Isaiah 27:1, "In that day the Lord with His severe sword, great and strong, Will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan that twisted serpent; And He will slay the reptile that is in the sea".
This study speaks to emerging Prophetic and Apostolic voices, as well as leaders and churches already functioning in the offices of the Prophet and Apostle.
I am writing this article out of deep concern regarding what has been taking place within the church. This is not a new issue. It has been in operation since the beginning of time, and it continues to affect the church today. Specifically, it concerns the stifling of Prophetic and Apostolic voices and how the spirit of Leviathan seeks to permanently silence those who are either emerging in these callings or already established in these offices. It also explains why churches that flow in this mantle experience consistent and intense attacks.
What is the Prophetic and the Apostolic?
To understand why the spirit of Leviathan seeks to silence the prophetic and the apostolic, we must first understand what these offices are and their role in the Kingdom of God.
I currently serve in a dynamic Prophetic and Apostolic church under the leadership of Reverend Stephen and Prophetess Karen Alexis, having joined the ministry in 2016. Based on my experiences, including attendance at other churches prior to this, I have observed that the Prophetic and Apostolic carry a unique grace and mantle. This grace not only draws the Kingdom of God near, but it also attracts opposition from spiritual forces such as the spirits of Leviathan and Jezebel.
Why is this so? The answer lies in the function and authority of these offices.
The Apostolic can be described as foundational. Apostles are responsible for establishing order, planting churches, and appointing leaders. Their focus is to ensure that sound doctrine is taught, that proper structure and administration are maintained, and that the Kingdom of God is expanded. The Apostolic emphasizes strong discipleship through missions and evangelism and operates with authority. However, without the Prophetic, the Apostolic can become controlling, overly traditional, and spiritually dry.
The Prophetic, on the other hand, functions as the revealer of truth. It serves as the mouthpiece of God, receiving and delivering divine revelation. The Prophetic provides guidance, insight, and direction to the church, not from human understanding, but from God. It focuses on discerning what God is saying in the present and exposing the plans and strategies of the enemy.
It is important to understand that the Apostolic and the Prophetic work together. One rarely operates effectively without the other. Together, they form what may be described as a dynamic partnership. Without the Prophetic, the Apostolic can become rigid and controlling. Without the Apostolic, the Prophetic can become disorderly, emotionally driven, or unstable. However, when they function together, they equip the saints, establish spiritual authority, and maintain alignment with the will of God.
I have personally witnessed what it is like for a church to operate without both the Apostolic and the Prophetic. Sadly, many believe that these offices no longer exist and ended with the early church. However, the absence of these functions can result in serious consequences. I have seen lives damaged, individuals fall away, and even tragic loss of life occur because there was no Prophetic discernment or Apostolic authority to confront and dismantle spiritual forces operating behind the scenes.
This is why the Apostolic and the Prophetic remain essential in the church today. It is also why the spirit of Leviathan seeks to aggressively attack any church that operates in this dimension.
What is the Spirit of Leviathan
So what is the spirit of Leviathan, and why does it seek to attack the Apostolic and Prophetic voices? Leviathan is mentioned in the books of Job, Psalms, and Isaiah. However, Job chapter 41 provides a more detailed description of this creature. Apostle Jonathan Khan of Compassion Christian Community Church in Trinidad and Tobago has masterfully written a powerful book titled Conquering Leviathan: The Apostolic Edge, which explains the characteristics of Leviathan, how it affects individuals and churches today, and how this spirit can be overcome. The book can be accessed on Amazon using the following link:
https://www.amazon.com/Conquering-Leviathan-Apostolic-Jonathan-Khan/dp/976964840X
With this understanding, we can now examine the nature and assignment of this spirit.
My fellow saints, the spirit of Leviathan is a territorial demonic force assigned to attack Apostolic and Prophetic ministries and voices. These offices are responsible for establishing God’s Kingdom, advancing new works, and releasing divine revelation. Because of this, Leviathan specifically targets both leaders and emerging Apostles and Prophets in an effort to prevent them from fulfilling their divine assignments and to create division within the church.
Indicators of Leviathan’s Attacks on Individuals
Having established the purpose of this spirit, it is important to recognize how it operates against individuals called to the Apostolic and Prophetic. This is not merely theoretical teaching, but a reality that I have personally encountered. I have experienced these attacks in my own life, and I have also witnessed them in the life of my brother Sherwayne in the United States, who functions in the office of an Apostle and flows in the Prophetic. These patterns are consistent and intentional, revealing the targeted nature of this spirit against those called to these offices.
The following are indicators of the attacks of Leviathan against those who are emerging in these callings:
1. They may be attacked in the womb, where the spirit of Leviathan attempts to destroy the unborn child and sometimes the mother. This pattern is seen in Scripture in the lives of Moses, Samuel, and even Jesus.
