Some years ago a friend visited a home prayer meeting at which Satan was repeatedly denounced, rebuked and "bound"; advised of the group's authority over him; commanded to "free" those for whom prayer was offered, and ordered to desist from sundry nefarious pursuits. The group was much into "spiritual warfare" - a popular theme at the time. Asked to comment on the meeting at its conclusion, our friend wryly observed that he was impressed with their having focused more on the devil than on the Lord.
That "we wrestle against principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, and evil spirits in regions above" (Eph. 7:12 NAB) is not at issue here. We do and, as believers, shall continue to do so until the end. The problem here, however, involved the enemy's having gained center stage at the expense of Christ's preeminence. Indeed, an inordinate focus on the evil one, even within a negative frame of reference, possesses the potential, however unintentionally, of an "inverse worship" ('worth-ship,' i.e., recognition and acknowledgement of one's transcendent attributes) upon which he thrives. That the devil is reviled for his malevolent character simply fails of the fact that he desires to be evil. Undue emphasis on his nature and quality of being thus becomes a welcomed acknowledgement of his success.
Acts 8 records Philip's highly successful evangelistic campaign at Samaria where, in a culture of mixed heritage, religious persuasion was rooted largely in a Judaic/paganistic syncretism. As such, the occult played a significant role in the lives of the people. Within this setting Philip's ministry necessarily involved exorcism and spiritual deliverance - in consequence of which "unclean spirits crying with a loud voice came out of many that were possessed by them" (Acts 8:4-8).
Despite such, Philip's theme was not demons and the devil. He rather "preached Christ unto them" (vs. 5), thus providing a setting for the exercise of spiritual authority as occasion required. The result of his Christocentric ministry was "great joy in that city" (vs. 8).
Paul adopted a similar approach at Corinth, itself a notorious center of paganistic license and debauchery: "I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (I Cor. 2:2). In having lost this underlying emphasis, the aforementioned prayer group had unwittingly played into the enemy's hand - thus forfeiting both balance and perspective.
Again, the words of the apostle: "Christ is the head of the body, the church....that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18).
As we progress into increasingly dark and difficult times, we shall do well to retain this awareness.
Burl Ratzsch
