The Structure of Satan’s Kingdom By Richard Furlow Note: This article is in conjunction with The Tripartite Nature of Man as further instruction to understanding the spirit realm and Adam’s responsibility to the natural realm. The most revealing information we have on the structure of Satan’s kingdom comes from the book of Ephesians. Next to Rome, Ephesus was the most important city visited by Paul. It has been called the third capital of Christianity, it being the center of work in Asia through which were founded all the churches of Asia, especially the seven churches of Asia to which Jesus sent the messages of Revelations. Jerusalem, the birthplace of power, is the first, and Antioch, the center of mission work, is the second capital. It was the capital of pro-­‐consular Asia, being about a mile from the seacoast, and was the great religious, commercial and political center of Asia. It was noteworthy because of two notable structures there. First, the great theatre, which had a seating capacity of 50,000 people, and second, the temple of Diana that was one of the seven, wonders of the ancient world. It was 342 feet long and 164 feet wide, made of shining marble, supported by a forest of columns 56 feet high, and was 220 years in building. This made it the center of the influence of Diana worship, of which we read in Acts 19:23-­‐41. The statue with its many breasts betokened the fertility of nature. Paul wraps up his letter with instructions on spiritual warfare: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” -­ Ephesians 6:10-­17 (JKV) This is the Richard Furlow Translation of Ephesians 6:12: “Our wrestling and warfare is not with persons with bodies, but against Rulerships with various areas and descending orders of authority; against spirits with world dominations of this present darkness; against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenlies.” God is the Author of the system of governments, all powers and authority belong to Him in heaven and earth: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” – Colossians 1:17 (KJV) “God has spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongs unto God.” Psalms 62:11 (KVJ) Paul is comparing the spiritual government of the kingdom of darkness with the natural government of that day by using the terms principalities and powers. “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,” – Titus 3:1 (KJV) By using the phrase “principalities and powers,” explains that there is a hierarchical structure to the kingdom of darkness; where evil spirits are ranked one above the other according to their power and authority. These evil spirits exercise influence over people, geographical areas, cities and nations; and must be dethroned from their sphere of authority for breakthrough in those areas. Daniel 10:12-­‐13 speaks of the spiritual ruler that operated over the ancient nation of Persia, whose power was broken by the prayers of Daniel. The Hierarchical Structure Defined “Principalities” are the princes and chief rulers of the kingdom of darkness; they are first in rank or power and constitute a high order of evil spirits. Principalities coming from the Greek word “arche” includes in its definition that which is first in time, order, or place. “Arche” is used in the scriptures to denote angelic, demonic or human rulers (princes, principalities). The word “Powers” is the Greek noun “exousia” and means one who possesses authority or influence. It is used in Ephesians 6:12 to represent the authorities that operate in the spirit realm. The “Rulers of the darkness of this world, “Rulers” is translated from the Greek noun “kosmokrator”, which Thayer’s Lexicon defines as lord of this world, the prince of this age. It is a compound word that is derived from kosmos” (the present world order which includes the worldly affairs of mankind) and “kratos” (dominion, power, ruler). The last group is “spiritual wickedness” (or, wicked spirits) that operates in high places, which is translated from the Greek “epouranios” and refers to the things that take place in heaven, or to the sphere of activities or existence above the sky in contrast to that on the earth. It is the heavenly regions of which include the lower heavens – the stars; the heavens – the clouds and heaven itself, the abode of God and angels. Vine’s Dictionary states: The context of Ephesians 6:12 (“not against flesh and blood”) shows that not earthly potentates are indicated, but spirit powers; who, in consequence of human sin, exercise satanic and therefore antagonistic authority over the world in its present condition of spiritual darkness and alienation from God. Understanding Demonic Structures and Systems Little attention is paid to the subject of demonic structures, systems and even demonic possession in our western culture. These topics still remain controversial in our 21st century church. In our affluent society, we have subscribed demonic conditions to a physiological, biological or psychological ailment negating the problem to a demonic source. Medication has been the method of cures rather than dealing with the demonic system and structure that is often prevalent in many conditions that torment men today. One of many reasons people are not completely set free (whether from sickness, mental torments or financial lack) is not due to a lack of faith, an understanding of the scriptures or prayer life but there are legal issues in the demonic world that inhibit progression and breakthrough. It is important to understand spiritual laws, principles and the mechanisms that apply to walk in complete