Authority Over Demons

AUTHORITY OVER SATAN

We must understand the nature and origin of our problems, circumstances, and attacks in life.                  Many mistakenly think that their trials and tribulations come from God. Here are several scriptures that will prove this:

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 (Ephesians 6:12).

3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.  4For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.  5For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5).

31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (Luke 22:31-32).

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (James 1:13).

Demons

There is a devil also known as Satan or Lucifer. He was once an angel who led the other angels in worship to God. These angels are now Satan’s fallen angels who operate in the heavenlies             (Ephesians 6:12).

This means Satan is not on the level of God but was created by God; therefore he is not all-powerful. He can only be in one place at one time, and he does not know everything as God does. He also has demons all over the world who assist him.

Demons are disembodied spirits or evil spirits who are controlled by Satan.  They are assigned by him to carry out Satan’s evil plans and purposes against God’s purposes, plans and people.

Demons are real personalities; able to think, speak, act and create evil circumstances in the lives of God’s people (Luke 4:41, Acts 8:7, Matthew 8:28-31).

They are spirit beings, invisible persons without bodies always seeking human beings they can use to manifest their evil desires (Matthew 8:16, Luke 9:38-42).

Demons possess supernatural strength and are large in number (Mark 5:1-13).

Demons have names such as: evil spirits, unclean spirits, deaf spirits, dumb spirits, spirits of infirmity, familiar spirits, devils, etc.  (Mark 9:25, Matthew 12:22, Luke 13:11).

Demons dwell on earth at this present time.  They are not in hell and will not go there until their future judgment (Matthew 12:43-45, Matthew 8:29).

Demons are the source of most sicknesses and diseases (Matthew 4:23-24; 8:16; Luke 7:21; 13:16; Acts 10:38).

Demons attack and wage war against the minds of men with fear, oppression, depression, worry and they are responsible for emotional and mental breakdown, insanity and suicide                        (II Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 61:3, Mark 5:1-15, I Peter 5:7-9).

Demons desire to steal anything that represents the life of God in our lives.  They seek to steal our peace, joy, health, emotional stability, finances, and family relationships.

Their desire is to ultimately destroy our lives or even kill us if we cooperate with them (John 10:10,            1 Peter 5:7-9, I Corinthians 5:5). If it steals from you, attempts to kill you or tries to destroy you, it is of Satan.

Satan and demons do have the ability to bring death before the time because of the cooperation of believers in sin, ignorance of the Word of God, and neglect of applying the truth of God’s Word.  This is why God calls death an enemy. (Hebrews 2:14 [Satan had the power of death],                  John 8:44 [The devil is a murderer], I Corinthians 5:5 [Satan destroys the flesh], I Corinthians 15:25-26 [The last enemy of Jesus is death])

Demons seek to ensnare, enslave or take people captive with unclean habits such as alcoholism, drug abuse, smoking, sexual immorality, perversion, pornography, etc. (John 8:34, Romans 6:16).

Two Mistakes Christians Make Concerning Satan and Demons

A) Trying to see a demon in everything (a calorie demon, chewing gum demon, etc.)

B) Or thinking that there are no demons and ignoring them altogether.

All Christians are the target of demon spirits and satanic attack because they do not want to see us carry out our God-ordained purpose in the earth.

A Christian can never be possessed by a demon, because to be possessed, a demon(s) would have to control us in all three areas (spirit, soul and body).  A Christian’s spirit has been indwelt by the Holy Spirit once they are saved, therefore they cannot have possession of a Christian.  However, a Christian can have demonic activity in his life: depression, oppression, obsession, fear, anger, lust, but never possession; neither the devil nor any demon is greater than the indwelling Holy Spirit.  (Ephesians 1:13, I John 4:4)

Most of the problems Christians have are a result of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).

The works of the flesh (maybe secret sins) yielded to, abided by and embraced by Christians are decision of the will (choice).  If believers continue in a sin or a particular work of the flesh, it will give demons an opportunity to come in and build a stronghold, then prayer for deliverance is needed.

Our Authority Over Satan and Demons

God has given every born-again believer His authority in the earth.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).

Does the church of the Lord Jesus Christ have (or need) any less authority today than it had in the first century?  It would be preposterous to think so, wouldn’t it?  The value of our authority rest on the power that is behind that authority.  God Himself is the power behind out authority!  The devil and his forces are obliged to recognize our authority!  The believer who thoroughly understands that the power of God is backing him can exercise his authority and face the enemy fearlessly.  What is authority?  Authority is delegated power.

Policemen who direct traffic during the rush hour just raise their hands and the cars stop.  These men don’t have the physical power to stop the vehicles if the drivers choose not to stop.  But they don’t use their own strength to stop traffic; they are strong in the authority that is vested in them by the government they serve.  People recognize that authority and stop their cars.  Blessed be God, there’s authority that’s vested in us by the Lord Jesus Christ!

Paul told believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). That means you can step out in front of the devil and in the Name of Jesus, hold up your hand, and tell him not to come any closer.  Use your authority!  A person who has authority has higher rank and power over a subordinate.  Example:  Employer over an employee. Through Christ, we outrank Satan and he is compelled to obey us through Jesus’ name.



Proofs Believers Have Authority Over Satan and Demons

I. Jesus defeated Satan and all his principalities and powers (demons) when He was resurrected from
   the dead; Jesus took Satan’s power and control over man away from him. He spoiled them or disarmed
   them of their power:  fear, oppression, depression, sickness, lack, sin, habits, etc.

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it (Colossians 2:15).

II. Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the grave destroyed (not annihilated, but loosened
    and dissolved) Satan’s works.  Any work that originates from Satan has no legal right against Christians
    who know their authority or rights.

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son
of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil (I John 3:8).

III. God says believers can cast out devils by the Spirit of God and by the name of Jesus.  This means
     God’s kingdom (and those who are ruled by His kingdom) is greater than Satan’s kingdom.  If we are given
     authority to cast out or tell spirits where to go, this means we have authority over them.

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you
            (Matthew 12:28).

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (Mark 16:17)

IV. Jesus gave the first 12 disciples the authority and power over unclean spirits. Men who did not have
     the Holy Ghost in them, neither the use of Jesus’ blood because He had not died yet, had authority through
     His Name over demons.

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease           (Matthew 10:1).