2. They often experience isolation during childhood, having few friends or meaningful relationships. Many emerging Apostles and Prophets appear withdrawn or set apart from others.
3. They may encounter demonic activity at a young age, including nightmares and experiences involving spiritual oppression.
4. They may struggle with low self-esteem or depression.
5. They are often attacked physically through illness or accidents.
6. They may encounter the spirit of Jezebel through individuals who display jealousy or hostility toward them without cause.
7. They frequently face persecution in school or the workplace and may be disliked, yet they also carry a grace that brings favor in the eyes of others.
Indicators of the Spirit of Leviathan Attacking Apostolic and Prophetic Churches
In addition to targeting individuals, Leviathan also operates within church environments. The following indicators reveal its presence within Apostolic and Prophetic churches:
1. Division among members and occurrences of church splits.
2. Gossip and slander. Galatians 5:14-15 reminds us that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, and warns that if we bite and devour one another, we risk being consumed by one another.
3. Jealousy, envy, pride, and selfish ambition.
4. The silencing of emerging Apostles and Prophets by preventing them from functioning in ministry or placing them in positions where they remain inactive.
5. A strong presence of offence. It is important to understand the workings of offence with clarity. It is one of Leviathan’s primary strategies within the church. It keeps believers in bondage through unforgiveness and distorts truth through misunderstanding, making reconciliation difficult.
6. Rejection, causing individuals to feel as though they do not belong, are unloved, or are out of place, ultimately leading them to withdraw or leave.
7. Suspicion and misunderstanding. A brother or sister may withdraw from interaction based on perceived discernment, yet may be operating under false assumptions and believing a lie that justifies their behavior.
8. Attacks on the marriages and family life of Apostolic and Prophetic leaders.
9. Attacks on intercessory prayer teams through various trials, including illness, division, and offence.
Winning the Battle Against Leviathan
Understanding the operation of Leviathan leads us to an important question. How can this spirit be overcome, and how can the flow of the Apostolic and the Prophetic be preserved?
In truth, these attacks can feel continuous. It may seem as though there is no rest, as one battle ends and another arises. This pattern is consistent with the experiences of the Old Testament prophets, many of whom faced severe persecution and even death.
The spirit of Leviathan does not only seek to silence. It seeks to destroy completely. Therefore, the battle against it must be approached with seriousness and spiritual discipline.
This battle is not for the weak. It requires a life of holiness, consecration, humility, and repentance. It demands a consistent and genuine relationship with the Lord and the Father. There can be no alternatives or compromise in this matter.
At the same time, it is important to understand that this is not a battle you are called to fight alone. Only the power of God can defeat this spirit. As declared in Isaiah 27:1, "In that day the Lord with His severe sword, great and strong, Will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan that twisted serpent; And He will slay the reptile that is in the sea". Zechariah 4:6 also declares, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
In addition, 2 Corinthians 10:4 declares that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”
If you are called to the Apostolic or Prophetic, whether you are currently functioning in that role or not, or if you are already established in these offices, you must remember that you are not alone in this battle. As spoken by the prophet Elisha in 2 Kings 6:16, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Be reminded also of the words of Moses in Exodus 14:13-14, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Be assured of this truth. God is fighting for you. The host of heaven stands with you. And the spirit of Leviathan will be defeated. Stand firm, and be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we come before You with humility and reverence, acknowledging that You alone are our source, our strength, and our help.
Lord, Your Word declares that our help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth. Today, we lift our eyes beyond every opposition, every attack, and every voice of discouragement, and we fix them firmly on You. For You are our defender, our sustainer, and our deliverer.
Father, I pray for every individual called to the Apostolic and the Prophetic. Strengthen them in their inner man, establish them in truth, and anchor them in Your presence. Where there has been weariness, confusion, and discouragement, release fresh strength, clarity, and divine courage.
Lord Jesus, remind Your servants that they are not alone. You have gone before them, You stand beside them, and You dwell within them. Let them walk in the authority that You have given in boldness and in faith.
Father, we come against every assignment of the enemy that seeks to silence, hinder, or destroy. By the power of Your Spirit, we declare that every strategy of Leviathan is broken, every voice of deception is silenced, and every stronghold is pulled down in the mighty name of Jesus.
Teach us to walk in humility, to remain in repentance, and to stay aligned with Your will. Let our lives be consecrated vessels, yielded fully to You. Let Your Spirit lead us, guide us, and empower us daily.
Lord, we declare that we will not retreat, we will not be silenced, and we will not be overcome. For greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.
We place our confidence not in ourselves, but in You. For our help is from the Lord Jesus Christ, and in You we have victory.
We give You all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise.
In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.
Author: Kimberly A.S. Williams