As we shall see, principalities and powers do work in conjunction to bring mayhem to the world and division to the church. They are different, however, and it is possible to know much more about each of them. As we define each of these and see their differences and their functions, we will be equipped to war against each of these spiritual forces more effectively, instead of doing generic battle against both of them collectively.
We use the phrase "principality and power" almost as one word. Have we considered that these are actually different spirit beings, called by different names with different functions? Is the Word of God silent about each of these evil spirits as separate entities, or is there another level of understanding left to explore? Can we learn more about our enemies, how they operate and how to wage war effectually on each of them? Is it possible to discover their differences and then perhaps exploit them and apply the age old axiom of warfare - divide and conquer?
Even though both principalities and powers are evil spirits with similar origins and motives, there are clear distinctions to be made between them, as shown by the Bible consistently calling them different names.
To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, Ephesians 3:10
It is my belief that the Word of God is not silent on this issue, but is a complete war manual, revealing the identity and functions of each of these spirits. Furthermore, we can discover their differences and how they work together, as well as how to divide them and break up their collective strength. I believe that the Scriptures reveal how to do to them what they have been doing to God's people for millennia - divide and conquer.
We use the phrase "principality and power" almost as one word. Have we considered that these are actually different spirit beings, called by different names with different functions?
The Lord Jesus Christ stated a dynamic concept of warfare when He said a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:25-26; Mark 3:24: Luke11:18). As we press into this study, we will see that unity is the underlying strength of both God's Kingdom and the evil kingdom. We will also discover the Bible records Jesus using the word "church" only twice in His earthly ministry. On both occasions He referred to the principle of "binding and loosing." One usage reveals how to battle principalities, the other demonstrates how to battle powers.
It is quite apparent from the Word of God that these evil spirits do exist - and that wrestling them and dealing with them is inevitable. Whether we will succeed or not depends upon either being aware of or being ignorant of Satan's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). Let us learn from the Word of God how to Triumph in Christ Jesus. We will need to be courageous, obediently engage these evil spirits, and answer our call to arms.
Our Call to Arms
Ephesians 3:10 conclusively states that principalities and powers are different entities. Before going on to define each of these, we need to recognize something else - God chose the church to demonstrate His manifold wisdom to them - and that engaging them is not optional.From the context of Ephesians 3:10 we learn that God once had a mystery. He kept it secret for a reason. It was His intention that when this secret was revealed, then principalities and powers would know that through His infinite wisdom He had foiled their futile plans. Showing these principalities and powers His wisdom was one of His primary purposes in the whole plan of redemption.
And to make all people see what is the fellowship of the mystery; which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ: to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the central purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:9-11)
The background of this mystery reveals God's plan for us to exercise our authority over principalities and powers. In the time preceding the creation of mankind, a mutiny was attempted in heaven. Satan plotted an overthrow of God's throne by deceiving a third of the angels into rebelling against God. God banished them out of heaven (Revelation 12:9). These deposed angels are now the principalities and powers. God then preceded to make a new race of spirit-beings called man, (1) and put them upon earth, the same place He banished these evil angels. The purpose for God putting both principalities and powers and people in the same place is: He intentionally wanted the church to teach them the lesson of His sovereignty and wisdom.
God also knew that mankind would temporarily fall from their place of ruler-ship and would be dominated by these evil angels until Jesus reconciled mankind to God and reinstated them as God's rulers over the spirit realm.
Now we can understand why God kept His plan a mystery. The secret was that God knew the evil angels would revolt against Him and that they would dominate mankind for awhile. By His foreknowledge however, He already had a plan waiting in the wings to show them the futility of their efforts. He planned our dominion over the principalities and powers through Jesus Christ. This is nothing more than the testimony of the Word of God.
Every time we exercise authority over principalities and powers, our Father God gets this spry little smile curling the corners of His lips. God wants the church to display His wisdom and rub it in their faces. He wants us to remind them of their sin of stupidity - attempting mutiny against the omniscient God. This is a major facet of God's eternal purpose in the whole plan of Christianity. He wants these principalities and powers taught a lesson.
Each time we bind these evil forces and command them to bow down to the name of Jesus, they are reminded of the omniscient wisdom of our superior God. They chose to rebel against Him and He knew it all along. In His manifold wisdom, God had pre-supposed their plan and had the church, by His foreknowledge, waiting in the wings to fulfill His own good pleasure of retribution. God wants us to exercise our authority over principalities and powers! God rejoices when we dominate them. Jesus further declared our authority over them and our call to arms.
Jesus derogatorily referred to principalities and powers as serpents and scorpions. This is a demeaning usage of words, meaning they are cursed, low-life cowards. Not only do these names tell us about the attributes and characteristics of these creatures, but they also belittle them and show that we have authority over them.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents (principalities) and scorpions (powers), and over all power of the enemy (demons): and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke10:19
In Mark 16:18 we see the Commander-in-Chief referring to these evil spirits as serpents and giving all of His soldiers a command to take up the battle against them.
…..they shall take up serpents… Mark 16:18a
This is not talking about handling snakes as many have supposed, but taking up the battle against the evil spirit world. It does not say to do this if it is convenient, but this is a command into battle from the Captain of Salvation. When Jesus said to "take up serpents," He was referring to the Word of God written in the stars in the constellation of Ophiuchus. (2)
Ophiuchus, within the constellation of Scorpio, is seen taking up a serpent, or principality and wrestling it (Ephesians 6:12), while crushing a scorpion, or spiritual power, under his foot (Ephesians 1:22). This bold display in the heavens is a prophetic message to follow our leader, Jesus Christ, the Serpent Seizer and Scorpion Crusher and to take up this battle. When we do, God performs His good pleasure...