liberty and deliverance. God has established spiritual laws, principles and their functionality. The enemy uses these laws against those who are ignorant of the government of God. Everything is not a demon or part of a demonic process and a balance must be maintained. Sin, sickness/disease and lack have its roots in a demonic system. Understanding the dimensions of the 2 spiritual realm, with its laws and government is paramount to a life of consistent victory and overcoming. Many assume that the unexplained events that happen are just part of life’s structure and do not realize that many times it is tied to a demonic system. This dark realm will ascribe to many things using spiritual systems and laws to gain access and get its way. The way to stay balanced is not to look for demons in everything, but to walk in the light of the Truth of His Word and never be afraid to engage with evil forces and obtain full victory when they manifest in Jesus Name. Three scriptures give us further insight into demonic structures and systems. Job 1, Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 describe a demonic prince named Lucifer, son of the morning. He was the prince governing culture. He set the tone for the moves of God on the earth and in spiritual dimensions. There are two other angelic princes mentioned who dwell in the spiritual realm namely Michael the archangel who is the prince governing defense and Gabriel the archangel who is the prince governing divine information and the secrets of God and serves as an ambassador from the spirit to the natural. Lucifer sinned against God, by trying to usurp his authority to make himself a governmental entity of higher authority over the stars of God. In doing so, he violated the principles of angelic law, and had to be banished. “You said in your heart, "I will ascend into heaven! I will exalt my throne above the stars of God! I will sit on the mountain of assembly, in the far north! I will ascend above the heights of the clouds! I will make myself like the Most High!" – Isaiah 14:13-­14 (World English Bible) Michael as the prince of defense rose to defend the government and integrity of heaven and cast Lucifer out of heaven. God as Creator did not get belittle Himself by fighting against his creation. He has established agencies to deal with things that violate divine law. (Reference Revelation 12). Lucifer through persuasive abilities took 1/3 of the host of heaven with him. Ok now follow very carefully. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the BEGINNING God created the heaven (singular) and the earth (singular). Some teach this verse is the entire universe. This verse is often interpreted as a merism, referring to the entire order of the universe, including the heavens (plural), the earth which would the entire solar system. But it would seem that in the beginning there was one heaven and one earth. Genesis 1:14-­‐18 explains the creation of the other planets and Genesis 2:1 speaks of heavens plural. Quick Summary of the Fall of Lucifer If this being true, it would stand to reason that Lucifer when banished from heaven was cast to the earth. Jesus said speaking of this event “"I saw Satan fall like a lightning-­‐flash out of Heaven…" Luke 10:18 (Weymouth New Testament). Where did he fall? Isaiah 14:12 says: “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!” (NIV) Lucifer was banished to the earth realm being stripped of the glories of heaven. According to some theologians, there was a pre-­‐adamic race on the earth. This culture re-­‐received this angel of light who then once again usurped his authority and destroyed that civilization making prisoners and taking the land. “Yet you shall be brought down to sheol, to the sides of the pit. They that see you shall gaze upon you, and consider you, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world like a wilderness, and destroyed its cities; that opened not the house of his prisoners? All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, everyone in his own tomb. But you are cast out of your sepulcher like an abominable branch, 3 and as the garment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a corpse trodden underfoot. You shall not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land, and slain your people: the descendants of evildoers shall never be renowned.” – Isaiah 14:15-­20 (KJV) Genesis 1:2 describes what happened after the fall of Lucifer, the earth was destroyed having no form and void and the Spirit of god moved upon the face of the waters rejuvenating through a creative process His perfect creation. God created man to govern the affairs of earth. When Adam (man) was created in Genesis 1:26, part of Adam’s mandate was to take dominion. Part of that dominion was to ensure that all the spirits banished in the earth realm would be under his subjection. They were subject to the authority of the God-­‐man, Adam. As discussed briefly in the article “The Tripartite Nature of Man”, Adam was not made out of material but out of the Spirit of God. When Adam was given his body in Genesis 2, he was made to demonstrate his “godness” Through his dominion in the physical molecular realm. He had authority over every living thing as well as the spirits dwelling in the earth “The highest heaven belongs to the LORD, but he has given the earth to the descendants of Adam.” – Psalms 155:16 (God’s Word Translation) He had glory upon him and was in the same likeness and image of God. It is apparent that Adam looked like God since he was created in the image and likeness of God, and creation responded to