Spiritual Warfare - 1

Worship God Alone

1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
Revelation 4 (NKJV)

This is heaven and being a part of this worship team is spiritual victory.

Sadly, there is a spiritual realm referred to as ‘The Heavenly Places’ which is between heaven and earth. The spiritual powers and their activities in the heavenly places seem to block our vision of heaven and our participation in the worship of The One Who sits on the throne.

Genuine worship is adoration of God in awe and love from the heart (spirit), progressing to the surrender of the thoughts and will (soul), which would bring us to literally bow down and fall prostrate (body). We need to beware that the latter doesn’t become a religious routine. Even after we finish the act of worship and go ahead with the chores and responsibilities entrusted to us, we should continue to retain the attitude of worship.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (NKJV)

Is it possible to overcome and live a life of victory on this earth? Yes, through our Lord JESUS CHRIST, Who said –

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NKJV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)

On a Sunday, after service, we had just finished cleaning up the school hall in which we met, when our Pastor opened the curtain and my eyes fell on the king’s throne set in the centre of the stage. Immediately, the following verses flashed in my mind.

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

If we have a desire to know the happenings in the spiritual realm, we need to respond to the call ‘Come Up Here,’ by spending time with the scriptures, waiting on the Lord JESUS. Every vision given to the saints of old, Ezekiel, Daniel and John, which is written down in the scriptures will become ours if we diligently and whole-heartedly seek to know and understand. When we know the Truth, we will be free and live in victory.

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:32 (NKJV)

The truth revealed to us through this vision is that:
1) GOD is on the throne in heaven
2) Those in heaven worship Him and The LAMB

10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
Revelation 4:10-11 (NKJV)

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Revelation 5:8 (NKJV)

14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.
Revelation 5:14 (NKJV)

16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God,
Revelation 11:16 (NKJV)

Therefore spiritual victory is, in knowing that GOD is on the throne and worshiping Him alone in every situation.

Abraham, Isaac, Job and Stephen were victorious over comers who worshiped GOD when their faith was severely tested.

1 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
Genesis 22:1-5 (NKJV)

Abraham set the example of true worship to his son, Isaac to follow.

13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; 14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.
Job 1:13-20 (NKJV)

When God gives the devil permission to destroy, He also lends him His equipment!

59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:59-60 (NKJV)

GOD commanded His people not to worship anyone or anything. When we worship anything or anyone other than GOD, we fall short of His glory.

Three Jews, who were brought from Jerusalem to Babylon, feared God more than the king. They were strong in their faith and bold enough to disobey the command of the king to fall down and worship the image of gold that he had set up.

If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Daniel 3:17-18 (NKJV)

God was with them in the fiery furnace, gloriously protecting them, revealing His power to the heathen king.

Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!
Daniel 3:28 (NKJV)

1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1-2 (NKJV)

1 The Lord reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; Let the earth be moved! 2 The Lord is great in Zion, And He is high above all the peoples. 3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name— He is holy. 4 The King’s strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His footstool— He is holy.
Psalm 99:1-5 (NKJV)

Spiritual warfare is therefore, standing against every hindrance and worshiping GOD alone in every situation in our lives.

JESUS Himself taught us to pray:
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10 (NKJV)

• Am I a true worshipper of God?
• Is He my first love?
• Do I completely entrust and surrender my loved ones to Him - whether He keeps them alive or takes them away?
• Do I completely surrender my positions and possessions to Him – whether He gives them to me or takes them away?
• Do I surrender my will to Him, to obey unquestioningly?
• Have I totally surrendered my life – spirit, soul and body to Him, knowing that He alone has absolute authority over me, now and for ever?
• Am I totally believing, depending and resting in the power of His love?