And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen Romans 16:20
This call to arms is well published and documented from God's eternal purposes recorded in His Word, all the way to revealing it prophetically in the stars. We are commissioned by God Almighty Himself to engage the enemy. Now we need courage and a reminder to take up this battle. Christians that are not actively involved in this aspect of spiritual warfare are literally "sitting ducks" waiting for heavenly principalities and powers to rain down their terror and destruction. In this war, you are either a target or a weapon.
Most Christians have experienced the futility of wrestling with the flesh to try to gain control of situations. For much too long we have been trying to gain ground in the spiritual conquest by controlling the physical circumstances first. This is like playing "king of the mountain." The only way that we are going to dominate the physical plane is to control the higher plane, in this case, the heavenlies. Spiritual warfare is showing the church that if you control the heavens, then you can patrol the streets.
From Cali, Columbia to South Korea, many cities and countries around the world have borne testimony that we can gain control of our areas by wrestling these spiritual forces. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that we must wrestle principalities and powers. This is our call to arms. Wrestling, more than any other sport, demands the use of every part of the body. We need every part and member of the body of Christ functioning in full measure to gain the victory we should have. This foreshadows our solution to the problem: UNITY!
It is God's good pleasure that we show principalities and powers the manifold wisdom of God through exercising our spiritual authority over them. Jesus gave us the authority over them; the Holy Spirit gives us the power and specifics about them; and the Word of God shows us how to engage in battle. Now it is our responsibility to obey our call to take up arms and to "take up serpents."
Definitions of Principalities and Powers
The Bible is very clear that both principalities and powers are heavenly beings. Failing to differentiate them from demons has also compounded the problem of not knowing exactly how to engage the enemy. (3) Ephesians 6:12 shows that these principalities and powers occupy the heavens and that they are not flesh and blood.For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
Likewise, Colossians 1:16 reveals their heavenly existence and also shows that they are invisible.
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions (visible on the earth) or principalities or powers (invisible in the heavenlies). All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16
The origin of these invisible spiritual beings that occupy the heavenlies, are the fallen angels that were thrown out of heaven when Lucifer was deposed.
His (the Serpent's or Dragon's) tail drew a third of the stars (angels) of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. Revelation 12:4
These spirits, principalities and powers, compromise the leadership of the evil kingdom. They work to impose Satan's methods on the earth (Ephesians 6:11). The strength of any army is in its leadership. An obvious strategy of warfare is to attack the leadership in order to disrupt the chain of command. It is then easy to disorientate the troops, discomfort them and attack any isolated units.
Now that we know who these spirits are, and the realm in which they function, we can begin exploring the scope of the Bible to gain information about the leadership in Satan's army. Be reminded: we are studying this, not only to discover their functions and divide and conquer them, but ultimately to build the Kingdom of God where these strongholds have existed. We need to know how and where they function.
Functions of Principalities and Powers
We will begin by looking at what the actual words "principalities" and "powers" mean. As we examine these words, we can see their relationship and interaction with each other. We can also learn of their specific attributes from Jesus' derogatory reference to serpents and scorpions. After defining who they are and their relationship to each other, we will look at each of them separately to discover their individual function and contribution to Satan's kingdom."Principality" is the Greek word arche. This means "first in order or rank," or "to commence or initiate something." We can see this in the usage of archangel - meaning the first in rank. Satan has organized his kingdom like God's. Its first order of rank is an arche, or a principality. This is therefore the first tier of leadership in the evil kingdom, directly under Satan himself. Principalities are rulers over the evil powers. Ephesians 6:12 says that they are, "world rulers of darkness."
"Powers" is the Greek word exousia. The overall meaning of this word is "an authority," indicating "one who carries out the directives of a ruler." The generic word "power" denotes strength to perform a task, but this word also communicates the authority to do it. These powers more specifically are "authorities," assigned to carry out the specified directives coming from Satan through the ruling principality.
These words show the relationship between these two evil entities. One is a ruler, the other is an enforcer. The New International Version of the Bible translates these words quite precisely to indicate this relationship.
His (God's) intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 3:10 NIV
The earthly relationship between magistrates and policemen depicts the corresponding relationship between principalities and powers by a Biblical description that uses these exact words, arche and exousia. The King James Version translates them as rulers and authorities.
Put them (the people) in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, Titus 3:1 KJV
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, Titus 3:1 KJV
These are identical usages of the same words and shows that a relationship between a ruler and an authority is the same relationship as between a principality and a power. This is the same relationship that a magistrate or a judge has with a policeman. Principalities are the rulers and powers are the enforcers. The point to understand from these scriptures is that principalities are of a higher rank and give orders for authorities, or powers, to carry out.
In an organization, whether it is an army or a manufacturing firm, a potential for division exists between management and labor, or between administration and production. A breakdown in this relationship will certainly spell destruction. We need to create a labor dispute, or a strike, to disrupt this relationship.
The importance of dividing these evil spirits and disrupting their relationship is becoming clear. Anytime two things are joined together, whether it is two boards nailed together or two pieces of material sewn together, a weakness exists where they are joined. Professional quarterbacks plan pass plays to expose the weakness of seams in a zone defense. Wrecking crews detonate their charges at critical intersections of structure within buildings. Just as Satan has divided the church between relationships, now we can see an opportunity to divide his kingdom in the same way, in the relationships between principalities and powers.