him the same way as it did God. “What is man, that you are mindful of him? and the son of man, that you visit him? For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honor. You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet:” – Psalms 8:4-­6 Adam was responsible to keep the territory he was placed, in the likeness of heaven. This mandate of earth being the natural expression of heaven has not changed. Jesus told his disciples to pray in Matthew 6:10, “Let your Kingdom come, let your will be done also in the earth, just as it is in Heaven.” When dealing with demonic systems and structures, Jesus said, “And I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be what has been bound in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be what has been loosed in heaven.” – Matthew 16:19 (KJV) A Closer Look at Demonic Structures Still following? Ok in Genesis 3 we find a serpent talking to Eve. It would seem strange that the serpent would have the ability to talk, but it is described in Genesis 3:1 as being more subtle than any beast of the field. From the Hebrew word “aruwm” meaning cunning, crafty, shrewd prudent. It had a level of intelligence that the other animals did not possess. Side note: the role of the snake in the garden was to keep the levels of bacteria at a minimum through its venom. When the serpent was judged the role of healer was changed from its original purpose to destroyer. Moses (Numbers 21) was told to lift up a serpent and as many as looked upon it would be healed, going back to its original intent of God as a healer and not a destroyer. When Adam sinned against God, there is a wedge dividing the mind of God and the mind of man. 4 “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where are you? And he said, I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” – Genesis 3:8-­10 This is the first layer of the foundational structure of the kingdom of darkness. To control the way people think and process the Voice and Word of the Lord. In order to gain territory. “And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. And the serpent said unto the woman, You shall not surely die: For God does know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” – Genesis 3:2-­5 It is important to guard atmospheres and climates. The demonic strategy was to first gain control of the atmosphere through conversations that questioned the integrity of God. This conversation created an atmosphere of unbelief and was the beginning of their sin (Romans 14:23). The second act that established demonic structure is to gain control of the actions (climate) of men through the three areas of temptations (looked at in more detail in the temptation of Jesus). “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” – Genesis 3:6 The three layers of temptation: Appetite (good for food); Sensuality (pleasant to the eyes); Power (tree desired to make one wise). It can also be categorized as temptation of spirit (pride of life), soul (lust of the eyes) and body (lust of the flesh). When Adam lost the Garden of Eden, he lost his mandate and the enemy gained territory. This is the third act of the establishment of demonic structure it to gain control of the territory. “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” – Romans 5:19 The fourth and final act in the process of establishing demonic structure is to possess the inhabitants within the territory. Listening to the voice of reason rather than heeding the command of God created a wedge between the mind of God and man. When man does not hear or heed the counsel of God, the enemy presents options of disobedience to God’s command and the enemy is able to gain control to the territory. This produces oppression and eventually evil spirits will possess man lest he become empowered through obedience to the Word of the Lord and take back the territory. In Genesis 4 Cain becomes a vessel of evil in the earth and being possessed, kills his brother Abel. “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44 (NIV) “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous.” – 1 John 3:12 (NIV) 5 In Genesis 6 the inhabitants of the LAND are fully possessed and cause tremendous judgment to come upon them. Recap how Demonic Structures are Built: 1. The demonic act of controlling Atmospheres through conversations and mindsets 2. The demonic act of controlling Climates though appetites, actions and desires of the inhabitants of a territory 3. The demonic act of taking Possession of a Territory (Stronghold) to fully control the environment and it’s inhabitants 4. The demonic act of Possessing the Inhabitants of the land or territory. Demonic possession is a science. It is more than demons jumping inside man, but it is a calculated strategy. Possession is not just demons physically living within man but the bloodline (the legal legitimate rights) can be possessed. The cycles of things going wrong or working against you can be the result of demonic systems or an evil structure. Bloodlines can be tied to these demonic structures due to an act from a previous generation that violated the law of God. God is the Ruler of the Universe and has established laws that govern all kingdoms and spiritual structures. It is not enough to accept Jesus as Lord, but there are systems that have to be torn down and renounced until the authority of God’s Kingdom is established as a life style. Matthew 12 Jesus casts out a devil, but the religious system says he did it by the prince of devils Beelzebub. Jesus gives tremendous insight into the mechanism and functionality of the demonic realm. If Satan cast out Satan then his kingdom is divided. Note: Jesus acknowledged Satan has a kingdom, a place of rulership, government and strategies. In addition to the list of evil spirits listed in Ephesians 6 there are other wicked spirits in the heavenlies. Lucifer is on the top and is accompanied by three other demonic princes or agencies. 