V. The 70 disciples confirmed that demons were subject to them through Jesus’ name.  Not just the 12;
     but the 70.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name (Luke 10:17).

VI. Jesus said that we have the divine power and ability to tread on (trample or walk on) serpents and
     scorpions (demons and evil spirits), or any of their power.  None of Satan’s power has to harm us.
     We have authority over any power of the enemy.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power               of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).

VII. God has called Christians to reign in life or to rule as kings through Jesus Christ.  We cannot rule in
      life if Satan has authority and control over us.

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.) (Romans 5:17).

VIII. Because of Jesus’ position and access to the throne of God, He rules above all evil spiritual
       heavenly rulers, authorities, powers and lords; He has a title superior to all titles of authority in this
       world and in the next.  Everything that has a name, the rule of Christ is above it: cancer, high blood
       pressure, heart problems, poverty, lack, fear, sin, alcoholism is subject to the name of Christ.  Every single
       thing because He says all things from Satan’s kingdom are under His feet.

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: (Ephesians 1:21).

IX. We have that same access to God’s throne as Jesus does because, positionally, we are seated with
      Christ in heavenly places, and we are joint heirs with Him (Romans 8:17).

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
(Ephesians 2:6).

      Because of our union with Christ, God has raised us, His body, His church to sit with Him on high to rule
      with Him in heavenly places.  We are not waiting for it to happen; he has given us that authority now.

X. The church has been given the same authority as Jesus by virtue of us being seated with Him.
     Therefore, according to Ephesians 4:27, how is the devil able to get a place (room, foothold) in our lives?
     We give him a place by our ignorance of the Word or our sin. When we consistently live in sin, we give
     Satan an opening into our lives to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).

Neither give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27).

We know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ's divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him] (I John 5:18, AMP).

XI. If Satan has authority over us then there would be no way we could resist him (withstand, stand up
     to, stand immoveable, take a stand against). But God says we can resist him.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

XII. Whenever Jesus wanted to resist the devil, he resisted him with the Word of God, when He would
      say it is written.  This is how the believer is to resist the devil or cast down imaginations, thoughts he
      brings to our minds.

Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God (Matthew 4:7).

XIII. Therefore, Christians do not have to fight Satan ourselves.  Jesus has already defeated him.
        We are only told to fight the good fight of faith. We use our faith against him with our words.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (I Timothy 6:12).

XIV. We are told in the Word of God that we can quench Satan’s fiery darts (thoughts, attacks). Speak
        God’s Word for every wrong thought he sends to our minds.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16).

XV. Satan is called the god of this world.  Meaning he rules the world’s systems. Yet, God says if we are
       born of God, then we can overcome Satan’s influences over the world through our faith.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:4).

XVI. All three realms (heaven, earth and things under earth/hell) are affected by the name of Jesus.
        All the circumstances and situations of life in all three realms must submit or surrender to the name of
        Jesus.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,        
 and things under the earth; (Phillipians 2:10).

         All oppression, fear, sickness, depression, worry, sin, debt, habits, curses, pride, anger or any other circumstance associated with Satan’s kingdom must surrender to the name of Jesus.

XVII. The Word of God says we have already overcome the wicked one because of what Jesus has
         already done on the cross for us.  We are able to overcome him because of the Word that abides in
         us.
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:13).

XVIII. It is because of the presence of the Lord through the Holy Ghost in us (the greater one in us)
            that we are able to overcome he (satan) that is in the world.

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 (I John 4:4).

XIX. Jesus, the Lamb of God, the testimony we give of what He did in His Word, and His blood applied
        by our words in faith, gives us the weapon we need to overcome the devil.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11).

             Notice that the word overcome is mentioned several times.  This was the intent of our Pastor in naming
        the church. World Overcomers reminds us of who we are and who Christ has made us to be.

XX. Even the Old Testament saints had authority over Satan his kingdom and their enemies.  It also
       prophesied of Jesus delegating His authority to Zion (the church) in the future (Psalm 91:13; Psalm 110:2).

XXII. How Do We Exercise Our Authority Using Our Faith?

Authority energizes faith and releases God’s power into our circumstances.  When we pray in the name of Jesus and believe and speak His Word, our faith is ignited by our God-given authority and the Holy Spirit moves to perform His Word.  God gave us faith and now we must use it through our authority in Jesus’ name.  The more we use our faith, the more we begin to understand it and grow in it.

The centurion soldier who had a sick servant demonstrates what one who has authority does.                  He speaks the Word and he expects those under him to go and obey.

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth;             and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it               (Matthew 8:8-9).

The only way people who are under authority can carry out orders they must be told what to do.
In verse 4, the soldier said “SPEAK THE WORD ONLY.”  In verse 5, he says, “I SAY” to this man.  Saying or speaking is involved in faith and in you having authority.  A soldier cannot carry out the orders of his sergeant unless the orders are spoken to be heard.  Demons respond to words, especially God’s Word, in your mouth.  This is what must be done in order to see mountains (obstacles) removed?  (Mark 11:23)

Faith involves speaking to the mountains (obstacles, circumstances, and problems). Notice how many times the faith scripture emphasizes say or saith.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.  For verily I say unto you,  That whosoever shall  say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Therefore I say unto you,           What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them (Mark 11:22-24).

C. The epistles and the Apostle Paul also define the spirit of faith as believing and speaking.

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; (II Corinthians 4:13).

D. Faith and authority are released through words.  When we fully accept and recognize the authority
                 that has been given to us through His finished work on the cross and resurrection and we begin to
                 release the power that stands behind His great and mighty Name,
                 then we will begin to see the victory, success, blessings, and prosperity in our lives that the Bible
    promises.  Joshua 1:8 gives three (3) keys to being prosperous and successful in life.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein:            for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success
(Joshua 1:8).
               
     Meditating on God’s Word in an area gets it in your heart.

E. A SAMPLE STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY IN FAITH

The following confession of faith is a demonstration of how to exercise our authority by faith.              Let’s stand and do these. Teacher should use other areas.

SICKNESS AND DISEASE

I take authority over sickness and disease and I command it to leave my body in the name of Jesus.  I command that spirit of infirmity to cease and desist from its maneuvers and operation in my body.  I am healed by His stripes.  Jesus took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses and I believe I receive my healing in Jesus’ name.

