against him with the Word, claiming what belongs to us.
Today’s topic is somewhat of a challenge to us! “Believers, not God that must exercise authority over the devil!”
HOW DO WE KNOW THIS?
1. THE PROMISE OF HIS WORDS
Jesus speaking in Matt. 18:18 said "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Emphasis mine.
Jesus has given us the authority. It is whatever we bind and lose not whatever He binds or loses. In other words He is saying, I have given you the authority, you have my backing, go out there and deal with the enemy! This backing is not also limited to pastors and prophets and the likes but to all who are truly born again!

John 1:12 says: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Emphasis mine
The One who has all the power (Matt.28:18) has given it to us. Also in Luke 10:19 He said: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
It is therefore us that will trample on snakes and scorpions!

In John 14:12 Jesus said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”
Jesus while He was on earth exercised His authority over the Devil and his cohorts and He’s promised those that believe that we will do greater works!

James 4:7 says. “Submit yourselves, then, to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you”
It is therefore us that will put the devil to flight! By submitting ourselves to God and resisting the devil!

Mark 16:17 says: “These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils.”
It is us that will cast out the devils, not God! We have the authority in the name of Jesus!

2. GOD HAS GIVEN US THE EARTH
Psalms 115: 16 says: “The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.”
What we, by Adam lost in Eden was by Christ restored on the cross. 1 Cor. 15:21 “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.”
God’s original plan for us has been restored. So we “own” the earth and have dominion over everything on the earth including the devil and his cohorts. The earth is our domain and we are to reign in this life by Christ! (Romans 5:17 – “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”) Kings issue decree and commands (Job 22:28a – “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee”) to all the inhabitants of their kingdom and that includes the Devil!

3. WE HAVE ALREADY OVERCOME!
1 Corinthians 15:57 says: “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”
Rom. 8: 37 says “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
1 John 4:4 says “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Emphasis mine
The word "them" is referring to the Devil. Demons, evil spirits, etc. We have already overcome them because we are in Christ!

CONCLUSION
Some believers seem to have more respect for the devil and his ability and believe in him more than they do in God! That isn’t what should be! We should instead take our place in Christ; stand our ground on God's Word. Be careful about keeping company with people who are always talking about the devil and who don't magnify the Word of God. We have authority over the Devil and his cohorts. The Word of God is clear about it as we have seen! God has given us the earth and the Devil is therefore trespassing! We have the victory over him and the authority to put him to flight. He only pretends to be a roaring lion but he isn’t! So put him in his place – on the run! You don't have to go looking for the devil, but if he shows up, kick him out. You have authority over him in Jesus’ name!

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
Last week, we looked at the ways evil spirits invite other evil spirits into the lives of their victims. We saw how they operated and how anger, sin, pornography, unforgiveness, bitterness, tattoos, etc. can serve as doorways for them. Even though the Bible teaches us that we have great power over evil, many of us do not live our lives this way. Today, we shall be looking out how to deal with Evil Spirits. This topic has many similarities with the topic “How to Deal with the Devil” we treated a couple of weeks ago.

1. BE TRULY SAVED
Christians are invincible in the face of evil only when they are in total submission to God. For those who are in union with Christ, evil spiritual powers are nothing but “caged beasts”, unable to touch us. (Luke 10:19)
Satan’s entire forces can only resort to idle threats or bribes to entice us into entering their cage where they can rip us apart. Nevertheless, Satan is such a supernaturally powerful evil genius that he can end up luring into his cage every living Christian. The only sure thing to protect us is what the Bible calls death. No one, no matter how terrifyingly cunning, can threaten or entice a dead person.
As soon as you die with Christ, you rise with him and begin reigning with him, with your every spiritual enemy under your feet.

2. USE THE NAME OF JESUS
When hoping to cast out demons, some people act as if there is something almost magical about using the words “blood of Jesus”. The sobering truth is that such words are powerless – and demons know this – unless they cease to be mere words but we are actually redeemed by the blood of Jesus. The potency in the use of the name of Jesus is the knowledge we have of the name and the belief we have in Him! John 1:12 says: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” Emphasis mine

3. STEP OUT OF SLAVERY!
Slaves do not have authority to cast out their masters! John 8:33-34 says: “They answered him, “We . . . have never been slaves of anyone. . . .” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. . . .”
See Proverbs 5:22, Acts 8:23, Romans 7:14, Titus 3:3
You cannot cast out a demon while you are slave to sin. Mark 3:23 says “So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan?”