How These Spirits Work
Though principalities and powers have particular areas where they work, they both work in a similar way - from the heavenlies. Demons are the evil spirits that invade people's bodies. Principalities and powers normally do not work inside a person's body, but in the air or atmosphere around them. Ephesians 2:2 reveals interesting facts about how the devil and these deposed spirits work.in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, Ephesians 2:2
Even though this verse may be dealing with Satan, it also applies to the spirits thrown out of the heaven with him. Satan, along with these spirits, operates within the authority of the air, not the bodies of me and women. The phrase "prince of the power of the air" gives us the understanding that these evil spirits exercise their strength through controlling the "atmosphere." "Prince" is our word for principality, archon, and "exousia. The word "air" aer shows us WHERE they work.
The word "air" means the space above the ground. This reaffirms what we learned before - that principalities and powers occupy the heavenlies. Other usages of the word "air" give us more scope about the realm in which these spiritual forces work. We will meet Jesus in the "air" (I Thessalonians 4:17), and we fight not as ones that "beat the air" (1 Corinthians 9:26). Specifically, 1 Corinthians 14:9 says that when we speak words they go into the air. This gives us more information about how to effectively engage these spiritual powers. They war on us from the heavenlies or from the air, so we will need to return fire into the realm where they are found. We do not fight as one that simply beats the air, but we must know how to strike the objects in the air.
Going back to Ephesians 2, verse 1, we can learn more about how evil spirits work. People dead in sins and trespasses, or not regenerated by the new birth, are especially prone to the influence of these principalities and powers. Verse 2 shows that prior to the new birth, we were all programmed to walk according to the influence of these spirits. Verse 3 says that by nature (since the spirit of man was not yet regenerated) it was relatively easy for them to control our flesh and minds before we were regenerated into eternal life in Christ.
These spirits influence people by controlling the atmosphere around them, not by invading their bodies. Through principalities and powers, the devil prepares people for the abode of demons (which actually enter the body). Ultimately, actions will be influenced; but it all begins with a manifestation in people that can be seen in their "attitudes."
Knowledge of the spirit realm gives us the keys to understand how these spirits influence the atmosphere around people and their attitudes. Principalities and powers, as spirit beings, have the capacity to speak words into the air and thereby into the spirit consciousness of men and women. Since most men and women (especially those who are not born again) are ignorant of the spirit realm, these spirits have easy access to them. This also applies to uninstructed Christians who do not know the difference between the soul and the spirit of man. Unregenerated mankind or uninstructed Christians often adopt the world's terminology and interpret these suggestions as arising from the subconscious level of the human mind.
The picture of the evil spirit on one shoulder and the good angel on the other shoulder whispering to the spirit of man or woman is not too far from the reality of how these spirits work. When they manipulate an individual into habitual sin, demons can (and probably will) enter that person. When enough individuals are influenced in certain ways, as directed by principalities and carried out by powers, an area becomes saturated with the methodia (methods, wiles) of the devil, whether it is lust, murder, alcoholism, homosexuality or fear.
Since principalities and powers are moving the methods of the devil (Ephesians 6:11,12), the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17) is the logical defensive tool to guard against evil thought suggestions. Truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, and faith guard the mind, or the conscious level of the spirit. As we will see, the spoken word of God (Ephesians 6:17,18) is our offensive weapon against them because it unleashes power into the realm of their existence - the air or the heavenlies.
That is how these spirits "work over" a person. Now we will see how each of these evil spirits concentrates upon certain areas. Then we will more clearly understand how to battle against them, and displace the strongholds they have claimed over our countries, cities, churches and homes.
Specific Functions of Principalities
We know from the definition of the word arche that principalities are high-ranking evil spirits. These are not the spirits that torment baby Christians or skid-row Joe, anymore than you find Generals of the army in a fox-hole. They are heavenly beings that exercise their might over large areas of the world and also upon influential people. Ephesians 6:12 calls them "rulers of the darkness."Perhaps the most fundamental usage and description of a principality found in the Bible comes from the book of Daniel. There are two separate ones mentioned and each is called by name. The information that we can gather from this source will help us understand how these evil spirits influence whole areas of the world, not just a single individual or two.
Daniel was praying and fasting for revelation concerning what was going to happen to the nation of Israel. They had been in captivity in Babylon and according to the prophecy of Jeremiah, were due to be released after 70 years. Daniel was in prayer for God to give him revelation about the future of the nation. An angel was dispatched with the message.
Then he (the angel) said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. "But the prince (principality) of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10 :12,13
We can learn many things from this portion of scripture. First, there are spiritual forces set in array to prevent our prayers from being answered. Perseverance, therefore is the solution to getting answers. Next, this angel was left alone because only Daniel was praying. When more people pray, angels come. Also, since Daniel was praying for Israel and since Persia was ruling over Israel at the time (see Daniel 10:1), we see that principalities are governmental and directly aligned against the fulfillment of prophecy, especially against the nation of Israel.
This action of the principality is directly in line with the methods of the devil and all other principalities. Satan has his whole kingdom, including principalities and powers, set in array against Israel. This is not just because they are the apple of God's eye, but because they are the key to God's prophetic time clock - and when it is fulfilled, Satan's doom will be certain. The principality of Persia and, as we will see, the principality of Greece, were and would be dominators of Israel. Remember that principalities are rulers, orchestrators of the darkness of this world (Ephesians 6:12), and they work in tandem with powers to bring world ruler-ship to Satan.