ON THE JOB

I take authority over every demonic spirit ruling through my boss or coworkers. I bind that spirit that attempts to harass me. I command you to be gone in Jesus’ name. I overcome you by the blood of the Lamb. I have the favor of God on my life on my job. Every evil spirit is subject to me through Jesus’ name.

The greatest book on the subject of authority over Satan is called The Believer’s Authority by Kenneth Hagin. It is a must–read classic for understanding how to operate in your authority.            Please purchase a copy in Christian bookstore. Or at rhema.org/store.

Guide the Scroll

How Demonic Spirits Attack Prophets

Every move of God, outpouring, time of refreshing and relevant truth for a particular generation has battled its own particular demonic resistance. That also holds true for prophetic ministry.

Apostles and prophets are both apostolic gifts, apostolic in the sense of being sent-ones, foundational in calling, and given to serve the body of Christ and equip the born-again believer in distinct ways. One particular, yet pervasive tactic of the enemy against prophetic ministry is the introduction of faux prophetic operations and unhallowed defilement.

True prophetic people have seen false prophets precede them. This makes the acceptance of their ministry much more difficult. The reason for this is because prophetic ministry is a stalwart opponent of Satan. To stop the prophetic ministry, the enemy must interpose a counterfeit, something that looks and sounds like Christ’s true prophetic ministry but is not. Satan is the master deceiver and knows ancient weapons of seduction needed to deceive all save the most mature and discerning.

Christ is still calling, training, activating and sending His prophets into the world He loves. Even as prophets are sent into the world there remains a continuing effort by the prince of darkness to introduce prophetic defilement into prophetic ministry. This is why emerging prophets need to learn from seasoned prophets and established spiritual leaders. These prophetic contaminants are deceptive cancers sent to vitiate true prophetic ministry. Like cancer, prophetic debasement is progressive. Sometimes prophetic defilement is dormant or hidden and at other times hideously apparent.

Once I was with several people praying and heard some of them prophesy. I was uneasy in my spirit because there was something that wasn’t quite right. Maybe you have been in meetings like that too. Something appeared foreign and strange. I couldn’t seem to put my finger on it at the time, so I continued to pray. As time went by the Holy Spirit began to talk to me ever so softly. “There are things in their lives defiling them. There is no longer a desire for holiness, they have a blend, an unholy mixture.” That unholy concoction He called “prophetic defilement.” It can be likened to that “strange fire” the sons of Aaron brought into the temple that ushered God’s judgment on their lives (Leviticus 10:1). As you read this work pray, the Holy Spirit increases your spiritual discernment. You may be familiar with the spirit of Jezebel that attacks prophetic ministry but let’s examine these less familiar and unholy contaminates too.

---

 
SHARPEN YOUR SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

---

 

SEDUCING DECEPTIONS

Satan has been diligently implementing his strategy of prophetic defilement. For you to be effective in prophetic ministry, you must not be seduced by his deceptions. Throughout this essay, we will unmask various demonic assignments that introduce unholy mixtures into the prophetic ministry. “How could it happen,” you ask? Are there any early warning signs? Can we protect ourselves? Are there foreign spirits training prophetic people? How do we discern the true from the false? These are some of the questions we will explore. Let’s get started.

We are in the times of “the restitution of all things,” including prophetic ministry (Acts 3:21). There continues to be a restoration of prophets and prophetic grace released in our generation. Christ has not changed since his resurrection and ascension. God is still giving gifts to men. He continues calling, training, activating and releasing prophets into His Church.

There was a time, not too long ago, when the only five-fold ascension gifts embraced within the Church were evangelists and pastors. Many didn’t even identify the unique ascension gift of teacher. Yes, many believed there were evangelists, but some taught there were not any prophets and certainly were no apostles. Today this has changed and many agree that there are five distinct ascension gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers all called to perfect the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). As a prophet, you already know that. Christ didn’t remove any ascension gifts from His Church, and all five are still vital and functioning today. With the restoration of all five gifts working together, we can expect at least five things to happen:

1. There will be a greater release of true prophets, speaking with true prophetic utterances throughout the Church.
2. The devil will oppose prophetic ministry by releasing deceitful spirits into the prophetic ministry speaking with mystical voices.
3. There will be a danger of true prophets speaking with false prophetic utterances. These false prophetic operations will release defilement and discredit the true prophetic ministry.
4. There will be a strong prophetic release that will make a way for restoring God’s apostolic government within local churches.
5. There will be a separation of true prophets from deceived prophets into different companies leading to a prophetic confrontation with foreign spirits of divination such as Jezebel and Baal.

Spiritual confrontation within the prophetic ministry is historic. Examples include Micaiah, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Micaiah contended with King Ahab’s prophets, and Elijah and Jeremiah battled the prophets of Jezebel and Baal. The Apostle Paul and Barnabas also confronted Elymas the sorcerer who withstood them at Paphos. The true will always face-off against the false. Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry is an example of that face-off. His apostolic assignment and prophetic confrontation took place because the prophetic ministers of his day:

• Failed to address sin
• Pursued idols
• Concentrated on amassing personal wealth
• Pursued power, status , nd prestige
• Did nothing to turn the people from sin toward God
• Led the people of God astray

Because of neglect of God’s house and self-centered idolatry in the land, God anointed Jeremiah to oppose an erring prophetic movement that was leading people astray. Let’s take a look.

“Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the Lord, and because of the words of his holiness.” (Jeremiah 23:9)

Jeremiah, speaking by the Spirit of God said, “My heart is broken because of the prophets.” Notice he didn’t say false prophets. The word prophet means prophetic voice. In other words, Jeremiah’s heart was broken because of the false prophetic operations of these wayward prophets. We can see the anointing of the Spirit on him as he shakes under the power of God. He looked like a “drunken man.” This shaking is an indication of the powerful anointing that engulfed him.

He had the Word of the Lord in his mouth and was made ready to address the prophets in the land. A prophetic showdown was about to take place. Prophetic ministry can’t avoid spiritual confrontations with worldliness, carnal Christianity and faux prophetic operations. This is part of prophetic ministry. Scripture says God seeks for a voice that “calls for justice and pleads for truth” (Isaiah 59:4). Prophetic ministers answer that call.

ROOTING OUT

Let’s review Jeremiah’s confrontation with sullied prophets. Remember, this is the same prophet that God called to root out, pull down, destroy and throw down (Jeremiah 1:10). Let’s see that calling in action because you may face the same battles.

