This is an excerpt from Kingdom Authority Bible Study by Tony Evans.
If you were to travel to Northern Ireland from one of the locations we visited to film this Bible study, you would literally be traveling to another country. In fact, you would even need to exchange your euros for pounds if you wanted to gas up your car or go to a restaurant or buy some souvenirs. Even though they occupy the same island and the land may appear to be the same land to the average viewer other than the flags flying above them, the governments of Ireland and Northern Ireland are distinct. Ireland is an independent nation and Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom and governed by the British.
As a result, euros are not accepted currency in Northern Ireland, just as the British pound is not an accepted currency in the remaining parts of the island not governed by the brits. The currency reflects a much deeper matter, though, and that is the matter of ownership. It involves the matter of governance. It includes the matter of ultimate allegiance by the citizens and rule by the authorities.
While the cows, sheep, and the pastures may not differ from one side of the border to the other, the governments of these nations differ significantly. Where authority lies and how that authority can be applied matters. Visiting Ireland brought this insight to my mind. While a battle for authority can often pop up between nations, states, or regions in our world, a larger conflict looms higher up. That is the conflict in the spiritual realm itself. It is a conflict for spiritual authority and the right to rule. A battle is being waged between God and the enemy, Satan. As believers we know God has ultimate authority, but that doesn’t stop Satan from waging war. We see this war playing out in the Scriptures and in our lives.
Then behold, a hand touched me and shook me on my hands and knees. And he said to me, “Daniel, you who are treasured, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand at your place, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days still future."
Daniel 10:10-14
In this passage, we enter into the middle of Daniel’s prayer life. He was in his eighties and God gave him a glimpse of a future conflict. The “prince of the kingdom of Persia” was not a human ruler in Persia, but a demonic spirit seeking to influence the political affairs of the earth. The battle was real but God had the upper hand.
"Unless you and I are aware that Satan actively schemes to disarm us of spiritual authority, we might naively assume that our prayers are just hitting the ceiling because God doesn’t care. God does care."
Tony Evans
God heard and answered Daniel’s prayers. But the answer to those prayers wasn’t immediate, it was delayed for several weeks. But delayed doesn’t always mean denied. Notice the touch and comfort from God in this passage. Daniel was reassured and affirmed in his struggle. Daniel was called “you who are treasured.” This passage illustrates that though our prayers may be momentarily thwarted, our kingdom authority is never threatened.
If all Daniel saw was the delay, he would have missed God’s dedication and deliverance. Spiritual warfare takes place continually. To the degree that you understand how that conflict works itself out you will also know how to effectively navigate it.
Satan loves to try and trick followers of Christ out of accessing their full spiritual authority. Satan seeks to interrupt our spiritual lives in a number of ways beyond our prayer lives.
The Kingdom Authority Bible Study Book with Video Access includes printed content for six sessions, personal study between group sessions, applicable Scripture, “How to Use This Study,” and tips for leading a group. Also, each Book contains unique codes that enable you to access free teaching videos for each session.