Know Your Enemy

Last week, we talked about Knowing God. A.W. Tozer said something along the lines of - all cults begin with a wrong view of God.

Missing:

Urgency

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Battle Ready – Know Your Enemy

Series Part 2 | Ephesians 6:10–12

Ephesians 6:10–12 NKJV

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Main Idea

To stand firm in spiritual warfare, Christians must recognize the tactics of the enemy—Satan—who seeks to deceive, distract, and destroy. Knowing his strategies helps us remain vigilant, faithful, and effectual in our calling.

1. The Reality of the Enemy

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…” – Ephesians 6:12

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Satan is not a myth or metaphor—he is a real adversary. *URGENCY

His warfare is spiritual, subtle, and strategic.

We must not underestimate him or overestimate ourselves.

2. Deception: Twisting Truth

“He was a murderer from the beginning… there is no truth in him.” – John 8:44 “Did God really say…?” – Genesis 3:1

Genesis 3:1 NKJV

1 Now the was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

John 8:44 NKJV

44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Satan’s first weapon is deception—he distorts God’s Word.

He plants seeds of confusion and misinterpretation.

Counter with: and .Biblical literacySpirit-led discernment

3. Doubt: Undermining Faith

“If you are the Son of God…” – Matthew 4:3 “Let him ask in faith, with no doubting…” – James 1:6

James 1:6 NKJV

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Matthew 4:3 NKJV

3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

Doubt causes us to question our identity, authority, and God's promises.

It erodes confidence and paralyzes action.

Counter with: and .Declarations of truthreminders of God’s faithfulness

4. Temptation: Appealing to Flesh

“Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” – James 1:14 “Turn these stones to bread…” – Matthew 4:3

Matthew 4:3 NKJV

3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

James 1:14 NKJV

14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

Temptation is personalized and persistent.

Temptation is often not sin - rather the hook that drags you into it.

It often masquerades as harmless or even good.

Counter with: , , and .Self-control accountability Scripture memorization

5. Fear: Paralyzing Purpose

“God has not given us a spirit of fear…” – 2 Timothy 1:7 “Do not be afraid… I am with you.” – Isaiah 41:10

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Fear distorts reality and shrinks vision.

It keeps believers from stepping into their calling.

Counter with: , , and .Boldness in Christ prayer community support

6. Complacency: Numbing the Spirit

***NOTE: There must be a burden for the Gospel *** Complacency points me to me.

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead…” – Ephesians 5:14 “Because you are lukewarm…” – Revelation 3:16

Revelation 3:16 NKJV

16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Ephesians 5:14 NKJV

14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

Complacency leads to spiritual stagnation.

It’s often disguised as comfort or routine.

Counter with: , , and .Renewed passion serving others daily surrender

Final Charge: Stay Alert & Armed

“Be sober-minded; be watchful…” – 1 Peter 5:8 “Put on the full armor of God…” – Ephesians 6:11

Ephesians 6:11 NKJV

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Awareness is the first step to victory.

The enemy is cunning, but Christ is victorious.

We fight from victory, not for it.