The Spirit of God said “the land was full of adulterers.” An adulterer is an unfaithful spouse. Serving God in spirit and truth is serving Him from a pure heart. One becomes a spiritual adulterer by putting something, someone or something foreign between them and God, even their ministries. 

“For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.” (Jeremiah 23:10) 

Abandoning God for something or someone else is committing spiritual adultery. God said these adulterers were evil and their acts erring. As their corruption continued without interruption the nation became full of adulterers, the land mourned and the people lacked true spiritual revelation of God. “What brought about this corruption,” you ask? It happened because the people became apathetic, self-centered, and idolatrous.

HARD HEAVENS

During Jeremiah’s confrontation the heavens were brazen because the prophets and priests led people away from God. The consequences for the nation was grave, the heavens became as brass. Spiritual climates are affected by the actions of prophets, priests and inhabitants of the land. Sin, rebellion and idolatry will harden spiritual climates. Scripture says, 

"And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass...” (Deuteronomy 28:23). 

You are probably familiar with the list of blessings in the book of Deuteronomy including blessing and prosperity but this verse makes it clear the heavens turn as brass for the disobedient. As a prophet you understand spiritual climates. Those who have ministered in various meetings notice big differences in spiritual climates. Some churches are wonderful to preach in having open heavens, while others are hard as stones with closed heavens. A brazen heaven is a spiritual climate that must be plowed through strong intercession, confronting sin and living right. Hard heavens are the result of:

• Sin
• Rebellion
• Demonic influence
• Strong territorial spirits
• Evil principalities and powers
• Practicing idolatry
• Backsliding
• Worldliness
• Upholding deceitful doctrines of devils
• Legalism, self-righteousness and hypocrisy

Hard heavens have little, if any, revelation. When you pray hard heavens feel like your prayers hit the ceiling and fall back into your lap. When you prophesy the words come out of your mouth and seem to fall to the ground. Not only are the heavens hardened because of sin and idolatry but spiritual strength and maturity is hindered too.

“...the earth under you shall be as iron.” (Deuteronomy 28:23) 

When the earth is like iron nothing grows. The land was defiled because of the fruit of sin and the ministry of deceived prophets. Where there is no growth there is can be no spiritual maturity in the people. Prophets are the ministry gifts called to war against principalities and powers in the heavens. To win those battles, however, requires spiritual confrontations with opposing spirits even within prophetic circles.

Every nation, including North America must beware the fruits of idolatry and sin caused by rebellion. When prayer was removed from our public schools June 25th, 1962, for example, the alternative was lawlessness. Whenever one rejects what comes from God they have to live with the opposite. If they don’t want the Prince of Peace they get the prince of calamity. The same holds true in prophetic ministry. If true prophets don’t guard the prophetic ministry the Church will suffer under the whoredoms of Jezebel and the merchandising prophets of Baalim.

AVOIDING SLIPPERY WAYS

God revealed to Jeremiah that His house was full of wicked prophets, priests and corrupted ministers. Surely this grieved the man of God. Scripture says,

“For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:11) 

The word “profane” means soiled, polluted, defiled and corrupted. These prophets and priests crossed God’s holy threshold and entered the dark side. A threshold is the divider between two rooms. When you walk through a doorway there is a metal or wooden threshold on the floor that separates one side of the room from the other. There is a spiritual threshold that is a separation between the Holy and the unholy. When one is profaned they have stepped across the threshold of holiness and entered the realm of the wicked. This scripture teaches that some prophets morally abandoned holy operations and crossed the boundary from holy living into prophetic defilement. Both prophets and priests were living in sin but they didn’t quit the ministry. Their sullied lives hindered God’s plan for them, the Church and released spiritual divination into the land. This is the environment that the spirit of Jezebel and false prophets flourish. This is the spiritual climate God sent Jeremiah. As a prophet you may face the same.

From studying this we discover two different prophetic operations. First, we see that Jeremiah was very different from the other prophets in the land. Jeremiah managed to live a holy life whereas the others fell into sin and idolatry. Second, we discover there were true prophetic operations and false prophetic operations in the land. It’s interesting that God never addresses the erring as false prophets instead He focuses on their prophetic operations. The true prophetic operation released blessing and the false corruption. Jehovah didn’t turn his back on His Church. He prophesied to the corrupted ministers.

“Wherefore their way will be to them as slippery ways in the darkness: they will be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil on them, even the year of their visitation, saith the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:12) 

God pronounced that these prophets would have “slippery ways” and lack true spiritual discernment because of their corrupted lifestyles. They had no spiritual insight because they were walking in darkness having defiled themselves. Spiritual darkness opened the way for foolishness.

“And I have seen folly in the prophets…” (Jeremiah 23:13). 

“Folly” is acting rash, stupid, foolish, senseless and lacking common sense. These prophets sounded spiritual, looked the part, had the prophetic buzzwords, yet were void of biblical soundness, stability and discretion. They acted foolishly and lacked spiritual and emotional balance in their lives. Their idolatry produced amoral behavior that caused them to lose true spiritual discernment and right prophetic operations. The problem was the average person didn’t know these prophets were not speaking the truth. This can happen today if prophets get caught up in the glitz and glamour of celebrity Christianity. Satan waits for opportunities to entice both prophet and priest by seductions for public attention, admiration from men and the deception of earthly riches. Others are deceived because they seek the supernatural rather than Christ our Savior.

ANOTHER SPIRIT

God revealed the finale of their contaminated state, they prophesied by another spirit. He told Jeremiah, “They prophesy by Baal and caused my people to go astray” (Jeremiah 23:13).

“If they were prophesying by another spirit why didn’t the people turn away from these ministers,” you ask? It’s because many good people don’t know the Word of God good enough to tell the difference. If the delivery or mannerisms of the minister appear spiritual they let their guard down and don’t judge the biblical accuracy of the message. We have this problem in the Church today and it’s getting worse every day.

Because of God’s love for people he sent Jeremiah to deal with deceived prophets. Can you imagine Jeremiah telling these prophets they were prophesying by a foreign spirit? Could you do that? Baal is a spirit of divination. A true prophet of God will not allow people to go astray. Even if their heart is not open to God’s representative, he will speak to them without compromise and out of a right spirit. True prophets are not trying to win the fancy of men rather they are actively pursuing the approval of God. Jeremiah was one of God’s faithful prophets sent to confront corrupted voices who were ministering to God’s people by another spirit.