4. SUBMIT TO GOD!
Instead of making sin our master, we must make God our Master! Unless we keep God as our Master, sin and Satan and his hordes are able to enslave us. This is why “Submit yourselves, then, to God” comes immediately before, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Only when we are in complete submission to God can we expect to successfully resist the devil and his deceptive schemes.

5. OVERCOME FEAR!
Fear will come; and it has torment. We can’t avoid it coming to us, but through Christ we need not bow to it. Isaiah 41:10 says: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” So the choice is ours to make if we allow fear overcome us or trust in the Almighty God’s unfailing promise! The simple way to defeat fear when it comes is by faith in God’s word and His promises. However, faith does not remove fear physically but the effect of fear is neutralized by our faith but love casts fear out!  1 John 4:18 says: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 

6. CREATE THE RIGHT EXPECTATION!
Expect a fight (Luke 4:13).
Demons leave only with great reluctance. They will continue to pester us to see if we really believe we have authority over them or whether they can bluff their way into staying by pretending to be stronger than us. Don’t be surprised or think it indicates you are weak when demons put up a fight.
When we read, “. . . Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (in James 4:7b), let’s not get so carried away with the final result (him fleeing) that we forget that the key word is “resist”. If we have to resist, it must be because he and his minions will put up a fight.
There is a possibility of return
Jesus spoke of a demon who left a man and then returned in Matthew 12:43-45: “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”
The man happened to have his defences down and so the demon not only re-entered the man but invited seven other demons to join him. It is typical of demons to keep coming back, checking one’s defences to see if they can re-enter.

7. DON’T CARRY THE ENEMY’S BAGGAGE
In John 14:30 Jesus speaking to the disciples said: “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” Emphasis mine.
In other words, he has no hold, no power, and no claim over him!
In Zechariah 3:1-3 Satan came to accuse Joshua the high priest because he had filthy garments on him.

8. ENGAGE IN PRAYER AND FASTING
A spiritual battle must be fought with spiritual weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” Also in Mark 9:29 where the apostles were unsuccessful in driving a demon out of a boy and afterwards asked Jesus why they could not drive the demon out, Jesus replied and said: "This kind can only be driven out by prayer and fasting."

9. PUT ON THE ARMOUR OF GOD DAILY
“Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13

CONCLUSION
The sons of Sceva attempting to cast out a demon in Acts 19:13-16 is an example of how NOT to deal with evil spirits. That they were sons of the chief of the priests didn’t mean they were truly saved. They knew the name of Jesus but were void of understanding, they also didn’t have God’s authority backing them and were not in submission to God! But we have great power over evil, so let’s arm ourselves adequately and put the devil and his minions to flight!

Contributor: Nosa Osagie

INTRODUCTION
Last week we looked at “Distinguishing the Difference between Oppression, Obsession and Possession”. We were able to clearly differentiate between oppression, obsession and possession. Oppression is an attack against mankind in form of fear, sickness, bad moods, nightmares, trials, persecution, poverty and so on.
Obsession is when an evil spirit get hold of someone`s mind to make it listen to words and suggestions of evil and not God`s word.
Possession is when a demon moves into the soul of a person and takes control of their will, emotions and desires.
Today we are looking at practical ways of how evil spirits let other evil spirits into people. It is important to know that a person can welcome an evil spirit into their soul without even knowing it and it is also important to understand how the enemy works, so that we can better be equipped to stand against his tricks. Paul said that they were not ignorant of Satan's devices... 2 Corinthians 2:11.

THE SPIRITS NEED A BODY
We should know by the Spirit of revelation that in the spirit world, the human body is a house. God sees the human body as a potential dwelling place, which is His original purpose. Scripture calls the body of the believer the temple, house or building of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19. But the devil and his demons sees the human body as a place to live also. What we should understand here is that God`s spirit need a body to dwell in and the devil spirit need a body to dwell in as well.
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” Matthew 12:43-45.
We will notice that the evil spirit refers to that man as his house, meaning having full possession, ownership or in control of him. Evil spirits crave bodies to live in, and to express their nature through. Without such a body they are restless, just like a homeless person. As God will not, cannot, impose Himself on someone, neither will evil spirits. God will come in where He is invited and welcomed, Revelation 3:20 also are evil spirits.