From this record we also see that this angel was confronted by a principality. Good angels and principalities are antagonists. They war for the supremacy of the heavens. (This is another clue about how to successfully war against them - with the keys to the kingdom of heaven.) It was Michael, the chief prince, or archangel, who helped the good angel get through with the message.
Therefore we see that it takes an archangel to effectively engage a principality, and that archangels and principalities are in direct conflict. (Since we know God's forces are superior, perhaps we can begin to deduce that the church has not enjoyed all the victories we could have, because we have been missing vital understanding about the role we are meant to play.)
Another consideration is that this prince of Persia was ruling over a geographical and political area. This relates to the description given in Ephesians 6:12, "a ruler of the darkness of this world." These evil spirits are certainly governmental in function, too. This is further documented in the next usage within Daniel.
Then he (the good angel) said, "Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come." Daniel 10:20
In the prophecy given to Daniel, the four kingdoms, Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome all represent the dominators of Israel. It appears that these kingdoms had evil-spirit princes over each of them. This reveals the function of a principality - to influence large groups of people and geographical areas.
Principalities influence large geographical or governmental areas in a combination of two ways. First, they administer the methods of the devil through the powers and demons that are assigned to them and to specific areas. Secondly, the principality personally influences key figures, usually political or religious leaders, to orchestrate the administration of evil policies from the top echelon. These two ways work in combination by issuing mandates from top leadership while powers and demons work to strengthen the grass roots substructure.
We have seen from Ephesians 2:2 how these evil spirits work on someone. A prime example of a principality working on a key governmental figure is the ruler of Tyre. Moving him from behind the scenes was not just a principality, but Satan himself. You can see from these two verses of scripture that Satan had influenced this leader into thinking just like Satan thinks. Verse 2 shows the man and verse 12 shows the devil that influenced the man.
"Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘In the pride of your heart you say, "I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas." But you are a man and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god. Ezekiel 28:12 NIV
"Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God: "You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Ezekiel 28:12 NKJ
It should be logical that a major evil spirit power was influencing Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon. Likewise it is obvious that political leaders like Adolph Hitler, or Saddam Hussein, or religious leaders like the Dahlai Lama or Si Babbah have evil spirit influence upon them to garner and control such large followings.
Because principalities work overtime to influence key individuals in geographical areas, we are exhorted to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1,2). The reason is that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in godliness and honesty free from influence of principalities upon our governmental leaders.
In regard to the usages of principalities in the book of Daniel, it is also interesting that an angelic power was working with Michael, the prince or archangel, to help Daniel gain this understanding. The relationship between the prince Michael and this good angel also illustrates the working relationship between principalities and powers (since they are fallen angels).
But I tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me (the angelic power) against these, except Michael your prince) Daniel 10:21
This angelic being was strengthened and helped by the prince Michael. Likewise, principalities come to the aid of powers to stop movements of God in certain areas.
An example of a principality coming to the aid of a power from the evil side is found within an account in Acts 19. The principality, Diana of the Ephesians, came to the aid of the spiritual power (influencing the sons of Sceva the High Priest) when Paul's ministry through the Holy Spirit made a mockery of the evil spirit power. As revival broke out and evil was exposed, the principality came to the aid of the deposed power (to incite a riot in an attempt to take the life of Paul). We find that Diana, the principality, was worshipped throughout all Asia and not just in Ephesus (Acts 19:27). We also see that a spiritual power was working on Sceva, the High Priest, and his family.
(It would be a tragedy to get this close to mentioning Diana of the Ephesians without taking a shot at her. This principality is referred to as "Queen of Heaven." Though this spirit operates under many names and guises, it influences every culture in the world. We see the queen represented as the Mother of all Harlots in Revelation 17 and 18. This will be the last principality exposed and destroyed during the wrath of God upon the earth. One of her major attributes is making the rich very wealthy and the poor very poor. Its strength began in Babylon as the prince of Babylon and moved from there to Persia, Greece and on to Rome. (4) From Rome its influence has moved around the world. This principality ties together commerce and religion and its destruction will expose the idolatry of merchandizing and greed, the original sin of Lucifer. (5)
This incident from the book of Acts happened at the crescendo of the first century church and it illustrates the potential of dominating the spiritual realm and deposing principalities. The inter-relationship between the principality of Diana of he Ephesians and the spiritual power collaborate together.
The Word of God is very clear and gives abundant information about principalities; the same is true of spiritual powers. They are the arm of the devil whereby he focuses on local areas and key people to give strength to his kingdom.
Specific Functions of Spiritual Powers
The translation "spiritual power" is much too generic to describe these evil spirits. As we have previously mentioned, the NIV translation of this Greek word exousia as an "authority" means that an authority or a power is carrying out a directive. The actual definition implies this is a subordinate evil spirit carrying out orders from a ruling principality.Finding where these powers work is simple. Look at God's duly recognized authorities and this is where you will find these assigned protagonists functioning. If you ask, "Where can the most potential damage to the kingdom of God be done?" your answer is where you will find these spirits. Although this may vary somewhat in different cultures, these evil spirits usually function in spiritual nerve centers such as in churches, in ministers' homes, within specific families, and schools.
It should come as no surprise to find these evil spirits hanging around churches and ministers, since these are key areas that potentially present the most trouble for the satanic kingdom. Documentation of this truth from the Word of God is abundant, especially if we can see the true function of a spiritual authority's counterpart from the Kingdom of God.
