Strategies of our Warfare

INTRODUCTION

2Corinthians 10:5

If we are going to be victorious and win the battle (the war) against our adversary, then we are going to have to know something about the strategies that he uses against us. And one of the strategies the enemy likes to use against us is his lies. Satan is the father of lies. In fact, the first time that Satan appears in the bible he is bringing lies, particularly about what God said (“Did God say”).

So, Satan not only speaks what is false, but he opposes truth! Moreover, it’s this particular strategy of the devil (opposing what is true)that I want to spend time talking to you about today.

When we talk about the strategies of the devil or demons we often use words like oppression, or even possession. However, we need to understand that the devil (even demons) can’t just possess or oppress us whenever they want. We must open a door to them. The way we open the door to the ‘attacks’ of the enemy is by accepting their thoughts, particularly their untrue thoughts. These thoughts are an entry way by the devil into our soul to reek all manner of evil in our life!

Ephesians 6:11

The word ‘wiles’ is really the Greek word methodeia, which means schemes or strategies (Ephesians 6:11 NLT). Moreover, the only protection we have against the strategies of the devil is the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-16).

The ‘fiery darts’ represents the thoughts that Satan likes to launch (suggest) in our minds. When we accept these thoughts (fiery darts), the enemy is then able to oppress our soul. So, we have to conquer the evil thoughts of the enemy if we are going to win the battle.

The devil tries to deceive us into thinking that our thoughts (or the things he brings into our mind) are our reality. He then uses this to establish a stronger position from which to launch future attacks (2Corinthians 10:4).

A stronghold (these false imaginations) is a position where the devil can make effective war against you. When you give in to the devil’s thoughts, he uses this to establish a stronger position to ultimately cause you to fall.

One of the thoughts he’s particularly using against believers in this day is this idea that we are victims of oppression. As a result, believers everywhere have taken on the mindset that they are always in a power struggle with men for liberty. Even people who have experienced little, if any, difficulty are viewing themselves as victims (of false oppression).

Someone says, “No, Reverend. This is no lie. We ARE all victims and we are all in a power struggle against the man!” So, what we read in 2Corinthians 4:8 is not the true?

One of the definitions of the word ‘oppress’ means to make or cause to feel distressed. However, Paul says, “Though we are troubled on every side, yet WE (the believer) is NOT DISTRESSED.” You can trouble or even persecute a believer, but should not be able to oppress or distress a believer because he or she knows their affliction is working a far more exceeding wight of glory (2Corinthians 4:17).

What about 2Corinthians 2:14? People assume that the word triumph is the same as victory. Triumph is what you do after you receive the victory. No one can keep you from the victory because Jesus has already won the victory. All they are doing is keep you from triumphing or celebrating the victory! But, even that’s only if we refuse to believe God gives us to triumph and celebrate our victory in every place!

One of the best defenses we have against the devil is our faith (1Peter 5:9). Notice how Peter reminds us that the SAME afflictions are being experienced by people everywhere. In other words, we’re not the only one going through.

The devil likes to get us focused on how we are being SINGLED OUT or that our situation is UNIQUE from everyone else’s. If we think that what we’re going through is unique, it’s easier to convince us that there’s no solution to our problem. OR, if we think we’re being singled out, it’s easier to convince us that we’re being discriminated against. This opens the door to offense, anger and even hatred.

The fact is, we are not distressed or depressed. Moreover, if God be for us, who can be against us! When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies be at peace with him. Don’t fear men, fear God. For no man can receive anything except it come from God.

Most believers aren’t able to cast down the devil’s lies because they have nothing to cast them down with. This is why one of the things that enables us to effectively wage war against the enemy is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Our spirit needs the knowledge of God’s word (sword of the Spirit) to effectively wage war against the devil. Without the word of God our spirit is defenseless against the cunning lies of the devil.

The other thing our spirit needs to effectively wage war against the enemy is strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:10 GNB).

This is what we need—to build up our strength. One of the best ways to do this is to pray in the Holy Ghost (Jude 20). The devil has convinced us that praying in the Spirit is not praying in tongues. But, again, this is a lie that if you accept causes you to become vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.