HOW THEY OPERATE
First of all, an higher rank of evil spirit comes into a person`s mind with evil suggestions, evil thoughts, pressure of life, sin etc. (oppression)
Second stage is, if the person allows those evil suggestions and so on to settle in his or her mind (obsession), the evil spirit will now let other spirits in and then gain control (possession) of their lives. For example, if a man allows into his life the suggestion of stealing a pen, that evil spirit will invite the spirits of armed robbery, drugs, drinking, smoking, killings etc. meanwhile it was just a common taking of pen from the start.

HOW EVIL SPIRITS ARE LET IN
Demons cannot just enter into any person that they choose to; there must be an open door for them to have entrance. There are several ways that evil spirits can gain access into a person’s life. We are going to be discussing some of the common openings below.

(i) Anger: Ephesians 4:26-27 says,
 “Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Anger can simply be an emotion, but if you let it linger, it becomes sin and gives “place to the devil.”

(ii) Un-forgiveness: Having un-forgiveness and resentment towards others is a major open door for evil spirits. In Matthew 18:15-35. At the end of the parable the unforgiving servant is put into a prison to be tormented. Withholding forgiveness from others puts you into a spiritual prison and gives the devil God-given permission to torment you; this is a serious issue and a major root cause for many other pproblems. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11.

(iii) Sin: When we embrace sin instead of repenting of it, we come into agreement with the devil; and this gives him access to an area of our lives. This is not stumbling into sin and then confessing and repenting of it. It`s agreeing with sin, justifying it in our minds, and embracing it. This type of attitude towards sin can open the door for evil spirits.
Romans 7:5-25

(iv) Pornography: One of the most devastating problems that has ensnared many people is the sin of pornography. Many of these same people will testify that they were ensnared with just a “peek.” This one “little fox” led to their downfall. Many, out of curiosity, just went to a site to see what was there. This is one of the devil’s tricks to get people ensnared. Satan is the power behind this attraction to all forbidden sexual images. People that are trapped today can tell you there is an evil “drawing” that compels them to return again and again. Many are desiring to be free, but seem hopelessly gripped by this evil desire. Matthew 5:28. The only way out is, confess to the Lord and ask Him to forgive you and help you out and then talk to the pastor and your partner, parents or guardian. Block all of those sites and take your PC from private rooms to the common rooms and get rid of all those magazines, videos and sinful materials in your possession to be burnt.

(v) Bitterness: When a person turns bitter against anybody, it invites an evil spirit into their system that will aggravate the cells in their body, which will cause abnormal growths, tumours, cancer and such like. Hebrews 12:15.

(vi) Tattoos and Piercings: Tattoos have witchcraft roots and so many people today are having tattoos because of some evil witchcraft influences in their lives that they are unaware of. They do not realize that partaking of these can open the door to wrong and defiling influences in their lives. 1 Kings 18:28, Lev.19:28.

(vii) Others: Evil videos, immoral music, immoral dressing, wicked Internet games, horror videos, wild parties and violent videos are ways the evil spirits want to gain access, control and destroy people, especially our youths. And the list goes on.

CONCLUSION
Believers should not be afraid and think that an evil spirit can come out of a person and enter them. Evil spirits don`t have that right, it`s only when they are invited in or “doors” are opened for them. Our spirit man needs to filled up of God`s fullness which is God`s word, praise, worship and the fruit of the spirit, so that when the evil spirit comes, suggesting evil thoughts there will be no room for him. Ephesians 4:27 says “neither give place to the devil.”

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
In the first and second quarters of this year we looked extensively at the Believer’s Authority; all in preparation for the “practical aspects” of exercising this authority. In this quarter, we will be looking at practical instances of exercising our authority over the devil and his cohorts. To achieve this, it is very important we understand how he takes over people and keeps them in bondage. The primary way Satan tries to gain access to people is through their minds and bodies. The degree to which a person yields to Satan in these areas determines how much Satan is able to influence him or her. Since man is a spirit, he has a soul, and he lives in a body, demons can affect and influence man in his body and soul (mind, will, and emotions), yet not be present in his spirit. To really understand how demons affect people, it's also important to understand the difference between oppression, obsession, and possession. Many people use these terms interchangeably when they are actually referring to three separate degrees of demonic influence.

