Poppie, I will explain regarding some of my own experiences (probably on another thread) if I have more time, when I've prayed about it, and if I feel there is enough peace from the Lord to do so. For now, maybe Kpub and others can supply meaning to some of this topic.
Kpub said, "Waging this war in the earthly causes divisions and distractions among Christians, except those whose hearts have been prepared to enter into such matters for the specific purpose God has called them to accomplish." This can definitely cause problems in the churches. Jesus must be established first who makes us able to 'bear these things' and not move our focus from Him.
Kpub said, "But be on guard that the Spirit alone can take you the quickest route through the mire that is the knowledge of the operations of Satan's kingdom. There are detours and traps along the way, for which reason ValleyAnt gives the answer that he does I believe." Absolutely. If He isn't the One taking you, you may end up severely oppressed and defeated. I have seen many people walk into this area and suffer so terribly, their suffering often not obvious to them, but the enemy had thoroughly infiltrated their lives and families (and churches) and was almost literally having his way with them as they had walked into this territory without the Lord's lead (presence, approval).
Kpub says, "When you've searched out a subject to the satisfaction of the Holy Spirit's guidance, be prepared to move on, because dallying longer in it will lead astray... Just don't embark on the journey if the Spirit is not giving you the hunger, it will be a source of consternation." I agree.
Again, spiritual warfare. There was a Thera-Flu commercial where they would show a toy 'choo-choo train' set and say, 'This is a cold', then show a locomotive and say, 'This is the flu.' They would show a lit matchstick and say, 'This is a cold', then show a forest fire and say, 'This is the flu.' They would show water running from a tap and say, 'This is a cold', then show a roaring waterfalls and say, 'This is the flu.' I'd had colds before and used to think that was an exaggeration; until I got the flu. The same thing applies to this area of spiritual warfare: casting demons out of people would constitute 'a cold', and entering the spiritual fight against these 'heavenly beings' regarding the global, ruling elite would be 'the flu'. Therefore, it's unwise to let emotion, belief, history, experience, anything but the Lord (step by step) lead one into this territory. There are Christians I know who were waylaid by the enemy before they even got two steps in, because they weren't walking here in step with the Spirit.