Know Your Enemy

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. YOU HAVE AN ENEMY 1 Peter 5:8 Tells us to STAY ALERT! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to kill steal and destroy. He hates you and wants you cut off completely from God forever. 4 kinds of spirit rebels: Principalities – Chief rulers Authorities and powers- execute will of the chief rulers Rulers of darkness, spirit world rulers (Daniel 10:13-25- Prince of the kingdom of Persia) Spiritual wickedness in high places Enemies tactics: He Deceives people- he turns wrong into right and right into wrong Wears us down Daniel 7:25 Fills believers with doubt and discouragement Manipulates God’s word in our mind to deceive us- whispering false ideas into the minds of people, tells us to reinterpret scripture, mixing truth and error Chokes out the word of God (literally) Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. 2 Cor 4 he is the reason they don’t understand the message, the Good News of Christ. satan corrupts their minds, blocks mental capacity and darkens their mind Steals the word of God and His Promises from our heart with worldly desires of wealth, fame, and materials They must obey Jesus Mark 1:27 Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” he is the accuser of the brethren (Job) He is a thief and his purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. The Lord’s purpose is to give you a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 He is the prince of demons luke11 :15