1. The spirit of Jezebel – the proposer of witchcraft, rebellion and idolatry. Isaiah 47; Revelation 18 2. The spirit of hell & death – responsible for all deaths, murders, killings (including visions, ministries etc.) suicides, abortions, miscarriages, assassinations (including characters) 3. The spirit of antichrist – which is opposed to spiritual gifts and anointings. These princes subscribe to the strategies of Satan yet they know that the Messiah is coming to reverse their system and influence upon the children of men, Genesis 3:15. They try to immediately kill him thru Herod. At the baptism the heavens are opened and the spirit of kathizo rests upon Jesus empowering Him to sit in heavenly places of authority. Jesus usually sat and taught. Kathizo is to sit as a king and rule. The temptation of Jesus reveals the strategic operations of the kingdom of darkness. Luke 4 1. And Jesus being full of the Holy Spirit returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2. Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 3. And the devil said unto him, If you are the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. Note: Matthew 4:3 says “these stones 4. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Note: Matthew 4:4 says “every word that proceeds… 6 5. And the devil, taking him up into a high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. Note: Jesus is taken INTO a high mountain (not onto) from the Greek preposition “eis” indicating the point reached or entered, of place, time or figuratively purpose and result. 6. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give you, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. Note: The word “All” begins with a capital denoting a proper noun. The root word in Greek for glory is the same as money or currency. 7. If you therefore will worship me, all shall be yours. 8. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get you behind me, Satan: for it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve. 9. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down from here: 10. For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you: 11. And in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone. 12. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, You shall not test the Lord your God. 13. And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him for a season. 14. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 15. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. Jesus also has three temptations in the same format as the temptation in the Garden of Eden. The first temptation is to turn the stones into bread. This is the temptation that is common to man, which on the first level deals with appetite or the lust of the flesh. It is the spirit of Jezebel. But it was more complex than satisfying hunger. Stones in the scriptures are related to worshipping elements and bread is revelation. This temptation was crafted to disqualify Jesus as Lucifer was disqualified. Jesus had to have control of his appetite on all levels including the flesh, greed and spiritual revelation. Jesus told Lucifer it was not enough to have revelation but man must live on the proceeding revelation that comes from the right now Word of the Lord. The second temptation the devil takes Jesus INTO a high mountain and shows Jesus what could be his, the lust of the eyes. The Latin word for high mountain is basilica, the mechanism or system of the enemy. Lucifer unveils his system, structure and government and offers it to Jesus and says he can give it to anyone he desires. These systems of this world (economic, political, educational) were birthed out of this system. We cannot rely in this inferior system, but rather the system of the Kingdom of God, which has a structure that will operate in every “mountain”, basilica, or system which function in the earth. The third temptation is the pinnacle of the temple. The temptations of priests or power. This is the pride of life, the challenge of your identity, calling and purpose. Until there is victory over appetites and satanic structures it is impossible to attain true victorious power. Demonic structures are meant to bind the hands and feet of man to slow progress, promotion and elevation. The devil understands rank. This is why we must understand the volume of what we carry to be an effective agent against demonic structures and systems. When Jonah was SENT to Nineveh, he outranked the prevailing power of that city which is why he was able to prophesy against it. When he ran, God provided a fish with the same rank to swallow him. The kingdom of the God has to superimpose itself on the cultures of the world. We rebuke devils, but they came back (Matthew 12:43-­‐45). There has to be line upon line, precept upon precept consistent kingdom teaching to change the culture and thinking of people. That is the only way to dethrone demonic systems. It doesn’t get produced with just one Sunday morning message, but there has to be faithful consistent discipline to understand kingdom principles and structures as a lifestyle. Inconsistency is a signal to demonic systems that there is a candidate to cause division and subversion. We will deal with more specifics in our course study. 7