MWBS-Know Your Enemy

Summary

Pastor DJ delivered a sermon on spiritual warfare, emphasizing the importance of being 'battle ready' as Christians. Drawing from Ephesians 6:10-12, he explained that believers face a real spiritual enemy who uses specific tactics including deception, doubt, temptation, fear, and complacency to attack Christians. The pastor stressed that Satan is not a myth but a real adversary with limited power compared to God. He outlined six key areas where the enemy attacks: the reality of the enemy, deception through twisting truth, doubt that undermines faith, temptation appealing to the flesh, fear that paralyzes purpose, and complacency that makes believers spiritually asleep. The sermon connected to the church's upcoming Redemption Fest outreach event on October 31st, emphasizing that Christians must be present and active rather than hiding when spiritual darkness is prevalent in the culture.

Key Points and Verses

Point 1: The Reality of the Enemy

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.

According to Ephesians 6:12, who is our real enemy? How does understanding this change the way we approach conflicts and challenges in our daily lives?

Point 2: Deception Twisting Truth

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.

Genesis 3:1 NKJV

1 Now the serpent 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’?”

Pastor DJ mentioned that the opposite of truth is not lies, but falsehood, and that the devil can deceive us even while telling us something true. Can you think of an example where this might happen in our culture today?

Point 3: Doubt: Undermining Faith

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 1:6 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.

Doubt causes us to question our identity, authority, and God’s promises. What might it look like for a Christian to question their identity, authority, or God’s promises?

Point 4: Temptation: Appealing to the Flesh

James 1:14 NKJV

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

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.”

What are the three types of temptation mentioned in the sermon (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life)? Which one do you find most challenging to resist and why?

Point 5: Fear: Paralyzing Purpose

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 was described as something that 'paralyzes purpose.' What fears might be preventing you or other Christians from fulfilling God's calling on their lives?

Point 6: Complacency: Numbing the Spirit

Ephesians 5:14 NKJV

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

Revelation 3:16 NKJV

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

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.

The sermon described a cycle from conviction to either repentance or rebellion. Why is it dangerous to stay in the 'rebellion' phase when the Holy Spirit convicts us of something?

What is complacency and how do comfort and entertainment contribute to it? How can we enjoy God's blessings without becoming spiritually lazy?

Jesus told the church in Laodicea that He was standing outside knocking (Revelation 3:20). What might cause Christians to have Jesus 'outside' of their hearts, and how can we keep Him central?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you may have become complacent in your spiritual life. Choose a specific action to take that will help you 'wake up' in that area - whether it's spending more time in prayer, more time reading Scripture daily, serving others, or sharing your faith. Also, examine your entertainment and comfort-seeking habits to see if they are hindering your spiritual growth and purpose.

Key Takeaways

Satan is a real enemy, not a myth, but he has limited power compared to God and cannot be everywhere at once or read our thoughts

The enemy attacks through six main tactics: deception (twisting truth), doubt (undermining faith), temptation (appealing to flesh), fear (paralyzing purpose), and complacency (spiritual sleepiness)

Biblical literacy and being led by the Holy Spirit are essential for recognizing and countering the enemy's deceptions

Christians must stay alert and armed with God's Word, maintaining their relationship with Christ through prayer and obedience

Victory is already won through Jesus Christ - we don't fight for victory but from victory, standing in what Christ has already accomplished

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for opening our eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare and reminding us that You have already won the victory. Help us to be vigilant and battle-ready, not living in fear but in the confidence of who You are and what You have accomplished. Where we have become complacent, wake us up. Where we have been deceived, reveal Your truth. Where we have given in to temptation, grant us repentance and strength. Help us to stay close to You, abiding in Your presence, so that the enemy cannot gain ground in our lives. Use us to be lights in the darkness and to help others find freedom in You. We commit to being active participants in Your kingdom work, knowing that You are with us and that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. In Your mighty name we pray, Amen.