CONCLUSION

• Every move of God, outpouring, time of refreshing and relevant truth for a particular generation has battled its own particular demonic resistance.
• To stop the prophetic ministry the enemy must interpose a counterfeit, something that looks and sounds like Christ’s true prophetic ministry but is not.
• Satan is the master deceiver and knows ancient weapons of seduction needed to deceive all save the most mature and discerning.
• The devil will oppose prophetic ministry with a release of faux prophets speaking with mystical voices.
• There will be a separation of true prophets from false prophets into different companies leading to a prophetic confrontation with foreign spirits of divination such as Jezebel and Baal.
• Spiritual confrontation within prophetic ministry is historic. Examples include Micaiah, Elijah and Jeremiah.
• Prophetic ministry can’t avoid spiritual confrontations with worldliness, carnal Christianity and false prophetic operations.
• A brazen heaven is a spiritual climate that must be plowed through strong intercession, militant preaching and right living.
• Baal is the spirit of divination.

The Deeper Depth

The Deeper Depth

There are many people interested in prophetic ministry, and there’s much confusion about it. Throughout your ministry, you will be faced with many odd, even strange things that will require much spiritual discernment. Spiritual discernment will come from the Holy Spirit and be verified by many scriptures throughout the written Word of God.

 History has introduced many divagating prophets with strange manifestations. Your advantage is four thousand years of written biblical history to use as your guide for accuracy from Adam to Christ. One cornerstone for staying biblical is using that written history as your foundation for measuring truth. When strange things happen, look to the Word for biblical examples. If you can’t find any, then something is terribly wrong. 

Experiences, even vivid, convincing, and supernatural ones are not measurements for truth. In my generation, some have gold dust, feathers, gems, and people barking and roaring like lions in their meetings. A search through the Scriptures gives no evidence that the Holy Spirit used any of these things to confirm Christ’s Word. Others say female angels are healing people. There is no proof of the existence of female angels in the Word. These are only a few examples of strange fire. Someone may tell you that the things of the Spirit can’t be understood by the natural man. That’s not true at all because the Holy Spirit can be understood. He never violates the written Word. The things of the Spirit are understood by the logos, the Bible (Hebrews 4:12). The Holy Spirit is not strange, weird or mystical. He is the third part of the Trinity. He is a gentleman, statesman and a loving God that lifts up Christ, the only begotten Son of God. He is not a female presence, it, a thing, midst, a feeling or some Orphic force. 

PROPHETS OF DECEPTION

In my generation, Jezebel prophets and Baalim prophets are the prevailing enemies of true prophetic ministry. In the last twenty years, these spirits have become sophisticated, built their network of churches, followers, training schools, written many books and produced many training videos. These spirits intend to hijack the prophetic ministry and hold themselves out to be the experts in the field. They condemn any criticism by outsiders as irrelevant, unloving, ignorant and judgmental. Hopefully, by the time you read this material their folly will be known to all and your generation will escape their deceptions. More than likely things are much worse. If so, you will find them as your strongest opponents. 

Both these prophetic groups and others you will encounter have all types of strange signs and wonders in their meetings. Just remember not all wonders, no matter how mystical and exciting are from the Holy Ghost (1 John 4:1). Even legitimate miracles in meetings do not confirm these ministers are flowing right. Scripture says, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22-23).

One particular trait among them is the love of money that finances extravagant lifestyles. Those that embrace these spirits are merchandisers. A merchandiser sells prophecies, healings, religious oils, potions and various products that reinforce their beliefs. Typically they work within their networks focusing on getting as much money from people as possible. They have all kinds of gimmick offerings that manipulate people. They are always recruiting followers to join their groups. I have seen them work every kind of evil when it comes to stealing from God’s people. 

One young man met with me that hooked up with one of these merchandising networks. He gave me his ordination papers from the various ministers within the network and renounced his involvement. He said the purpose of their many conferences was to raise money, not to advance the ministry of Christ. After services, they divide the offerings among themselves. He shocked me when he said the amount of money one raises confirms the level of their prophetic anointing. For several hours, he spoke of many individuals, some well known and others obscure, gave their names and explained numerous evil strategies for meetings across our nation. They even merchandise one another. They look for young naïve upstarts to turn into devils like themselves. There is every sort of evil working behind the scenes among these people. These are “professional prophets” that watch videos and listen to audios to learn the sayings and particular mannerisms of true ministers of the Gospel and from their own they think are effective deceivers (Jeremiah 23:30). Avoid them and don’t do any meetings with them or for them and don’t attend them. Beware their accolades, flatteries and smiles toward you. At first, they will flatter you. If that works, then they will merchandise you. If that doesn’t work, they will blackball you. Just remember, if you can be flattered, you can be bought. Christ’s servants are not prostitutes. 

A spirit of rejection may attack you if these leaders shun you. If you feel that way just think of it like this, rejection is protection. You don’t need anybody's approval save Christ’s. God’s servants can’t be bought at any price! Don’t try to learn anything from them. You are not a psychic, mystic, spiritualist or soothsayer. You are a minister of Christ. You have a responsibility to use your gift as a faithful steward to serve the body of Christ. The purpose of the anointing is to establish and advance the Kingdom of God, give witness to the love of God and confirm to the world the resurrection of Christ our Savior. You will also be called to turn the heart of people toward God, walk in holiness, confront sin and build the Church of Christ. Avoid fame, accolades from men and vain glory, and mind your motives in all things (Proverbs 4:23).

As a New Testament prophet, your prophetic flow is primarily used for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Your gift also helps turn Logos, the written Word to rhema, life-giving Word, as the Holy Spirit wills. Again, you are not a physic. A physic uses demon powers to prophesy. As already said, you are not a mystic. A mystic is one that uses spirit counterfeits to appear like they have some special access or favor with God. 

False prophets can release fear and curses. I have heard them tell people if they don’t obey they endanger themselves. That type of stuff is nothing but witchcraft. Bind it up and carry on for Jesus. No prophet is anointed by the Holy Spirit to curse people. Paul said, “Bless and curse not” (Romans 12:14). Cursing is a sure sign of a false prophet. Baalim, a true prophet gone bad, did the same and lost his life for it. God doesn’t send storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes to judge people, cities, and nations for their sins. Jesus said these things would increase before His return. Yes, one day there will be a judgment of the living and the dead but fear does not lead people to Christ. God’s loving kindness, the good news does, and the offer of forgiveness of sin to the repentant (John 3:16).

