We are going to look at the spiritual realm of the principalities and the powers. We will be learning about what they are and how they operate. How do principalities gain jurisdiction over a city, and even over nations. We will be learning about the tremendous influence principalities have of their jurisdictions. Also, we will learn of the incredible power or principalities to conform a whole society into their images and likeness. Finally, we will learn about how to overcome principalities and powers and how revival will come as a result.

PRINCIPALITIES

Principalities are the commanding generals over Satan’s fallen army, the chief rulers of the kingdom of darkness; they are first in rank or power and constitute a high order of evil spirits.  Every place you see the word “principality” in the KJV New Testament, it is the Greek noun #746 “arche” which Vine’s Dictionary defines as that which is first in time, or place. “Arche” is used seven times in the scriptures to denote angelic or demonic rulers. They are the forces and dominions dealing with nations and governments; high-level satanic princes set over nations and regions of the earth. (See Daniel 10:12-14; Ephesians 2:2). Satan is the god of this world, and he controls his kingdom of darkness through a hierarchical structure. (See II Corinthians 4:3-4)

Principalities are a part of that structure whereby they have been given jurisdiction over cities, towns and nations. Under the authority of principalities fallen angels, evil spirits, and demons are ranked one above the other according to their power and authority.  These evil spirits exercise influence over people, geographical areas, cities and nations.

This means that Satan can have the whole world under his power and influence. (See I John 5:18-21) When it comes to the kingdoms of this world Satan has the authority to give jurisdiction to anyone who will worship or pledge allegiance to him. (See Luke 4:5-7)

In the realm of a principality, they are the gods that are worship, adored and honored in their dark kingdom. Every idol is energized by a principality. The scripture clearly identifies demonic entities as those who are really behind every idol and false belief system. (See Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; I Corinthians 10:20-22; I Timothy 4:1)

Therefore, a principality can be identified by what the people in their kingdom are worshiping. Meaning whatever people honor, adore, or show reverence to is a good indication of what principality is operating over them.

Principalities preside over the bands of angels which are called powers. Powers are soldier spirits, warrior angels that help to secure a principality kingdom. (See Daniel 10:13)

POWERS

The powers are warrior angels which oppose the angels of God as in Daniel 10:12-14. They are usually represented as soldiers wearing full armor and helmet. Powers supervise the movements of the heavenly or the atmosphere against invading angels. They are in constant conflict with the archangel Michael and his angels. (See Daniel 10:13; Revelation 12:7-9)

Powers are spirits which have authority and power of action in spheres open to them; supernatural and natural government; high ranking powers of evil.

HOW PRINCIPALITIES COME TO POWER

The question of how principalities come to gain jurisdiction over geographic area is a very important question. Especially when we are told in scripture that principalities and powers are what we are warring against. (See Ephesians 6:12)

God gives us biblical explanation for how principalities and powers come to gain their jurisdiction.

Satan gave us a clue how the kingdoms of the earth were brought under his jurisdiction. When he was tempting Jesus in the wilderness, he stated that all of the kingdoms were given or surrender to him. (See Luke 4:6, 7)

There two sections of scripture that holds the answer to this question, which is Exodus 20:1-5 and Romans 1:21-24.

The first thing that we see in both of this text is that man is truly led away of his own lust. (See James 1:14, 16)

“Take heed, brethren, lest thee be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12

THE INIQUITIES OF THE FATHERS

In Exodus 20:5 we see that the fathers play a major role in principalities gaining jurisdiction by them committing iniquity. Notice that the pattern here, the fathers commit iniquity in their generation and in the next generation their children suffer to consequences. This pattern repeats itself up to four generations. 

One thing we should notice is that jurisdiction gained by principalities is directly related to a generational curse.

In scripture God repeats this warning of the iniquity of the fathers and the visitation of judgment upon the children five times. (See Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9; Jeremiah 32:18)

SURRENDERED OVER

In Romans 1:21-24 God gives us some insight into what was the iniquity that the fathers committed. It also will reveal God’s judgment that fell upon their children. The father’s iniquity was exchanging the glory of God for an image of God that was made like corruptible man. (See Romans 1:23) While the consequences were that the children of the next generation are given over or surrendered to an unclean spirit. (See Romans 1:24)

This is one reason why God gave such strong restrictions against making an image of God. (See Deuteronomy 4:15-19) Note: When the people of God saw the glory of God was like a devouring or consuming fire. (See Exodus 24:17)

Today many Christians have a false image of God and have totally rejection the image that our God is a consuming fire. (See Hebrews 12:29) This image of God as a consuming fire is very unpopular because it inhibits sinful behavior. (See Exodus 20:18-20)

 “But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts lust: and they walked in their own counsels.” Psalm 81:11, 12

It is a very clear principle in scripture that whatever lustful desires that you obey, you will become subject or turned over to it, (See Romans 6:19)

When the fathers began to lust after sexual pleasures, God will turn their children over to uncleanness. This is the very reason and cause of the sexual revolution that took place in this country.

THE GENERATIONAL DECLINE OF AMERICA