In the More….Know Your Enemy
A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy John 10:10a
- He is crafty– Gen 3:1
- He is a deceiver – 2 Cor. 11:3
- He is the tempter – Matt. 4;3; 1 Thess. 3:5
- He is the ruler of the demons, Beelzebul – Matt 12:24
- He is a murder – John 8:44
- He is a liar & the father of lies – John 8:44
- He is the evil one – John 17:15
- He is the god of this world – 2 Cor.4:4
- He sometimes disguises himself as an
angel of light- 2 Cor. 11:14
- He is the prince of the power of the air – Eph. 2:2
- He is Satan – Mark 1:13
- He is the dragon – Rev. 12:7-9
- He is the accuser – Rev. 12:10
This is not even an exhaustive list.”
Do you see? You and I must be aware of his schemes and his methods. Yes I said METHODS. My husband has a phrase, “Spiritual activity breeds spiritual activity.” When God is at work then our greatest enemy will and does create activity to counter act the work of God. You and I must be about the business of knowing the methods of this great serpent. Beth Moore in her book, When Godly People Do Ungodly Things,” states: “The most obvious word found in the greek is method. If we could only understand that the devil does not work haphazardly but carefully, methodically, weaving and spinning and watching for just the right time. He truly has a method to his madness. He draws out plans and executes them very carefully. He carefully sets traps for the express purpose of wreacking destruction in the lives of the saints”.
Most reading will agree, you and I through prayer, must put on the armor every day. Recently, I was introduced to some teaching that very simply taught that it was unnecessary to put on the armor of God. The teacher said that this was metaphorical and was used as descriptive language concerning the battle that you and are in. I sat in disbelief as to what I was hearing. Could it be that in the American church today we have so educated ourselves to the place where we can now dismiss what scripture clearly teaches concerning our greatest foe? Could we in ministry so come to a place of super knowledge that we believe that we can control our own ministries and their success? I thought for a moment…….then it hit me…..“What a scheme! What a method! What a plan! Just get the leadership to think that the devil is not that important and then there will be no biblical teaching on the devil or war we engage. Just get the leadership to dismiss the methods that he uses and then there will be no preparation or discernment as to the root of the battle. Keep the leadership and members undressed for battle and then they will be completely unprepared for the war!”
I wanted to stand to my feet and cry, “The battle is upon us! Put on your armor and stand!” I didn’t. I wanted to but I held my tongue and listened to a key reason I believe there is much defeat in ministry. God has given us the armor that you and I might stand firm and resist this evil enemy. So, how do we do it. Read Ephesians 6:10-18 from The Message translation. We live in a battle zone. This world is not our home and we can’t live like we will never engage in battle. The battle is all around us. We have three choices according to Donna Gaines:
- Option 1: We can hide behind unbelief and denial
- Option 2: We can grit our teeth and try to utilize our own resources
- Option 3: We must take up the whole armor of God and stand firm
The only viable option of the three listed above is Option 3. We must enter the spirit realm using the Sword of the Spirit and prayer. This is the place where we do the greatest battle and do what Paul admonished us to do: “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5) Leave no stronghold in our lives undisturbed. Let no excuse or lie define us. Give the Father permission to reveal your sin and your generational filth. Be rid of the old lies and replace them with the Truth! It will not be easy but it WILL be worth it! All the while, as we battle, we are praying and interceding for the saints around us and the world. Interceding for them to stand firm and fight!
Listen ladies, the lie is that we could lose it all! The worst is that our lives or worst yet that our families might be at stake. If we do nothing they most assuredly are. But if we fight with our supernatural weapons then you and I and our families are more well equipped to stand firm. Besides what do we fear? If we die – isn’t glorious heaven our destiny? Join with me ladies put on the armor and let’s wage the war!
From your fellow armor wearer!
Interceding for sisters everywhere!
Diane
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What a great reminder! When my children were still at home, I had the Ephesians scripture posted on their closet doors, under the question, “What am I wearing today?” , so as they dressed for school each day, they had this reminder.
I’m praying for all my sisters in the Lord and their families today as they stand strong, taking up the whole armor of God.
Granaboz I love the idea of having the Ephesians passage posed on their closet door! What a great visual reminder. Each morning as my girls have gone out the door we get dresssed in our spiritual armor. Since grade school we have started off the day getting ready for the battle. Thanks for this. I am praying with you for sister around the world. Put on the armor. Stand Firm! Lifting high the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith! Love you my sister!
Thanks Diane!
I’m feeling a bit battle weary these days and I really needed that reminder!! You are a blessing!!