---

SHARPEN YOUR SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

---

SEARCHING HIDDEN SECRETS

As a prophet of Christ, you will depend only on the Holy Spirit and the written Word of God. You don’t need objects from people's clothing, locks of hair, or photos to assist you to prophesy. Nor will you need to astral project into the spirit world. You will not blend the New Age teachings of the God-self into your teachings, try to unlock hidden meanings or secrets within Scripture. You will not sell prophecies, potions, or elixirs. You are not an occultist, soothsayer, medium, or shaman. Occultists search for hidden secrets and “knowledge of the hidden.” They use various methods to find obscured „truths‟ like numerology and the reading of Hebrew symbols and letters. Numerology is the study of relationships between numbers and objects needed by spiritualists for divination. Kabala practitioners, for example, look for knowledge of the hidden in numbers and symbols. This is not biblical. I have seen people use the Hebrew calendar and its annual symbols to prophesy events of the coming year. This is not the working of the Holy Spirit but the sign of ancient Babylonian soothsayers. Jannes and Jambres are Biblical examples. Scripture says the secret things belong to our Lord and what He has chosen to reveal are found in His Word. Only occultist search for the forbidden. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Some things will not be easily discerned. In some cases, you will have to wait for the appearance of fruit (Matthew 7:17). As you wait for the fruit to appear, remember that the Holy Ghost doesn’t produce unstable, bizarre, or flaky people. They will be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. They will be full of love, power and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

UNHOLY MIXTURES

Beware unholy mixtures. Don’t knowingly preach with amoral teachers, preachers, musicians or singers, and don’t sit in their meetings either. You will find that many in error are very talented, but talent does not usher in the presence of the Holy Ghost. Talent is seen in skillful performances and useful for entertaining. Entertainment, however, will not change hearts. As a prophet you are called to turn hearts to Christ, not put on a show for people.

Avoid the gold, the glory, and the girls. This is an old proverb that will help you make it. Yes, God will prosper you because obedience to His Word always brings a measure of prosperity. Scripture says, however, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” As you minister, don’t forget that all the glory belongs to God. Scripture reminds us, “He will not give his glory to another” (Isaiah 42:8). Finally, beware of sexual sins. When you get married, stay faithful to the spouse of your youth. Sexual sin have destroyed the ministries of thousands of people before you arrived on this earth. It can take you out, too. 

POLISHED SHOWMANSHIP

As already said, avoid strange fire. Strange fire is the introduction of something foreign into the ministry, message, church, prophecy, prayer, offering or “anointing”. The sons of Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu offered strange fire and lost their lives (Leviticus 10:1-10). The ministry is a holy ministry with holy servants serving a holy God.

Your gift is not to put on a show. You are not an entertainer. Keep your flow right. Deceitful prophets are showmen and know how to work a crowd. Polished showmanship, no matter how mystical, spiritually appearing or entertaining is not the anointing. You may live in a time where the difference is not clear and God may use you to bring clarity. Some revivals attract strange fire. You can read the history of the Welch revival in Whales and the Azusa Street revival in North America for examples of strange fire that got into the meetings. 

When you’re not sure of things, beware the ministry of novices and seek counsel from the trusted old-timers, those gray-haired saints that have been walking with God for a long time. The safest are those that have been in the ministry a minimum of 25 years and have lasting fruit. Don’t look to beginners even if they appear to be highly anointed (1 Timothy 3:6). I have seen these young “superstars” come and go. The race for God’s ministers is a long one. It’s a marathon race that’s completed at heaven’s finish line. 

The very things that are the most strange, the Jezebel and Baalim prophets will present themselves as the experts. You should also know that moves of the Holy Spirit are not confirmed by the number of people attending the meetings or by the endorsement from Hollywood Christian personalities. Only by the Word, witness and fruit can you know for sure. Even some fruit is misleading. As already said look for “lasting fruit,” changed lives, salvations, and glory for Christ alone. Some of what I have written will probably grieve you. That’s good. If it doesn’t something might be wrong. If you are going to walk closely with God, you will be required to die much inside along this journey. Many things you see will sadden you. Lamentations, morning, and woe, will be your traveling companions. They will prompt you to intercede for Christ’s will to be done in the lives of your brothers and sisters in the Lord. The good news is that you can make it and bring honor to Christ along the way. The Apostle Paul said it best, “Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3). Avoid strange fire and watch for the return of the King of Glory, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

REVIEW

• Spiritual discernment will come from the Holy Spirit and be verified by many Scriptures throughout the written Word of God.
• In my generation, Jezebel and Baalim prophets are the prevailing enemies of true prophetic ministry.
• One particular trait among them is the love of money that finances extravagant lifestyles.
• A merchandiser sells prophecies, healing, religious oils, potions and various products that reinforce their beliefs.
• A physic uses demon powers to prophesy.
• A mystic is one that uses spirit counterfeits to appear like they have some special access or favor with God.
• As a prophet of Christ, you will depend only on the Holy Spirit and the written Word of God. You don’t need objects from people's clothing, locks of hair or photos to assist you to prophesy.
• Avoid the gold, the glory, and the girls
• Strange fire is the introduction of something foreign into the ministry, message, church, prophecy, prayer, offering or “anointing.”
• Polished showmanship, no matter how mystical, spiritually appearing or entertaining is not the anointing.

THE HIGHER REALM

12 Functions of Prophetic Ministry

Christ set in the Church five distinct ascension gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. All of them are quite different, distinct and carry different graces needed to equip the born-again believer for effectiveness in life and ministry.

Scripture declares, “And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors, and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). All five ministry gifts are equally important. We need the apostle. He is a spiritual father, architect, and builder. We need the soul-winning evangelist that reminds us of reaching the lost. We need the pastor who counsels, nurtures and comforts, and the teacher to instruct, tutor, and explain God’s Word and ways. And we need the prophet, God’s voice of edification, exhortation, and comfort. All five ascension gifts have specific graces on their lives that add something important to the born again believer. 

LOGOS TO RHEMA
Prophets are gifted with living (rhema) word to the Church. Your bible is full of words known as logos, the written Word. Have you ever read your bible and suddenly the words sprang to life and you received a revelation of what you just read? That is an example of the word (logos), changing into word (rhema), or life-giving word. That’s what we call spiritual revelation. That revelation is available for you.