The direct corollary to the spiritual authorities opposing God's people are the angels called "ministering spirits" in God's kingdom. Ministering spirits function to comfort, aid, strengthen and protect God's people. Don't think for a minute that the devil has ever invented anything original. The function of a spiritual power is simply the counterfeit of a ministering spirit.
Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Matthew 4:11
Ministering Spirits Also War for You.
But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:13,14In addition, we find that these ministering spirits played a major role as messengers before the coming of the Holy Spirit as our Helper. This is what was happening with respect to Daniel. The angel dispatched from heaven with the message for Daniel was a ministering spirit. Not only did he bring him a message, but he also strengthened Daniel.
Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!" So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me." Daniel 10:18,19
So just as ministering spirits are assigned to help people, spiritual powers are assigned to hinder them. We can deduce that if ministering spirits strengthen, the spiritual powers weaken. If ministering spirits comfort, then spiritual powers discourage or confuse. If ministering spirits bring messages, spiritual powers deceive with false messages.
Principalities are in direct conflict with archangels and spiritual powers are in direct opposition to ministering spirits.
Revelation chapters 2 and 3 emphasize the focus of spiritual powers upon churches and ministers. Seven churches are addressed in Revelation 2 and 3. Five of these mention direct evil spirit activity on the church and ministers and the other two show symptoms of them functioning. Ephesus was influenced by a spirit of Nicolaitanes; Smyrna had individuals within the church from the synagogue of Satan; Pergamos had the influence of a spirit of Balaam and Nicolaitanes; Thyatira had a spirit of Jezebel seducing the prophets and teachers; Sardis was influenced by a spirit of lethargy (they were dead);
Philadelphia had the influence of the synagogue of Satan upon them; Laodicea had been bought off by merchandising and was therefore lukewarm.
These effects were bought about by wicked spiritual powers working on the particular churches and ministers.
It is worthy of mention that even though the spirits of Jezebel and Balaam were certainly at work in some of these churches, this is by no means the full extent of the kinds of spirits that work on churches. These spirits were called by those names to describe their attitudes - what the spiritual powers were doing. There could have been a spirit of Saul, named for the Old Testament king, if the church was under the influence of pride and vanity, or a spirit of Eli, named for the Old Testament priest, if the church was full of fear and lacking commitment for the confrontation. The title of the spirit is not the actual name for the spirit, but how the spirit is affecting the church.
From Revelation we have seen how these spirit powers attack churches and ministers. The Bible is full of examples of evil spirits attacking legitimate authorities:
Paul had the messenger, or angel, of Satan buffeting him (2 Corinthians 12:7); Peter was rebuked when Jesus said to him, "Get behind me Satan" (Matthew 16:23); Judas fell prey to Satan when he betrayed Jesus (John 13:27); and Job was crushed under evil spirit attack when he feared (Job 3:25).
Ministers should realize that they are targets for these spiritual powers in spiritual warfare. I once heard Joyce Meyer accurately say, "Different level, different devil." This kind of attack was verified when Jesus said to Peter, "Satan has desired thee." It is to be expected. As the old saying goes, "It comes with the turf." Don't get scared; get prepared.
Perhaps you have heard of "religious spirits." These are another aspect of spiritual powers. Certain evil spirit authorities are proficient in working within religious systems. We can certainly see them working upon religious hierarchy in Jesus' time - and if they were effective then, they surely will be now. They are especially adept at twisting doctrine and affecting the atmosphere through arrogance and envy. It was these spirits working on the scribes and Pharisees that caused them to be envious and hateful toward Jesus. The same function and influence was evident among the elders in Jerusalem when James and the elders were jealous of Paul. These spirits are spiritual powers working under the direction of a principality to cause dissension and division within the church.
If you, as a minister, are reading this and thinking about how others are deceived and not considering that you also might be, you may be under the influence of a religious spirit even now. One of their main tricks is to get you to think you are better than anyone else, and/or that you have real "corner" on the truth.
Ministers' families are continually under spiritual attack from these powers, too. We only have to go as far as Genesis 3 to find out that the back door access to mankind was gained through a wife. Also, in Acts 19:14 it was the seven sons of Sceva, a chief priest, who were under deep spiritual attack and gross deception. It is no coincidence when ministers or their wives were caught in sexual improprieties or deceitful dealings so often. Likewise it is no coincidence that "preacher's kids" are sometimes the worst behaved. This is evidence of an attack. Instead of "finishing off" our leaders and war heroes, we should do our best to restore these people, since they are casualties and victims, not enemies.
There is also a ploy of Satan to target schools and the education of the youth in any culture. This function is not limited to the school grounds or the classroom, but includes all the education of youth - from textbooks to television. The usage of "doctrines (or teachings) of demons" from 1 Timothy 4:1 is sufficient documentation to validate this intended target for these spiritual powers.
This listing of churches, ministers, ministers' families, and schools is by no means the full extent of their directed efforts. Powers may target prestigious, wealthy individuals that will disseminate doctrines of demons through their lifestyles and habits. For example, they could be bankers, athletes or movie stars. These evil-spirit powers, working under a principality, may even promote people sensitive to them so that the person gains more exposure, a higher rank, or a greater notoriety to become more influential.
In summary, these evil spirit powers, exousia, are spirits directed to infiltrate society and gain access to people who will help promote the course and methods of the principality. Their prime targets are churches and ministers, since these are the only real enemies they have. As these spirits work together with principalities, methods of the devil are spread over the world.
