BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-TREASURER
FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION

‘Spiritual warfare’ and ‘dancing in spirit’ not always applicable to New Testament church

I began a series of doctrinal studies this past January with the firm conviction that all Florida Baptists need to know what they believe. I think every congregation ought to be a “mini-seminary” and provide an understanding of Baptist doctrines to their members.

For the past several weeks, we have examined the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and are now discussing the place of the Holy Spirit in Christian experience and revelation. This has included a look at the charismatic practice of speaking in tongues, being slain in the spirit and power evangelism.

This week we will focus on the origin and practice of two proclaimed manifestations of the Holy Spirit: spiritual warfare and dancing in the spirit.

Spiritual Warfare

There are several levels of “spiritual warfare,” according to charismatic and Pentecostal leaders: ground level, which is casting demons out of people; occult level, which includes witches, satanic priests and other demonic leaders; and finally, strategic level where territorial spirits are encountered.

In this belief, some demons are kept in prison (2 Peter 2:4). Evidently, these demons will be unleashed on earth during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 9). However, there are other demons who roam over the earth that are extremely wicked and vicious. They are described as evil (Judges 9:23); lying (1 Kings 22:23-24); foul (Mark 9:17); and unclean (Mark 5:2).

The New Testament indicates that demons work primarily in relation to people. Demons can assault us externally by suggestion, temptation or influence. They try to influence Christians to think demonic thoughts, feel demonic emotions and do demonic actions.

In Jesus’ day, some physical ailments were clearly demonic, but Jesus did not view all ailments as demonic. Jesus said that the power to cast out demons is not to be the greatest source of joy. The ultimate source of joy is the fact that our names are written in Heaven (see Luke 10:17-20).

Nothing in the Bible teaches that we are to break strongholds over cities. Geography is not the main concern of demons. They want souls! They are after body count. They are slave traders. Demons are looking for people to enslave, not territories.

Preoccupation with demonic activity can take away responsibility for one’s personal behavior and sin. We have three enemies, not one—the devil, the world and the flesh, according to Ephesians 2:1-3. Much of our culture today seems to be reverting to pagan thinking. In this atmosphere, demonic influence becomes even more prominent in the culture’s thinking.

Dancing in the Spirit

“Dancing in the Spirit” is a more spontaneous, individual kind of worship style, including tap dancing or just leaping up and down. In many charismatic services, there seem to be four basic phases: shouting, lifting of hands and dancing; testimony time as individuals in the congregation share what God is doing in their lives; preaching time; and ministry time.

The Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movement says, “The rise of singing psalms and spiritual songs as well as the rebirth of dance in worship in the charismatic movement is directly attributed to Old Testament examples.” Charismatic dancing also has a physical component. Charismatics have a very positive attitude toward bodily movements in worship. Hand raising, clapping, laying on of hands, kneeling and prostrating oneself and dancing are all viewed positively.

Underlying the renewed emphasis on praise and dance in worship is a teaching on the restoration of praise worship, including dancing, as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Church musician Paul Wohlgemuth explained, “Some theologians see the 20th Century charismatic renewal movement as the spiritual restoration of Davidic worship around the Ark of the Covenant, especially through praise singing.”

From this perspective worship is viewed in distinct stages. Other groups may view worship as a total package, but charismatics break it down into a series of stages approaching deep intimacy with God.

Preparation begins in the outer court, as in Old Testament worship. At this stage the worshipper expresses his thanksgiving to God. Such physical acts as clapping hands, singing, shouting and dancing before the Lord bring the worshippers into a state of abandoned humility before the Lord. This prepares them to go further in worship.

People are encouraged to “abandon themselves to the Spirit.” The tempo of the music picks up. The sound increases. The people are on their feet clapping, singing, dancing, jumping and whistling.

The next state brings the worshipper into the “Holy Place.” In this stage choruses of the Spirit are used repetitively to proclaim the attributes of God and His names. From thanksgiving they proceed to praise, based on Psalm 100:4. Finally a hush or silence comes in the service.

At this point, worshippers enter into the very presence of God in the Holy of Holies. Here worship takes place – singing in tongues, praying in tongues, and giving of prophecies.

There is no evidence in the New Testament that dancing was a prominent part of the worship of the early church. We must not misapply truth intended for Israel to the church. It is a common error. Not all of the Amos passage was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. In fact, it will not all be fulfilled during the time of the Gentile harvest which began at Pentecost and will continue until the end of the age.

We must not establish forms of worship which are comfortable and preferred by our church as standard for all others to follow. To say, “If you don’t worship the way I do, you are not spiritual” is wrong. If you dance in your services, I don’t condemn you. If we don’t dance in ours, don’t condemn us. We should not allow our emotions to be the dominant factor in worship. Emotions can be easily manipulated.

There is more to praise than just music and dancing. It is inclusive of many spiritual activities. In one sense, prayer is praise. Proclamation of the Word of God is also a form of praise. Praise and worship need to be tied to prayer and to the proclamation of the Word of God, and not allowed to become ends in themselves. To focus only on praise and worship is to remove the purposes of evangelism and Bible teaching.

Next week, we will conclude the look at charismatic practices by discussing healing, clapping and restoration.

You may contact Dr. John Sullivan at
1-800-226-8584, ext. 3015, or by email.