Prophets flow in revelation or rhema.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.” (Revelation 2:29)

We need to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church, not just what the Spirit hath said. We need the freshness of prophetic revelation, that life-giving rhema, that comes through the prophet’s gift. Without that refreshing, we die a boring religious death and are not spiritually relatable to our generation. We all need the prophetic voice to come into the earth that we might have a “living word” imparted into our lives. Without the life provided by the prophetic voice, the Church would be like the dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision.

God wants to raise a prophetic people who are able to hear His voice clearly. Not just lone prophets, but a prophetic people. It is important the world hears the Word of the Lord with power and refreshing that comes from the prophetic anointing. We need a prophetic people who have been delivered from the “fear of men” and who are not “men pleasers.”

ROTOR ROOTER MINISTRY
Prophets carry a great sense of spiritual authority. They enjoy rooting out, pulling down, and destroying all spiritual opposition that gets in the way of the plans and purpose of God.

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:10)

In this verse, nations are symbolic of the natural realm and kingdoms symbolic of the spiritual realm. To “root out” means to lay hold of the root of a thing and pull. The prophet is called to root out. He is called to pull down. He is called to destroy. He is called to overthrow. Notice that all these words deal with destroying the opposition. Prophets are God’s spiritual reformers and revolutionaries. To reform means to bring about change.

---

---

Prophets make some people nervous and they will try to get rid of the prophet or close his mouth before he gets to do what he is best at, building and planting. God builds by His Spirit and there are many spiritual obstacles that must be dealt with before the building and planting begins. When we understand the prophet’s gift we can all be more effective when warring against the spiritual forces that oppose the establishing and advancement of the Kingdom of God.

BREAKING PLOWS
The Holy Spirit uses Christ fivefold ascension prophets as spiritual plows to break the hardest of sin-blackened soils and cut the deepest furrows within the heart of man. The prophet is gifted to prepare the way toward spiritual breakthrough through his rotor-rooter challenge of any spiritual opposition that might get in the way. One reason some feel uncomfortable with prophetic operations is because of the results of the prophet’s prayers. What the prophet attacks through intercession in the Spirit will sometimes reveal itself in the natural. If he attacks rebellion, for example, then any common ground with rebellion in the people will manifest. But rather than stop the prophet’s rooting out intercession, we should continue to press in and let that prophetic grace finish its work. Once the spiritual warfare is finished the prophetic gift will open the heavens to us. Remember when Daniel was battling the principalities and powers? Because he didn’t give up and quit the angel was able to get through with the Word of the Lord for the nation.

Sometimes when the prophet speaks, people get stirred, troubled or offended. Offenses are the bait of Satan used to unplug you from important spiritual relationships. If you are being challenged, perhaps the Holy Spirit is trying to prepare you for your future. I have seen the prophetic gift in action used to prune out the dead wood that keeps us from growing. Pruning is good for us all because pruning is necessary to produce more fruit. Currently, we are in a time when the Church is being challenged to awaken from its sleep. Roots of binding religious traditions are being pulled out because some have been sitting in religious comfort zones for too long. As the “restoration of all things” continues on so will the restoration of true prophetic ministry.

The Church is moving forward. From be healed, for example, to be taught. And from be blessed, to be changed. Everybody likes to be healed, taught, and blessed because it requires little of the hearer. But the restoration of the prophetic moves the Church into a governmental authority that requires more of us. All believers are called to govern. They are a priesthood of kings given spiritual authority that enables them to be more than conquerors. In the days ahead prophets will be more involved in activating the spiritual authority of every believer to make a difference with their lives.

ON PERSONAL PROPHECY
Some people think that a prophet must give personal prophecies to qualify to walk in the office of a prophet. That’s partially true. He will give personal prophecies, but his revelation gifting goes far beyond personal prophecy. Personal prophecy is the lowest prophetic operation of the true prophet. I say that because some have hyper-focused on personal prophecy and miss the big picture of the prophet’s ministry. Prophets also:

1. Are forerunners who make a way for “greater things” to come (Matthew 3:3).
2. Deal with spiritual climates (Jeremiah 1:10).
3. Turn people from sin to holiness (Jeremiah 23:21-22).
4. Are front line intercessors (Jeremiah 27:18).
5. Turn the hearts of fathers and sons (Malachi 4:5-6).
6. Challenge dead traditions of men and dangerous spirits of religion (Matthew 3:9-10).
7. Are stewards of the mysteries of God (Ephesians 3:5).
8. Carry lamentations, mourning and woe (intercession burdens) (Ezekiel 2:10).
9. Are fore-tellers of things to come (Amos 3:7).
10. Contend with false prophets of divination including Jezebel and Baal (1 Kings 18:19).
11. Challenge demonic territorial guards (Acts 13:7).
12. Speak to the nations and kingdoms (Jeremiah 1:5).

Prophetic ministry is a wonderful gift from God. Moses said, “Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them” (Numbers 11:29). With them Jesus said, “I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail.”

The Prophetic

Prophetic Ministry and Familiar Spirits

Prophetic ministry training includes how to avoid demonic familiar spirits. In prophetic ministry, prophets carry a great blessing for the body of Christ. They also have a significant responsibility guarding their ministries from demonic encroachment while avoiding familiar spirits.

 As prophets mature in their ministries, they quickly learn to “wait for the unction” of the Holy Spirit before moving out in their gifting. This is how they keep defilement and spiritual corruption out of their lives and ministries. The Apostle Peter made it clear that men of God wait on the Holy Ghost, “Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Prophecy from the Holy Spirit was never spoken by “the will of man,” that is to say, by man's will. This is significant and fundamental in prophetic ministry. This teaches if one prophesies by faith only, without any Holy Ghost unction, then they wrongly prophesy according to their will and not Gods. This is the indicator of a presumptuous and self-willed prophet who can easily tap into deceiving spirits of divination. To avoid familiar spirits, the mature prophet will wait on the unction from the Lord. Prophecy is a serious ministry and should not be taken lightly. To meddle in prophetic ministry outside the unction is dangerous and damaging to the lives of precious people.