Our quest is to divide these spirits and weaken their hold on countries, cities, and churches, so that the kingdom of God may be built and established.
How Principalities and Powers Work Together
We have seen from the book of Daniel how a ministering spirit was aided by the prince, Michael, an archangel. Likewise, principalities and powers work together to accomplish their desired results in the world. Knowing that principalities work over larger geographical areas and spiritual powers are assigned to key people (especially influential leaders) will help us recognize Biblical examples where these spirits worked together.The account of Paul in Ephesus shows principality coming to the aid of a spiritual power. By exposing the religious spirit, or spiritual power over the family of Sceva, a major advantage was gained. Acts 19:20 records that after burning the curious arts "so mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed." The principality of Diana of the Ephesians came to the aid of the spiritual power and incited a riot under the guise of "money." But the actual issue was worship. If it were not for the church restraining Paul, he may have been killed. Don't you think that the principality had anticipated Paul might react in such a manner? The principality came to the aid of the defeated power and set up a scenario to annihilate Paul.
Another example is when Elijah cut off the heads of the prophets of Baal. When this momentum was gained over the spiritual powers of the religious leaders, the principality, working through Jezebel, threatened Elijah's life (1Kings 19:2). This bold move by the principality took Elijah out of the spiritual conquest for awhile. This is another example of how the principality came to the aid of the powers when the powers had suffered a severe defeat.
We can draw an interesting observation from these two accounts. The church saved Paul's life; but Elijah had no one to stand with him and he almost died. If Elijah had more people standing with him in prayer, perhaps the heaves would have bowed down and the affair might have ended differently. More prayers mean more angels (specifically warring ministering spirits) would have been involved. This could be why Jesus asked the disciples to pray with Him in the garden of Gethsemane the night of his betrayal. Angels did come and strengthen Him. Perhaps if more people had been alert to pray with Him, more angels would, or could, have responded.
Another example of a principality coming to the aid of a power is found when Jesus made a mockery of the religious spirits over the scribes and Pharisees in Jerusalem. The principality of Rome came to the aid of the spiritual power and finally took Jesus' life. The same scenario existed with respect to Paul when he continually confounded the religious leaders. The final straw came when Paul was executed by the Roman authorities. They were no doubt working under the influence of the same principality.
An Old Testament Profile of Principalities and Powers
As we look into this profile, remember that the Old Testament communicates spiritual truths through physical analogies. It will become quite obvious that this profile was given in the Word of God not only to show us the relationship between principalities and powers, but how to defeat them through unity.The battle for supremacy in the heavens is described in a physical profile in the Old Testament within the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah typifies the authority given to each believer by the King, the Lord Jesus Christ. Wherever you are, you are in charge, by divine proclamation from the King of Glory.
Similarly, wherever you have been placed in charge, you have the order to displace the previous ruler and authority. This was illustrated by the direct conflict between Nehemiah and the previous authorities, Sanballat and Tobiah. Sanballat represents the principality and Tobiah the power of the authority.
The characters reveal to us the functions and operations of principalities and powers. Sanballat was the previous ruler and Tobiah carried out his orders by infiltrating the priestly order. As you read the book of Nehemiah, you can see many examples of how they worked together.
Nehemiah was given the authority to oversee the general area of Jerusalem by the King. He prayed and sought the Lord for this authority. When it was given to him, he went to Jerusalem to exercise his authority. The previous leader, Sanballat, was there to immediately question his authority and to undermine his efforts.
When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammorite official heard of it, they were deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel. Nehemiah 2:10
Principalities and powers are disturbed and will join forces to prevent you from bringing well-being to the church. They will belittle your work.
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed us to scorn and despised us, and said, "What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?" Nehemiah 2:19
They will also question your authority and try to make your work look hopeless. However, as unity grows and a momentum develops, they will conspire against you and try to generate confusion and distraction.
It happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdolites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. Nehiamiah 4:7,8
They will send information to you to distract you and make you afraid.
Then I perceived that God had not sent him (Shemiah, a puppet sent by Sanballat and Tobiah) at all, but that he pronounced this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. For this reason he was hired, that I should be afraid and act that way and sin, so that they might have occasion for an evil report, that they might reproach me Nehemiah 6:12,13.
Notice that Sanballat and Tobiah worked in conjunction to bring a reproach against Nehemiah. This is exactly how principalities and powers work in tandem to introduce confusion and division.
In addition to learning about working relationships between principalities and powers, Nehemiah also shows us how powers work undercover, in stealth. We see this by Tobiah disguising himself and infiltrating the priesthood. This describes the function of a spiritual power known as a "religious spirit."
Nehemiah 7:61 and 62 shows that the credentials of Tobiah were found as false and that by deception he had gained his position. Verse 64 then reports that he was expelled from the priesthood. Chapter 13:4-8 shows also that Tobiah had gained allegiance with the high priest and was receiving wages and supplies that actually belonged to the true Levites.
This is typical of a religious spiritual power. They will influence a church through deception and will siphon funds and supplies away from its true purposes. Cloaking themselves and working in obscurity are the attributes of a scorpion, which Jesus referred to as spiritual powers in Luke 10:19.