OPPRESSION
Oppression is the state of being subject to oppressive treatment. Evil spirits can exert a certain amount of influence as they seek to oppress mankind. Evil spirits can oppress anyone, even Christians if they allow it, from within or without their body or soul. Oppression is an attack against us, from the outside, with sickness, trials, persecution, poverty, etc.
Of course, evil spirits have their widest range of influence if they can embody a human because then they can express themselves in the natural realm. If evil spirits can't embody people, they try to exert influence round about people in the spiritual realm. Many times believers, even Spirit-filled believers, can be oppressed by demons from the outside. Satan tries to oppress us by putting all kinds of pressure on us until we are keenly aware of that pressure. There are also degrees of oppression. In other words, a person can be more oppressed or less oppressed.

Forms of Oppression
1. Sometimes oppression can be manifested as a bad "mood" that tries to come over us (our emotions). That can be the direct result of satanic oppression. Like when you hear people say “It just seems like there's a big black cloud hanging over my head." That's satanic oppression. And people are more oppressed at certain times than they are at other times. But as we rebuke that oppression in the name of Jesus, stand against it and resist it, the devil will flee from us (Matt. 18:18; Luke 10:19; Phil. 2:9-11; James 4:7). Believers don't need to live under the oppression of the enemy.
2. Fear is another form of oppression that comes against many Christians and holds them in bondage and causes them to stumble again and again. Fear can take a hold of believers' minds and cause their spirit not to function as they should—that is, not to be in dominion over their soul and body. But the Bible says God has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7) so that means we have authority over it. We have a right to stand against fear and rebuke it.
3. Physical oppression can be the direct result of an evil spirit afflicting a person's body with sickness. Luke 13:10-16

OBSESSION
Obsession is when the demons take hold of a mind, to make it listen to the words and suggestions of evil, and not the Word of God. Some may be demon obsessed, not knowing they are heeding demonic suggestions, thinking they are doing the will of God. Saul for instance was obsessed with persecuting Christians thinking he was serving God. Acts 8:3
The enemy also follows through from the oppression of bad moods and make its victims to brood and became emotionally upset and increasingly disturbed. The end game is to unconsciously yield to the demon in their minds and emotions.
The enemy tends to make its victims shift their focus from the Word and instead become obsessed with worry. This makes the evil spirit gain more ground in their thinking until their minds are taken over by the evil spirit. This sometimes drive people to a point of entirely losing their minds and become mad and sometimes suicidal!
That's one reason believers need to know how important it is for them to renew their minds with the Word of God and to think God's thoughts instead of thinking on the enemy's thoughts of worry and fear. (Romans 12:2, Phil. 4:8). If they think the wrong thoughts, they can unknowingly open a door to the devil. Believers are not subject to the devil; they instead have authority over him in Jesus' Name. They can resist him (James 4:7), and are not under his dominion in any way, unless they allow him to take dominion over them.

POSSESSION
This is usually the final and deadliest stage of the three. Demonic possession happens when a demon moves into the soul of a person, and takes control of the will. Judas for instance opened his heart to evil—in his case by his greed (John 12:6). So it may be possible that if one allows his or her heart to be ruled by some habitual sin, it becomes an invitation for a demon to enter.
Jesus cast demons out of persons that were possessed. The Lord told us, “these signs shall follow them that believe, in my name, they shall cast out devils." Demons once had a body, but in the former creation (as angels - now fallen angels), their souls were not sent to hell and so they were loose, some are still loose today and they desire to possess a body, to do their evil works through such.

CONCLUSION
It is important to understand these facts about the operations of the enemy and be able to appropriate these truths as we step into what the Lord has called us to do! The enemy starts off by trying to oppress a person by taking control of their thoughts. Thoughts as simple as worry and fear, when the person yields to these thoughts, they become obsessed with them to the point when they finally open the door to the enemy and allow their minds to become possessed with an evil spirit.
Sometimes, obsession is confused with possession, and that makes some think possession can happen to saints. Sometimes, the person is not truly saved, has been pretending, with a religious demon that is good at pretence.
When Jesus dwells in us, the demons cannot move in. True believers are never demon possessed, they may be obsessed or oppressed but never possessed!