Prophesying is not something done solely by faith. Prophecy is not by the prophet’s faith and will exclusively. Faith alone does not force the Holy Spirit to speak. You have a measure of faith involved, but the prophet is not making prophetic utterance come by faith. The seasoned prophet understands this and can protect himself and others from prophetic error. Again, prophecy is not about faith, will or emotion; it’s about waiting for the Holy Ghost to move.

The prophet is only a spokesman. If the Holy Spirit decides to speak He will but the prophet must wait for the unction offered according to the direct will of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11). Let’s look at the pattern for a safe prophetic release, “Holy men spake as they were moved (compelled and prompted) by the Holy Ghost.” True prophetic utterance is always with Holy Ghost unction. Unction is God’s permission to speak on His behalf. If there is no unction, then the prophet is acting by assumptive faith decoupled from the Holy Spirit’s prompting. This is unsafe.

Unction, Greek charisma, means anointing. Those that prophesy by presumptuous faith are in danger of tapping into a demonic spirit of divination. This is the realm where high-level occult spirits gain access into the lives of Christians, churches and ministries. Again this reveals the seriousness of the prophet’s ministry and responsibility of every believer to judge prophecy according to the written word of God.

Divination is foretelling (prophesying) the future by occult means. As already said prophecy should come only after you receive Holy Ghost unction to speak. This is the biblical pattern taught us in the Word and demonstrated by the prophets of old that were first “moved by the Holy Ghost.” Remember, unction for the prophet is the permission of the Holy Spirit to speak. After you receive permission then use your faith and surrender to the will of the Spirit and prophesy.

Five steps for avoiding familiar spirits are:

1. Knowing when the Holy Spirit wants to speak.
2. Receiving the Holy Spirit's permission, rightfully called the unction.
3. Using faith to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s unction.
4. Speaking what the Holy Spirit has to say.
5. Judging the prophetic word according to Scripture.

SET PROPHETS, MANTELS AND ACTIVATION

Fivefold ascension gift prophets carry a prophetic mantle. In the New Testament we refer to the office of the prophet as one of the fivefold ascension gifts given by Christ to “perfect the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11). When Elijah was ushered into heaven, he dropped his prophetic mantle to Elisha. Elisha was already called into the prophetic ministry before this event. The mantle terminology is an Old Testament term referring to the prophet’s ministry. New Testament prophets are better described as gifted, but we can still use the illustration of the mantle to explore prophetic operations.

I have seen the effects of this prophetic mantle on the prayer lives of people that come into contact with it. One day some people were praying together. As I listened, many in the group were prophesying. What was striking to me was these people had never prophesied before. So what was it that was different in this particular group? There was a man with a prophetic mantle on his life among them. He was a fivefold ascension gift prophet. The reason these others were able to prophesy was they were picking up on his prophetic gift. This expresses the need for fivefold ascension gift prophets in local churches because their gift activates the prophetic among the general assembly. This is healthy within the biblical context because true prophetic utterance exalts and magnifies Christ and is “the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 19:10).

---

---

This also points out the necessity of prophetic maturity among the ministry’s leadership. Avoiding familiar spirits is the responsibility of all but especially those in senior leadership within the local church. Scripture gives examples of prophetic activation when King Saul sent messengers to capture David. Watch the prophetic anointing come on these people after they came into contact with Samuel and the company of prophets.

“Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the spirit of God was on the messengers of Saul and they also prophesied. And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time and they prophesied also. Then went he also to Ramah and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, ‘Where are Samuel and David?’ And one said, ‘Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.’ And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on and prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. And he stripped off his clothes also and prophesied before Samuel in like manner and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, ‘Is Saul also among the prophets?’” (1 Samuel 19:20-24.) 

Did you notice who was in those meetings? It was Samuel. He was “standing as appointed over them.” The word “appointed” natsab means set. Samuel was the “set prophet” among this group. There is something to be said about prophetic activation when fivefold ascension gift prophets are present. When the messengers of Saul came into contact with Samuel “they also prophesied.” It is doubtful they were trying to muster much faith to do it. I believe a strong unction from the Holy Ghost came on them followed by a measure of faith.

Let’s look at Ezekiel’s release to prophesy for a better understanding of avoiding familiar spirits and receiving prophetic permission. Ezekiel was a seasoned man that knew the Holy Spirit well. He models another safety feature in avoiding familiar spirits. He would not prophesy until told. Scripture says, “So I prophesied as I was commanded” (Ezekiel 37:7). In this verse Ezekiel, a mature prophet of God, understood that he was not to prophesy until the Lord released him to do so. We, too, can learn from his example.

It is all right to sense the prophetic anointing but don’t speak “thus saith the Lord” unless God releases you through prompting by the Holy Spirit. If you prophesy by faith without unction, outside God’s permission, you are in danger of tapping into a spirit of divination. This is a sobering truth but if you tap into a spirit of divination you release witchcraft over the people. This wrong prophetic operation is taking place today and needs to be stopped. God has not called His prophetic people to be fortune-tellers but those that offer edification, exhortation and comfort. Wrong prophetic operations open the door for all kinds of high-level occult spirits of divination. Avoid them at all cost.

During a powerfully anointed service I asked God if he wanted me to prophesy to the people. I don’t do this anymore because I have learned to look for the unction. I could tell they were pulling on me for a prophetic word. Most seasoned prophets can relate to that feeling. The Spirit of God said, “No.” Could I have prophesied anyway? The answer is “yes” but I would have been in error. As said repeatedly, if you prophesy without God’s permission you can tap into a familiar spirit.

A man told me he received a prophetic revelation from the Lord. I asked him to share it with me and he said, “It is way too deep and nobody was ready for it.” I said, “Brother, you need to be careful with that. If you have a revelation from God you need to let the prophet’s judge” (1 Corinthians 14:29). All prophecies need to be judged, examined and weighed against the logos of God. Scripture says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Don’t get distracted by the term false prophets. False prophets don’t start their ministries as false prophets. They start them just like you did with sincerity of heart and a love for Christ. It’s what happens along the way that decides their destiny. If they learn how to avoid familiar spirits they can make it. If they don’t they fail. It’s that simple.

Prophets make mistakes and some prophesies are wrong. Scripture says that we “see through a glass darkly” (1 Corinthians 13:12). If prophets and prophecies were always accurate then people would be tempted to follow prophets instead of Jesus. All prophecy needs to be tested for accuracy. Period.  This helps close the door to familiar spirits.