The physical actions of Tobiah that relate to the operations of a spiritual power are also noticeable in the habits of a scorpion. First, scorpions feed at night and try to operate undetected. This is like Tobiah and also religious spirits working undercover in a church. When a scorpion is discovered, it will cleverly cloak itself as an inert, innocent egg-shaped ball ( Luke 11:12) by curling itself into a ball and lying dormant. This is how religious spirits work in churches - like Tobiah did. They do not manifest themselves around any light but will feed upon victims that are blinded to their presence. However, as soon as one is discovered, it will go silent and remain passive until the danger goes away.
Another characteristic of a religious spiritual power, similar to that of a scorpion, is that it is very aggressive about its territory and will defend itself by killing any other scorpion invading its space. This shows that spiritual powers and religious spirits will battle against each other within the same church, not thinking to spare the church. They will do anything to win their point of view. When put in a situation of inevitable defeat, the scorpion will sting itself to death rather than be captured or killed by another. This is also typical of a religious spirit. It will hardly ever reveal its presence, but when detected will consume itself with its own poison rather than be exposed.
The victory over Sanballat and Tobiah (the principality and spiritual power warred against in the book of Nehemiah) was accomplished by the unity of the whole population of Jerusalem. The key to winning in our conquest over evil spirit forces is also unity. Nehemiah could never have rebuilt the walls around Jerusalem by himself alone, and likewise no individual can effectively wage war against these factors without the support of his church (and ultimately in conjunction with other local churches in the same area).
Warring Against Principalities and Powers
When battling these spiritual forces, there are two truths that immediately emerge as "the gospel." First, Jesus disarmed these heavenly, evil, spirit-beings through the power of the cross and made a spiritual display by making them bow before Him…
Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:15
Secondly, as Benjamin Franklin said, "We must hang together, or most assuredly, we will all hang separately." The deciding factor for victory against these evil spirits is UNITY.
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
Scripture tells us we have the victory over these invisible forces through Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57). It is God's pleasure that we, the church, should show them His infinite wisdom through us (Ephesians 3:10). Jesus told us we should exercise our authority over them (Luke 10:19). Therefore, our lack of unity must be a major reason why the church has continually experienced frustration and defeat at their hands. Jesus has ordained and placed leaders and ministers in the church for the purpose of working together for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of the whole body of Christ UNTIL we all come in the unity of the faith (Ephesians 4:12,13)
Mark this statement: Unity within the body of Christ is the move of the Holy Spirit as we race down the homestretch of time, heading toward the perfection and completion of the body of Christ. Ministers and leaders that are not in step with unity are out of sync with the flow of the Holy Spirit. The Lord will require accountability on this matter when overseers stand before Him at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
We will see from the verses of scripture instructing us HOW to engage these spirit beings that unity and only unity will insure us success in controlling the heavens and building the kingdom of God on the earth. We are at war and we must forsake all selfish agendas for the sake of loyalty for the King and His Kingdom.
Engaging the Enemy
Since principalities and powers are heavenly beings, we must engage them in that sphere and not on the physical plane. Wrestling against flesh and blood is futile. We need to learn how to grapple with our antagonists and fight as those who do not "beat the air."
Now that we have seen that these spirit beings are on the same plane, and in the same rank and file as angels, we learn to war against them - by enlisting the angels into this spiritual battle. This is a battle of the air force for heavenly supremacy. Since the invention of weapons, warfare strategy has shown that controlling the air, whether through catapults, spears, or bows and arrows, is the first volley in any campaign. It has only been recently, within the past 25 years or so, that the Christian church has effectively warred in the heavenlies. This applies equally to battling principalities over your country, state or city or engaging powers over your church, school or home. We need to learn how to enlist the angels, the mighty archangels and ministering spirits given to the cause.
A clarion truth to grasp in the army of the Lord is that angels excel in strength, but we excel in authority.
Bless the LORD, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Psalm 103:20
Angels do the Word of the Lord, but that word must be voiced by mankind when it comes to exercising dominion over the earth. God gave mankind authority over this realm and He likewise gave angels as ministering spirits for us to command into this battle. Angels heed the Word of the Lord, but that word must be voiced by the recognized authority that God placed within the army of the Lord. In the army of the Lord, angels excel in strength, but mankind excels in authority.
Angels camp around those that fear the Lord (Psalms 34:7) and are the mighty ones that war against principalities and powers. We engage them to war in the heavenlies by utilizing the keys to the kingdom.
"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19
By utilizing these keys, we who are on earth bind the elements in heaven; and we who are on earth loose the elements in the heavens. The elements are archangels and ministering spirits versus principalities and powers. The keys to the kingdom are essential for controlling the heavens in order to build the Kingdom of God on earth.
The Keys to the Kingdom
Most Bible dictionaries will tell you that "keys" are synonymous with authority. (6) These keys therefore have been placed within our authority to use. Understanding these keys will "unlock" our exercised authority over principalities and powers.Jesus said that war was going to happen and that the gates of hell would try to prevail against the church. He also gave us these keys to prevent this from happening.
"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" Matthew 16:18
The next verse tells us much about the keys. For centuries the church thought that Peter held the keys because they did not watch the pronoun to whom Jesus referred. When He said, "I will give unto you (NKJV)," or "thee" (KJV)," it is a singular pronoun. This pronoun refers to its closest antecedent which is "church," not Peter. The keys to the kingdom are given to the church.
It is very important that you grasp this point - the word church is singular and the pronoun is singular also. (A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number, either singular or plural.) This is the revelation of unity - the whole church as ONE single element, with one mind and one mouth, holds the keys to the kingdom. This authority is not held by just one person nor can it be operated most effectively by just one mouth. Here is our key to enjoining the holy angels into battle - we must strive together in unity, in our prayers and in our proclamations, for the supremacy of the heavens. When we do, we loose angels to bind principalities. We send ministering spirits into the heavenlies to war for the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 16:9 validates the operation of this key by the whole universal church, not just a single congregation. Jesus said the key was given to "MY CHURCH." This verse tells the whole, single, unified church of an area to engage a principality, since principalities operate over larger geographical areas. The next usage of "binding and loosing" will reveal how to war against a spiritual power over a local congregation.
Matthew 18:17 contains the other usage of the word "church." This verse is not talking about the whole universal church, but a local congregation. It is dealing with how to handle offenses in a local congregation (which incidentally is how to keep demons out of the local church), and issues local congregations authority to utilize "binding and loosing." Again however, this powerful tool is given to a single unit, not to an individual. It is given to the local church, to YOU, the single church. Verse 20 gives us the actual definition of a local church.
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20
Jesus is only recorded using the word "church" twice in His earthly ministry. BOTH times in the very next verse He directly issues the authority of binding and loosing to the church. That indicates that this vital tool of spiritual warfare is not a separate gun hanging from the belt of each believer, but is a cannon mounted on the roof of the church. It does not shoot individual demons, but principalities and powers. It is aimed at the heavens and it requires unity among the members to effectively discharge it.
Since we have determined that spiritual powers are assigned to local churches, we can assert that this tool of warfare is given to local churches to battle the assigned authority over them.
"Assuredly, I say to you (the local congregation), whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 18:18
Where two or three members of a local church agree on what is to be done on earth, in their church, it is done in heaven. We again see that "binding and loosing" is not a single weapon of warfare given to an individual, but is the collective weapon of warfare used to battle spiritual powers that rule in the heavenlies.
It is difficult to recount just how many churches I have seen gather in unity to engage a spiritual power and the amazing effect it has had. Whenever the church comes together to pray with one mind and one mouth - not for Aunt Lucy's sick cat or Grandma's lumbago - but to war in the spirit realm, they collectively summons angels and warring ministering spirits to enter the campaign. Results are quick and powerful because they are engaging a disarmed foe (Colossians 2:15).
Likewise, when local churches unite, principalities are quickly displaced and situations improve in cities, states and countries. Satan and his principalities and powers spare no expense in keeping the church divided because they know the certain doom prepared for them if the church ever unites on its knees.
Individuals within a local church must unite to operate their "cannon" as members of a local congregation. Groups from all over an area, from different local congregations, must unite to operate the cannon on the roof of that "city-wide" church. The cannon on the roof of the local church fires at the assigned spiritual power, while the cannon on the roof of the city-wide church aims at the ruling principality.
(Incidentally, the collective prayers of both a husband and wife will displace spiritual authorities from over a home. The collective prayers of the leadership of the church will bind a power from harassing a minister. The combined prayers of teachers, students and parents will displace a spiritual power from over a school.)
Firing all of these cannons simultaneously is the key to dividing principalities and powers.
Displacing Principalities and Powers
Demons are cast out of bodies, but principalities and powers are displaced out of jurisdictional authority. The collective effort and faith of a local church displaces a spiritual power from over a local church, and the collective prayers of local churches praying together displace principalities.
Once these heavenly beings have been displaced, then the occupying forces of a city must go to work. The ministering spirits and warring angels will control the heavens while the church is patrolling the streets.
There has been some reasonable criticism over contemporary spiritual warfare strategies. Certain well-intended but misinformed zealots think that once a principality or power has been bound then the war is over. This is the same error the Ottoman Empire made during the sixteenth century by just shelling the island of Malta which the Knights of Saint John occupied, and the United States made when they only bombed Iraq in the Desert Storm campaign. You cannot win a war with air force domination alone. The army must also win the ground war to successfully conquer and dominate the enemy.
Engaging spiritual powers and principalities is only the first step in building the Kingdom of God. After control of the heavens has been secured, the church needs to patrol the streets. We must "possess the land" by wielding the sword of the spirit that comes out of our mouths. We must witness the love of God and the resurrection of Jesus. We must win the lost, baptize the saved, cast out demons and teach the Word of God for the salvation of the soul. These objectives are much more readily accomplished when the keys of the Kingdom have been operated and the heavens over a location are peaceful.
The ground campaign must continue and vigilance must be maintained to prevent principalities and powers from re-emerging into dominance. Since they are not cast out, but displaced, their influence always poses a threat.
Divide and Conqueror
In our quest to understand principalities and powers, we have focused upon defining and analyzing them. Now we know the differences: one works as an overseer to the other; principalities rule over larger geographical and political areas, and powers influence smaller units of authority (i.e., families, schools and churches). We can at least direct our efforts to divide their collective strength and defeat each of them. The way to divide them is simple: we stay in unity and battle both, both principality and power, at the same time. We divide their strength and focus.To learn how to do this we will glean from the lesson of Old Testament warfare and then apply this insight to New Testament spiritual understanding. We will study physical warfare from the book of Joshua and then apply it to the age. The book of Joshua is a gold mine of spiritual warfare strategy. It contains the plan for defeating principalities and powers, and the order in which to do it.
The Lord promised the children of Israel they would possess the Promised Land. The way they accomplished this is the same way we successfully battle principalities and powers. There were seven nations that Israel needed to conquer in order to possess the land. These represent the principaliti